TV announcement just days away

Officials at TBayTel are remaining coy about the roll out of their new TV service. It's designed to compete with cable and satellite providers. The only thing that President Don Campbell will tell us is that "day one" it's just days away.

3G network up and running

Thunder Bay Telephone has launched it's latest cellphone technology.  President Don Campbell says the 3G mobility service is up and running in Thunder Bay.  The service will be offered in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora next month.  Fort Frances, Atikokan, Rainy River, and Nipigon will get the service in 2011.

Chimney Swift population on the decline

Wanted: Bird watchers.  The Chimney Swift population in Ontario is dwindling and Birds Canada needs your help.  Elisabeth Van Stam says they're looking for people to look for the bird's stomping grounds.  Stam says key swift habitat is chimneys and hollow logs.  Anyone interested is asked to e-mail volunteer@birdscanada.org

Health Unit increases municipal levies

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is looking for more money from area municipalities. CEO Doug Heath says they passed the 2011 budget yesterday and describes it as a status quo budget.  Heath adds they're making no changes to their programs or services, and will require a 1 percent increase in Provincial funding as well as the matching funds from municipalities. Thunder Bay will see a 3.2 percent increase in the amount they pay to the Health Unit.

Charity dinner battles homelessness/hunger

Another milestone for a local charity. The annual Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner has raised 16 thousand dollars for Shelter House and the Thunder Bay Food Bank. Organizer Pyteke Blaauw says it proves we have a giving community.  The two organizations will be presented with their cheques Thursday.

Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign is on

You have another option if you want to give a kid in need a merry Christmas. Zellers is partnering with the Thunder Bay Children's Aid Society and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care for the annual Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign. CAS Executive Rob Richardson says you can choose a gift for a child off the tree and put it in the box. He says they hope to get around 500 gifts this year and gifts will be accepted until December 17th.

Alternative Education in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's future generations could learn differently than today's school kids.  The Northern Lights Education Initiative wants to create an alternative school.  Spokesperson Erin Carter says tonight's public meeting is the first step towards building the facility.  Carter says they hope to partner with the Lakehead Public School Board on the initiative.  A public meeting on the topic is being held tonight at 515 Syndicate Avenue.

Anishinabek Police Service gets new digs

The Anishinabek Police Services broke ground on their new Head Quarters.  The new detachment located at the Fort William First Nation will be built at Anemki place and is scheduled to be completed this spring.  A special ceremony was held Monday morning. 

Police Services Board looking at possible raise

Members of the police services board could be getting a raise.  The Board started preliminary discussion at yesterday's meeting. Board members get 3 thousand dollars a year while the chair gets 35 hundred dollars.  The police services board hasn't had a pay increase in 11 years.

Owner to decide dog's fate

The Dog that killed a small Chihuahua will be quarantined for 10 days.  Under the Dog Owners Liability Act the dog was put into quarantine and charges are being considered by the city after the incident last week at the off leash dog park across from the community auditorium.  A decision on charges and whether or not the dog will be put down will be made after the quarantine.  By Law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says if the owner doesn't put the dog down he will be charged.

Police Board looking to hire consultant

Thunder Bay's Police Board wants to hire a consultant to help them find a new Police Chief.  Board Chair Wayne Bahlieda says they hope to have a consultant hired by January.  Bahlieda says they will be looking for candidates from the police world.  Bahlieda says the consultant will help look for a new chief, but won't have hiring powers.

L-U improves in university rankings

Lakehead University is edging up in Maclean's Magazine's national rankings. It moved to 12th from 14th in the category of best undergraduate universities. Provincially, the survey positions L-U at number 3  out of 8, and that's fine by President Brian Stevenson   He says since 90 per cent of students come from Ontario the provincial rankings are important.   Stevenson believes the survey also shows the constant improvement and development of the university.

United Way gives fundraising update

United Way has raised 37 percent of it's 2010 campaign goal.  So far over 920 thousand dollars is in the groups coffers.  The goal is almost 2 and a half million dollars.

Road closure Wednesday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing the North bound lane of Golf Links Road Wednesdy. The closure will be in effect from Central Avenue to Oliver Road from 9 to 4. City crews will be repairing a hydro pole that was broken during a car accident.

Toys for Tots returns

Toys for Tots is back with it's fundraising efforts for another Christmas season. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg  says there are thousands of children from needy families in Thunder Bay who will benefit.  The goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations.

Bad bug on the way

Thunder Bay is working on a plan of attack against the Emerald Ash Borer.  The invasive pest will be in Thunder Bay within the next five years and could devestate the City's urban forest.  Forestry Program Specialist Rena Viehbeck says there are two options.  One of the options is to inject an antibiotic into some of the emerald ash in the city.  Viehbeck says the other option is to do nothing and replace the trees when they die.   Urban Forester Shelly Veccio says it could kill all of the ash trees within the city.

Pharmacies are experiencing shortages

Thunder Bay Pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of prescription drugs.  Janzen's Pharmacy Owner Brenda Adams says part of the problem began when changes were made to the rules governing drug manufacturers.  Adams says a variety of drugs are on back order and some people are going without their prescriptions.  Adams adds the situation is the worst she's seen in her 26 years in the business.

CA Rockstar on youtube

A Thunder Bay resident is doing his best to make Chartered Accountants cool. Richard Jagielowicz is a finalist in the Chartered Accountants of Ontario's Rule the Tube contest. You can support the Thunder Bay CA by watching his youtube Video entitled Rule the Tube CA Rockstar. The contest comes to a close on Friday. To watch his video click here.

Local teens top alcohol survey

Teens in Thunder Bay lead the province in a very dubious category.  They drink more alcohol on average than teens in the rest of Ontario. The Health Unit's Jennifer McFarlane says the Health Unit continues it's efforts to reduce the problem.   The survey by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows 64 per cent of teens have tried alcohol compared to 58 per cent across the province.  The same stats show city teens also binge drink more than their provincial peers.

Dog owner could face charges

The city will decide whether or not to charge the owner of the dog that killed a small Chihuahua at an off leash park. By-law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says the City will take action if the offending dog is not put down. Bourret says if the dog is not put down there will be charges.

A new seniors complex opens its doors

McKellar place has officially opened its doors.  75 temporary housing units are now being occupied at the facility.  The apartments offer seniors independent living with some support from building staff.  The units will be used as a stop gap for seniors until the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors Services opens.

Rafferty's pension bill being discussed

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill is being discussed Tuesday.  Rafferty says they'll be going clause by clause through the bill for the next two weeks.  The NDP member says he hopes to have a vote on the bill just before the Christmas break.

Two TBay men charged

Two men from Thunder Bay face charges following a chase with OPP in Kenora. Officers tried to stop the vehicle on numerous occassions Sunday, however the car failed to stop. It was eventually stopped north of the Kenora Bypass, when police deployed a spike belt. The two men tried to escape on foot, but were nabbed a short time later. OPP say 31-year-old Chadwick Atwood and 32-year-old Stephen Parr both face charges of possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Parr has also been charged with dangerous operation and driving while disqualified.

Habitat helps another family

Another family has moved into a Habitat for Humanity Home in Thunder Bay. The McKay's will now reside at 44 Banning Street thanks to the organization. Mother, Nicole says she's excited about her new home. Another habitat family was recently living in the Banning Street home.

Police busy with weekend robberies

City Police and OPP had to deal with separate robberies on the weekend.   OPP arrested a 36 year old Quebec man after the Imperial Bar and Motel was robbed.  In Thunder Bay police say that they are looking for the man responsible for the knife point robbery of the Elks Lodge on Syndicate Avenue Friday night.

Police nab B & E suspect

A 34 year old man is facing a break and enter charge after an incident on the city's north side. They say a man was seen scoping out some yards on McKibbon Street about 9:30 Monday morning. A suspect was captured on Rupert Street using a police dog. A number of electronic devices were seized at the scene.

College promises more Aboriginal education

Confederation College and Matawa First Nations are partnering. The College has signed an agreement which will see it provide services to the Aboriginal youth in that organization. College President Pat Lang believes the partnership will help make a difference in the First Nations communities.

Operation Red Nose is Back

Operation red nose will be running again this year. Honorary chairman Ken Boshcoff says the message is still getting drivers home safely when they have had too much to drink. He also stated that they are still looking for more sponsors and volunteers. Operation Red Nose starts November 27.

Traffic Jam on Highway 102

Recent snowfall has made travelling on highway 102 something to avoid. Eastbound traffic is blocked due to several transport trucks that have spun out on hills. There are tow trucks on the scene trying to assist the situation. Westbound traffic is still moving but at a very slow pace. Police say if possible take highway 11-17 instead.

Seniors Beware of Mysterious Calls

Thunder Bay police are warning seniors about a new scam circulating through the city.  Seniors are receiving calls from people claiming to be a lawyer representing their grandchild who is in legal trouble and needs money.  Police say this is a scam and anyone who gets a phone call similar to this should hang up and call police immediately.

Port takes big load

There's some heavy duty cargo being loaded at Keefer Terminal this weekend.   It's an entire methanol plant that is being sent overseas to China.   Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says it shows the ports diversity. The plant was sent here by rail from Edmonton.

Wi-Fi a go at L-U

There will be wireless Internet available at Lakehead University.   The school's executive have approved installation in the main student areas. Vice-President Michael Pawlowski says it'll take over a month to get rolling.  He expects it should be ready after the Christmas break.  A recent online survey showed almost 80 per cent of students who voted favoured wi-fi on campus.

Wequedong to open health facility

The old Twin Haven School is getting another life.  It's going to become a 110 bed health care facility for Aboriginals run by the Wequedong Lodge.  The old school will be converted to a medical hostel to help off reserve Aboriginals.  MPP Bill Mauro says the services will allow them to get the care they need. The province is providing 4 million dollars towards the project

Matawa building social housing

More non-profit housing is going up in the city.   Matawa First Nations is building 24 new houses for Aboriginals in need.   The social housing units will be scattered through the city. One housing official says the housing is desperately needed.   The total cost of the housing project is 3.3 million dollars.

Thunder Bay Police dealing with new scam

Thunder Bay police are warning seniors about a new scam circulating through the city.  Seniors are receiving calls from a person claiming to be a lawyer representing their grandchild who needs money.  The person asks the senior to send a money order without talking to other family members.  Police say this is a scam and anyone who gets a phone call similar to this should hang up and call police.

Dog owners are pointing the finger at other owners.

Some dog owners are blaming irresponsible dog owners for problems at the off leash dog parks. Bob Guse owns a small Chihuahua cross and says he often see people bring their big dogs to the small dog park. Guse says its up to dog owners to follow the rules. Guse says it only takes a second for a big dog to kill a little one owners need to keep that in mind. Last week a small dog was killed by a bigger dog at the Beverly and Winnipeg Park.

No foul play in Kenora hotel death

Kenora OPP have completed the investigation into the dead body found at a hotel.  Officers say 30 year old Allan Henfrey died of complications from ongoing health issues. His body was found in his Hotel room Wednesday morning.

Snow will be falling in Thunder Bay

Get ready for some snow. Environment Canada's Jim Prime says a low pressure system will be bringing in some of the white stuff.   He says some areas could see as much as 10 centimetres.  Prime says most of the snow will fall tomorrow night and Sunday.

Ship forced to wait for shipment

For the second time this year, a ship has been forced to wait for grain from the prairies.  The Isodora is the ship that's been sitting in the harbour for over 2 weeks now, awaiting a shipment of Number one grade Durham from the prairies.  Thunder Bay Port Authority officials say bad weather in the prairies is causing the delay.

City council for dummies

Thunder Bay's new city councillors and mayor go to school this week.   They begin a set of sessions to teach them how the city works.  City Clerk John Hannam says it's a major orientation which will last about two weeks.  It will allow them to hear from top administrators on the process that takes place and how council plays a roll in that.   There will also be tours of city run facilities along with the waterfront project. 

A second Thunder Bay Airline has been sold

Another Thunder Bay based Airline is being purchased.  Two months after Bearskin Airlines was bought by a Manitoba based company, Thunder Airlines is following suit.  The company is being purchased by Bravo Air based out of Elliot Lake.  The agreement will see Bravo take over all Thunder Airlines operations by the end of this year.

Dog park death unfortunate says councillor

A Thunder Bay city councillor is concerned about the death of a dog at a city "off leash" park.  The owner of a Chihuahua says her pet was mauled by another dog at the park.   Rebecca Johnson hopes something can be done to prevent another incident.  She calls the dog's death unfortunate.

Thousands attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in Thunder Bay

Honouring our fallen country men was on the minds of over 2 thousand people who attended the Remembrance ceremony at Waverly Park this morning. Dozens of organizations paid their respects by laying a wreath.  Other ceremonies were held at Mount McKay and Fort William Gardens.

PARO Centre hands out business awards

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprises have handed out its 2010 Business Women of Distinction awards.  The winners included Erika Maki of A Spa for You, Jean Paul of Jean Paul Photography, Sharla Brown of Journey to Wellness, Marcia Aprin of All the Daze Productions, Loretta Shymko of Loretta's Hand Knits and Linda Bruins of An Extra Hand.

Kenora OPP investigating hotel death

Kenora OPP are investigating after a man was found dead in a hotel room.  Staff at the hotel called police yesterday morning when they found the man.  Police haven't released any names or cause but say an examination is being conducted.

Dog park death sparks concern

Questions are being raised concerning pet safety at the off lease dog parks in the city. One pet owner says her Chihuahua was killed by a bigger dog at the Beverly and Winnipeg Street location. The parks are designed to allow dogs to run free and mingle with other dogs. Animal Control officials are investigating.

Three ceremonies for Remembrance Day

There are three main ceremonies in the city Thursday for anyone wanting to mark Remembrance Day. On the North side the ceremony will take place at the Waverly Park Cenotaph, south siders can attend Fort Williams Gardens and there will also be a ceremony at Mount McKay. The Legions Lorne Kondreska says the day is about remembering our fallen soldiers both past and present.   We will be broadcasting a special Remembrance Day feature starting just before 11 o'clock

City officer charged

A bombshell from city police.   An 11 year veteran of the police force is facing 12 charges in relation to the province's Sex Offender Registry.  Police say over a 5 year period in which she was in charge of the registry locally, a number of records were falsified.  Charged with Breach of Trust  is 43 year old Constable Toni Grann. 

Police Services Board ready to search for new Chief

The Police services board will start the search for a new Chief of police. Chair Wayne Bahlieda says he thinks looking outside Thunder Bay is a smart idea, because it will leave no stone unturned to ensure the best possible candidate is found.  Bahlieda says the parameters for the position will be outlined at Tuesday's Police Services Board meeting.

Students rally against education costs

Students are Lakehead University are complaining about the high cost of education. They rallied at the universityWednesday afternoon. Student Union President Michael Snodden says MPP's Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro don't seem to be getting the message that many students are carrying a heavy education debt well into their working years.

TBayTel TV could be on its way

The waiting game may soon be over.   There's word that T Bay Tel may be ready to roll out it's new TV service sometime this month.   It  will provide competition for TV cable and satellite companies.   The city owned utility isn't saying anything for now.

Operation Overseas looking for donations

Operation Overseas has kicked off this year's campaign.  The fundraiser collects items to send to Canadian Troops serving in Afghanistan.  Organizer Alana Bencharski says they are looking for personal hygiene items and things like magazines, DVDs and other leisure items.  Donations can be dropped off at Quality Market locations and Cash Converters.