T.Bay Teacher OTF President

A Thunder Bay teacher has been elected as the 69th president of the Ontario Teacher's Federation.  Terry Hamilton has been a math and science teacher with the Lakehead Board of Education since the early 1980's.  The election came last month at a conference in Niagara Falls.

OPP Long Weekend Stats

OPP are reporting a busy weekend on area highways during the Labour Day long weekend.  In North West Region, officers laid 7 distracted driving charges, 813 charges for speeding, 53 seat belt charges and 11 drunk driving charges.

Local Assistant Crown Attorney Charged

An assistant crown attorney in Thunder Bay is in trouble with the law. The Attorney General's Ministry confirms Karen Scullion is charged with a drinking and driving offence and will be court again on October 17th. The Ministry official says Scullion is on leave from her job until the matter is settled.

Out Of Control Party Closed Down On Friday

Police are continuing to investigate a large out of control party on Hacquoil Road from Friday night. Constable Julie Tilbury says when police arrived on the scene they saw 200 cars parked along the roadway toward Highway 61 and estimate around a thousand youth taking part in the celebration. 25 officers including Thunder Bay Police, OPP and NAPS helped close down the party. Tilbury says officers on the scene attempted to get the party revelers out of the area safely and detained some.

Officer Probed After Fake News Release

An internal probe is underway after a bizarre weekend incident that saw a bogus news release issued by city police entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured".   Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the release was connected with an ongoing murder investigation and was quickly retracted.  He calls it unfortunate,  saying it overshadows the hard work and professionalism of the officers who are involved in the murder investigation.    Hay couldn't say why the release may have been sent saying it will be one of the questions police ask of the officer involved.

OPP Still Searching For Missing Man

A 75-year old man is still missing after capsizing his boat northeast of Armstrong. The man was fishing with his 21-year old grandson on Friday when they struck a buoy while on a fly-in fishing trip.  Both men were thrown into the water.  The grandson was able to swim to shore safely, but the grandfather is still missing.  Members of the OPP’s Emergency Response Team and Under Water Search and Recovery Unit are currently searching the area.

Confederation College Starts Thursday

Confederation College starts back up on September 6th.  President Jim Madder says mining courses filled up fast this year as well as courses related to that field.  Students started moving into their residence buildings during the long weekend.

School Starts Wednesday

Lakehead Public School students head back to class Wednesday.  Director of Education, Cathi Siemieiuk says they've added more early learning education classes at elementary schools.  Siemieniuk adds they spent the summer renovating schools and installing new technology in school class rooms.

New Hotel Near Superstore To Be Built Soon

The developer of the new Marriott Town Place Suites near the Real Canadian Superstore says the project is on schedule.  Lou Meandro is with Thompson Centres Inc and says the hotel will start to be built at the end of September or start of October.  In the spring, the developer said construction would start this summer.

Another Bear in the City

 The MNR is hoping there won't be too many more bears wandering the busy streets of the city. Thunder Bay police received several calls yesterday about a large black bear walking in the Simspon Street and May Street area. This was the second bear that MNR officials tranquilized this Long Weekend. Police are reminding the public that these bears can be dangerous and aggressive when provoked.

Navy Veterans Day

Thunder Bay's City Hall is going to raise the Merchant Navy Veterans Flag today. Local Veterans Association Spokesperson and Second World War Vet Thornley Christiansen says it's important to remember what they did during the war. The ceremony will start at 10 today at City Hall with Mayor Keith Hobbs and representatives from the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association.

Homicide Update

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man remains in custody after yesterday's court appearance. Joseph Wesley was arrested and accused of 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Adam Yellowhead last week. Wesley made his first court appearance yesterday and was further charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm for an unrelated incident which happened before the murder. His next court appearance will be on September 6th.

Stabbing at East Victoria Avenue

Thunder Bay Police were called to the 500 block of East Victoria Avenue last night. A 20 year old man was stabbed shortly before 11 last night. He was taken to the Regional Health Sciences Centre where he is listed in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Weekly Claim Form Clinics for Disaster Relief

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is offering claim form clinics every Tuesday night during September and October. The deadline to fill out an application for assistance for losses and damages through the Ontario Disaster Relief Program is October 31st. Chair Wayne Fletcher says they want to make sure everyone who is eligible can fill out a form.

Ignace MNR Office Faces Possible Closure

A valuable service in Ignace may face closure. The Ministry of Natural Resources is closing a number of area offices due to a deficit. Mayor Lee Kennard says the township is growing, and the office is much needed. Kennard says that if the office does close, 11 jobs will be lost. The final decision will be revealed sometime in the fall.

Thunder Bay Man Arrested for Homicide

Police have arrested a 33 year old Thunder Bay man in connection with the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead. Thunder Bay Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the arrest was made without incident before midnight last night in Kenora. Adams says the man is being transported back to Thunder Bay where he will appear in court tomorrow to face a charge of 2nd Degree Murder. Adam Yellowhead's body was found at the end of Field Street on Wednesday night.

Fire Crews Prepare for Long Weekend Fires

Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews are preparing for a possibly busy Labor Day long weekend. The fire hazard is starting to inch up across the region into the high to extreme range. Fire information officer Heather Pridham says they've responded to 22 new fires over the past three days. Pridham says most of the new fires have been caused by lightning, but adds that they are also seeing an increase in the number of human-caused fires as the long weekend approaches.

Bow and Arrow Deer Hunt

Thunder Bay's controlled bow and arrow deer hunt starts today. The controlled hunt is in the regulated rural and semi-rural areas of the City and will run until December 15th. Spokesperson Ron Bourret Says they've been fielding a number of inquiries about the hunt and more information will be available online. Bow hunters require the written consent from property owners before being able to hunt on private property.

Autopsy Reveals Death As Homocide

Thunder Bay Police say the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead is a homicide. His body was found on Wednesday in a wooded area on Field Street. Police are seeking the assistance of the public in solving this crime.People can contact the Criminal Investigation Branch or Crimestoppers. The investigation is continuing. 

Peter Mrowiec Passes Away In Plane Crash

The Juab County Sheriff's Office confirm 58 year old Thunder Bay Lawyer Peter Mrowiec died in a plane crash Thursday in central Utah. Sheriff Aldon Orme says bad weather was a factor in the crash that killed Mrowiec and his instructor. Mrowiec had purchased the plane and hired an instructor to log some flight hours on the aircraft. Orme says it's unclear if Mrowiec was the one flying the plane at the time of the accident.

LU Baseball Team Recruits

Lakehead University has it's latest recruit for the baseball team.  They've picked a local player and graduate of Superior College.  Taylor MacAski will be studying Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism at LU and plays outfield and pitcher.

MNR Reports More Fires

While four new fires have been confirmed in the Northwest region, there's some good news to report.  Currently there are no fires posing a threat to people or property.  The new fires are small in size and are being managed.  The warmer weather forecast for this weekend will likely reduce the number of lightning caused fires.

Local Police Don't Get Bankable Sick Days

The President of the Thunder Bay Police Association is clearing the air over claims City Police are allowed to bank their sick days for future use.  Greg Stephenson says that's not the case and local police haven't been able to do that since the late 80's.  Stephenson is reacting to the Premier asking area municipalities to remove bankable sick time from future contracts.  Stephenson says if Dalton McGuinty wants to find savings he can look to his own back yard and claw back MPP pensions.

Bortuzzo Signs 2 way Deal With Pens

Thunder Bay's Robert Bortuzzo has re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The defenceman signed a 1 year, 2 way deal with the club for $525,000 U.S.

Port's Crane First Lift

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is full of pride today as it watches it's new mobile harbour crane lift cargo off a boat from the Netherlands.  CEO Tim Heney says the crane is lifting heavy wind turbines that are destined for a wind farm in the Western United States.  It's the crane's inaugral lift.

Presiding Coroner Revealed

Ontario's Chief Coroner is making moves leading up to the beginning of a joint inquest into the deaths of seven Aboriginal Youth who died while attending school in Thunder Bay.  The inquest is scheduled to begin in the Spring of next year.  Dr. Andrew McCallum appointed Thunder Bay and Hamilton's Assistant Crown Attorney's as the coroner's counsel. Dr. David Eden will be the Presiding Coroner.

Northern Policy Institute Launched

The Provincial Government is launching the Northern Policy Institute.  NPI Special Advisor, Lakehead University's President Dr. Brian Stevenson says they're looking to set up their office and hire staff within the next six to eight months.  Stevenson adds they're hiring a search consultant to look for the organizations first CEO.  One of the guiding principles of the institute is to provide Northern Ontario input on Provincial Government policies.

6'4" Forward Added To Women's basketball Team

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves women's basketball team have added some much needed size up front. They announced 6-foot-4 forward, Sarah Barclay will be joining the team from Brandon, Manitoba. The engineering student will join six recruits to L.U.'s club this season.

Mobility Market Expansion?

Tbay Tel isn't commenting on rumours they may have competition in the local mobility market.  Bell Mobility has said they're looking to expand its retail operations into the Thunder Bay area but an official open date has not yet been set.  T.Bay Tel Spokesperson Barry Streib says they're focusing on their current customers.  A media spokesperson for Virgin Mobile says they haven't made any announcements saying they will be setting up a shop in Thunder Bay this fall.

OPP Find Grow Op In Atikokan

OPP are charging two 54 year old Atikokan men with producing marijuana, possession of pot and morphine and several firearm offences. During a joint forces investigation, police observed two men tending to a grow op of marijuana in the area of Turtle River Road. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and additional evidence was seized from a residence in Atikokan. Robert Kozar and Kevin Leblanc will be in Fort Frances Provincial Court on September 17th.

Busy July For Border Agents

It was a busy July for Canada Border Service Agents at Pigeon River.  On Canada Day agents noticed a U.S. resident acting nervous. They searched him and found a small bag of marijuana. Another search of his vehicle turned up 16 dosages of magic mushrooms. The drugs were seized, he was arrested for smuggling and the car was released after he paid 660 dollars.  In another incident, a Canadian man told agents he bought a pool cue in the States for just over 75 dollars. After some investigation the man admitted he altered his invoice and he really paid 451 dollars for the cue. The man was fined 211 dollars. Border Services says had he properly declared the pool cue, he would only have paid around sixty dollars in taxes.

Salvation Army Employee Book Launch

A Salvation Army Thrift Store employee who published his own book is launching it Saturday at the store he works at on Red River Road.  Ernest Grundy says his book is about his daily struggle with mental illness.  Grundy says he spent most of his life savings on publishing the book.

Commisso On Flood Relief Fund

City Manager Tim Commisso says fundraising for flood relief is his number one priority for the next couple of months.   He is urging fellow residents to open their giant hearts to raise the 4-million dollars that's needed to help in the wake of the May 28th flood.   Commisso says the Safe Home program alone cost the city nearly 3-million dollars just to clean-up homes flooded in the disaster. To date the flood fund committee has raised almost 900-thousand dollars. 

OPP Long Weekend Blitz

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.  The Ontario Provincial Police want to remind everyone to be careful this Labour Day long weekend.  OPP will be patrolling this weekend looking for distracted drivers, those not wearing their seat belts and impaired driving.  OPP Sgt. Shelley Garr says unfortunately ten people have died this year on roads in the Northwest, compared to 13 last year.

Post Mortem Exam Friday

A post mortem exam is taking place Friday on the body of a 65 year old man who was found dead in a wooded area off of Field Street.  Police Constable Julie Tilbury says they hope to get the results from the Thunder Bay Coroner sometime Friday.  The scene where the body was found Wednesday will be secured by police until the results of the exam are received.

T.Bay Marathon New Competitor

Thunder Bay's Marathon, Miles with the Giant is quickly approaching.  The Board of Directors are excited elite athlete Thomas Omwenga will be taking part in the marathon on September 23rd.  Directors hope he will be able to set a new speed record for their event.  Omwenga will face 2011 Thunder Bay Marathon champion and fellow Kenyan Gilbert Kiptoo.

No West Nile Cases In N.W.O.

No concerns in Northwestern Ontario, but the West Nile virus is hitting southern Ontario hard. Health officials say 82 people, all in Southern Ontario, have been infected. Public Health Ontario says the virus has been identified in northwestern Ontario, but no one here has contracted the mosquito-born illness.

Accident On Waterloo Street

Everyone walked away with no injuries following a motor vehicle collision Thursday morning.  Police and ambulance were called to North Waterloo and East Vickers Street just in front of the Tim Horton's.  Two vehicles were involved in a collision. A grey Suzuki Twist and a black Chevy truck collided with each other.  There were no injuries, there is no word on any charges.

Bear Sighting Near Grandview

City Police are investigating a bear sighting in the Current River area area early this morning. Police were called to the area near Hudson Avenue by multiple witnesses but the bear had vacated the area by the time police arrived.

Man Arrested For Mac's Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 32 year old man with the robbery of the Balsam Street Mac's Convenience Store on Monday night.  Constable Julie Tilbury says they picked the man up Wednesday night in a Northside residence. The man is charged with Robbery and Breach of Recognizance.

Loonie Days For Flood Fund Kicks Off Friday

A variety of businesses are taking part in loonie days for disaster relief this long weekend.  Flood Fund Program Manager Kari Chiappetta says it's vital people come out and donate a loonie when they're shopping at local businesses.  You can donate a dollar this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at all Metro, Quality Market stores, Walmart, Old Navy, Chatters Salon and a variety of other businesses.

Lac des Illes Mine Strike Vote

Workers at the Lac des Illes mine could go on strike in September.  The United Steel Workers Union held a strike vote recently with 94 percent of employees voting in favour of labour action.  USW Spokesperson Herb Daniher says there have been some stumbling points in negotiations including bringing a work safety advisor back into the company.  A provincial mediator will sit down with the employer and the union for three days of negotiation at the beginning of September.

Body Found Behind Lakehead Motors

Thunder Bay Police have identified the 65 year old man who was found dead this morning in the Intercity area.  Just before 9:00 a.m. people walking in the wooded area at the end of Field Street came across the body and went to a nearby business to alert police.  Detectives are now awaiting the result of a post mortem to determine the cause of the death.

Ornge Air Ambulance Service In T.Bay Back To Normal

Ornge's helicopter air ambulance service is back to running out of its Thunder Bay base.  It was moved to Moosonee and Kenora on a temporary basis due to a pilot shortage but Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro says the organization has been able to rectify the matter.  Mauro says Ornge has struggled in the past with recruiting helicopter pilots and it's an ongoing problem.

Dryden Donates To T.Bay Flood Fund

Dryden Council has responded to an appeal for assistance issued by Thunder Bay. The Lakehead is still reeling from a major flood in May and a group has been formed to raise 5-million dollars to help those affected by the water damage. Dryden Council has agreed to donate 1-thousand dollars to the cause. The province will match that funding.

College Teachers Reach Agreement

Confederation College teachers won't be going on strike this fall. Ontario's 24 colleges today reached a tentative agreement with their faculty. It's a two year deal that starts in September and expires in August 2014. The deal includes no changes to benefits and freezes faculty

Kia Gives Vehicle To Crimestoppers

Thunder Bay Crimestoppers has a new vehicle thanks to Performance Kia.  The business donated the vehicle to the organization this morning.  Crimestoppers Coordinator Jason Disher says he'll be driving the vehicle around for the next three years.  Disher says it will come in handy since he's following up on tips from Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Manitouwadge and Greenstone. 

Neebing Avenue Closed

Neebing Avenue will be closed until early October as city crews work on road and watermain construction. Neebing Avenue has been closed this week between Gore Street and Walsh Street and will remain closed for at least another five weeks. Gore Street and Walsh Street remain open as detour routes. Other access roads including Rosslyn Road and Broadway Avenue remain open. There will be local access to the area from Mary Street, Francis Street and Frederica Street.

Rafferty Puzzled By Boundary Map

A possible redraw of federal ridings in Northwestern Ontario has the M.P. for Thunder Bay-Rainy River scratching his head. The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario proposes Lake of the Woods township be a part of the Kenora riding. John Rafferty is confused as to why it has to be moved out of his riding. Rafferty intends to voice his opposition at upcoming meetings this fall.

Forest Fire Season Not Over Yet

 A reminder the fire season in Northwestern Ontario isn't over yet. The Ministry of Natural Resources says it reponded to 6 new blazes in the region, including two more in the Kenora area. One was located near Minaki while the other was just South of Kenora on Lake of the Woods. The M.N.R. says all the new fires were the result of lightning strikes over the past few days. With warmer conditions expected over the next few days, fire crews are expecting to see more activity.