OPP looking for missing woman

OPP in Sioux Lookout are looking for help after a woman apparently drove her car into Bindo Lake.  The underwater search and rescue team has been called in but police are asking anyone who may have seen something in the area to call police.

Few people show up for election forum

There appeared to be more candidates in the audience than interested voters as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers held a election forum Wednesday.   School Trustee hopefuls took part as did at-large and mayoral candidates. 

Local connection to fatal Quebec busts

A man has died during a major police drug bust that has a Thunder Bay connection. Details are expected to be released Thursday on drug busts that took place in Thunder Bay and various regions of Quebec Wednesday. About 370 officers were involved in the raids. Police say the man was fatally shot during the raid in Val d'Or.

LU explains lobbyist

Lakehead University has sent out a press release explaining their use of a lobbyist.  Recent reports from the provincial NDP have stirred up controversy surrounding lobbying efforts by hospitals, schools and cities. Over a five-year period, LU spent around 33 thousand dollars per year to enlist the support of a lobbyist for strategic counsel in building relationships with federal and provincial governments. Lakehead reiterated that it has never used government grants, tuition fees, or donor funds for this purpose. The university says it will fully comply with any future legislation governing this matter.

Minor injuries in accident

No serious injuries to report following a single vehicle accident at the corner of Cumberland and St. James. Police say just before 11 Wednesday morning a car with 4 people inside hit a house. The injuries are considered minor

Gravelle probes Shag controversy

MPP Michael Gravelle says it would be a shame to see an end to Shags in Thunder Bay.   The popular wedding fundraiser is being threatened because of provincial laws regulating raffles.   Gravelle is investigating exactly what the rules are to see if something can be done

WFN Ultimate Fishing Town announced

Port Alberni has been officially declared Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town. The World Fishing Network says the British Columbia community defeated Nestor Falls in its on-line contest that went down to the wire. Nestor Falls does pick up a 5-thousand dollar donation for its efforts. Thunder Bay came in nineth out of ten and won two thousand dollars from Shaw Cable.

Wellness in Far North

Aboriginal youth living in the remote Northern community of Kashechewan will be able to participate in new recreational activities this winter.  2-new youth wellness workers have been hired to develop programming.  The workers will promote leadership skills, self esteem and physical activity among Aboriginal youth on the reserve.  Ontario and Kashechewan joined together in this initiative after calls came from the community to provide intervention and prevention programs to support youth in crisis.

Former Border Cat signed by Red Sox

A former Thunder Bay Border Cat has been signed by the Boston Red Sox.  Matty Johnson's contract with the Gateway Grizzlies was purchased by the Red Sox.  Johnson joined the Border Cats midway through the 2009 season.

Faye Peterson house weighs in on wage increase bill

The Faye Peterson Transition house is concerned about the provincial government's recent passage of a bill.  Bill 16 prevents Child Welfare agencies, hospitals, boards of Education and violence against women groups from granting wage increases to their employees until April of 2012.  Faye Peterson's Executive Director Debbie Zweeb says if they're unable to attract educated and experienced staff with salary increases, it will put their clients at risk.

Greenpeace launches "caribou caravan"

Greenpeace launched its "caribou caravan" campaign today at Queen's Park.  The environmental group is pressuring Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle to save the woodland caribou.  Spokesperson Richard Brooks says the government can balance both environment and the forest industry.  The caravan will be paying a visit to Thunder Bay October 21st and 22nd.

More government services in smaller communities

As of today, Schreiber, Terrace Bay and Beardmore residents have more access to government services.  Health card services have been added to the services being provided in Schreiber and Beardmore.  Driver and vehicle licensing services are now available in Terrace Bay.  Residents in those communities were unable to access those services under one roof before.

Mayor says "no way" to admin influence

Lynn Peterson disputes any suggestions that administration is running city council.  One of her opponents in the mayors race, Keith Hobbs,  believes that's the case, especially as it relates to the waterfront and wind farm projects.  Mayor Peterson says it's not true and that council has to rely on the advice from it's professional staff.

OPP arrest one man in Schreiber

A 19 year old Schreiber man is facing over 10 charges in connection with a mini crime spree.  OPP were investigating after a rash of vehicle break and enters and arrested one man with the help of the K-9 Unit.  He will appear in court tomorrow in Thunder Bay.

Dew Drop Inn looking for volunteers

It will take three days to prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen in Thunder Bay. It will take six 30 pound turkeys, four large hams, 60 pounds of potatoes and two cases of boxed stuffing to create the feast. Director Terri Favreau says it all starts Saturday, and volunteers are needed to help serve on Monday.  If you would like to volunteer your help call 345-5202.

Program wants 160 women over 50 to get their breasts screened

The Ontario Breast Screening Program wants to see 160 women over 50 on Monday October 18th.  It's the second year for the 12 hour drop in breast screening day in Northwestern Ontario.  Manager of Cancer Screening, Lori Della Vedova says there are some perks to getting your breasts checked.  New clients who participate in the challenge will receive a free "Thingamaboob" and will be entered into a draw for a 50 dollar gift card.

Easier voting for rural resident

The municipal election is just weeks away and the Lakehead Public School board is busy preparing.  Residents living in rural areas such as Armstrong, Collins, Ferland and Auden will receive a voters kit this week.  Board Spokesperson Bruce Saunder says residents should have them already or very soon.  Anyone voting for their school board trustee by mail needs to have it sent by October 15th.

LU meeting about lobbying

Lakehead University is staying mum on a report released by the NDP.  The NDP announced yesterday that nine colleges and Universities paid for lobbying efforts.  The report says Lakehead put 33 thousand dollars towards a lobbyist. LU's President Dr. Brian Stevenson is out of town and administration is holding a meeting today.

Hobbs thinks administration runs city council

Keith Hobbs calls it the tail wagging the dog.   The mayoralty candidate believes administration has too much influence on city councils decisions.   He implies  administration is running council instead of the other way around, citing the waterfront and the wind farm as two prime examples.   Hobbs says council has to start dictating to administration what the people want.

Matawa F.N. to talk environment

The first ever Matawa First Nation Environmental Conference is coming to Thunder Bay.  The conference will focus on environmental assessments, land and water management, source water protection, mining and exploration on First Nations lands.  The conference will also offer a number of hands on workshops.  It runs from October 26th to the 28th at Fort William Historical Park.

Student mugged while walking home

For the second time in recent memory two young girls are in trouble with the law.  The girls aged 14 and 15 were arrested and are charged with robbery after a LU student was robbed on Enniskillen Avenue when she was walking home from school last night. Police are still looking for a third suspect in the case.  The victim received only minor injuries.

NOSM vote postponed

Unionized workers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have put off their vote on their tentative first contract to Tuesday.  No details on the agreement will be publicly released until after the vote.  The union says the picket signs will stay up until the agreement is ratified.

LU puts money towards lobbying

The NDP have revealed that Lakehead University is one of nine colleges and Universities to pay for a lobbyist.  Lakehead put 33 thousand dollars towards lobbying efforts.  The provincial government is planning to table a bill that would stop taxpayer dollars from flowing into the pockets of lobbyists.

Annual Food Drive does it's job

The numbers are in.  The weekend Food Drive by the Regional Food Distribution Association collected 12 tons of  food.   That's 1 ton more than last year.   Along with that,  16 thousand dollars in cash was collected.  It will all be put towards stocking the shelves of the food banks in Thunder Bay and the rest of Northwestern Ontario.

Shag trouble in "the Bay"

City couples remain on pins and needles as to whether it'll be worth holding a Shag anymore.   The local liquor inspector has served notice that prizes aren't allowed to be raffled off at the pre-marriage fund raisers that are as unique to Thunder Bay as Persians.  However, City Police spokesperson Chris Adams says there's no formal plan to enforce the law and will likely be handled on a complaint driven basis.

Shchepanik pulls out of race

A former city councillor who was trying to make a comeback in Neebing Ward is pulling out of the municipal election.  Gary Shchepanik says he was elected to a position with the Power Workers Union which won't allow him to do a councillors job properly.   Because Shchepanik made the decision after the deadline, his name will still appear on the ballot. 

Transit union sets strike deadline

Talks are continuing between the City and the amalgamated transit union; however the union has set a strike date for midnight October 12th.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says they will continue to bargain throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend.  135 employees could be on strike if an agreement isn't reached by next Wednesday morning.

Operation Red Nose Part 2

Volunteers are need to help with Operation Red Nose this Christmas season.  The program allows drunk party-goers to phone for a ride home. Local organizer Karen Wood says help is needed in all areas, from driving and escorting to answering phones and dispatching.  It's the second year for the program in the city.

Ambassadors of safety

It's fire prevention week and the Thunder Bay Fire Service is targeting children.  Fire Chief John Hay says they find kids are the best ambassadors for fire safety.  The Fire Service hosted a group of students from St. Elizabeth School for the kick-off

Police make minor drug bust

The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit has taken more drugs off the street.  Officers searched a house on the 300 block of Simpson street Friday and found 220 grams of marijuana and other drugs as well as just over a thousand dollars in cash.  The drugs have a street value of just under 22 hundred dollars.  Six people were arrested and face a number of charges and will appear in court in December. 

CAA Worst Road List

For the first time ever, two Northwestern Ontario Roads have made the list in the Canadian Automobile Association Ontario Worst Roads campaign.  Pelican Falls Road in Sioux Lookout has been selected as the Worst Road in all of Ontario.  Onion Lake Road in Thunder Bay was voted-in as the 9th worst.  CAA Spokesperson Kory Kennedy says the final list is encouraging for local residents.  Kennedy points out that 90% of the roads that make the Top 20 Province-wide, have either been repaired or are slated to be repaired.

NW LHIN new faces

An Ear Falls resident has been appointed to the Northwest Local Health Integration Network Board of Directors. Dennis Gushulak will sit on the Board for 3-years. The retired teacher and vice-principal has sat as Board Chair of the Red Lake Hospital and is a member of the Ontario Hospital Association.

Accident claims life

A 33 year old Toronto man is dead after a fatal collision on Highway 17 near Lett township. Nipigon OPP say the driver of an eastbound tractor trailer unit lost control causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter the North ditch of the highway. Police continue to investigate the cause of the collision.

Police deal with early morning B&E

Thunder Bay police arrested one man after an apparent early morning Break and enter.  Officers responded after an alarm was set off just after 2 o'clock this morning on Red River. A 22 year old man was arrested and will be in court later today.

Waterfront development work awarded

The city has awarded the contract to take away the dirty soil at the site of the proposed hotel and condos on the waterfront. LTL contracting came in the lowest at just over 1 million 137 thousand dollars. The total cost for remediation is within the approved 47.5 million dollar waterfront budget.

Norwester Protection group protests

The Norwester Escarpment Protection group picketed in front of City Hall Monday night.  Around 20 people rallied before the start of council's weekly meeting.  The group is concerned about the information being provided by Dillon consulting.  Spokesperson Irene Bond says they wanted to see more information in the report and calls it a waste of money. Administration will bring more recommendations to council on Tuesday on their wind farm options.

Report provided, no decision made

City council will take just over a week to mull over a report provided by Dillon Consulting about the proposed wind farm.  Council is expected to make a decision on the wind farm at a special council meeting on Tuesday, October 12th, and ratify it at its last meeting before the municipal election.  Consultant Mario Buszynski says they only had just over a week to carry out their review on Horizon's viewshed analysis.  Dillon Consulting reviewed Horizon Wind's layouts and viewsheds and ensured that the information they provided was accurate.

Random acts of poetry week

It's Random Acts of Poetry week here in the City of Thunder Bay. The group stopped by city hall last night to tell them about this year's event. Songs, poetry, and other forms of art will be taking place across the city. You'll know a random act of poetry performance by the people in their orange construction jumpsuits. It's the sixth year for the event that is sponsored by the Definitely Superior Art Gallery.

Transit talks back on

The amalgamated transit union and the city are back at the bargaining table tomorrow. They'll meet at the Whitefox Inn at 10 on Tuesday. Union boss Charlie Brown says they're prepared to bargain all this week. Brown adds there won't be any strike action as long as talks continue to progress.

Terrace Bay Pulp is back!

It's a monumental day in Terrace Bay. The community's main employer is back in business. Terrace Bay Pulp is making pulp again putting 300 people back to work. It came after it's parent company, Buchanan Forest Products of Thunder Bay, managed to bring it out of creditor protection. The provincial government kicked in a 25 million dollar loan to help refinance the start up

Research ca$h for LU

Lakehead University officials are pumped about their latest research grants. These grants total over 700 thousand dollars. The money is being shared by various LU faculty members and graduate students. It is funded by your federal taxes through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

City compiles historical council info

More of Thunder Bay's history can be found on the Internet. This time it's on the City of Thunder Bay website. City Archivist Matt Szybalski  says it's a listing of past mayors and councils. He says the need was there.  He explains that a lot of people, especially students, were asking for the information and there wasn't any one place this basic information was easily available.  You can see the site by following this link

Vigil held to remember missing and murdered

The memories of missing or murder native women are being kept alive. The Ontario Native Women's Association held it's annual Spirit Vigil for those women. The Association's Lorene Rego  says the event helps to draw the spotlight on to a very critical issue.  The vigil took place at Patterson Park Monday afternoon.

Health officials scramble to fix hospital gridlock

The behind the scenes work continues to ease the pressure on the Regional Health Sciences Centre.   An official at the Local Health Integration Network  says the organization is doing what it can to co-ordinate an end to the hospitals gridlock crisis. Susan Pilatzke says  says all groups are meeting constantly help find solutions.  That group involves, the LHIN, the Health Sciences Centre , St. Joseph's Care Group and the North West Community Care Access Centre.

Hearing Society has new home

The Canadian Hearing Society is operating out of it's new digs. The office is now located in the Victoriaville Mall.  The Society has operated in Thunder Bay for 35 years.

September a decent month for Port

Numbers at the Port saw a small jump in September but its still been a slower year in Thunder Bay.  The port saw over 541 thousand tonnes of good pass through the city last month up from 525 thousand tonnes in the same month last year.  Year to date numbers have declined however.  This year the port has seen 4.4 million tonnes pass through down over 300 thousand tonnes from last year.

Its a hot start to October

Don't put away your golf clubs just yet, its going to be beautiful this week. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says a high pressure system will be bringing in some nice weather this week, with temperatures pushing close to the 20 degree mark for most of the week. Coulson says the rest of October should be closer to seasonal temperatures and we could even see some snow before the end of this month.

NOSM and OPSEU reach tentative deal

The Northern Ontario School of medicine strike could be over.  NOSM and OPSEU have reached a tentative contract after another round of negotiations over the weekend.  Support staff have been on strike since August 16th.  The deal still has to be ratified by union members and the NOSM board of Directors.

Run for a Cure a huge success

The Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer Research was a complete success yesterday.  The annual event saw over 900 people take part and 133 thousand dollars was raised.  Organizers say it was an increase of almost 10 thousand dollars from last year.