Northern Lights Lake Tragedy

OPP are searching Northern Lights Lake for a missing boater who disappeared Thursday night.   They say he was a guide from the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais, Minnesota whose fishing boat hit something in the water and he and his female companion were thrown into the lake.  The woman was wearing a life jacket and swam back to shore, the man did not resurface.  

Public School Board Sets Goals

The Lakehead Public School Board is setting its goals for the school year. Director of Education Cathi Semineuk says staff are accountable for reaching this year's goals. Goals include increasing the graduation rate, as well as improving student marks in math, reading and writing.

Ring Of Fire Road Rejected

The provincial government is staying out of the private business dealings of the Ring of Fire mining development.  This week a government commission ruled against Cliffs Natural Resource's road proposal for the area, essentially ruling in favour of a rival company.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he'll let the two companies work things out. Gravelle says he's encouraged that Cliffs remains committed to the project.

Fire Department To Update Communication System

The City's Fire Department is looking at updating its communication system. They're considering hiring a consultant to help them with the job. Fire Chief John Hay says their current system is just too old. Hay says they want to find out what type of system works best for Thunder Bay.

Hyer Goes To Bat For Longlac

The decision by VIA Rail to close its train station in Longlac isn't sitting well with MP Bruce Hyer.   Hyer says he plans to bring up the the issue with the transport minister and explain to her that it would mean people would have to wait outdoors for a train.    He says it's not acceptable that someone should have to wait in minus 30 degree weather for a train that is often late.   Hyer says he's working closely with the mayor and council on the issue.

Gravelle Takes R of F Road Ruling In Stride

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he's glad that Cliffs Natural Resources remains committed to the Ring of Fire mining project. Gravelle's comments follow a government commission's ruling this week against Cliffs road proposal for the area.  He says the province isn't going away either and want to work with Cliffs and the other companies to move the project forward. Gravelle says he is also encouraged by this week's decision by the Matawa First Nation to drop its court challenges.

More Work On HWY 17

13 jobs and a million dollars will be spent on improving a stretch of Highway 17 near Marathon.  The Canadian Pacific Railway overhead on the TransCanada is being removed.  Once the rail line is removed, it will be replaced with an earth embankment.

New Day Record Store Hitting T.Bay

The vinyl record craze is upon Thunder Bay.  Local resident Will Rutledge is working on opening his new store "New Day Records" on St. Paul Street.  The store which is expected to open later in the fall will offer new vinyl album releases and the players and supplies that go with them.        
                                                 

OPP Search For Missing Boater

Ontario Provincial Police are continuing the search for a missing boater in Ear Falls.  Two men went out on the English River duck hunting in a boat on Wednesday night when both lost balance and fell into the water.   One man made it safe to shore but the other 22 year old didn't.

OPP Still Investigating In Fort

Fort Frances OPP say they continue to investigate a bomb threat at the Northern Lights Credit Union yesterday.  On Thursday, OPP were notified about a bag behind the bank with a threatening note attached. The note told staff to fill the bag with money, and if the instructions aren't followed then there would be consequences for other businesses or schools in the area.  Police placed a perimeter around the area, but it has now been lifted since they haven't received any more threats.

Road Closures Sunday

Attention motorists some area roads will be closed Sunday in preparation for the Terry Fox Run. From 1:45 until 4 pm, West Lyon Boulevard from Algoma Street to Arundel Street will be off limits.  From East Lyon to Rita Street will also be closed and Arundel Street's eastbound lane from West Lyon Boulevard to East Lyon Boulevard will be closed as well.

Tree Of Life Back For Another Year

The Linda Buchan Centre is teaming up with Shoppers Drug Mart to help raise money in support of women's health.  It's the 11th year for the Tree of Life campaign that runs for four weeks starting tomorrow. You can purchase a leaf for the tree for a dollar, a butterfly for 5, an acorn for 10 dollars or a cardinal for 50 dollars.

Human Rights Training Next Week

The Ontario Human Rights Commission will be in Thunder Bay next week.  The organization is holding a two day training session on September 23rd and 24th at the Italian Culture Centre.  Training will cover a variety of themes including anti-racism and anti-discrimination for cities, housing and gender based harassment.

LU Raises 13-Thousand For Law Students

Lakehead University's Alumni last night helped raise 13-thousand dollars for the Faculty of Law's charter class.  Spokesperson Deb Comuzzi says scholarships and bursaries for law school students go a long way. The money was raised during a gala for University Donors.

Sailors Saved

Three sailors are safe after being rescued from Lake Superior Thursday.  The US Coast Guard overheard the Mayday call and park rangers responded to the sailboat that had hit a rock near Isle Royale.  The sailboat was pumped of water and was able to make it on its own back to the shoreline.

PGA Event Expected

Thunder Bay is set to host a PGA Tour event.  An announcement is set to be made at the Whitewater Golf Club on Tuesday.   PGA golfers Cory Renfrew, Riley Wheeldon will be taking part in the announcement.

More Muskies In Kenora

The City of Kenora is looking to spruce up their downtown core.  The "Muskies On Main" project looks to place muskie sculptures in public spaces along the Harbourfront by next summer.  The group is currently looking to get enough money together for the project.

Bomb Threat At Fort Frances Credit Union

Provincial Police in Fort Frances have completed processing the scene where a bomb threat was made at the Northern Lights Credit Union. On Thursday, OPP were notified about a bag behind the bank with a threatening note attached.  The note told staff to fill the bag with money, and if the instructions aren't followed then there would be consequences for other businesses or schools in the area.  Police placed a perimeter around the area, but it has now been lifted.

Funny Money Man At Con College

Confederation College students are better prepared to deal with their finances after taking part in quick crash course.  Comedian and Financial Guru James Cunningham put on his "Funny Money" show today and says it's important to help students understand personal finance.  Cunningham says he got the idea to teach teens about their finances after several students approached him after he told jokes about being broke.

Stabbing Update

Police are probing another stabbing.  They say a woman suffering from a wound to the shoulder made it safely to the Mac's Store on May Street last night around 9 o'clock.  She was taken to the Health Sciences Centre and was expected to be released after treatment.  The incident took place on Cameron Street and police are looking for a 20 to 30 year old female suspect.

Johnson Back From Quebec

City Councillor Rebecca Johnson is back from Quebec.  Johnson and a local delegation presented at an international conference on "Age Friendly Communities".  Johnson says worldwide senior issues include transportation, housing and safety.  127 Countries were represented at the conference that was held earlier this week.

Survey Says...

The City wants to know what you think of Thunder Bay's downtown areas.  Our community is included in the Canadian Urban Institute's research survey.  It asks a number of questions including how the downtown areas are perceived, how much government funding is provided and what new features citizens would like to see in downtown areas.  A link to the survey can be found here.

2.7 Million Is Achievable

The United Way hopes to raise 2.7 million dollars this year.  Chair Walter Flasza says it's an achievable goal but it's still not enough money to help every organization in need.  Money raised will be shared with 29 local charity agencies.

Man Sentenced For Fatal Crash

A May 2012 crash involving a stolen vehicle has put a Thunder Bay man in jail for two years.  20-year Shane Kolody was sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death and two charges of theft.  Kolody was driving a stolen pickup truck when he collided with a car on Northern Avenue driven by 67-year old Martin John Amos.  Amos died at the scene.

School Alarm

There were no delays for classes this morning at St. Martin's School. City fire crews responded to the school on Mary Street just before 8 o'clock this morning to a report of a strong smell of chlorine coming from an area of the building.  It turned out to be only a leaky battery from a computer.

Vermillion Bay Woman Succumbs To Injuries

The Vermillion Bay woman whose vehicle collided with two horses on Highway 17 near Dryden has passed away from her injuries.  The 38 year old was sent on the weekend to Thunder Bay hospital for treatment but OPP say she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday night.

New Laker Loading Grain In T.Bay

The first newly built Canadian Laker is expected to load grain tomorrow morning at the Viterra A elevator. The ship is arriving in our local port this afternoon.  The MV Baie St. Paul is the first new built ship for seaway use in 27 years.

Police Property Auction Thursday

Thunder Bay Police are auctioning off unclaimed property Thursday night.  2 large screen tvs, a chainsaw, a motorized golf cart, and 125 bikes are up for grabs.  The event kicks off at 6:30 at the police station on Balmoral.

New Fees For Cancer Patients

New fees for some cancer patients in northwestern Ontario next month. The Canadian Cancer Society is implementing a 100-dollar one-time registration fee for patients who use its transportation services.  Regional Director Barbara Spencer says not all patients will be impacted. Spencer says the fees are necessary to offset the rising costs of the program and increased demand.

Orzietti Says NDP Misleading North

The Minister of Natural Resources says the NDP is misleading Northerners on MNR transformation. Minister David Orazietti is responding to a recent media release from an NDP member that MNR internal reorganization will hurt Northern Ontario by downsizing staff.  He notes the province returned 40-million dollars to the MNR base funding.  He notes that during the 1990's the NDP government hacked more than 107-million dollars from the MNR budget and 23-projects and offices were closed across the province.

City Hoping LU Will Visit Jiaozou

The City is hoping a delegation from Lakehead University will stop by our sister city Jiaozou when it pays a visit to China this fall.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto was part of a delegation that took a trip recently and says there's an opportunity for Confederation College and Lakehead University to partner with that City's University. Ruberto adds the two communities share a strong mining industry and the City will be exploring partnerships in that area as well.

Plane Crash In Kenora

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a plane crash in the Kenora area.  Police say the Osprey Float plane went down in Black Sturgeon Lake around 4:30 Tuesday afternoon.  Witnesses say the pilot was practicing touch and go takeoffs and landings, but ended up losing control of the aircraft and made contact with the water.  The OPP say the pilot sustained minor injuries and the plane received some damage.

Fire Hall Construction Underway

Work is  underway to build a new fire hall on West Frederica Street to replace the  Brown Street station.   Fire Chief John Hay says when it's complete the area will be better served with six minute response times. Today's groundbreaking for the Westfort firehall also signalled the start of construction on a new Neebing station.  

Kemp Back At Christmas Cheer

The board of the Christmas Cheer  campaign is reaching back into the past for its new chair.   Joleene Kemp was elected on Monday to head this year's campaign following Linda Gambee's resignation last week.

Cliffs Is Optimistic

With one roadblock now removed, Cliffs Natural Resources is looking forward to continuing its quest to open a chromite mine in the Ring of Fire mining development.   Company spokesperson Jason Aagenes says with the Matawa First Nations dropping its environmental legal challenges there is more room for optimism. The company says it still has some land issues to settle and environmental approval from the provincial government.

Bedbug Rumours Quashed

A health official says there's no truth to the urban legend making the social media rounds that bedbugs have been found at Silver City.   According to public health inspector Etrick Blackburn , the movie theatre complex has been inspected.  He says the company is working with a licenced pest control operator to make sure everything is pest free.  Meantime Blackburn also says that the apartment building on Court Street in the news this week that's been invaded by bedbugs, is not the only  apartment complex in the city hit with an infestation.

Matawa Pulls Out Of Judicial Review Too

First it was Marten Falls First Nation, now it's the entire Matawa First Nations that has decided to end it's court review of Cliff's Natural Resources Chromite Project.  The case was set to be heard by the Federal Court in mid-September.  The organization says they never wanted a judge to decide their future.

T.Bay Man Charged In Rainy River Area

A Thunder Bay man is in trouble with the law after Fort Frances OPP stopped him on Highway 11 in Couchiching First Nation.  Police learned that he was travelling to the Rainy River District to sell drugs and seized 126 grams of marihuana and drug paraphernalia.   He's charged with trafficking, possession of drugs, and possession of a prohibited weapon when police seized a butterfly knife.

Collision On Highway 11/17

OPP are charging a 22 year old with following too closely after a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11/17 this morning.  The driver of a south bound vehicle struck another that was stopped at a traffic light.   The southbound vehicle sustained heavy front end damage.

Children's Aid Talked About At Q.P.

The opposition parties are bringing up recent funding cuts to the Children's Aid Society across the Province and in Thunder Bay.  Minister Children and Youth Services Teresa Piruzza defended her party and says there haven't been any cuts.  Piruzza says the funding formula was based on historical figures but now it will be based on community factors.

Marten Falls Withdraws From Court Review

Marten Falls First Nation is withdrawing from the Matawa Tribal Council's court review of the Cliffs Chorimite Project.  The community officially withdrew from the review on August 27th.  A community official says the project could be a tremendous opportunity for first nation communities.  The community says it's looking forward to working with the business to create a community based environmental assessment.

Pickle Lake Get Fed $

Federal funding for the Township of Pickle Lake. Minister of State for FedNor Greg Rickford announced nearly 300-thousand dollars in funding during a stop in Pickle Lake this morning. 242-thousand dollars will help the community replace an existing line to the local water tower, ensuring the community has access to clean and safe drinking water. The rest of the money will help Pickle Lake increase its bandwidth service to 100-megabytes per second. Rickford says the work will result in faster, more secure and reliable broadband services.

Energy Retailer Issues Raised At Queen's Park

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is declaring war on door to door energy retailers.  Campbell brought the issue up during Question Period and asked the Provincial Government to take action against companies that sign residents up for higher electricity rates.  The Minister of Consumer Services says she's been in discussions on how they can better inform the public about what they are purchasing when they sign a contract with the retailer.

Driver Died Of Natural Causes

An autopsy has confirmed that Vermilion Bay stock car driver Bill Reimer died of natural causes. Provincial Police were called to the Emo Speedway around 8 o'clock last Saturday night. Police say Reimer was pronounced dead after his race car left the travelled portion of the raceway. No other details are being released.

No Booze For CLE?

A city council member of the CLE board of directors thinks it may be time to rethink having alcohol available during board meeting nights.   Speaking on Giant Mornings with John Ongaro, Ken Boshcoff reaffirmed his stand that alcohol is not served during actual meetings, but admitted, there's merit to discussing removing it altogether.  He says in changing times it's something that should be considered and he was planning on raising it.

Quiet Hiring Climate Expected

It doesn't look like the coming months will be good for job seekers in Thunder Bay.   In the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey local employers felt it was going to be a slow fourth quarter of 2013.  10 percent of employers plan to hire, while 13 percent expect to make cutbacks.  Another 73 percent plan to maintain their current staffing levels and only four percent are unsure of their hiring intentions.

Welcome Path Video Launched

Thunder Bay's Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force is launching a new video they created to welcome first nation students from the far north to the City.  The orientation video entitled "Welcome Path" was created after consulting over 250 youth.  The video was created with the hopes of addressing and alleviating some of the students anxiety being in a new place away from home.

Council Speaks About CLE Issues

The City is going to review the fine print in its lease agreement with the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition.  The decision comes after Council was briefed on the recent controversy surrounding the CLE's Board of Directors. Councillor Ken Boshcoff who sits on the CLE Board says he's never seen anyone drink in the Cardinal room or during a board meeting.  However, he doesn't rule out people drinking after the meeting.Boshcoff says it's legal for members to drink after the meeting in a bar that is paid for by the general revenue of the CLE Board.

New Green Space Project Underway

The City is getting ready to start work on a new green space project this fall.  The property is located at the corner of Memorial, Beverly and High Street.  Part of the project is being funded through a grant and the rest will be covered by the City.

Approval For New Laptops

The City is approving the purchase of a new Panasonic laptops and tablets for City Police.  Council gave its approval Monday night.  The cost of the new technology is over 95-thousand dollars.