Tamarack needles cause trouble

Mohawk Crescent residents want the City to get rid of the Tamarack trees planted on city property behind their homes. Donna and Fred Johnson made a deputation to council last night telling them the trees are bothersome because their needles clog eaves troughs, and get into vehicle engine compartments.The Johnsons were speaking on behalf of their neighbourhood and want council to remove the trees and if possible plant coniferous trees. City Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says to do what the residents want could cost up to 80 to 100 thousand dollars. Fayrick adds they would have to clear cut the trees because removing just the Tamaracks would cause the other trees in the area to die.

City's cultural plan is a work in progress

The City's cultural plan is a work in progress. Office for Urbanism the company hired to create the plan provided an update to councillors last night. Spokesperson Reid Henry says they understand that the community has different unique neighbourhoods that need to keep their names and calls them historic cores. Henry adds they want to show off the community's diverse background of first nation and finnish culture. Council will hear again from the group about what steps to take next. An open house on the cultural plan will be held on September 23rd. A final plan has yet to be completed.

Police and Fire help out at G8 and G20

Thunder Bay Police and Fire fighters helped out during the G8 and G20 summits in Huntsville and Toronto. 
Twenty members of the fire department's Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear response team took part.
Police helped screened vehicles and people entering restricted zones of the conferences.
Fire Chief John Hay made a presentation on the topic at city council last night.

Gas leak capped, danger over

Life can get back to normal for the people in the Machar Avenue area after an afternoon scare on Monday.
About a dozen homes in the area of the 100 block of Machar were evacuated around 3 o'clock.  It followed a gas leak. Police say that a construction accident caused the problem. Gas company officials were able to get the situation under control before 5 pm. Emergency crews were on the scene as well.  Pictured:  Union Gas workers try to get gas leak under control.

NOMA slams census plan

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is adding its name to the list of groups expressing concern about the Federal Census. The Government  has scrapped the mandatory long questionnaire in favour of a voluntary survey. NOMA President Anne Krassilowsky says the voluntary response will be unreliable.

"Disturbing" graffiti probed

City police are looking into several incidents of offensive graffiti. Spokesperson Chris Adams says one was a racist slur spray painted on a sign at Fort William Road and Main Street, the others, in Current River, were anti-religious and satanic.  He says the Current River messages had a name tag of "The Hesh".    Adams calls it disturbing and says they are hoping for some tips

Salmon derby breaks a record

Expect to see the Thunder Bay Salmon Association keep it's derby format for next year. President Bob Hoogsteen says the derby ran for 8 days this year and it attracted 327 participants which is a record number of anglers. Hoogsteen says organizers are happy with the outcome.

Rendezvous overcomes setbacks

Another successful Great Canadian Rendezvous for Fort William Historical Park. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says that inspite of some setbacks last week due to the weather, it still attracted thousands.   Mascarin says organizers will soon discuss what worked and what didn't.  He says one thing that worked was the RV park that they experimented with.  He says there were quite a few recreational vehicle users that took advantage of it.

City councillors hold summer session tonight

The fate of the south side city bus terminal is in city councillors hands tonight. They will be deciding whether to keep the City Hall location the temporary site until the new courthouse is built,  or move it to Violet Street. Also this evening councillors will deal with a request by the Woodcrest School Council to have Woodcrest Road widened to ease traffic congestion.

Dragon Boat festival another success

It was another successful end to the Dragon Boat festival. Executive Director Rob Barrett says the weather was great and an estimated 60 thousand dollars was raised for local charities. He says the official total will be released this afternoon.

Historic plane landing in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay will get a visit from a piece of history next week. A second world war Lancaster MK 10 Bomber will be making a stop in the city Tuesday until Thursday. The plane will be open to the public Wednesday from noon to 5 at the Confederation College Hangar at the airport.

CMHA report shines light on northern youth problems

Junior and senior high students in the province are showing high rates of physiological distress according to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.  Author Doctor Robert Mann says about 30 per cent of students indicated feeling anxious, stressed or depressed.  Twenty-four per cent of students surveyed indicated having sought out mental health care over the past year.

Council set to look at traffic on Woodcrest road

City Council is set to receive a study on traffic congestion on Woodcrest road.  Woodcrest School Council wants the city to widen the road in front of the school or add sidewalks.  Co-Chair Shelly Helget says she fears for her daughter's safety when she walks to school.  A road traffic study on Woodcrest road will be presented at tonight's council meeting.

Northern Lights Credit Union goes solar

The Northern Lights Credit Union in Thunder Bay is going to be feeding electricity back into the power grid. A solar panel was installed on the Amber Drive location on Friday, and power generated will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority. Credit Union Spokesperson Brian MacDonald says they could start a similar program at their other regional facilities. The Thunder Bay credit union project is tied into a solar project at the neighbouring Dufresne Furniture store.

Fatal Crash on Highway 17

A Mississauga woman is dead following a 2-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Dryden.
OPP say a westbound car and an eastbound pickup truck collided yesterday afternoon near the Highway 622 junction.  Both vehicles were sent off the road and struck a rock cut.  The driver of the car, 45-year-old Kaneez Zehra, died as a result of the crash.  The driver of the truck was transported to Dryden Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The collision forced the complete closure of the Highway for 5-hours.  The cause is under investigation.

Deer Lake case update

Additional charges have been laid against a 26-year-old Deer Lake First Nation man. Jason Miller was originally charged with attempted murder after 27-year-old Neilson Meekis was injured in an unknown incident at the Deer Lake Nursing Station, North of Sioux Lookout. The July 10th incident also resulted in the death of 27-year-old Joey Crow. OPP have now charged Miller with second degree murder in relation to Crow's death. Police continue to investigate

Lock it up

A recent break and entre has led to Thunder Bay police to remind residents to lock their doors. Earlier this week a man came inside from gardening and found a buglar inside his home. Police say would be thiefs are combing neighbourhoods looking for targets of opportunity, and if see someone acting suspiciously call the police.

Fly Fishing is therapy

Thunder Bay was the launch site of the third annual "Healing on the Albany" for soldiers who have returned from war. Spokesperson Mark Snyder says the program teaches soldiers to fly fish as a form of therapy. Snyder says its proven to help those soldiers who were physically injured and those who suffer from post trumatic stress disorder. 9 Canadian and American soldiers are taking part and will enjoy a week at a lodge in the boreal forest.

City police not surprised by mafia ties

The Mafia is operating in Thunder Bay. A recent investigation and raid in Italy on the Ndrangheta crime organization has uncovered a cell operating in Thunder Bay.  Thunder Bay Inspector Andy Hay says the fact that Thunder Bay is a mafia site is not a surprise. Hay says Thunder Bay isn't immune to organized crime, and they heard about the sect through police sources and the RCMP.  Meanwhile, local RCMP officials have no comment and the National media spokesperson says she hasn't received any word on the local mafia operation.

OPP charge Toronto area man for trafficking

The OPP have identified the man they believe plays a key role in bringing Oxycodone into Thunder Bay to be sold illegally.  Local drug enforcement officers flew to Toronto on Tuesday and with the assistance of officers from that area executed a search warrant at a North York Residence.  Police seized 13 thousand dollars in cash and documentary evidence.  37 year old Jabir Khan is charged with possession of proceeds of crime and trafficking.

Council will decide on temporary transit hub on Monday

Thunder Bay City Council will decide on Monday whether or not to leave the temporary bus terminal at City hall.  Transit Manager Brad Loroff says they've heard the concerns about the site from the public and they plan to address them.   Loroff says they want council to leave the temporary bus shelter at city hall for the next 2 to 3 years.  He says they need the time to complete their service and site review.  Loroff says they've also recomended to council that an extra 160-thousand dollars be added to their budget for security and the operation of the city hall's washrooms after business hours.

Local student gets a scholarship from Tim Horton's

A Thunder Bay student is getting a thousand dollars towards their post secondary education thanks to Tim Horton' s. Alia Wurdemann-Stam received the one thousand dollar scholarship through the Tim Horton's 2009 Scholarship program. The award will be given to Alia next Tuesday.

SIJHL expands south of the border

Good news for the SIJHL. The league is expanding to 6 teams for the upcoming season. President and Commissioner Ron Whitehead says The Duluth Cydesdales and Spooner Wisconsin Wilderness will now be home to two new expansion franchises. Whitehead says the two teams were hoping to be in the league last year but red tape delayed the process.  Whitehead says the schedule for the season will be released later this month.

Thunder Bay man gets jail time

A Thunder Bay man working for the M-N-R has been convicted of child pornography charges. David Laderoute will serve 14 days in jail after pleading guilty to watching Child Porn on his computer at work. Laderoute will also be a listed Sex offender for the next 10 years. The investigation started last April when the MNR learned one of its computers at its Thunder Bay facility accessed Child Porn.

Organized crime in Thunder Bay is runs with the mob

The Mafia is apparently alive in Thunder Bay. A recent string of arrests in Italy targeting the Ndrangheta crime organization tipped off police of a feud between the Toronto chapter and the previously little know Thunder Bay Chapter. The investigation found that mediators from Italy defused the situation before it became violent.

No Stampeders Concert Tonight

The Power is out at Old Fort William. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says that means David Wilcox and the Stampeders will not be taking the stage.  The fort had planned to move the concert indoors because of the heavy rainfall, but no sooner had they decided to do that the power went out.  Mascarin notes tickets will be refunded, or can be used for any of the remaining shows during the rendezvous.

Power Outages in Thunder Bay

Pockets of Thunder Bay are experiencing power outages thanks to the wicked windy and wet weather we're experiencing.  Thunder Bay Hydro says they're working to restore power and that most of the outages were caused by trees being knocked down onto power lines.

Forest fire hazard rising

The severe weather we are experiencing could have an impact on forest fire hazard across Northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources says significant rain could push the hazard in Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Fort Frances to low. However, the hazard in the Thunder Bay District is expected to jump to moderate to high. The MNR is keeping a close eye on Thunderstorm activity. Two new fires were reported yesterday.

Thunder Bay teen sits on provincial panel

A Thunder Bay teen will sit on a special youth advisory panel dealing with provincial government policies. 19 year old Martin Zhang will be travelling to Toronto to take part on July 24th and July 25th. Martin will join 23 other young people from across the province discussing how governments make policy decisions. The final report will be presented to the government in the fall.

Charles Lage rides bike across Canada

Another cross country bike tour has made a stop in Thunder Bay. This time around it's Charles Lage who will raise funds to build a Canadian Centre for Music and Classroom Therapy. The centre if built would use music for the treatment of a wide range of medical issues, particularily autism.
The proposed site for the centre is in the Winnipeg area.

Its going to be a wet day

We won't get any relief from the rain until sometime tonight. Environment Canada's Peter Kimbell says we can expect as much as 25 millimetres today with even more rain further west. Kimbell says there will also be some Thunderstorm activity tonight. The forecast does look much better for the start of the weekend however as Environment Canada is calling for sunshine and highs near 28 for Friday and Saturday.

B.C. man rides bike across Canada

A British Columbia man has embarked on a cross canada tour to raise money and awareness for Parkinsons disease. Matthew Okell says he decided to ride his bike from Tofino, B.C. to St. John's, Newfoundland because his father is living with the disease. Okell says he's proud of what he's achieved. Okell was expected in Thunder Bay on Tuesday. To donate or follow his journey log onto www.livelifeoutdoors.ca

Pedigree rewards Humane Society

The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is being rewarded for their good work by Pedigree.  The dog food company has provided five thousand dollars to the Thunder Bay Humane Society for vet costs.  The money will also go towards training classes for dogs who need to work on their social skills before they can be adopted.  Currently there are 18 dogs up for adoption.

George Fieber is CNO President

Thunder Bay's George Fieber is the new president of the council of nurses.  Fieber is also the Professional Practice Leader at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.  Fieber says he plans to bring up Northwestern Ontario issues to the Minister of Health.  Fieber is the first man to be elected president of the CNO.

CLE Summer Fair a month away

It's been 120 years of fun at the fair. The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition's summer fair starts once again August 11th. Advance wrist bands for midway rides are available for 15 dollars at Metro Stores. The price of the bands will be 30 dollars during the summer fair.

Genesis Genomics is now Mitomics

Thunder Bay's medical research company Genesis Genomics is changing its name. The company will now be known as Mitomics after its Prostate Core Mitomic test. CEO Bob Poulter says they want to reflect their clinical technology.  Poulter notes they also added a new position within the company. Jason Dulude was hired on as the company's chief financial officer.

New members needed for TBMFA

The Thunder Bay Metal Fabricators Association is looking for new members. Chairman John Jurcik says they want companies that want to service industrial companies working in the west. Jurcik says the purpose of their organization is to be a one stop shop for firms looking for anything from nuts to engineers. An information meeting on the fabricators association is being held Thursday at 3 at the Oliver Road Community Centre.

India and Ontario ink deal

India and Ontario have formed a partnership when it comes to mining. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the two party's mining ministries.  Minister Michael Gravelle says the agreement will benefit companies in the Northwest. Gravelle notes Ontario has leading mining related technology to offer India.  The agreement was signed recently with India's Mining Minister touring Ontario.

Science workshops on the road

Lakehead University has received 36 thousand dollars in grant money for its Biotrek Science workshops. University students who major in science travel across the Northwest encouraging grade 7 to 12 students to pursue science. The money will be rolled out over the next three years. The program will start up again in the Fall. In the past the workshops have been held in Fort Frances, Dryden and Atikokan.

Teddy Bear's have their picnic at Vickers Park

Thunder Bay's 27th annual Teddy Bear Picnic was enjoyed by over a thousand people.  Festival and Events Coordinator Melissa Wnuk says they combine fun in the sun with education. The Thunder Bay Health Unit was on hand to teach both parents and kids about sun safety. Wnuk adds its a great free event that brings families to the under used Vickers Park.

NHLers set to hit the ice for the annual Kings Alumni game

The Annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni game is set to drop the puck tonight. Eric, Marc and Jared Staal will joining Tom and Taylor Pyatt, Patrick Sharp and Ryan Johnson on the ice. Opening ceremonies kick off at 6 o'clock at the tournament centre.

Waterfront construction continues to roll on

Prince Arthur's landing is starting to take shape but it will still be a while before the public can enjoy the new upgrades. Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says crews are working on landscaping, the splash pad and the skating rink but they won't be ready until later next year. Dugmore says so far the project is on schedule and will make next year's deadline to receive federal funding.

Police seize stolen hand guns

Some illegal handguns have been taken off the streets by the Regional Integrated Gang Unit. Officers arrested two men after they allegedly tried to sell hand guns stolen from a North Syndicate Avenue Residence last week. Three handguns were seized in the arrests that took place over the weekend.

OPP investigating a death in Deer Lake

Police are investigating after a man was killed in Deer Lake over the weekend. 27 year old Joey Crowe was killed Saturday and police say they suspect foul play. Officers also say a 27 year old was taken to hospital and a 26 year old man has been arrested in connection to the incident.

Greenstone gets funding from FedNor

The Greenstone is getting a helping hand from the Federal Government. FedNor is investing over 400 thousand dollars to support small business development and growth in the region. 335 thousand will go to the Greenstone Economic Development Corporation with the remainder being used to support local projects.

OPP release deceased's name

OPP have released the name of the 56 year old Auburn, Michigan man killed in a motorcycle accident on Sunday. Richard Harbin lost control on wet pavement east of Thunder Bay and was pronounced dead at the scene. The 56 year old woman who was a passenger on the bike was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre for her injuries.

Mary J L Black will be open in 8 months

In 8 months time, the new Mary J L Black library will be open to the public. A ground breaking ceremony was held on Monday morning, and Chief Librarian Gina La Force says the project went over budget by a million dollars but notes it will be well worth it.  New play structures are being made for the kids in the neighbourhood, and a new parking lot will have to be configured for the site.  Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty was in attendance and vowed to look for extra federal funding for the project.

The Great Canadian Rendezvous is on

There will be plenty of action at Fort William Historical park as it hosts it's annual Great Canadian Rendezvous. The Fort's Chris Ficek says it takes place for ten days with a few key attractions including a classic rock night Wednesday and music by Trooper during the great Canadian Barbeque Thursday. Ficek says there will also be re-enactors from across North America, camping outside the walls of the fort who will be taking part in a number of different events including Sunday's Fort Under Siege.

So far not so good, for the Thunder Bay Port Authority

It could be a tough year for the Thunder Bay Port Authority. Overall the Port has seen a drop of 12 percent so far this year mainly due to a decrease in grain shipments. CEO Tim Heney says wet weather on the prairies have led to a huge decrease in grain shipments. Heney says increases in coal and potash have helped lessen the blow.

Positive Lyme disease Deer Tick found

Another lyme disease positive tick has been turned in to the local health unit. The tick was plucked off of a human who picked up the tick within the city limits.  This is the second positive test for Lyme disease in a tick since the health unit started monitoring and testing in 2005.  It's the first positive tick found on a human in Thunder Bay.

One man is dead after a motorcycle accident

A motorcycle accident has claimed the life one man and left a woman in hospital. Nipigon and Schreiber OPP responded to the accident yesterday just after 3:30 and say it appears the driver lost control on wet pavement. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the passenger was taken to the Health Sciences Centre with undetermined injuries.

Three arrested after seperate assaults

Three people are in police custody after separate assaults yesterday. Thunder Bay Police say at 4:30 in the morning a man was assaulted with a knife on the North side and suffered minor injuries. Then at 11 a man was threatened with a knife on the south side and near noon another man was assaulted with a hockey stick. Two men and one woman are facing charges.