Search for law school dean underway

Brian Stevenson

The search is on for the Founding Dean of the new law school at Lakehead University. LU's Rodney Hanley has put together a search committee and the hopes the process can be completed by the summer.  He says a short list of candidates should be ready by the end of the year with interviews taking place in January or February.  He says he's tried to include a good cross section of the community on the committee.  Hanley calls it an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant.

No word on Federal funding for Multi-Plex

The City is still waiting to find out if we'll receive Federal Funding for the proposed Multi Plex.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they were hoping to hear about the P-3 funding a couple of weeks ago. Commisso says the recent Provincial election could have slowed down the process a little. 

George Jeffery joins Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is set for December 3rd. Organizer Greg Stephenson says this year the George Jeffery Children's Centre is on board as one of the fundraising recipients along with Autism Ontario, the Therapeutic Riding Association and Special Olympics.The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

Missing Kayakers are safe

The pair of missing Kayakers on Lake Superior have been found safe and sound.  Officials at the Trenton Search and Rescue Centre says the pair stayed on Thompson Island because of strong winds and plan on staying until the winds subside.  They were originally supposed to be home yesterday.

Chase reached high speeds

An arrest warrant is out for the owner of a pick up truck that OPP say was involved in a high speed chase on city streets over the weekend. Sgt. Dan Peters says the officer had to call off the chase when speeds reached 145 kilometres an hour.  The incident took place around 2 a.m Saturday.

Crime Prevention Week is on

The police are doing their part for Crime Prevention Week, which is on right now.  Constable Julie Tillbury says the City Police and the OPP are joining forces Wednesday to staff an information booth at the Intercity Mall. 

Petition started to help Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society is getting some online support.  A petition is looking for 10 thousand online signatures on the website www.thepetitionsite.com.  So far there are over 400 signatures and its making its way across social media sites. 

Dufresne million dollar challenge

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre has received a nice bonus.  The hospital is the recipient of the million dollar Dufresne Charity Challenge.  Mark Dufrense is the president of Dufresne Furniture and says the challenge was a one-time only donation to the communities they serve.  Dufresne says the successful agencies have been asked to match the donation from the Charity Challenge.

Ontario Wood Works picks 3 area winners

Three local groups have been honoured by Ontario Wood Works. Wood Works recognizes people and organizations that creatively utilize the use of wood in construction. The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout has won the Northern Ontario Excellence Award. The Architect Wood Advocate Award has been handed to Kenora's Nelson Architecture.

Hydro crews working on Arthur

A section of Arthur Street between James and Edward street is going to be crowded Tuesday.  Thunder Bay Hydro crews are working in the eastbound lanes of that road.  Hydro is suggesting motorists avoid the area and plan different routes.

T.Bay wants more immigrants

Thunder Bay wants to be more welcoming to immigrants, and that's why they're holding an all day conference on the issue.  Spokesperson Michelle Lander says they'll talk about how they can do better. The forum takes place Tuesday at the Victoria Inn.

Matawa takes fight to Ottawa

Matawa First Nation is going to court over the environmental assessment process for the Ring of Fire. The group of First Nation Chiefs are in Ottawa today and will launch a judicial review against the Federal Government.  Matawa wants an independent review panel not the Federal Government's preffered comprehensive study.

T.Bay Humane Society receives support

With the risk of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society closing its doors by December 31st, the public support has been overwhelming says Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst. She adds that she did not expect this type of reaction, but she knows they still have a long way to go. Public figures in community such as Mayor Keith Hobbs, Michael Gravelle and Ken Boshcoff have spoken to the humane society regarding their support. Kleynendorst says if 15 hundred people donated $10 dollars a month it should be enough to cover the $180 thousand dollar deficit. You can help by visiting tbayhumane.ca, or call 475-8803.

Thunder Bay Humane Society on hard times

The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society could close by the end of this year if the $180 thousand dollar deficit is not met. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to the announcement that the TBDHS could be shutting its doors, saying they will offer support where they can. Currently the Ontario SPCA is assisting the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society by providing funding for the wages of their investigation and enforcement officer.

Council to learn about TravelSMART Plan

Councillors will get a look at the TravelSMART Plan tonight.  Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says the plan is designed to encourage people to shy away from driving vehicles by themselves.  Mauro says he hopes to get a good reception from council.

Rydholm wants to support snowmobile trail

Councillor Lynda Rydholm is hoping to add councils support to a proposed snowmobile trail from Thunder Bay to Kakabeka.  Rydholm says she wants council to give their support to the Ontario Federation Snowmobile Clubs.  Rydholm says a groomed trail would be much safer for riders and motorists alike and would also give snowmobilers better access to businesses in the area.

New CT Scanner in Sioux Lookout

The new CT Scanner at Sioux Lookout's Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre is now being tested. Almost 1.8-million dollars was raised in just over 4-years and the Wasaya Group accounted for over half-a-million dollars according to it's President Tom Kamenawatamin.  The unit should be ready for operation early in the new year.

Murder suspect back in court

It's back to court in 10 days for the man charged with the city's latest murder.   22 year old Kyle Rae of Thunder Bay made a brief appearance in a city courtroom Friday with his lawyer Chris Watkins. Rae is charged with second degree murder in last weekend' s death of his friend, 21 year old Jimmy Monias.  Rae has  been order to appear in court again November the 15th. Until then,  he remains in custody at the District Jail.

City picks up 3 awards

The City is doing a good job to promote Waste Diversion and they have the awards to prove it.  Solid Waste Diversion and Recycling Co-ordinator Jason Sherband says the city picked up 3 awards from the Ontario Municipal Waste Association.

Sawmill remains obstacle for new reserve

It's a tough job to get a new community off the ground.  That's what J-P Gladu is finding out about building a new reserve for the former Sand Point First Nation (Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek).   Gladu says the construction of the sawmill has been a challenge and has fallen behind schedule by about a year,  but it should now be up and running by this time next year.

Hobbs is fighting for the Northwest

His first preference is Thunder Bay but our Mayor says if not here a chromite processing plant needs to stay in the Northwest.  Keith Hobbs will be heading to Cleveland next week and hopes to convince Cliffs Natural Resources to build a processing plant for the Ring of Fire Development in our area. Hobbs says if Thunder Bay doesn't get the plant he thinks it should go to Greenstone.

Shannon receives highest civilian honour

It's a big day for Thunder Bay lawyer Dave Shannon. He has received the Order of Canada from the Governor General in Ottawa. It's in recognition for his work in the area of human rights and the disabled. Shannon, who is disabled himself, has also made his mark in other areas including being the first paraplegic to reach the North Pole.

Man suffers several cuts in knifing incident

A 55 year old man is recovering from several knife wounds after being attacked last night.  Thunder Bay Police say the man suffered a number of slashing cuts from a 30 year old woman during an altercation outside of a Ambros Street residence just after 7 pm.  The man was taken to hospital but later released.

T.Bay's jobless rate goes up

Thunder Bay's unemployment rate has gone up.  It went from 6 percent in September to 6.9 percent last month.  Canada's unemployment rate was 7.3 per cent in October.  Statistics Canada released the figures Friday morning. 

SIU clears OPP officer of wrong doing

The Special Investigations Unit has cleared an OPP officer involved in a car chase on Highway 17 near Marathon.  A 14 year old driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a rock cut causing injuries to himself and his passenger.  The SIU feels the officer didn't commit a criminal offence.

Hyer is putting punishment behind him

Bruce Hyer isn't letting his recent punishment for voting down the gun registry slow him down.  The Thunder Bay Superior North MP re-introduced his cell phone lock ban bill today in the house of commons.  Hyer says the bill will require cell companies un lock their phones at the end of contracts or when a phone is purchased outright.   

Rickford defends Thunder Bay MP's

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is defending Thunder Bay's NDP MP's.  Rickford says the party's decision to punish John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer for voted to end the long gun registry is very disappointing. Rickford says its a hypocritical move to punish the two MP's for voting for what their constituents want.

Mayors form new lobby group

Northern Ontario mayors are banding together to form the Council of Northern Mayors. Keith Hobbs says it follows this week's northern mayors meeting in Sault Ste. Marie. He says it's another way for our region to lobby governments.  Hobbs says the Council is now coming up with terms of reference.

Changes at the Health Science's Centre

There's a shake-up taking place at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. President Andree Robichaud says they are moving to a new program management system and changes are taking place from the senior level on down. Robichaud says the the changes are not intended to save money but to fall into line with the way other top hospitals are managed.

Arbitrator's award called fair

Kari Jefford

There is labour peace for 600 healthcare workers  employed at  Pioneer Ridge, Dawson Court and Grandview Lodge senior's homes.  Their union boss Kari Jefford has taken the wraps off of the abritrator's award and it shows a three year deal that gives the workers a 6 per cent wage increase.  Jefford calls it a fair deal.

Ministry probe continues in Terrace Bay

The work continues to help find the cause of the fatal explosion this week at Terrace Bay Pulp. William Lin of the Ministry of Labour says inspectors remain on the scene which remains closed.  He says that four work orders have been issued.   The orders include stopping all work at the mill and making sure the scene is not disturbed until the investigation is completed.  One person was killed and two others were injured in the blast.

Hyer and Rafferty receive support

Thunder Bay residents seem to be on the side of MP's John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer.  The two were stripped of their critic positions after going against party policy and voting for the long gun registry.

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Brown talks Green

Atikokan's Mayor is responding to a report by Greenpeace saying biomass will put our forests and climate at risk.  Dennis Brown says that's not so.  Brown says the biomass project in his community is going to help keep his town employed.

Helicopter Crash in Kapuskasing

The Transportation Safety Board  is on the scene of a fatal helicopter crash near Kapuskasing.  All three people aboard died in yesterday's crash near Clear Lake.  The Sunrise Helicopters chopper pilot and two Tembec forestry workers were onboard when it crashed.

City restaurant owner dies

A long time city businessman and local TV personality Ling Lee has died. Family spokesperson Gary Cooper says he passed away suddenly on Tuesday. Cooper says friends can say good bye next week at a memorial service Monday at 1 pm at the Valhalla Inn. .Lee ran two local Chinese restaurants and hosted a cooking show on Shaw TV.

Hyer/Rafferty sanctioned by party

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is paying for his decision go against his party and vote to abolish the long gun registry. The NDP has stripped him of his critics positions and he can't ask questions or make statements in the House of Commons. He calls the punishment draconian.  Hyer says his vote is based on a promise he made to his constituents.  Fellow MP John Raffery also voted to scrap the registry and he too has been punished.  Rafferty calls it punishing his constituents.

A delivery girl robbed not hurt

For the second time in recent weeks a delivery person was the target of a robbery.  Thunder Bay Police say the girl had just received money for a food delivery last night got into her vehicle and was then approached by a man who demanded the money.  A second man armed with a bat hit her car and she handed over the money.  She wasn't hurt but was shaken up. 

Local girl is finalist in BBM Challenge

A fashion icon in the making is in the running in a North American Wide BlackBerry competition.  Alex Kruse is a student at Lakehead University and is taking part in the BBM Challenge under the Fashion category.  Her latest video was the top pick in her category and you can vote for her by going to the BBM Challenge website. 

Port officials brag about new study

A Canadian shipping official says a new study points to the relevance of the Port of Thunder Bay. Ray Johnston, the president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, says the study was done to prove the worth of our port and the rest of the St. Lawrence Seaway.The study shows the port adds 370 million dollars and 18 hundred jobs to the Ontario economy.

Fender bender causes concern

There are no injuries to report after a two vehicle accident at High Street and Red River Road.   It was just a routine fender bender for emergency personnel, but what caused the concern was the fact there was a pregnant woman in one of the vehicles.   The woman appeared to be fine, but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Hobbs takes it off for Movember

Mayor Keith Hobbs, Councillor Paul Pugh and others helped to kick off the month of "Movember" at City Hall. They had their moustaches shaved off as they prepare to grow them back this month to draw attention to prostate cancer prevention.

OPP Blitz Security Guards again

For the second time this year, a number of businesses have been charged for failing to comply with new security guard rules.  Detective Staff Sargeant Rick LePage says 38 charges were laid last Friday for various offences such as failing to wear a uniform or for employing an unlicensed security guard. LePage says they in fact charged two individuals on the same day they plead guilty to the same charge earlier in the day.

Quality Market wins national award

Thunder Bay's Quality Market is one of the top grocer's in the country.  Owner Dan Stezenko says their Campus Hill store was named the Bronze Medal winner by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.  Stezenko says they couldn't have done this without great support from the community and their staff. 

Grain shipments up in October

Grain continues to carry the Thunder Bay Port.  October saw almost 675 thousand tonnes of grain come through the port that is up by over 200 thousand from the same month last year.  So far this year we have seen over half a million more tonnes pass through the port compared to last year. 

Leon case close to settelment

A settlement may be near in  the case of Adam Leon. The former Confederation College student faces a theft charge in connection with a stolen cessna which was flown into the United States over two years ago. His lawyer Neil McCartney says a conference on the case will be held in the new year.

Habitat salvaging items from sawmill

Habitat for Humanity is salvaging parts from the former Northern Sawmill.  ReStore Manager Keith MacMillan says that there's plenty that can be re-used at the former mill site.  The recovered items will be sold in the ReStore with money raised going towards Habitat's latest build.

Mac's robberies continue

The string of Mac's Convenience Store robberies continues in the City.  The South James street Mac's was the latest to be held up.  No one was hurt in the incident that occurred just after 3 o'clock this morning.  The suspect got away with cash and cigarettes and was last seen heading eastbound on Frederica Street.

Cancer number one cause of death in Canada

Cancer being the number one killer in Canada, is being called a good news - bad news situation by the Vice President of the Cancer Centre.  Michael Power says that means there has been some majors strides at reducing Heart Disease.  Power says people are now living longer and are getting cancer.  Power says that being said still more work needs to be done to better prevent cancer. 

Community mourns loss of a family man

The community of Terrace Bay is in mourning after the death of a worker following Monday's paper mill explosion at Terrace Bay Pulp. Councillor Jody Davis says the victim is someone who grew up in the area. He expects the residents of Terrace Bay to come together and support each other.

Gravelle says review of FIT program part of the plan

The Natural Resources Minister says the provincial government isn't doing anything out of the ordinary by reviewing the Feed In Tarriff program.  Michael Gravelle says the review was originally put in the legislation to ensure its sustainability. Gravelle says the program has helped bring in projects like the Dorion wind farm and the solar park at the Thunder Bay Airport.

Thunderwolves back in the top ten

The Lakehead Thunderwolves are back in the CIS top ten.  The wolves jumped to 8th in the rankings courtesy their 6 game winning streak.  UNB is still first with McGill second and Saskatchewan 3rd.

Man faces 2nd degree murder charge

A 22 year old man, charged in connection with the city's latest murder, remains in custody.  Kyle Rae appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice via video link from the District Jail this afternoon.   He is charged with second degree murder following the death of his friend, 21 year old Jimmy Monias over the weekend.   In the courtroom there were family members linked to the case and some wept as Rae appeared on the TV screen.  He will be back in court on Friday.