Theatre Company Hit With Flooding

Officials with a local theatre company are adding up the losses after their basement facility at Court and Park was hit by flooding this afternoon.    Jessica Bouvier of Frankly Scarlet Productions says a watermain break has resulted in some extensive damage.  She says carpeting and costumes are soaked as a result.

Distaster Relief Could Reach 15 Million

The cost of disaster relief from the May28th flood is estimated to be about 15 million dollars. The city's relief committee chair Wayne Fletcher says that means they'll have to raise 5 million dollars in a community he hopes is not losing it's fundraising spirit.  Fletcher says he hopes to start alleviating misconceptions in the community on various disaster relief issues.

Atikokan Generation Station Gets PPA

The Atikokan Generating Station has a power purchase agreement with the Ontario Power Authority. It was the last step needed before the plant could be converted to using biomass.  Thunder Bay Atikokan M.P.P. Bill Mauro made the announcement today alongside Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown. The conversion of the plant from coal to biomass will start later this year and will be completed by 2014.

Grand Chief Bows Out In Second Round

Former Treaty Three Grand Chief Diane Kelly has failed in her bid to become National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Kelly dropped out of the race after finishing third with 39 votes in the second round of ballots. Shawn Atleo has returned for a second term and he says First Nations are increasingly demanding to be treated as equal partners in governance and in control over natural resources.  Atleo adds his mandate will reflect the will of the regional chiefs who advise him.

Federal Cuts Hurt Local Police

Thunder Bay Police are upset the Federal Government has decided to end it's five year Police Officer Recruitment program. The local force is losing just over $140,000 a year that was used to hire two beat cops. Chief J.P. Levesque says when the funding gets cut in March next year he'll put it into the 2013 budget. Levesque says Police Forces across Canada have lobbied the Federal Government to keep this program going but to no avail.

Taddeo Case Closed

The city's police chief is closing the book on the case of a suspended inspector. Dan Taddeo is now back on the job after being suspended for nearly a year and a half and being charged under the Police Services Act over his supervision of Constable Toni Grann. Police Chief J-P Levesque says the matter has been handled internally through and informal process, and that Inspector Taddeo's suspension has now been lifted. Levesque would not give further details.

Highway Sink Hole Causes Delays

The Ministry of Transportation is warning travellers about delays on highway 61. There's a large sink hole in the south bound lane of the highway near Little Trout Bay road. OPP say one lane is open but there are delays as M.T.O. staff work on patching the highway. It could take two hours or more.

Kakabeka Falls Needs Your Votes

You have a 24 hour window starting at 12:00 p.m. noon today to vote for Kakabeka Falls and earn them a live "Sportscentre" show from T.S.N. and a $25,000 cheque to help upgrade the town's curling club. Kakabeka Falls is up against New Liskeard in an on-line vote for the right to host the show and win the money for a community upgrade. Winning communities so far have averaged more than 300000 votes. You can vote on-line at www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca

Border Cats Losing Ground

The Thunder Bay Border Cats were doubled-up 8-4 by the first place Duluth Huskies last night. The Border Cats are now 4 1/2 games back of first place in the North division. Their 5 game series with Duluth concludes tonight on the road.

Health Unit Puts Beaches Under Advisories

Bad news yet again for swimmers.  Thunder Bay's Health Unit has placed Boulevard Lake's main beach, Chippewa Park's Main and Sandy Beaches under swimming advisories.  Swimming advisories don't close the beach or stop people from swimming.  It just warns people swimming in e-coli could cause skin, eye, nose and throat infections.

Emergency Crews Head To Waterfront

Thunder Bay emergency crews including the coast guard are at the Marina after someone called in a report saying they saw a shiny object beyond the break wall.  They weren't able to identify what it was.  Fire Captain Bill Kruse says so far no one has been able to spot anything.  It's not known how long the search will continue.

Regional Coroner To Investigate Hospital Death

The Regional Coroner's Office is launching an investigation into the death of a 60 year old man who died Monday in front of the hospital. Police say he threw himself under a truck and later died as a result of his injuries. Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says they'll be looking into how the patient got outside of the hospital. Wilson says they're hoping to determine if the death was a suicide or an accident.

Chocolate Milk Case Put Over

A 38 year old Thunder Bay man is due back in court next month in connection with last  month's anti-abortion protest. Brian Hamilton is charged with assault after a group of anti-abortionist protesters had chocolate milk poured on them. The incident took place in the Bay and Algoma area and was captured on video and posted on YouTube. The case came up briefly in court today and was put over until August 20th.

Pioneer Ridge Seeks Liquor Licence

A city run home for the aged is applying for a liquor licence. Pioneer Ridge wants it so they can run special programing for the residents according to acting administrator Lee Mesic. She says they are at the public input stage of their application

Forest Fire Update

The forest fire hazard remains at "High" to "Extreme" in northern parts of the region. Information Officer Deb McLean says crews have been able to extinguish some fires but are battling a total of 70 fires right now across the northwest district. A crew of 20 fire fighters are coming in from Minnesota today to help provide some relief to weary crews across the district.

Wesway Continues In Two Districts

A Thunder Bay agency that provides respite support services is extending a program it has had in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts the past two years. Wesway Manager Carol Ness says they weren't exactly sure what the response would be when they expanded into this area. The program provides funding for caregivers who need a break from taking care of Seniors living at home.

Police Charge Another Person With Drunk Driving

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 34 year old man with a variety of drunk driving related offences.  Police arrested the man early this morning after he allegedly hit a light pole at the intersection of High and Red River.  He's charged with impaired driving, operating the vehicle with over 80 milligrams of alcohol in his system and causing a collision.

Former T.Bay Police Officer Charged

A former Thunder Bay Police officer is facing several weapons charges in Southern Ontario.  Winston Wong was a constable with the local police from 1995 to 2000.  Peel Regional Police Spokesperson Thomas Ruttan says they were called to a domestic incident when they found weapons improperly put away. Wong is charged with 49 firearms and related offences. The 39 year old Wong is now a resident of Mississauga.

Marc Staal Talks Hockey

Chris Prystanski recently interviewed New York Ranger Defencemen Marc Staal.  He was in town to take part in a variety of charity events along with other local NHL players. 

 

Drug Arrest At Airport

A 37 year old woman from Thunder Bay is facing drug trafficking charges. Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Police arrested the woman yesterday at Thunder Bay Airport with approximately $4,800 of Oxycodone Pills. Police officials believe the pills were destined for Marten Falls First Nation which is located about 450 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

Kompon Lands With Blackhawks

Jamie Kompon from Thunder Bay who won a Stanley Cup as an Assistant Coach with the Los Angeles Kings this year, has landed a new job in Chicago. Kompon will now work with Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp and be reunited with Head Coach Joel Quenneville, with whom he worked with for 9 years.

Border Cats Lose Both At Home

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost both games of a twin bill last night at home to Duluth. They were edged 1-0 and 3-1 respectively. Still the Border Cats are just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the North division as they continue play on the road tonight in Duluth.

Seven Seek Grand Chief Post

The candidates are now in place for Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief.  There are seven people vying for NAN's top spot.  They are; current Deputy Grand Chiefs Terry Waboose and Mike Meta-tawabin, former Sioux Lookout Mayor Lawrence Martin along with the head of of Wawatay David Neegan.  Rounding out the list are  Harvey Yesno, Doug Semple and Brian Davey

More Flood Damage

The City says it's uncovered more damage to public property from the May 28th flood. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says there are two areas that were hit which they weren't aware of until recently.  The first is a trail system by the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway which has not been repaired yet.  He adds the boat launch and parking area on the Kam River at the end of Mountdale Avenue suffered significant damage. Matson says they don't have any damage estimates.

Health Unit Wants Licence Face Lift

The District Health Unit's war on tobacco is taking a new twist. Spokesperson Klaus Larsen says as a way to discourage the sale of tobacco to underage teens, they want the Ontario government to redesign driver's licences to easily identify people under the age of 19.  Larsen says other provinces already use the licence system they are proposing.

Terrace Bay Pulp Fate Up In The Air

It's going to be several days before we know the fate of Terrace Bay Pulp. The judge overseeing the sale of the mill is taking some time to decide whether he will support the sale to a company from India or a late second offer from a Chinese company. Terrace Bay Mayor Mike King says his community just wants to see the sale go through as soon as possible. King says it's disappointing to see an offer for the mill come in so late and last minute.

Salvation Army Looking For Furniture

The Salvation Army is collecting used furniture for victims of Thunder Bay's flood. The group recently acquired a location to store donations and will accept any furniture in good condition. Items in high demand include bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture. To donate call 345-6492.

M.N.R. Responds to 113 Forest Fires

Despite a day of rain, the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to have its hands full with new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. Yesterday alone there were 11 new fires reported across the District. Information Officer Debbie MacLean says they expect to see more activity in the days ahead as warm weather returns. MacLean says over the past five days, the M.N.R. have responded to 113 forest fires in the Northwest region.

Dryden Budget Approved

The 2012 Dryden budget has survived its final vote. Council approved the financial document and accompanying 10 percent tax increase last night. However, the vote didn't come without plenty of opposition.

Twin City Crossroads Closed For Railway Repairs

Twin City Crossrods is closed today between Arthur Street and Highway 11-17. Repairs are being done to the CP railway crossing. Officials in Oliver-Paipoonge say the section of road will be closed until Thursday. Detour routes are posted in the area.

Tsekouras Back In Court In August

The man police arrested after a massive drug sweep in the City is going to be in court for a bail hearing August 1st. John Tsekouras is charged with running a criminal organization, trafficking cocaine and marijuana. The 38 year old was already denied bail in May and has retained one of Canada's leading criminal lawyers Edward Greenspan.

T.Bay Tel's Cambell Retiring

T.Bay Tel's CEO is retiring.  Don Campbell's retirement is set to take place in five months time, but if a replacement isn't found he'll stay on longer.  Campbell says he's extremely proud of his time with the company. The company's board has hired a firm to conduct a search for a replacement and will be looking at candidates in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Tomeck Sentenced To 5 Years In Jail

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man will be spending the next five years in prison. Bradley Tomeck was sentenced yesterday after being convicted of armed robbery and weapons charges following the robbery of a credit union on Highway 130 in January of last year. Tomeck was convicted of making off with $3,000.

Border Cats To Play "Twi-Night" Double-Header

The Thunder Bay Border Cats had their game against Duluth cancelled last night because of wet field conditions. The two teams will try and make-up the game as part of a "twi-night" double-header. The first of two 7 inning games begins at Subway field tonight at 6:05 p.m.

Porter Signs Deal To Stay With Blues

The St. Louis Blue have re-signed Chris Porter to a two-way contract for next season. The 28 year old who grew up in Thunder Bay had 7 points in 47 games with the club last season.

Border Cats Game Cancelled Today

Thunder Bay's Border Cats are playing a double header tomorrow.  Today's game was cancelled because the field was too wet.  They'll play two games against Duluth at 6:05 Tuesday. 

Court Documents Reveal Government Role

The provincial government is not standing in the way of the sale of a north shore mill to a company from India. Court documents show that the McGuinty government is forgiving a nearly 25 million dollar loan to Terrace Bay Pulp, something Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says will help with the sale of the mill, and will help creditors get paid more money. The new company plans to convert the mill to make rayon.

Arson Update

Thunder Bay Police continue to investigate a rash of arsons from over the weekend.  The first incident on Saturday saw a travel trailer and car burned in the 100 block of Bethune Street.  On Sunday, Police responded to a suspicious fire at the intersection of Alice Avenue and Paquette Road. A front end loader was damaged as a result of the blaze.  Police are looking for a vehicle they spotted in the area, a yellow Nissan Frontier pickup truck.  Anyone with information on these incidents should contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Cargo North Buys New Aircraft

Cargo North is buying a new Basler Turbo 67 aircraft. The investment group is teaming up with Nakina Air Service and North Star Air to provide the new transport craft that will be able to hold 11-thousand pounds of cargo. It will be in service by November.

Police Warn Of Winners Scam

Put your wallets away, you aren't winning 10 thousand dollars.  That's what residents in the area have been told by a phone-scam artist.  The person claims to be from Winners and is doing customer appreciation calls, saying they will send you 10 grand. But in order to do so, they need your credit card information. Police want to remind people that if they get this call, hang up, and to never give your credit card information if you have won a prize.

South Side Crash Hurts One

Police have now cleared up the scene of a  two vehicle collision at the corner of Franklin and Ridgeway just before 1 o'clock this afternoon.  Police can't immediately confirm that one woman was sent to hospital, but based on an early report, they didn't believe any injuries were serious.

NOSM Researcher Studying First Nation Disease

A Northern Ontario School of Medicine researcher is looking into what's causing a deadly new infection to hit area native communities.  Dr. Marina Ulanova says the new strain of the disease is impacting mostly First Nations.  Ulanova and her team are taking blood samples looking for antibodies to create a vaccine to eradicate the disease.

Probe Into Minaki Explosion

Both the Ministries of Labour and Environment are investigating an explosion on a boat at the Minaki marina.   Ontario Provincial Police say that it took place early in the weekend and involved a boat that was being refueled.   They say the explosion took place when the boat was started after some fuel spilled inside from a broken hose.  Two people remain in hospital in Kenora with second degree burns.

Police Report Second City Fatality

City Police are confirming a second fatal accident this morning, this one on John Street Road.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says a 50 year old man was driving his pick up truck when he left the road and hit a tree.  He died as a result of his injuries.

Facelift For 527

The road to Armstrong is under construction. The Ontario government is rebuilding 25 kilometres of Highway 527 north of Thunder Bay. Pioneer Construction is the contractor and is creating about 70 jobs.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident In The City

A pedestrian is dead following a collision outside the main entrance at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.   Spokesperson Chris Adams says the 60 year old patient died shortly after the accident occured around 9 this morning.  Police say the man threw himself under a truck which was driving near the main entrance of the building.

Adam Leon Back In Court In October

Adam Leon is heading back to court in October.  The ex-Confederation College student is charged with theft following an incident where a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States.  His lawyer Neil McCartney feels Leon shouldn't be tried in Canada since he was already charged and served time in the United States.  McCartney is asking the court to consider Leon's situation as "double jeopardy."

Police Seek Arsonist

City police are investigating what they believe is an arson overnight. Thunder Bay Police officers noticed a vehicle on fire in a car lot located on 11th Avenue just after 3:00 a.m. Members of the Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. 3 vehicles in total were destroyed. Police are seeking the public's help for information.

68 Forest Fires Now Burning

Firefighters in our region have their hands full with a rash of new forest fires. 13 new fires were reported all over the Northwest district bring the total number of active fires up to 68. The largest fire is burning in the Red Lake district inside Caribou Provincial Park. That fire is measured at 934 hectares. The Sioux Lookout district is also dealing with a large fire measuring more than 400 hectares in size. None of the active forest fires are threatening any residents.

Camp Quality Kicks Off

Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario is gearing up for another fun-filled week. Children living with cancer will set off on a 6 day adventure starting today as they get picked up at the Landmark Inn this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Around the World". Campers ranging in ages between 5 and 17 will be shuttled out to camp Duncan on East Loon Lake. Activities planned throughout the week include the annual soccer game between campers and the Police Association and a planned afternoon of fishing.

Cats Lose Opener In Duluth

The Thunder Bay Border Cats dropped the opener of their five game series with the Duluth Huskies last night 5-2. The series now switches to Subway field for a pair of games starting tonight at 7:05 before returning to Duluth for the last two. The Border Cats now have a record of 5-6 in the second half and are 2 games back of Willmar for first place.