Blues Festival set to go

One of the city's biggest crowd draws takes place this weekend. The annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival is on at Marina Park. Organizer Bob Halverson says there will be no issues with the waterfront construction thats taking place. He's encouraging people to take the free shuttle bus from the Community Auditorium. It will be leaving every 15 minutes while the festival gates are open. Gates open on Friday at 4:30 and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Tick program working

The District Health Unit says it's pleased with the response to it's tick and lyme disease program. Spokesperson Anita LaPointe says only one tick has been found to have the disease out of the hundreds the public have left for testing. She says in all of last year 218 ticks were submitted and so far this year 465 have been dropped off. LaPointe expects those numbers to increase in the fall.

Stamp this loan: PAID IN FULL

You the city taxpayer have finally paid off the loan the city took out in 2000 to support the Regional Health Science's Centre.  That 35 million dollar debenture will be officially paid off on Saturday. City Manager Tim Commisso says what this will do for next years tax increase is not known.  He says the 3 and a half million dollars amounts to 1 per cent of the current operating budget.  He says it's too early to talk about any tax reduction.
The interest over the life of the loan was 10 million dollars

FedNor comes through for the Worlds

Organizers of the World Junior Baseball Championships can breath a bit easier now. The Harper government has come through with some support for the event. The FedNor grant amounts to 75 thousand dollars and will be used towards marketing efforts. The championships are being held from July 23rd until August 3.

Gilbert gives GG choice a thumbs up

Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert calls it an interesting choice. Gilbert is reacting to the appointment of David Johnston as the next Governor General. Gilbert says he knows Johnston,  which makes the choice personal for him.  Gilbert says Johnson has a background in law along with a great inquiring mind and will serve us well as Governor General.  Johnston begins his new job in the fall

Robichaud defends herself

The new president of the Regional Health Sciences Centre insists the controversy surrounding her will not cause a distraction for her new job. Andree Robichaud is leaving her health executive position in New Brunswick under a political storm. She's even been accused of poor management.  She calls that interesting since it was only brought up when she announced her resignation.  Robichaud hopes people will judge her on her own merits when she get here in October.

Another fire update

The forest fire hazard is still low to moderate in the region. One new fire was reported yesterday. It is in th Sioux lookout district about 120 kilometers north of Pickle Lake. Sixty Ontario staff as well as two waterbombers, and one birddog are assisting with escalated fire activity in Manitoba. Crew training and audits continue in the region.

Sioux Lookout Drug Bust

Sioux Lookout OPP are charging two people after a major drug bust in the community. Police executed a search warrant at the residence earlier this week. Two people were arrested and police seized a large quantity of marijuana worth over five thousand dollars. Arrested were 31 year old Quirino Agustin and twenty-four year old Aaron Saville, both from Sioux Lookout. The two were released from custody and have September court dates.

Thunder Bay Crimestoppers 2010 Stats

Thunder Bay's Crimestoppers program is on the right track for 2010. To date 406 calls have been made to Crimestoppers around the district. Co-ordinator Constable Wendell Brown says they're pretty much on par with the 2009's stats.  Brown adds they've paid out over 9 thousand dollars.

It's a Thunderfest weekend

There's a taste of Italian culture on the south side this weekend. Thunderfest is taking place at the Da Vinci Centre. Organizers say there will be entertainment. For the first time only local musicians will be taking to the outdoor stage. There will also be Italian food.

Nelson stands by new hospital prez

Ron Nelson calls it pure politics. Nelson headed the committee that chose New Brunswick's Andree Robichaud as the new president of the Health Sciences Centre. Robichaud's departure has caused a stir in that province, with some politicians saying she was forced out of her job as CEO of a health network. Nelson says Robichaud has what it takes for the job adding she knows what it takes to make tough but necessary decisions. He says that Robichaud is being accused of things that simply aren't true and doesn't believe it will bring a distraction to her job here.

The water rescue that wasn't

A false alarm on the waterfront. Thunder Bay rescue crews weren't needed for a water rescue at the Marina on Wednesday afternoon. The call came in as a sailboat overturned on Lake Superior. However it turns out it was a sailing school practicing capsizing

Robichaud's departure causes stir

Controversy is surrounding the incoming president of the Regional Health Sciences Centre. A news report indicates Andree Robichaud is in the middle of a political storm in New Brunswick where she is leaving her post as a health corporation CEO to come to Thunder Bay. The story says that the province's opposition Conservatives believe Robichaud was forced out of her job there. They claim she is taking the heat over allegations of poor management. However, Robichaud is quoted as saying that the New Brunswick Health Authority wanted her to stay as CEO.

Police nab suspect

City police are investigating a reported south side assault. They say they were called to an incident on May Street near Miles at around 11 a.m. One person was handcuffed and arrested while pedestrians and passing motorists looked on. The alleged victim had apparently left the scene.

Humidity keeping fire hazard under control

Our hot muggy weather may actually be helping to keep the forest fire hazard in check. Jeff Antoszek of the Ministry of Natural Resources says it's because the humidity is helping out.  He says  moist heat waves don't affect the hazard as much because the humidity helps to keep wood and other fuels from drying out.  The fire hazard for most of the Northwest Region is low to moderate.

FTC Canada to feed our hungry

 A Canadian charity organization is going to be active in Thunder Bay Thursday. Feed the Children is partnering with An Eagles Cry Life Centre on Simpson Street to help the poor according to FTC's Darrell Mills. The Centre will be helping to distribute food and health boxes to the needy. FTCs Darrell Mills says that in total 350 families will benefit.The distribution takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Thunder Bay athlete at 2011 Pan Am Games

A Thunder Bay athlete has been asked to be the assistant to the 2011 Canadian Pan American Team.  Curt Harnett says his position will be a mentor to the members of the Canadian team.  Harnett says he's honored to be given the opportunity.

Firefighters need to keep cool too

Responding to a fire in the hot weather can be a challenge for city firefighers. They have to wear their heavy coats when it's 30 degrees. Fire Chief John Hay says there's a plan in place for such an event. He says precautions are taken to ensure their health and safety. He says that includes rotating the crews and keeping them hydrated at all times. Hay says it's similar to the precautions they take when fighting a fire in minus 30 degree temperatures.

Fire hazard is low

The fire hazard is still low to moderate for the region. No new fires were reported in the region yesterday. The Ministry of Natural resources says rainfall and high relative humidity have affected the fire hazard. High relative humidity prevents wet vegetation from drying. There are currently 12 active fires in the region.

India's Mining Minister set to vist Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is going to host India's Mining Minister.  Bijoy Krishna Handique will tour Ontario starting tomorrow and will be making the rounds of the province until Tuesday.  Handique will be visiting mines in an effort to attract some of those companies to India.

Constable demoted for Discreditable Conduct

City police say the Police Service Act proceedings against a city constable have ended.   Constable Jamie Maijala has pleaded guilty to two counts of Discreditable Conduct in  connection to an incident in May of last year.    The Constable has been demoted from a First Class to Fourth Class Constable.   Meantime, in an unrelated case, hearing dates have been set for Sgt. Jim Mauro.  He is facing two charges of misconduct.  The hearing will take place starting October 4th.

Rickford cool with moonlighting

No complaints from Greg Rickford. The Kenora Conservative MP thinks there's nothing wrong with some MPs having an extra income. He says the only rules should be that elected duties come first and that there are no conflicts. The names of about 150 MPs who had outside income were named recently, that included Thunder Bay NDP MPs Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty.

Grand Chief meets Queen

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is feeling good after his meeting with the Queen today. Stan Beardy says it was important that she met with him because it means she respects First Nation treaty rights. Chief Beardy says he told the Queen that it was the 100th anniversity of the signing of Tready 5. He said she just responded with a nod of her head. He says in total he spent about 2 minutes with Her Majesty.

Bike lanes added in Westfort

There are now more bike lanes in the city. Lane markings have been painted on Walsh Street and Syndicate Avenue. City Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says it's the last of the lanes for this year. He says plans are already in the works for 2011. Kupper says so far there has been some good response to the bike lanes.

LU hosts digital conference

About 80 researchers from 33 countries are attending a digital information conference at Lakehead University. The 3 day event is being organized by LU professor Rachid Benlamri who believes bringing the conference here is a significant accomplishment. Speakers have come from Nova Scotia and Florida for the conference.

OFIA against proposed forest tenure reform

A coalition of northern businesses, municipal leaders, unions and forestry groups are against the province's forest tenure proposal. The coalition includes the Ontario Forest Industry Association and President Jamie Lim says they're dead set against the initiative. Lim adds its going to have a negative impact on the industry driving up costs and creating uncertainty. The forest tenure proposal is expected to be approved by the government sometime this year.

Thunder Bay Police Chief likes new legislation

Police officers from Ontario and other provinces can now better collaborate to target crime. The McGuinty Government recently passed the Interprovincial Policing act. Thunder Bay Police Chief and President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Bob Herman says the act makes it easier to investigate crime that occurs across Canada.  Herman adds the Chiefs of Police Association has been calling for this legislation for some time.

MNR Fire Hazard is low

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the fire hazard is still low in the region.  Despite the rain, two new fires were confirmed in the Red Lake district.  One fire is northwest of Sandy Lake and the other is west of Keewaywin.  There are 9 other fires being monitored in the Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts.

Abitibi close to getting out of bankruptcy

AbitibiBowater could end nearly eighteen months of creditor and bankruptcy protection on October 1 if its restructuring plan wins creditor support next month. A meeting on the plan takes place August 26th. The plan would see unsecured creditors receiving between nothing and 48 per cent when their debt is converted to equity, depending on their class. Current shareholders will walk away empty-handed. Others fall somewhere in between, including workers who received no severance when their mills were shut over the past year.

Shelter House volunteer turns 93

A Shelter House volunteer is celebrating her 93rd birthday today by helping prepare and serve a meal for Thunder Bay's less fortunate. Marie Tracz has been volunteering at Shelter House since it first opened in Thunder Bay in 1984.  Tracz is also a long time volunteer of the First Church United.

NAN Grand Chief meets Queen

The leader of the Nishinawbe Aski Nation will be meeting the Queen today. The visit with Queen Elizabeth comes as area first nations mark the 100 year signing of Treaty number 5 with the British Crown. The Queen will wrap up the Canadian tour with a stop at the Ontario Legislature.

124 million dollar school board budget

The Lakehead Public School Board has passed a balanced 126 million dollar budget.  School officials feel their budget will lead to the success of all students.  The 2010-2011 budget will maintain current Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and Social Workers.  The board also found some efficiencies in transportation costs due to the second year of blended routing and shared transportation costs with partner boards.

More illegal painkillers seized

There appears to be no end to the drug busts involving Oxycodone in the city. The latest arrests were made at two rooms at the Landmark Inn recently. The street value of the pills is estimated to be 96 thousand dollars. There was 60 thousand dollars in cash that was also seized.

City playgrounds staffed for the summer

Thunder Bay playgrounds are open for the summer. 17 Playgrounds throughout the city will have activities for kids from 5 to 12 years old. Supervisor A.J. Kresack says there are structured programs involved to keep children busy. The program runs from 9:30 to 4 Monday to Friday.

Make way for SuperArts

Kids can't complain there's nothing to do this summer. The City of Thunder Bay has kicked off it's SuperArts Program at Ogden Community Centre on McKenzie Street. The program keeps the children busy each afternoon according to supervisor Kirsten Fritsch.   The program includes activities like drama, cooking and scrapbooking. Pictured:  SuperArts participants Matthew Vidis and Rachael Morgan

New hospital prez comes with top credentials

The new president of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is from New Brunswick. Andree Robichaud takes over the position from Ron Saddington as of October first. Robichaud is a seasoned health executive. She is currently the CEO of the Region Health Authority in that province. She also held the position of Associate Deputy Minister of Health in the New Brunswick government.

Road washout closes Highway 11

A large sinkhole has closed Highway 11 west of Kashabowie.   Provincial Police says the sinkhole impacts both lanes of the highway, about 10 kilometres west of Burchell Lake Road.  Heavy rain is to blame. The highway is not expected to reopen until crews complete repairs sometime today. For people  travelling to Atikokan or Fort Frances fromThunder Bay , it means having to detour through Highway 502 and Dryden.

Warm weather will continue

Northwestern Ontario can expect to see warmer than normal temperatures this week.  The normal temperature for this time of year is 24 degrees, but Environment Canada is calling for highs of 26 or more.  Spokesperson Geoff Coulson adds the region will see scattered showers on Tuesday and Thursday.

Gas station robbery leaves attendant injured

A gas bar attendant has been injured after a morning robbery.  A man entered the service station at the corner of Wardrope Avenue and Balsam Street just after 7:30 this morning and attacked the clerk from behind.  The victim sustained a minor injury from what appeared to be a straight edged weapon.  Police have yet to locate the robbery suspect.

Local MPs have side jobs

Thunder Bay's two MPs are in the spotlight along with a number of their fellow parliamentarians. John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer are among the 150 MPs who have outside business interests that could suppliment their regular salary of 151 thousand a year. The information has been taken from the Office of the Ethics Commissioner. It shows that Rafferty owns a communications and media recording company while Bruce Hyer still owns Wild Waters Wilderness shop and Nature Tours.

Family fishing week in Ontario

Family fishing week is coming to Ontario.Starting July third Ontario residents will be permitted to fish without a lisence. Officials say the event allows for children and adults to experience the outdoor activity. Licence-free fishing will be allowed July 3rd to 11th. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is holding a family fishing day on July 11th at Hazelwood Lake.

Geraldton going gold

Premier Gold says it has discovered at least one million ounces of possible gold at the Hardrock deposit in Geraldton. This is good news for the company, because gold has been trading well this year, at more than one thousand two hundred US dollars per ounce. Premier Gold of Thunder Bay holds a 70% share in the company.

Stanley Cup here July 10th!

Thunder Bay is getting another visit from Lord Stanley's legacy. The Stanley Cup is being brought here Saturday, July 10th by Chicago Blackhawk star Patrick Sharp. It will be on display at the Fort William Gardens from 11 am until 1 pm. Last year Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, brought the cup here and thousands of hockey fans came to catch a glimpse and get their picture taken with hockey's holy grail

Thousands attend celebrations

Another successful Canada Day at Marina Park. Co-ordinator Melissa Wnuk says all event and activities took place without a hitch. She says over 20 thousand attended the festivities on Water Street and at Marina Park. Wnuk says there were a few minor incidents, but nothing serious and the weather cooperated.

Columbus making return visits next year

The city is continuing its efforts to make Thunder Bay a cruise ship destination on the Great Lakes.   Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says that next year the MV Columbus will be making two stops in the city. It will bring with it 900 passenger over the two visits.  The Columbus is no stranger to the city.  It has made several ports of call here over the last decade.  For the last two years the Clelia II has been making it's way here, but this will be it's final season.  Pictured:  MV Columbus

Social Services Building soon to be built

Thunder Bay's social services board is eagerly awaiting construction on its new building.  Work began over the weekend to prepare the site, with asbsestos being removed.  The main tender for the construction of the building will be issued in late August.

Gas is up

Thunder Bay motorists might have got a shock when they pulled into their local service station yesterday.  The price of gas at the pump took a big jump on July 1st. The Harmonized Sales Tax kicked in yesterday and resulted in an eight cent a liter increase in the price at the pump.  Gas now costs anywhere from 108.9 to 116.9 cents a liter.  Gasoline is just one of the projects that is subject to the new HST.

Coroner's investigation continues

The regional coroner's office says it will be several more months before they conclude an investigation into the death of Willow Scott Hannam.  Dr. Michael Wilson says once the investigation concludes they'll share the information with the family.  Wilson adds after the investigation concludes they will decide whether or not to launch an inquiry into the death.  The four year old died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park May 31st.  

Re-Store is an HST free zone

There's a way to get around paying sales tax on home renovation items...and it's not illegal. Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store doesn't have to charge the HST according to Manager Keith MacMillan. He says because they sell used donated goods they don't have to charged the HST. MacMillan says previously they were charging the PST, but the new tax eliminates that. He believes his store is the only place in the city that doesn't charge sales tax.