Toys For Tots Campaign A Success

It's another success for Thunder Bay Firefighters Toys for Tots Campaign. Spokesperson Bob Vander Ploeg says they give the money to the ladies at Christmas Cheer who then go out and buy the toys. $153,530 was raised during this year's Toys For Tots Campaign.

Weldon Plans For Brazil 2016

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is remembering a golden year. The local cyclist won the women's "B" Road Race at the London Paralympic Games back in September. Weldon says she now has new goals for representing Canada 4 years from now. Weldon will begin training with a new pilot next year as her old pilot, Lyne Bissette, is now retired.

Police Association Gives To Needy Pets

It's not just humans that need love on Christmas.  Thunder Bay's Police Association is donating 250 dollars and a bunch of food, blankets, toys and treats to the local Humane Society.  Vice President Jim Glena says they've been donating to the humane society for sometime. Two Police Constables will be delivering two cruisers full of goodies to the local humane society today.

Province Gives Cash To John Howard Society

The Provincial Government is providing 28-thousand dollars to a new Health & Wellness program in Thunder Bay. The John Howard Society will deliver the program for low income people. The program is expected to teach people how to eat healthy within a budget.

Bentley Coming To Town

Energy Minister Chris Bentley will be in town next month.  He'll be meeting with Mayor Keith Hobbs about the Ontario Power Authority's decision to halt the conversion of the Mission Island Power Plant.  Representatives from the OPA, and MPP Bill Mauro will also be invited to the discussion.  A Spokesperson with the Minister says Bentley will spend the day talking with officials about the conversion.

Flood Makes Top 10 List

Thunder Bay has the dubious distinction of making it to the top 10 list of weather events in Canada for 2012.   Meteorologist Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says, at number 8,  we joined other communities under the title; the year of the urban flood.  Coulson notes the event shattered weather records and was one of a kind for the kind of damage it caused.

Book Of Condolences For Newtown

Thunder Bay residents are being given the chance to reach out to the people of Newtown, Connecticut. City Clerk John Hannam says a book of condolences is open at City Hall to allow you to express your sympathies following that tragic shooting. The book will then be sent to the Mayor's Office in Newtown. 

Christmas At The Airport

Have patience at the airport if your travelling during the Christmas season. Manager Scott McFadden expects it to be busy. McFadden says it's a good idea to arrive early and expect to wait in line. 

Venshore Mechanical Raise 10-Thousand Dollars

Venshore Mechanical is presenting 10-thousand dollars to three local charities.  Spokesperson Jamie Murphy says Shelter House, the Dew Drop Inn Centre and Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee will share in the funds.  Murphy hopes city residents will be able to donate cash to the community groups as well.

Roll Over Near Mount Baldy Road

A 48 year old woman is recovering from  injuries after she rolled her pick-up truck this morning. O.P.P. say the single vehicle crash happened just before 9 o'clock  this morning on Highway 527 near Mount Baldy Road.   Provincial police say the woman was ejected from the truck.

Rickford On Red Lake Airport

The Federal Government is investing in another airport in Northwestern Ontario.  The announcement was made earlier this week by Kenora MP Greg Rickford, that the Red Lake airport will receive over 32 thousand dollars in funding for the purchase of an electronic runway condition reporting system.  Rickford adds that it will be beneficial for the region.  This funding is in addition to the over 261 thousand dollars announced earlier this year to replace a snowplow truck and sand spreader and for cabling for lighting systems.

NAN Treaty Unity Day

They're calling it a day for Treaty Unity.  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs and Councils will be holding a day of support tomorrow for Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence.  NAN is hoping to raise general public awareness of the impacts of the federal government's omnibus budget bill.  Chiefs are also upset the Harper Government has made funding cutbacks for First Nation programs.  NAN is calling on the Prime Minister to have a conversation with First Nations on treaty issues.

Resolute Forest Products

Some help today for workers impacted by the idling of the kraft mill and paper machine at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.  The Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union has set up information sessions at the Legion in Fort Frances to provide workers with advice on employment, training and education opportunities.  Representatives from Service Canada, N-C-D-S and the provincial Ministry of Training ,Colleges and Universities will be on hand first this afternoon and again tonight.

Soccer Club Donates Food

The Lakehead Express Soccer Club is presenting over 900 pounds of food to the Regional Food Distribution Association.  Players collected the canned goods throughout the year.

Thunderwolves Announce New Recruits

Head Coach Jon Kreiner and the Lakehead University women's basketball team are announcing two more players are committing to their program for next year. Point Guard Abeer Farhat will join the team from Algonquin College after averaging more than 15 points and 4 assists per game last season. Meanwhile, Gillian Lavoie, a 6'0 Forward who averaged 11 points and 13 rebounds last season, will join the team from Hammarskjold.

Letowski Remembers World Juniors

Thunder Bay's Trevor Letowski is back in Thunder Bay celebrating Christmas with Family and friends. 15 years ago Letowski was representing Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships where he won a gold medal. The former N.H.L.'er is now an Associate Coach with the Sarnia Sting of the O.H.L. and reflected on his time spent wearing the red and white.

    

  

   

Stuff A Cruiser A Success

The first annual police officer stuff a cruiser is a resounding success.  Police collected over 4 thousand kg of non perishable food items as well as over 3-thousand dollars in cash.  Money and food raised is going towards the Regional Food Distribution Association.

T.Bay 10K Winner

A Thunder Bay woman is one step closer to claiming her 10 thousand dollar lottery win.  Shari Perrault's sister is employed at a retail location and therefor the prize falls within OLG's definition of a Related Party/Insider Win.  The prize has completed the first two steps of a three-step verification process.

Maltese Grocery Catering Linked To Food Poisoning

Maltese Grocery is stepping forward after a number of food borne illnesses were recently reported to the Health Unit.  As a precaution, the store has decided to voluntarily suspend its catering operation pending the result of the Health Unit’s investigation.  Food poisoning caused 67 people to become ill from consuming food late last week from a number of catered social events.

O.P.P. Investigate Fatal Big Rig Fire

OPP in Geraldton are confirming one person is dead after a transport caught fire at approximately 8 o'clock last night on Highway 11. Provincial police say a big rig lost control and went into a ditch when the cab caught fire. Geraldton fire and ambulance crews attended the scene and police say someone was caught inside the cab of the transport and died as a result of the fire. No name has been released.

Tenant Fined For Smoke Alarm Infraction

A city tenant got more than she bargained for when firefighters arrived to battle blaze on Prince Arthur Boulevard....a 235 dollar fine for removing a main floor smoke alarm. Anthony Stokaluk of the Thunder Bay Fire Service says they're hoping to send a message by publicizing the incident that you must have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your residence.

Christmas Cheer Still Needs Help

Thunder Bay's Christmas Cheer is facing another deficit if more money doesn't come in today.  Over 45 hundred people took home Christmas Hampers yesterday from the charity organization.  Spokesperson Linda Gambee says they desperatly need your help. 

Christmas Kettles Update

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign needs your continued support.  So far they have raised over 117-thousand dollars towards their 160-thousand dollar goal.  The Walmart matching donation day will be held at the Memorial Street location Thursday. 

Highway 71 Protest

Motorists travelling along Highway 71 may encounter a brief delay this morning.  Members of Onigaming First Nation near Nestor Falls intend to protest measures contained in the federal government's omnibus bill they say effects the environment and First Nation Treaties.  Chief Norman Copenance says the protest will be peaceful.

NAN Wants Residential School Documents

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pressuring the Federal Government to release files on the residential schools. Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is appalled that the federal government's refusal to release millions of documents currently held by 23 federal departments is making it impossible for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to do its job. NAN feels without the documents the Commission can't carry out its mandate.

Shipping Season To Close Mid January

The shipping season on the Lakehead  will be winding down next month.   Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says the locks in Sault Ste. Marie will be closing on January 15th as long as the weather cooperates. Heney says the season looks to be one of the best in over a decade with total cargo shipments expected to be up 3 per cent.

O.P.P. Officer Cleared In Red Lake Incident

The Province's police watchdog is clearing a Red Lake O.P.P. officer of any wrong-doing in the death of a 35 year old man last month. Ian Scott of the province's Special Investigations Unit said “There are no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the death. The S.I.U.’s investigation leads to only one reasonable conclusion: the decedent took his own life by means of a single bullet discharged from a rifle at close range. There was no police involvement in his unfortunate death.” The S.I.U. also concluded that at no time did police have any contact with the man who perished sometime between November 4th and 5th.

Possible Food Poisoning

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is looking into a suspected food poisoning incident.   A number of people have reported being sick after taking part in a number of catered events in the City this past week.  Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, and believe they may be connected to something you ate at a catered event, please contact the health unit.

Loonie Days Raises Almost 21 Thousand

The Disaster Relief Committee is pleased with its "Loonie Days" fundraiser.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says the final total for the Labour Day weekend fundraiser has come in at almost 21 thousand dollars.  The money raised came from a variety of stores who collected a dollar from customers who wanted to top off their bills.  The Committee is in charge of raising money for the May 28th flood victims who are not covered or have inadequate insurance.

Boshcoff On CNIB Board

A former MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River will be lending his expertise to a group that helps Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.  City Councillor Ken Boshcoff has been appointed the CNIB's Ontario-Nunavut Board of Directors.  Boschoff has commemorated the appointment by using Braille on his business cards.

No Double Jeopardy

There is no double jeopardy for former Confederation College Student Adam Leon. Thunder Bay judge threw out his lawyer's attempt today to say he could not be tried twice in connection with an incident in April 2009. That's when a Cessna was taken from the College's flight school and flown into the United States.  Leon spent two years in jail in the States in connection with the case.

Mac's Robber Sentenced

A 35 year old Thunder Bay man is going to prison for 3 years in connection wiith a 2010 Macs store robbery.   Court heard this morning that Gregory Esquiga held a knife to the throat of the clerk when he got away with 75 dollars 8 lottery tickets and cigarettes. His female companion was sentenced earlier to 2 years.

T.B. Hydro Applies For Rate Increase

Thunder Bay Hydro has applied for a rate increase to the Ontario Energy Board to hike power rates here in the city. Spokesperson Tim Wilson says the application process is by no means a rubber stamped procedure. Wilson says  changes will take affect May 1st, 2013 and for residential users, bills will increase by about 40 dollars a year while small commercial businesses will see their annual rate go up by almost 100 dollars.

R.I.D.E. Check Numbers

Ontario Provincial Police are out with the number of drivers who have been warned or charged for driving under the influence of alcohol this holiday season. So far, O.P.P. have issued 10 warnings and charged 24 drivers during their annual R.I.D.E. check programs here in the North West Region. Across the province, provincial police have issued more than 400 warnings and charged just under 450 people for drunk driving.

Handi Transit Goes In House 2014

City Council is approving the merger of handi transit services with Thunder Bay Transit.  Manager of HAGI Transit Brenda Deck was emotional when pleading to councillors last night to continue to allow HAGI to run the service.  Thunder Bay Transit will take over running the service in January 2014.

Maki Bay Solar Asks For Support

Maki Bay Solar is asking for City Council's support for their rooftop solar panel projects.  The business is looking for Municipal approval because the Ontario Power Authority requires it before they can implement their projects.  Maki Bay has a number of deals in line to place solar panels on a number of area business roof tops.

State Of The City Address

Thunder Bay's Mayor is proud of council's partnership with Fort William First Nation.  Keith Hobbs talked about the relationship between the two communities in his State of the City Address Monday night.  Hobbs hopes that one day there will be a unity bridge connecting Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay.  Other issues that popped up in the yearly address include the May 28th flood, and the City Lean cost saving program.

Christmas Cheer Fund Needs Help

Thunder Bay's Christmas Cheer needs your help. Spokesperson Linda Gambee says they are facing a 50-thousand dollar shortfall and a decline in food donations. You can donate food until Tuesday at 7 pm.  Cash donations can be made at the Christmas Cheer office at the CLE until Wednesday at 7.

Highway 11 Open

Highway 11 is now open to traffic after a motor vehicle collision Monday.  A transport truck was on its side blocking the highway.  Police believe there is only minor injuries for the people involved in the crash.  The accident happened 15 kilometers south of Beardmore.

Second Degree Murder Charge In Kenora

Two Kenora men are charged with second degree murder and arson after a fatal house fire over the weekend. 21 year old Langford Ogemah was found dead in the residence. 20 year old Peter Fisher and 22 year old Ringo Carpenter appeared in court for a bail hearing today. The North West Regions Crime unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigations Branch.

Nan Offers Condolences

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is offering its condolences to the family of former NAN Deputy Grand Chief Dan Kooses.  He passed away Sunday after battling a lengthy illness.  The former deputy was from Kashechewan First Nation and was one of the founders of Grand Council Treaty #9.

Border Cats Finalized Schedule

The Thunder Bay Border Cats kick off their 11th season in the Northwoods League Wednesday, May 29th, with a three game road trip beginning in Willmar against the Stingers. The Cats will play two games in Willmar and one in St. Cloud against the Rox before returning to Thunder Bay for their home opener on Saturday, June 1st, against Willmar .

Results Of Food Drive "Amazing"

Organizers of a weekend food drive are more than happy with the results.   Volker Kromm, of the Regional Food Distribution Association, says with the help of area police forces they they managed to collect 23 thousand dollars in food and 3 thousand dollars in cash in the Stuff A Cruiser event.  He calls it amazing  says it equals one of their top food drives during the year.  The food will be used to supply area food banks for the Christmas season.

Success Of Deer Hunt Can't Be Measured

The first ever controlled deer hunt in the city is now in the books. By-law enforcer Ron Bourret says it all appeared to go very well but says there is no way to find out how many deer were killed. He says early in the new year there will be a meeting of all the those involved to find out how success can be measured in the future. Bourret says there were very few complaints filed with the police and of those, all of them were settled easily.  

Johnson Favours City Transit

The issue of whether or not to renew the contract with HAGI Transit comes up for debate tonight at City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson is in favour of the move that will bring the handicapped transit service under the umbrella of Thunder Bay Transit. The HAGI Transit contract with the city officially runs out on December 13th of next year.

City To Host National Soccer Tourney

A major soccer event is headed to the city. Thunder Bay will host the 2013 Canadian Soccer Association National Championships for All-Star girls ages 15 and 16. It's the first major soccer tournament to be held in the city in a hundred years according to Chair Peter Augruso. He says six teams in each age group will compete for the national championship starting July 16th next year at Chapples Soccer Park and Fort William Stadium.

Police Chief Says Small Towns Not Immune

Dryden Police Chief Rob Davis says he is horrified by the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Davis says it just proves it can happen anywhere.   He says there's a perception that can't happen in a small town, but the world is changing and we have to be prepared for such situations. In the spring, the Dryden Police conducted a simulation-school shooting, where they practised how they would handle such a situation.

Superior-Greenstone Teachers To Walk

The latest group of public school teachers to join the list of rotating strikes across the province are those in Superior-Greenstone.   Colleen Lemieux of the elementary teachers union says they're holding a one day strike on Thursday to protest a government law that stops strikes, freezes wages and cut benefits.  Lemieux believes the teachers have the support of parents in the community.

Highway 11 Closed South Of Beardmore

Highway 11 is closed this morning approximately 15 kilometres South of Beardmore. O.P.P. say a transport truck is on its side completely blocking the highway. An ambulance is on the scene but O.P.P. say they believe only minor injuries have been sustained. Motorists are being urged to use Highway 17 as a detour.

Crimestoppers Crime Of The Week

Kenora OPP Investigate Death

Members of the Kenora Detachment of the OPP and the regional crime unit are investigating a suspicious death in Kenora. Police were called to the scene of a fire early yesterday morning where one man was found dead, despite minimal fire damage to the residence. The identity of the man will not be released until next of kin has been notified. Further information will be released as it becomes available.