Missing man located

Missing man Donald Potan has been found safe and sound. Thunder Bay police found the 49 year old on May Street last night. Potan had been missing since last Thursday.

Decision on temporary bus terminal put off for a week

It will be next week before city councillors decide on a temporary site for a south side bus terminal while a new courthouse is being constructed. Councillors voted Monday to send back the issue to administration for more information. There was concern about the preferred site on Donald Street from Archibald to Syndicate Avenues, which was selected by Transit. It followed a presentation by area residents who were concerned what such a terminal would have on their quality of living. Instead some councillors appeared to favour a temporary site at City Hall and wanted to hear back from administration on the pros and cons of that location.

Councillors say yes to giving pools heritage designation

Two city pools have now come under the umbrella of the citys' Heritage Advisory Committee.   The Dease and Heath pools have been given heritage designation.   Committee chair Andrew Cotter and member Gloria Cyr stressed that the designation doesn't mean that the pools are protected from being closed down.  Instead Cotter says it will simply allow for the sites to be recognized as significant.   If the pools are considered for closure the appropriate steps can be taken to give the sites their historical due.

Emergency plan gets thumbs up from local EMO head

The federal government now has a national emergency response plan aimed at making sure key decisions are made quickly when disaster strikes. The move is getting praise from the city's top emergency planner. John Coupland says it will have a trickle down effect. He says it will be now easier for the provinces to get disaster assistance, and in turn it will get to the municipalities faster. The new plan outlines the responsibilities departments and agencies have in national or provincial emergencies

Bus accident sends a few riders to hospital with minor injuries

No comment from Thunder Bay Transit following a collision between two of its's buses. Three city bus riders were taken to hospital on Monday afternoon with minor injuries. It took place around 2 pm on Algoma in front of the Italian Hall. A police spokesperson says one of the bus drivers was charged with an improper lane change.

Ross gives props to Canada for UN vote

A local handicapped spokesperson says it's about time. Ron Ross of the lobby group PUSH is happy Canada has now voted in favour of a United Nations agreement on the rights of the disabled. Ross calls the move great. He says signing the contract shows that Canada respects the legislation necessary to help those that are handicapped. Ross says the agreement is a historic moment for disability rights.

Plasma centre hours being tweaked

Canadian Blood Services is changing the hours of operation for its Thunder Bay plasma centre. Spokesperson Michael Hyduk says it was the result of public demand.  The clinic hours will be as follows:   Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon until 7:30 pm.   Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am until 2 pm.   On six select Saturdays 8 am until 11:30 am.  Hyduk says the new hours take effect March 29th.

Stimulus cash for the outdoors

One provincial park and a camp in northwestern Ontario are getting a facelift thanks to your tax dollars. Neys Provincial Park near Terrace Bay and a Ranger camp near Sioux Lookout are getting 700 thousand dollars in federal and provincial cash. It will be used to make upgrades to both areas.

So You Think You've Got Talen Auditions underway at Intercity

If you're looking for something to do for the March break and are good at something head down to the Intercity mall.  Auditions are underway for So You Think You've Got Talent.  Childrens of all ages and even Adults can show their stuff today until Wednesday.  The winners of each age group will win a $300 Intercity gift card and $200 Bounce Productions Scholarship.  Deadline to enter is tomorrow at 5pm.

International Days hit Lakehead University

International Students are taking centre stage at Lakehead university this week. Bagpipers, African Dancing and Aborginal singing were on display as part of the opening ceremonies for international days. Organizer Tanka Awosika says its important to recognized the around 100 international students at the school. Awosike says different events will be happening throughout the week as part of International Days.

CAs lend their services to immigrants/less fortunate

For the 42nd year, chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes. The free tax clincs will take place from 6 to 9 pm both evenings at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association building on North Court Street. The service is offered by appointment only. The number to call is 345-0551

Would be thief busted in the act this morning

Thunder Bay Police caught a would be thief in the act this morning. At around 12:30 officers responded to an alarm at a bar on Cumberland and found the back door open. Inside the bar they found the culprits bag with his photo ID. The Canine Unit was called in and quickly located a 28 year old and arrested him.

Thunderwolves fall in Queens Cup

It was a disappointing end to the OUA season for the Thunderwolves who fell to McGill 3-1 in the Queens Cup Saturday. Kris Hogg scored the loan goal for the Wolves who fell behind early and couldn't find space to score the equalizer.  Andrew Wright scored two goals for the Redmen to pace them to the win.  The Wolves will get a chance for redemption in two weeks time at the Cavendish Cup.

Thunderwoles Men's Basketball team advance to the Nationals

For the first time in 33 years the Thunderwolves Men's Basketball team is off to the CIS nationals. They beat the Ottawa Gee Gees 78-73 to advance to the tournament being held in Ottawa this weekend.  The Carleton Ravens beat Windsor over the weekend to win the OUA championship and will host the nationals.   

Kick off for new cultural plan this month

The city is developing a cultural plan and very soon you'll have a chance to have your say. A community open house is planned later this month. It's being organized by Leah Bayly the supervisor of cultural services. She says the plan will be all encompassing and a final report will be presented to city council in January or February. The open house takes place March 29th at the Community Auditorium from 6:30-9 pm.

Renown Metis author speaks to students at Ogden School

Students at Ogden School heard from a renowned Metis Author this morning. David Bouchard spoke to students about the importance of reading as part of the schools Indigo Love of Reading Grant. Bouchard says reading is vital for future success because it gives you better communication skills and freedom to travel the world at anytime. Ogden school was given a grant of 150 thousand dollars to buy books and to host literacy programs over the last three years.

Lakehead Men's Basketball team goes for CIS championship berth in Ottawa

The Thunderwolves men's basketball team won't be taking home an OUA championship this weekend but they still have a chance to make it to the CIS championships.  The Wolves visit Ottawa tomorrow to battle the Gee Gees with the winner earning a spot at the nationals.  Lakehead lost in the OUA west final last week to Windsor but since the OUA gets three teams at the nationals, the T-Wolves have one more chance to advance.

Donald street could be the location for a temporary south core bus terminal

Donald street is likely the new temporary location for a South Core Bus Terminal. Council will be given a recommendation to adopt a portion of Donald street for use as the south terminal effective March 30th. The Brodie location will be permanently closed March 29th to make room for the new Consolidated court house. A permanent location will be chosen after the completion of a major study being done on the city's bus routes.

Thunderwolves host McGill for OUA championship

One more day to go until the Thunderwolves faceoff against the McGill Redmen for the Queens Cup. The Wolves host the Redmen tomorrow night at the Gardens for the second time for the OUA championship. Its a rematch from the 2006 final were the Thunderwolves beat McGill 4-0. Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban says there are a lot of similarities between the two teams but says playing in front of the home crowd definitely is an advantage. Game time is 730 Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens.

Border Cats games to start earlier

The Thunder Bay Border Cats games will be starting earlier this year. The baseball club says that evening games Monday thru Saturday will now begin at 6:35 pm. The first pitch for all Sunday games will be at 5:05 pm. The Cats home opener takes place on June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Outbreak at St. Joe's over

The illness outbreak at St. Joseph's Hospital is now over. The Health Unit says it had taken place on the inpatient unit on 5 south of the Algoma Street facility. To help prevent further outbreaks health officials urge people who have been sick or aren't feeling well to stay away until they recover.

TBRHSC probing possible assault

Officials at the Regional Health Sciences Centre have a confusing staff and security situation to deal with. Human Resources officer Don Halpert says they recently received a report from a staff member who claims she was assaulted. While they determined it wasn't serious, police were called anyway. Halpert says they are still trying to verify the facts of the case. He adds they're reminding staff that security is available if they wish.

United Way launches Pennies from Heaven

The United Way is back to give some worth to the lowly penny. It's launched the 15th annual Pennies from Heaven campaign. The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars which will go towards the overall 2010 campaign objective. As in past years there will be collection cartons sent to every home in the city. They can be used to collect pennies, and when full, can be dropped off at various city locations.

NOSTA President steps down

There will be a change at the top of the North of Superior Tourism Association. President Lori Paras has stepped down from her position. The move comes after months of turmoil within the organization the including infighting during the annual general meeting in December.

NWO agencies get upgrade cash

The McGuinty government has provided some northwestern Ontario social service agencies with money for repairs and upgrades. About 110 thousand dollars will be used to fund 29 projects including a new furnace and air conditioning system at the Thunder Bay branch of the Ontario March of Dimes.

Drug bust at the Thunder Bay Airport

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man is facing a trafficking charge after being arrested at the Thunder Bay Airport. He was apprehended after he recently arrived on a flight from Toronto. Police say he had a quantity of Oxycodone and Percocet pills with a street value of about 10 thousand dollars.

Thunder Bay arrest in kiddie porn probe

A Thunder Bay man is one of 35 people across the province charged in connection with a child pornography investigation. City police Detective Inspector Phil Levesque says the man was arrested Tuesday at his home and a personal computer was seized.   Charged with accessing child pornography is 61 year old Michael Daniel Bewcyk. He appears in court March 22nd.

Youth Action Council wants to make a difference

Young people in Thunder Bay now have a new organization to represent them. The Youth Action Council aims to bring together a vast range of groups to form one unit. Spokesperson Matthew DeGagne says they want to be a youth voice for the community. He says they'd like to work with city council and other adult organizations in the city. DeGagne says it would be nice to have input on decisions made that affect youth.

Youthscape kids shine

The kids from Youthscape Thunder Bay are pretty proud these days. Over the last two years the program been responsible for some 30 projects at a cost of 180 thousand dollars.  Sandra Albertson is with the United Way, which helped with the funding, and calls the final results amazing. In some cases the projects were organized by, or designed to help, disadvantaged youth within the community. They were put on display at the Prince Arthur Hotel on Wednesday.

Rotary Club back with it's house lottery

The Fort William Rotary Club is back with its' annual house lottery. Tickets are 100 dollars each and chair Bob Hookham says proceeds go towards several local charity organizations.   He says those charities include the Regional Food Distribution Association, the George Jeffery Children's Treatment Centre and the Dew Drop Inn.   The draw is taking place July first.   Photo:  Bob Hookham, Jill Zachary, Mayor Lynn Peterson, Ajoy Chatterjee

Rugby Olympics come to LU Hanger

Teams from a number of Lakehead Public Schools celebrated Rugby's inclusion into the 2012 Sumer Olympics with a tournament. Teams dressed up and took part in an Olympic style parade and played flag Rugby matches at the Lakehead University Hanger. This is the third year the tournament has been held.

Thuner Bay hosts zone 1 meeting of the OAPSB and OACP

Issues facing policing in Northern Ontario is taking centre stage in Thunder Bay at the Zone one of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police meetings. Chief Bob Herman and his Northern Counter Parts along with Police Services board members met yesterday and today for an joint meeting.  Herman says some of the big issues discussed include the need for a provincial crime prevention strategy and an update to the police services act.  Herman says having all the Chiefs and Board members on the same page is vital when working with the Government.

School board says eight is enough

There will be no change to the number of trustees on the Lakehead Public School Board. Trustees have voted to keep their number at 8 even though public schools in Armstrong and Collins were added to the boards' jurisdication. Chair Deborah Massaro says the decision had to do with student numbers, adding there wasn't enough of an increase to justify another trustee to represent their interests. The board had until March 15th to decide on adding the extra trustee

Hyer says the message is the medium

When you're in opposition the message is more important than the result. That's how MP Bruce Hyer describes the failure of the NDP motion to cancel funding for the Harmonized Sales Tax. Hyer says as long as attention was drawn to the subject their job is done.   The Liberals sided with the Conservatives in voting down the NDP motion

Local writer finalist for literary award

A Thunder Bay writer is up for a National Award. Marion Agnew entered her short story All I Can Say in the CBC Literary Awards. She was chosen from among 6 thousand submissions to be one of 80 finalists. She calls it a wonderful honour. She says the story is about her mother and a person she knows who is deaf. Agnew is pleased they are now known to more people. Six english language winners will be announced March 18th. The top award is 6 thousand dollars.

Workers at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih now unionized

25 workers at an addiction treatment centre in Thunder Bay are now part of the Canadian Auto Workers union. The CAW says employees at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih contacted the union about numerous concerns regarding health and safety and scheduling. The centre is located on Dease Street. It targets Aboriginal youth with holistic care that takes into consideration traditional and contemporary teachings and values.

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.

Low income recycling program not quite ready

The city is still not ready to go public with a taxpayer funded plan to help low income residents with their recycling. Two years after it was first proposed to city council the wait continues. City Works manager Darrell Matson admits it was tougher to put together than they first thought. They assumed it would simply be a matter of copying another communitys' program, but there wasn't one, so they had to create one from scratch. The issue comes back before council April 12th.

City Council approves 2010 budget

City council has given final approval to the 2010 budget. It means a total property tax increase of 1 and 3 quarters per cent. It also means a water rate increase of about 8 per cent. City treasurer Carol Busch says the average taxpayer will have to shell out around a hundred dollars extra a year.  Busch says the average homeowner will pay about 31 hundred dollars a year for taxes and water.

The body of a missing Terrace Bay man has been found

The search for a missing Terrace Bay Man has come to a tragic end. The body of 41 year old Jean Steven Giguere was found by the OPP divers yesterday. Giguere went missing after going for a walk on Lake Superior near Rossport Saturday.

Visitor restrictions in place at Versa Care Thunder Bay

Visitor restrictions have been placed on Versa Care after an outbreak of Gastrointestinal illness. Officials say all admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have also been cancelled. The health unit is encouraging anyone feeling ill to stay home to stop the spread of infections.

The need for doctors is still a harsh reality

Thunder Bay continues to languish in a doctors shortage. There remain thousands of people without a family physician. The citys' Family Physician Recruiter presented her report to councillors last night. Norine Howardson says the goal for her has remained the same for five years. She says the city needs 25 physicians and the objective is to recruit at least 5 a year. Howardson says a big challenge is the number of patients who are left without a family doctor when their own doctor retires.

Johnson questions doctor monitoring

At least one city councillor isn't satisfied with how doctor recruitment is monitored. Rebecca Johnsons' comments followed a presentation from the citys' Family Physician Recruiter. Johnson questioned why the number of doctors who leave the city aren't ever counted. She wants to know if the efforts to attract physicians are paying off, adding she'd like to see results from the quarter million dollar program. City officials say they don't have the means to track which doctors leave.

The city toughs out a rough tourism year

Inspite of a poor economy the city's Tourism Manager is satisfied with 2009. In his annual report to city councillors Paul Pepe says the tourism economy showed remarkable resilience to the conditions that were present right across North America. While there were tourism decreases Pepe says they were modest. He adds there were bright spots like an increase in U.S. travel to the city over the summer. Overall there were 419 thousand visitors to the city last year who spent 71 million dollars.

Habitat warns of e-mail scam

Local officials with Habitat for Humanity are warning of an e-mail scam. Board chair Andrew Campbell says it pretends to be from Habitat International and asks for money to help with earthquake relief in Haiti.  He says there are no reported cases of the e-mail being received in Thunder Bay, but they're trying to make sure everyone knows about it.  Campbell says the people behind the scam ask for personal information that can be used to steal your intentity.

Tentative deal on pensions struck with AbitibiBowater

AbitibiBowater employees can breathe easier. The Canadian Paperworkers Union has negotiated an agreement with the company over pensions. The CEP's Kim Ginter says the tenative deal with the company will fix the 25 per cent shortfall in the pension plan affecting retirees and active workers. The tenative agreement will go to the workers for a vote sometime in early April once the wording is finalized.

St. Joe's promotes healthy eating among staff

Amanda Affleck and Kim McGibbon serve up some sesame chicken with peppers at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital cafeteria.   It's part of the St. Joseph's Care Group campaign to get staff to eat more fruits and vegetables.   Staff at all four sites who are seen eating healthy will receive gift certificates to their own cafeterias or other prizes

Bayou Boogie says good-bye after 18 years

It's the end of the line for a popular yearly event that draws Canadians across the border. The annual Bayou Boogie at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino in Minnesota, has been cancelled after 18 years. It featured a wide range of Cajun culture straight from Louisiana and was held every Labour Day weekend. It attracted hundreds of people from Thunder Bay.  Enterprise Administrator Steven StandingCloud says the decision was made because the Lodge is losing money on the Boogie.

OPP call in divers in search for a missing Terrace Bay man

The search for a missing Terrace Bay man on Lake Superior has taken an unfortunate turn. The OPP's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit has been called in for the search. Forty one year old Jean Steven Giguere says was last seen in the Rossport area walking on the lake towards Cat Island March 6th and was supposed to return home in the evening.

Thunder Bay's own golden girl Haley Irwin is back home and is thrilled with the support Canadian Athletes are getting. Irwin says the government's own the podium program is a huge help to Athletes, and the 17 million dollar increase for each of the next two years is amazing. Irwin says having funds for rent and food is a huge boost for athletes and will produce big results in the years to come.

Call for extra native student subsidies

There's a call for special subsidies for Aboriginal university students in the province. Brent Kelso the organizer of Aboriginal week activities at Lakehead University says it's important to have well educated native youth. He says this way they can be prepared confront the new economic development that is taking place in the north.

Sleeping Giant Loppet once again a success

The 33rd annual Sleeping Giant Loppet went on without a hitch this weekend. The winners of the 50K freestyle were Andre Watt of Duluth on the Men's side and Karla Bailey of Thunder Bay won the women's side.  Both won 1000 dollars for finishing first.  In the 20K event Michael Somppi or the NTDC finished first for the men, while Anna Crawford lead the field with the women.

Lakehead men's basketball team down but not out

The Thunderwolves Men's basketball team may have lost to Windsor 87-66 Saturday night but they still have a chance to advance to the CIS championships. The wolves will take on the Ottawa Gee Gees in a winner take all game for a spot in the Nationals.

Thunderwolves advance to the OUA final

Alex Dupius came up big again for the Thunderwolves, making 28 saves to lead the wolves to a 5-2 win over the Western Mustangs Saturday to sweep the OUA Western Conference final in two games. The Wolves will now take on the McGill Redmen for the Queen's Cup at the Gardens Saturday night.

Family of five in hospital after fire in Fort William First Nation

Thunder Bay fire crews had to deal with a huge inferno that ripped through a house on the Fort William first nation Friday night. Crews from 5 stations attended the blaze just after 10 PM. Two Children and Three adults were taken to Hospital for observation because of Smoke inhalation.

Thunder Bay Police have busy morning

Thunder Bay police are having a busy morning so far. At around 3:30 this morning officers arrested a 26 year old man wanted in connection with a stabbing that happened last week. Earlier officers took a 22 year old into custody after a single vehicle accident. The man is charged with impaired driving.

Haley Irwin receives heroes welcome

Thunder Bays' Haley Irwin is back home. The Olympic gold medal winning member of the Canadian womens' hockey team arrived to the cheers of over 100 people at the Thunder Bay Airport on Friday. Irwin says she was overwhelmed by the support of her fans. She says she expected family and media to greet her, but instead she was given a heroes welcome by all sorts of local supporters, and in some cases school children who skipped classes to be there. Irwin says she'll be taking a few months to rest before playing competitive hockey again.

Stadium repairs on the council agenda for Monday

City councillors will be asked to approve 2.7 million dollars worth of rehab work for Fort William Stadium on Monday night. Parks Division manager Paul Fayrick says the upgrading includes putting in artificial turf and replacing the track. Work will begin in June after the school track season ends and be ready in time for the SSSAA football season. Also Monday night councillors get the update on the recruitment of health care professionals to the city. Norine Howardson, the citys' Family Physician recruiter, says 2009 was a good year with 25 professionals settling here. Thunder Bay Tourism will also present it's year end report.

The province announces new doctor recruitment programs

There are two new government programs to recruit doctors to northern Ontario. The first , The Northern and Rural Recuritment and Retention Initiative, will be providing grants to doctors and new medical grads who agree to practice in the north or highly rural communities. In making the announcement in Thunder Bay Health Minister Deb Matthews says it replaces the Underserviced Areas Program which she says wasn't working anymore.   As well Matthews announced a program that allows graduates to pratice for five years in any Ontario community except Toronto and Ottawa. In return they get postraduate training opportunities

North of Superior Film Festival will go on

Good news for film buffs, the North of Superior film festival will be a go this year. After the closure of its pervious home the Cumberland Theatre caused concerns the event would have to be cancelled. Organizer Marty Mascarin says Silver City will host this year's festival on consecutive Sunday's, March 21st and 28th. Mascarin says there will be about a dozen titles featured in this year's festival.

LU has new VP

There's a new Vice President at Lakehead University. Lee Gould takes over one of four VP positions at the institution. Starting Monday he becomes the new Vice President of University Advancement. Gould says he knows his immediate priority will be the Orillia campus and giving it a presence in central Ontario. In the longer term Gould says he will build the programs and meet the vision of the university.

Lakehead's Men's basketball team members earn OUA honours

This year's outstanding season from the Lakehead University men's basketball team has led to OUA West honours for four of the players and Coach Scott Morrison. Morrison was named Coach of the year, Guard Jamie Searle was named to the first team all-star squad and is also the West nomination for the CIS Ken Shields Award.  Yoosrie Salhia was named to the second team all-star squad, Greg Carter is this year's defensive player of the year and Ryan Thomson was named to the all rookie team.

Lakehead men's basketball team goes for glory

The Lakehead University men's Basketball team will look to continue their Cinderella story tomorrow when they visit Windsor in the West Division final.  Lakehead earned their spot in the final by winning their first ever home playoff game last weekend.  Coach Scott Morrison says improved team play and tough defence has led to this year's outstanding season. 

Thunderwolves could be forced to make a goalie change

There could be some changes to the lineup for the Thunderwolves this weekend when they travel to London for game two of the OUA Western Conference final against the Western Mustangs. Starting Goalie Alex Dupius could be staying home after waking up with a sore leg yesterday. Dupius has led the Wolves to 5 straight wins in the playoffs and made 34 saves to lead Lakehead to a 4-1 game one win over the Mustangs Wednesday. If Dupius can't make the trip Kyle Moir will step back into the crease as the starter.

LCRA re-opens the Cascades

The cleanup is complete. The Cascades Conservation area is now re-opened to the public.  The recreation area at the end of Balsam Street was closed last month to allow the for the clean up of damage caused by a windstorm last September.

Police uncover city grow op

Three city residents are facing charges after a marijuana grow op bust. Police say they executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Rowand Street this week. 20 pot plants were seized with an estimated street value of 20 thousand dollars. Two women were arrested at the scene and a man surrendered to police later.

Chamber prez has concerns about EI premiums

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce says he has some concerns about the federal budget. Harold Wilson notes there is expected to be an increase in Employment Insurance premiums. He believes it can have a negative effect on job growth. Wilson says he is pleased the feds will be looking at government spending practices

Water issues pass the budget test

There is relief coming for Current River residents who have had trouble with their water pressure. Councillor Andrew Foulds says money have been set aside in the budget to take care of their problem.   Foulds says then in 2011 and 2012 there will be a new watermain to improve fire safety for Claude Garton School and the Current River Rec Centre.

Handicapped group upset over accessible taxis

The handicapped community in Thunder Bay has had enough. They say there aren't enough accessible taxis in the city and went to the Police Services Board to get some satisfaction. Ron Ross is the head of the handicapped lobby group PUSH. He says the current situation is unacceptable especially for wait times.   The Board has agreed to look into the problem, but in the meantime, Ron Bourett of the city will be meeting with PUSH officials to try to find some immediate solutions.

Herman says Community Police model outdated

Community policing in the city is undergoing changes. Police Chief Bob Herman presented an update on his three year business plan to the Police Services Board. Chief Herman says his forces' priorities have changed dramatically and the old neighbourhood model isn't effective anymore and is being modified.  He says it's been replaced by the community response team, and that the beat officer program may be expanded because the public response to it has been tremendous.  Chief Herman says the force is always looking at ways to make the best use of it's police officers and resources.

Long term care beds announced

The provincial government is redeveloping over 100 long term care beds in Thunder Bay. MPP Bill Mauro says its part of a larger plan that will see 35 thousand beds redeveloped across Ontario. He says the location of the beds hasn't been decided.    Some of the redeveloped beds could be in the Bethammi Nursing home.

Taj Mahal headlines this years Blues Fest

The line-up is all set for this years Blues Festival. Organizer Trevor Hurtig says the headliner this year is Taj Mahal. In addition there will be Blues Traveler and Robert Randolph. Hurtig calls it incredible,exciting and the best line-up in the history of the event.  This years festival takes place July 9th, 10th and 11th.

Award winning author visits city

An award winning Canadian author is calling his trip to Thunder Bay a rewarding experience. Nino Ricci  is to give a reading and speak at the University tonight.  He says it's his first time in the city adding he enjoys meeting those who read Canadian literature and make it meaningful for him to write his books.   Ricci received the Governor Generals fiction award for his book The Origin of Species

Thunder Bay's Tai Chi Chef faces the Dragons

Peng You's hopes of getting the backing of the Dragons was ended last night. Thunder Bay's Tai Chi Chef was on last night's episode of CBC's the Dragons Den and had his business idea of teaching chinese cooking with tai chi turned down. You says although its too bad his idea wasn't accepted it was a good experience all the same.

Alex Dupuis leads Thunderwolves to a 4-1 win over Western

The chants of Doooooo! were filling the Fort William Gardens last night as the home town crowd really got behind Thunderwolves rookie goalie sensation. Dupuis made 34 saves in the 4-1 win over the Western Mustangs to lead the Wolves to 1-0 series lead in the OUA western final. Head Coach Joel Scherban says Dupuis has really given the team the goaltending the team needs in the playoffs. Game two goes Saturday night in London with game three if necessary going Sunday again in London.

New hockey franchise for the city still not a sure thing

The former Thunder Bay resident who is trying to bring an AHL or OHL hockey franchise to the city isn't having any early success. Anthony LeBlanc wants to make the local franchise a farm team for the Phoenix Coyotes when his group Ice Edge Holdings buys them. He says however, it's slow going so far. He says they're looking for franchises that are for sale or able to relocate, but nothing is available right now. Meantime LeBlanc is hopeful that his group will be able to have a deal in place soon to lease the Jobbing.com Arena in Glendale Arizona.

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.