Shaw allowed to keep broadcasting

City council has decided to continue the status quo when it comes to a televised black out of their meetings.  The resolution was brought forward by Councillor Robert Tuchenhagen who feels the Shaw broadcasts provide an advantage to Incumbants.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga feels Tuchenhagen is using the resolution to his advantage.  Councillor Larry Hebert voted against the resolution citing they can't ban other media from covering the council meetings leading up to the election.

OPSEU rallies at City Hall

Striking Northern Ontario School of Medicine employees rallied at Thunder Bay's City Hall Monday night.  Members of the OPSEU union took to the streets holding signs asking the school's dean to get back to the bargaining table.  The union is still waiting for a response from the Management Team for scheduled dates to return to the bargaining table.

City signs Declaration of Commitment with area Aboriginals

The City of Thunder Bay has signed a declaration of commitment with urban Aboriginal people. The City's Aboriginal Liaison Anna Gibbon says its a very important step for future relationships between the city and aboriginals. Mayor Lynn Peterson says aboriginals in Thunder Bay have very diverse cultures and needs and a unique and understanding solution is needed to help them become a bigger part of the community.

Police hand out second murder charge in Bearskin Lake

A second murder charge has been handed out in connection to a death in Bearskin Lake First Nation. Niel Fiddler was murdered and another young man was taken to hospital following an incident August 14th. A second 15 year old boy has been arrested and is charged with 2nd degree murder and attempted murder.

Police looking for missing teen and find missing man

City Police are on the look out for a missing teen. 15 year old Daniel Pelletier reportedly said he was going to leave with the fair and was last seen at the CLE August 16th. Pelletier is 6 foot 4 and around 240 pounds.

Meanwhile Thunder Bay Police have found a man missing since the end of July. Darren Sabbe was found at a house on the North Side Saturday safe and sound. He was last seen July 28th.

Take a Hike hitting the road to new location

A local outdoor outfitter is relocating. Take a Hike is gearing up to move from its current location in downtown Fort William to a new bigger location in the Bay and Algoma business community. Owner Diane Petryna says she's excited for the move.

Cat overflow at Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society has over 130 cats currently and has simply run out of room.


Board of Directors Secretary Judy Decicco says to make some space the adoption fee will be waived for any cat that has been at the humane society for over six months. This leaves only the vet fee of 100 dollars.

Decicco says responsible pet ownership is the only long term solution and encourages pet owners to have their pet spayed or neutered.

15 thousand dollars given to Alzheimer Society

The 2009 Ischkinakker Shaker has raised 15 thousand dollars for the Alzheimer Society.  The youth driven fundraiser was created by Katie Ischkin and Johnny DeBakker.  Executive Director Alison Denton says she's grateful for the contribution.  The 2010 event will support the Justice B Lester foundation.

Police arrest man who made threats on a bus

Police have a 68 year old man in custody after a disturbance on a city bus this morning. Police say the man had to be taken off the bus at the City Hall terminal after the driver and passengers became offended by some of his remarks and vague threats. No one was injured. Police say the man is familiar to them and that alcohol was involved.

Bentley pays a second visit to Thunder Bay

The provincial government is supporting Northwestern Ontario's aboriginal and metis victims.  The Ontario Native Women's Association has developed workshops designed to foster healthy relationships.  Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says they've adopted a "for us by us" strategy.  Another first nations group is offering a healing arts program designed to remember those first nation women who are missing.

Parking rate increases proposed

Parking rates could be on the rise...but relax, it won't be right away. Parking Authority Manager James Coady says a report to council Monday, recommends it, but says it won't happen until there can be discussions with the businesses that would be affected. That includes the Harbour B.I.A., the Victoria Ave. B.I.A., the Simpson St. B.I.A., the Westfort Merchant Association, and the Bay/Secord Merchant Association. It would then be brought before councillors at budget time. As well councillors will hear that it'll cost about 2.2 million dollars to aquire lands around the new courthouse building in the south core to accommodate parking demand.

Waverley Park bandshell may become history

Plans are in the works to have the bandshell at Waverley Park replaced. The organization called Coalition for Waverley Park says the stage that's there now is old and has served it's purpose. They are proposing a smaller stage and are working with city officials to put together a plan that can be presented to city council.

Solar forest project axed

A planned solar power project for the Bay and Algoma area is dead in the water. The group wanted to erect a series of solar panels at that intersection. They say that changes by the province on the rules that govern such projects, forced them to axe it. The group wanted to run the venture along with the Finlandia Club.

Fundraiser for local soup kitchen

Thunder Bay's Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen is holding a big fundraising yard sale Friday and Saturday.   Director Terri Favreau says the proceeds will be used to help fund the facility.  The goal is to raise 10 thousand dollars.  The fundraiser takes place from 4 until 9 Friday and from 8 am until 2 pm Saturday.

Human remains found near Ignace

A grisley find along the Trans Canada Highway east Ignace. OPP say some human remains were discovered this week. Forensic experts with the police are investigating. OPP say they can't release more information right now until they investigate further

Former local man and son die in crash

A former Thunder Bay father of three, who died along with his son while in Iowa,  is remembered as a talented, dedicated music teacher. 45 year old Kenneth Payetta and his 5 year old Ashton died on the weekend in a three-vehicle collision near Des Moines.

No talks set in NOSM dispute

Efforts to start up contract talks in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine strike remain in limbo. Union spokesperson Tyler England says they're still waiting for word from school administration to get back to the table. Reports indicated the school is ready to return to bargaining and officials are simply trying to reach the mediator.

Art Gallery to ship out Beam painting

A little bit of Thunder Bay is heading to Ottawa next week. One of the Art Gallery's permanent works of art is being sent to the National Gallery on Monday. Alastair MacKay says its a painting by Carl Beam which will be part of a travelling exhibit. He says the National Gallery is collecting works by the Aboriginal artist and have requested that the local gallery send them one from their collection called Exorcism. MacKay says the national tour will be stopping in Thunder Bay in about two years or so.

Transit talks last all of 5 minutes

A transit strike in Thunder Bay is one step closer. It comes with the breakdown of contract talks between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the city. Union boss Charlie Brown says the meeting lasted all of 5 minutes today. He says when the city came in and refused to change it's position both sides agreed there was no use in continuing the talks. The union members will be in a legal strike position 17 days after the conciliator hands down her report.

Charges laid in connection with fatal collision

Thunder Bay OPP have laid a charge in connection to a fatal collision on the expressway. A transport truck collided with a jogger March 1st killing a woman who was crossing the intersection. Police have charged a 45 year old Red Rock man with failing to stop at an Amber light and he will appear in court in September.