OPP release names of fatal collision victims

The names of the family killed in a weekend collision have been released.  20 year old Rick Ouellet, 18 year old Tammy Lefebvre and 11 month old Bailee Lefebvre were all from Geraldton.  They died after colliding with a transport truck just east of Upsala Sunday evening.

Healthy lifestyles urged

The Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project is encouraging people in the community to eat healthy. Spokesperson Nathanial Moses says he's hoping people will learn as a community.  The group held a picnic Thursday to promote healthy eating.

Two films made in T.BAY

Two more films have been produced and shot in Thunder Bay.  A movie about the Finnish Labour Temple created 40 jobs in Thunder Bay, while the feature length police drama 10-57 created 40 jobs as well.  The Provincial Government provided over 200 thousand dollars to the two local film companies.

Parliment Hill squabble

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty isn't giving up the fight for Northwestern Ontario's border communities. Rafferty alleges the Federal Government diverted 50 million dollars from the Border Infrastructure fund to beautify towns in the Minister's riding. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird took the time to answer and reiterated that they didn't misspend the funds. The issue was raised in Wednesday's session on Parliament Hill.

Same Sex Marriage Protest set for Mall

A local bath and beauty products store is fighting for same sex marriage in the United States.  Local couples are invited to a "kiss and tell" protest at the Intercity Mall.  The protest will take place at the Lush store in the mall this Saturday at 11:38 am.

Police charge 16 year old

A 16 year old man is charged in connection with a break and enter at a River Terrace home on Tuesday.  The minor is charged with Break and Enter, Possession of Stolen Property and Breach of Probation.  Police are investigating similar incidents in the John Street and Junot Avenue area.  Officers are investigating any links between this recent break and enter and the ones in the John Street area.

Woodcrest school set to expand

Woodcrest Public School will be expanding thanks to two million dollars in provincial funds.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the expansion is needed because of the growing student population.  Mauro adds the Principal of the elementary school is thrilled with the news.  The two million dollars for Woodcrest is part of a larger province wide announcement for schools across Ontario.

Confederation College gets a million

Confederation College is using a million dollars in provincial government funds to purchase more equipment for the new REACH building.  The REACH facility will have a simulated nursing and dental lab, jail cells, and mock court room.  The new training facility will be wired to communicate with the regional campuses across the Northwest.

Postal workers expect the government to step in

Thunder Bay's postal workers think it's only a matter of time before the government tables back to work legislation against them.  CUP-W Local 620 President Brenda Johnston says workers want to get back to work and thinks having the government step in isn't that bad of an idea.  Johnston says that would lead to arbitration which get negotiations back on track.

Air Canada workers picket in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's Air Canada workers aren't happy with the government's plans to bring in back to work legislation.  Striking worker Brenda Lamerin says the Harper Government should keep its nose out of labour issues. Ottawa has served formal notice it could table back to work legislation within 48 hours.  Workers are picketing in front of the Thunder Bay Airport.

Joan Powell new Director

The Catholic School Board has a new Director of Education.  Former Superintendent Joan Powell will start her new gig August 1st.  Powell replaces outgoing Director John DeFaveri.

24 year old charged with tree felling

A 24 year old local man is charged with the destruction of Boulevard Lake's "Dead Man's Tree."  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says they followed up on tips from the public.  The 24 year old is charged with mischief over five thousand dollars and will be in court on July 27th.

LU prof surprised by Canadian move

A political studies professor at Lakehead University says she is surprised by Canada's decision to recognize the Libyan rebels as the true government of the country. Laure Paquette thinks it might be premature given that the outcome of the civil conflict isn't clear enough. She believes that if somehow their leader, Colonel Gaddafi,  manages to make it out of this conflict, we can "kiss our Libyan oil good-bye"

Hepatitis C Treatment Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay has the second highest Hepatitis C infection rate in Ontario.  AIDS Thunder Bay is taking action and has launched a new treatment team program.  The treatment will work with a Hepatitis C Dr. and Nurse to provide treatments for people living with the disease.

Great Lakes Curling Tour announced

Curling teams in the region won't have to spend as much to travel to showcase their skills thanks to the Great Lakes Curling Tour. Spokesperson Pat Berezowski says the tour comes with the help of US curling. The tour is designed to make playing more convenient and less expensive.

PARO launches new site

You can check out PARO's services from the comfort of your own home. Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says they've launched a new website at www.enterprisingwomen.ca. The website offers business advice, resources and networking. The new site was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

NPI gets mandate

The Northern Policy Institute is taking shape.  The think tank will help create economic development initiatives for the region.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says they've created the mandate of the institute.  Gravelle adds the NPI's location should be announced by the end of the summer.

Wolves recruit two

The Thunderwolves have added some big time beef to their line up.  The Wolves have recruited 6'3'' forward Jason Grecica and 6'1'' defenceman Luke Maw for the upcoming season.  Grecica is coming from the WHL and Maw played in OJHL last season. 

Dorion Turbine parts will soon hit the road

The long job of shipping parts from Thunder Bay's port to Dorion's Wind Park is about to get underway.  Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says the prep work is almost done and once the trucks start rolling it'll take about 2 and a half months to complete.  Jarvis says the final ship load of parts should arrive next weekend. 

No Charges in fatal collision

OPP aren't laying any charges after a fatal collision near Upsala.  Staff Sergeant Dan Peters say the car carrying a young couple and their 11 month old baby crossed the centre line Sunday and collided with a transport truck.  Peters says the man was 20 years old and the woman was 18.  No names will be released until the bodies are identified.

Airline strike hits home

A Thunder Bay man caught in the middle of the Air Canada strike says it's caused him some headaches. Rob Montague says his trip from Toronto was delayed almost an hour at Pearson International and says it was a bit of a scene .   Being a frequent traveller Montague says the strike is a big inconvenience for him.

Slew of Provincial funds announced

The Provincial Government is rolling out a slew of funding for Northwestern Ontario.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says 8.6 million dollars is being used to offer training programs to First Nations.  16.6 million dollars will be used to improve cell service in the far north, and almost 5 million will go towards providing natural gas service to Red Lake, Balmertown and Cochenour.

Teen arrested for theft

A 17 year old teen is in police custody after leaving a house with some stolen property.  The teen was found in the Goldman Crescent area after police got a call about some thefts after a teen was at their house.  Officers picked up the teen in a backyard in the area and found the stolen items. 

Madder tours Confederation College

Confederation College's incoming President is getting ready for his first day on the job.  Jim Madder toured the Thunder Bay campus on Monday and spoke with its staff about what they expect from him.  He's fresh off his experience as the Vice President of Alberta's Red Deer College.  Madder says he has a number of goals that involve bettering the communities the college serves.  His first day of work is Canada Day.

Missing teen returns home

City Police say that a 15 year old boy reported missing over the weekend, is fine.  They say that Frankie Lachinette, who disappeared on May 29th, has returned home. 

Consultant advises due diligence over multi-plex

A former consultant for the City of Thunder Bay doesn't want to be drawn into a location debate for our proposed multi-plex arena. However, John Winter says a location in the downtown north core would have its advantages. It would be able to draw people to the downtown and be an advantage for many businesses. Winter advises our decision makers should weigh out the pros and cons of all locations carefully.

Hudak cancels visit to T.Bay

The leader of the Progressive Conservative Party isn't going to be speaking to party faithfuls on Friday.  Tim Hudak had been scheduled to speak this week but has since postponed his trip to the region.

Angler's body found

The OPP Marine Unit has located the body of a missing American angler. The body of 69-year-old Richard Hermann of Illinois was located on shore in the Morson area on Lake of the Woods on Sunday. Hermann and a second man went missing on May 23rd when they went out fishing in a 16-foot boat. The body of 73-year-old James Wealther was found on May 24th.

Mining forum Tuesday

Thunder Bay is hosting a mining forum Tuesday.  Co-Chair Michael Fox says it will bring together First Nations, companies and the Provincial Government.  A spokesperson for the Province will be providing an update on changes being made to mining act regulations.

CEDC appoints Mining Manager

The City's Economic Development Commission has appointed a Mining Services Project Manager.  John Mason has 36 years of service with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  Mason's first day on the job was Monday.

Thunder Bay looks good for an AHL franchise

Thunder Bay remains an attractive spot for a potential AHL team according to an NHL executive.  However, Craig Heisinger of the new Winnipeg franchise stopped short of saying we might be considered if the new St. John's team doesn't do well after 3 years.

Bush fire threatens homes near Murrilo

Oliver Paipoonge residents will be hoping for a day without smoke today.  A Bush fire was spreading through the area near the tracks near Murrilo yesterday afternoon and was threatening some homes.  MNR water bombers were brought in to help the situation and no one was injured.

Fatal collision claims three

A tragic two vehicle collision has left a man, woman and child dead.  OPP officials say a car collided head on with transport truck just east of Upsala yesterday evening at about 6:10.  The driver of the transport truck wasn't hurt and the names of the deceased have not been released.  The man was 20 years old, the woman 18 years old and the child was only 11 months old.

Bright future at new Mary J.L. Black library

It's all smiles at the new Mary J.L. Black Library. The newly built library received $1.4 million dollars each from the Provincial and Federal Government. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro and Councilor Joe Virdiramo were in attendance and say they are very proud of the new location. Talks are already beginning about the possibility of a new library opening in the County Park area.

Garage fire on McLaughlin St.

Thunder Bay firefighters made short work of a garage fire that erupted around 2:30 AM, Sunday morning on McLaughlin St. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No severe damage was done and no injuries were reported. This marks the second garage fire in Thunder Bay in the past 2 weeks.

Police catch car thief

A 21 year old Thunder Bay man will appear in video court Sunday morning after being charged with attempted theft, mischief and possession of break in instruments. Police caught the man at 199 Academy Drive in a van which he was attempting to steal. Officers say there were several other damaged vehicles of which he was trying to take.

Announcement at Mary J.L Black library

The Provincial Government is expected to make an important infrastructure announcement at the Mary J L Black Library today. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro will be joined at the event by Councillor Joe Virdiramo.

Police search for missing teen

Thunder Bay police are looking for assistance finding missing 15 year old Frankie Lachinette. Lachinette is described as 5'4'', 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with further information is asked to contact police.

A meeting to end long meetings

City Councillors will be meeting soon to talk about how to shorten up their long meetings.   Last Monday's Council meeting ended around midnight which is unacceptable according to Councillor Rebecca Johnson. She hopes some sort of solution can be found to an issue which has been a pet peeve of hers. Johnson says the City Clerks office is trying to arrange for a special council meeting to address the problem.

T BAY man wins 75 grand

Thunder Bay's Keith MacMillan is 75 thousand dollars richer after playing THE OLG's Instant Pac Man game.  The 76 year old grandfather of 11 says he'll use the money to buy a new car.

Hiker unhurt after being lost

A 23 year old Thunder Bay woman is safe after being lost in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park overnight. OPP Sgt. Dan Peters says she was reported missing by her hiking companion around 9 o'clock Thursday night.  Police then called the Emergency Response Team into action and within several hours the woman was found on one of the hiking trails, cold but otherwise not hurt.

Chamber hands out scholarships

Three Thunder Bay teens will be sharing 500 dollars from the Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber awarded the scholarships to Brooke Barritt, Kaitlyn Hindman and Kailey Trodd.

No AHL team for Thunder Bay...yet

Thunder Bay is out of the running to becoming the new home of the Manitoba Moose, at least for now.  True North Sports and Entertainment is announcing today that St Johns Newfoundland will be the new home of the AHL team for a 3 year trial period.  Officials with True North say after the three years the team will be re-evaluated.

Provincial Government doles out cash

The provincial government is doling out 431 thousand dollars to Northwestern Ontario community groups. The Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club is getting a share of the funds, as is Lakehead University and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Thunder Pride this weekend

CUPE Ontario's President is in Thunder Bay this weekend to celebrate the city's first ever "Thunder Pride" event.  Fred Hahn is showing his support for the gay and alternative lifestyle.  A variety of events are taking place across the City this weekend.

MEAGlow lab open at LU

Lakehead University's research reputation is getting another shot in the arm with the official opening of a new lab which will develop LED lights.  It's being made possible through a partnership with a company called MEAGlow.   Your federal and provincial tax dollars contributed almost 800 thousand dollars to make the lab a reality..

Unions Protest Hobbs' Comments

The National President of the Canadian Autoworkers Union is calling out Mayor Keith Hobbs.  Ken Lewenza took part in a protest in Thunder Bay Friday and says they're trying to remind the Mayor who helped get him elected.  The union is upset that the Mayor has said in the past the city could save money through job attrition.  CUPE also took part in the multi-union protest at the Valhalla Inn.

MNR continues to help Alberta

Ontario is playing an active role in the forest fire fight in Alberta.  The Province now has over 350 fire staff in the western Province, with about half representing Northwestern Ontario.  The Ministry of Natural Resources says there have been roughly 53-hundred person days of support provided, just over half the total support provided to B.C. for all of last year.  An Incident Management Team is slated to take over a 44-hundred square kilometre wildfire shortly, the largest wildfire Alberta has seen in 60-years.  The forest fire hazard locally is high in the Far North and in the Fort Frances District and moderate across the rest of the Region.

Jobless rate drops again

We aren't bucking the trend in job numbers.  Thunder Bay saw a drop in numbers last month going from 7.3 to 7.2 in May.  Thats puts us just under the national rate which fell to 7.4 percent.

Break in at Hillcrest

Thunder Bay police have arrested 2 people after an early morning break and enter.  Police say a 21 year old man and a 20 year old woman were arrested after a break in at the old Hillcrest High School just after 1 o'clock.