Robbery suspect arrested

City Police have a suspect in custody in connection with the recent rash of taxi driver robberies. They say he was arrested yesterday evening. Over the last two weeks three Roach's taxi cabs were stolen in armed robberies. In all cases the driver was not hurt. Charged is Paul Joseph Vukmanich of Thunder Bay. The 23 year old is facing a number of charges and will be in court today.

Paramedics vote to accept new contract

There is labour peace among local paramedics. The 90 employees of Superior North EMS have voted to accept a new two year contract with their employer. The deal will see them get a wage increase of 3 per cent over the life of the contract. There are also improvements to some benefits. They are members of the Canadian Auto Workers Union.

Pharmacists continue attacks on local MPPs

Thunder Bay MPPs Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle continue to be the targets of a campaign by Ontario pharmacists. It's the latest salvo in the war over so called professional allowances. Donnie Edwards,  of the Community Pharmacies Coalition,  says a poll shows the local MPPs are in danger of losing their seats over the issue.  He says the Angus Reid poll in both the Thunder Bay-Superior North and Thunder Bay-Atikokan ridings indicates that roughly two thirds of those surveyed say that failure to speak out on the issue will negatively impact their chances of being returned to Queens Park in the next provincial election. 

Cats sign local pitcher

Thunder Bay's Eric Brown gets to pitch in front of his family and friends this year at Port Arthur Stadium. The Border Cats say they have signed the local righthander for the 2010 Northwoods League season. As well the club has signed three other Canadian pitchers in Corey Pappel, Paul Barton and Nathan Kennedy.

Motorists ignoring Expressway speed limit

OPP say drivers are still having problems obeying the posted speed limit on the Thunder Bay Expressway during construction periods. Constable Diana Cole says many are speeding when there are workers present. She says motorists have to be aware of when the limit is 70 kilometres per hour and reduce their speed. Cole says fines are doubled if you're caught speeding through an area under construction.

Fatal accident kills one man

OPP are investigating a fatal accident on the Trans Canada Highway at Kenora. They say that a tractor trailor unit drove off the road, crashed and caught fire. The 47 year old man driving the truck was killed. He was from Cardinal in Southern Ontario.  Police say the accident took place early this morning. There is no indication why the truck veered off the highway.

Cabbies on edge after third robbery

There are nervous cab drivers in the city. For the third time in two weeks a Roach's Taxi driver has become the victim of an armed robbery. In all three cases the taxi was stolen, but the driver wasn't hurt. Roach's owner Dennis LeBeau thinks the robberies may be isolated and hopes police can get those responsible off the street.  He says the drivers have come up with ideas they hope can be implimented to help prevent future occurances.

John Howard Society in its new home

The local John Howard Society is celebrating the opening of it's new location. The new digs are located at 315 Syndicate Avenue. Executive Director Liisa Leskowski calls it a dream come true for the organization that provides a transition for those who come out of the justice system. She says it marks a new era for not just the residents but for the Society as a whole. They were forced out of the former location, the old YMCA, when the Archibald Street building was demolished to make way for the new courthouse.

Another cab is stolen in the city

For the third time in two weeks a city cab has been stolen. The driver picked up two men at a bar on Cumberland street last night and took them to Waverly Park. Once there police say the men demanded money, and the driver and the men got out of the cab. The men then stabbed one of the cab's tires. The two men then drove away with the cab which was found shortly after on Pearl Street.

Housing starts hold steady in April

New housing starts in Thunder Bay continue to hold steady. April saw 5 single detached starts down one from 2009. So far this year there has been 18 starts in the city which is up one over the same period last year.

River Terrace expansion approved

The River Terrace Development expansion is a done deal.  City councillors have voted to say yes to the growth of the subdivision inspite of the objection of the current residents. In a last minute effort to derail the project Councillor Brian McKinnon tried to have fellow councillors support an amendment which would have set up roadblocks for the developer, but it was soundly defeated.

Sidewalk and lighting contract a go

Almost one million dollars worth of sidewalk and lighting improvements  will be going ahead as planned.  A group of residents in the High and Parsons Street area held up approval of the contract for one week.  They didn't want a planned sidewalk being laid on the west side of  High Street.   However councillors voted to award the contract to Bay City Contractors which includes the High Street development.  Pictured:  City Engineering Manager Pat Mauro answers questions about sidewalk contract.

Taiji Park gets key city funding support

The proposed International Taiji Park on the city waterfront is one step closer to reality.   It comes after city councillors have voted to provide the group spearheading the  project close to 100 thousand dollars.   The total cost is pegged as about 200 thousand dollars.   The group has already raised 40 thousand on it's own and is hoping council's approval will help get extra funding from the provincial government.

St. Joe's working to solve detox problem

Talks are going on behind the scenes to get more beds at the Balmoral Detox Centre.   There has been a cry from Police Chief Bob Herman for more beds to help solve a shortage which he says hinders police on a regular basis.   In a presentation to city councillors St. Joseph's Care Group president and CEO Tracy Buckler said that  increasing capacity is always a challenge because it requires funding.  She says there have been some early discussions with the police and the city to see what can be done to make that happen.

City wants to go Age-Friendly

The city has voted to take the first step to become part of a new world movement. In a presentation to city councillors Monday evening a committee made the request to have the city declared an Age Friendly City. They say that because we are considered a city that is aging rapidly, it would be logical to make the declaration. It would create a policy environment that would cater to that segment of the population and ensure the city is a good place to grow old. The issue will be back to council May 31st for a final vote. Pictured: Ray Riley and Mary Kelly of the Age-Friendly-Thunder Bay Stakeholders Committee make their pitch to councillors.

CAW makes it's case

Ben Lefebvre and Paul Pugh of the Canadian Auto Workers Union state their case to city councillors in Thunder Bay Monday night. They pleaded for council's support in protesting the decision by Xtrata to close it's ore smelter in Timmins. Lefebvre says the decision is costing hundreds of jobs and eliminating a value added operation.

Protesters greet councillors

The River Terrace battle isn't dead yet. A handful of protesters with signs and slogans camped out in front of City Hall before Monday's city council meeting. They are against plans by a developer to expand the River Terrace Development next to the Regional Health Sciences Centre. In this photo protester Tom Molkoski sports a t-shirt that says "My Thunder Bay cares about the earth."

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.