Drug Strategy Praise

High praise for the City of Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy. Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald MacPherson was in the City recently and says Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy has been influenced by Vancouver's. He adds the City's drug strategy is viewed as one of the most progressive in the Country.

CEDC Launches New Entrepreneur Plan

A new logo and a new direction. The Community Entrepreneur Development Centre unveiled both today. Development Officer Ron Humphreys says they too need to be able to adapt and change with the current economic climate. Humphreys says they're encouraging local entrepreneurs to "Imagine, Plan and Execute" as part of their new branding strategy.

MNR Wants Info From Kam River Anglers

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to hear from anglers on the Kam River. Spokesperson Eric Burgland says they're surveying people fishing on the river this summer and will be looking for anglers who've caught tagged fish or one of 50 walleyes with antennas attached. It's legal for you to keep tagged or fish with antennas but the MNR is asking you to throw them back.

Employment Insurance Cuts

The Federal Government's new rules for collecting employment insurance are not sitting well with everyone. Ontario Public Service Employment Union President Smokey Thomas says reducing the benefits of repeat E.I. applicants will punish seasonal workers. Thomas says fire fighters are a perfect example, they would love to work year round but they can't since they're only needed in the Spring and Summer.

Police Charge Woman In Brawl

A 54 year old woman is in hospital after a late night fight on the City's North End.  Police responded to a call about a woman who was assaulted and bleeding at a home on South Algoma Street.  Officers found the woman had been cut on the side of her neck.  A 31 year old woman is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Failing to Comply with an Undertaking.  Police says the two women knew each other and they appeared to be drinking.

Greg Rickford Makes Funding Announcement

Federal funding for the peforming arts in Sioux Lookout. Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced yesterday 6-thousand dollars in support for the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series for the Performing Arts.

AbitibiBowater New Name Official

It's now official.  AbitibiBowater will officially be known as Resolute Forest Products beginning today.  The name change was approved at the company's annual general meeting today.  A mill employee at the Fort Frances mill was one of two to suggest the name in a company wide contest held last year.

OPP Long Weekend Stats

A busy weekend for Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario during the Victoria Day long weekend. Police charged 249 drivers for speeding, 21 for seat belt infractions and seven with distracted driving. Four careless charges were laid and one ticket was handed out for impaired driving. The OPP laid roughly 8-thousand charges across the Province.

Whalen Building Hit By Lightning

Lightning hit the Whalen Building Wednesday afternoon after a brief storm.  Bricks came crushing down onto the street and caused the road to be closed during clean up. 

Reggie Bushie Inquest Adjourned

The pre-inquest into the death of 15 year old Reggie Bushie is over.  It was adjourned today after the Nishnawbe Aski Nation applied to have the case sent to Ontario's Chief Coroner.  A Regional Coroners Spokesperson says the joint inquest would examine the deaths of Reggie Bushie as well as six other teens who died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.

Police Release 67 Year Old's Name

City Police are naming the 67-year old man who died in a motor vehicle collision on Saturday night on Northern Avenue.  Martin John Amos died in the crash. The Special Investigations Unit is in charge of the case because city police were trying to pull over a reported stolen vehicle that eventually hit Martin's vehicle.

CP Rail Strike

150 CP Rail Workers are on strike here in Thunder Bay.  Union Spokesperson Randy Mior says there's been several stumbling blocks in contract negotiations including cuts to pensions.  The two sides are continuing to negotiate but Mior says they're prepared to stay out on the picket line for as long as it takes.  A picket line is set up on Syndicate Avenue.

OPP Find Missing Couple

OPP are happy to report they found a missing elderly couple. The Minnesota couple went boating on Lac Des Milles Lake and didn't return to their campsite at Pine Point Resort on Monday. The North West Region Emergency Response Team with the assistance of a Ministry of Natural Resources Helicopter Unit found the couple on the lake later that evening. They had experienced trouble with the boat motor.

Pets Pass Away In Fire

Several family pets passed away this morning in a fire at a two story home on East Donald Street.  Thunder Bay Fire Platoon Chief Les Newman says there's heavy smoke and fire damage to the main and second floors.  Investigators will be on the scene later today looking for the cause of the fire.

City & Workers New Agreement

The City and its workers have a new collective agreement.  600 unionized Municipal Workers approved an agreement that includes a modest wage increase in each year of the four-year agreement.  They've been without a contract since 2011.

Cats Ink 10 Players

The Thunder Bay Border Cats signed 10 players to their upcoming roster. Notables coming to the team are: Infielder Adam Landecker from USC, Outfielder James Bonds from Santa Clarita, CA, Chad Richie, a pitcher from Kentucky's Georgetown College and Second baseman Philip Lyons from Lousiana's Nicholls State University. The Cats have also signed outfielder Omar Cotto Lozada from USC. In addition, the Cats have added pitchers Blake Fonfara, Kacy Kemmer, Mitch McQueen, Jordan McCoy, and outfielder Justin Higley. Thunder Bay's home opener is Monday, June 4th, at Subway Field versus Alexandria at 7:05 p.m.

M.S. Society Nearly Out Of Money

The M.S. Society of Thunder Bay is almost out of money and they're not even at the half-way point of the year. They provided equipment funding for 86 people last year and already through April they have had requests from 85 people. Board Chair Linda Adamson says they are almost a victim of their own success. Adamson says they may have to seek corporate or grant support, meanwhile the annual M.S. Walk takes place this weekend.

Beardy Meets Prince Charles

The royal visit to Toronto today has Northwestern Ontario connections. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy spent a few moments with Prince Charles and presented him with a book called "Treaty No. 9." Beardy feels Prince Charles was very "Genuinely" receptive to his message of keeping existing treaty's in the minds of royalty.

Forest Fire Level Drops Across Region

The forest fire situation is now listed as low for Northwestern Ontario. Information Officer Debbie McLean says the rain on Sunday helped somewhat, but 17 new fires did start over the long weekend. McLean says the forest fire situation is stable enough that they've been able to deploy equipment and personnel to help with the massive fire in the Kirkland Lake area.

Mayor Hobbs Returns From Gifu, Japan

Economic Development, talks on power, education and the exchange of information. It was all part of the City's trip to Gifu, Japan. Mayor Keith Hobbs and his 10 person brigade are back from what he calls a very busy and eventful trip. Mayor Hobbs says he's truly excited about the potential rise in exchange students coming to Lakehead University. A delegation from Gifu, Japan is expected to come to Thunder Bay in July.

Man Attacked By Bear

O.P.P. are once again warning people of the dangers associated with attracting or approaching bears. This comes after a 65 year old man was attacked over the weekend on Dunbar Lake, North of Sioux Lookout. The man suffered a bite and scratches from a black bear, before his camping partner recognized the situation, shot and killed the bear.

6 Charges Laid Against 20 Yr. Old Woman

A 20 year old woman remains in police custody and faces a number of charges following an incident on Saturday. Police say a 29 year old woman was hit by the driver of a stolen mini-van on Langworthy Crescent. She suffered minor injuries. The 20 year old woman faces six charges including impaired driving causing bodily harm and failing to remain at an accident.

Anti-Homophobia Workshop Wednesday

Thunder Bay is hosting a workshop in honour of International Day Against Homophobia. Organizer Robin Cooper says they want to teach volunteer organizations how they can be more LGBTQ friendly. Cooper says in the future they would like to open up the workshop to businesses. The workshop is taking place Wednesday.

SIU Investigate Northern Avenue Collision

The Special Investigations Unit is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a 67-year-old man on Sunday on Northern Avenue.  Late that night, a police officer was about to pull over a reported stolen vehicle, but the vehicle didn't stop after the officer activated his cruiser's lights. A short distance later, the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle.  Spokesperson Monica Hudon says they're looking into whether Police are at fault for the accident.  20 year old Shane Kolody is charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Possession of Stolen Property Over 5-thousand dollars.

MVC In Front Of Whalen

2 people are in hospital after a motor vehicle collision Monday night in Westfort.  2 vehicles collided at Gore and Crawford in front of the Whalen Hotel.  The Fire Department says a woman needed to be extracted from her vehicle.  Police are investigating.

Car Fire East Empire Avenue

Thunder Bay's Fire Department isn't sure what caused a car fire in the back lane of East Empire early this morning.  Officials say the fire doesn't look suspicious.  The blaze was reported just after 3 this morning and the car is completely destroyed.

Northern Avenue Collision Claims Life

A 67 year old Thunder Bay man is dead after a serious collision in the 100 block of Northern Avenue.  Police say a 20 year old driving a truck collided with the senior's car on Sunday night.  Shane Kolody is charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000.   The Special Investigations Unit is taking control of the investigation and will release the name of the deceased once the family is notified.

Kiptoo Wins 10-Mile Road Race

Gilbert Kiptoo is the winner of this year's Fire Fighters 10-Mile Road Race. He finished the race in 50 minutes and 14 seconds. Second place went to Phillip Kipchumba 52:02. John Balabuck was the first local runner to cross the finish line in sixth place overall with a time of 54 minutes and 36 seconds. Simpson Street, Fort William Road, and Water Street are all closed until 12 a.m. for the remaining racers and spectators.

OPP Recover Body of Atikokan Man

OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit recovered the body of 49 year old Eric Natti of Atikokan on Thursday at Miller Lake. Natti was reported missing last November but cold weather and ice conditions prevented officers from finishing the search during the winter.

Man in Custody

Thunder Bay police took a man into custody last night after calls that he was pointing a handgun at people near River and Madeline Street. The 27 year old Thunder Bay man was in possession of a black replica BB handgun. He faces a charge of possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and will appear in court today. No one was injured.

Inflation Rate Drops Significantly

Thunder Bay's inflation rate dropped significantly from March to April. The rate fell from 2.1 percent to 1.5 percent. Thunder Bay now has the 3rd lowest rate of inflation in the country among major urban centres.

Norovirus Caused 136 People To Get Sick

The Health Unit is saying Norovirus is what caused so many people to become ill this week. An investigation was conducted after 136 people got sick after attending This Old Barn Restaurant in Murillo last weekend. According to the Health Unit, Norovirus is spread through contaminated food or contaminated surfaces such as door knobs and light switches. They are still hoping to hear from some of the people who may have been affected.

NAN Drug Bust In Nakina

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Police have made a significant drug bust in Nakina, 3-hundred Kilometres North of Thunder Bay.  Police raided a home and found more than 42-thousand dollars worth of marijuana and hashish.  A 46-year old Nakina man has been arrested and will appear next in court on June 14th.   NAN police say the bust is expected to influence the flow of drug traffic to at least five communities in area.

Deb Comuzzi New LU VP

Lakehead University is welcoming home a former Thunder Bay resident. Deb Comuzzi is the University's new Vice President of External Relations. Comuzzi will be in charge of reaching out to alumni and the community, as well as fundraising. She left Thunder Bay at the age of 18 and is the daughter of former Member of Parliament Joe Comuzzi.

This Old Barn Sickness Expands

The number of people reported sick after eating at Murillo's "This Old Barn" is growing.  The Health Unit says there are 126 people sick after eating there last weekend.  34 people who ate there are not sick while another 31 need to get back to the Health Unit.

Feds Cut Experimental Lakes Jobs

Federal budget cuts are starting hit close to home. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has announced that it's closing the Experimental Lakes area west of Dryden as part of a 79-million dollar cost cutting exercise. The Experimental Lake consists of 58 lakes that act as an outdoor laboratory. Researchers from around the world have taken advantage of the facility over the years. A government spokesperson says they will try to turn the facility over to universities or the provinces.

May Long Weekend Travel

U-S Customs and Border Protection is reminding travellers that area border points will be busy for the next two weekends.  This weekend is Victoria Day in Canada and the U-S Memorial Day weekend is celebrated May 25th to 28th.  To cut down on delays, travellers are reminded to make sure they have the proper documents and to plan for increased traffic.

OLG Looks For Private Interest

Ontario Lottery and Gaming is looking for a private company to run Thunder Bay's Casino. The OLG issued a request for information from the private sector after dividing Ontario into 29 zones for potential casino sites.

Dryden Sells Water

The City of Dryden has agreed to sell water to the Ministry of Transportation for a 90-day period.  Director of Public Works and Engineering Mike Louttit says they have brokered a deal at a reduced rate as part of a requirement to supply water for road work east of the community.  Louttit says potential revenue is 189-thousand dollars but notes it may reach a quarter million dollars.

OFAH Fishing Application Worries

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says its members don't like the fact the information from their hunting and fishing applications is stored in the U-S. Spokesperson Lezlie Goodwin says the groups 100-thousand members don't want the American government or companies accessing their personal data. The anglers and hunters worry Homeland Security will use the Patriot Act to access the personal data of Ontarians that is stored in the U-S, ignoring provincial protection of privacy laws.

United Way Billboard Challenge

The United Way's Great Billboard Rescue is pleased with it's 20th fundraising campaign.  They raised over 142-thousand dollars during their main fundraising event yesterday.  The money goes towards the Community Fund which is used to fund 67 local programs.

Marina Construction Begins

The marina is about to become a little busier. Katherine Dugmore, Waterfront Project Manager says construction has now begun on a new parking facility that will help service the new hotel and condominium. Dugmore could not say how long the parking project will take.

Marina Restaurant Name TBA

A new restaurant is about to set up shop at the Marina. Officials however, are keeping the name tightly sealed. Waterfront Project Manager, Katherine Dugmore says we're close to knowing the identity. Dugmore says the new restaurant will be located near the Water Garden Pavilion.

NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier. They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual First Nations meeting. NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have 10 minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.

Forest Fire Hazard High To Extreme

Heading into the long weekend, the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme for the entire area of Northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources is asking people to exercise caution when dealing with fires or outdoors activities that may cause fires.

Jury Softens Blow In Theft Case

Chris Watkins

Guilty, but Krystyna Dolasinski will not feel the full brunt of the law.  Dolasinski was charged after 90 to 100 thousand dollars went missing from the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Hall. Her lawyer Chris Watkins is satisfied with the outcome saying the jury understood at least part of the defence's position in the case.   Krystyna Dolasinski was found guilty of theft under 5-thousand dollars and falsifying records.   The sentencing submissions will be heard on September 13th.

International Day Against Homophobia

4 City High Schools are celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia today. Charlie Bishop, Education Officer with the Lakehead District School Board is giving a lot of credit to the Gay Straight Alliances that have been created in schools. Events are taking place at Superior C.V.I., Churchill, Westgate and Hammarskjold.

Alternative School Closes

Thunder Bay's first Alternative school was forced to close its doors in December. The Northern Lights Education Initiative just opened in the fall and had six students but unfortunately couldn't stay open. Spokesperson Michelle Uvanile says they hope to see an alternative school be operated under the Public School Board system.

Gravelle Responds To Canfield

The Minister of Natural Resources is listening to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Associations concerns over the changes being made to the Bear Wise program. Vice President of NOMA Dave Canfield has said the cuts to the program are just another service being downloaded onto the backs of municipalities. Gravelle says that's not so.

NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier.  They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual First Nations meeting.  NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have seven minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.