Budget takes centre stage at City Hall

The Budget process is underway at City Hall. An overview of the budget was given to council Monday night that came complete with a 2.67 percent tax increase. City Manager Tim Commisso says costs need to be controlled to make a good budget. He said extensive meetings have been held to go over the costs for every department. More Budget meetings will be held next week.

Kaszycki speaks out

Some critics are surprised that as the McGuinty government's Ring of Fire coordinator, Christine Kaszycki hasn't visited camps in the mining zone. Kaszycki defends the decision saying there have been other priorities which included getting to know the communities affected by the massive development.  Kaszycki says as a geologist by trade she has visited many exploration sites.

Medical stop at Thunder Bay airport

An Air Canada flight from Winnipeg to Toronto made an unscheduled stop at the Thunder Bay airport this morning at around 10 o'clock. Manager Scott McFadden says it was due to a medical emergency.  McFadden says the patient on the Airbus A-319 was taken to the Health Science's Centre. 

NAN talks energy in far north

Chiefs from across the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are meeting in Thunder Bay this week talking about the lack of energy infrastructure in the far north.  Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit says they want to come up with a plan by the end of the three day conference.  Louttit says the Provincial and Federal Government's have a role to play in getting communities onto the hydro grid.

Stabbing suspect turns himself in

Police say that they have a 15 year old boy in custody in connection with a stabbing earlier this month.   They say he was the last of the 4 people officials say were involved in the incident at Junot and Red River Road.  Police say the youth turned himself in.

Youth educators plan conference

About 200 early childhood educators from the district are converging in Thunder Bay next month.  The Social Services Administration Board is holding a conference that organizer Marnie Tarzia believes will lead to some new thinking.

Pellet gun brings out the police dogs

City police are breathing a sigh of relief that a weapons call this morning turned into a false alarm.   They say that just after 9 a concerned person called to report that a teen was seen in the backyard of a Belrose Road home with a gun.  After closing down the area and bringing in the sniffer dogs, police say it turned out to be a pellet gun.  No one was hurt and there are no charges being laid. 

Alex Cameron bursary created

A former Lakehead Pioneer is being honoured through a new bursary.  The Lakehead Public School Board recently created the Alex Cameron Bursary for students who want to attend a Canadian University for Engineering.  Alex Cameron lived in Thunder Bay from 1863 to 1952.

NAN Energy Conference Today

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting a three day conference on First Nation energy needs.  Area Chiefs will talk about energy issues, and what needs to be done to improve the energy distribution.  Speakers at the conference will include reps from the Federal and Provincial Governments and First Nations.  The event kicks off today at the Valhalla Inn.

Bohonos is Howarth's replacement

The Thunder Bay North Stars are bringing in Lonny Bohonos to be their interim coach. The move comes after Todd Howarth resigned.