Legion calls for death benefits for all soldiers

The Royal Canadian Legion says it's shameful that unmarried soldiers killed in combat are not eligible for a death benefit.  Former local legion President Roy Lamore says the 250 thousand dollar death benefit should be made available to all soldiers.  The legion is calling on the Federal Government to expand the benefit to all soldiers killed in action.

Our MP's are in the dark when it comes to the multi-plex

Our MP's say they haven't been involved in the city's bid for Multi-Plex Funding.  John Rafferty says he wanted to help out but didn't hear from the city.  Bruce Hyer says no one from the city contacted him and until that happens he won't get involved in the project.

The Beacons have been lit

The Beacons on the Waterfront are being tested.  The LED lights could be seen scrolling in morse code yesterday evening and they were visable from good distance away.

Letter shows Hobbs got off with a warning

We now know a little more about what the province's Civilian Police Commission had to say about how it disciplined our mayor. A letter from the Commission to Police Services Board chair Joe Virdiramo essentially shows that Mayor Keith Hobbs received nothing more than a verbal lashing for his "technical breach of confidentiality". It says he was told what's discussed behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. The letter says the Mayor was spoken to at length about conflicts of interest and was told to educate himself on the rules on how board members are to conduct themselves...and finally the letter says Hobbs should treat his fellow board members better.

Locals weigh in on Attawapiskat

The crisis in Attawapiskat is shining a bright spotlight on the problems in the First Nations community.  We asked people in Thunder Bay if they agree with the way Harper Government has handled the crisis.

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United Way still needs another million

The United Way campaign is still just under a million dollars short of its goal with 25 days to go.  Just over 1.5 million dollars has been raised so far. 

Housing starts up slight in November

2011 should close out on a decent note for new housing construction in Thunder Bay. Government figures from Canada Mortgage and House show detached housing starts in November are ahead of the 10 year average. Meantime 2011 is the strongest year for the construction of new row houses, apartments and condos in since the early 90's

Past Legion President on Japan's apology

Japan has apologized to Canada over it's treatment of Second World War Prisoners. Roy Lamore is the former local legion President and says an apology is an easy way out. Lamore adds you have to accept it regardless because it happened. Japan apologized Thursday for the harsh mistreatment of Canadian prisoners. Lamore notes there are still some POW's still living in the City.

LU Award nominations open

Lakehead University wants to recognize members of the community that help them on a regular basis.  It's part of the fellow awards that recognize individuals who have helped the University grow over the years.  Nominations can be made for volunteers, educators and donors up until January 6th.

Hydro Crews close west lane of Dawson Road

Thunder Bay Hydro is closing down the west bound lane of Dawson Road.  Crews are working in the area of Hilldale Road and Hazelwood Drive.  The lane closure will take place in the day only and will move as the work progresses down the road.

P.A. man gets military award from G.G.

A Port Arthur Afghanistan vet is being honoured by the Governor General.  Chief Warrant Officer Shawn Stevens is receiving the Meritorious Service Cross.  Stevens was the regimental sergeant-major of the battle group in Afghanistan from October 2009 to May 2010.

NOMA on Environment Report

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is tearing a strip of Ontario's Environmental Commissioner. In his most recent report, Gordon Miller suggested the Caribou Conservation Plan would have only a limited impact on local communities. NOMA Vice-President Dave Canfield says Miller has his facts wrong.

Manitou Apartment fire last night

Thunder Bay's Fire Department is investigating a third floor apartment fire on Manitou Street.  The apartment building was evacuated last night just after seven o'clock.  No one was in the apartment at the time of the fire.  Crews quickly extinguished the fire and minimal damage is reported.

Police investigating break-ins

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the person or people responsible for a number of vehicle break-ins on the south side.  Officials say 3 vehicles were broken into Saturday near Fort William Gardens during a Lakehead Thunderwolves game. 

Relative pleads to driver...give yourself up

A relative of an elderly woman who died after a hit an run in October, wants the person responsible to turn themselves in. Joyce Ryan was killed in the collision at Victoria and Leyand. Daughter-in-law Judy Szabo  thinks the suspect should come clean. The family is holding a memorial service Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4 o'clock at the Prosvita Hall on Gore Street.

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Leblanc says RIM could be in trouble

Research in Motion is running out of time and chances.  That's from former Executive Anthony Leblanc who says a recent string of company hiccups and poor sales with the BlackBerry Playbook have led to dropping stock prices.  Leblanc says if things don't turn around RIM could be acquired.

Hobbs to return to Police Services Board

Mayor Keith Hobbs is back on the Police Services Board after being off for 9 months. Hobbs says the province's Civilian Police Commission ruled information he made public last spring didn't warrant his removal from the board. Hobbs stopped short of saying I told you so. Hobbs says he's agreed to tone down his delivery.

NOSM has new contract with faculty

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has a new ratified contract with its full time staff.  The deal includes full time faculty, librarians, and professional staff at the school.  The four year deal comes with a 1.5 percent wage increase the first 2 years and 2 percent in the final two years.

Hospital launches yuletide fundraiser

The Health Science's Centre Foundation is asking for your donation. President Glenn Craig says they're looking to raise money in the annual Christmas appeal. This year it's for Emergency Department services.The goal is 75 thousand dollars.

Hospital experience hotline

Northwestern Ontario seniors who have had bad experiences in area hospitals are being asked to share their stories. Mary Cook is a spokesperson for the group that's hosting the health care hotline. Cook says they'll be using the stories to pursuade the Provincial Government to boost health care spending in the upcoming budget. The number is 1-888-599-0770.

News Conference on Hobbs today at 1

The Police Service Board is gathering today to discuss the conclusion of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigation of Mayor Keith Hobbs.  Chair Joe Virdiramo will be holding a news conference at 1:00 today at the Police Station on Balmoral Street.

Fort William North Stars host Dudley Hewitt Cup

The Fort William North Stars will be hosting the Dudley-Hewitt Cup this Spring.  The Central Canadian Junior A championships will be held at the Fort William Gardens this April.  Tickets area already being sold for the event.

Memorial Service for Joyce Ryan Thursday

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from any witnesses of an October second fatal motor vehicle accident.  On October 2nd, 60 year old Joyce Ryan was a passenger in a car driven by her husband when a stolen pick up truck ran the stop sign at the intersection and hit the side of their car. Sgt. Glenn Porter says they are waiting the result of forensic evidence. A memorial service is being held Thursday for Joyce Ryan.

More people getting flu shots

More people are taking advantage of the free flu shot clinics put on by the Health Unit. Officials say that the numbers are up over last year. Approximately 11 thousand people have already been immunized, 500 more than in 2010. There are still 4 clinics remaining this month.
Mon. Dec. 12 - Vickers Heights Community Centre - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 13 - Gorham and Ware School - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 19 - Neebing Municipal Office - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 20 - MacGregor Community Centre - 3:00 – 7: 00 pm

Lakehead School Board Chair re-elected

The Lakehead Public School Board is returning for another school year with Deborah Massaro as their Chair.  Massaro was elected for a fifth term as the head of the board.  Trustee Karen Wilson was also elected for a third term as Vice Chair.

Accident on Golf Links Road

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a motor vehicle accident on Golf Links Road.  Police say it's a minor accident and that one of the drivers is complaining of back pain.  Traffic is backing up in the area and take caution.

Radio Marathon for Christmas Cheer is a success

Christmas Cheer is almost 23 thousand dollars closer to its goal thanks to our 34 hour Radio Marathon.  Chair Linda Gambee says she was hoping for 10 thousand and is amazed how great it turned out.  Gambee says she doesn't have a hard number but thinks they've passed the 60 thousand dollar raised mark. 

Op Red Nose making its mark

There's two more weekends to go for Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose.  Organizer Toni Lightwood says so far it's been another successful season driving party goers home safely. So far volunteers have provided almost 180 rides.

The LU Thunderwolves are 7th in the country

The Lakehead Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team is up in this week's CIS Rankings.  The wolves went from 8th to 7th this week after a weekend sweep of the Calgary Dino's.  The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds remain first followed closely by the McGill Redmen. 

Local cancer care feted

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have something to brag about.   They've been given Quality and Innovation Awards for their work in cancer prevention.    The Research Institute got it for its work with HPV screening while the medical school received  it for running a quit smoking program with the Regional Hospital

CRTC approves Minneapolis signals

Shaw Cable customers in Thunder Bay will be getting their Minneapolis TV back.   The Canadian Radio and Television Commission has approved Shaw's application to switch from the Detroit stations currently being offered.   The company argued that Minneapolis signals offer programming that is more relevant to our region.   Spokesperson Chris Kucharski says the change will take place in the new year and will involve all the major American network stations out of the Twin Cities.

Wasaya Christmas Cheer

Wasaya Airways is getting into the holiday spirit and flying food and toys into the First Nation communities it serves.  Spokesperson Jennifer Mihalcin says they're delivering goodies all this week.  Christmas turkeys and goodie bags will be delivered to Cat Lake, Pikangikum, Bearskin, Fort Hope and Deer Lake First Nations.

Campbell on auditor general's report

NDP Natural Resources Critic Sarah Campbell is concerned with the findings of the Auditor General. Campbell takes issue with the review of the government's renewable energy and forest management initiatives. Campbell is calling on the McGuinty Government to put more money into staffing the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Hupka returns as board chair

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.  Bob Hupka is returning for another year as the Chair of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.  With his 13 years behind him Hupka is the longest serving Trustee on the board.   Tony Romeo is returning as the Vice-Chair.

Sudbury gets NDP Leadership debate

All nine NDP hopefuls vying for the top job with the Federal NDP will be duking it out in Sudbury for an all candidates debate.  The February debate is being organized by Richard Eberhardt who says they want to hear from each candidate about "northern issues".  The all candidates debate will take place February 5th.

Urban Bird in Thunder Bay

The City is showcasing it's young entrepreneurs.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took part in the grand opening of 27 year old Lauren Ischkin's new store "The Urban Bird." Ischkin says she couldn't do it alone and received support from the City and money from the Province.  Ischkin says it's great that she's able to operate a business in her home town.

ER troubles in Rainy River

Ontario's Health Minister says emergency room service at Rainy River Health Centre will be manned during the Christmas holidays.  Deb Matthews says interim help will be available from December 23rd to January 2nd to cover the communities only full time physician.  But Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says long-term solutions are needed.  A recruitment drive for another full-time physician is ongoing.

Man hit by car

Thunder Bay Police are trying to identify a man that was hit by a car at the intersection of Memorial and Isabel Street on Friday.  The driver who had hit the man picked him up and drove him from the Intercity Mall to Victoriaville.  Police are asking for any information about this incident or the identity of the man.

Council adopts Energy Management Strategy

Energy Management is a new focus for city council.  Council voted in favour of a new Strategy that will lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  Energy Analyst Vanessa DeGiacomo-Zwaresh says the strategy will help integrate current energy reduction policies already in place. DeGiacomo-Zwaresh says the next step will be attaching timelines to targets. 

Council Adopts a Solid Waste Management Plan

A City wide compost program could be a reality in the not so distant future.  Council approved the framework for a new Solid Waste Management Plan.  Coordinator Jason Sherband says the plan will provide strategic planning that will help in future decision making to reduce how much garbage goes to the landfill. Sherband says one way to do that would be to create a city wide compost program.

Scrap Yard is looking to buy waterfront land

The owner of a scrap metal yard is looking to purchase some waterfront land to expand the business.  Lori Dutchak of Dutchak Scrap Metal says they want to purchase some land on Hammond Avenue.  Dutchak says if they can't buy the land they will be forced to lay off staff. 

LU President gives a presentation to council

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson gave City Council a state of the school address at Monday night's meeting. It was the same presentation he released to the public Friday November 18th. Stevenson says one of his priorities is to increase Aboriginal Numbers in the school and part of that plan is a new building that in Ojibway means Higher Learning.

Service to commemorate Montreal Massacre

The 14 women killed in the Montreal Massacre are being remembered at Confederation College Tuesday afternoon. It's being put on by the Student Union. Spokesperson Thomas Russell says it will be a solemn service complete with a candle lighting ceremony as a sign of remembrance.  It starts at 12:30 in the Student Commons in the Shuniah Building.

Kanate sentenced to 7 years

Gil Labine

A Round Lake First Nations man is going to jail for the manslaughter death of his cousin. 20 year old Patrick Kanate was sentenced to 7 years for the 2010 stabbing death in Thunder Bay of Keegan Williams. Kanate's lawyer Gil Labine has no complaints about the sentence saying it reflected the principles of justice set out by the Supreme Court of Canada when it comes to the sentencing of Aboriginals in such circumstances.   With time served the sentence is just over 6 years.

Hyer on leaders debate

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is weighing in on the first NDP leadership debate.  It was a polite exchange for the most part.  There are five other leadership debates planned leading up to the March 24th election.

Hyer on Canada withdrawing from Kyoto

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer isn't surprised the Harper Government has pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol. Hyer is reacting to Environment Minister Peter Kent's announcement at a Climate Change Conference in South Africa. Canada is withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol by the end of next year.

Police Service Customer Service Survey

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from you.  The citizen survey is out and you can rate the customer service of the local police force.  To have your say log onto http://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/ 

West Jet Flight no charges pending

Thunder Bay Police say no charges will be laid against the man who caused a Westjet flight to make an emergency landing on Saturday. The Toronto-bound flight was grounded in Thunder Bay after the crew decided to land because of an agitated 27-year-old passenger. Police say the man has a history of mental health issues and was held for a medical assessment. Police say it's expected the man, along with his father, will be returned to Portugal once he has been cleared medically.

Apartment fire on McLauchlin

Thunder Bay Fire is investigating an apartment fire on McLauchlin today. Platoon Chief Brian Kiessig says they were able to evacuate the building.  Kiessig adds the 12 unit apartment building has some smoke damage.  The displaced residents have been moved by the Red Cross to the Victoria Inn.