Greenstone Launches Citizen Survey

Greenstone is embarking on a strategic plan for their community. They've hired a consultant that will help them define the town's priorities. You can help shape the plan by taking part in their online citizen survey which is available from now until July 31st. To have your say click here.

Sister Margaret Smith Demolition Underway

St. Joseph's Care Group is in the final stages of demolition at the former Sister Margaret Smith Centre.  President Tracy Buckler says the 2 million dollars worth of demolition should be complete by the fall.  Once demolition is complete, the site on Algoma Street will house a new mental health wing for St. Joseph's Care.

Province Provides Cash To 3 Local Groups

The Provincial Government is giving money to three Northwestern Ontario organizations.  Thunder Bay's Big Brother Big Sisters is getting just over 20 thousand dollars for their "Game On" mentoring program.  It's a school based program that helps mentor teens.  Atikokan will see 30 thousand dollars for a youth program. Meanwhile, 24 thousand dollars is going towards a Wasaya Wee-Chee-Way-Win program that promotes physical activity, injury prevention and healthy eating for aboriginal youth.

NOSM LU Welcome Physician Assistant Program

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine now boasts a Canadian Medical Association approved Physician Assistant program.  Some of those PA's are going to work in Thunder Bay at the hospital and in the community according to Spokesperson Gordon Porter.  The student doctors are coming from the University of Toronto and NOSM.

Tassone & Belisle Named Superintendents

Two new Superintendents of Education are going to make their presence felt in the boardroom for the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board. Pino Tassone and Omer Belisle have each been named as new Superintendents of Education. Tassone has been involved with the education system here in Thunder Bay for 24 years and was the Principal at St. Ignatius High School, while Belisle has fifteen years of educational experience and was the Principal at Our Lady of Charity.

18 Year Old Woman Faces Drunk & Stunt Driving Charges

An 18 year old woman is in trouble with the law. O.P.P. were tipped off about a possible drunk driver just after 11:00 O'clock yesterday morning. The Thunder Bay Driver was caught speeding at more than 150 km/h west of Upsala. She's facing a number of charges including, impaired driving, stunt driving and underage drinking.

Staal & Pyatt Brothers Happy To Give Back

Local N.H.L.'ers are gathered for a number of fundraising events in the city this week. The Easter Seals Skate with Kids happens today. Last night six N.H.L.'ers helped raise money for cancer research by playing in the fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni game. New Carolina Hurricanes Centre Jordan Staal says he's always willing to help out the team that began his hockey career. Tomorrow the N.H.L.'ers are going to play golf in support of the Northern Cancer Fund at Whitewater Golf Course.

5 New Forest Fires

5 new forest fires are being reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, bringing the region's total up to 11. 2 were discovered in the Nipigon district. 1 of them is just 3 kilometres west of Terrace Bay, the other is burning near the Webequie First Nation landfill. 3 new fires were reported in the Fort Frances district. Firefighters remain on high alert with conditions at "High" to "Extreme" across the region. 

Grand Slam Helps Cats Win On Road

A grand slam home run helped the Thunder Bay Border Cats to a 10-6 win on the road last night in Waterloo. The win over the Bucks improves Thunder Bay's second half record to 2-4. Game two of that 5-game series goes tonight in Iowa.

Training At Airport

If you noticed a plane circling Thunder Bay's Airport, don't be alarmed.  The Canadian Forces are training today and could be seen flying over the airport as well as having people parachute out of planes.  Airport President Scott McFadden says training takes place periodically over the summer at least once or twice a month.

United Airways Service To Chicago Comes To T.Bay

Thunder Bay's Airport is gearing up to offer service with United Airways to Chicago.  President Scott McFadden says they've wanted to offer this new daily service for sometime.  The daily run into Chicago's O'Hare Airport will start in February 2013.  The flight leaves Thunder Bay at six in the morning and comes back into the city at 8:40 at night.

Swimming Advisory For Sunnyside Beach

Bad news for swimmers.  The Health Unit has placed Boulevard Lake's Sunnyside beach under a swimming advisory.  The advisory doesn't close the beach or stop people from swimming it's just a warning the beach water has high levels of E-coli.  High levels of that bacteria can lead to skin, eye, nose and throat infections.

Drinking & Driving Incidents

Thunder Bay Police are dealing with a rash of drinking and driving incidents recently.  Police says they charged a 45 year old man with driving his scooter intoxicated.  It stems from a report that he fell off his scooter on Waverly Street after traveling the wrong way on the street.  In the other incident, a 58 year old man was charged after an early morning stop on Red River Road and Junot Avenue.   The final call was for a 75 year old woman who hit a guard rail at the Hospital. The woman was at the hospital to pick up a patient who wasn't involved in the accident.  She was charged with drinking and driving as well.

CMHC Releases Housing Stats

Thunder Bay's experiencing a boom in it's second quarter housing starts.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Analyst Warren Philp says the 39 single detached housing starts in June is 13 higher than the 10-year average.  In contrast, housing construction of semi-detached, row and apartment construction is still negligible, leaving total starts off 12 percent from 2011.

Province Invests In LU Researcher

The Provincial Government is investing more than 2-hundred thousand dollars in the Thunder Bay Research institute. The Government is making the investment in research being conducted by Lakehead University's Dr. Rudip Rakshit who is researching the production of biofuels and renewable chemicals from organic materials.  The research project aims to overcome our dependance on petro-based products.

Police Services Act Begins Today

All three officers charged under the Police Service act are pleading not guilty.  The Thunder Bay officers are involved in a Police Service Hearing this week at the Valhalla Inn. The charges stem from an accusation of the unlawful arrest of a 44 year old man last fall. All three officers are charged with misconduct, unlawful use of authority and discreditable conduct.  The hearing is expected to last throughout the week.

Teddy Bear Picnic

This year's Teddy Bear Picnic is being deemed a success.  The 29th annual event was enjoyed by parents and kids this afternoon at Vicker's Park.  City Festival and Events Coordinator Meghan Shanks says they want to educate parents as well as provide a free fun family event.  One of the educational highlights included a group of parents showing others how to properly wear a baby carrier.

Forest Fire Update

A total of nine forest fires are burning in the Northwest region. Dryden, Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout each have one in their districts. The fire in Dryden is the only one classed as "not under control". Three fires are burning in the Kenora district, two of them are deemed "not under control." Three fires are also burning in the Red Lake district with two of them classed as being "not under control." There are no fires currently burning in the Thunder Bay, Nipigon and Geraldton districts.

Highway 11 Near Atikokan Re-opened

Motorists can once again use Highway 11 West of Atikokan. Provincial Police had to shut it down yesterday to deal with an incident involving tractor-trailor carrying a wide-load. Highway 11, five kilometres west of Atikokan has since re-opened.

Kings Host Annual Alumni Game

The fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni Showcase takes place tonight at the Tournament Centre. Local N.H.L.'ers scheduled to lace them up include Eric, Jordan and Jared Staal, Taylor and Tom Pyatt and Robert Bortuzzo. The game starts at 6:00 O'clock with doors opening at 5:00. Tickets are $10 for adults and just $3 for kids 12 and under.

Cats Struggle In Second Half

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are leaving Subway field with their tails between their legs. They lost 7-2 last night to Alexandria, dropping their record to 1-4 in the second half. The Border Cats are now on the road for the next six games against Waterloo and Duluth.

CLE Gives Back To The Community

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is back for another year. Each year the CLE gives back to the community by offering a day that's free for kids in Children's Aid and for those seniors who can't afford to attend. Spokesperosn Al Law says it's a great feeling to provide tickets to their event.

DSSAB New Elevator For Seniors Apartments

Thunder Bay's District Social Services Board is welcoming a new elevator for their set of senior apartments in Nipigon. 10 units are now accessible for seniors who have mobility challenges. The new apartments are being opened to the public later this week.

School Board New Superintendent

The Lakehead Public School Board is making some changes to it's executive. The board recently appointed David Wright as the Superintendent of Business. The Chartered Accountant starts his new gig on August 20th.

Highway 11 Closed

Highway 11 is closed this afternoon just 5 kms west of Atikokan. It's due to a traffic blockage involving a transport hauling a wide load. Police are estimating it will be several hours before it reopens.

City Buys Watering Bags

The city is using a 15 thousand dollar grant to start a new tree watering program. The money is from the TD Green Streets initiative and it's the second year the City has received cash from them. Urban Forest Specialist Rena Viehbeck says they'll be buying 400 tree watering bags for local boulevard trees.

Wabigoon Lake First Nation Death

Provincial Police say foul play is not suspected in the death of a Wabigoon Lake First Nations man.  The body of 51-year-old Stanley Shabaquay was found on the shoreline of Wabigoon Lake last month.  The incident was reported to police on June 14th.  A post mortem examination has been completed.  The cause of death hasn't been released.

Blues Festival Called A Success

The Blues Festival is being called another success. Comunity Auditorium General Manager Bob Halvorsen says the 11th annual event drew approximately 15,000 people and this event is gainnig a reputation for being of high quality for travelling blues bands, such as "The Tudesci Trucks Band." Halvorsen says reasonable ticket prices and good luck with weather have all contributed to the growing success of the Blues Festival.

Closed Tourist Centre Serves As Garbage Dump

A new and dirty twist to the closing of the Visitor Information Centre at the Ontario-Manitoba boundary. Upkeep of the area has been questionable following the Provincial move. Complaints have been forwarded to Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell.

Alumni Game Features Local N.H.L. Skaters

Thunder Bay N.H.L.ers will be showcasing their talents for local fans to see tomorrow night. The fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni Showcase game in honour of Jim Johnson will be played at 6:00 O'clock at the Tournament Centre. Taylor and Tom Pyatt will face off against the Likes of Eric, Jordan and Jared Staal in a fundraiser that benefits cancer research. Tickets are $10 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. They are available at Play-It-Again Sports, C&D Sports and at the door which opens at 5:00 O'clock tomorrow evening.

Crash Kills One

OPP are releasing the name of the woman who was killed in a crash on Sunday near the Manitoba border.  Police say an east bound motorcycle crossed into the west bound lane hitting a pick up truck. 30 year old Dana Dueck of Manitoba was driving the motorcycle and died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.  The collision cause the Trans Canada Highway to be closed for several hours.

Police Looking For Missing 11 Year Old Girl

The Thunder Bay Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 11 year old girl. Trinity Payash was last seen on the Tuesday of last week, on the South side of the City. She is described as a Native Canadian who is 5-foot-1 or 153 centimetres tall, weighing 110 pounds or 50 kilograms. Payash has a thin build, brown eyes and shoulder length brown hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers.

Police Services Act Hearing Opens Tuesday

A Police Services Act hearing for three local officers is being held this week. It kicks off tomorrow morning at nine at the Valhalla Inn. Four days are set aside for the hearing. The three officers are each facing one count of Misconduct relating to a complaint by a 44 year old Thunder Bay man who was involved in a drug investigation.

Four New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources are dealing with four new forest fires. Officials are calling it a relatively quiet weekend considering much of the region is currently in a "Moderate" or "High" forest fire rating. One of the fires was sparked here in the Thunder Bay district, about 25 kilometres northwest of English River. Two of the fires started Saturday are in the Fort Frances district and the other started in the Kenora district.

City Gets $15,000 Environmental Grant

The city is getting money to start a new tree watering program. Thunder Bay has been selected by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Tree Canada to receive a $15,000 grant from the TD Green Streets program for its Tree Bag Watering Program. Thunder Bay is one of 21 municipalities selected to receive a grant. This is the second year Thunder Bay has received a TD Green Streets Grant. Last year the grant helped launch the new Citizen Pruner Program.

Cats Claim First in Of Second Half

The Thunder Bay Border Cats finally got their first win of the second half with a 7-2 drubbing of Alexandria yesterday at Subway Field. The Cats now have a record of 1-3. That series wraps up with the Beetles tonight starting at 7:05.

Missing Person Found

Thunder Bay Police have found a woman who was reported missing. They had been asking for the public's help in locating a missing 20 year old woman. Robin Janine Renee Mishenene was reported missing last Thursday. Police say she was found on May Street.

Lakehead Welcomes New Department Dean

Lakehead University's Faculty of Engineering has found its new dean. Dr. David Barnett was brought to the city from St. Louis Missouri to take over one of the top-ranked engineering programs in the country. Barnett was a Professor and the Chair of the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He will step into his new role on August 7th.

Cycling Cross Canada

Tis the season for Cross Canada charity bike rides. Thunder Bay will welcome heart attack survivor Mike Jones on Monday. He began his journey in the Yukon and is travelling to Windsor. Jones' goal is to raise money and awareness of the dangers of heart disease.

Thunder Bay Hydro Helps Flood Victims

Thunder Bay Hydro has a plan in place to help flood victims financially. The city came through with a water bill rebate, but many homeowners had to use fans and dehumidifiers 24-hours a day during the clean-up, causing their hydro bill to spike.Vice-President of Customer Service, Tim Wilson says only 130 people have called to identify themselves as a flood victim. Wilson says by calling 343-1111, you can start the reporting process than can be filed as part of your flood claim.

Angus Slams Government

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus is slamming the recent federal cabinet shuffle. Julian Fantino is the new Minister for International Co-Operation. Angus says the shuffle should have been a lot bigger if Harper really wanted to signal a cleanup. Bev Oda resigned Tuesday after a large public outcry and internal Tory caucus dissent over her lavish spending habits.

Ticks May Head North

Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer says people in the North shouldn’t be too complacent about ticks that carry Lyme disease. Dr. Arlene King says that even though these black legged ticks are more prevalent in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, they also could be anywhere in the province. King says that means wearing pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellent with deet.

Man With Machete

Thunder Bay Police have one man in custody following an incident on the south side of the city. Police say a 24-year-old man was carrying a machete and approached another man who was riding his bike on Edward Street. The man is charged with weapons dangerous to public peace, carrying a concealed weapon and breach of probation.

Ringing the Bell

Delegates from Gifu, Japan will be taking part in the ringing of the peace bell today. City Clerk John Hannam says they moved the celebration up since the Mayor from our Sister City is visiting the City this weekend. Area churches have also been asked to ring their bells starting at 11 this morning.

Free Fishing Starts Today

An upcoming fishing event is targeting everyone. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters announced the annual Free Family Fishing Week. The event runs from July 7-15, which allows everyone, even those without a licence, to fish in Ontario waters. Conservation Outreach Program Coordinator Alesha Caldwell says dock fishing is usually a hot spot. For more information log onto www.ofah.org

Busy Weekend on the Waterfront

Bluesfest and Thunder Bay Transit are teaming up to offer concert goers free Transit. The City hopes the move will ease traffic congestion and parking, and eliminate drinking and driving. The weekend event is also offering Park N' Ride opportunities at the Community Auditorium and the Waterfront Parkade.

Police Search For Missing Girl

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing girl. They say 11-year-old Trinity Payash was last seen on July 3rd on the South Side of the city. She is described as a Native Canadian, around 5'1 and 110 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

PSA Hearing For Three Officers

A police services act hearing for three local officers is being held this week. It kicks off Tuesday morning at nine at the Valhalla Inn. Four days are set aside for the hearing. The three officers are each facing one count of Misconduct relating to a complaint by a 44 year old Thunder Bay man who was involved in a drug investigation.

Province Strikes Deal With Union

The Provincial Government has struck a deal with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.  It's a two-year deal with no salary increase.  President Kevin O'Dwyer says the two local school unions in Thunder Bay will be able to bargain with their employers on local issues this fall.  O'Dwyer says the local negotiations could go into September but expects they'll go smoothly.

Waterloo Street Crash Update

The elderly driver of a car involved in a collision on Waterloo Street yesterday is still in critical condition.  Police say he's been sent from the Regional Health Sciences Centre to another hospital.  The investigation is still being conducted and there's no word on charges as of yet.

Bisson on Terrace Bay Mill Deal

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is wary of a recent deal to reopen the Terrace Bay mill.  Bisson says he wants the Government to ensure the company maintains it's promise of jobs and stays open well into the future.  Bisson says he doesn't want a repeat of the former owner Buchanan Forest Products.