Police Penalties Hearing Set For Later Date

Two Thunder Bay police detectives will find out their fate at a Police Services Hearing set for October 23rd. The adjudicator in the case hear both sides argue what the penalties for the officers should be ranging from a reprimand to docked pay. Detective William Wowchuck and Detective Constable Brad Bernst were found guilty of Unlawful Use Of Authority in connection with the way they handled a drug arrest a year ago.

Experimental Lakes Area Discussions Hit City

Diane Orihel, the leader of the coalition to save the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario is in Thunder Bay today speaking out against its closure. Orihel will be at Lakehead University and Confederation College for a pair of presentations and open discussions on the topic. Scott Harris with Environment North says the scheduled closure of the E.L.A. in march of next year is disturbing to scientists all over the world. Diane Orihel will be at Lakehead University's ATAC building from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and at Confederation College from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight.

Pig Roast For Flood Vicitims

The Thunder Bay Dining Club is inviting you out to dinner on Friday night.   A pig roast at the Moose Hall is being held to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund.  Tickets are 20 dollars and Coordinator Kim Berley says local bands will provide entertainment free of charge on Friday night.
Thunder Bay Transit is offering free transportation to the Moose Hall providing you show the driver your ticket.

Disaster Relief Office Moves

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief office is moving to a new location.  Starting Wednesday, the office will be located at 401 Donald Street in the former EMS Building on the corner of Donald Street and Simpson Street.  Meanwhile, the Disaster Relief Committee is reminding citizens that the application for losses and damages is due on Oct. 31st.

Operation Impact Wraps Up

The results from the OPP's operation impact long weekend blitz are in. Sgt. Ann McCoy says they charged 361 people in the Northwest region with speeding, 41 with hazardous moving violations and 25 seat belt charges. 5 people in the region were charged with drinking and driving.

CMHA Wants To Help

The local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association is weighing in on reports three teen girls allegedly attempted to overdose this weekend.  Executive Director Maurice Fortin wants young people to know there is help. The help line is 346-8282.

September Housing Starts

Thunder Bay's housing market is slightly off from last year. Market Analyst Warren Philp says that's because of a big multi family project last year that increased our totals and notes things will improve. In September we saw 28 single detached starts and no new multi family starts.

Flu Shots At Pharmacies

Pharmacists in Ontario are now allowed to  renew prescriptions and give flu shots along with offering more services that are currently provided by doctors.   It's a decision that pleases Brenda Adams of Thunder Bay who owns Janzen's Pharmacy.  Adams says it was a move that has been in the works for many years. 

Fake Gun Causes A Stir

Two people are in police custody and are charged with weapons dangerous to the public.  The incident on Sunday involved police being called to a Hudson Avenue apartment building after tenants said they saw a man waiving a gun.  When police arrived the male continued to point the gun at officers and ran into the building. The area was contained while officers attempted to ensure the safety of the area. A man and woman entered the lobby of the apartment complex and were arrested at gun point.  The weapon turned out to be a plastic toy replica gun. A man and a woman in their 20s are facing weapon related charges.

Fatality Victims Identified

Police say that three members of the Nabigon family in Pic River are dead as the result of a traffic accident that claimed four lives near Marathon on the weekend.   Police identify the dead as 36 year old Greg, 22 year old Jordan and 17 year old Kody Nabigon along with 20 year old Jaret Leclair a member of the Fort Frances Lakers.   The accident, between a car and a pick up truck, took place on Highway 627 just south of Highway 17 .  The victims of the tragedy are now immortalized in a YouTube video.

Police Following Up Overdose

Three teen girls who allegedly tried to overdose this weekend are being looked after by their families. Police are following up the circumstances behind the incident that saw the teens sent to the hospital Sunday night. Health professionals are now providing the support needed for these young people to deal with this situation.

Hodder Avenue Mac's Robbery

Police are releasing photos from a weekend robbery at the Hodder Avenue Macs' Convenience Store.  Constable Julie Tilbury says they're looking for the public to identify the three suspects that walked into the store early Sunday morning.  The three suspects are described as 5'10"  wearing long dark jackets and had their faces covered. Two suspects had dark hoodies pulled up over their heads and the third was wearing a red, black and white toque with ear flaps.

Condo-Hotel Preparations Begin

There's activity on the waterfront.  Construction crews are preparing the site of the new waterfront hotel and condos.Manshield Construction President Peter Belluz says they're just prepping before construction starts in about six weeks time.

No E-Coli Reports In Thunder Bay

The District Health Unit is reassuring you that there is no contaminated meat on store shelves in the city. Darlene Binette, a spokesperson for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says all of the contaminated meat was pulled immediately from all store shelves. She also confirms that there are no reports of E-Coli in Ontario from contaminated meat from X-L Foods in Alberta.

Rafferty To Speak Out Against Riding Boundary Changes

The MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding is expected to be at a meeting in Kenora today to speak out against proposed changes to federal riding boundaries in northwestern Ontario. John Rafferty is to make a submission to a federal commission proposing to take Lake of the Woods township out of his riding and attach it to the Kenora riding. Rafferty doubts the area will be adequately served.

Fatal Collision Update Expected Today

O.P.P. in Marathon are expected to release more information regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident that happened Sunday in Pic River. The collision involved two vehicles on Highway 627 approximately eight kilometres South of Highway 17. Of those who were injured, one woman passenger had to be transported by air ambulance to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with serious life threatening injuries and a male passenger was transported to Marathon Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released. The names of the four people who were killed have not been released.

Marathon Collision Kills Four

The Marathon detachment of the OPP are investigating a car collision that happened last night at around 10:30 near Marathon. Four people were killed and two injured including one woman who was sent to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with serious life threatening injuries. The names of those who died will be released once next of kin are notified.

Group of Friends in Hospital

Thunder Bay Police responded to 4 different calls in the North Side of the City late last night. At the end of the night, five girls, all of who were friends, had to be taken to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital to be treated for intentional overdoses. The police want to make parents aware of these types of incidents to help prevent similar occurrences with their children.

Hodder Ave Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a robbery that happened at around 3:30 this morning at the Mac's on Hodder Avenue. One of the three men that walked into the store with their faces covered brandished a broken beer bottle and demanded money and cigarettes from the employee. All three left on foot walking south.

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Officers have arranged events all over the city this week to provide information about Fire Safety. The information being given will go along this years theme "Two Ways Out". Fire Prevention Officer Bob Vander Ploeg says for families to have two ways out of each room of the house. This will assure families with always knowing two ways out of each room if possible during a fire emergency.

Leblanc Flying Back To Nova Scotia

RCMP say a man facing charges of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy will return to Nova Scotia today.  Sgt. Alain LeBlanc says 47 year old David James Leblanc will be returned to the province from Geraldton sometime after 5 p.m. via a police airplane.  He says Leblanc will appear in court in Bridgewater on Tuesday.  Leblanc was arrested Sunday in the Greenstone area and was reported to be suffering from frostbite.

Con College Program Gets Approval

Confederation College's Medical Radiation Program is happy after they received a six year approval from the Canadian Medical Association.  Accreditation  means that the college program has met national educational standards and that it effectively prepares graduates to work in the field of medical radiation.

A Case Like No Other

A Thunder Bay man is going to spend at least the next 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree murder in the death of his wife. 64 year old John Robertson admitted to hitting, then strangling his wife to death at their Oliver Road apartment in April of last year. He was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in 10 years.    Crown Attorney Dan Mitchell says it was a case like no other.  He says Roberston turned himself in to police after the incident and helped the case proceed through the system quickly.

Tragedy At The Royal Edward Arms

Police are reporting a tragic accident at the Royal Edward Arms on May Street.  They say that a woman died after falling down an elevator shaft.   Safety inspectors are also looking into the incident as is the coroners office.   No name has been released.

Not Too Late Say Activists

The sands of time are running out for those people in the city who are fighting to keep a seniors care home on James Street open.   One of them is labour activist Evelina Pan who believes with public pressure,  the decision to close can easily be reversed. Pan says closing the facility doesn't make sense because it comes at a time when there's already a shortage of long term care beds.

Antcliffe Memorial Set For Tonight

Preparations are underway for tonight's memorial for anti-cancer crusader Michael Antcliffe.  It's being organized by Stacey Voss who says they are hoping for a packed house at the CLE Coliseum.
The memorial, which they are calling a celebration of his life,  gets underway at 6:45.

Leek Northern Region VP Liberal

A local liberal is looking to the future.  Anthony Leek has been named the Northern Region Vice President of the Ontario Liberal Party.  Leek says he's looking forward to the numerous possibilities.  Leek hopes to fill the gaps between Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario.

Campbell Talks Travel Costs

Be prepared for unexpected health costs outside of Ontario.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says people aren't fully covered if they were to go to Minnesota or Manitoba.  Campbell adds that getting an ambulance in Winnipeg has cost some people 700 dollars, compared with 75 in Ontario.

OPP Distracted Driving

That one text isn't worth losing a life.  The Ontario Provincial Police want to remind the public about the seriousness of using a mobile device while driving.  Acting Sergeant with the Northwest Region Anne Mccoy says drivers already have enough to worry about.  Mccoy adds that using a handheld GPS is just as dangerous, and says to pull over when programming it.

Environmental Commissioner Wind Turbine Report

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is weighing in on the Environmental Commissioner's report on wind turbines.  Gord Miller's report states birds and bats will die if they fly into a wind turbine's propeller. Mauro says the Provincial Government has accommodated the bird and bat populations in their environmental reviews of proposed wind turbine projects.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Thunder Bay Firefighters are reminding you to be careful this Thanksgiving long weekend.  Spokesperson Bob Vander Ploeg says a fire could start from basic candles on the dining room table.  Vander Ploeg adds you should also keep an eye on the stove when your cooking and never leave your cooking unattended.

Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday

Thunder Bay's Salvation Army and the Professional Fire Fighters Association are holding a Thanksgiving dinner for 300 people Sunday.  Major Rosena Halvorsen says it's good to give back to the community.  The dinner will be held from noon until 3 and a shuttle service is available from City Hall and the Water Street Terminal at 11:45.

Human Trafficking In NWO?

Human trafficking may not be prominent in our area, but an ex-RCMP officer says don't let that fool you.  Marty Van Doren coordinates a RCMP human trafficking awareness program and says many young people in remote First Nations are becoming victims. Van Doren calls human trafficking the modern day form of slavery.

Moose Hunting Season Underway

Hunters across Northwestern Ontario are heading into the bush this weekend with their scopes set on shooting a moose.  Conservation Officer Ross Johnston is reminding enthusiastic hunters to use common sense.  Johnston also reminds hunters that it's illegal to carry another person's hunting licence.

OPP Long Weekend Tips

Provincial Police will be out in full force this weekend in Northwestern Ontario.  Acting Sergeant Anne  McCoy says especially with this long weekend, people will be travelling up to cabins and using waterways.  McCoy wants to remind the public to watch out for wildlife.

Southcott Hosts Monaco's Prince

Lakehead University Professor has returned from hosting Monaco's Prince Albert the second.  Dr. Chris Southcott spoke with the Prince during his visit to the Iqaluit.  Southcott says Prince Albert and his foundations are amazing to work with.

N.O.S.M. To Host World Conference

A major international conference is about to hit Thunder Bay next week. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is welcoming 850 delegates from 45 countries around the world for its "Rendez-vous" conferences, which is five conferences wrapped-up into one. The conference runs from Tuesday until Saturday with sessions happening at the Victoria Inn and Airlane hotel.

Charitable Basketball Game Set To Go

A charitable and fun basketball game is taking place this afternoon as volunteer Brandon Walker has challenged the youth in the Evergreen neighborhood. Walker has been raising money that will benefit the city's Disaster Relief Committee. It all starts at 4:00 o'clock at Minnesota Park and even Mayor Keith Hobbs is expected to be in attendance.

Thunder Bay Jobless Rate Stays The Same

There is no change to the unemployment rate in Thunder Bay. It remained at 6.3 percent for the month of September, the same as it was for August. Canada's national unemployment rate edged up by one-tenth to 7.4 percent, despite the creation of 52,000 jobs nation-wide.

NOBA Winners

Form Architecture Engineering in Thunder Bay is celebrating a victory at the Northern Ontario Business Awards. They were voted as the winners for company of the year with 16 to 50 employees. The awards were held at a ceremony last night in Timmins. Form is the lone company from Thunder Bay who walked away with an award out of 11 categories.

O.P.P. Re-open Highway 17 Near Kenora

Provincial Police in Kenora are saying that Highway 17 at the Junction and Highway 17 at Redditt Road are back open to traffic. Numerous motor vehicle accidents were reported at those locations overnight thanks to a winter storm moving through the area. Vehicles were re-routed through Kenora but transports were held against travel. O.P.P. have since re-opened the highway to traffic.

Thunderwolves Win Over Wesmen

The Lakehead University men's basketball team will be looking for a better performance in game two of their series tonight against the Winnipeg Wesmen. They managed to pull out an 84-75 win despite a poor shooting performance from the floor and the free-throw line. Forward Ryan Thomson led the team with 27 points. The Thunderwolves tip-off again against the Wesmen tonight at 7:00 o'clock at the L.U. Thunderdome.

RCMP Identify Body

RCMP have confirmed that a body found in the woods of Geraldton is a man who was facing charges of alleged confinement of a 16-year-old Nova Scotia boy. Police say Wayne Cunningham's body was found near Long Lac at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. OPP found the remains of the 31-year-old near a 2003 Hyundai Elantra he was believed to have travelled in. Cunningham had faced charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a boy alleged he was held captive by two men at a home last month. Police say the cause of death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.

Tina P Gets Cut

A former Thunder Bay resident competing in the Bachelor Canada has got the axe.  The 26 year old trial lawyer known only as Tina P didn't survive the show's first rose ceremony.  Tina says in her blog post on the Bachelor Canada website that she feels she was meant to go on the show, but unfortunately didn't meet her future husband.

Name Change

The City's Facilities and Fleet Department is adding transit to its name so it's now called Facilities, Fleet and Transit Services. Manager Michael Smith says the change is only on paper and doesn't affect jobs or save any money.   Smith says the change was needed to make it clear which department transit falls under.

Di Matteo Part Of The Fraser Institute

Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo is joining the ranks of senior fellows at the Fraser Institute for his research in health care spending and public finance.  This means Di Matteo can participate in research projects with assistance from the Fraser Institute.  Di Matteo is contributing one of three essays to the Institute’s series examining the state of Ontario's debt.

S.L. Flyers Take A Break

A sad day for junior hockey fans in Sioux Lookout. The Flyers have announced the suspension of hockey operations for the 2012-2013 season. President Mitch Wills says they are in a position where they are unable to continue in a competitive and professional manner. Wills says the Flyers have worked with their players to ensure they secure spots on other teams. Will adds they will take a year off to restructure. The Flyers were 0-3 this season, with 4-goals for and 23-against. The Superior International Junior Hockey League hasn't commented on the announcement.

ONWA Hosts Sisters In Spirit Vigil

The Ontario Native Women's Association is hosting a Sisters In Spirit Vigil today.  It's in honour of the 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada.  Spokesperson Maryanne Matthews says Northwestern Ontario women are at risk of abuse because of our remoteness.  The group is asking the Federal Government to form a national inquiry into those who are missing or who were killed.

City Staff Kick Off United Way Fundraiser

City employees, Social Services Administration Board employees, and members of the Superior North EMS are helping to raise money for the United Way. They held their fundraising kick off Thursday. This year's goal is just over 187-thousand dollars. Tbaytel hopes to kick in another 45-thousand.

More $ell Service

There's an increase in competition for your cell service. Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile, and Teleco have all set up shop in the Intercity Mall. Bell has a new store, while Virgin Mobile has a kiosk. Bell spokesperson Claire Gillies says it's part of company plans to make a move into Northwestern Ontario.

New Phone Options  on PhotoPeach

Fundraising Deadline Extended

The deadline for the city's Disaster Relief fundraising has been extended to January 31. Committee Co-Chair Wayne Fletcher says it's because they realized that processing the claims would take longer than expected so they thought it would only make sense to extend the deadline.  The deadline to submit claims to the city for flood damage is still the end of his month.