NOSM pickets back to hold up traffic

The picket lines are back up at the main entrances to Lakehead University. Striking workers from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine are there again after they rejected the school's contract offer. Local union leader Yuk-Sem Won they'll be holding up traffic for a while longer.   Won adds that the workers understand the issues better now.

More $ for building renos

A financial boost for the 2.3 million dollar upgrade to the Finlandia Hall. The provincial government is providing an additional 300 thousand dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's a valuable asset to hang on to.  This installment brings the total contribution from the provincial government to 800 thousand dollars

Man robbed by two young girls

An 18 year old man suffered minor injuries after being attacked by two young girls.  The man was walking the Picton and Clarkson area, just after midnight, when he was attacked by the pair aged 16 and 17 years old.  The girls assaulted and robbed the man and will appear in court this morning.

NOSM strike continues

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine Strike is still on.  Support staff voted to reject NOSM contract proposal yesterday and will stay on strike for the foreseeable future.  School officials say there have been no new talks scheduled. 

A deal has been reached

The City of Thunder Bay and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a deal.  The two sides started late hour discussions just before midnight last night and reached a tenative deal just before 6 o'clock this morning.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says the deal still has to be ratified by members but the Union is recommending they accept the deal.  Brown says services will be running as normal today.

Crowd storms out of council chambers

Anti-wind farm supporters stormed out of last night's council meeting before the final vote was held.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson was speaking about how many early Thunder Bay residents could have been wary of hydro lines running up and down city streets, and how noisey some generators can be.  During her time on the mic, many of the anti-wind farm supporters left the chambers in droves.

Pullia tries to hold off vote

Councillor Frank Pullia tried to get a week extension on the proposed wind farm. Pullia wanted council to take an extra week and put off the vote until Monday night's meeting. Pullia feels more information is needed before a final decision can be made. Councillor Linda Rydholm seconded his motion but no one else from the table was willing to back it.

Deputants let council know how they feel

Deputation after deputation railed against the Horizon Wind Farm project on Tuesday night.  John Beals was one of five people to address council.  Beals says the wind park is masquerading as a green project.  He feels the only green part of the project is the money.  Beals notes they are very dissapointed in council's process saying they've met 14 times on the issue and most of it was behind closed doors.

Norwester Escarpment Group makes one last plea

The Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee spoke at what is expected to be the City's last wind turbine meeting.  President Irene Bond is calling on the City to vote for what the citizens want, and turn down the Horizon Wind project.  Bond says its an election issue and council is taking it off the table by pushing a decision through before the municipal election. 

Meeting gets bumpy start

City Council kicked off the final wind farm debate over two hours late. The special council meeting that was scheduled to start at 6:30 was put on hold while councillors discussed issues behind close doors.  Councillors filed into the meeting at 8:20. An anti-wind farm group protested at city hall earlier in the afternoon, and five deputations are expected this evening.

Murder case moves to next court phase

A 49 year old Thunder Bay man is to face a trial on a charge of second degree murder.  Harold Barr was order to stand trial following a recent preliminary court hearing.  He is charged in connection with the stabbing death of 49 year old Robert Good in August of last year at a North Edward Street apartment.   There's no indication when the trial will be held.

Man attacked on the north side

City police are trying to track down two people who are suspects in a north side assault.   They say a 42 year old man was attacked as he was getting into his parked vehicle at Junot and Red River Road. The incident took place at around 11:30. He told police he was able to drive himself to a friends home to get help.   Police believe he may have been targeted and that robbery didn't appear to be the motive.

Fundraising dinner on tap this weekend

The 11th annual Empty Bowls-Caring Hearts dinner takes place this weekend.  Organizer Nelly Readhead says  the money raised through the dinner and auction, goes to the Food Bank and Shelter House.   Last year they both split 15 thousand dollars.  The event will be held at the Moose Hall.

Poverty Free Thunder Bay to launch next week

Dealing with poverty issues in the city is the aim of Poverty Free Thunder Bay.   Spokesperson Catherine Schwartz Mendez says the group will not only help to focus on poverty in the community, but will take a political stand too.   Poverty Free Thunder Bay will be introduced to the city next week.

A sweet way to cheer on the T-Wolves

Tim Horton's Donuts is helping to promote the L-U Thunderwolves. It's come out with a donut that is decorated with yellow and blue sprinkles. Store owner Christine Youngs says the promotion is add another dimension to the company's current sponsorship of the team.Youngs says the T-Wolves donuts will be available through the hockey season.

Transit strike is looking more and more likely

It looks like you'll need a different way to get to work tomorrow morning if you rely on city transit. Amalgamated Transit Union spokesperson Charlie Brown says they presented a proposal to the city Thursday but haven't heard back.  Brown says unless something changes, transit services will cease at midnight tonight and union members will be picketing at city hall tomorrow morning.

One man dies in ATV accident

It was a tragic long weekend for a 64 year old Prescott man. He was killed when he left highway 801 and hit a large rock Sunday. Greenstone OPP are investigating the accident and say Bruce Pankhurst was pronounced dead at the scene.

16-year-old arrested

A 16-year-old male was arrested early this morning.

Police say he was going through vehicles in the Valley St. area and was in possession of stolen property. The teenager will appear in court early next month.

Oliver/Paipoonge crash

There was a three-vehicle collision in Oliver/Paipoonge at the intersection of Highway 130 and Vibert Rd. Sunday afternoon.

Three people were taken to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The O.P.P. are looking into the cause of the accident.
　
　
　
　

White Park Drive break-in

A White Park Dr. resident had an unwelcome visitor Saturday morning. Police say a 21-year-old man broke into the resident's home.

The resident, who was inside, ran to a nearby neighbour to call police. Police arrested the man at the residence and recovered a stolen car they say was loaded with stolen goods.

The man, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest, appeared in court yesterday.

Transit talks pause

There were no transit talks Saturday. Amalgamated Transit Union 966 President Charlie Brown says the union delivered their latest package last week and is waiting to hear back from the city.

The union has set a strike deadline of 12 a.m. Tuesday night. Brown says the union is willing to meet this weekend.

Direct flights to Minneapolis won't resume for a while

The earliest Bearskin Airlines will be able to offer direct flights from Thunder Bay to Minneapolis is January.

Executive Vice President Cliff Friesen says there are a number of steps the company must take before Bearskin can offer the service. Friesen also added that Bearskin plans to streamline the operation by using a smaller plane and looking at the frequency of flights.

Delta was offering the service previously, but opted to discontinue it, citing poor performance as a reason.

Foulds vote cloaked in mystery

A city councillor who sits on the EarthWise committee won't reveal how he is voting on the Horizon Wind Farm project.  Even though city staff are recommending in favour of leasing land to the company, Andrew Foulds says its the toughest decision he's had to make as a councillor.

Horizon responds to city report

Horizon Wind says it's wind farm project will have many environmental, social and economic benefits.  The company is responding to the city staff recommendation of the project, which still needs councils approval.   Horizon officials were not available to answer any questions, but did say the company will update the city on the provincial government approval process for the project.

Extreme Home Makeover: House of Commons Edition

MP Bruce Hyer wants to play musical chairs in the House of Commons.  Hyer is calling for the seating plan to be randomized, rather than sitting in party specific benches.  Hyer feels a seating plan change would foster more negotiation and a better working atmosphere.  Hyer made the statement in Ottawa and hopes to introduce a motion in the future.

Health Unit looking for smokers

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is encouraging rural smokers to take part in their "Stop" program. Public Health Nurse Amber White says their sign-up numbers are below the mininimum required to host a session in those communities.  Smokers who take part in the study receive five weeks of free quit smoking products like gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers.

YPN hosting Mayoral Debate

There's just over a week left to the municipal election. One of the final mayoral debates will be put on by Thunder Bay's Young Professionals Network. President Christopher Da Silva says they'll be taking questions from facebook and the floor. The debate will be held at the DaVinci Centre from 5:30 to 7:30 Thursday night.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine's striking staff will vote on a tentative agreement Tuesday.  An information session is being held before the vote in Thunder Bay and Sudbury.  Union Spokesperson Tyler England says they're not for or against the contract.  The vote is expected to be wrapped up around 4 Tuesday.

Transit strike deadline Tuesday

A strike deadline for transit services is set for midnight October 12th.  Transit Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says if they strike it's going to have a big impact on the city. 

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.