Another teen goes missing

There's another missing teen in the city.   Police say 14 year old Miranda Ritchie was last seen Sunday when she was dropped off at Churchill Pool.  They say she contacted her guardian later that night saying she wouldn't be coming home.

Brown seeks all avenues to save AFP

The province says there's simply no wood to give but that isn't deterring Atikokan from finding resources that would help re-open the idled Atikokan Forest Products mill. Mayor Dennis Brown says it includes talking with AbitibiBowater.  He says there used to be an arrangement with the company for supplying wood chips, and hopes it's an arrangement which can be resurrected. Brown says he plans to meet with the potential buyers of the Sapawe mill in the near future to discuss other options.

Addiction issues dominate AFN gathering

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is back from the Assembly of First Nations Conference hopeful there's a start to address native drug abuse. Collins says that seemed to be a prevailing topic at the conference. As evidence Collins pointed to the killing of a 5 year old boy on a reserve in Alberta, a death he says was related to drugs and drug addiction. The conference is being held in Moncton, New Brunswick

Industrial accident results in police charges

The Ministry of Labour and the OPP are continuing to probe  the circumstances surrounding an  incident on the Trans Canada Highway east of Shabaqua Corners.   Police say it involved a loaded log truck pulling down some wires on a construction worker.    The truck driver is charged with height and load violations.

Evacuated residents set to return

Deer Lake residents are expected to begin returning home today after being evacuated last week due to area forest fires. Sandy Lake, Cat Lake, North Spirit Lake, Kee-way-win and Koocheching remain on evacuation alert and continue to monitor the situation.  There were four new fires in the Northwest Region reported last night, with two in the Kenora District, one in the Red Lake District and one in the Sioux Lookout District.

New Chief Sworn in

After 24 years of policing JP Levesque has taken the top job with Thunder Bay Police.  Levesque was officially sworn in as Chief this morning and says he looks forward to getting to work and will start by doing some consultation with members of the force.  Levesque says he has some ideas on how to change the way policing is done in Thunder Bay wants feedback from his officers.  The 47 year old has spent his entire career in the city and has held almost every position within the force.

No nukes for Lac Seul

Lac Seul says it will not support any nuclear waste initiatives by regional municipalities within First Nation territory. Several communities including Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Ear Falls have been exploring the possibility of becoming a host repository site. Chief Clifford Bull says Lac Seul doesn't want to create an impossible problem for future generations to struggle with. Bull says they don't want to consult with municipalities on the issue, noting they are strongly opposed to the idea. Bull adds that Grand Council Treaty 3 and the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation are both on his side.

Police issue plea for driver and witnesses

Thunder Bay police are looking to speak to  the driver of a vehicle that may have been involved in a chain reaction accident on May Street yesterday.  They say it took place at the intersection of George Street.  There were only minor injuries.  Police also are asking any witnesses to the accident to contact them.

Missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing 14 year old Thunder Bay girl.  Kelsey Loon has been missing since June 28th.  Loon has a history of running away and her guardian is concerned for her welfare. Loon was last seen by her guardian in the Blucher Avenue Area.

Sharp lets his agent do the talking

There's still lots of talk about Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp getting a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, but he wouldn't say if they're close to reaching a deal or not.  He says it's just a matter of time before the issue sorts itself out adding, "that's why we have agents". Sharp still has one year left on his contract with the Hawks.

Taylor Pyatt hopes for drama free season

It's at least another year with the Phoenix Coyotes for Thunder Bay's Taylor Pyatt. Pyatt hopes the coming season is free from last year's drama when there was so much talk about the team moving to Winnipeg.  He admits it was a "little bit" of a distraction close to playoff time.  Overall, Pyatt says he's happy to be back with the team.

Marc Staal stoked about Brad Richards signing

Marc Staal believes his New York Rangers are in a good position heading into the new season having just acquired the top free agent on the market. Staal says getting Brad Richards is a big acquisition and that his leadership and talent on the ice will be huge for the team.

Eric Staal looks forward to playing the Jets

Thunder Bay hockey fans will get added chances to see Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes this season now that the Winnipeg Jets are back in the NHL. Staal says he's looking forward to playing them since they'll be in the same division.   He admits it's a long way for the team to travel, but that it'll be "pretty neat" to be that close to Thunder Bay.

Tom Pyatt to make the best of short term deal

Thunder Bay's Tom Pyatt is adjusting to life as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pyatt recently signed a one year deal with the Bolts and admits such a short term contract creates some uncertainty, however he says he'll use it as an opportunity to show the team what he can do.   Pyatt adds he's looking forward to the change.

Whiskey Jack Forest Audit Released

An audit of the Whiskey Jack Forest is painting a disturbing picture of a forest in decline. Environmental group Earthroots says the report backs up Grassy Narrows' First Nation's claims of mismanagement. Spokesperson David Sone says the audit team found significant issues with the management of the forest. The Whiskey Jack audit is one of only two the province released without action plans to meet the recommendations.

Emo man charged with child porn

A 39-year-old Emo man is in custody awaiting a July 18th court appearance following an OPP investigation. Officers started with the investigation of a breach of court order against the accused.  Police searched the man's home and seized computers, gaming equipment, a hard drive, memory cards, data recording devices and voice recording devices. OPP say John Paul Muzyka faces counts of possession of child pornography, careless storage of a firearm and failing to comply with a court order.

2 work orders issued after accident

The Ministry of Labour has issued 2-orders against a Southern Ontario company following yesterday's industrial mishap on the Noden Causeway, east of Fort Frances. A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital with leg injuries after the 65-tonne crane tumbled over. The Ministry has halted work in the area until investigators can complete their work. Con-create of Bolton, Ontario has also been instructed not to move the crane, but ensure it's stable.

B.C. lends a helping hand

The Ministry of Natural Resources is getting badly needed help in its fight against 89-raging forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.  100-firefighters from British Columbia are set to arrive today to help local crews. Quebec has also provided 2-water bombers and a Bird dog aircraft. There were 2-new fires reported yesterday; 1-in the Red Lake District and 2-in Thunder Bay.

New Chief of Police announced

Thunder Bay will soon have a new Chief of Police.  Deputy Chief J.P. Levesque is being promoted and will be sworn into his new position Wednesday.  Levesque was born and raised in Thunder Bay and has been with the police service for 24 years.

Hobbs yet to be served

City Councillors will hear about the 700 thousand dollar defamation lawsuit against Mayor Keith Hobbs on Monday. City Solicitor Rosalie Evans says the closed door meeting will talk about the city's lawsuit laws, and the current status of the former Police Chief's lawsuit. Hobbs has yet to be served his papers. Bob Herman has 6 months to serve Hobbs with them.