Small explosion rocks Mission Island

There are no injuries after a small explosion and fire on Mission Island.  Thunder Bay Fire Platoon Chief Kim Hutch says it happened at Lakehead Scrap Metals just after 1 o'clock when an old gas tank exploded inside the shredder plant.  

Hospital Foundation

The Hospital Foundation is kicking off it's annual 50/50 draw this week.  The first ticket will be sold at the Intercity Shopping Mall on Wednesday at 11 am.  Last year's 10-thousand dollar winner Kathleen Eaton will buy the first ticket.

Memorial Avenue closed Sunday

Memorial Avenue will be closed Sunday from 8 am until 5 pm. The closure will be in effect from Dunlop Street to the Harbour Expressway for northbound traffic only. The closure is necessary to allow for the installation of a new sewer connection.

Pineville Heist out in bookstores

Confederation College Professor Lee Chambers is getting ready to release his book "The Pineville Heist".  Chambers says he's working on getting the book made into a film.  A book signing is taking place at Chapters on Saturday, October 22nd. 

Pot, Pills and Parties

Thunder Bay teens are learning how to be safe while they're taking part in pot, pills and parties.  That was the theme of a conference held in Thunder Bay Friday; Organizer Patty Hajdu says they want to educate the youth about the dangers of drug use.  Hajdu adds they told them about the new substance use laws that could land them in jail.

Canada Post talks future in T.Bay

Canada Post wants to improve its delivery and shipping service.  That was one of the goals outlined in an annual meeting held in Thunder Bay recently, President Deepak Chopra says affordability is key. Chopra notes they're also considering digital methods of delivering mail.

CIS is helping Liberia by using new pucks

The Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey team is helping out the war torn country of Liberia.  The team along with the other 64 CIS hockey teams will be using pucks made in Canada by the company "Rubr" that use rubber from Liberia.  Spokesperson Adrian Bradbury says this is a great way for Canadians to help the third world by helping develop a sustainable industry that pays well.

Northern Travel Grant Backlog

The work continues between Thunder Bay and Sudbury to clear a backlog of 20 thousand applications for the Northern Health Travel Grant. Spokesperson Andrew Morrison says they're on a mission to reduce the wait times. He says the goal is to get most of the applications processed in six weeks.

A 102 year old man donates art to the city

The city has added a 130 year old painting to its art collection.  The Piece depicts the sailboat Shamrock in front of the Sleeping Giant and was painted by Lucious Richard O'Brien.  The painting was donated by 102 year old Burton Brown who lives in the North side of town. 

Local athletes off to Alberta

Thomas Boyes-Snowshoeing

The Canadian Winter Special Olympics will have a Northwestern Ontario flavour.   There are 11 athletes from the region heading to St. Albert, Alberta for the games in late February and early March.  Local coordinator Ashleigh Quarrell says they are hoping to raise 11 thousand dollars to send them to the games

Black Bay rescue

A Thunder Bay woman is recovering in hospital after being rescued on Lake Superior .   Scott Miller of the Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, says they helped to find the missing kayaker.   Miller says after her vessel capsized,  the 53 year old woman managed to swim to an island where she was found suffering from hypothermia. The Centre, along with a local Coast Guard vessel the Capshaw and a Hercules aircraft from Winnipeg all helped in the rescue effort.

OPP make big drug bust in Kenora

The OPP say they have seized about 90 thousand dollars worth of marijuana during a routine traffic stop in Kenora.  Early this morning around 2:00, officers pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation.  The officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and decided conduct a search.  About 10 pounds of marijuana was seized.  Three Winnipeg men and a Kenora resident have been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.  They are due to appear in Kenora Court on December 1st.

Mauro awaits Cabinet announcement

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is looking forward to seeing his party's new cabinet unveiled.  Mauro says he trusts the direction the Premier is taking the province, but notes some cabinet positions could be bigger including the health portfolio.  The Premier will make the announcement on Thursday of next week.

Mining Watch sounds alarm

The Canadian Environmental Assessment agency known as Mining Watch is sounding the alarms over Cliff's Natural Resources Ring of Fire project. Spokesperson Ramsey Hart feels the Federal Government's decision to ignore First Nation input will hinder development.Mining Watch's comments come after First Nations called for a public panel review rather than the Government's comprehensive study.

EMS headquarters on track

Construction of the new Superior North EMS headquarters is entering it's sixth month.  Chief Norm Gale says they hope to move into the building in February or March.  So far work is on schedule and on budget.  Gale says the nice fall weather has helped keep construction on track.

NOVA deadline approaching

The deadline is fast approaching for the first ever NOVA Awards. The awards will recognize 40 community leaders across Northwestern Ontario under the age of 40. The deadline for nominations is this Saturday.

EMS Chief applauds CAEP report

Superior North EMS Chief Norm Gale is applauding a report by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.  Canada's emergency room doctors would like to see every high school student in Canada get CPR training.  The report also calls for tax exemptions for companies that provide employees with C-P-R training.

Family Foods is closing

County Fair Family Foods is closing its doors for good.  A company official has confirmed that they will be closing for a number of reasons but will keep their Northwoods Location open.  The company plans on making an official announcement next week. 

OFL talks Air Canada and Occupation Toronto

The President of the Ontario Federation of Labour is accusing the Labour Minister of misusing back to work legislation.  The comments come after Lisa Raitt referred a contract dispute between Air Canada and it's flight attendants to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.  Sid Ryan is protesting along side the flight attendants today.  Meanwile, Ryan is encouraged by youth taking to the streets to protest the economy.  The Occupy Wall Street movement will spread to Toronto's Bay Street this weekend.  An occupy Thunder Bay movement is taking place at Waverly Park on Saturday starting at nine in the morning.  A facebook page has been set up to spread the word.

Gravelle is tipping his hat to the city

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is giving his support to a delegation of Thunder Bay Politicians who are heading south to talk to a mining company.  The group, including Mayor Keith Hobbs, will try to convince Cliffs Natural Resources to locate a processing plant here.  Gravelle says its a good move by council.  Gravelle says providing a Northern Industrial Energy rate will go a long way towards bringing the plant to the area.

SIU examining Kakabeka Falls death

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is now looking into Wednesday's death at Kakabeka Falls. SIU spokesperson Frank Phillips says it began with a call to the OPP by Provincial Park staff. OPP interacted with a man at the park. Shortly after he went over the railing and fell into the ravine. Phillips says the victims name still isn't known. A post mortem exam is taking place today in Thunder Bay.

May Street Mac's Mart robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a Mac's Mart robbery that took place early this morning on May Street.  Constable Julie Tilbury says a man armed with a knife walked into the North May street store and robbed the clerk on duty. The employee was not injured.  If anyone has information about the incident call Police at 684-1200.

Man dies at Kakabeka Falls

OPP are reporting that a man is dead after he went over Kakabeka Falls and the province's Special Investigations Unit is now looking into it. Police are saying very little about the situation now except to say they, along with other emergency personnel were called to the Provincial Park around 4:15 Wednesday afternoon to deal with a "situation".

Warrant leads to oxy bust

An arrest warrant has lead to drug trafficking charges in Longlac.  Greenstone OPP were alerted that a 38 year old man was transporting Oxycontin and would be arriving in the community via train.  Kenneth Taylor was wanted by Thunder Bay police and was found to have 105 oxy pills on him.

More art for Waterfront

For the 2nd time this month a piece of art has been unveiled at Prince Arthur's Landing.  Public Art Coordinator Reana Mussato says Embedded History is the latest piece but there is still more to come.

Time of use rates start this week

Time of use electricity rates are being rolled out in Thunder Bay this week.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says that means you can expect to pay more during the day and less after 7 o'clock in the evening.  Residential customers will not see the changes on their bills until January and Small businesses will see changes starting in December.

Aboriginal participation in municipal politics

There's a call for more aboriginal participation in municipal politics.  Frances Wesley spoke at a conference dealing with the issue and says participation has gotten better since she first moved to the City 30 years ago. A round table discussion on how to get the City's First Nation population more involved was held Wednesday.

Missing man search continues

Dryden OPP is asking residents to search any outdoor buildings they have on their property for a missing Winnipeg man. 25-year-old Lukas Whitmore was last seen October 2nd, after he was released following an alleged impaired driving charge. Police say Whitmore may be seeking refuge in an outdoor shelter. OPP stress that he has no history of violence and that the public shouldn't be hesitant to approach him. Whitmore is described as 5-foot-3, slim build, blue eyes, with short brown hair and a receding hair line. He was last seen wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police or Crime Stoppers.

Mauro hearing adjourned

The police services hearing for Sgt. Jim Mauro is being delayed by a month.  Thunder Bay Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the hearing was to start today but is being adjourned until November 9th.  Mauro is facing two misconduct charges under the police services act.

Fog is causing delays at the airport

Heavy Fog is causing some havoc at the Thunder Bay International Airport.  A number of flights have been delayed because they've been unable to land or take off.  A few flights have been able to take advantage of a few windows but if you are heading out of town today expect some extra waiting.

Mac's store robbed again

City police are looking for an 18 year old man in connection with the latest Mac's store robbery.  This one took place just after one o'clock at the East Arthur Street location.  Police say the culprit wore a hoodie and covered  his face when he demanded cigarettes and money from the staff.  No one was hurt

Family pet dies in fire

A family's dog is dead after a house fire on the city's south side yesterday afternoon.   Officials say the fire originated in the basement of a home at 1006 Sprague Street and caused heavy smoke damage throughout the house.  The cause is still under investigation

Woman's condition improves

A 77 year old woman who was injured in a weekend stabbing rampage is now reported in good condition.  Meantime the man charged in connection with the spree that injured several people, is due in bail court Thursday.  29 year old Eli John made a brief audio appearance yesterday from hospital.

Smokey conditions due to forest fires

Where there's smoke--there's not necessarily a fire. Thunder Bay fire officials are crediting the thick smoke in the air to forest fires in the province. Smoke from fires in Ontario are drifting into the City causing the haze.

Breast Screening Challenge Friday

The Ontario Breast Screening Program is kicking off another Breast Screening Challenge this Friday. The goal is to get 150 new clients in one day.  Appointments can be made at four different locations across the region.

Border Cats Cullen Mahoney gets award

Another member of the Thunder Bay Border Cats has been recognized for his outstanding 2011 season.  Cullen Mahoney is the winner of the Rawlings "Big Stick" Award as the top offensive second baseman in the Northwoods League.  Mahoney was the second best hitter in the league.

Canfield weighs in on Liberal minority

The Liberal minority government might actually be a good thing for Northwestern Ontario.  That's the feeling of NOMA Vice President Dave Canfield; he says it's time Dalton McGuinty finally started listening to the North.  Canfield says the minority government might mean Premier Dalton McGuinty has to listen to the North instead of dictating what he wants to do.

Nominations Close Thursday afternoon

The City is putting in a last minute push for nominations in its first ever Crime Prevention Awards.  Acting Crime Prevention Council Coordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says they'll be accepting nominations up until Thursday, October 13th.  The awards will be presented at a City Council meeting on November 7th.

AbitibiBowater changes name

There's a new name coming to AbitibiBowater.  The company is changing its name to Resolute Forest Products.  The name was selected among 14-hundred submissions received through an internal company contest.  The change takes place November 7th.

Police still looking for people responsible for Chapples Vandalism

Thunder Bay police are looking to the public for help in finding the vehicle involved in tearing up the Chapples Golf Course.  Police say a black Honda missing a rocker panel may have been involved in the weekend incident that caused 15 thousand dollars in damage.

Housing construction remains hot in September

Housing construction continues to stay hot in Thunder Bay.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Analyst Warren Philp says September saw 25 single detached starts, 5 more compared to the same month last year.  Overall Philp says we are 10 percent down in single detached housing but up 90 percent overall thanks to a sharp increase in multi family starts. Philp says with the warm weather we are continuing to enjoy he can't rule out another big month for October. 

OPP looking for missing man

A search continues in Dryden for a Winnipeg man who disappeared just after he was released from custody for alleged impaired driving.
Lukas Whitmore was last seen near a wooded area on the edge of the community on October 2nd.  Ontario Provincial Police say the 25-year-old man was on his way to Thunder Bay to visit his sister before he disappeared.  O-P-P say continuing warm temperatures mean Whitmore should be able to handle the weather.  They also say their search is not classified as a manhunt and that Whitmore is not considered dangerous.

Psychology Clinic studied

Lakehead University is embarking on a feasibility study looking at creating a psychology clinic on their campus.  Dr. Josephine Tan feels a psych clinic will support the healthcare system in the City and Northern Ontario.  Bell Canada is providing the 12-thousand dollars to conduct the study.

Empty Bowls Caring Hearts

It's going to cost a little bit more to take part in the Empty Bowls Caring Hearts fundraiser for the food bank and Shelter House.  Chair Nelly Reedhead says tickets will now cost 30 dollars.  The group hopes to raise 16 thousand dollars this year through their fundraising dinner.

More Wind Projects could be coming our way

Two more wind farm projects could be coming to the area.  Gilead Power Corporation is targeting 2013 to begin construction on a 130 mega watt project in Murrillo and 2014 for a 74 mega watt project in Lappe.  According to the company's website, officials are working with government and community organizations to get the project off the ground.

2 alarm fire on Banning St.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of a 2 alarm blaze that occurred in a home late Sunday night on Banning Street. Firefighters were able contain the fire but smoke and water damage extended throughout the building. One person was sent to Thunder Bay hospital for smoke inhalation.

29 year old faces number of charges

Police say the 77 year old woman who was one of the victims of a violent stabbing is in stable condition at Thunder Bay hospital. A 29 year old man allegedly attacked 4 people with a weapon in a Cumberland street apartment Saturday morning. The man is facing a number of charges such as aggravated assault, five counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering a threat, resisting a peace officer and theft over $5,000. He will appear in court on Tuesday. Police have arrested Eli Ayom John.

Violent attack

A 77 year old woman is in serious condition after a violent stabbing on Cumberland St. Its reported that Saturday morning a 29 year old man allegedly attacked 4 people with a weapon in a North side apartment. Police were able to control the man with a tazzer. One of the victims was treated with minor injuries on the scene, while two others were sent to hospital with non threatening injuries. The 77 year old woman remains in Thunder Bay hospital in serious condition. The man is in Police custody as the investigation continues.

Vandalism at Chapples Golf Course

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the culprit of an act of vandalism to Chapples Golf course. Police say extensive damage has been done to one or more of their greens with a vehicle. This occurred late Saturday night. Police say the estimated amount of the damage done is between 30 to 40 thousand dollars.

Canoeing submissions reviewed

A dozen submissions have been received in a contest aimed at promoting Atikokan's proclamation as the Canoeing Capital of Canada. An extension to the deadline brought in 9 submissions last month to the 3 received in August. Paula Sanders of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation says a committee has been formed to review the submissions. The best three will be eligible for funding to help develop and market their products.