Linda Rydholm says she'll vote against wind farm Tuesday

Councillor Linda Rydholm says she's going to vote against the signing of a lease with Horizon Wind.  Rydholm says she's standing up for her Neebing Ward.  She adds if council approves the lease it still needs to get Provincial approval. Administration is recommending council approve Horizon Winds locations for their proposed wind turbines.  Council will vote on it at a special meeting Tuesday.  Irene Bond is with the Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee and says they're dissapointed in Administration's report.

Hampton on long term care beds

Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says some seniors in Fort Frances are getting letters informing them long-term care beds are available to them if they leave the community. Hampton cited one case in which a woman was told a bed was available for her in Terrace Bay, some 550 kilometres away. Hampton says its letters they shouldn't have to receive. Hampton adds proposals for supportive housing in the region have yet to receive any approval.

More candidates weigh in on election issues

Colin Burridge is jumping into the discussion on whether council relies on administration too much. Burridge doesn't know if administration influences council's decisions. Meanwhile, Jeff Irwin feels council would have more power behind it's decision making process if the councillors were all full time.

Free Thanksgiving dinner Sunday

The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association is going to serve a Thanksgiving meal to those in need.  The free dinner is being held at the Salvation Army Booth Centre. Firefighter Scott Chisholm says they look forward to helping out.  The dinner will be held from noon to 3 today.

Climate Change Day of Action

Thunder Bay is taking part in the 350 International Climate Change Day of Action. The Lakehead University Student Union is helping organize the event. Cutting our carbon emissions will be the main topic of discussion with a variety of key speakers. The event is taking place at Waverly Park in Thunder Bay Sunday from 2 to 3:50. Organizer Curniss McGoldrick says MP Bruce Hyer will be one of the guest speakers. Free tea and pumpkins will be provided at the event.

Commisso says process has been fair

All the debate comes to an end next week.  On Tuesday, city councillors are to make a final decision on the Horizon wind farm project. They'll be voting on a staff recommendation to lease land on the Nor' Wester Mountain range to the company for the purpose of building wind turbines. City Manager Tim Commisso believes it's been a fair process for both supporters and opponents.  He says this will be the 14th meeting on the project in  11 months.    Commisso adds the report to council says the city has an obligation to move forward on the issue.

Grow op busted near Nipigon

The combined forces drug unit has taken over 125 thousand dollars worth of drugs off the streets.  Officers found a grow op near Nipigon and seized 126 mature marijuana plants.  Two people were arrested and are facing drug charges.

Child porn charges laid in Thunder Bay

A 17 year old boy is facing Child porn charges in Thunder Bay. Spokesperson Chris Adams says the boy was arrested Wednesday after the Computer Crime Unit conducted a search of a south side residence.  Adams says officers seized computers and other storage devices and found a number of articles of child porn.  He says the sexual exploitation of children is always a huge concern for police.  The boy will appear in court November 25.

Thunder Bay's unemployment is up

Unemployment is on the rise in Thunder Bay.  Our rate edged up to 6.9 percent, up from last months 6.6 percent, but it's still well below the national rate which fell to 8 percent from 8.1.

OPP find body in Bindo Lake

The body of a missing person has been found in Bindo Lake.  OPP divers found the body yesterday afternoon.  The person drowned after their SUV plunged into the lake off a single lane bridge north of Sioux Lookout.  The gender and identity has not yet been released but police believe it was a woman inside the vehicle.

Administration wants the wind farm

The fate of the Horizon Wind farm is now in council's hands.  City staff released a report on the proposed farm yesterday, recommending that council approve the locations for all the proposed turbines.  Council will vote on the report at a special meeting Tuesday.  

Thunder Bay dominates NOBA

Thunder Bay dominated the 24th annual Northern Ontario Business Awards.  Cook Engineering won the company of the year award for a business with over fifty employees.  Architect Ahsanul Habib won the Entrepreneur of the Year award and was honored for his work saving heritage buildings in Thunder Bay. Other Lakehead winners include Salt and Pepper Catering, and Casey Howard.

RCMP arrest fugitive in Thunder Bay

A fugitive with Hell's Angels connections is now in custody at the Thunder Bay District Jail.  46 year old Paul Douglas Gallagher was wanted on a Canada wide warrant for parole violation.  RCMP Staff Sgt. Normand Roy says they knew Gallagher was in the city days prior to his arrest. Roy says that Gallagher was arrested on the north side of the city without incident Wednesday.

New ED for NOHFC

There's a new Executive Director at the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.  Bruce Strapp is taking on the job.   Strapp was the CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie economic development commission.  He also worked with Red Lake's economic development corporation.

Wasaya expands fleet

Wasaya Airlines is expanding. The Thunder Bay based First Nations owned company has added a Bombardier Dash 8 to it's fleet. President Tom Morris says that's not where it ends. He says future plans include an additional Dash 8.   The new aircraft will be used to fly Goldcorp workers to it's Musselwhite mine site.

Thunder Bay police not involved in yesterday's drug busts

There were no arrests in Thunder Bay in connection to yesterday's massive drug bust in Quebec.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says there was information about a possible person interest here but no-one was arrested.  About 370 officers were involved in the raids yesterday.  One man was killed after being shot by police in Val d'Or.

OPP officer charged with theft

An OPP officer in Geraldton is facing charges.  Police say Constable Brian Bellefeuille has been charged with theft under 5 thousand dollars following an incident while he was off duty.  Bellefeuille has been with the OPP for just over a year and a half and will be in court November 4th.

New ships could soon be sailing the great lakes

The Thunder Bay Port Authority is happy about the removal of an import duty on ships built overseas. CEO Tim Heney says the Federal Government decision will greatly benefit shipping on the Great Lakes because it will make the purchase of new ships feasible.  Heney says the current average age of the fleet is 38 years old and the expected life span of these ships is 40 years old, which means an upgrade is overdue.  The duty was 25 percent and the cost of the new ships is around 45 million dollars.

Pullia calls Hobbs inexperienced

Mayoralty candidate Frank Pullia says Keith Hobbs inexperience in politics is showing. Pullia is critical of his opponent for saying that it's administration that runs city council. Pullia thinks Hobbs is being presumptuous and that he sees what he wants to see. Pullia says he often challenges administration and calls the relationship a balancing act.

McDonald's employees wins scholarship

A local McDonald's restaurant employee is still beaming after receiving a 10 thousand scholarship towards his university education. Tim Schonberger is one of only three employees in the province to get the company scholarship.  Schonberger is taking computer sciences at Lakehead University.

Shoes and Champagne a success

Over 15 thousand dollars was raised at the Habitat for Humanity's first ever Shoes and Champagne fundraiser.  Over 300 people took in the event that auctioned off a number of shoes from celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Mike Weir.

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