Local Man Fined For Letting Dogs Run Wild

A Thunder Bay man is facing over five thousand dollars in fines after being found guilty of letting his two unlicensed German Shephards run free in the Paquette Road area.   City By-Law Enforcement Officer Ron Bourrett says they've also placed a restrain order on the dogs.  Bourrett says they charged the man with a heftier fine because it wasn't the first time the dogs were running loose and scaring people walking along that road.

Slave Auction Removed From Ads

Beaux Daddy's Grill House and United Way are making some changes to their upcoming "Ultimate Guy's Night Out" fundraiser.  The print and radio ads for the September 19th event promoted a "Slave Auction" which caused several people from the public to complain.  United Way Spokesperson Kristy Pochailo says they've since changed it to "ultimate server auction" and didn't mean to offend anyone.  Pochailo says they'll be making sure the ads on the internet and radio doesn't contain the term "slave auction".

Onion Lake Road Collision

A developing story to tell you about.   Police are investigating a two vehicle collision that sent one person to hospital with unknown injuries.   They say it happened on Onion Lake Road this morning at about 9:30.   Police are expected to release further details shortly.

Premier In T.Bay Next Week

Ontario's Premier is touring Northwestern Ontario starting next week.  Kathleen Wynne will be holding a jobs and growth roundtable in Thunder Bay with area business leaders.  Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says they're happy to take part and will bring up the need for more skills training.  The Premier will also be attending the opening ceremony for Lakehead University's new Faculty of Law. 

More Crack Cocaine Seized In City

A 27 year old Toronto man is charged with trafficking crack cocaine after police seized 97 thousand dollars worth of the drug.  They searched an Academy Drive apartment yesterday and found 324 grams of crack and almost 2-thousand dollars in cash.   The man is also charged with proceeds of crime under 5-thousand dollars and breach of probation.

MNR Fire Contracts Extended

Contracts have been extended for Ministry of Natural Resources seasonal fire fighting staff.  The MNR is keeping its staff on until the middle of September.  Fire information officer, Debbie McLean says the unseasonably warm weather is credited with the extensions.  There are currently 26-active fires in the northwest region.

Minor Incident At Jail

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is investigating an incident at the Thunder Bay District Jail.  Spokesperson Brent Ross says there's not much he can say about the Monday afternoon event.  Ross says the Ministry isn't releasing any details about the health and safety of inmates or staff because the matter is under investigation. Ross says the minor incident was resolved quickly.

Labour Peace At School Board

There will be continued labour peace for Lakehead District School Board and its staff for the upcoming school year.  The board held a special meeting last night and approved a recommendation between the Ministry of Education and staff unions on a number of mandatory items in their benefits package.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says it shows they value their staff.   School starts for all public school students on September 4th.

Costly Living In NWO

It costs almost 5-thousand dollars more to live in northwestern Ontario than in Manitoba.  That's the findings of a new report from the Province of Manitoba.  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Dave Canfield says he's not surprised the cost of electricity, home heating and insurance is so much cheaper in Manitoba.  The study found that a utility bundle in Manitoba costs 27-hundred dollars compared to 76-hundred in Ontario.  

Auto Insurance Break Coming

A break on auto-insurance premiums is coming to Northwestern Ontario, eventually.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she's happy the Liberals have finally got the ball rolling.  Campbell says people should expect a reduction of 100-dollars by next August, and then 200-dollars once the whole 15-percent reduction is complete.

Grassy Narrows Assault

Provincial Police are assisting Treaty Three Police in investigating an assault in the Grassy Narrows First Nation.  Police were called to a home Monday and upon arrival noticed two men who had injuries.  One of the men was taken to hospital and released, while the other was sent to a Thunder Bay hospital.  Meantime, police have charged 32-year-old Everette Brown of no fixed address with two counts of aggravated assault.

Spence Reportedly Re-Elected

Chief Theresa Spence is reported to have been re-elected to a second three-year team as chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northwestern Ontario.  A final vote count could be made public today.  Spence made headlines last winter by going on a liquid diet for six weeks as she demanded a meeting with the prime minister to discuss treaty rights.

Scattered Swimming Advisories At Local Beaches

It's a mixed bag of news for local swimmers.  The Health Unit is lifting the swimming advisory for Boulevard Lake's Sunny Side beach.  However, swimming advisories are now posted at the main beach at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park.  Swimming advisories are just a precaution and don't prevent people from swimming.

Done Deal

There will be continued labour peace for Lakehead District School Board and its teachers for the upcoming school year.  The board has approved a recommendation between the Ministry of Education and the teachers union on a number of mandatory items to their benefits package.

Drainage Program Extended

The City's drainage rebate program is being offered for a longer period of time.  EcoSuperior offers the program for the City and Spokesperson Jamie Saunders says its for any homeowners who want to install flood prevention measures. So far 250 applications have come into EcoSuperior.

Chippewa Moose Found Dead

The City is investigating the unexpected death of a seven year old bull moose at the Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit.  The animal died overnight Monday but was discovered by staff early this morning.  A vet conducted a post-mortem exam on the moose today, but final results are not yet available.  Earlier this summer, a vet determined the moose had worms, a common condition among moose in captivity.  The City says the moose was given ample food and water, and was kept cool via shelter and a sprinkler system.