Robbery victim is stable

The 90 year old victim of a robbery on Friday is in stable condition.  The elderly woman remains in hospital.  Police are asking for anyone who was in the area of Park Avenue near the Casino to contact them.  The robbery happened Friday evening at the Casino when a man believed to be in his 20's grabbed the woman's purse and pushed her to the ground.

Northern plan in place

Northern Ontario's new tourism organization has a draft plan in place. Board member Doug Reynolds says the plan focuses on marketing, investment, product development and workforce training. The board has been in place since the spring and they'll start working on a strategic plan starting in November.

Alzheimer's Society launches fundraiser

Thunder Bay's Alzheimer Society is celebrating 16 years of "coffee breaks".  Executive Director Alison Denton says the fundraiser is being held throughout the month of September. Anyone interested in holding a coffee break can pick up a kit from the Alzheimer Society office.

New diabetes clinic opens

Getting diabetes care in Northwestern Ontario is easier thanks to a pilot project in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout. The Regional and Meno Ya Win hospitals are now home to The Centre for Complex Diabetes Care. Director Dr. Saleem Malik says it will focus on specialized treatment.  St. Joseph's Care Group is also a partner in the project.

Health Unit recommending 2 Chicken Pox Vaccines

To prevent getting Chicken Pox as an adult, the Health Unit is recommending parents get their kids 2 vaccine doses.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says Health Canada studies are showing a single dose can lead to a loss of immunity as an adult.  Binette says the vaccine is available for kids under the age of 12.

Collision sends one to hospital

Thunder Bay police are investigating a collision that left a motorcyclist in the hospital.  Police say the collision happened at the intersection of Golf Links Road and Harbour Expressway between a motorcycle and a mini van.  The collision happened late Sunday night.

Two grease fires keep crews busy

One man is in hospital with burns after a fire in the North side of the city.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze yesterday afternoon at around 1 and found a man with burns on Melvin Street.  The man suffered the burns when trying to run with a pot of flaming grease outside.  Heavy smoke damage was caused in the house. Later in the afternoon crews responded to a second fire that destroyed a kitchen on the South side.  Officials say a woman was doing some deep frying that got away from her and consumed her kitchen.  No one was hurt in the fire on Limbrick Street.

Hyer training at CFB Trenton

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer joined Canadian Forces personnel for training at CFB Trenton this week. The training is part of a program for a limited number of parliamentarians to gain better understanding of Canada's military. As a former bush pilot, Hyer says its a honour to be training at 8 Wing Trenton with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

FedNor funding used on intern

A Thunder Bay based geological consulting firm is 27 thousand dollars richer thanks to FedNor funding. FedNor Minister Tony Clement is giving the cash to Fladgate Exploration Consulting. The money will be used to hire a youth intern. FedNor Minister Tony Clement says the intern will help the company expand its services into international markets.

Young thug sends woman to hospital

A 90 year old woman is in critical condition after being robbed in front of the OLG Casino on Friday evening.  Police say that she was thrown to the ground after someone grabbed her purse.  They say the suspect is a man in his 20's or in his teens. A picture has been given to our newsroom to post on our blog.  They are also hoping any witnesses to the robbery come forward with more information.

CFI awards grant to LU prof

Lakehead University Sociology professor, Chris Southcott has been awarded a Leaders Opportunity Fund grant worth $87, 246 dollars. It was given by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This grant will contribute to research aimed at the sustainable development of natural resources in Canada's Arctic. Southcott's project will establish regional social science labs at Lakehead University. Lakehead University President, Brian Stevenson says " Dr. Southcott's work in the Arctic is a stellar example of how Lakehead University contributes to solving real-world issues that impact populations all around the world."

First Nation communities not in favour of hydro dams

Several First Nation communities in the far North are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands. Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside. They want a review over what they say was a failure to consult and accommodate treaty harvesting rights by the government in developing the contracts. They claim the ministry of energy ``acted dishonourably'' by ignoring their claims, rights and jurisdiction. The complaint is related to 5-hydro generating plants in Kenora, Norman, Fort Frances, Calm Lake and Sturgeon Falls.

Telehealth coming soon

Over 2-million dollars in North West Local Health Integration Network is going to support "telehealth" in our Region. The money will be used by various organizations to hire 28-new "telemedicine" nurses. More residents will be able to receive care from specialists closer to home. In 2010-2011, the use of telemedicine in Northwestern Ontario resulted in more than 11-million dollars in avoided travel costs and more than 27-million kilometres in avoided patient travel.

Fire hazard drops in NWO

The fire hazard is starting to drop across Northwestern Ontario. Recent rains have reduced the hazard into the low to moderate range in time for the Labor Day Long Weekend. Currently there are just 36 forest fires considered active in the region, two of those popped up in the last 24 hours. The MNR is continuing to be assisted by 80 fire crews from out of the province.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation drug epidemic

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is calling on Ottawa to help stem what its calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across Northwestern Ontario. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been 2-years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal. Fox is calling on youth to take up the fight against prescription drug abuse on First Nations. The Bearskin Lake First Nation resident says oxycodone tablets are selling anywhere from 500 to 600-dollars each.

MTO responds

The City of Dryden didn't ask for any financial support to pave Highway 17 through town. That's according to the Ministry of Transportation in response to comments made this week by Mayor Craig Nuttall that the MTO won't pay the full cost of the project. The MTO says the deadline to apply for financial support was last October and the Government received no application from the City of Dryden.

EC investigates Murillo tornado

The possible tornado that hit Murillo and parts of Thunder Bay Friday morning is being called a "down-burst wind event." A preliminary assessment has been conducted by Environment Canada and they plan on investigating the damaging winds further by examining their radar system. Powerful winds damaged property and took down trees in Murillo, while hail was experienced in parts of Thunder Bay.

Buses avoid bridge

Thunder Bay Transit will stop going over the James st. bridge starting September 6th. Instead buses will take Montreal Street to highway 61 and down Chippewa Road. Although this route adds a few minutes, Transit planning analysts say its safer for passengers.

T.Bay Port not slowing down

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is seeing increases in the amount of cargo it sees on a monthly basis. In August, over 789 thousand tonnes of coal, grain, potash, bulk goods and general cargo came through the local port. That's a hundred thousand more tonnes than that same month in the previous year.

Chief re-elected

Ginoogaming First Nation has re-elected its Chief. Celia Echum is back for a third term as the head of the First Nation beating her opponent 127 to 60.

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River Riding

There could be as many as 5-candidates in the upcoming Provincial election in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding. The Northern Ontario Heritage Party says it has 1-candidate ready to file nomination papers locally. The party is expected to release the name of the candidate in the next few days. Leader of the party, Ed Deibel says they plan to have a candidate in all 11 riding's across Northern Ontario.

T.Bay Police attend 9/11 ceremony

Thunder Bay Police are taking part in the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in New York.  Constable Roxanne Samec, Detective Constable Heidi Moore and Detective Constable Diane MacLaurin leave on September 7th.  The three will present a special plaque during the ceremonies in NYC.

EC investigates Murillo tornado

Parts of Thunder Bay and Murillo experienced wicked weather this morning.  Environment Canada is investigating a possible tornado in Murillo.  A barn and riding arena were damaged during the storm.  The investigator will look to see if it was caused by a strong burst of wind or a weak twister.  Large chunks of hail came down during today's storm in the Lake Superior area.

Its the final weekend to vote for PA Stadium

Its the final weekend of voting for Baseball Canada's Favourite Ball Park in Canada and the city's International Baseball Association is hoping for a big push.  Chair Larry Hebert says we are trailing London by a couple of percentage points.

Break and Enter at Wasco Drive

A 26 year old local man is in custody after police received a call that someone had broken into a home in the 100 block of Wasco Drive.  He's charged with theft under 5 thousand dollars and 2 counts of breach of probation.

Con College stays open

Its pretty much business as usual at the 9 Confederation College Campuses across Northwestern Ontario.  Some 230 support staff walked off the job this morning.  Vice-President Academic Judi Maundrell says most programming will run as scheduled when classes resume on Tuesday.  The continuing education courses will be delayed by a week.  The College may be forced to delay its aviation program.   

Body of American found

The body of a missing American has been recovered from Lake of the Woods.  68-year-old Bill Amason left his camp last Saturday and failed to return.  His body was located yesterday by the OPP Marine Unit.  Police believe that the Florida resident, who lived seasonally in Morson, tried to swim to his boat after it drifted away.  A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today in Kenora.

T.Bay man gets fined

A Thunder Bay man probably wishes he hadn't been speeding. Dryden OPP stopped the motorist on Highway 17 for going above the posted speed limit of 90. Officers learned that the man had no drivers license. OPP say 54-year-old Robert Burns has been charged as a result. 

WCO weighs in on Minister's letter

The President of Wind Concerns Ontario is calling a letter from the Minister of Natural Resources a political charade.  The letter says it's not likely the Horizon Wind Farm Project will receive an environmental permit. The MNR feels the project could harm the area's Peregrine Falcon population.  John LaForet says the Liberals are stalling.  He feels the statement is meant to buy votes for incumbant Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. 

Suicide problem continues to rise in the North

Another call for help is coming for Northwestern Ontario First Nations.  A member of the Pikangikum First Nation has written a letter he hopes will bring about more awareness of his community's plight.  Gordon Peters says in the last month and a half 5 young people have committed suicide.  Peters says more needs to be done to improve the living conditions at Northern First Nations. 

EU is increasing pressure on Syria

The European Union is taking baby steps to pressure the Syrian government.  Thats the oppinion of LU Political Science Expert Laure Paquette who says the EU is putting financial pressure on the regime by banning the purchase of Syrian oil.  Paquette says she still sees a zero percent chance of military intervention.

Strike at Confed College has started

Support staff at Confederation College are on strike. OPSEU Spokesperson Elaine Kerr says the union wants job security. Pickets are set up at the Thunder Bay Campus and at campuses across the region. President Jim Madder is expressing disappointment that a negotiated settlement could not be reached. Programs and services at Confederation College will continue to operate.

Two vehicle crash sends 3 people to hospital

Three people are lucky to have received only minor injuries after a two vehicle collision.  Thunder Bay Police say it happened yesterday afternoon on Government road when the two cars collided and ended up in the ditch.  Three people were taken to hospital.  

Fire crews deal with another apartment fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue is investigating another apartment fire.  Crews responded to the blaze on the second floor of a Simpson Street building early this morning.  Damage was confined to one unit and the cause is being investigated.

Prescription drug walk ends in T.Bay

The Pensai Walk for Prescription Drug Abuse is making a stop in Thunder Bay Thursday.  It's led by Thunder Bay resident and Bearskin Lake First Nation member Lyle Fox.  The walk started August 22nd in Sioux Lookout and wraps up at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School today.

MNR continues to fight fires

The Ministry of Natural Resources says its making good progress on several forest fires still burning across Northwestern Ontario.  There are now 41-forest fires considered active.  4-new fires have been discovered in the past 24-hours.

Credit Union strike continues

The Northern Lights Credit Union strike continues in the city. It's day three and CEP Spokesperson Renne Lindquist says they hope to speak with management soon. The Westfort branch is closed, and a picket line is set up at the Amber Drive location. Lindquist says they want better wages and the same benefits employees at other branches in the Northwest receive.

East-West corridor agreement signed

Four Northern First Nations are working together towards creating an east-west corridor in the Ring of Fire. They signed the collaborative agreement in Thunder Bay today and Fort Hope Chief Harry Papah says it will mean they'll have a common voice.  A working group has been established and will consult with residents throughout September.

Fatigue may have been the cause of fatal accident

OPP say the driver in a fatal collision may have fallen asleep at the wheel.  Staff Seargent Dan Dawson says the collision happened near Wawa yesterday morning when a car crossed into the path of a transport truck.  Dawson says unconfirmed reports suggest the driver may have fallen asleep.  Two other passengers in the car suffered non life threatening injuries.

Local student earns national scholarship

A Fort William First Nation woman is a recipient of an RBC Aboriginal Student Award.  Diane Bannon won the 4 thousand dollar scholarship and was among 10 winners across the country.

Fednor money goes to T.Bay company

A Thunder Bay based geological consulting firm is 27 thousand dollars richer thanks to Fednor funding. The money will be used to hire a youth intern to help Fladgate Exploration Consulting Corporation expand into the international market.

Transport Minister meets with CEDC

Minister of Transport Steven Fletcher is wrapping up a three day tour of Thunder Bay.  Fletcher met with mining stakeholders, members of the Airport and Port Authority and Economic Development Commission.  Fletcher says his visit was a fact finding mission.  CEDC CEO Steve Demmings says Thunder Bay needs to make the most out of its transportation infrastructure in order to capitalize on emerging industries.

Mining Matters in Thunder Bay

Over 30 First Nations youth living in the area of the Ring of Fire are learning about the emerging mining industry. The group are taking part in a mining matters camp. Spokesperson Barbara Green Parker says the teens are learning hands on. The teens are talking to mining industry professionals and teachers from Confederation College and Lakehead University.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for Volunteers

Habitat for Humanity is launching a volunteer recruitment campaign.  CEO Diane Mitchell says they are looking for volunteers for the restore, build sites and fundraising. She says new regulations with Revenue Canada require 9 people to volunteer at least 40 hours a year at the restore. Mitchell says everyone is welcome to volunteer and can by calling Habitat or going online. 

Contract talks continue

If a contract isn't in place by midnight Wednesday, support staff at Confederation College will hit the picket line. Spokesperson Adair Conlon says their bargaining team will be at the table today and tomorrow. Conlon says they've set up their strike headquarters and they're prepared to walk out.

Fatal plane crash Sioux Lookout

A small plane crash on Abram Lake has claimed the life of a Sunfish Lake, Minnesota man. Sioux Lookout OPP say the aircraft crashed in the water south of the chutes near Reese Island around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Police say a pilot and his dog were in the plane. The pilot was transported to hospital, where he was pronouced dead. His name has not been released. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for today in Kenora. Transport Canada has been called in to help in the OPP investigation.

Dryden upset with MTO

The Mayor of Dryden is fuming after learning that the City would be on the hook for the full cost of paving Highway 17 through town.  The Ministry of Transportation is planning on paving both sections of the Highway up to the City limits.  Craig Nuttall says he's prepared to play hardball and put up a toll booth. Nuttall says quote "there's no bloody way that citizens of Dryden should pay 100-percent of the project."



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City embarks on 4 year strat plan

The City is working on its four year strategic plan.  Administration has set timelines for implementing the living document.  The first 120 day report will come before council in November.

Fatal collision closes Highway 17

OPP are investigating a tragic 2 vehicle collision that has claimed one life.  Officials say one person was killed and two other people were injured after the collision just before 7:30 this morning south of Wawa.  Details are sparse at this time but officers say a car collided with a transport truck. 

Ignace Saw Mill to reopen

Great news for the Ignace job market. AbitibiBowater is promising to pump 32 million dollars into the idle saw mill to restart the project.  The company will be upgrading the facility with an eye for reopening in 2014.

Hay is new Deputy Chief

Thunder Bay has a new Deputy Police Chief.  Andy Hay is taking over the position left vacant by JP Levesque.  Hay says he's excited to get down to business.  Hay was confirmed as the Deputy Chief at the Police Services Board meeting.