Police training causes confusion

City police are trying to snuff out some confusion about a training exercise they ran on Tuesday.  They say took place at Gary's Towing on Alloy Drive.  Police say that callers to our news tip line may have thought there was a big police operation going down, when in fact it was for training only.

Let the detours begin

The construction season is officially underway.  The city says that as of 8 a.m.Thursday Northern Avenue will be closed between May and Vickers.   It's so that sewer work can take place.   Officials say it should take just over a week to complete.

Hundreds of calls and emails after MP jumps ship

The head of the Thunder Bay-Superior North NDP Riding Association is still fielding hundreds of calls and emails days after MP Bruce Hyer's decision to quit the party. Maurice Grinstead says members are sympathetic to his plight knowing he has to find a new candidate to run in the next federal election.  He admits that while a lot of people are angry at what's happened others are  understanding.   Ginstead says it's too early to nominate a candidate, that will have to wait until 2015.

Motorcycle Ride for Dad June 16th

Organizers are gearing up for the 12th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad this June.  Bell Spokesperson Terry Young says they have a new route this year that will start at the Keg.  Health Sciences Foundation President Glen Craig says the event not only raises money but also awareness about Prostate Cancer.  The ride will take place Saturday, June 16th. 

Second arrest in Pikangikum murder

Police say that a second arrest has been made in connection with a murder probe in Pikangikum First Nation.   It follows the death of 32 year old Fitzgerald Owen whose body was found on the side of the road in the community on April 14th.   One charge has already been laid in the case against a 23 year old man and now, as a result of further investigation,  police have charged a 29 year old woman, who is a resident of the community, with aggravated assault.

Two vehicle mishap in Westfort

Only minor injuries to report following a two vehicle collision just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday.  It took place at the intersection of Edward and Walsh.  

Mayors R Us

Three former Thunder Bay mayors, and our current mayor Keith Hobbs, are joining forces to help charity. They have agreed to raise money for the United Way. Hobbs, along with Ken Boshcoff, Jack Masters and Lynn Peterson made the announcement at City Hall Tuesday afternoon.

Water plan in final stages

The process of guaranteeing the safety of local drinking water is taking its final steps. The Lakehead Source Protection Authority says its final plan for the government is available to the public for review and comment. Chair Bill Bartley says it's a culmination of 9 years of work with the Ministry of the Environment. After the review process the plan goes to the minister for approval in August.

Stark art exposes disorder

A eye opening photo project is on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The project is an artistic attempt to raise awareness on eating disorders. Spokesperson for the local support group Healey Gardiner says eating disorders are much more common than people think. The display will be open from April 25th to the 29th.

New web scam hits city

City police are warning resident to be aware of the latest in a long line of Internet scams.  Police say this one involves a caller to a home claiming to be from Microsoft and trying to gain remote access to your computer.  Police say that's an open invitation to someone gaining access to all your personal information. Police have received 6 complaints locally so far.

Wilson supports Hyer's decision

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce doesn't appear too concerned about Bruce Hyer's decision to sit as an Independent in Ottawa. Harold Wilson believes that Hyer will still be able to represent our city's needs on Parliament Hill.

Concession better than election

The decision by the minority Liberal government to make budget concessions to the NDP is better than an election. That's the feeling of Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson who says it's more important that Chamber concerns remain on the table at Queen's Park.

PARO launches online courses

Thunder Bay's Paro Centre is reaching out to remote First Nation women.  Starting in May they'll be offering online learning classes.  Spokesperson Linda McGuire says they want to teach women about forming business "clusters."  McGuire says women have been forming small groups for years but they haven't thought of it as a  way to form a business.

Blood tragedy remembered

People living with diseases they got from tainted blood are gathering in Thunder Bay today. The Northern Ontario Region of Hemophilia is holding a remembrance ceremony for those impacted by the 1980's Tainted Blood Tragedy. Spokesperson Teresa Genereux says the tainted blood gave 700 Canadians HIV and Hepatitis C.

Innova touted for Mining Centre of Excellence

Consultants hired by the city say that Innova Park could be the site for not only a new events centre, but a proposed Mining Centre of Excellence. As part of the study looking at the Junot and Golf Links roadway the consultants told councillors Innova Park can accommodate quite a bit of activity. The consultants also say the area could be the site for big box retailers. However Mayor Keith Hobbs believes the entire study is flawed because it's been shown the mining industry is not interested in moving to Innova. 

Rafferty disappointed over Hyer's decision

Bruce Hyer is not getting support for his decision to leave the NDP from his federal Thunder Bay colleague. MP John Rafferty believes that Hyer's plan to sit as an independent will compromise his ability to be an effective MP. Rafferty thinks he should have honoured the possibility of working within the system and solving his problems instead of just leaving.

Hyer quits NDP

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is embarking on a new journey in the House of Commons. He has quit the NDP to sit as an Independent. Hyer says there are many reasons for his decision, but a recent move by leader Thomas Mulcair on the gun registry sealed the deal because it would have forced Hyer to vote against the party line again. Hyer also says he's disappointed with the dysfunction he sees on Parliament Hill.

Good treats for good deeds

Youth will now be rewarded for random acts of kindness in the city. A new positive ticketing campaign was launched today by Mac's Convenience store in partnership with the city's Crime Prevention Council. Spokesperson Tom Walters believes it could benefit the city. Police will give out the coupons for free frosters when they spot youth doing good deeds.

City lawmakers tackle the urban landscape

Councillors will get an education on urban landscaping tonight at City Hall.  A consultant will be on hand to explain his proposal for making laws so that new city developments include landscaping in their design concept.   As well tonight councillors will consider supporting area First Nations development and involvement in  Ring of Fire mining projects.

Speeding ticket leads to more

A Nova Scotia man is in trouble with the law after a speeding ticket turned into something more on the Trans Canada Highway near Marathon Sunday.   Police say that in addition to having outstanding warrants from Southern Ontario the man and his passenger were unable to tell police how they came to have about 30 thousand dollars in their possession.   The money is now is the hands of police.