Spence walks

Not guilty is the verdict for Thunder Bay's Mervin Spence. A jury has acquitted him on a charge of assault causing bodily harm in the death of Scott James in December of 2007. Court was told James died after being thrown out of a Simpson Street bar by Spence. Spence was originally charged with manslaughter, but that was reduced and the jury has now delivered the not guilty verdict on the lesser charge.

Thunder Bay gets award

Thunder Bay's Environment Division was awarded a 2010 Environmental Stewardship award.  The Lake Superior Binational Forum honoured Thunder Bay for eliminating chlorine in its Treatment Water Pollution Control Plant.

Thunder Bay people honored

Two Thunder Bay residents are being honored by the Canadian Diabetes Assocation. Andrew and Derek Lawrence won the 2010 National Advocacy Leadership award.  The two were honored for their insulin pump campaign with the provincial government.

Hobbs wants in on meetings

Mayor Elect Keith Hobbs is meeting with the City Manager today to discuss the wind farm and other important issues.  Hobbs says he wants to be in on any critical meetings happening before he's sworn in.  He wants to know the city's perspective and thoughts on the wind farm lawsuit.  Hobbs says he and the other new members of council are going to have to live with any decisions made before December 1st.

Poverty Free a reality

As we were the first to report last week, Poverty Free Thunder Bay has been launched in the city. The organization is a political group designed to focus on poverty issues in the city. Organizer Aaron Park says while it will take an activist stand, the coalition has other goals as well.   Park says the goal is to work towards the elimination of poverty in Thunder Bay.  Pictured:  Councillor Rebecca Johnson helps launch Poverty Free Thunder Bay

Boshcoff won't give up federal run

Ken Boshcoff says he will leave his city council seat to run in the federal election when it's called. Boshcoff has been chosen to run for the Liberals in Thunder Bay-Rainy River, but his election to Thunder Bay council this week had put that into question. Boshcoff says his decision should be no surprise to anyone.  He says the 23 thousand people who voted for him knew it was a possibility.  Boshcoff says he wouldn't be the first sitting councillor to jump to federal politics

A local town hall stop for Iggy

Thunder Bay is Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's latest stop on his cross country tour. He brought his Open Mike Town Hall to Confederation College. He addressed the issue of FedNor by promising to strengthen the regional development agency, which he says has lost it's importance under the Harper government. He says it's part of his strategy to help get Liberal MP's elected from here. Ignatieff's visit included a trip to the Bombardier plant.

Private members bill scrapped

A private member's bill aimed at ensuring mining companies respect environmental and human rights standards abroad was narrowly defeated in the Commons last night.  At final reading, MPs voted 140 to 134 against the Bill, sponsored by Liberal MP John McKay.  Red Lake Mayor Phil Vinet says the Legislation would have crippled the mining industry in Northwestern Ontario.  Had the bill passed, complaints from the public would be examined to determine whether violated social, environmental, health or human rights guidelines.

Healthy Halloween for Diabetic kids

When your handing out candy this Halloween, don't forget that some kids are diabetic. The Canadian Diabetes Association is offering some suggestions on how to keep Halloween healthy. Spokesperson Richard Boon says there are a number of treats you can dole out such as stickers, yo yo's, or halloween themed pencils. Parents can trade with their kids for the candy for a new movie, or a toy.

Attawapiskat gets sporty

Canadian Tire and the Provincial Government are teaming up to build self-esteem in First Nation youth.  A Canadian Tire Jumpstart Youth Wellness Worker will be helping create sports activities for youth in Attawapiskat.  President Dan Thompson says the wellness worker will bring along an activity kit full of items that will help start sports activities.  As part of the program, Olympic Athlete Sami Jo Small will speak to youth in Kashechewan, Attawapiskat and Fort Albany.

New EMS Headquarters completes design stage

The Design for the new Superior North EMS Station has been completed.  The design was created by Thunder Bay's Habib Enterprises and will now go to tender.  Officials say the building will meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design to the gold standard.  Construction is set to begin in the spring.