Sioux Lookout Fire Bug

Sioux Lookout O.P.P. are investigating a possible fire bug. Provincial Police were called to a residence yesterday and met up with the Fire Service to put out a fire. Damages to the home were undetermined but police say people were sleeping inside the home at the time of the fire. O.P.P. say they are looking into a rash of fires in the recent months and are appealing to the public for help with any information.

Pikangikum Braces For Education Announcement

The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan is expected to make an  announcement related to First Nation education today. Minister Duncan will be joined by Pikangikum Chief Peter Quill at the local community centre. Yesterday John Duncan announced a new elementary school would be built in Fort Severn First Nation. The announcement is expected to be made just after 1:00 O'Clock today.

Mauro To Hebert...Don't Be An Alarmist

There's controversy between two local politicians surrounding Ontario Power Generation's plans to convert it's Mission Island power station to natural gas.  Councillor Larry Hebert is warning of rolling blackouts if a power purchase agreement can't be reached with the OPG and the Ontario Power Authority, but MPP Bill Mauro doesn't agree. He says it's all part of the negotiating process and tells the councillor not be be an alarmist.  Hebert's comments follow news that purchase agreement talks between the OPG and and Power Authority have stalled.

West Nile Not A Threat In The North

Despite high numbers of reported cases of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in southern Ontario, we appear to be quite safe here in the North. Entimologist, Dr. Ken Deacon says there have been no positive tests on mosquitoes trapped here so far. Apparently even higher temperatures than what we've experienced for it to be a legitimate threat.

Swimming Advisory..On Again

Just in time for the weekend comes news of a swimming advisory for the Main Beach at Boulevard Lake.  The Health Unit says it's due to high bacteria levels.   Meantime the advisory for the Main Beach at Chippewa Park remains in effect.  

Local Jobless Rate Up

The latest Government figures show  unemployment was up in the city last month.   Statistics Canada says the jobless rate in Thunder Bay for July was 6.1 per cent.  That's up from 5.7 per cent the month before.

Thunder Bay All-Stars Lose Canadian Championship

There will be no Junior Little League World Series for the Thunder Bay All-Stars. They were beaten 14-2 in 5-innings by Alberta in yesterday's Canadian final in Lethbridge, Alberta. The All-Stars allowed 5 runs in the top of the first and were unable to recover. The team was playing for a spot at the world's in Taylor, Michigan.

Border Cats Eliminated From Playoffs

The Thunder Bay Border Cats will now try and play the roll of spoiler in their last regular season home game of the 2012 season tonight. The Border Cats were officially eliminated from playoff contention after suffering an 11-4 loss at the hands of the Duluth Huskies last night. The series finale goes tonight at 7:05 p.m.at Subway Field.

Election Day Next Week For NAN

Election Day is coming up next week for Chiefs with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Delegates at the Keewaywin Conference in Kashechewan First Nation will be voting for NAN's executive council. August 15th is election day.

Afternoon Mishap

No one is injured following a three vehicle accident at the intersection of Tupper and High Street which happened just after 3:30 this afternoon.  There's no word on any possible charges.

Joe Van Koerverden Happy For Son

Dryden City Manager Joe Van Koerverden is feeling nothing but pride for son Adam.  Adam Van Koerverden grabbed a silver medal in Men's Kayaking at the Olympic Games yesterday.  Father Joe was in the stands for the race and says there was nothing but celebration afterwards.  Joe says Adam wanted gold but is content and happy with silver.

Rickford New Gig

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford's summer just got busier.  Rickford has been appointed to a five member panel which will decide who will become the next justice on the Supreme Court of Canada.  The panel will review a list of qualified candidates from the Province of Quebec and submit a list of three people to the Prime Minister for review.  The all-party panel was appointed today by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.

NOTO Talks Summer Tourism

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is reporting a slightly better tourist season this summer.  Executive Director Doug Reynolds says camp owners are seeing better turnout than in previous years.  Reynolds says it seems American anglers are less nervous about their economy and are coming back to vacation in Northwestern Ontario.

New Tim Hortons Camp Underway

A long time coming for local kids!  Officials say a Manitoba First Nation has backed off its opposition to a Tim Horton children's camp near Pinawa.  Dave Newnham of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation says it recently signed a lease for a site on Sylvia Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park.  This would become the closest camp for disadvantaged Northwestern Ontario children who attend camp on a yearly basis.

Metro & Quality Market Raise Cash

Thunder Bay's Metro and Quality Market Stores are jumping in to help area residents impacted by the May 28th flood. Metro Spokesperson Brian McNamara says during the September long weekend they'll be asking for a dollar from their customers at the till. McNamara says they decided to help fund raise for the Disaster Relief Fund since many of their employees are still without proper accommodations.

No Basement Flooding Says City



Cars re-routed on Fort William Rd.

 There are no reports of basement flooding in the city as the result of the overnight and morning rainstorm. City official Kerri Marshall says the storm sewer system seems to have held up well especially in the East End which got socked in the May 28th storm.  Marshall says however that there has been some roads that have flooded in fact a sewer back-up forced the closure of a portion of Fort William Road.

HMCS Ville De Quebec To Visit City

Tourism officials with the city are hoping to see 2,000 to 4,000 visitors per day when the HMCS Ville De Quebec visits Thunder Bay. The active naval ship will dock at Pool 6 on Wednesday of next week and is more than 400 feet in length, weighs more than 5,000 tonnes and has a crew of more than 200. Admission is free and they are offering free transportation from the Auditorium and the Heart of the Harbour.

The End Of An Era

It's the end of an era in the local shipping industry. At the end of this month the local office of the Canadian Ports Clearance Association will close. It has directed ship traffic in the port for over a hundred years. Local shipping official William Hryb says the company doesn't have the clout it used to. Hryb says the association's job will be left to the grain companies.

Housing Starts Up Again

The number of housing starts in Thunder Bay continues to be above normal. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says there were 42 total Thunder Bay starts in July surpassing July of last year. 28 homes, 2 duplexes and 12 condominium starts were reported last month which beats the 34 starts compared to last year during the same time period. Market Analyst for C.M.H.C. Warren Philp says "Rising prices in the resale market are encouraging more denser forms of housing construction that offer more choice to consumers."

Thunder Bay Plays For National Title

The Thunder Bay All-Stars were giant killers yesterday at the Canadian Junior Little League Championships in Lethbridge. The #4 seed team from Thunder Bay advanced to the tournament final with a 12-4 win over #1 seed B.C. in the semi-finals. Thunder Bay now takes on Alberta in the final today at 3:00 p.m. for the right to move on to the Junior Little League World Series in Taylor, Michigan.

Border Cats Blast Huskies

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are playing loose right now. They crushed the Duluth Huskies 13-3 at Subway field last night to keep their slim playoff chances alive. The Border Cats have to win their 4 remaining games, have Willmar lose all of theirs and hope that nobody else within the North Division gets to 19 wins. Game two of their 3 game series is tonigh at 7:05 p.m.

Six New Officers Sworn In

There are now six new city police officers who have sworn to keep the peace. They were sworn in at an afternoon ceremony at the provincial court building on Arthur Street. Justice Dino DiGiuseppe presided over the event. The six are: Brydon Beck, Michael Coehlo, Trevor Dunn, Carl Hagstrom, (John) Jarret Hay and Kyle Kehler.

Hajdu New Gig

Thunder Bay's drug strategy co-ordinator has been hired as executive director of Shelter House. Patti Hajdu starts the new job later this month and will replace Cal Rankin, who left the organization earlier this year.

E-Bike Ride Passes Through City

Another Cross Canada Tour is making its way through Thunder Bay today, this one with world record intentions. Danny Halmo is riding his electric bike across the country promoting green energy usage and is currently adding to his world record breaking journey. Halmo will make his way to Thunder Bay today and plans on making a visit and donation to a local food bank as part of his trip.

Morning Accidents Keep Police Busy

City police are going from one accident to another it seems.   They're probing two separate accidents that sent a total of three people to hospital.   The first was a two vehicle crash on Golf Links Road just after 10 o'clock.  Two SUV's collided sending both drivers to hospital with unknown injuries.   The second was a two vehicle mishap on Court and Pearl about an hour later.   Police say one vehicle T-boned the other at the intersection.  At least one person, a woman, was sent to hospital to be checked out.   There's no word on any possible charges in either accident.

Health Sciences Centre Gets Cash

The Provincial Government is putting more nurses to work in Thunder Bay.  The Regional Health Sciences Centre will receive over 4 thousand nursing hours at the hospital's emergency room to care for patients who arrive by ambulance.  The hospital is getting 220-thousand dollars to hire the nurses in 2012-2013.

Accident Sends Two To Hospital

Two people are in hospital following a two vehicle accident on Golf Links Road just after 10 o'clock this morning. The extent of the injuries isn't known. The circumstances surrounding the collision between the two SUV's are not being released by police. The accident happened at the entrance to a chiropractic clinic.

Transit Removing Cumberland Bus Stop

Thunder Bay Transit is making some small changes throughout the community this summer.  Spokesperson John Hendel says a  bus stop on Cumberland Street at Van Norman is being removed as of Friday.  Meanwhile, you may notice that there are new bus stop signs popping up throughout the City; Hendel says they've purchased new signs to replace all of their old signs.

Thunder Bay All-Stars Bounced At Nationals

The Thunder Bay All-Stars had their hopes of a Canadian Senior Little League Championship dashed yesterday as they lost 8-3 to Lethbridge in the tournament semi-final being played in Regina. Meanwhile at the Canadian Junior Little League Championships in Lethbridge, the team from Thunder Bay posted a huge 14-0 win over Alberta to claim the 4th and final playoff spot. They'll now play the top seed from B.C. in a semi-final today.

Border Cats Open Final Homestand

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are back at Subway ield tonight to start their final 3 game homestand of the regular season against the Duluth Huskies. The Border Cats are 14-16 in the second half in the North Division with just five games left in the season. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

NOHFC Funding For Atikokan

Two Atikokan businesses are getting money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.  Exclusive Wilderness Excursions will use almost 124 thousand dollars to expand their business.  They're going to build an 8 unit motel and hire six new people.  Calm Lake Break which makes whole grain bread is using almost 5 thousand dollars to build an outdoor oven.

Mayor Says Thanks

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is saying thank you to the many people and organizations who helped move evacuees back to Sandy Lake.  The 574 evacuated residents returned home from Thunder Bay over the weekend.  Hobbs says the local Fire and Rescue played a big role in coordinating the response efforts.  The evacuees were forced out of their homes because of smoke from area forest fires.

TBDHU Respiratory Illness

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is warning the public of a respiratory illness outbreak at Lakehead Manor. All admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled until further notice. Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only.

TSB Wraps Up Plane Crash Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board has wrapped up it's investigation into Sunday's plane crash near Sioux Lookout. A TSB Spokesperson says a gust of wind caused the pilot to lose control of the plane over Pelican Lake. The plane's pilot and four passengers all suffered minor injuries. Slate Falls Airways is also conducting it's own investigation into the crash.

Kenora Area Boat Accident

The OPP have charged a second person in connection with a boat accident on Lake of the Woods last week.  Police say 40 year old Kristin Hanson of Winnipeg was the operator of a 19 foot crown line, which was involved in a collision with a 15 foot Bayliner last Sunday morning.  She's been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.  The 25 year old operator of the Bayliner was charged with impaired operation of a vessel causing bodily harm.  Hanson is due to appear in Kenora Court in October on the charge. 

Ministry of Labour Investigating Injured Worker

The Ministry of Labour is investigating a report of an injured worker at Thunder Bay's Interim Long Term Care Facility. Ministry Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they received an anonymous tip with photos on July 24th. A note advised the Ministry that a worker received an electrical shock while resetting the elevator controls.

Pay A Parking Ticket Online

There's a new way for you to pay your Thunder Bay parking tickets.   Suzanne Christie is part owner of Shout Media and says they'll pay your parking ticket for you for a small price.  Christie says they're not involved with the City.  Shout Media pays the ticket on behalf of the person who was fined.  To check out the rates and find out more click here.

Green Party Weighs In On Ring Of Fire

The Leader of the Ontario Green Party feels the Liberals are mishandling the development of the Ring of Fire. The green party leader spoke out recently about the project noting his party supports mining development when it's done right. Mike Schreiner says the Government is rushing the project through. Schreiner says the mineral resources found in the Ring of Fire aren't going anywhere and there isn't a need to rush the process.

Fair Starts Tomorrow

Time is running out to get your advance tickets for the CLE fair.  Metro will be selling the wrist band and admission tickets up until 9 Tuesday night.  CLE Spokesperson Lawrence Timko says they're ready to open the fair gates Wednesday at noon.  The fair runs until Sunday at midnight.

MNR Says Goodbye To Out Of Town Crews

M.N.R. officials are letting fire crews from out of province head home after the forest fire situation eased over the weekend.   The Ministry of Natural Resources say one new fire started on Sunday near Lake of the Woods near Kenora.  Out of province resources from Saskatchewan and New Brunswick were released from the Northwest Region assignment over the weekend.  Contract crews are also being released from fires. These resources provided support to the Northwest Region during the peak of fire activity.

Border Cats Cap Off Trip With Win

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are in desperation Mode. They won 10-5 yesterday on the road Against Rochester. They now have an off day today before beginning their final 3 game home stand of the regular season against Duluth. The Border Cats are 4 1/2 games back in the North Division with 5 games left to play.

Little League Update

The Thunder Bay All-Stars will play Lethbridge today in the semi-final in Regina at the Canadian Senior Little League championships. The All-Stars suffered a 13-1 loss to the tournament leaders from Quebec in their final round robin game yesterday and had to settle for a 3-2 record. Meanwhile at the Canadian Junior Little league championships in Lethbridge, Thunder Bay lost 8-7 to Quebec. They now sit with a record of 2-3 and play Alberta today, needing a win in order to try and make the playoffs which start tomorrow.

Cumming Defends Strathcona Invitational Title

Robert Cumming was successful in defending his Strathcona Invitational title. Cumming birdied the final hole to win his fourth invitational title over Mark Willianen. Randy Fossum took the Senior title, while Tony Stokaluk won the Super Senior Division.

Plane Crashes On Pelican Lake

Five people are feeling very fortunate to have suffered only minor injuries. A pilot and four passengers were taking a sight seeing tour over Sioux Lookout when their plane crashed shortly after take-off on Sunday on Pelican Lake. O.P.P. are crediting the rapid response by Emergency Services, citizens and Slate Falls Airways employees who assisted in getting everyone to safety. All five people sustained minor injuries and were treated and released from hospital.

Border Cats Lose Again

The Rochester Honkers beat Thunder Bay's Border Cats Sunday 7-4.  They'll play each other again Monday night. 

Sandy Lake Evacuees Go Home

The forest fire situation near Sandy Lake has eased allowing evacuees to return home.  550 First Nation Residents were forced out of their homes last week due to the heavy smoke coming into their community from near by fires.  Emergency Management Ontario says evacuees in Thunder Bay started returning home over the weekend.

Cycling For Organ Donation Awareness

A 21 year old medical student from Quebec is cycling across Canada and will be in Thunder Bay Sunday and Monday. Quinn Thomas started his journey in Vancouver just a few weeks ago and wants to raise awareness about organ donation. Thomas got into the city late Saturday night and will be meeting area residents today.

Charges Pending For Motorcycle Accident

Thunder Bay Police are looking to lay charges in another accident yesterday afternoon. The collision between a motorcycle and it's passengers and a pick up truck took place just after two o'clock Saturday at the intersection of John and Junot Streets. The driver of the motorcycle has a broken leg.

Collission Charges Pending

Charges are pending in a two vehicle collission on Bay Street and Johnson Avenue. Police were called to the scene of the accident yesterday where they found a truck had rolled over. The driver of the rolled over pick up truck was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The other driver was uninjured.

Border Cats Fell Again

Thunder Bay's Border Cats fell again to the St. Cloud Rox. This time it's was six nothing.  Tonight they continue their games on the road.  They'll play the Rochester Honkers.