Council bids farewell

Mayor Lynn Peterson hasn't decided if she will pursue politics again. She says it's been an honour to have been involved in municipal government and she's proud of her track record.  Peterson says the new city council will continue to do good work.  It was Councillor Robert Tuchenhagen's last meeting as well.

Council supports Special Olympics

Thunder Bay will support the 2011 Ontario Special Olympics Winter Games. Council decided Monday night to waive the charter fees for three buses to transport athletes and coaches within the city.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo says he's happy to support the games.  The cost to provide the buses to the athletes for free is just over 9 thousand dollars.

Whelan Building Contract Awarded

The Whalen Building will undergo improvements.  Thunder Bay City Council awarded a contract to Manshield Construction for interior upgrades to the sixth floor. Council approved the five hundred sixty-three thousand dollar project Monday night.

Children's Charter reflects

Thunder Bay's Children's Charter is celebrating seven years of operation.  The group presented a review of their work over the last five years to City Council Monday night.  The report shows a number of trends including food bank use going up.  The 2010 report shows that 36 percent of people served by food banks are 16 or younger.

Business conference set for TBay in 2012

The head of the Ontario Business Improvement Association is touring Thunder Bay.  John Kiru announced to city council Monday night that Thunder Bay will be the site of their 2012 conference.  Kiru adds if the City wants to foster their downtown areas they need to work on safety.  Kiru says Thunder Bay's business improvement groups have done a lot of good work.

Busy night for protests

It was a popular night for protests at Thunder Bay's City Hall.  The local OPSEU union rallied against the McGuinty government's proposed wage freezes for public employees.  Meanwhile, friends of Jimi, the dog who killed another dog, assembled before the council meeting.  The group hopes council will pardon Jimi.  His fate will be decided on Wednesday morning at a Thunder Bay court.

Thunder Bay man charged with kiddie porn

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man is charged with a variety of sexually related charges with one involving kiddie porn. Marathon OPP started investigating the man over the past few months and charged him with sexual interference, exploitation, and possessing child pornography. The man is being held in custody and is awaiting his next court appearance on Thursday.

Leak leads to charges

A couple of Thunder Bay men landed themselves in trouble on the weekend in Dryden after exposing themselves in public.  Police say it started with a man relieving himself outside of a local restaurant, and ended with a car chase and a capture on highway 17.  The duo were charged with liquor related offences.

McKinnon Hospital Foundation Chair

City Councillor Brian McKinnon has been elected as the Chair of the Regional Health Scieces Foundation Board.  McKinnon says he plans to put his previous hospital board experience towards his new position.  McKinnon says they will continue support for cancer research and a second cardiac suite.

Chief to INAC...not good enough!

The Chief of the Constance Lake First Nation calls it an excuse. Arthur Moore says he's not satisfied with an Indian Affairs response to his complaint about reducing the amount of bottled water his community is getting. INAC says it's being replaced with trucked-in water, but Chief Moore says that water is too cloudy.  He claims it's a high risk for people in the community.  The bottled water is needed until the upgrades are completed to the water treatment plant.

Jimi supporters to rally

There will be a rally in front of City Hall prior to Monday evening's council meeting . The Facebook group set up to support Jimi the Pit Bull cross, says it's starting at 5 o'clock. They're upset that the animal may be put down after the death of Gus the chihuahua at a city run off leash dog park

Calendar parking takes effect

Keep an eye on where you park because calendar parking is in effect.  Depending on your area you won't be able to park on certain sides of the street on odd or even days.  Calendar parking will be in effect until the end of March.

LU to host National Wrestling Championships

Lakehead University will host a national championship for the 3rd consecutive year.  The Wrestling team will host both the OUA and the CIS championships this spring.  Athletic Director Tom Warden says this shows LU is among the top schools in the country.  Coach Brock Curtis says having home court attention will give his wrestlers a huge advantage.

Thunder Bay CA amoung finalists

Lakehead University's Richard Jagielowicz is among 6 finalists in the Right to Rule campaign.  People can vote for his video CA Rockstar until November 26th.  The videos are aimed at drumming up interest in accounting, the winner will win 15 hundred dollars.

Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek dead at 52

The Bambi Bembenek saga is over.  The 52 year old former Milwaukee, Wisconsin police officer is dead.  She put Thunder Bay on the map in early 90's when hiding out in the city.  She escaped captivity in the US after being convicted of murder.  She lived in Thunder Bay with her boyfriend under an assumed name and even worked as a waitress at the Columbia Grill and Tavern.  Laurie Bembenek died of Kidney Failure Saturday.

Two vehicle accident leaves 5 people in hospital

One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a car accident.  Two vehicles collided on Dawson Road near Mapleward yesterday at around 5:30.  Four others were taken to hospital with minor injuries and police say road conditions were definitely a factor.