More Crack Cocaine Seized In City

A 27 year old Toronto man is charged with trafficking crack cocaine after police seized 97 thousand dollars worth of the drug.  They searched an Academy Drive apartment yesterday and found 324 grams of crack and almost 2-thousand dollars in cash.   The man is also charged with proceeds of crime under 5-thousand dollars and breach of probation.

MNR Fire Contracts Extended

Contracts have been extended for Ministry of Natural Resources seasonal fire fighting staff.  The MNR is keeping its staff on until the middle of September.  Fire information officer, Debbie McLean says the unseasonably warm weather is credited with the extensions.  There are currently 26-active fires in the northwest region.

Minor Incident At Jail

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is investigating an incident at the Thunder Bay District Jail.  Spokesperson Brent Ross says there's not much he can say about the Monday afternoon event.  Ross says the Ministry isn't releasing any details about the health and safety of inmates or staff because the matter is under investigation. Ross says the minor incident was resolved quickly.

Labour Peace At School Board

There will be continued labour peace for Lakehead District School Board and its staff for the upcoming school year.  The board held a special meeting last night and approved a recommendation between the Ministry of Education and staff unions on a number of mandatory items in their benefits package.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says it shows they value their staff.   School starts for all public school students on September 4th.

Costly Living In NWO

It costs almost 5-thousand dollars more to live in northwestern Ontario than in Manitoba.  That's the findings of a new report from the Province of Manitoba.  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Dave Canfield says he's not surprised the cost of electricity, home heating and insurance is so much cheaper in Manitoba.  The study found that a utility bundle in Manitoba costs 27-hundred dollars compared to 76-hundred in Ontario.  

Auto Insurance Break Coming

A break on auto-insurance premiums is coming to Northwestern Ontario, eventually.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she's happy the Liberals have finally got the ball rolling.  Campbell says people should expect a reduction of 100-dollars by next August, and then 200-dollars once the whole 15-percent reduction is complete.

Grassy Narrows Assault

Provincial Police are assisting Treaty Three Police in investigating an assault in the Grassy Narrows First Nation.  Police were called to a home Monday and upon arrival noticed two men who had injuries.  One of the men was taken to hospital and released, while the other was sent to a Thunder Bay hospital.  Meantime, police have charged 32-year-old Everette Brown of no fixed address with two counts of aggravated assault.

Spence Reportedly Re-Elected

Chief Theresa Spence is reported to have been re-elected to a second three-year team as chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northwestern Ontario.  A final vote count could be made public today.  Spence made headlines last winter by going on a liquid diet for six weeks as she demanded a meeting with the prime minister to discuss treaty rights.

Scattered Swimming Advisories At Local Beaches

It's a mixed bag of news for local swimmers.  The Health Unit is lifting the swimming advisory for Boulevard Lake's Sunny Side beach.  However, swimming advisories are now posted at the main beach at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park.  Swimming advisories are just a precaution and don't prevent people from swimming.

Done Deal

There will be continued labour peace for Lakehead District School Board and its teachers for the upcoming school year.  The board has approved a recommendation between the Ministry of Education and the teachers union on a number of mandatory items to their benefits package.

Drainage Program Extended

The City's drainage rebate program is being offered for a longer period of time.  EcoSuperior offers the program for the City and Spokesperson Jamie Saunders says its for any homeowners who want to install flood prevention measures. So far 250 applications have come into EcoSuperior.

Chippewa Moose Found Dead

The City is investigating the unexpected death of a seven year old bull moose at the Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit.  The animal died overnight Monday but was discovered by staff early this morning.  A vet conducted a post-mortem exam on the moose today, but final results are not yet available.  Earlier this summer, a vet determined the moose had worms, a common condition among moose in captivity.  The City says the moose was given ample food and water, and was kept cool via shelter and a sprinkler system.

Library On The Move

The County Park Library is looking for a new location in the surrounding neighbourhood.  The Library Board hasn't been able to agree on a new lease agreement with the owner's of the County Fair Mall and the lease expires October 31st.  Spokesperson Tina Tucker says they have a new site in mind and until they can secure the spot they hope the mall will allow them to go on a month by month agreement.

Police Welcome Stun Gun News

The Thunder Bay Police Service is welcoming the news from the province, that front line officers will now be allowed to carry stun guns.   Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's an idea they have always supported.  However Adams says it could take up to two years to impliment. 

Serbian Men Charged With Trafficking Oxy

Thunder Bay Police are reporting the seizure of 659-thousand dollars in Oxycodone.  Police have charged two Serbian nationals in connection to the drug trafficking investigation.  Over 3-thousand pills were taken from a Memorial Avenue motel room.  Two men in their 70s are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and proceeds of crime. 

Teens Get Hands On Experience

Over a dozen aboriginal youth have a better idea of what it takes to start their own business.  The teens took part in a training program at the Northwest Innovation Centre this summer. Spokesperson Melissa McClement says some of the youth even started their own businesses.  Other businesses included a community radio station, and film production company.

Dryden Manager Post Filled...For Now

The City of Dryden has found a replacement for outgoing Airport Manager George Friesen. Long time employee Norm Sanders has been appointed Acting Airport Manager and is now in control. The Airport will be included in a comprehensive review of all city services and officials say decisions with regard to management at the Airport will be dealt with after the review.  Friesen announced his resignation last month.

Busy Night For City Police

City Police were kept busy Monday night.  Officers responded to a call of an unwanted person outside a North Cumberland Street residence which led to a male being pepper sprayed.  He's been charged with assaulting a police officer and breach of probation.  The officer was not injured during the arrest.  Meanwhile, Police are investigating a rash of tires being slashed in the Limbrick Place area.  At least 13 vehicles were targeted overnight.

Pet Issue On Hold

The City is waiting for councillor Aldo Roberto to come back from China before they go for a final vote on his request looking into the number of pets people can own.  The issue was to come up for a final vote Monday but was put off until Roberto is back so he can speak on the issue.  Several weeks ago Ruberto's fellow councillors shot down his request, it will come back for a final vote on September 9th.

Two Properties On Heritage Register

The City is adding two properties to the Heritage Register.  They've approved Windrose House on Ridegway Street East and the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

Fair Trade Takes Time

It's going to take some time before Thunder Bay becomes a "Fair Trade City".  Council is asking the "Food Strategy" committee to look into what the City needs to do to get the fair trade title.   One of the conditions would include purchasing and using free trade products.

TCP Officials Talk East-West Pipeline

Pipeline Officials

Trans Canada Pipeline is kicking off a series of consultations in Northwestern Ontario.  The public information session's on the Energy East Pipeline project will be held in Kenora, Vermillion Bay, Dryden, Ignace and ending in Thunder Bay on September 24th.  Officials with the project spoke to City Council Monday night and updated them on the status of the proposed project that would see Alberta's oil to the East Coast.

Buliding Permits On Par With Last Year

Construction in the City is on par with previous years.  That's the report from Chief Building Official Des Stolz who says as of the end of June they issued 731 building permits worth 134 million dollars in construction.  Stolz says future permits this year include a new maintenance garage on Front Street, a new restaurant on Arthur Street and the remainder of the new Industrial Centre on Waterloo Street.

Council Allows Hair Salon Building Change

City Council is giving the go ahead to a property owner who wants to turn a hair salon into an apartment.  The salon on Junot Avenue has been operating since the 80's and shares the building with two existing apartments.  Council gave their approval for the change in use of the building at its meeting Monday night.

NAN Mourns Gabriel Echum

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the loss of Long Lake First Nation Councillor Gabriel Echum.  Gabriel was the husband of the band's Chief Celia Echum.  He passed away suddenly Monday morning.

Another Specialist Shortage At TBRHSC

The search is on for more pathologists at the Health Science's Centre.   A hospital official confirms a report that there is a shortage of four pathologists at the facility and that only one replacement has been found so far with another on the way next month.  Its forcing some lab testing to be sent outside the city.

Small Fire At Villa St. Home

Careless smoking appears to be the cause of a small fire on Villa Street this afternoon.  Thunder Bay Fire Investigators are being called in to look into the exact cause.  A fire official says it looks like a cigarette was discarded in the home's basement.

Ribfest Another Hit

After another successful Ribfest a north side business official is hoping the momentum can live on.  Jim Comuzzi of the Waterfront Business Improvement Association believes it has the potential to become a part of the north downtown culture, like the street fair in Westfort or the annual fair in Murillo.  Comuzzi estimates there were upwards of 27 thousand people who attended the weekend festival that focused on the eating of barbecued ribs.

Prisoner Still On The Lam

 Police in northwestern Ontario are continuing the search for a prisoner who escaped from custody a week ago. They say 53 year old Harvey Smith of the White Dog First Nation escaped custody while being moved from the Kenora Court House.   Smith is now charged with escaping from custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for him.

Moving To Montana Soon

Widespread rain on Saturday has helped put a damper on the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario. That has allowed the Ministry of Natural Resources to lend a helping hand to crews in Montana. A total of 109 staff from across the province are expected to spend 19-days in Montana battling wildfires. A large group left the Dryden Regional Airport this morning. The forest fire hazard is low across the northwest region, with 20-active fires burning.

Collisions Blamed On Alcohol

A couple of weekend traffic mishaps are being attributed to too much alcohol.    Police say one was between a car and a minivan at Fort William Road and Main Street on Saturday.   The drivers of both vehicles were hurt but not seriously. The car driver is charged with drunk driving and for possession of marijuana.   Then in the early hours of yesterday a pick up truck smashed into a hydro pole in Oliver Paipoonge.  Only minor injuries for both the occupants and the twenty year old driver is charged.

TSN Broadcasts From NWO

It was a live broadcast of TSN Sportscentre that drew many to the Marina. In an address to the crowd, co-anchor Darren Dutchyshyn expressed his amazement of the town's beauty. During the show, co-anchor Jennifer Hedger remarked about the weather, admitting she made a series miscalculation in expecting much cooler weather.  The show included a feature on the 1952 Canadians Allan Cup winning team, a top ten centered around former resident and NHLer Duncan Keith, and a few notes about Fort Frances as a community. International Falls was also mentioned for being the backdrop  for "Frostbite Falls" in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

Pet Issue Coming Back

City councillor Aldo Roberto isn't giving up just yet on reviving his request for a limit on the number of pets you can own. The issue comes up for a vote again at City Council tonight .   Two weeks ago the proposal was shot down by Ruberto's fellow councillors, but comes up for a confirming second vote this evening.

Grassy Narrows Says No More Logging

The Grassy Narrows First Nations says its still waiting to hear from the provincial government about its demand not to issue any more logging permits for the Whiskey Jack Forest. A number of human rights, environmental and labor groups wrote a letter back in June, but say they still haven't heard back from Premier Kathleen Wynne. There has been a blockade at Grassy preventing any new logging activity for the past 10 years, but the community is looking for a commitment from the province to respect their wishes.

Van Danger

Rainy River OPP are warning parents about a report of a man driving a brown mini-van approaching young girls and asking them to come into the van. In the Atikokan situation the girls went inside their home and told their parent. Since that report, police have learned of a Facebook post that alerts the public of the incident but has made reference to a similar incident occurring in Thunder Bay. OPP can confirm that similar incidents have not been reported to either Thunder Bay Police Force.

Beyak Stands Behind Senate

Despite the scandals facing the Senate, Dryden's Lynn Beyak is standing behind it. Beyak was appointed to the Senate in January, and says she loves being a part of it. In regards to the prorogation of Parliament, which has yet to be confirmed, Beyak says it allows them to look at legislation which is currently on the books and make the right decision.

Running Event A Hit

The first annual Run Or Dye charity fun run is in the books. Hundreds of runners turned out at Boulevard Lake yesterday to take part and raise money for the Children's Centre Foundation.  The run gets its name from the powdered dye that gets dumped on participants prior to the run.

Ranger Program Wanted Back

Former members of the province's Ontario Ranger program will gather tomorrow as part of a lobby effort to bring back the program. The province axed its camps last fall.Spokesperson Emily Kerton says a rally today in Huntsville is being held to generate more public support. Kerton says they'll hoping to gain a meeting with government to discuss ways of bringing back the program.

CBSA Seizes Firearms

Canada Border Service Agents are reporting the seizure of six firearms at the Pigeon River and Fort Frances Border crossings.  The CBSA picked up four loaded handguns, two cannisters of pepper spray, a .38 semi-automatic and a loaded .38 revolver in three separate seizures last week.  The Americans were fined and charged.

Head On Collision Charges Pending

OPP are investigating the cause of a head-on collision between two vehicles on Highway 17 on Wednesday.  The accident happened in a construction zone 17 kilometres east of Terrace Bay.  The highway was closed for two hours and a man was sent to Thunder Bay hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Charges are pending.

TCP To Speak To Council

TransCanada Pipelines is going to speak to City Council on Monday about their proposed Energy East Pipeline project.  The project that is meant to bring Alberta's crude oil to the east coast doesn't directly go through the City but they still feel they should consult the community.  TransCanada Pipelines will also be holding an open house for area residents in September.

Chatty Drivers Caught

City Police teamed up with CN & CP Rail Police to spot chatty drivers using their cellphones while behind the wheel.  The rail police dressed as maintenance workers were posted at one end of the bridge while the uniformed officers were at the other to hand out tickets.  Six cell phone tickets, twelve seat belt infractions and a variety of other charges totaling 37 tickets were handed out in a three hour blitz yesterday.

Changes For Local Hair Salon Space?

The City is going to be clearing up some property and planning issues at it's Monday night meeting.  Staff are recommending changing a hair salon on the east side of Junot Avenue South into an apartment.  The building already houses two apartments with a parking area.

T.Bay Inflation Rate Up

Thunder Bay's inflation rate is on the rise.  Statistics Canada is reporting the City saw it jump from 1.2 percent in June to 1.6 percent in July.  Meanwhile, the national inflation rate edged up one-tenth of a point to 1.3 percent last month.

Rally For Ranger Program

Former members of the province's Ontario Ranger program will gather tomorrow as part of a lobby effort to bring back the program.  The province axed its camps last fall.  Spokesperson Emily Kerton says a rally tomorrow in Huntsville is being held to generate more public support.  Kerton says they'll hoping to gain a meeting with government to discuss ways of bringing back the program.

300 Kenora Residents Without Power

Day three without electricity for about 300 Hydro One customers in the Kenora area.  Hydro One says its hoping to restore power by 4:00 this afternoon.  A vicious thunderstorm which blew through the area Tuesday night is responsible for the outage.

MNR Reports More Fires

Lightning caused fires continue to crop up across northwestern Ontario.  Four new forest fires were reported yesterday.  So far this week, there have been 17 fires reported across the region.

Weldon Hopes To Return Home Soon

A setback for Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon following an accident in Matane, Quebec.  Weldon is in hospital after being involved in a collision with a vehicle while training for the 2013 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup Finals.  Her pilot was also injured in the accident.  Cycling Canada says both are doing o-k, but have mulitple fractures.  Weldon hopes to return home this weekend despite suffering a concussion.       

Search Still On

The search is on for a prisoner who has escaped from the lock-up at the Kenora Court House.  The Ontario Provincial Police say 53-year-old Harvey Smith managed to escape custody just after 11:00 yesterday morning.  Constable Bob Bernie says there's a large search taking place.  Smith is described as being six feet tall, wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, glasses and blue and white jail issued shoes.

Date Set For Moonias Inquest

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man will be held October 21st.  Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.  The inquest is expected to last three weeks and will hear from 22 witnesses.

Ribfest Is Here

Ribfest is back for its second year and will be taking up space on Court Street and Park Avenue this weekend.  The Waterfront District BIA event will feature four out of town ribbers as well as a local "best rib" competition.  Money raised from the beer tent sales will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.