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.

Neebing fire nomads back at James Street

It's back to the James Street Fire Station for Neebing station fire crews. They had to be relocated to the MNR fire base until mould problems at the Neebing station could be fixed. Deputy fire chief Greg Hankkio says they have now moved back to James Street until the mould issue is fixed. Hankkio says under a best case scenerio, they could be back their home base by the end of this month. The Neebing fire house has been closed since February 10th. Pictured: James St. Fire Station

Man wants credible candidates for mayor

A city man is anxious to have Mayor Lynn Peterson face some challengers this fall. David Polhill is running an ad to help find and support a suitable candidate to run against Peterson in the October municipal election. He says right now there have been special interests groups that have contacted him about getting together for a meeting on the issue. He's hoping this will lead to financial backing for a candidate and people willing to help with the campaign. Polhill says he began his crusade after a personal incident at city hall.

Province make major highway announcement

The highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon will see some major construction over the next few years. The provincial government has announce three new projects to four lane portions of the highway. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the projects will cost over 770 million dollars and including the Widening of the Nipigon River Bridge, four-laning a 12 kilometre stretch between Red Rock and Nipigon and another 13 kilometres from Mackenzie Station Road to Highway 527. These projects are in addition to four-laning from Hodder Avenue to Highway 527 and from Mackenzie Beach to Birch Beach.

Local Poles saddened by tragedy

There's sadness in the Polish community in Thunder Bay. They're mourning the death of Polands' president over the the weekend in a plane crash. Local spokesperson Donna Wronowski says the president was well loved by many Poles She says he was the first president to recognize the hard work of the Polish people. The Bishop will be saying a special mass Thursday night at St. Cashmir's Church starting at 7 o'clock. Pictured: Flags are lowered to half staff at the Polish Legion on Cumberland to commemorate the death of President Lech Kaczynski

Body found in Goods Road area

Thunder Bay Police have identified the man whose body was found in a drainage ditch over the weekend on Goods Road. They say it's that of 60 year old Kenneth Berg. He was the mental health patient who was reported missing in October after wandering off from the Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police say the body was in a ditch that was filled with water and was discovered after the water was drained Saturday afternoon. Police say foul play is not suspected.

Hydro rate hike approved

Thunder Bay Hydro customers will be seeing a small increase in their energy bill. The city run utility has been given approval by the Ontario Energy Board for an increase of point two per cent. Hydro spokesperson Eileen Dias says that works out to about 20 cents a month for a household using the average amount of electricity.

6 million in contracts to be awarded Monday

City councillors will be making more million dollar decisions Monday night.  City engineering manager Pat Mauro says there'll be decisions on contracts to fix the May Street Bridge, asphalt resurfacing and for sewer and watermain replacement. The bridge contract is worth 800 thousand dollars, the asphalt contract comes in at 3 and a half million while it will cost taxpayers 1.7 million for the sewer and watermain replacement.   Also Monday night, administration will recommend councillors turn down a proposal to introduce a recycling program for low income residents.

Wind Park to take up councillors time

City councillors will be hearing a lot about the proposed Big Thunder Bay Wind Park. Monday, they'll hear from the head of the Nor'Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection committee opposed to the idea of  building wind turbines. However City Clerk John Hannam says a special meeting will be taking place Tuesday on the issue.  There are close to 20 presentations expected then.

EMS boss concerned about patient transfers

Paramedics in Thunder Bay say they're handling too many non emergency cases. Their boss, EMS chief Norm Gale, will be before city councillors Monday night with an operational  update. Gale says something has to be done to deal with the issue of patient transfers possibly handing it to a private company. Gale says in Thunder Bay non emergency transfers make up 20 per cent of paramedic calls.  That number jumps to 35 per cent in the region.

Janzen's owner concerned about fee policy

A local pharmacy owner is upset with a provincial government decision to cut fees they get from drug companies. Brenda Adams of Janzen's Pharmacy says those rebates go back to help their customers, adding they go to pay for all the services within the pharmacy operation and as such are an essential part of their funding. Adams says if nothing changes she may have to impose a hiring freeze but stopped short of saying a planned expansion would have to be scrapped.

Wilson says rising loonie presents challenges

The rising loonie is causing some shoppers to head south of the border. However the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is asking them to consider the advantages if they shop here. Harold Wilson says they are considerable from return policies and follow up services. Wilson says it's also up to businesses to become creative to keep shoppers here adding, they've had plenty of time to prepare.

Gravelle promotes entrepreneur program

The Ontario government says its' Northern Entrepreneur Program has helped launch 13 businesses in northwestern Ontario. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it shows a little assistance from the taxpayer is sometimes needed to help the economy. The businesses range from a backhoe service in Thunder Bay, a dental office in Nipigon to a garden shed company in Dryden. The province staged a media event in Thunder Bay to promote the program.

United Way gears up for fundraiser

A top United Way fundraiser is all set to go next month. The Billboard Rescue aims to raise more than 100 thousand dollars. Organizer Shawn Christie says it's always a popular event. It takes place May 20th at the Investors building on Jade Court off of Balmoral.

Unemployment rate is down in Thunder Bay

The Unemployment rate in the city saw a sizable drop last month. Thunder Bay's rate went from February's 7.4 percent to an even 7 last month. That's well below the National average of 8.2 percent and far better than Ontario's rate of 8.8 percent.

Molesti lawyer frustrated by process

A Thunder Bay lawyer is complaining about the treatment her client is getting by Canadian Immigration. Lydia Stam is representing 59 year old Patrick Molesti. He's accused by American officials of trying to buy a 5 year old online and was recently captured in Thunder Bay. Stam says hearings have taken place and her client was moved out of Thunder Bay without her knowledge or presence. She is currently trying to get him a lawyer for his next detention hearing in Toronto Friday morning.   She says she is frustrated by what has happened.

Wind farm opponent scoffs at compromise

An opponent to the proposed Nor' Wester Mountains wind farm is turning tumbs down to a compromise by Horizon Wind. The company has offered to moved its turbines back by 1 kilometre. But area resident Margot Freitag says that's not good enough. She says there are Paragine Falcons there along with other endangered animal and plant life. Freitag also insists the mountain location is a health hazard

Shuniah highway upgrade announced

7 and a half kilometres of Highway 11/17 in Shuniah Township is getting upgraded. The federal and provincial governments are providing 3 and a half million dollars for the project. The area involved is beween Mackenzie and Birch Beach. The section is not considered part of the four laning project between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. It will continue to exist for local use once the new highway is completed.

Women's United Run all set

There's a new look and name for the annual womens' run. The Womens United Run, Stroll or Roll is once again being sponsored by Royal LePage Lannon Realty. Organizer Art Lannon is hoping the name change will get more women to participate. About 15 hundred women are expected to take part with money raised going to the United Way and a goal of 25 thousand dollars. The event takes place May 8th at Blvd Lake.

Police make arrest in cab driver robbery

A cab driver was the victim of a robbery Tuesday morning on the south side. Around 4 O'clock the driver dropped off two males in the 500 block of South Marks Street, when the males assaulted him and made off with some cash. Police arrested a 21 year old in connection but are still looking for the second suspect. The victim was taken to hospital and was treated and released.

Horizon makes changes to wind farm

Horizon Wind is offering an olive branch to those against the proposed Nor' Wester Mountains wind farm. The company has agreed to move its turbines 1 kilometre away from the nearest home. President Anthony Zwig says the move shows they are trying to be flexible and trying to find solutions that both sides can live with. At least one opponent says the compromise is not good enough.

Siemens awarded contract for Dorion wind farm

Siemens Energy has been awarded the contract for a wind power project just east of Thunder Bay. Dorion's Greenwhich wind energy park will have 43 turbines that will be built by Siemens. The project will power around 30 thousand homes in Ontario and officials expect it to be up and running by next summer.

Police respond to morning robbery

Thunder Bay Police are looking for two men wanted in connection with a south side robbery this morning. Officers say two men entered a convenience around 2 o'clock and demanded the safe be opened. When the safe couldn't be opened one of the suspects took money from the till and fled.

No early problems for Donald St. terminal

Day one of the temporary Donald Street bus terminal is now in the books. According to Thunder Bay Transits' Ken Koza, riders were getting used to the new situation and it went smoothly on Wednesday.   The transit terminal will stay in front of City Hall until the Violet and North Street location is ready.   The temporary locations are needed in order to allow for the construction of the new consolidated courthouse.    There is the possibility the corner of Brodie and Donald may require a four way stop to control traffic.

Seniors centre opens woodworking shop

Seniors in the Kakabeka area now have a remodeled 60 Plus Centre to go to. The old Pineview school on Highway 11/17 had 225 thousand dollars worth of renovations done to house a woodworking shop. Project manager Bob McCluskey says it was a long time coming.   A total of 170 thousand dollars was granted from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Heritage Corporation.

George Jeffrey gets treatment cash

There are smiles all around at the George Jeffrey Children's Centre. The McGuinty government has come through with over a quarter million dollars for the facility. Executive Director Eiji Tsbouchi wasn't expecting the extra money. He says the government told provincial centres that with a 25 billion dollars deficit there wasn't likely to be any extra cash available. Most of the money will be going towards treatment programs

90 year old ash trees to be cut down

Say goodbye to the 14 ash trees on Arthur Street in front of Vickers Park. They will be cut down. City Forester Shelley Vecsio says there's some roadwork taking place there and those trees aren't needed anymore.  She says even if there wasn't any road construction,  the trees would have had to come down this year anyway having reached the end of their lifespan.  The trees are about 90 years old and are expected to be cut down starting next week.

LU students fueled up for car competition

Lakehead University students are set to make their mark in Michigan next month. The automotive engineers are entering an international competition with their new race car. One of those students is Trevor Farrow, and he's pumped. He says they're hoping to make the top 25 after winning rookie of the year honours last year. As well they have more sponsors this year along with and a team of 45 making them far more competitive. The event takes place May 12th to the 15th.

Beardmore is getting a new multi use centre

The town of Beardmore is getting a new multi use centre. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is investing over 650 thousand dollars to the project that is projected to be completed next March. The facility will include a municipal office, community meeting rooms, a public library, tourist information centre and office space. The project is expected to create about 30 construction jobs.

Thunder Bay Police officer facing charges

A Thunder Bay police officer has been charged under the Police Services Act. Sergeant James Mauro is charged with Deceit and Discreditable Conduct. Mauro is accused of forging a letter from the President of the Thunder Bay Police Association for an arbitration hearing in October. Mauro was suspended from duty March 26th.

Brodie Street bus terminal comes to a close

The south downtown will have a new bus terminal starting tomorrow. The Brodie Street terminal is closing for good today to make room for the Consolidated Courthouse. Transit Manger Brad Loroff says as of the end today City Hall will be the new location for the south bus terminal. Loroff says the terminal will remain at City Hall until the Violet and North Street location is ready.

Forest Allocation competition comes to an end

The deadline to place bids for 11 million cubic metres of Ontario Forest has come and gone. The forest allocation competition started last November and there were a number of proposals put forward. Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says most of the bids came from companies in the North and many from smaller companies focused on the value added side of the industry. Gravelle hopes to see recommendations from his ministry within 6 months.

Canadian Cancer Society gearing up for Relay For Life

The Canadian Cancer Society has officially kicked off the Relay For Life. The annual kickoff breakfast took place this morning and Chair Elizabeth Stafford says everyone is encouraged to take part in the event and can find more information at the Canadian Cancer Society's website. Stafford says she hopes to see 85 teams enter this years relay that takes place June 18th.

Patrick Molesti to appear in another court hearing

The man accused of trying to buy a 5 year old online will be back in court tomorrow (Wed). 56 year old Patrick Molesti will have another detention review hearing to determine if he can be legally held in Canada. Canada Border Services Spokesperson Kris Kealey says this review will determine whether Molesti will remain in Thunder Bay. Kealey says Molesti will eventually face an admissibility hearing that will determine whether he will remain in Canada or be deported to the US. That hearing hasn't been scheduled.

Thunder Bay's Archives are open to the public

Your in luck if you want to get an inside look at Thunder Bay's history. Its Archive awareness month and the City's Archives are open to the public. City Archivist Mat Szybalski says everyone is welcome to come down and get tours of the archives from 11 am to 2 pm all week. Szybalski says their will be displays highlighting the fire department and emergency measures organization and some of the City's oldest records.

The loss of the Home Retrofit program is a major blow for the environment

Last week's cancellation of the Home Retrofit program is being called a major blow to the environment. EcoSuperior's Ellen Mortfield says it was a very popular program, helped a lot of people increase the efficiency of their homes and the loss of the federal grants is troubling.  Mortfield says there is some good news however, as it appears the provincial government will continue to fund its portion of the program.

Warm up to prevent injury during spring yard cleanup

When you head out to get the spring cleaning done, its a good idea to warm up to prevent injury. Doctor James DiGiuseppe at the Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre says yard work is a vigorous activity and shouldn't be taken lightly. He says doing some light stretches is a good way to warm up and prevent injury. More information can be found on the Ontario Chiropractic Association's website.

Another person dies after falling through thin ice

Another person has died after falling through the ice in Northwestern Ontario. Greenstone OPP say the latest incident happened on Upper Jobrin Lake 40 kilometres north of Longlac. A 48 year old Cochrane man died when a snowmobile fell through the ice yesterday. Two others were rescued and one was airlifted to the Health Sciences Centre. Warm weather has caused unsafe conditions and officials are urging people to stay off the ice.

March smashes record for warmest month on record

If March was any indication its going to be a blistering summer weatherwise. Last month saw records fall for both warmth and the least amount of snowfall in Thunder Bay. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says the average temperature last month was just over one degree which smashed the record previously set in 2000 at minus 0.5.  March also saw trace amounts of snow far less than 1992's record of 2.4 centemetres. 

Habitat for Humanity gearing up for a big year

Habitat for Humanity has a big year ahead of them. They will be auctioning off three playhouses at the Home and Garden show and have three building projects ahead of them as well.  CEO Diane Mitchell says three local families built play houses for auction.  Habitat will also be building two homes and renovating a third that will provide new homes for three families.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue suspend burning permits

You won't be able to do any open burning for the Easter long weekend. Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Chief John Hay says all burning permits are suspended until conditions improve.  Hay says the warm dry spring is making conditions perfect for fires.  He says there needs to be significant rain and greening before permits will be reinstated.

Patrick Molesti will be staying in Thunder Bay

Patrick Molesti will remain in Thunder Bay for the foreseeable future. The man accused of trying to buy a 5 year old boy online maintains he's innocent but did admit he is a flight risk. The 56 year old appeared via video link in a Toronto courtroom yesterday to see if he could be legally held in Canada. Canada Border Services Officials expect Molesti will be deported to the states where he faces several charges.

More record temperatures in store for Northwestern Ontario

You can expect a mixed bag of weather for the long weekend. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says we could set new records for warmth for the next few days but Saturday we will see a change to cooler temperatures and rain.  Coulson says the sun will come back out Sunday and will bring the temperatures back up to the double digit mark.

Fort Frances man dies from a form of Mad Cow Disease

A Fort Frances man has died from a disease closely related to Mad Cow disease. The Northwestern Health Unit confirmed the man died from a rare form of Creutzfeldt  - Jakob's disease. Director of Health Protection – Arlene Lesenski says this form of disease is NOT linked to a another form contracted by eating tainted meat from cattle. The man died  last week.

Vancouver Police make arrest in connection with the death of a Thunder Bay woman

Vancouver police made an arrest in the murder of a former Thunder Bay resident. 45 year old Alexander Le Grace was arrested and is charged with second degree murder in the death of 43 year old Tammy-Lynne Cordone. Cordone was originally from Thunder Bay but was living in Vancouver at the time.

New MJLB Library unveiled

The wraps are now off the drawings for the new Mary J-L Black Library. It will be located next to the West Thunder Community Centre. Chief Librarian Gina La Force says the 92 hundred square foot facility will be spread out over 1 floor instead of two at the current location.  She says there will also be lots of windows to give it a bright feel.   La Force says the budget for the new library is 4.1 million dollars. Tenders are expected to go out shortly with completion set for this time next year.

Molesti video hearing set for Wednesday

A 56 year old American man has a detention hearing set for Wednesday at the District Jail. 56 year old Patrick Molesti was picked up by city police last week at the request of Canada Border Services. American officials want him in connection with a plot to buy a 5 year old boy on the internet. Services spokesperson Chris Kealey says the hearing is to determine whether he should remain in jail.  Kealey says Molesti will participate in via video conference with an Immigration and Refugee board adjudicator located in Toronto.   Another hearing has yet to be set on when Molesti will be sent back to the States.

Cops for Cancer set to go

The 14th annual Cops for Cancer fundraiser is set for May 8th at the Intercity Mall. That's where people get their head shaved and raise money in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Organizer Dana Levanto says they are looking for volunteers.   The goal is 30 thousand dollars.  Pictured: Constable Barry Ritch watching his son Jarvis get shaved by Shear Heaven stylist Rachel Parenteau with help from owner Aldo Ruberto.

Online voting decision in April

The decision on internet voting could be weeks away.  Friday is the deadline for companies who want to submit proposals to change the way we vote during city elections. City Clerk John Hannam says that includes a new ballot counting machine and a proposal for remote voting which could mean voting on the internet, by phone or by mail.  He says those proposals will be evaluated and on April 26th he  will report back to council on possible recommendations.  The idea is to increase voter turnout.

Proposal for smaller council shot down

Councillor Larry Heberts' proposal for a smaller council is dead in the water...at least for now. Councillors voted down his idea to reduce the size of council from 12 members to 8. But Hebert says all is not lost. He says councillors suggested that the idea be brought up after the new council is elected.  He says in that way a citizens committee can be formed to look how council is elected.  Hebert is satisfied that he drew attention to the issue.

Chamber prez wants more input on wage rate

The President of the Chamber of Commerce is stopping short of condemning Wednesday's minimum wage increase in the province. Harold Wilson says he'd like to see the government allow more input before setting the rate.   That would include taking into account the economic issues are at any given time.  He'd like to see it planned out as opposed to be dictated by the province.  As of Wednesday the minimum wage in the province will be $10.25 an hour.

Arena proposal going to the public

The next stage in getting a new arena for the city takes place shortly. City councillors have given the green light for public consultation sessions on the proposal for a new multi purpose event centre. City Manager Tim Commisso says because the plan is in such an early stage this will be the best opportunity for you to express an opinion either for or against such a proposal.   No dates have been set for any of the sessions.

Thunder Bay Police arrest a 28 year old man in connection with hit and run

A suspect has been arrested in connection with last Wednesday's Hit and Run that left one man in hospital with serious head injuries. Steven Jamie Torkkeli of Thunder Bay is charged with failing to stop at an accident, reckless driving causing bodily harm and obstructing a police officer. The 28 year old was arrested yesterday afternoon and a 2003 Ford 150 was also seized at his North Hill Street residence. Richard Piekarczyk-Vacca of suffered severe head injuries in the collision and remains in hospital. The member of the Canadian armed forces was in Thunder Bay visiting his girlfriend.

First Nations leader scolds city councillors

A sharp rebuke to the city from an area Aboriginal leader.   Chief Wilfred King of the Gull Bay First Nation scolded council for not including the citys' Aboriginal Strategic Plan in the citys' own Strategic Plan.   Chief King says the Aboriginal plan outlines many ways the city can act as a leader, partner, employer and service provider to resident First Nations.   He says council can no longer marginalize First Nations by attempting to, as he puts its, force square pegs into round holes.   King adds that First Nations can provide positive economic input in a variety of ways.   He says natives as a people have so much more to offer than art, drums and symbolic legends.  King believes that the First Nations are expected to assimilate to the norms of current business practices.

Loan forgiveness for training centre will wait

City councillors are not ready to write off a loan of 572 thousand dollars for the brand new Emergency Training Centre on Hammond Avenue. Board Vice Chair Mary Long-Irwin made the request saying that phase two of the project, the indoor shooting range, might have a difficult time in getting funding should the request be turned down. Councillors however decided to go with a recommendation by administration to wait for a report to be presented on the first full year of operations in February of next year. It's hoped by that time, they can see if the facility is making money which can then be used to pay back the loan. In a separate decision councillors voted to release 150 thousand dollars for the shooting range

Businesses object to bus terminal site

City councillors just can't seem to win when it comes to a temporary bus terminal location. A south side business operator pleaded with councillors to change their minds on making Violet and North Streets the temporary transit terminal. Mike McNabb of SHUFA Investment Ltd, brought with him a number of letters from area businesses and organizations that are opposed to the move as well. McNabb doesn't see how the new location will work seeing as how the the streets are too narrow. He says the decision was not well not thought out. The city has been forced to find a temporary location for the Brodie Street terminal while the new courthouse is being built.

Arrest made in hit and run

Thunder Bay Police say they have arrested a man in connection with last Wednesdays' hit and run on Secord Street.  They say that the suspect was taken into custody at around 5 pm Monday.  In that accident a pedestrian sustained serious head injuries after being struck by a vehicle.  Police say a vehicle has been recovered and will be examined by forensic experts.  Further details will be released on Tuesday morning

Social workers accept contract

The workers at the North West Community Care Access Centre now have a new contract. The employees voted 80 per cent in favour of accepting a new three year deal. It will see them get a total wage increase of six per cent. There are also benefit improvements. They belong to the Canadian Auto Workers union.