City Buys Watering Bags

The city is using a 15 thousand dollar grant to start a new tree watering program. The money is from the TD Green Streets initiative and it's the second year the City has received cash from them. Urban Forest Specialist Rena Viehbeck says they'll be buying 400 tree watering bags for local boulevard trees.

Wabigoon Lake First Nation Death

Provincial Police say foul play is not suspected in the death of a Wabigoon Lake First Nations man.  The body of 51-year-old Stanley Shabaquay was found on the shoreline of Wabigoon Lake last month.  The incident was reported to police on June 14th.  A post mortem examination has been completed.  The cause of death hasn't been released.

Blues Festival Called A Success

The Blues Festival is being called another success. Comunity Auditorium General Manager Bob Halvorsen says the 11th annual event drew approximately 15,000 people and this event is gainnig a reputation for being of high quality for travelling blues bands, such as "The Tudesci Trucks Band." Halvorsen says reasonable ticket prices and good luck with weather have all contributed to the growing success of the Blues Festival.

Closed Tourist Centre Serves As Garbage Dump

A new and dirty twist to the closing of the Visitor Information Centre at the Ontario-Manitoba boundary. Upkeep of the area has been questionable following the Provincial move. Complaints have been forwarded to Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell.

Alumni Game Features Local N.H.L. Skaters

Thunder Bay N.H.L.ers will be showcasing their talents for local fans to see tomorrow night. The fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni Showcase game in honour of Jim Johnson will be played at 6:00 O'clock at the Tournament Centre. Taylor and Tom Pyatt will face off against the Likes of Eric, Jordan and Jared Staal in a fundraiser that benefits cancer research. Tickets are $10 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. They are available at Play-It-Again Sports, C&D Sports and at the door which opens at 5:00 O'clock tomorrow evening.

Crash Kills One

OPP are releasing the name of the woman who was killed in a crash on Sunday near the Manitoba border.  Police say an east bound motorcycle crossed into the west bound lane hitting a pick up truck. 30 year old Dana Dueck of Manitoba was driving the motorcycle and died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.  The collision cause the Trans Canada Highway to be closed for several hours.

Police Looking For Missing 11 Year Old Girl

The Thunder Bay Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 11 year old girl. Trinity Payash was last seen on the Tuesday of last week, on the South side of the City. She is described as a Native Canadian who is 5-foot-1 or 153 centimetres tall, weighing 110 pounds or 50 kilograms. Payash has a thin build, brown eyes and shoulder length brown hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers.

Police Services Act Hearing Opens Tuesday

A Police Services Act hearing for three local officers is being held this week. It kicks off tomorrow morning at nine at the Valhalla Inn. Four days are set aside for the hearing. The three officers are each facing one count of Misconduct relating to a complaint by a 44 year old Thunder Bay man who was involved in a drug investigation.

Four New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources are dealing with four new forest fires. Officials are calling it a relatively quiet weekend considering much of the region is currently in a "Moderate" or "High" forest fire rating. One of the fires was sparked here in the Thunder Bay district, about 25 kilometres northwest of English River. Two of the fires started Saturday are in the Fort Frances district and the other started in the Kenora district.

City Gets $15,000 Environmental Grant

The city is getting money to start a new tree watering program. Thunder Bay has been selected by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Tree Canada to receive a $15,000 grant from the TD Green Streets program for its Tree Bag Watering Program. Thunder Bay is one of 21 municipalities selected to receive a grant. This is the second year Thunder Bay has received a TD Green Streets Grant. Last year the grant helped launch the new Citizen Pruner Program.

Cats Claim First in Of Second Half

The Thunder Bay Border Cats finally got their first win of the second half with a 7-2 drubbing of Alexandria yesterday at Subway Field. The Cats now have a record of 1-3. That series wraps up with the Beetles tonight starting at 7:05.

Missing Person Found

Thunder Bay Police have found a woman who was reported missing. They had been asking for the public's help in locating a missing 20 year old woman. Robin Janine Renee Mishenene was reported missing last Thursday. Police say she was found on May Street.

Lakehead Welcomes New Department Dean

Lakehead University's Faculty of Engineering has found its new dean. Dr. David Barnett was brought to the city from St. Louis Missouri to take over one of the top-ranked engineering programs in the country. Barnett was a Professor and the Chair of the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He will step into his new role on August 7th.

Cycling Cross Canada

Tis the season for Cross Canada charity bike rides. Thunder Bay will welcome heart attack survivor Mike Jones on Monday. He began his journey in the Yukon and is travelling to Windsor. Jones' goal is to raise money and awareness of the dangers of heart disease.

Thunder Bay Hydro Helps Flood Victims

Thunder Bay Hydro has a plan in place to help flood victims financially. The city came through with a water bill rebate, but many homeowners had to use fans and dehumidifiers 24-hours a day during the clean-up, causing their hydro bill to spike.Vice-President of Customer Service, Tim Wilson says only 130 people have called to identify themselves as a flood victim. Wilson says by calling 343-1111, you can start the reporting process than can be filed as part of your flood claim.

Angus Slams Government

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus is slamming the recent federal cabinet shuffle. Julian Fantino is the new Minister for International Co-Operation. Angus says the shuffle should have been a lot bigger if Harper really wanted to signal a cleanup. Bev Oda resigned Tuesday after a large public outcry and internal Tory caucus dissent over her lavish spending habits.

Ticks May Head North

Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer says people in the North shouldn’t be too complacent about ticks that carry Lyme disease. Dr. Arlene King says that even though these black legged ticks are more prevalent in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, they also could be anywhere in the province. King says that means wearing pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellent with deet.

Man With Machete

Thunder Bay Police have one man in custody following an incident on the south side of the city. Police say a 24-year-old man was carrying a machete and approached another man who was riding his bike on Edward Street. The man is charged with weapons dangerous to public peace, carrying a concealed weapon and breach of probation.

Ringing the Bell

Delegates from Gifu, Japan will be taking part in the ringing of the peace bell today. City Clerk John Hannam says they moved the celebration up since the Mayor from our Sister City is visiting the City this weekend. Area churches have also been asked to ring their bells starting at 11 this morning.

Free Fishing Starts Today

An upcoming fishing event is targeting everyone. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters announced the annual Free Family Fishing Week. The event runs from July 7-15, which allows everyone, even those without a licence, to fish in Ontario waters. Conservation Outreach Program Coordinator Alesha Caldwell says dock fishing is usually a hot spot. For more information log onto www.ofah.org

Busy Weekend on the Waterfront

Bluesfest and Thunder Bay Transit are teaming up to offer concert goers free Transit. The City hopes the move will ease traffic congestion and parking, and eliminate drinking and driving. The weekend event is also offering Park N' Ride opportunities at the Community Auditorium and the Waterfront Parkade.

Police Search For Missing Girl

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing girl. They say 11-year-old Trinity Payash was last seen on July 3rd on the South Side of the city. She is described as a Native Canadian, around 5'1 and 110 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

PSA Hearing For Three Officers

A police services act hearing for three local officers is being held this week. It kicks off Tuesday morning at nine at the Valhalla Inn. Four days are set aside for the hearing. The three officers are each facing one count of Misconduct relating to a complaint by a 44 year old Thunder Bay man who was involved in a drug investigation.

Province Strikes Deal With Union

The Provincial Government has struck a deal with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.  It's a two-year deal with no salary increase.  President Kevin O'Dwyer says the two local school unions in Thunder Bay will be able to bargain with their employers on local issues this fall.  O'Dwyer says the local negotiations could go into September but expects they'll go smoothly.

Waterloo Street Crash Update

The elderly driver of a car involved in a collision on Waterloo Street yesterday is still in critical condition.  Police say he's been sent from the Regional Health Sciences Centre to another hospital.  The investigation is still being conducted and there's no word on charges as of yet.

Bisson on Terrace Bay Mill Deal

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is wary of a recent deal to reopen the Terrace Bay mill.  Bisson says he wants the Government to ensure the company maintains it's promise of jobs and stays open well into the future.  Bisson says he doesn't want a repeat of the former owner Buchanan Forest Products.

Oliver Paipoonge Gets Agri-Plex

Oliver Paipoonge is looking for ideas on what to do with their newly acquired Agri-Plex.  The board for the horse showing building disbanded last month and told Mayor Lucy Klusterhuis they can have the building and land.  Council will be meeting to talk about their new acquisition in August.

Source Protection Gives Province Plan

With more than 100-thousand people in the Thunder Bay area relying on Lake Superior for drinking water, the Source Water Committee is the first to go the province with a plan to protect it.  Chair Bob Hartley for the Lakehead Region says the report still has to undergo a Provincial revue process.  Hartley is hoping the plan can serve as a model for the rest of the province in response to the Walkerton tragedy that killed 7 people because of e-coli.

T.Bay Woman On Canadian Paralympic Team

Canadian Blind Sports is nominating a Thunder Bay woman to the National women's goalball team for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  Whitney Bogart made the team today.

SIU Clears Police Office Of Wrong Doing

The Special Investigations Unit is clearing a Thunder Bay Police Officer of any wrong doing in the death of a 67 year old man on Northern Avenue over the May long weekend.  A police officer was following a reported stolen vehicle and a short distance later that vehicle crashed into Martin John Amos' car.  SIU Spokesperson Monica Hudon says the police officer was following the stolen car but didn't use his lights or sirens to try and get the vehicle to pull over.  Hudon says the driver of the stolen car lost control of it while trying to get away from the police.

Lakehead Drinking Water Protection Plan Announced

The Lakehead Source Protection Committee is the first to come forward with a plan to protect drinking water. Lake Superior provides drinking water for over 100,000 people in the Thunder Bay area. Two groundwater wells serve 30 homes in Rosslyn Village. M.P.P. Michael Gravelle says "Ensuring that residents have access to clean sources of drinking water is vital to our quality of life." 36 other provincial source areas are trying to develop their own plans as a response to the Walkerton tragedy. 

Six New Forest Fires Reported

Ministry of Natural Resources Fire officials are on high alert heading into the weekend. The warm weather has pushed the forest fire hazard to "High" in most areas and is expected to move to "Extreme." 6 new fires have been reported in the last two days after thunderstorms moved through the region. 5 of those fires were lightning caused, one of them was human-caused and is being investigated. The M.N.R. is reminding everyone to use caution around ignition sources.

Border Cats Lose Tight One In Mankato

The Thunder Bay Border Cats stumbled out of the gate to open the second half of the Northwoods League season. They lost 5-4 on the road last night in Mankato. The two teams play again tonight before Thunder Bay returns home to start a 3 game series against Alexandria.

Chill Vs. Des Moines Tonight

The Thunder Bay Chill will put their 11-1 record on the line tonight on the road against the Des Moines Menace. The Chill, who have already wrapped-up first place in the Heartland division, are coming off a 7-0 win in a friendly game against Springfield on Tuesday.

MS Society Gets Cash

Just in the nick of time. That's the feeling from the MS Society after receiving almost 12-thousand dollars from the United Commercial Travelers. President Linda Adamson says they spent their 40 thousand dollar budget for the year back in May. Adamson adds if they hadn't received the donation they would have been turning clients away.

Ag Minister Says He Gets It

Ontario's agriculture minister says he sympathizes with local dairy farmers. Speaking during a visit to Thunder Bay, Ted McMeekin says many are telling him that they don't want to see the end of milk marketing in the province.  He says the province have received assurances from the federal government that our supply management system is not up for discussion during current trade talks.  McMeekin says he is meeting with other rural leaders and taking their concerns to Queens Park.

Serious Accident On Waterloo

Waterloo Street is now open to traffic.  Just before 11:00 a.m. police say a car and a pick up truck collided on Waterloo Street at Arthur. Detective Constable Robert Miller says the drivers of the two vehicles have been taken to hospital. The 83 year old driver of the car is in critical condition in the local hospital.  The 66 year old woman driver of the truck was treated and released.  Police are looking for any witnesses who may have seen the collision. 

City Urges Flood Victims To Apply

The city's new Disaster Relief Program manager is hitting the ground running. Kari Chiappetta says she is focusing on making sure that eligible flood victims apply for and receive the advance cash they are allowed to claim.  The deadline for filing an advance claim is 8 pm on Monday.  Chiappetta says  staff will be on hand at City Hall Monday evening to help.

New Life For Terrace Bay Mill

Michael King

The mill in Terrace Bay will be back in operation. A company from Mumbai, India is spending 250-million dollars to convert the mill in order to export rayon grade pulp for export. Terrace Bay Mayor Michael King says it will create 275 mill jobs, 335 more in the woodlands and a total of 19-hundred jobs. King says they will spend the next two years converting the mill for the new rayon product.

Taranis Develops First Nations Partnership

An area First Nations development agency is teaming up with a Thunder Bay company to bring new training programs to the area. Mike Hummell of Taranis Training says the partnership with Naicatchewenin Development Corporation introduces his company to an area in need of skilled labour. Taranis offers programs such as heavy equipment operation and truck driving.

Kenora Woman Dead Following Crash

Police are releasing the name of a Northwestern Ontario woman who died near Sistonen's corner yesterday afternoon in a highway car crash. Three people were airlifted from the scene to hospital but 60-year old Deborah Schneider of Kenora died en route. Schneider was a passenger in the vehicle. Two other men, one from each vehicle were also air-lifted to hospital with minor injuries. Investigators are still looking into whether or not charges will be laid.

Cats Finish First Half With Win

The Thunder Bay Border Cats closed out the first half of the Northwoods League season with a 4-3 rain-shortened win over the Rochester Honkers. Thunder Bay finished the first half with a record of 16-19, 12 games back of the MoonDogs. They begin the second half of the season tonight on the road against Mankato.

Delta Refuses Comment On Report

Mums the word from the Delta Hotel chain to news that it may be the new hotelier for the Thunder Bay waterfront.  Spokesperson Sandy Indig would neither confirm nor deny any speculation.
Indig says it's not Delta's policy to comment on any potential developments.

Boulevard Beaches Good

The Health Unit has lifted swimming advisories for Boulevard Lake's main beach and Sunnyside.  An advisory was put in place last week after high levels of e-coli were found in the water.  The test results from new samples of water have come back clean.

Concern Grows After Latest Arson

There's concern that an arsonist is loose on the city's south side after the latest fire on Empire Avenue which destroyed a garage. Fire investigator Paul Abernathy says it's just the latest in a string of arson fires in that south side area over the last few months. Abernathy believes the same person is involved in all the incidents.

Serious Collision On Highway 11/17

Thunder Bay OPP are investigating a serious 2 vehicle collision on Highway 11/17.  Police say the collision took place just after 2 o'clock.  Highway 11/17 west of the Highway 102 Junction at Sistonen’s Corner is closed at this time.  More information will be provided as updates become available.

Hobbs Tours With Gifu, Japan Delegation

A delegation from Thunder Bay's Sister City Gifu, Japan will be arriving in the City Thursday. Mayor Keith Hobbs says they hope to see some economic spin offs from the visit. Thunder Bay will be renewing it's committment to the Sister City program for another 5 years at a special ceremony Thursday night.

Mauro Says Province May Try To Recoup Cash

The Provincial Government is going to get back a chunk of the money they provided to Tornado Medical Systems two years ago. Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro says there's a way to recoup the million dollars the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund provided the company. Mauro says there's loop holes in the contracts businesses sign when they accept money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Gravelle Talks Ring Of Fire

The Toronto Star is sounding alarms over the proposed Ring of Fire project.  The paper obtained Environment Canada documents that show the project could lead to poisoning as seen in the movie Erin Brokovich.  Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle says the project is going through many assessments.

Condo Office Opens

ReSolve Group is pleased with the sale of their new condo buildings on the waterfront.  They opened up their Vue on the Water Condo Presentation Centre today.  Developer Gisele MacDonald says they've sold 28 condo's out of 51.  The condos are going to start to be built this fall and finished by 2014.

Kakabeka Falls In Kraft Competition

Kakabeka Falls is in the running for the Kraft Celebration Tour competion.  The winner gets 25 thousand dollars in cash, a Kraft BBQ and TSN broadcasts from the community.  Online voting starts July 19th.