Question quota fizzles

It appears getting city councillors to cut down on their questions at meetings could be a challenge. As part of a trial phase they must only ask 3 questions of presenters or administration per round of questioning. It's designed to help shorten meetings, but last Mondays meeting went passed 1 o'clock the next morning.

HMS Bounty set to Arrive Tuesday

Keep a close eye on the harbour Tuesday because you'll get a chance to see the HMS Bounty's arrival. Coordinator Kerry Berlinquette says it should arrive Tuesday afternoon and you can get up to the hour updates on when it will arrive at http://www.bountyarrival.webs.com/.  The public will be able to tour the ship Wednesday from noon to 8pm for three dollars per person.

ER ca$h is here

The Regional Health Sciences Centre is getting 1.9 million dollars from the provincial government to make emergency room improvements. Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott says the hospital must use the money to help reduce ER wait times. The provincial standard is 8 hours for complicated cases and 4 hours for less serious ones. Crocker-Ellacott says they manage to hit the targets over 90 per cent of the time. She says where the hospital has a challenge is getting ER patients admitted to the hospital within the 8 hour goal.

Thunder Bay OPP officer awaiting sentence for harrasment

A Thunder Bay OPP officer will be sentenced in September after harrassing a woman on the internet. Constable Claude Montfort pled guilty in March after a two year investigation. Both the crown and the defense are calling for a sentance without incarceration. Montfort received a medal for bravery after he helped rescue people trapped in a burning vehicle near Marathon.

OPP officer cleared in Kenora

The SIU has cleared a Kenora police officer who shot a knife wielding woman last month. The officer shot the woman after she started walking towards her with the knife pointed in the officers direction. The SIU says the officers didn't use excessive force in the situation.

Nutritionist praises report on salt

A panel of experts is offering recommendations on how you can take some of the salt out of your diet.The Health Canada report says cutting back on salt can save thousands of lives by reducing heart attack and stroke.  Janice Piper, a nutrionist at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says it's welcome news.  She's happy to see how comprehensive the report is by targeting the foods with the most sodium.  The report wants Canadians to reduce their salt intake by a third by 2016

Local marathon to offer cash prizes

The first ever Thunder Bay Marathon is going to come with cash awards for the winners. President Barry Streib says it's all thanks to a donation from RBC. He says there are12 thousand dollars in cash awards. It will include 2 thousand dollars for the first male and female finishers and 1 thousand for the first male and female finishers of the half marathon. There will also be cash awards for the top finishers from Northwestern Ontario. The marathon takes place September 19th

Make way for Festa Italiana

The annual Festa Italiana takes place this weekend. It's a chance to experience that country's culture and food. Organizer Benny Melchiorre says the popularity of the event is evidenced by the number of people who attend. He says the first year attracted about 4 thousand people and now they're expecting close to 20 thousand to attend. Festa Italiana happens Sunday and Monday at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma.

Delta pulls the plug on Thunder Bay

Delta Airlines is giving up on Thunder Bay. As of October 10th the company will stop its daily flights to Minneapolis. Airport Manger Scott McFadden says he's not surprised by the move. McFadden feels Delta didn't publicize the service well enough. McFadden hopes to find another airline to pick up the service

Taxi by-laws to come under review

The rules governing Taxi companies in Thunder Bay are going under the microscope. The Police Services Board is going to hire a consultant to do a study on the taxi by-laws. Board Chair Wayne Bahlieda says its to find out if cab companies are charging too much. He says the board believes that cab fares in the city are "extremely high" and "out of whack" with fares in the rest of Canada. The study is expected to take about half a year to complete.

Morning Sports Wrap

Canada got a scare from the Czech republic but mananged to earn the win and first place in Pool B at the World Junior Championships. Canada won 8-7 thanks to a two run walk off double from Dalton Pompey. 
 

The win improved Canada to 4-1 which gave them the head to head edge with Korea who finished the round robin in second in pool B after beating Panama 12-2 yesterday.

Elsewhere yesterday Netherlands shocked Cuba winning 9-8 and with the win earning 3rd in Pool B and moving Cuba to 4th.  The US crushed France winning 16-0, Australia pounded Italy 14-4 and Chinese Taipei downed Venezuela 9-0.  Tomorrow Panama battles France, Venezuela takes on the Czech Republic, Korea meets Australia, Chinese Taipei faces the Netherlands, Cuba battles the US and Canada takes on Italy at 7:00 at Port Arthur Stadium.

In the Northwoods League the Border Cats split a double header with St Cloud yesterday winning game one 4-3 before dropping the second game 3-2.

Police looking for missing man

Thunder Bay Police are again looking for a missing person. Missing is 34 year old Darren Sabbe who was last seen Tuesday in the Ontario street area. Sabbe is described as 5'10", Caucasian thin and balding and was last seen riding a red mountain bike.

MADD praises anti-drinking law

The local head of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is loving a new provincial law. There's high praise coming from the president of MADD in Thunder Bay for the new anti drinking and driving law for young drivers in Ontario. It forbids drivers under 21 from having any alcohol in their system. Carole Sawchuk calls the law "marvelous" adding, the organization has been pushing for this for a number of years. Sawchuk says it looks like the message is getting through and its a good step in the right direction.

Fort Hope teen charged with murder

A 16 year old boy from the Fort Hope First Nation north of Sioux Lookout, is facing a second degree murder charge. Ontario Provincial Police say it follows the stabbing death of a 17 year old boy in that community last week. The accused will be appearing in a Thunder Bay court on August the 3rd.

Water crisis at Constance Lake

Constance Lake First Nation near Hearst, has declared a state of emergency. 900 residents have been without water for over a week. Officials say a layer of algae has formed over the lake thick enough to block accesss to the main water supply for the community. Chief Arthur Moore and the band council are demanding action from the federal government.

Quality Market opening new store

A local business is sporting a new look. Quality Market is going up against the big boys with its new store on Golf Links Road near Oliver. Manager Dan Stezenko says unfortunatly the store at County Fair Mall had to close after they couldn't negotiate a contract with the landlord. It will be opening it's doors at 7 o'clock Thursday morning.

Staal still waiting for a contract

Marc Staal and the New York Rangers continue to sit apart in contract negotiations. The big blueliner is a restricted free agent and says he can't say to much about how talks are going but says he wants to stay in New York. Staal says he loves the city and thinks his team looks good moving forward. Marc says the recent addition of Alexander Frolov is another good move that will help the solve the teams scoring woes.

Police on the lookout for a missing girl

Thunder Bay Police are on the lookout for a missing 12 year old girl.  Shae-Lynn Masik was last seen yesterday evening when she left her house on Rupert Street.  Anyone who has information on her where abouts are asked to call the police. 

Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit hands out some charges

The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit has laid charges in a massive 2 year drug investigation in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Officers with the help of Toronto OPP arrested and charged Jabir Khan of North York after seizing 360 thousand dollars worth of Oxycodone over the course of the investigation. Police believe Khan is a major figure in the Northwestern Drug trade. Also facing charges is Twenty year old Clinton Netemegestic of Thunder Bay, 36 year old Bazil McIntosh of Toronto and 32 year old Brandie Mosher of Toronto.

Thunder Bay International Baseball Federation launches bike "Staal"

The Thunder Bay International Baseball Federation is encouraging people to Bike down to Port Arthur Stadium instead of driving. Organizers have converted the off leash dog park into a bike corral and the Staal brothers are helping out. The four were on hand yesterday to bike around and encourage people to use a more active mode of transportation to get down to the ball park. Eric Staal says anything that gets people active and outside is a great idea.

Morning Sports Recap

At the World Junior Baseball Championships Team Canada cruised to a huge 9-2 win over Panama.  Korea came up with a huge 5-3 win over Cuba to join Canada and Cuba in a three way tie for top spot in Pool B.  Elsewhere the US downed Venezuela 14-7, Chinese Taipei beat Italy 13-4, Australia beat France 16-1 and the Netherlands made short work of the Czech Republic winning 13-4.  Tonight Canada finishes off the round robin against the Czech Republic.  

In the Northwoods League the Border Cats had their game with St Cloud postponed due to rain. and in the Majors Toronto hammered Baltimore 8-2.

McDonald's fire appears accidental

It appears arson is being ruled out as the cause of a McDonalds Restaurant fire in the city. The blaze started in a garbage bin at the Memorial Avenue location on Monday afternoon. Fire inspectors say that there is no indication that the fire was deliberatly set. The exact cause remains a mystery though

Terrace Bay Pulp set to open within weeks

A date has now been set for the re-opening of Terrace Bay Pulp. Thunder Bay's Buchanan Forest Products owns the facility and company lawyer Yves Fricot says the latest court decision means the plant can open August 16th. 

Outbreak hit seniors home

There's a sickness outbreak at a north side seniors home. The Health Unit says that only the Primrose Wing at Roseview Manor is affected. Admissions, transfrers and discharges have been cancelled until further notice.

NDP health critic takes our temperature

The NDP are criss-crossing the country getting information on health care. Halifax MP Megan Leslie says as the party health critic she is trying to find out ways to change the system, and getting advice from people in Thunder Bay. On Tuesday, Leslie spent time with seniors and aboriginals.

Famous WW II bomber visits city

A Lancaster bomber from World War Two is in Thunder Bay this week. The public will be allowed to see it at the Confederation College School of Aviation from noon until 5 Wednesday . Pilot Leon Evans says the aircraft always creates a buzz where ever it goes. He says it's because it's the only Lancaster left in the world that is still flying. Evans says the plane is an important part of this country's war history.

Vets on hand to view the Lancaster

One of the many veterans on hand to greet the Lancaster when it arrived in Thunder Bay was 92 year old Jack Lourie.    He says he flew 30 bombing missions over Germany in the Lancaster in 1944.  Lourie calls the plane very reliable and a joy to fly.

We could see a light show in the sky today

Thunderstorms could cause a delay for tonight's Team Canada game against Panama tonight. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says right now intense Thunderstorm activity is passes south of town but it could move north. Coulson says if they do develop into severe storms they will bring heavy rain and potential damaging winds. On the positive side Coulson says by the weekend we should be back to the sunshine and warm temperatures.

There won't be a strike at Superstore

Employees of the Thunder Bay Real Canadian Superstore voted to accept a new 5 year contract with Westfair Foods. The union representing the workers says 98 percent of employees voted in favour of the new deal. The contract covers over 300 full time and part time employees.

Another house woken up by a break in

Four teens have been arrested by the Thunder Bay police after breaking into a house this morning. Officers say the group broke into a house on the 500 block of Piccadilly Ave and were scared off when the home owner woke up. 3 boys and a girl were arrested with the help of the K-9 Unit and will appear in court today.

Morning Sports Recap

There was three games at the World Junior Baseball Championships yesterday. The US pounded Chinese Taipei 10-0 after seven innings to improve to 3 and 0 at the tournament. Italy downed France 14-8 and Korea just got past the Czech Republic 4-0. Korea was coming off a tough loss against Canada on Sunday. Tonight Canada battles Panama at Port Arthur Stadium.

In the Northwoods League the Border Cats fell to St Cloud 6-0. The Cats are in St. Cloud again tonight for the second of a three game sereis.

Wind farm saga plods along

The city of Thunder Bay is taking the next step in the Horizon Wind Farm project. Following yet another post midnight meeting, councillors have approved a submission to Horizon Wind on the proposed turbines for the Nor' Wester Mountains. The submission is part of the provinces evironmental process. There are several areas that are being questioned, from input by the Fort William First Nations to the affects on the Loch Lomond ski area. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says Horizon's proposal is incomplete in those areas and more.

More wind farm debate at City Hall

A new consultant hired by opponents of the Horizon Wind Farm, is critical of a draft environmental document by developers of the wind turbines. In a sometimes rambling presentation to councillors, Michael McLeod said there are gaps in the draft report and the documents are incomplete on a number of issues. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says what she heard from McLeod and his assistant was nothing new

Councillors struggle with street name

A short stretch of road at Prince Arthur's Landing is getting a new name. Five hundred metres of it will be called Sleeping Giant Parkway. After two hours of debate, city councillors turned down administration's recommendation that a large section of roadway in Marina Park be changed to Sleeping Giant Parkway. It also recommended that as much roadway as possible on the Thunder Bay waterfront be given that name. Meantime local Navy representatives are hoping for some recognition for navy veterans. HMCS Griffon Lieutenant-Commander John Bell says if a street can't be named, then there should be some way to honour navy vets at the new look waterfront.

Eye in the Street program could see future expansion

There could be some expansion of the Eye in the Street program, but just not now.   Charles Campbell runs the program for the city and says that the latest report to councillors did not recommend any changes.  He says that's because the current construction taking place on the city's south side is putting any possible expansion on hold until work is complete.  Campbell says he will be back before councillors in the near future with another report with recommendations on that issue.

Councillors hear the latest $ update

City councillors are now up to date on the latest financial figures.   The Treasurers report was present Monday evening.  The biggest question on the minds of some councillors was why the District Social Services Board and the District Health Unit were subjected to a new accounting policy and weren't included in the statements.   The statements also indicate that the total value of everything the city owns, including TBayTel and the Public Library, is 865 million dollars

City recognizes young man

Michael Robinson is the latest recipient of the city's Exceptional Achievement Award.   Robinson was selected as the youth representative for Ontario at the G/8G/20 summit.

Fire at Memorial McDonald's

Fire firefighters were called to a blaze at the Memorial Avenue McDonald's at around 3:15 Monday afternoon. A fire official says the blaze started in the rear garbage bin and spread to the building itself causing some damage to the roof area. There is no cause or injuries to report

Baseball ticket sales soar

The World Junior Baseball Championship in Thunder Bay is a hit. Organizer Jeff Halverson says the first 3 days generated 15 thousand in ticket sales and, depending on how well team Canada does, it could reach 40 to 60 thousand. Halverson credits Media Sponsors like Northwoods Broadcasting for the success.

Korea bounces back to blank Czech's

The Korean team at the World Baseball Championship is back in the win column. They bounced back from yesterdays loss to Canada at Port Arthur Stadium with a 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

Top Japanese diplomat visits Thunder Bay

The Deputy Consul-General for Japan is in Thunder Bay for a short visit this week.   Nobuaki Yamamoto says as part of his stay he's visiting with Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert to strenghten his country's ties with the institution. He says he'd like to promote contacts and cultural promotions between LU and universities in Japan.  He started his visit by watching a young baseball team from Gifu Japan play a local team

Superior Youth Fest set to entertain

Just call it Summer in the Parks for teens. The city is putting on it's 4th Superior Youth Festival at Marina Park this week. Organizer Jean Paul DeRoover says the free outdoor concerts feature young contemporary artists.   He says it's designed to create something strictly for youth that relates to them.  The concerts take place Thursday night starting at 6.  Pictured:   Webster Death and Grimmace the Butler are just one of the acts taking part in the Youth Festival.

Program to train aboriginal railway conductors

The federal government will cover the tuition and living expenses of aboriginal students who are training to become railway conductors. The announcement was made in Winnipeg by the Assembly of First Nations and the Railway Association of Canada. The funding is part of a two-year, 75 (m) million-dollar program to train First Nations people at centres in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Seven project participants will be recruited as signals and communications maintainers, and up to 30 participants will be recruited for track workforce positions.

OPP probing arson in Neebing Township

A 45 year old Thunder Bay woman is facing Arson and Assault charges after a fire in Neebing Township on the weekend.   OPP say they were called to a building blaze on Jarvis Bay Road.  The woman has been released from custody as the investigation continues.   Police also say there were two collisions on the highway involving moose but no serious injuries.

Morning Sports Recap

Team Canada beat the best at the World Junior Baseball Championships. The Juniors beat two time defending champion Korea 5-4 Sunday. Philip Diedrick smashed a Grand Slam in the top of the first to put Canada ahead and says it was his biggest hit of his career. Canada scored the winning run in the top of the fifth off a wild pitch from Korean Pitcher Yoo Chang Sik. Next Up for Canada is Panama Tuesday at 7:00 at Port Arthur Stadium. In other World Junior Baseball action. The US hammered Italy 10-0 in 7 innings, Chinese Taipei beat Australia 13-11, Cuba crushed the Czech Republic 16-1, Venzuala downed France 8-2 and the Netherlands got past Panama 5-2.

In the Northwoods League the Border Cats came up just short of the Duluth Huskies 4-3. The Cats are right back at it tonight in St Cloud as they kick off a three game series with the River Bats.

World Juniors roundup

Yesterday, Canada lost 3-0 to Cuba in a tight match. The US won 4-2 against Australia. Chinese Taipei dominated France winning 11-1. Italy won 6-5 against Venezuela in eleven innings. The Czech Republic came back from an early deficit against Panama, but still lost 7-5. South Korea won a lopsided victory against the Netherlands 10-0.

Canada loses against Cuba 3-0

There was nothing on the scoreboard for either side until the top of the eighth when Cuba's Andy Ibanez batted in two runs. Cuba went on to edge out Canada 3-0. Both sides were strong defensively, giving up few hits throughout the game. Tom Robson pitched a solid six innings for Canada before he was relieved by Evan Grills. Cuba's Omar Luis pitched all nine innings and struck out 10 batters.  

Italy wins against Venezuela

Italy beat Venezuela 6-5 yesterday. Venezuela started strong, scoring two runs in the first inning. The game quickly turned into a stalemate with either side refusing to budge. Italy eventually got the runs needed to send the game into extra innings and won in the eleventh. Italy faces the US today. Coach Gianguido Poma is looking forward to the game against the strong American team. "I know they're better than us, but you start from zero to zero and we just want to play a good game," said Poma.

Reason for Venezuela's delay still unknown

Ian Young of the IBAF says the organization isn't yet clear on the reason for Team Venezuela's late arrival to the World Junior Baseball Championship. Some Venezuelan players were arriving directly from the airport minutes before their game against Italy yesterday. The IBAF is investigating the issue and will make a statement once more is known.