Local Man Finds Lost Ring In Maine

Paul Marshall 

A city man will be getting his ring back after it ended up in York, Maine. Paul Marshall says he lost the ring while at work, but learned that it was found by contractors in Maine after they purchased a box of screws from Marshall's workplace, GRK Fasteners. Marshall says he thought the ring was gone forever. Marshall adds that the ring is in the mail on its way back to Thunder Bay.

Local Family Honour In Louisiana

A Thunder Bay family are now honourary citizens of Thibidaux, Louisiana.   Andrea Weiss says it was to recognize them for billeting two of their baseball players while  they played with the Border Cats.   For two years the Weiss's hosted Philip Lyons and Tyler Duplantis and they were invited to the community for a visit.  She says out of the blue they were given the citizenry recognition.

Walkers Complete Spiritual Journey

A group of First Nations adults and youth are set to arrive in Ottawa this morning, completing their 49-day spiritual journey from Attawapiskat First Nation, located at James Bay. The group of 25 individuals made the journey to draw attention to concerns with broken treaties, land and water protection, and human rights issues. The 1700 km trek will conclude today at 12:30 pm at Parliament Hill, where they will share a message of their journey.

Make way for the Parade of Lights

The popular Parade of Lights happens Saturday night. About 50 or so trucks will be decorated for the event. Organizer Marshall Erickson says it will move down Memorial from the Harbour Expressway to Queen Street.  The parade begins at 7 o'clock and is expected to last about 45 minutes.

George Jeffery joins Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is set for December 3rd. Organizer Greg Stephenson says this year the George Jeffery Children's Centre is on board as one of the fundraising recipients along with Autism Ontario, the Therapeutic Riding Association and Special Olympics.The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

The longtime face of CF dies

Condelences are pouring in on Facebook for a  Thunder Bay woman who grew up in front of our eyes on local television.  Carla Long has died at the age 35.   She passed away last night at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.   Long was one of the local residents who appeared yearly on the Cystic Fibrosis Mother's Day Telethon.

Donations needed to help abused puppy

A 2 and a half month old puppy is at a vet clinic after being rescued from an owner who allegedly beat her with a golf club.  New Hope Dog Rescue Owner Valerie Mackett says she's looking for donations to pay for 35 hundred dollars worth of surgeries.  Donations can be made online or by calling New Hope.

Dog park death results in legal action

The owners of Jimi the dog and the city of Thunder Bay are being sued for 50 thousand dollars.  It's in connection with the death ofa Gus the chihuahua last year at a city off leash dog park.   Lawyer Chris Watkins says the Perrier family wants the city to pay for improper supervision of the dog park and the owners of Jimi for general damages and other items.    The claims have not been proven in court

Facebook page set up for Willow

The death of 4 year old Willow Scott-Hannam is being felt by everyone in the city. There is a Facebook site that is dedicated to the kindergarten student who died following an incident at Fort William Historical Park on Monday. Mayor Lynn Peterson is also expressing condolences. She says the entire community is saddened by the tragedy and our hearts and prayers are with the family. Funeral arrangements are still being worked out.

Hyde Park kindergarten student dies

The Lakehead Public School Board has confirmed the death of a four year old student who was injured in a horse and carriage accident at Fort William Historical Park.  Dead is Willow Scott-Hannam. Director of Education Cathy Siemieniuk says her heart goes out to the family.  Siemieniuk says they will have grief counsellors on site to talk to family members, staff and classmates of the deceased. The Coroner's Office, Ministry of Labour, Lakehead Public School Board and the Fort are all conducting internal investigations.  It was only last week that four year old Willow took part in a Habitat for Humanity ground breaking ceremony for its new homes on Mary Street. She was photographed placing her foot in the recently poured cement. The organization has posted a photo of Willow.

Former city man injured in Afghan blast

A Thunder Bay mother is thankful her son is recovering from a weekend roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan. Maureen Drewes says her son Chris was with Private Tyler William Todd when he was killed in the Sunday morning explosion. Chris is currently in hospital being treated for shrapnel wounds to his shoulder. Maureen Drewes says her son was about 10 feet ahead of Todd when the blast took place.  She says he first called on Sunday morning to tell the family that he survived the incident.

Keith Hobbs likely running for Mayor

After 33 years of service to Thunder Bay, Staff Sergeant Keith Hobbs has officially called it a career. Hobbs is officially retired from the Thunder Bay police and says his next step is running in this year's municipal election, most likely for mayor. Hobbs, who also headed the local police association, says he's confident he can make a quick transition from policing to public service.

Housing starts remain sluggish

It continues to be a slow building season in Thunder Bay. Canada Mortgage and Housing says that there were just 3 housing starts in the city last month. However spokesperson Warren Philp says there are early indications it could pick up in the spring.  Figures show that we are only slightly ahead the housing starts that took place at this time last year.