Local MPs largely critical of Throne Speech

Thunder Bays' two NDP Members of Parliament have few good words to say about the Harper governments' Speech from the Throne.  Bruce Hyer believes the speech lacks the vision of the average Canadian.   Hyer says the speech also highlights the governments' willingness to favour big business. Meantime, John Raffery says out of the 6 thousand words in the speech, there are 26 recycled words on forestry with no clear direction.    Both MPs agree, however, on a salary freeze for elected members, even though it is mostly symbolic.

Nor' Wester View School on Alert after wolf siting

Parents of students at Nor' Wester View School are being assured their children are safe. A school bus driver spotted a wolf on his route this week. Vice-Principal Laurel Moir says the school has now taken extra precautions as a result of the siting.   She says staff are outside at 8:15 in the morning equiped with  whistles and staff are also carrying walkie-talkies.   Moir says a note was sent home with the students as part of the protocol.

TBSO appoints Clint Kuschak interim GM

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra has a new General Manager, but it's only for a short time. Clint Kuschak is taking over on an interim basis. He's replacing Leanne Atkinson who is on a 10 month maternity leave. His duties will begin March 17th.

International Ice Boat Races on now

Thunder Bay is playing host to a the North American Ice Boating Championship Regatta this week. All the action is taking place on Lake Superior at Silver Harbour. There are about 50 racers here from as far away as San Diego, Germany and Poland. Richard Potkova from Detroit Michigan is one of the organizers and says conditions this week are ideal.   He calls the sport an addiction.  The races are taking place until Saturday.

More home care the goal for Community Living Thunder Bay

Community Living Thunder Bay is asking you to consider opening up your home. They're trying to expand a program that sees developmentally challenged people living in a family home environment. Melda Ponton and her husband take care of Cecily Ignace. She says they find it a rewarding experience because they're making a difference.  The organization says there is a need for 20 to 25 more homes to help these individuals.

Chris Whitley wins his first AHL start

Former Thunderwolves goalie Chris Whitley won his first career AHL start last night. Whitley backstopped the Lake Erie Monsters to a 6-5 shootout Victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins. Whitley spent over 150 games for the Wolves and has the career mark for wins.

Two college students hoping to win Dorito's contest

Two northwestern Ontario college students could be the new face of Dorito's. Adam Armit of Fort Frances and Joel Popoff of Schreiber want people to view their video produced for a Dorito's contest to help them win up to 250-thousand dollars. Popoff says they're sitting number one with a couple of weeks to go. The two are business marketing students at London's Fanshaw College.

Mustangs visit Thunderwolves for OUA West final

It'll be a packed house at the Fort William Gardens tonight.  The Thunderwolves are hosting their arch rivals the Western Mustangs for game one of the Western Final.  The Wolves split there season series with Western this year going 2-2 and winning both home games.  Head Coach Joel Scherban says playing in front of a home crowd against Western adds a lot of energy to his players.  Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.

Ice racing delayed

Organizers of an international iceboat racing competition on Lake Superior now hope to get things underway Wednesday morning. The race was supposed to start Tuesday at Silver Harbour, but weather conditions caused the postponement. There are competitors from Canada, the United States and Europe.

Probe continues into death of jogger

The full story waits to be told following the death of a jogger in the city Monday afternoon. OPP say 50 year old Katherine Chezick was killed after being struck by a transport truck when she tried to cross the Thunder Bay Expressway at the John Street intersection. Constable Diana Cole says they're still trying to piece together exactly what happened.   She says they're speaking with witnesses and anyone that was at the scene of the collision or in the area at the time.  No charges have been laid.

Tap water wins taste test

Thunder Bay's tap water has come out on top again. It follows a blind taste test pitting city water against bottled water. It was conducted by Eco-Superior over the weekend at the Chamber of Commerce Outdoors Show.  Eco-Superiors' Ellen Mortfield says that 80 per cent chose tap water, 50 per cent the filtered tap water and less than 20 per cent the bottled water.

A mother and two young children escape fire

No one is injured following a fire in the city Tuesday afternoon. It happened at 302 Sequoia Drive at around 2:30. The deck and stairs at the rear of the semi detached unit caught fire. The resident of the home says she made it out safely with her two young children thanks to a passer-by who honked his car horn to alert them. One fire official says it's believed that someone lit garbage on fire at the rear of the home. He says a couple of kids were seen running from the backyard

Three local nominees for film awards

Three Thunder Bay residents will be competing against each other in the upcoming Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards. All three are up against each other in the same category, Best Screenwriter. Kris Ketonen for The Sum Of Random Choice, Ryan La Via for Psyche and Eric Boissonneault for Sophie and Sarah. The awards will be presented May first in Sudbury.

LU names its' athletes of the month

Lakehead Athletics says there are six Athletes of the Month for February. Honoured are:  women’s Nordic skier Anna Crawford, men’s Nordic skier Greg Kilroy, women’s runner Hilary Quirion, men’s runner Alastair Brown, women’s basketball player Lisa Styles, men’s basketball player Greg Carter, women’s volleyball player Karla Brayshaw, women’s wrestler Katelyn Proulx, men’s wrestler Dustin Helwig, and men’s hockey player Scott Dobben.

Local woman pumped about Vancouver experience

A Thunder Bay resident says her month in Vancouver during the Olympics is an experience that will stay a lifetime. Kathy Bukovy worked as a hospitality representative for McDonalds restaurants. She says it's hard to hold back the excitement, adding, it was like winning a gold medal or a lottery. Bukovy says that the one thing that will always stick with her, was the pride Canadians showed in our country during the games.

Pedestrian killed in Expressway Collision

OPP have released the name of the victim in yesterday's collision at the John Street and Expressway intersection. Katherine Chezick was killed after being struck by a transport truck when she tried to cross the street. OPP officers say the 50 year old was jogging at the time. Police continue to investigate, so far no charges have been laid.

New York Rangers claim Alex Auld

Alex Auld didn't have to wait long to find out where he will be playing the remainder of the NHL season. Auld was waived by the Dallas Stars last week and was claimed by the New York Rangers Saturday. Auld joins fellow Thunder Bay boy Marc Staal and will be backing up Henrik Lundqvist.

OPP probing fatal accident

One person is dead following a traffic accident in the city Monday afternoon. OPP are saying very little at this time, but one report identified the victim as being a pedestrian. The accident took place at the interesection of John Street and the Expressway just after 4 o'clock. A section of the highway had to be closed for several hours as police investigated.

The Regional Research Institute gets its' city funding

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institutes' funding request has been approved by city councillors. They voted that the city set up a capital account of 1 and a half million dollars to help fund two major initiatives over the next three years. City Manager Tim Commisso says the benefits from this investment will be huge. He says it will help put the pieces together to make the city a centre of excellence in medical research. Commisso also says it positions the city to move forward in the delivery of health care to the region.

RFDA has a place to call home

The Regional Food Distribution Association finally has a home. City Councillors approved spending 330 thousand dollars so the organization can buy the old A & P store on South Syndicate Avenue. Association chairman Larry Brigham says the city has taken a vital step by giving them new place to work from.  The RFDA distributes food to the food banks in the region

Earthwise presents first report

The volunteer organization that is charged by the city to monitor how the city uses energy has released it's first report. Earthwise Thunder Bay says it's biggest success has been gathering together separate environment related groups in the city under the umbrella of the Community Environmental Action plan. Lynn Duffield chairs the action plan and says its been a huge effort.Duffield says the group would also like to work with city administration to achieve the goal of sustainability.

Irwin says gold medal is a dream come true

Haley Irwin says it's better than she ever imagined. She says winning an Olympic gold medal as part of Canada's women's hockey team is extraordinary. They defeated the United States to capture the top prize. She says it's a dream come true, something she wished for when she was a little girl. The team felt some heat however from the International Olympic Committee for drinking beer on the ice while celebrating the victory. Irwin says the team came out and apologized, so for her, the situation is over and done with. Meantime she hopes to be back home in Thunder Bay this week.

Outbreak at St. Joseph's Hospital

Officials at the Health Unit and St. Joseph's Care Group have declared an illness outbreak on 5 South at St. Joseph's Hospital on 35 North Algoma .  Offcials say all admissions, transfers and discharges will be decided on a case by case basis. Visitor restrictions are also in place. Relatives and friends can call 343-243for further information.

Local actress gets first supporting lead role

Thunder Bays' Marie Avgeropoulos is continuing her climb up the acting ladder in Vancouver. She has just completed her first supporting lead role in the action movie Hunt to Kill along side "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Avgeropoulos says she's happy with having a bigger role, saying it means more responsibility and being in almost every scene.   She says Steve Austin was great to work with adding, "he's a total redneck at heart".   Avergeropoulos says the movie is in post production and isn't sure when it will be ready for release.

Nice weather in store for the week

It appears that March is coming in like a lamb in Thunder Bay. Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulsen says the rest of the week will be the nicest we've seen in some time. He says normal daytime highs for this time of year are minus 2, but we are forecast to get to plus 8 on Friday with highs between plus 2 and plus 4 the other days. Coulsen credits a high pressure system from the west for giving us the unseasonable temps.

Kidney Health Month kicks off

The local Kidney Foundation is again teaming up with Wendy's Restaurants in Thunder Bay. The two locations will be donating 25 cents from every bowl of chili sold this month to the foundation. Spokesperson Lisa Cashin says this fundraiser will be run at the same time as the door to door campaign. The objective is is to raise 35 thousand dollars, the same as last years total. Cashin says the generosity of the people in the city makes the fundraiser a success.

Red Cross accepting donations for the Chile earthquake

Over two million people have been affected by this weekend's devastating earthquake in Chile and the Thunder Bay Branch of the Canadian Red Cross is open for donations. Fund Development Manager Rob Zuback says the situation in Chile isn't as dire as it was in Haiti since the infrastructure situation is far more advanced in Chile. Zuback says so far the Chilean government hasn't request foreign aid but donations are being accepted online.

Thunder Bay Police kept busy this weekend.

Police had a busy end to last week. Friday members of the Integrated Crime Unit seized over 40 thousand dollars worth of Marijuana at a south side house and arrested on man. Later that day Police arrested a man on the Northside for concealing a BB gun that resembled a real handgun. Then Saturday morning two teens tried to break into the McKellar Park School.

Stabbing leaves one man in Hospital

A stabbing left one man in the Health Sciences Centre this weekend. Early Saturday morning a man was walking down Brodie Street when four men started chasing him. The victim was cornered behind City Hall and was beaten and stabbed. No arrests have been made at this time.

The first annual Ball Hockey for Health is a success

Around 50 kids came out to the first annual Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre's Ball Hockey for Health yesterday.  Doctor James DiGiuseppe says Heart and Stroke Foundation numbers peg an alarming 38 percent of Thunder Bay residents are physically inactive so the event was created to promote physical activity.  Also on the day a van load of clothing and hockey equipment was collected is support of Precious Bundles. 

Eric Staal wins Olympic Gold

It was a story book ending for Eric Staal and his team Canada team mates.  They had the entire country on their shoulders and none other than the face of Hockey Sydney Crosby came through to score the overtime winner to put us over the top.  When the dust settled it was Canada three US two and a new record for most Gold medals by a nation at the Olympic games with 14.  The win capped of 17 days of greatness as the Vancouver games official ended last night.

Thunderwolves advance to Western Conference Final

Matt Dias was the overtime winner as the Thunderwolves moved passed the Guelph Gryphons 5-4 Friday night to advance to the Western Conference Final.  Next up for the Wolves is arch rival Western Mustangs who will be in town Wednesday for game one of the best of three series.  Lakehead split the season series with Western this year with two wins apeice.

Councillors ponder Research Institute request

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institutes' funding request comes before city councillors Monday. City administration is recommending that a capital account of 1 and a half million dollars be estabished for two major projects over the next three years. Also councillors will be asked to approve a contract worth over 660 thousand dollars to fix up the Duke Street water pumping station.

Demolition contract will pave the way for new courthouse

City councillors will be one step closer Monday to having a new courthouse build on the city's south side. They're being asked to approve the contract for the demolition of the Brodie Street bus terminal and the former King's Stereo Building. The contract is worth over 260 thousand dollars. The two buildings must come down to make way for the new consolidated courthouse.

Research Institute gets millions

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is 6.4 million dollars richer. The Institute has been awarded the money from the McGuinty government and it will cover the operating costs in conducting new research. Scott Potts is the Institutes' Chief Operating Officer and says the research surrounds medical imaging devices and how to improve them.   Potts adds the money will be spread over five years

Students give input on provincial curriculum

There are about 40 grade 11 students in the city who have some added academic savvy. They were part of a province wide forum looking at how to improve the high school civics program. Local organizer Donna Flasza says the students are now able to give feedback on it.   The local students participated with students in London, Ottawa, Sudbury and Toronto.

HST will cause ticket prices to rise at the Community Auditorium

The coming Harmonized Sales Tax is already having an impact on a local business. The Community Auditorium has seen tickets prices increase by 8 percent for events happening beyond July 1st. General Manager says the increase isn't going to sit well with customers. Halverson says the HST will also increase rental prices and could see a lot of customers go elsewhere.

Gas Flare system begins testing at Thunder Bay Landfill

You may notice a large flame at the city's landfill when you drive down Mapleward road this weekend. The city's half of a methane generating station is beginning final testing. Project Engineer Tom McConnell says large flames will be visible at the site, but are completely harmless to the public. McConnell says this facility will be joined with a methane generator being constructed by Thunder Bay Hydro.

Pic Mobert protests HST on the Trans Canada

The Trans-Canada Highway is back to normal now after Pic Mobert First Nation was slowed traffic to a crawl Thursday. It was because the members of the band were protesting the upcoming Harmonized Sales Tax. They're worried that the tax will be an extra burden on their community adding to costs of heat and hydro. OPP were on hand to make sure that drivers slowed down while going through the protest area.

Thunderwolves take on Guelph at the Gardens

The Lakehead Thunderwolves will try to close out there second round series with the Guelph Gryphons tonight at the Gardens. The Wolves hold a one nothing series lead after scoring a 4-3 overtime win Wednesday night, puck drop is at 7:30 pm. Meanwhile a couple Thunderwolves will be boosted but some recognition from the OUA today. Fifth year senior Scott Dobben is on this year's Second All-star Team, Mark Soares is the OUA's Most Sportsmanlike Player and Victor Anilane is on this year's All Rookie Squad.

Haley Irwin wins Gold

Haley Irwin is bringing some Gold back to Thunder Bay. Irwin and the rest of the Canadian women's hockey team pulled off a 2-0 win over the US last night to win their 3rd straight Olympic Gold. She was held off the scoresheet last night but Irwin finished her first games with 4 goals and an assist. Marie-Philip Poulin scored both the Canadian goals and Shannon Szabados made 28 saves for the shutout.

Mayor and councillors lobby ministers

Mayor Lynn Peterson is expressing confidence local issues were heard by some key government ministers. The Mayor and three councillors were in Toronto this week at a conference and took time to button-hole some cabinet ministers. That included Corrections minister Rick Barolucci who was told about the need for more detox beds in the city.  Aboriginal Affairs minister Chris Bentley was also asked to locate a ministry office in Thunder Bay.

Firefighters' death recognized as work related

Sixteen years after his death a Thunder Bay firefighter has now been recognized as dying in the line of duty. Glenn Adduono died of leukemia but it was only recently the provinces Workplace Safety Board awarded compensation to his family for it. Eric Nordlund of the local Professional Firefighters Association says its a significant step.   The Association presented the Adduono family with a memorial medal to recognize the occasion.

Neebing gets marketing money

The Municipality of Neebing is getting money to market itself. Over 14 and a half thousand provincial taxpayer dollars will be used by officials to sell the community to new investors. The plan will include an inventory update of industrial and commercial land available and the development of a community profile posting on the internet.

Sustainability conference opens today

Community and First Nation groups from across northern Ontario have gathered in Thunder Bay today to discuss the sustainability of their communities.Conference co-chair Alexander Boulet says delegates are examining the issues affecting the north's ability to deliver the basic needs to area residents.   Boulet says they're hoping the event will be a way of growing a network that can share ideas on an on-going basis.

Another illegal cigaratte bust in Northerwestern Ontario

Another massive illegal cigarette bust in Northwestern Ontario. Greenstone OPP seized almost 700 thousand illegal cigarettes after a routine traffic stop in Longlac yesterday evening. 47 year old Scott Smith of Sylvan Lake Alberta was arrested in the bust.

Local video appears on the Ellen DeGeneres show

Matt Popowich is making the news again, but unfortunately for the director of the My Hometown Video, this time it was a little less glamorous. After getting international attention for the music video, Ellen DeGeneres featured a video showing Matt falling off a wind mill. Popowich says he's happy because anyone who sees the video can then go on to see his other videos like My Hometown.

Friends of Big Thunder make submission

The clock is winding down for submissions to the government for proposals on the idled Big Thunder Sports Park. Paul DeGiacomo of the Friends of Big Thunder says his group has sent in a suggestion which includes participation with some private partners. Included in the Friends proposal is to keep the nordic section of the park operating year round. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 1st, at 5 pm.

Thunder Bay OPP are taking drunk drivers off the roads

Thunder Bay OPP are taking drunk drivers off the roads. Officers pulled over a truck on the Expressway near Red River Road yesterday and smelled alcohol and handed the 71 year old driver a 3 day suspension. Later in the day officers pulled over another impaired driver who was found to be over twice the legal limit. He will appear in court in April.

Thunder Bay Police are looking for three muggers

Thunder Bay Police are looking for three men in relation to a robbery that happened over the weekend. Officers say a 16 year old was robbed around 9:15 Saturday morning in the Victoria Avenue, Brodie Street area. The three suspects grabbed the teen an robbed him of cash and personal items. Detailed descriptions of the muggers can be found at the Thunder Bay Police website.

Thunder Bay Police crack down on speeders

Thunder Bay police were out in full force this week targeting speeders. Sergeant Glen Porter says the crack down is part of an ongoing traffic managment plan. Porter says officers have been focussing on problematic areas and since the blitz began last week over 230 speeding tickets have been handed out. He says warm temperatures generally see speeds increase in the City.

College president pleased with vote result

Faculty at Ontario's 24 colleges have accepted what the colleges called their final contract offer. The Ontario Labour Relations Board confirming that almost 51 and a half per cent accepted the offer in a vote across the province. Confederation College president Pat Lang is glad there will be no strike. Lang says in this day and age 5.9 per cent over three years is a fair contract

Waterloo man will now be sentenced in May

It will now be May 13th before 47-year-old Peter Fonteece will know his fate. The Waterloo man was in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Thursday to face a possible jail term in connection with the death of his wife in a city motel room a year ago. However the judge postponed sentencing. Fonteece was convicted of criminal negligence causing death. The crown says his failure to call for help after his wife Yanisa took 40 sleeping pills warrants jail.

Alex Auld put on waivers

Thunder Bays' Alex Auld has found himself in limbo again. The 29 year old goalie has been placed on waivers by the Dallas Stars. NHL clubs have until noon on Thursday to claim Auld. If that doesn't happen the Stars can keep him on their roster or send him to the minors. Auld is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July the first. He is making 1 million dollars for this current season. The Stars were able to make the move with the aquisition of Kari Lehtonen from Atlanta.

Conference addresses First Nations housing

Leaders from 11 northern tribal councils and more than 80 aboriginal communities are in Thunder Bay this week to share expertise and ideas on northern housing. The 8th annual First Nations housing conference is taking place at the Valhalla Inn. Organizer Richard Habinski says the gathering is designed to address issues related to housing in those communties. The conference wraps up Thursday.

Peng You pitches venture on Dragons' Den

A Thunder Bay businessman went on the TV show the Dragons Den to get support his venture. Peng You pitched his plan to mix martial arts learning and Chinese cooking. Under his plan he will come to your house or party and teach Tai Chi and cook at meal. He recently went on the popular program hoping to get one of the investors to back the idea. That program will air on Wednesday March 3rd. He was not allowed to tell us the results.

Quality Market's BYOB program has successful first year

Year one was a huge success for Quality Market's Bring Your Own Bag program. Co-owner David Stezenko says the program was created after the big chains started charging more for plastic bags so they decided to encourage customers to use reusable bags and donating money to local charities. The first year of the program raised almost 11,000 dollars for the Health Science's Centre, Camp Quality and the RFDA. This year the three charities are Eagle's Cry Life Centre, Shelter House and Habitat for Humanity.

Castlegreen looking for more $$$$$

The Castlegreen Housing Co-op is looking to the federal government for more funding. General Manager Sharon McKinnon says they just completed over a quarter million dollars of  patio doors improvements and now they have applied to Canada Mortgage and Housing for additional funds.   McKinnon says the money would go towards new windows and fuses boxes.

Peter Fonteece is in a Thunder Bay court room today.

The man who watched his wife commit suicide in a Thunder Bay Motel is in court today to find out how much time he will spend in jail. The Crown prosecution wants jail time for 47 year old Peter Fonteece who sat by while his severly depressed wife took 40 sleeping pills and died. Fonteece pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in December. The body of 38-year-old Yanisa Fonteece was discovered in a Super 8 Motel room after her husband phoned 9-1-1 a year ago.

Pat Lang returns to high school

The president of Confederation College went back to high school on Tuesday. Pat Lang was at Thunder Bay's Superior Collegiate to become principal for a day. Lang says it was to meet students who might be considering chosing Con College as a post secondary option. She said it was also to gain insight into the current high school experience. Lang accompanied principal Wayne Fletcher for the day.

Quit smoking promotion draws record participation

It appears that Thunder Bay smokers are driven to quit. The District Health Unit says its quit smoking promotion has attracted a record number of smokers. Almost 700 have registered in the contest with only five days left to enter. Participants are eligible to win a Ford SUV, a vacation or MasterCard gift cards.

Waterfront hotel project proving popular

The request for proposals to build a new hotel at Prince Arthurs Landing is only a week old and already there's been action. Developer Giselle MacDonald, of the Resolve Group, says there's been a significant amount of interest shown by hotel chains in North America that want to become part of the waterfront project adding,  they've received five or six expressions of interest.   MacDonald says the bid process will end on April 30th

Sleeping Giant Loppet set to go

Organizers are hoping to attract 800 to 1000 participants to this years edition of the Sleeping Giant Loppet (formerly the Sibley Ski Tour).   It will be taking place March 6th at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.  Cross country skiiers can choose from the 8 km mini loppet to the 50 km free technique which will see the fastest male and female participants win $1000 each.   This year the honour of bib #1 has been given to two people who have skied every year since the event began in 1978, Ron Lappage and Guy Latimer.

Hyer wants to bring back Via Rail

The move is on again to bring back passenger rail service to Thunder Bay. MP Bruce Hyer plans to introduce a private members motion on the issue when parliament resumes. Hyer says the time is right to restore the service saying it would reduce greenhouse gases, suppliment dwindling bus service and increase tourism.  Hyer hopes his motion brings attention to the issue.  It's been two decades since Via Rail service has come through Thunder Bay

PAGH closer to the wrecking ball

Officials at the Health Sciences Centre hope they will soon be one step closer to tearing down the old Port Arthur General. Spokesperson Scott Potts says they've issued a formal request for companies to submit demolition bids. Once that happens, Potts says other options can be reviewed.  That includes selling the land, developing it with another partner or keeping it for potential future uses.   The building has sat idle since the new hospital opened six years ago.

Valerie Pringle to speak on mental health

TV personality Valerie Pringle is coming to Thunder Bay next month. She is being invited to speak on the topic of mental health because her daughter Catherine was diagnosed with panic and anxiety disorder six years ago. She's expected to discuss some of the stigmas associated with those living with mental health and addictions. The event will be held at the Valhalla Inn March 22nd at 7 pm.

City set to compensate marina users

The City is trying to minimize the impact the Prince Arthur Landing construction is having on Marina users. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says the work on waterfront development will definately impact the marina next season. Fayrick says boat owners who choose not to use the marina this year will have their 2011 fees waived by the city.

School bussing contracts up for renewal

School bussing contracts are being reviewed by both school boards in the city. Last night the Catholic Board renewed it's annual contracts at a cost of just over 5 million dollars. Spokesperson David Carroll says thats thats a 260 thousand dollars decrease from last year. He attributes that to lower fuel costs. The Public school board reviews it's bussing contract tonight

Thunder Bay councillors have short meeting

There are no bleary eyed city councillors this today.   They managed to make quick work of a short agenda last night getting home in time to watch the Olympics.    It did make for a light moment when some councillors decided to declare conflicts of interest on some rezoning issues starting with Iain Angus, which then moved on to Mark Bentz and then Larry Hebert. Councillors did manage to pass two minor rezoning amendments.

Kennel cough forces restrictions at the Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society has suspended all dog adoptions, and implimented other strict controls. It follows the discovery of the kennel cough virus among some of the dogs. Director Deb Cooper says it may take some time to get it under control as they treat the affected animals. She predicts anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. Cooper says that local vets are even asking dog owners to keep their pets out of the dog parks under the virus goes away.

First ever local food conference planned

For the first time ever Thunder Bay will be hosting a food conference. It will be headed up by local public health nutritionist Catherine Schwartz Mendez. She says the purpose is to strenghten the local food system. The conference will take place March 3rd and 4th at Lakehead University

City probing voting by internet and phone

Don't be surprised to see internet voting in time for this years municipal election in Thunder Bay. City Clerk John Hannam says a formal request is being issued this week for companies to come back to the city with proposals for all types of remote voting. He says that could including voting by internet, phone and even mail. Hannam says the deadline for submissions will be the end of March and he hopes to present councillors with some proposals shortly after that. Hannam says the purpose is to increase voter turnout.

Rural man charged with assaulting a police officer

A Marks Township man is charged after a city OPP officer was assaulted on the weekend. Police say the 24 year old was trying to stop the officer from arresting a man for impaired operation of a snowmachine. The incident orginated when police responded to complaints of a loud party in Conmee Township early Sunday morning at around 1 o'clock. The officer was not hurt.

Thunder Bay left out of northern hospital hearings

Thunder Bay is not included in a series of 12 public hearings on the future of rural and northern hospitals being put on by the Ontario Health Coalition.  The Coalition says those hospitals are under threat by the governing Liberals. The group says small hospitals are closing across the province and the work of a government panel set up to review health care in rural and northern communities has been shrouded in mystery.

Weekend hydro outage lasts about 2 1/2 hours

About 10 thousand Thunder Bay Hydro customers have something to talk about today. They were left in the dark for a period on Saturday night. Spokesperson Eileen Dias says a line problem from Hydro One caused the outage. She says about 6 thousand customers were back on service within an hour, the rest were back about an hour and a half later.

A new research lab is coming to Thunder Bay

Lakehead University is getting over half a million dollars to build a new research lab. It's being done in partnership with a private company. Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle says the lab will study LED lights and ways to improve the technology.  The money comes from the provinces Northern Heritage Fund

Money for off reserve native housing

The Matawa First Nations are getting over 3 million dollars for off reserve housing units. The funding will allow Matawa to either build new houses or to buy exisiting homes. It's part of a 7 million dollar pool of taxpayers dollars that is being spread among native non profit housing agencies in Thunder Bay, Red Lake and Kenora.

City gets funds for green transportation study

The province is giving the city of Thunder Bay almost 40 thousand dollars towards a transportation study. MPP Bill Mauro says the study will help to improve on green transportation choices for citizens. Its to support municipalities who are encouraging the public to use public transportation more than they do now. Mauro says it will be up to the city to decide which direction they would like to take the study

More cash for health research

Around 250 thousand dollars is going to the Health Sciences Centre and the District Health Unit for two new research studies. Doctor Rhonda Crocker Ellacot says the study at the regional will focus on patient falls.
The regional is getting 220 thousand dollars for the two

Honorary Indian released

A local author is hoping people will get a better understanding of themselves from her first book. Sandi Boucher wrote Honorary Indian as an autobiography to tell of the trials she has overcome and pass on a few life lessons she has learned.  Boucher also wants to share the gifts and traditions of First Nations people.  It tells of her struggles after the early death of her first child and how that profoundly changed her life and how she thinks.

Wind turbine debate rages on

Tonight the group that is against the wind farm on the Nor' Wester Mountains is holding a meeting at the ATAC building at Lakehead University. They'll present two speakers who will back their health fears about the wind turbines. Meantime, the public relations firm that represents the wind turbine developers, Firedog Communications, is allowing local media to interview a British scientist. Geoff Leventhall has written a book that debunks the so called "Wind Turbine Syndrome"

Keith Hobbs on the verge of mayoral announcement

It appears that Lynn Peterson may have a challenger for the mayors chair. Keith Hobbs of the city police has indicated on his Facebook page that he will be retiring next month. Once that's made official he says he'll be in a position to make his intentions on running for mayor known. There is already a Facebook site dedicated to the cause and the website draftamayor.com has been tracking his support.

Students will be rocking the Gardens at the Cavendish Cup

Were just over a month away from Cavendish Cup and the city is already gearing up. The Thunderwolves announced a new program aimed at getting more students into the stands. LUSU president Dave Grad says LUSU has partnered with SUCCI, the Thunderwolves, RBC and the Keg to provide affordable tickets to students.  Thunderwolves Executive Director Jason Mallon says having more students at the games will bring the atmosphere in the Gardens over the top.

Neebing Fire Station saga continues

The Neebing Fire Station is now in a new temporary home. The Thunder Bay Fire Service has moved the crews, equipment and trucks into the MNR Fire Centre on West Arthur Street. The Neebing Station on the 20th Side Road was closed February 10th for health and safety reasons when mould was found. Officials have no idea how long it may take to fix the problem

Injured girl flown to Winnipeg

A three year old child, who has serious injuries police deem suspicious in nature, has been moved to a Winnipeg hospital. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says she was taken there for further treatment. Meantime Adams says interviews are still being conducted to find out what happened to the youngster.  Police say the incident took place at a home on Candy Mountain Road in Oliver-Paipoonge on Tuesday

Summer festival highlights centennial

The building that is home to the Hoito Restaurant, the Finlandia Club, is celebrating it's 100th anniversary. The Bay and Agoma Business Association wants to recognize the occasion. President Norm Sponchia says they will begin with decorating the area. As well there will be a summer festival where Bay street will be closed to showcase the Finnish culture.

T-Dot man fined for illegal hunting

A Toronto man is 35 hundred dollars lighter after he was convicted of illegal hunting. He was with a hunting party north of Thunder Bay in October when the incident occurred. The Ministry of Natural Resources says the man shot two deer without a hunting licence and then left them in the bush. In addition to the fine he is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for one year.

Geraldton couple victims of fatal crash

Two Geraldton residents have been identified as the victims of Wednesday's fatal accident on the Trans Canada Highway between Vermillion Bay and Kenora.
64 year old Raymond Buhr and 62 year old Joanne Buhr were in a vehicle that collided with a transport truck.
Highway 17 was closed for most of the afternoon and was reopened four hours later after debris had been removed from the roadway.

Salvation Army kicks off tents for Haiti

The Salvation Army is launching a new fundraising program for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Thunder Bays' Major Mervyn Halvorson says when you donate, the money will go towards the purchase of tents to help shelter homeless families. You can make your donations at either of the Thrift Stores in the city.

OFL prez calls for hydro relief

The Ontario Federation of Labour kicked off its Communities that work, campaign in Thunder Bay. Newley elected president Sid Ryan says the North is one of the hardest hit areas in the province and needs more support from the McGuinty Government. Ryan says the energy rate needs to be subsidizes like in southern Ontario. Ryan says a lower industrial energy rate would go a long way to create jobs in Northern Ontario.

New cable channel is only for the Olympics

Shaw Cable TV customers shouldn't get too used to having CFTO broadcasting on channel 23. A spokesperson at the Shaw call centre says the Toronto channel will only be around until the Olympics are finished. The local TV station cut its ties with CTV last week. Without the CFTO feed, cable customers wouldn't have been able to watch Canadians compete in the Olympics

The investigation around an injuried three year old girl continues

A three year old girl from Oliver Paipoonge remains in serious conditiion in hospital after an incident at her home on Tuesday. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says the girl was taken to the Health Sciences Centre with head injuries. He says the investigation is continuing as police interview family members to find out how she was injured in what they have termed suspicious circumstances.

Thunder Bay Hydro is warning the public about a new scam

Thunder Bay Hydro is concerned about a telemarketing campaign that may be hitting the city. Spokesperson Eileen Dias says customers have complained about it saying the caller is trying to sell a so called energy saver device costing hundreds of dollars. Dias says the utility has asked Thunder Bay Police to investigate

Council approves water rate hikes in this year's budget

You could be paying more on your water bill soon. City Council adopted a new rate structure for our water bills that will see the average household pay an extra five percent. Homes that use a lot of water could pay as much as 30 percent more. The new rate will come into effect once this year's budget comes into effect.

Thunder Bay police make a drug bust worth almost 20,000 dollars.

Thunder Bay police have taken almost 20 thousand dollars worth of illegal drugs off the streets. A Toronto man was arrested Tuesday after a traffic stop on the south side of town. Officers searched his vehicle and a nearby hotel and found the drugs along with 5 thousand dollars cash.

Candidate to run on Aboriginal ticket

There is a new name on the list of candidates running for an at-large seat in this falls municipal election. Cindy Crowe is running openly as an Aboriginal candidate with the specific purpose of bringing First Nations concerns to the council table.

Local dog Best in Breed

Two Thunder Bay dog owners have something to brag about. The Great Dane owned by Renee Russo and Lori Spicer is the Best in Breed at the Westminister Dog Show in New York. It is considered one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.

Tidy Trays taking off

A Thunder Bay businessman is on the verge of having his product go international. Dan Cheal of Dream Big Innovations, invented a plastic sanitary tray cover for high chairs called Tidy Trays. Right now it's only available in Canada, but Cheal says that is about to change as he has found a distributor in the UK. He says there's also interest in the product in the United States.

Golf courses to stay in city hands

There is little interest on City Council to the idea of selling any of the three city run golf courses. During last nights' budget deliberations councillors turned down a proposal to study whether at least two of the three courses should be put on the selling block. Instead they voted to increase green fees, memberships and golf cart rentals. Councillors were also told the operating deficit for all three courses was 236 thousand dollars.

Bus fare increases on the horizon

It appears riding the bus will be costing you more. City councillors have given preliminary approval to a fare increase in this years budget. The rate increase would see a 20 ride pass increase four dollars to 35 dollars, while a monthly pass would go up to 69 dollars and 50 cents. The discounted monthly pass would go up fifty cents to $57.50.