Ring of Fire workers Strike

Another week and another strike.  About 2 dozen workers in the Ring of Fire have walked off the job.  The employees of Cliffs Natural Resources say they were offered a package that would see them get less pay than fast food employees and no benefits.

Suspicious fire damages southside house

A suspicious fire has left one person in hospital with smoke inhalation.  Thunder Bay Fire and rescue responded to the fire at 112 Pruden Street at 9:30 last night and found heavy smoke coming from the back of the house.  The fire caused extensive damage to the house and is being investigated.

Explosive situation under control

Police have a dangerous situation under control. A number of homes were evacuated yesterday after Police found explosive devices in a home on Mary Street. Officials say the home is now secure and residents in the area were allowed to go back to their homes.

Police show off million dollar drug seizure

Police in Thunder Bay have about a million dollars worth of drugs in their possession after a major drug seizure.   In all they seized 26 lbs of marijuana, 46 lbs of hash oil and 2 thousand oxy's.   Eight people in total are facing charges.   It ends a 16 month undercover investigation dubbed Project Dolphin. 

Latest round of wood supply announcements

Three Thunder Bay area companies have accepted wood supply offers from the Province.  AbiBow will construct a wood pellet facility in the Fort William First Nation.  The two other companies that were successful are from the Murillo area.

Police looking for missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing teen.  Kelsey Jae Loon has been missing since June 4th.  She's described as 5 foot 4, weighing 125 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Girl could be paralyzed after falling from bridge

A girl who fell off the James Street swing bridge is lucky to be alive.  Staff Sergeant Frank Earley says a call came in just before 4:30 this morning saying the girl had fallen into the Kam River.  Earley says when police arrived they found the girl and her friend in the river.  The boy and girl were rescued from the river and taken to hospital where it was determined the girl had no feeling from the waist down.  Earley says the girl stepped through a hole on the bridge that couldn't be seen in the dark.  Calls to CN rail have not been returned.

Employment firm closing shop

About 15 workers are affected by a the decision of Lakehead Employment services to close its operations in the city. Spokesperson Gina Proteau says the company is terminating it's contract with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  Clients will now be directed to YES Employment and Northwest Employment Works.  No reason was given for the decision to close.

Fire hazard rising in NWO

There hasn't been a lot of fire activity in northwestern Ontario over the past couple of days, but the MNR is warning of increasing hazards.  The fire hazard is into the high range today right across the region.  Spokesperson Pat Harvey says even though there is some rain in the forecast this weekend, people should use caution when making campfires, or doing any burning.  Because of an increased fire hazard, the MNR says it will not be sending any more fire fighters from this region out to Alberta to battle wildfires there.

Country Club zoning up for debate Monday

Thunder Bay's Country Club is looking to move forward with its new condo units and pro-shop. President Bob Swan will go before council Monday night and ask to have the zoning allow for the new buildings. If council approves the zoning, construction will start in the fall. The Country Club wants to build 80 condo units, a new pro-shop, club house, restaurant and banquet facility.

Con College new program

Confederation College is teaming up with Nipissing University to provide a 3 year business administration program.  The program will give students a chance to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the university in one year.

Robichaud has full dance card this summer

It's going to be a busy summer for the CEO of the Health Sciences Centre.  Andree Robichaud says she'll be making the rounds of the region's 13 hospitals.  Robichaud says she'll start her tour in August and wrap up in the fall.

Local Accountant gets big honour

A big honour for a Thunder Bay Chartered Accountant.  Georgina Daniels was elected to the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.

Shake up will eventually come to Bombardier plant

Thunder Bay's Bombardier plant will see its engineers leave in the future.  The company is creating a centralized research and development branch in Montreal.  Spokesperson Marc Laforge says only a small group of employees will be leaving Thunder Bay but not until current work is finished.  Laforge says there will be no layoffs.

2015 Hospital Strat Plan Unveilled

Thunder Bay's Regional Hospital wants to focus more on aboriginal health.  CEO Andree Robichaud says that's one of the key directions found in the 2015 strategic plan.  Chronic Disease Prevention and Management,  Mental Health and Addictions, and Clinical Services are also addressed in the plan.

Minnesota angler missing on Lake Superior

An air and water search is underway on Lake Superior near Nipigon for a missing 80 year old Minnesota man. OPP Constable Carol Michtics says the angler was reported missing last night after he failed to return from his fishing trip.   Police say they recovered the man's boat at the mouth of the Jackfish River.

Fire Service goes door to door

Fire Services across the region are reminding the public that working smoke alarms are required in cabins, campers and RV's.  Education Officer Reagan Breeze says it could cost you more than 200 dollars if you don't have a working smoke alarm.  Here in Thunder Bay, the Fire Service is going door to door checking for working smoke alarms.

Police deal major blow to drug trafficking

City police are about to announce the details of a major 16 month investigation into a large drug trafficking network in the city.   They say the end came with arrests in multiple locations in the city and details will come out in a Friday afternoon news conference.

McMahon enjoys life, ignores football

One of the greatest quarterbacks to play in the NFL says he ignores the game now that he's out of it. Speaking in Thunder Bay, Jim McMahon made the revelation after being asked which team to watch for next season. He says football was a great part of his life, but he doesn't miss the hits he had to endure to his back and to his knees. McMahon is one of the guest speakers at a local sports celebrity dinner.

Air Canada Strike comes to an end

There won't be a legislated end to the Air Canada strike. The airline and it's union have reached a tentative agreement. It was news that striking Thunder Bay workers received over the phone on the picket line outside the airport. Workers will be back on the job tomorrow.

Former Olympian to speak in the city

Olympic medalist Diedra Dionne is making the best of a career ending seizure which lead to the discovery of a tumour. Dionne says she left the world of freestyle skiing disappointed but lets life change her in other ways.   Dionne is bringing her motivational speaking skills to a celebrity sports dinner in the city.

Hobbs takes part in Great Lakes discussion

The Harper Government is being asked for 300 million dollars to preserve the Great Lakes. Representatives from the States and Canada teamed up Thursday to discuss the future of the waterways. Mayor Keith Hobbs took part in the event and says the money will be used to ward off invasive species. Hobbs made a presentation to the delegation about the green efforts Thunder Bay has taken to keep Lake Superior healthy.

120 graduate from Adult Ed

The downturn of the forest industry is bringing older learners back to high school.  Adult Education Centre Spokesperson Barb Kucherka says they've seen many older adults who left high school for jobs in a mill.  120 students graduated from the Lakehead Adult Education Centre today.  Kucherka says they also offer a summer school and expects more Northerner's to get their diplomas by the end of August.

McGuinty gets failing mark

Greenpeace Canada says the McGuinty Government has mismanaged public forests and failed to protect habitat for the threatened woodland caribou. Greenpeace spokeswoman Catharine Grant says she's not optimistic the Tories or New Democrats would be any better at managing the forests. Grant wants the forest industry and woodland caribou to become a provincial election issue.

Relay for Life starts Friday night

About 740 people are expected at the Fort William Historical Park Friday night for Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for life.  The relay gets underway at 7 pm with the opening ceremonies.

First Nation's artifacts unearthed

Proof of this area's traditional First Nation's past is showing up at an archaeological site in the city. Red Rock First Nation Chief Pierrie Pelletier says so far they've uncovered old tools and weapons at the site located at the Hodder Avenue and Highway 11-17 construction zone. He says the artifacts are being stored at Lakehead University.



Murder Suspect picked up in Thunder Bay

A man suspected of murder is back in Red Deer today after being picked up recently by OPP near Thunder Bay.  29 year old Bashir Gaashaan was arrested last month for a number of charges and was held at the Thunder Bay District Jail. Gaashan is accused of murdering 21 year old Jenna Cartwright of Red Deer.

Waterfront humming along

Expect to see some more green at the waterfront development.  Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says most of the major landscaping is underway and should be completed over the next few months.  Dugmore says if everything goes according to plan construction on the hotel could start by January.  Dugmore also says as far as accidents have gone its been a very safe job site with only a couple of slips and falls over the winter.

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.