Bad medicine, city rockers won't open for Bon Jovi

A Thunder Bay band is disappointed it will not get to open for Bon Jovi in Winnipeg. Money Honey was in first place after internet voting but guitarist Michael Kondakow says in the end it didn't mean that much. The band thought that because they finished first that they would be the winner, but that wasn't the case. Kondakow feels that it only confused a lot of people. He believes it was Bon Jovi that had the final say on the winning entry.

Safeway stores take recalled meat off shelves

The latest concerns over recalled meats has affected Safeway stores in Thunder Bay. It's a voluntary recall by a company that makes a variety of pre-packaged Italian meat products. Safeway took them off the shelf Monday morning because of Listeria concerns. The Thunder Bay Health Units Christopher Beveridge says they are aware of the recall and that all inspectors have been alerted to it and will make special checks during their rounds. A list of the recalled meats can be found here.

Police Chaplain passes away

The Thunder Bay Police Service is without one of it's long standing members. Father Michael Dunnill died on the weekend at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, he was 77. Father Dunnill served as the police Chaplain since 1988. Police Chief Bob Herman says Dunnill's death leave a deep sense of loss in the organization. His funeral will take place at St. Paul's Anglican Church on Ridgeway Street, Thursday morning at 11.

Woman dies in Atikokan house fire

One woman is dead following a weekend house fire in Atikokan. 31-year-old Amy Rachel Lee was inside a home that caught fire Saturday morning around 7:30.  An unidentified man was taken to Atikokan hospital and later transported to Winnipeg in serious condition. Atikokan Fire Department was on scene for nearly five hours before fire fighters were able to contain the blaze. The Ontario Fire Marshall's office and OPP are investigating it's cause.

Library unveils new look

The Thunder Bay Public Library is launching a new look. Along with the new logo goes a new attitude according to Chief Librarian Gina La Force. She says it will mean revamping everything from library cards to library letterhead and website. La Force is hoping the new look will attract new members who may think they know what the library is about but dismiss it as the world of yesterday, when in fact it's quite a modern and tech savvy organization. The new logo was designed by Generator Advertising. The cost of the change was 21 thousand dollars

Two dead after shooting in Whitefish Bay

Two people are dead after an incident on the Whitefish Bay First Nation. The OPP says officers responded after shots were fired in a house yesterday morning. When they arrived a 39 year old man was shot during a confrontation. The man was taken to hospital where he died. The SIU was called in to investigate the shooting and the OPP are also investigating after finding a body inside the house.

Hells Angels trying to re-establish in the city

The Hells Angels may be trying to actively recruit new members in Thunder Bay. Police put the biker gang on ice four years ago but spokesperson Chris Adams says there are indications that the criminal organization could be trying to gain a foothold again. He says they're continuing to monitor the activities of the gang and admits that the city remains a lucrative market in which they still have members present. Adams wouldn't comment on methods police are using to gain their information

No one hurt in school fire

Westmount school students have something to talk about this weekend. Their south side school had to be evacuated today after the contents of a garbage bin were set on fire in a boys washroom. The custodian put the fire out and then called the fire service. No one is hurt as the result of the incident.

Council being asked to support Timmins

One of the city's top labour leaders, who also happens to be a candidate for city council, speaks to councillors Monday evening.   Paul Pugh says he's asking for councils support in opposing the closure of the Xtrata ore smelter in Timmins. Pugh says it's an issue that affects all northerners.   Also Monday, councillors will be asked to grant almost 100 thousand dollars towards the construction of a Taiji monument at Marina Park and will be looking at the Community Garden Policy.

Lake Superior Place not dead

A local organization with it's own dreams for the waterfront isn't disappointed by the latest developments from city hall. Administration is recommending councillors put plans for Lake Superior Place on the backburner. President Laura Fralick understands the reasoning behind the move. She says the move indicates that the proposal is being taken seriously but it's happening at a time when the city just can't manage everything that's on it's plate right now. Fralick says while it may give the impression to the public the project isn't moving ahead, but that's not true adding, it's certainly not dead.

Police looking at possible robbery links

City police suspect the two cab driver robberies this week may be linked. This morning's incident began on Brock Street while Tuesday's was on Frederica. Spokesperson Chris Adams says that's not the only possible connection.  He says the descriptions of the men involved in both incidents are very similar, so police are looking at any possible connections seriously.   Adams says concerns over cab driver safety are also playing into the urgency of the case

Police seize $16,000 worth of drugs

A 29 year old man was arrested after police found 16 thousand dollars worth of drugs. The Osnaburg First Nation man was taken in by the Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit yesterday at Hillcrest Park. Officers seized 100 Oxycodone pills, 283 Percocet tablets and 65 hundred dollars in cash. Police also found a rifle and a machete in the mans car.

Jobless rate in Thunder Bay plummets

Thunder Bay's Jobless rate saw a huge drop last month. It went from 7 percent in March to 6.1 percent in April. Our rate is far lower than the national rate which fell to 8.1 percent from 8.2. The provincial rate held steady at 8.8 percent.

Another cab stolen at knife point

For the second time in a week a Thunder Bay cab driver had his vehicle stolen. Police say the driver picked up a man and woman on the south side who then pulled a knife and a hatchet out and held the knife to the drivers throat. The pair then told the driver to get out and drove off north on Brown Street. The cab has been recovered but no arrests have been made.

Public gets say on Multiplex plan

It appears the Multiplex idea may not go without some opposition. There was a packed house at the Da Vinci Centre last night, as the city presented it's plan for the new facility. However one resident, Gerry Polling says bringing on more debt is a bad idea. There will be another public meeting in one week at the Italian Hall on Algoma.

No arrests in credit union heist

Police still have not made an arrest in the Apple Credit Union robbery last Friday. They say witnesses saw the suspect escape in a newer model silver or gray mini van that looked similar to a Pontiac Montana. It was last seen speeding away west on Clark Street.

TTC rubber stamps subway contract

It's a done deal. The Toronto Transit Commission has excercised its option to purchase 186 more subway cars that will be built at Thunder Bay's Bombardier plant. Those cars are in addition to the 234 already being built at the Montreal Street facility.  The TTC's Brad Ross says the issue was approved without debate.   This latest contract is worth 400 million dollars

House fire sends one person to hospital

One woman is recovering from smoke inhalation after a fire on the city's north side. It took place at 620 Harold Street at around 1:30 Thursday afternoon. District Chief David Long says it appears damage is confined to the upper floor of the 1 and a half story home.  He says when they arrived smoke was coming out of two upstairs windows.  Crews went upstairs and extinguished the blaze.  One witness says a man was sleeping but woke up in time to escape. There is no cause to report.

McHappy day a McHappy success

It was a very successful day for McHappy day. McDonald's spokesperson Kathy Bukovy says Thunder Bay restaurants raised 14 thousand, 656 dollars yesterday through the sales of Happy Meals and Big Macs.  Bukovy says the Memorial location was ranked 14th in the province after raising almost 5 thousand dollars.  All the money raised in Thunder Bay is going towards the construction of a new Ronald McDonald house in Toronto.

Regular gas in short supply

There is a shortage of regular gasoline in Thunder Bay. In one case the Canadian Tire gas bar at the Thunder Centre ran out of fuel Wednesday but is now back in business.  A spokesperson for Suncor, the major supplier in the local market, says the shortage will be temporary. Michael Southern says it should be resolved by the weekend when a ship arrives with a new load on Saturday.  Southern also says that tanker trucks from Winnipeg and Sault Ste. Marie are expected to arrived with fuel between now and Saturday.

Hyer's Climate Change bill passed

Bruce Hyer's climate change bill has passed third reading in the House of Commons. The Thunder Bay MP has set out timelines for the government to reduce greenhouse gases. Hyer knows the Harper government isn't likely to listen to his suggestions, but says there is hope when the bill goes before the Senate for a vote there. The Bill was passed by a vote of 149-136.

Bombardier on the verge of another contract

The Toronto Transit Commission is expected to rubber stamp 400 million dollars worth of work for Thunder Bay's Bombardier plant.   The TTC is going to vote Thursday on allowing the plant to build an additional 186 subway cars.  Those cars are in addition to the 234 already being built at the Montreal Street facility.   TTC chair Adam Giambrone says it's a logical move since the additional cars were always part of the contract to extend the subway system.

Oliveira back with the Chill

The MVP of the Premier Development Soccer League in 2008 is coming back. The Thunder Bay Chill have announced the return of Gustavo Oliveira for the 2010 season. Oliveira is most famous for scoring the tying goal in a playoff game that sent it into overtime, which eventually led to a Chill Championship in the 2008 finals inTexas.

Public process starts on new arena

The city wants your input on a possible new multi-plex arena facility. According to City Manager Tim Commisso it would be able to seat 5 to 7 thouand people and cost in the range of 50 to 60 million dollars. He believes we would benefit greatly if it also included a convention centre. The city is hosting two public meetings on the proposal. The first is Thursday at the DaVinci Centre and the second a week later at the Italian Hall. In both cases the evening will start at 6:30 with displays the public can view. That will be followed at 7 by a presentation that will last about 45 minutes which will be followed by a question and answer session.

City cab driver robbed but not hurt

A Thunder Bay cabbie has his vehicle back after it was stolen in a armed robbery yesterday. The driver picked up a fair at Westfort Foods around 4 pm. The suspect eventually pulled a knife on the driver, demanded money and then stole the cab. It was found behind the Royal Edward Arms on May Street a short time later. The cabbie was not hurt. Police have not made an arrest.

Overnight rainfall forces an end to fire ban

The city wide fire ban is about to be lifted. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says it will take effect as of 5 o'clock today.  He says the 11 millimetres of rain that was received overnight was enough to lift the restrictions.  Hankkio says they'll continue to monitor the weather conditions daily in case the ban needs to be put back in place.

Local celebs help with McHappy Day

It's McHappy Day at all McDonald's Restaurants in the city. It means that one dollar from every Egg McMuffin, Big Mac and Happy Meal sold today goes towards Ronald McDonald House in Toronto. That's the facility that houses families from Ontario who need to travel to Toronto so their children can receive cancer treatment. All day local celebrities, politicians and other well recognized citizens will be serving McDonald's customers: Pictured: Our very own Ian Grant pours coffee at the Cumberland Street location.

Kam River tragedy averted by alert mom

A family visiting from southern Ontario is relieved after a near drowning in the Kam River. Fire Service Platoon Chief Joe Grzelewksi says the incident took place around 5 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Kam River Park at the end of Donald Street. One of their children accidently fell into the river and was in there for a few minutes before the mother jumped in and rescued him. The young boy, who is about 4 years old, didn't require treatment.

Skateboarders get props from Navy boss

The citys' top Navy official is praising the young people who use the BMX-skateboard facility at Marina Park. Lieutenant-Commander John Bell says there were fears the kids might desecrate the nearby naval memorial, but that hasn't happened. Bell was impressed with the respect the young people showed over the weekend at the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony

New call centre to set up in Vic-Ville

A Prince Edward Island company is the citys' newest employer. OLS will be setting up its' inbound call centre at Victoriaville Mall. Its' President Ross Beattie says our city was chosen out of 10 others to host his centre because of our workforce, and says unlike other call centres that have come and gone, his company is here for the long haul.   Beattie says the centre will employ 200 people with the aim of doubling that within the year.

Critic calls energy credit insulting

The McGuinty governments' Northern Energy Credit is being called an insult. Randy Hillier, the Progressive Conservatives' Northern Development critic, says the program is laughable. He says thats because 200 dollars is the most any family will get. Hillier says in some parts of the north this credit won't even cover one month of the HST

New Miss Thunder Bay ready to compete

A Thunder Bay woman is going to represent the city at next years' Miss World Canada Pageant. 21 year old Tegin Popowich was selected as Miss Thunder Bay in Sudbury recently and can't wait for the chance to compete nationally in Vancouver in July of 2011. Popowich says she was shocked to be one of 7 contestants selected. As part of the process she'll be fundraising for a charity organization called Children's Variety.

Iggy wants internet for all

A Liberal government would bring high speed internet to all of Northern Ontario and the rest of Rural Canada within three years. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the announcement in Thunder Bay today. Ignatieff says high speed internet is vital in increasing national unity, by connecting everyone in Canada together online. Ignatieff spoke to students at St Patrick's High school this afternoon and will also be hosting a meet and greet at Tony and Adam's Restaurant this evening.

Sidewalk contract in limbo

A one million dollar city sidewalk contract is on hold right now. It's because a handful of northside residents don't want a portion of that contract to include a stretch in the High Street and Parsons area. Councillor Brian McKinnon agrees with them.   He believes that if the majority of residents don't want it, why build it?  Councillors will revisit the issue next week.

Easement a major headache for Northwood homeowner

A Ryerson Crescent homeowner appears to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Don Cooper says he unknowingly had his new garage built over an easement. He has been ordered to tear the garage down.    While Coopers' plight may have the sympathy of some on City Council and administration it appears to be out of their hands.   Other companies like Shaw Cable and TBayTel say they want to keep their rights to the easement property.  Adminstration will come back to councillors with possible options next week.

Navy wants name change for Marina Park Drive

The city is considering a proposal to change the name of Marina Park Drive. A request has been made by the Commanding Officer of the HMCS Griffon, Lieutenant-Commander John Bell. He suggested the street should be called Naval Heritage Drive to honour the men and women who served in the Canadian Navy. Bell says the switch could be made as part of the changes being brought about by the new waterfront development. Administration will study the proposal and report back to council in July.

MNR says it was right to lift fire ban

The Ministry of Natural Resources is defending it's decision to lift a fire ban in Northwestern Ontario. Spokesperson Mitch Miller understands some in the Thunder Bay District think it was a premature move, but says the rest of the northwest got a good soaking.  Meantime the Thunder Bay Fire Service says its fire ban remains in effect inside the city limits

Cops bust hookers as young as 15

Women and girls as young as 15 years of age are facing prostitution charges in connection with a recent undercover sting operation run by the city police. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's not unusual to see 15 year olds turning tricks in Thunder Bay. He says the high risk lifestyle attracts people with addictions or other issues. A total of 10 arrests were made in last weeks operations in the Court, McKenzie and Simpson Street areas.

Not all northerners to get energy cheques

The provinces Finance Minister says not everyone can be eligible for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. Speaking in Thunder Bay Dwight Duncan says it's only low and middle income people who will get government cheques to offset higher hydro costs. Duncan says it's because people with lower incomes have more difficulty conserving energy. He says they don't have as many choices as people with higher incomes do. The cheques are expected to start being mailed out in the fall.

April port stats up

Some encouraging news from the Port of Thunder Bay early in the shipping season. Statistics for April show that there was more cargo shipped from the port this year than last year at the same time. The increase was a modest 2 and a half per cent. There were also 9 more ships that came to the city in April of this year

Woodcrest students sing sing.

The 500 students at Woodcrest Public School are proud of their latest accomplishment. They joined with other schools in Canada in singing the same song at exactly the same time. Grade 6 teacher Jacqui Soulias  organized the event and says it was to celebrate music and school spirit.  Students at Holy Family Catholic School also took part in the nationwide sing-a-long.

Local Soldiers return home

Two Thunder Bay Soldiers landed on home soil after a 6 month tour in Afghanistan. Corporal Richard Cranton and Sergeant John Conrad returned home this morning to a small group of friends and family at the Thunder Bay airport. Cranton says he never thought he'd be this happy to return home and says his tour was a really rewarding experience and is proud to have helped out the Afghan people. This was the first tour for both soldiers.

Spelling help wanted

It's a mistake worthy of the Jay Leno Show.   This Red River Road take out food outlet may be in need of more than management after showing this job posting on the weekend

Tree falls on south side house

There is no one injured after a tree fell on a three story house on Syndicate Avenue following a windy weekend.

Fatal fire in Terrace Bay

Nipigon OPP are investigating after a fatal house fire in Terrace Bay. The fire happened early yesterday morning just before 5 o'clock. Crews responded and found a body in the house. Dead is 31 year old Kevin Daniels. The cause of the fire hasn't been released.

Folklore Festival another success

Thunder Bay's Culture was on display once again at the Fort William Gardens. That was the scene for the annual Folklore Festival. There was food, dance and many other attractions Saturday and Sunday. Thousands made it through the doors for this years event to take in the entertainment and fine cuisine.

Low level of Dog Lake no concern for OPG

A trip to Dog Lake will help prove how dry the weather has been. Ontario Power Generation monitors the lake level there. Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says it's about half a metre lower than average and just less than a metre lower then it was last year. He says however, there's no concern it will cause any power problems for OPG generators on the Dog River.

Free waste week coming up

If there was any time to get rid of that junk in your house and yard its from May 2-9. The city is allowing you to use the Mapleward Road waste facility for free for those 7 days . Spokesperson Jason Sherband says it's become very popular. He says the facility averages about 900 vehicles a day. Sherband recommends going early in the morning to avoid the long lines. Meantime police will be monitoring vehicles going to the landfill to make sure all loads are properly covered

Outdoor fires now permitted in the northwest

The outdoor fire ban in Northwestern Ontario is over. Reagan Breeze of the Ministry of Natural Resources says that the Restricted Fire Zone has been lifted. He says the rain that we've received has helped to reduce the fire hazard in the entire district.  It means that camp fires for cooking and warmth are now allowed.

Huge changes proposed to forest licencing

The McGuinty government is proposing sweeping changes to the way wood cutting licences are awarded. Effectively the big forestry giants would have their current licences scrapped and they'd have to start over. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle admits the moves are bold putting all firms, large and small, on an equal footing. The biggest difference would be the creation of Local Forest Management Corporations that would control the system in each region. Public hearings on the proposed changes start in Thunder Bay May the 18th.

Father and son arrested after donut shop brawl

One man has been sent to Winnipeg for treatment after a fight with a father son duo. Police say the 21 year old victim received a serious wound to his arm during a fight at a south side donut shop last night. A 41 year man and his 18 year old son are facing several charges and police say alcohol may have been involved.

Businesses take part in Spring Up to Clean Up

Businesses across Thunder Bay were out picking up garbage and litter around their buildings. It's all part of the 14th annual Spring Up to Clean Up program. Councillor Andrew Foulds says picking up litter goes a long way in making the city more attractive to visitors. Eco Superior's Karen Copeland says everyone is encouraged to help clean up the community throughout the month of May.

Pot bust lands one man in jail

A special package has landed a Thunder Bay man in jail. The 23 year old was arrested after police intercepted a package containing 3 pounds of marijuana and a pound of hash. The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit made the arrest after the package was delivered.