Another one rides the bus

The mayor and two city councillors took the city bus today. Keith Hobbs says it's his way of helping to boost ridership on city buses and not to suggest numbers are down. He says it's also his own personal way to find out how the transit system works since he hasn't ridden a bus in years. Hobbs was joined by Councillors Hebert and Virdiramo.

L-U prez ready for 2011

The new president of Lakehead University says 2010 brought no surprises. Summing up this year, Brian Stevenson says it was exciting to get his dream job, saying it's been something he's been trained to do.  Stevenson says he's got a number of goals that he'd like to see started including attracting more international students and reviving the law school proposal.

Rickford is election ready

The MP for Kenora doesn't think there's any need for an election yet.  But Greg Rickford says he'll be ready to hit the campaign trail in the new year if necessary. Rickford says while an election is on the mind of the opposition parties, its not a sure thing just yet.  There's been widespread speculation the election could come as soon as this spring, after the government delivers its annual budget.

Rafferty on the year that was

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking on 2010 with some regret. He says it was a tough year for many people in the riding.   The NDP member says his goal in 2011 will be to try and make life more affordable for those people.

Gravelle recaps 2010

Michael Gravelle is hoping 2011 won't be as rocky as some spots in 2010 were. The Northern Development and Forestry Minister had to help promote the new Forest Tenure system, one which doesn't have strong support within the industry.  Gravelle says the Ring of Fire development is what he plans to focus on in 2011, an election year.

Union gas bills going down

Good news for people who heat their home with natural gas.  Spokesperson Kerry Dudley Tatsu says the Ontario Energy Board approved a decrease of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre.  That means local union gas bills will be cut a dollar a year.

Port closes January 6th

Thunder Bay's shipping season is coming to a close in two weeks time.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says 2010 was a mix of good and bad.  Heney notes grain shipments were down while potash and coal shipments were up.  The Thunder Bay port will be closed on January 6th.

Hobbs looks to 2011

Thunder Bay's Mayor plans to attack a plethora of issues in the new year. Keith Hobbs says there will be plenty on his plate including resolving the wind farm lawsuit, the Bombardier TTC contract and the new Crime Prevention Council. Hobbs adds they hope to meet with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford about the TTC contract either in January or February.

Doctor Christmas reception

The city is once again taking advantage of the Christmas holiday season to lure doctors here. It's holding the annual reception for students in the health care field on December 29th.  Community Relations Co-ordinator Cheryl Armstrong says it gives the students a chance to see what we can offer them.  This is the 10th year for the reception.

Dew Drop Inn on Christmas Day

The Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen is expecting up to 350 people for Christmas Dinner. Volunteers will prepare the dinner two days before the actual feast on Saturday. Board President Paul Deighton says it's a lot of food. The holiday meal will be served from 2:30 to 4.

NOMA to elect new President in January

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is expected to elect a new President by the middle of January.  Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is filling the position on an interim basis.  Brown says he'd be willing to stay on if no-one else comes forward.  Brown took over the President's job last month after Anne Krassilowsky was defeated in the mayoralty race in Dryden.

2011 fishing regulations

Not many changes are in store for fishing regulations in Northwestern Ontario.  Just one is in the 2011 regs, and it's for the season opener for Pike on Eagle Lake.  Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Mark Sobchuk says the pike and walleye fishing seasons didn't allign.  Sobchuk says the week delay for pike impacted tourist outfitters in the Eagle Lake area.

Gravelle fights to save emergency position

Michael Gravelle says he's fighting to keep the province's emergency field officer in Thunder Bay.  The Northern Development Minister says he's doing everything he can behind the scenes keep the position here from being eliminated.  The current officer is due to retire at the end of January and the McGuinty government has no plans to replace him.

More Thunder Bay Mafia details have been released.

The former Mayor of Siderno Italy, Alessandro Figliomeni who visited Thunder Bay in 2004 as part of a Sister Cities tour has been arrested in Italy. News reports say he was arrested as part of an investigation into the Ndrangheta organization. Those same reports say investigators claim Figliomeni came here last year, to ease tensions between Thunder Bay's cell and leaders in Toronto. Siderno is no longer a Sister City of Thunder Bay. City officials say they lost communication a few years ago. 

Dryden police seize over 150 guns

Two Dryden men are facing charges following an inter-provincial investigation. Police say the men were trafficking spring-loaded knives at a Gun show in Brandon Manitoba earlier this month. RCMP Detective Rob Duttchen says over 150-firearms, knives, ammunition and cash were seized from the two men who had reserved tables at the show. The accused has been identified as 71-year-old Robert MacGillvray, who was arrested by Dryden Police following a subsequent investigation. His friend, a 70-year-old, has not been identified. RCMP hope to release a list of charges and names late this week.

No injuries in two armed robberies

Two armed robberies overnight.  Thunder Bay police were first called to a south side convenience store where a man armed with a knife was scared off by a bat wielding employee.  That happened just after 9:30 last night.  About an hour later a man again armed with a knife robbed the Village Market store on Hodder Ave.

Council supports EMO position

Thunder Bay City Council is throwing it's support behind a resolution asking the Province to ensure the region has its own Emergency Management Field Officer.  The province isn't going to replace Dale Smyk when he retires in January.  Councillor Ian Angus says the move would hurt the region's communities big and small.  Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Hay echoed Angus' comments and says the closest field officer is in Duberville.

Waterfront Contract runs over budget

The civil works contract for the waterfront development project is coming in over a million dollars more than expected.  Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says it's over budget because of design changes.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she can't understand how it can cost so much to complete fourty five changes.  Johnson says she's not happy the project ran over and that it's proving to be very expensive.  The civil works contact came in at over 3.9 million dollars.  Dugmore adds the sewer, water and storm water projects are expected to be complete in the Spring of 2011.

The Clap is on the rise

The District Health Unit says it's dealing with an unexpected increase in gonorrhea.    They say normally from September until December there are about 15 reported cases of gonorrhea in the district, but this year there have been 43 cases reported.   No reason has been given for the jump in cases. The Health Unit says it's investigating.

Scenic lookout project up for council approval

City council meets for the final time in 2010 tonight.   One of the highlights will be the approval of the Current River Scenic Lookout Project.   It's a development being sponsored by Hydro One in co-operation with the city.   As well councillors will be asked tonight to oppose the elimination of low key, but important civil service position in the city.  The McGuinty government is not going to fill the job of Emergency Management Field Officer for the region once the current officer, Dale Smyk, retires.   The province says it wants to run things from Southern Ontario.

Con College to include Red Lake and Wawa

Confederation College is expanding.    Starting next year it's regional campus network is going to include Red Lake and Wawa.  As of February, both campuses will offer full time programs in Office Administration along with Construction and Mining Techniques.   President Pat Lang says it shows the commitment the college has to the region. 

Johnson returns to the big leagues

Ryan Johnson is back in the NHL.  The veteran forward signed a one year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks Friday.  The Thunder Bay native made his way back to the NHL through the minors after signing a tryout contract with Chicago's AHL affiliate a couple of weeks ago.  Johnson was in Chicago's lineup Friday and Sunday.  The team won both games. 

Another Christmas Charity is falling behind

The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign is in danger of falling short of its goal.  Major Mervin Halverson says they are about 26 thousand dollars short of its 130 thousand dollar goal.  Halverson says they also have a few shifts open for people who want to volunteer to man the Kettles.

A Christmas tragedy for a Thunder Bay family

Richard Carmichael's family is facing a tragedy just days ahead of Christmas.  He was killed in a hit and run early yesterday morning.  City police arrested 25 year old Christian Hernandez in connection and charged him with failing to stay at the scene and impaired driving causing death.  Carmichael was hit on North High Street.  Hernandez will be back in court Wednesday.

Constance Lake First Nation renews call for water

Constance Lake First Nation is renewing it's call for more water.  In November, Indian and Northern Affairs reduced the amount of bottled water being shipped into the community from four litres to 1.5 litres per person.

While there is a temporary work-around that has water coming into the community from a power plant, Chief Arthur Moore says that water is unsafe to drink and is only being used for things like bathing and laundry.  Also, there has been a recent increase in rashes and fungal infections and many in the community feel that the water coming from the power plant may be the culprit.

The need for bottled water began this summer when an algae bloom covered the lake the community used as its main water supply and it's water treatment facility was unable to properly filter the water. The community is waiting on a new well that should be finished in the new year. Moore says the well is only a temporary fix and the only long term solution is more modern water treatment technology.

Armed robbery arrest

Police have a man is custody after an armed robbery. Dutchaks Recycle Inc. on Hammond Avenue was robbed by a man with a knife around 10 a.m. yesterday. After an investigation, police arrested a man in the East End. The suspect will appear in court today and is being charged with robbery.

Highway 17 closure

Highway 17 was closed west of Kenora last night because of an accident involving several vehicles. The pile up started when two tractor trailers collided. The OPP closed the highway when one of the big rigs started leaking fuel and was reopened after the cleanup was complete. There were no injuries.

Crash results in impaired drving arrest

Police responded to a two vehicle crash last night at the intersection of Dawson Road and Strand Avenue. One man was taken to the hospital with a broken arm, no other injuries were reported. Police arrested the driver of one of the vehicles for impaired driving; he'll appear in court this morning.

North end garage fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a burning garage on Court Street just before midnight. Firefighters quickly put the blaze out upon arriving; there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation.

Slovak Legion kitchen open again after food sickness

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is waiting on lab results to determine what caused 37 people to get sick from a meal at the Slovak Legion on Tuesday. The Health Unit has narrowed it down to one food, and is just waiting on the lab results for confirmation. The food in question has been removed from the kitchen. The Legion was fined as a result of the outbreak. Manager of Environmental Health Chris Beveridge says the Health Unit believes it was an isolated incident and adds that the Slovak Legion runs a clean kitchen. If anyone suspects they have been affected by food-borne illness, they are encouraged to contact the Health Unit.

More First Nations bound Oxy's seized

Oxycontin continues to be the drug of choice to smuggle on to First Nations communities in the northwest. Police say that they recently busted 2 women at the Thunder Bay airport with trying to smuggle 268 thousand dollars worth of Oxy's to the Weagamow First Nation. In an unrelated bust 3 people in the city are charged after a raid at a Hargrave Street home. They face drug and weapons related charges.

New officers sworn in

The city police now have five new officers. They've just completed their stint at Ontario Police College and are ready to go according to Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesques.  He says they'll begin in the new year at which time 5 more recruits will be sent to police college and will graduate in March.  He says this is the time to apply for the force since they are seeing a high rate of retirement.

KI to DeBeers-take a hike!

It's a no go for De Beers.  KI First Nation has sent the diamond company a letter saying they can't look for diamonds around their community.  Chief Donny Morris says they're just trying to organize themselves.  De Beers wants to look for diamonds around the community this summer, but Morris says the community won't be ready by that time.

LU hopes for dividends from invention

Researchers at Lakehead University have developed a concrete idea. It's an additive which makes cement stronger. It's partnered with a company called GreenCentre Canada to help get it to market. Spokesperson Rui Resendes says it's got the potential to revolutionize the cement industry.  The additive is now being taken to it's next stage of development in Southern Ontario.

Christmas Cheer is nearing its goal

We're getting close but there still a little ways to go. Christmas Cheer Chair Linda Gambee says the community has made a tremendous push over the last few days and their food donation goal has been met. Gambee says as of this morning they were still 50 thousand dollars short of their 165 thousand dollar goal.

Burned toast results in fire call

Burned toast resulted in Fire and Emergency vehicles swarming a south end condo Friday A.M.   The apartment building across from City Hall had a false alarm triggering crews to respond.

More details surrounding Oliver Paipoonge muder suicide

The situation surrounding Sunday's Murder Suicide continues to unfold this morning.  Reports say Joseph Lavoie was court ordered to stay away from Antoinette following an assault last August.  The court also seized Mr Lavoie's 5 firearms.  The weapon used in the murder was unregistered and at this point it isn't known where the gun came from.  Its also unknown why Antoinette was back living with Joseph prior to Sunday's tragedy. 

Overnight stabbing leaves two in hopsital

A man and a woman are in hospital this morning after being stabbed. City police were called to McGillivary Street around 11 o'clock last night with the reports of a stabbing. Officers arrested a 29 year old man who will appear in court today. The two victims received non life threatening injuries.

Crime Prevention Council meets

Representatives from all walks of life took part in the inaugral Crime Prevention Council meeting Thursday night.  Mayor Keith Hobbs told the committee that police can't keep up with the crime in the City. Meanwhile, Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are no quick fixes. The committee is made up of 32 representatives ranging from education, aboriginals, police, and social planning organizations.   The first task of the crime prevention council is to conduct an crime audit.

Man shoots bear illegally

A Colorado man has been fined 25-hundred dollars for shooting a black bear without a valid licence near Fort Frances.  Levi Larsen is banned from hunting in Ontario for a year after he was fined for unlawfully hunting a black bear, possessing a void licence and exporting the bear out of Ontario without a permit.  Court heard that Larsen tried to purchase a non-resident hunting licence on a number of occassions, but was denied by the Ministry of Natural Resources.  However, Larsen persisted and purchased a licence in another location and went on to shoot a bear.

Dryden seize many guns

Dryden Police have released details surrounding the Monday firearms seizure at a Park Crescent home. Detective-Sergeant Anne Tkachyk says the investigation didn't originate from this area. Brandon RCMP have scheduled a News Conference for 1 o'clock Monday afternoon in Winnipeg to unveil more details surrounding this investigation. Officers seized long guns, handguns, switch-blade knives and high capacity magazines.

Heroes recognized for lifesaving

L to R-Major, Miniachi, Tallon

Three TBayTel employees are now recognized for their lifesaving  efforts.   They helped pull some people from a  vehicle that later burst into flames following a traffic accident.  Joseph Miniachi credits the manditory courses they take.  St. John Ambulance presented awards to Miniachi, along with Peter Major and Ken Tallon.  

Changes on the way to Outdoors licences

The New Year will bring changes to the way we get our fishing and hunting licenses.  The Ministry of Natural Resources is moving the current paper system to an automated one.  Spokesperson Burton McClelland says the changes will benefit residents, Americans, and MNR staff.  The pilot part of the project will start this Summer, with all of the Province on the new system by the Fall.

OPP car ruined

Upsala OPP are down a vehicle after responding to a transport that caught fire on Highway 17.  The officer was investigating, when two east bound tractor trailer units approached the scene.  The first transport pulled out and went around the police car, the second did not and struck the empty car.  The vehicle was totalled and the investigation continues.

Flu Shot numbers in

Just over 10-thousand people in Thunder Bay took the time to get a flu shot.  The health unit's Darlene Binette says the numbers have yet to be finalized.  Binette says the H1N1 scare may have contributed to more people getting their flu shots last year. It's not too late to get a flu shot. You can still get one by appointment at the health unit office.

The Northern's are inching closer

Organizers of the Northern Ontario men's curling championship are trying to draw your attention to the event.  It's being held at the Fort William Curling Club in February.  Co-chair Kris Woznesensky hopes it'll rekindle an interest in curling in the city.   It's expected to also generate about 135 thousand dollars towards the local economy.  The winner of the event will represent Northern Ontario at the Brier in London in March.

Elizabeth Fry and John Howard share $

Thunder Bay's two prison reform organizations are benefiting from taxpayer funding through the Trillium Foundation. The John Howard Society is getting almost 100 thousand dollars to help out with a homelessness program they run. The Elizabeth Fry Society is getting 22 thousand to hire someone to fund raise.

Police are conducting an internal review after murder suicide

The head of a local women's shelter is calling for better police protocols dealing with domestic abuse.  The call comes from Debbie Zweep at Faye Peterson's Transition house after a murder suicide last week in Oliver Paipoonge.  Zweep says police officers released Joseph Lavoie after the first domestic assault occurred.  Zweep adds the first case wasn't handled as it normally is.  Meanwhile Thunder Bay Police say they will be conducting an internal review of how the first assault case was handled.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says police won't be commenting until after the review is completed which should take until early January.

Confederation College launches fundraising campaign

Confederation College students will soon be getting a state of the art learning facility. The College launched a fundraising campaign for the REACH building with a 250 thousand dollar contribution for a new Dental Clinic. President Pat Lang says the building will give students an edge with top of the line hands on learning.

Police nab two for impaired driving

City police are investigating a two for one impaired accident this morning.  Police at around 2:30 a pick up lost control at the corner of Rowand and Simpson street and hit a lamp post, decorative bell and a house.  Officers say the driver couldn't get the vehicle free so the passenger started driving the truck.  Officers arrested a man and woman and charged them with impaired driving.