Border Cats Cullen Mahoney gets award

Another member of the Thunder Bay Border Cats has been recognized for his outstanding 2011 season.  Cullen Mahoney is the winner of the Rawlings "Big Stick" Award as the top offensive second baseman in the Northwoods League.  Mahoney was the second best hitter in the league.

Canfield weighs in on Liberal minority

The Liberal minority government might actually be a good thing for Northwestern Ontario.  That's the feeling of NOMA Vice President Dave Canfield; he says it's time Dalton McGuinty finally started listening to the North.  Canfield says the minority government might mean Premier Dalton McGuinty has to listen to the North instead of dictating what he wants to do.

Nominations Close Thursday afternoon

The City is putting in a last minute push for nominations in its first ever Crime Prevention Awards.  Acting Crime Prevention Council Coordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says they'll be accepting nominations up until Thursday, October 13th.  The awards will be presented at a City Council meeting on November 7th.

AbitibiBowater changes name

There's a new name coming to AbitibiBowater.  The company is changing its name to Resolute Forest Products.  The name was selected among 14-hundred submissions received through an internal company contest.  The change takes place November 7th.

Police still looking for people responsible for Chapples Vandalism

Thunder Bay police are looking to the public for help in finding the vehicle involved in tearing up the Chapples Golf Course.  Police say a black Honda missing a rocker panel may have been involved in the weekend incident that caused 15 thousand dollars in damage.

Housing construction remains hot in September

Housing construction continues to stay hot in Thunder Bay.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Analyst Warren Philp says September saw 25 single detached starts, 5 more compared to the same month last year.  Overall Philp says we are 10 percent down in single detached housing but up 90 percent overall thanks to a sharp increase in multi family starts. Philp says with the warm weather we are continuing to enjoy he can't rule out another big month for October. 

OPP looking for missing man

A search continues in Dryden for a Winnipeg man who disappeared just after he was released from custody for alleged impaired driving.
Lukas Whitmore was last seen near a wooded area on the edge of the community on October 2nd.  Ontario Provincial Police say the 25-year-old man was on his way to Thunder Bay to visit his sister before he disappeared.  O-P-P say continuing warm temperatures mean Whitmore should be able to handle the weather.  They also say their search is not classified as a manhunt and that Whitmore is not considered dangerous.

Psychology Clinic studied

Lakehead University is embarking on a feasibility study looking at creating a psychology clinic on their campus.  Dr. Josephine Tan feels a psych clinic will support the healthcare system in the City and Northern Ontario.  Bell Canada is providing the 12-thousand dollars to conduct the study.

Empty Bowls Caring Hearts

It's going to cost a little bit more to take part in the Empty Bowls Caring Hearts fundraiser for the food bank and Shelter House.  Chair Nelly Reedhead says tickets will now cost 30 dollars.  The group hopes to raise 16 thousand dollars this year through their fundraising dinner.

More Wind Projects could be coming our way

Two more wind farm projects could be coming to the area.  Gilead Power Corporation is targeting 2013 to begin construction on a 130 mega watt project in Murrillo and 2014 for a 74 mega watt project in Lappe.  According to the company's website, officials are working with government and community organizations to get the project off the ground.

2 alarm fire on Banning St.

Firefighters are investigating the cause of a 2 alarm blaze that occurred in a home late Sunday night on Banning Street. Firefighters were able contain the fire but smoke and water damage extended throughout the building. One person was sent to Thunder Bay hospital for smoke inhalation.

29 year old faces number of charges

Police say the 77 year old woman who was one of the victims of a violent stabbing is in stable condition at Thunder Bay hospital. A 29 year old man allegedly attacked 4 people with a weapon in a Cumberland street apartment Saturday morning. The man is facing a number of charges such as aggravated assault, five counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering a threat, resisting a peace officer and theft over $5,000. He will appear in court on Tuesday. Police have arrested Eli Ayom John.

Violent attack

A 77 year old woman is in serious condition after a violent stabbing on Cumberland St. Its reported that Saturday morning a 29 year old man allegedly attacked 4 people with a weapon in a North side apartment. Police were able to control the man with a tazzer. One of the victims was treated with minor injuries on the scene, while two others were sent to hospital with non threatening injuries. The 77 year old woman remains in Thunder Bay hospital in serious condition. The man is in Police custody as the investigation continues.

Vandalism at Chapples Golf Course

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the culprit of an act of vandalism to Chapples Golf course. Police say extensive damage has been done to one or more of their greens with a vehicle. This occurred late Saturday night. Police say the estimated amount of the damage done is between 30 to 40 thousand dollars.

Canoeing submissions reviewed

A dozen submissions have been received in a contest aimed at promoting Atikokan's proclamation as the Canoeing Capital of Canada. An extension to the deadline brought in 9 submissions last month to the 3 received in August. Paula Sanders of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation says a committee has been formed to review the submissions. The best three will be eligible for funding to help develop and market their products.

T.Bay man charged with assault

A 23 year old Thunder Bay man has been charged with assault with a weapon and dangerous driving. Police say the man got into a fight with two others at a house party early Saturday morning around 3:30 AM in the city's North side. Later the man reportedly tried to hit them with his car then crashed into a tree. The driver will appear in video court this morning.

Pyatt ready for NHL season

Taylor Pyatt is looking to build from last year's 18 goal season. The Phoenix Coyotes forward says he's trained hard this off season and is ready to get started. Pyatt says even with the loss of Ilya Bryzgalov he thinks they will once again compete for a playoff spot.

Hulsizer looking to IceEdge to purchase St Louis

The group behind bringing a pro hockey team to Thunder Bay may be getting their feet wet by helping buy an NHL team.  Chicago Businessman Matthew Hulsizer has asked IceEdge Holdings to be a part of his purchase proposal for the St Louis Blues.  Spokesperson Daryl Jones says IceEdge would be involved in an investment capacity and not in operations.  Jones also says the group is firmly committed to bringing an AHL franchise to Thunder Bay.

Mauro hearing starts Wednesday

The Police Services hearing against Sergeant James Mauro starts Wednesday. Mauro faces two counts of misconduct under the Police Services Act. Mauro was suspended from duty on March 26th, 2010. The hearing is expected to take three days and will be held at Lakehead University's conference centre.

Money heading Health Sciences way

The RBC foundation is supporting cancer awareness programs in Thunder Bay with 25 thousand dollars.  The money is being donated to mark the opening of the new Royal Bank branch on Arthur Street.  The Regional Health Sciences Centre will formally accept the cheque on Wednesday.

Thanksgiving dinner at Salvation Army Sunday

The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Salvation Army are joining forces to bring Thanksgiving dinner to those in need.  A turkey dinner with all the fixings will be held at the Salvation Army  on Cumberland St. North.  Fire Fighter Scott Chisholm says they'll be kept busy with over 300 people attending the free dinner.  The meal will be served from noon until 3 Sunday.

Sock charity fundraiser

A Thunder Bay business wants you to help keep the feet of kids warm this fall.  Take a Hike will donate a pair of socks for every pair they sell during the month of October.  Owner Diane Petryna says in past years they've donated 45-hundred pairs of socks.

Oxy drug bust on Onion Lake Road

Police in Thunder Bay have made another sizeable drug bust. A search of a Onion Lake Road home resulted in the seizure of 200 Oxycodone tablets, and 19-thousand dollars in cash. The street value of the drugs is 16 thousand dollars.

Ballot count from T.Bay ridings

48 percent of all eligible voters in Thunder Bay Atikokan exercised their right to vote in this year's provincial election.  In unofficial results just over 26 thousand people cast ballots.  In Thunder Bay-Superior North, Returning Officer Peter Doig says somewhere between 26 and 27 thousand people voted which is less than the previous election.  Official ballot count numbers will be available for both ridings after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wind Concerns Ontario likes Mauro re-election

The President of Wind Concerns Ontario is pleased with the re-election of Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro.  John Laforet says Mauro should use his third term in government as an opportunity to save the Norwester Mountains from a wind farm.  Laforet notes Liberals who didn't protect communities from Wind Farm projects lost their seats in Southern Ontario.

NDP stay elected in Kenora Rainy River

It was a big night for the NDP in Northern Ontario. The party doubled the number of seats it held at Queen's Park. Sarah Campbell held onto the Kenora-Rainy River Riding for the New Democrats and promises to be there for her constituents.

Jobless rate falls

It's a double bonus for the new jobless rate. More people were employed in both Thunder Bay and in Canada during the month of September. Stats Canada jobless figures show the unemployment rate dropped to 6 per cent in the city while dropping to 7.1 per cent across the land.

Beardy doesn't mind new look government

Majority or minority government, the results of yesterday's election doesn't matter to Nishnawbe Aski Grand Chief Stan Beardy. He says NAN is willing to work with any government in the province regardless of the party, he's hoping for some meaningful dialogue.

Gilbert learns about riding issues

Former Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert is happy with his campaign.  Gilbert says he learned a lot during the election.  Gilbert came in third behind the NDP and the Liberal Incumbent.

Kozorys pleased with campaign

NDP candidate Mary Kozorys is happy with the number of votes she garnered her first time running in the provincial election.  Kozorys says the close results should be a wake up call for incumbent MPP Bill Mauro. 

Bill is back for T. Bay Atikokan

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is back for his third term, and the Liberal Incumbent says he's going to make some changes this time around.  Mauro says he's not going to be a boy scout anymore and when he sees other parties pulling shenanigans he's going to speak up. In unofficial results NDP candidate Mary Kozorys came in second, and Fred Gilbert of the PC's came in third.

Colour Thunder Bay Liberal Red

Liberal Michael Gravelle will be going back to Queens Park.   Gravelle went into Thursday's provincial election uncertain of his future, but he managed to snap up about 45 per cent of the popular vote in Thunder Bay-Superior North compared to 35 per cent for NDP candidate Steve Mantis.   Anthony LeBlanc of the Progressive Conservatives finishes with a disappointing 18 per cent of the vote.  In Thunder Bay-Atikokan a different story where Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro squeaked by Mary Kozorys of the NDP with 39 per cent of the vote compared to 37 per cent for Kozorys. Fred Gilbert of the P.C.'s finishes with 22 per cent of the vote.  In Kenora-Rainy River it was a cake walk for Sarah Campbell of the NDP as she grabbed almost 50 per cent of the vote compared to 37 per cent for the P.C.'s.

NAP happy with Lac Des Iles

North American Palladium is happy with it's Thunder Bay area Lac Des Iles mine.  President William Biggar says the mine is poised to become the lowest cost palladium producer in the world.  The company plans to expand their work at the local mine.

Energy Drink regulations are a good step

The Thunder Bay District Health unit is calling new regulations on energy drinks a step in the right direction.  Spokesperson Carling Zaporzan says proper labelling will help educate people on what they are actually drinking.  She says a good next step would be to limit the drinks availability to children and youth. 

Its good times at the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is hoping to provide healthier foods at their food bank.  Major Merv Halverson says donation levels are very high this year and its allowing the organization to shift what food they will be offering. He says the use of the food bank is still rising so despite larger than normal donation levels, more donations are always welcome.

Latest problem bear may have been destroyed

MNR officials believe they have destroyed the bear responsible for this week's attack.  Spokesperson Katheryn Lyzun says Conservation Officers will test DNA and blood samples of a bear they trapped and killed to determine if it was the attacking bear.

Car destroyed in bizarre incident

A  Marathon woman is facing a drunk driving charge and a man is nursing some burns after a bizarre incident yesterday.  OPP say the man was using a gas can to put fuel into a car when the gasoline and the can caught on fire.   The woman then tried to drive away but instead,  dragged along the burning gas can which resulted in the car catching fire

Woman recovers from bear attack

A 24 year old woman is recovering from a bear attack in the region this week. She was working for the Ministry of Natural Resources which says the attack took place near Armstrong. Police say that a co-worker managed to fight off the 250 pound bear. The woman was airlifted to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with undisclosed injuries

Mac's store robbed again

Thunder Bay Police are on the lookout for three men after an armed robbery on the city's south side.   They say it happened at 2 this morning at the Mac's on Syndicate Avenue.   They say one of the suspects carried a knife, the other a hammer.  No one was hurt.  The three ran off after they got what they wanted.

Churchill Drive robbery

A young man says he was robbed on Churchill Drive Wednesday morning. Police say a 20 year old approached the teen and asked for cigarettes and when he refused took the youth's personal items. The suspect is described as being six feet tall and weighing between 180 to 200 pounds. He was seen wearing a black and white jacket with a large feather and the word Golden Eagle on the back.

Dew Drop Inn holds another Thanksgiving meal

The Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen is expecting up to 300 people for Thanksgiving dinner on Monday.  Director Terri Favreau says 25 volunteers will be helping her carryout the large meal. It takes six 30 pound turkeys, four large hams and many pounds of potatoes to feed the masses.  Volunteers started preparing the dinner two days before the actual feast on the holiday Monday. 

Fort Frances hunter missing

A missing Hunter in the Fort Frances area is home safe and sound. Police says 53-year-old Patrick O'Connell was found around noon today. He had gone hunting in the bush yesterday afternoon, but failed to return home.

Adam and The Amethysts release second album

Thunder Bay musician Adam Waito has released his second album.  Waito now lives in Montreal and says the new album Flickering Flashlight is slightly influenced by the Lakehead.  You can listen to parts of the album at Adam and The Amethysts dot com.

OPP launch Operation Impact

Thunder Bay OPP will be joining tens of thousands of Canadian police partners over the Thanksgiving long weekend for Operation Impact.  Local police services will be targeting impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.  Police will also check for seat belts and child restraints.

Hammarskjold teen suspended

A Hammarskjold High School student is suspended after threatening another student with a knife.  Constable Julie Tilbury says a boy and girl were fighting in the hallway of the school, when a third student pulled a knife and threatened the girl.  A 17 year old is charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats. 

How living in drug dens impact kids

Local police and social service organizations are learning how they can better care for children living in drug infested homes.  Retired American Commander Lori Moriarty says drugs like Oxycontin have a significant effect on kids.  Moriarty was one of the key speakers at Thunder Bay's first ever Drug Endangered Children conference. 

Stabbing on city's south side

A 34 year old man is in hospital after being stabbed.  Police received the call just before 9:30 about a fight on Simpson Street.  Officers say two men got into an argument and the 34 year old was stabbed several times but managed to knock out his assailant.  When police arrived both men were unconscious.  The victim is in fair condition. 

Marc Staal is out with post concussion symptoms

Marc Staal could be out for a month due to a concussion.  TSN's Bob McKenzie is tweeting that the Rangers have shut down Staal's rehab and say he could be out of action for a month.  McKenzie says the bottom line is Staal isn't progressing and has had setbacks and sounds like he shut down rehab completely while getting more medical opinions.  Marc suffered a concussion February 22nd of last season from a hit from his brother Eric.

Rafferty talks suicide prevention

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is calling suicide among First Nation youth a national crisis. He made the comments as the House debates a Liberal proposal for a national suicide prevention strategy. Rafferty also called on government to react to recommendations coming out of a rash of deaths in Thunder Bay and Pikangikum First Nation.

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LU Prez goes travelling

After years of neglect, Lakehead University is beginning to reach out to communities across Northwestern Ontario. Brian Stevenson is touring the area and says while their finances are limited, they are willing to work with community partners to expand their programs beyond Thunder Bay.  Stevenson says there is some cutting edge technology that could soon bring students from communities across Northwestern Ontario into Lakehead's classrooms.

No injuries in 2 vehicle smash up

No one was hurt after a two vehicle collision this morning.  The crash happened on the corner of Algoma and Argyle just before 9 o'clock.  A pick up truck hit a car as it attempted to turn onto Algoma.