Dryer Cause Of Victor Street Home Fire

Thunder Bay's Fire Department says a dryer is the cause of a fire at Victor Street Saturday night.  Fire Prevention Captain Eric Nordlund says the dryer had an electrical malfunction.  The owner put some laundry in the dryer and left his house.  When he and his dog got back to the home they found it on  fire.  No one was hurt and all of the contents of the home were destroyed.

Mining Project Continues Environment Phase

The environmental assessment process for a proposed copper mine near Marathon hits Thunder Bay Tuesday. A Joint Review Panel is holding an information session in the city in the evening.   Panel spokesperson Lucille Jamault  says the panel's secretariat will give any interested groups the information they need on how to participate in the process.   She says The session takes place at the Victoria Inn starting at 7 o'clock.

Litt Remembers "Sam The Record Man"

A retail giant in the Canadian record industry is dead. Sam Sniderman, the founder of Sam The Record Man, was 92. John Litt managed a Sam The Record Man store in Thunder Bay and says Sniderman was one of a kind, calling him warm hearted and jovial.  He recalls the winter when Sniderman was going to come to Thunder Bay to perform with the symphony orchestra at Selkirk High School, but his plane was forced to turn back because of bad weather. Litt says Sniderman changed the way records were marketed in the country.

Early A.M. Hodder Avenue Fire

Firefighters are speculating about a possible mattress fire that forced residents on Hodder Avenue to wakeup early this morning. The fire was called in just after 5:30 a.m. this morning to the townhouses on the 600 block. Four units were initially called but the fire was later downgraded after firefighters were able to inspect the scene. No one is reported to be hurt.

Victor Street Fire Investigated

A fire on the 14-hundred block of Victor Street is now being investigated. Five units and 24 firefighters were called to the residence on Saturday night after the tenant came home to find heavy smoke in the basement. No one was injured but the residence did suffer heavy smoke and fire damge.

Search Continues For Missing 24 Year Old Boater

O.P.P. Underwater Search and Rescue are now being called in to look for a missing boater. Two men were operating a 14 foot boat on Gun Lake South of Minaki when they were ejected Saturday night because of waves. Witnesses were able to save a 23 year old Winnipeg man but his 24 year old companion is still missing. Provincial Police say neither of the two men were wearing their lifejackets at the time. The search is scheduled to continue today.

Woman Prisoner Dies Near Kenora

A 42 year old woman is dead following a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway. She was a prisoner being transferred by Ontario Provincial Police and died early Sunday morning when their vehicle was hit by a transport on Highway 17-A just outside of Kenora. The two officers in the vehicle were also taken to hospital, treated and released but the female prisoner died in the collision. The province's Special Investigation Unit is now being called in to examine the case, as is protocol when any prisoner's dies while in custody. The intersection of Highway 17-A and 658 was closed until 8:00 o'clock last night but has now fully re-opened.

Miles With the Giant

Gilbert Kiptoo crossed the finish line in first place for the second year in a row as crowds cheered him on at the Miles With the Giant marathon. This year's runs started and finished in the Marina Park and both the marathon and half-marathon are Boston certified. Barry Streib, organizer of the event, says this really puts Thunder Bay on the map and will help to make the event bigger each year. Over 900 runners registered this year. 

Foul Play Not Suspected

An autopsy has been completed on 15-year-old Regina Kakekespan.  Provincial Police are saying that foul play is not suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.  Police say her body was found on Monday in a wooded area behind a church on First Avenue North in Sioux Lookout.  The cause of death has not been released.

Police Board Says Sorry

The Police Services Board is issuing an open letter about the internal police email that went public earlier this month which some Aboriginals feel was offensive.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo is hoping the letter helps to soothe relations between the two groups.  He says they are apologizing to the First Nation community and telling them what the police service board is doing to diversify. Virdiramo says the letter is not being released in hopes area First Nations drop their human rights complaint.

ONWA Releasing Prostitution Report

The Ontario Native Women's Association is releasing a report on Thunder Bay's prostitution trade. ONWA Spokesperson Lana Ray says they spoke to 27 aboriginal sex trade workers.  Ray says many of the women said they would like to see a sex trade worker transition house.  It would help them feel more comfortable and safe when trying to leave the industry.  The prostitution report is expected to come out in October.

Conservatory Debate Monday Night

Thunder Bay City Council is going to have a lot on their minds Monday night as they discuss the future of the Botanical Conservatory.  Several groups have come out in support of the building including the Canadian Union of Public Employees.  CUPE Spokesperson Marie Dean says she just wants visitors and workers at the conservatory to be safe.  CUPE doesn't want the City to lose the 48 year old building.  Meanwhile, Councillor Brian McKinnon says he might support keeping the facility open but only if repairs are made and it's deemed safe.

Public School Garden Tour

Five city public schools are showing off their food gardens Saturday.  Parents and educators are being given a bus tour of all the gardens according to organizer Erin Beagle. She says it's part of a growing trend.  The tour begins at 9 o'clock at Agnew H. Johnson school and wraps up at noon. 

OTF Releases Book

As part of its Aboriginal education awareness project the Ontario Teachers Federation is releasing a book of diverse stories of students across the province.  Students from seven schools in Thunder Bay contributed to the book.

Superior North EMS HQ Open

The Superior North EMS District Headquarters is now officially open.  Chief Norm Gale says the new building has improved the work environment for paramedics.  Gale says he has no complaints about the new building since it came in on time and on budget.

20 Year Old Charged After Wild Party

City Police are charging the 20 year old man who hosted a massive party at his Hacquoil Road residence during the September long weekend.  The party resulted in a number of noise complaints and a congested rural road.  He's charged with Mischief and has a court date of October 23rd.

Canadian Forces Recruiting Office To Close

Workers at the Canadian Forces Recruiting office in Thunder Bay are confirming they are set for closure next year. 6 people work at the office and 3 have already moved on. The office is set for closure on August 31st of next year but will likely close its doors to the public on March 31st. Two people will lose their jobs, the other four will be re-distributed within the Canadian Forces. The Recruting office is closing because of the Harper Government's cutting of expenditures.

Fire Truck Damaged In Collision

A 40 year old Firefighter is now being charged with failing to stop for a red light. 
Police say the charge stems from an incident where a Pumper Rescue unit was travelling westbound through the John and Court Street intersection with sirens and lights activated, when it struck a pick-up truck. The 50 year old driver of the pick-up was taken to hospital, treated and released with minor injuries. Police say the passenger side of the pick-up was completely destroyed, meanwhile there is extensive damage to the front end of the Pumper Rescue unit.

Thunderwolves Men's Hockey Hosts Gee Gee's

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves face their first pre-season test this weekend against the visiting Ottawa Gee Gee's. Head Coach Joel Scherban says they have three former O.H.L. captains joining the team and will be expecting them to contribute right away. Puck drop is at 7:30 at the Fort William Gardens on Friday and Saturday night.

North Stars Start Season On Road

The 12th Superior International Junior Hockey League season gets underway tonight on three fronts. The Thunder Bay North Stars travel to Hoyt Lakes to take on the Minnesota Iron Rangers in their opening game. Still no head coach has been named for the team, which is under new ownership.

BB Gun Lands Teen In Trouble

A 17 year old boy is in trouble with city police after they received an anonymous call on Wednesday night about a youngster staggering down the street with a handgun.  Officers were called to the area of the Limbrick Townhouses and later located the teen with a gun in his hand. Police drew their pistols and ordered him to the ground.  The youth didn't put up a fight and was visibly intoxicated at the time of the arrest.  The gun turned out to be a bb gun that's described as a black replica handgun. He's charged with Possession of Weapons Dangerous to the Public, Breach of Probation and Breach of Undertaking.

Under 30? Why Not Go To The Symphony

Good news if your under the age of 30. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is offering students and young professionals the opportunity to buy tickets to their concerts for 15 dollars. TD Canada Trust helped make the cheaper tickets possible. Development Manager of the TBSO Kelly Rooney says the lower ticket prices help create a connection between youth and the symphony early on. Rooney adds students and the under 30 set are the future supporters of the arts.

Mill Start Up Creates Noise Concern

All is back to normal at Resolute Forest Products.   A listener called to complain about a consistent loud noise coming from the mill at around 2 o'clock this afternoon.   A company spokesperson says that at the time,  the mill was starting back up from its annual maintenance outage and what the listener probably heard was noise from the steam pressure valves being released.

Giant Marathon Sunday

The third annual Miles with the Giant Marathon is set to go Sunday.  Organizer Charla Robinson says hundreds of runners will take off from Prince Arthur's Landing at 8 in the morning including several from Kenya.  Several roads will be closed off during the marathon Sunday including Court,  Beverly and Cumberland Streets.

Miss Thunder Bay 2012

The City's first Miss Thunder Bay Pageant is quickly approaching. The winner of this year's pageant will go on to represent the city in the 2013 Miss Northern Ontario pageant.  Contestant and Grade 11 student Natalie Krzeminski says pageants are a great way to boost young girls self esteem.  The beauty pageant will take place November 2nd and 3rd at the Slovak Legion.

Extensive Mining Study To Be Released

Bahram Dadgostar

A group of movers and shakers in the city called Ambassadors Northwest is about to release a comprehensive mining study. Group spokesperson Marv Detweiler says the study was done by Bahram Dadgostar at Lakehead University and will give an overview of the mining boom in the region. Detweiler says it will address the value of the minerals, the workforce that will be required, infrastructure and First Nations involvement. The report will be released at a news conference on Thursday morning.

Kidney Foundation Walk Saturday

The Thunder Bay chapter of The Kidney Foundation of Canada is holding a fundraising walk Saturday. Registration gets underway at 9 am at Sir Winston Churchill High School. Spokesperson Lisa Galon says there's a great need for funds in the region. She says there are over 13 hundred patients in the region suffering from kidney disease. The group hopes to raise over 7 thousand dollars.

Greenstone Wants Mills Back Up & Running

Greenstone is asking the Ministry of Natural Resources to provide their two idle sawmills with a sufficient amount of softwood.  Council passed the motion at its September 10th meeting.  The township feels a reliable wood supply would allow the Longlac and Nakina mills to employ people again.

Con College Casting Call

Calling all would be movie stars. Confederation College's Film Production Program is holding an open casting call Saturday and Sunday at Intercity Mall. Spokesperson Lee Chambers says it's open to all ages and shape and size. Chambers says they'll be set up at the food court entrance near Zellers in the Mall.

Still Millions To Go

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee has raised just over 1.4 million dollars. They still have to raise just under 4 million dollars. Every dollar the Disaster Relief Committee raises, the Province of Ontario will match it by two dollars.

Gravelle Respects Commissioner's Concerns

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says he's taking the words of the province's Environment Commissioner to heart.   The commissioner blasted Gravelle's ministry for not being open about decisions it makes relating to the environment specifically a program that monitors the population of wildlife in the province.    Gravelle says his ministry is always working to be transparent and will look at the recommendations to see if there is action that needs to be taken.  He hopes to meet with  Commissioner Gord Miller to discuss the concerns.

CFIA Beef Recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expanding its recall of tainted beef originating from Alberta's XL foods.  That beef is believed to be contaminated with E.coli.  The new stores that were added to the recall include Thunder Bay's Real Canadian Wholesale Club and the Real Canadian Superstore.  It also includes No Frills and the Wholesale Club in Kenora, Extra Foods in Dryden, Marathon and Geraldton. Thunder Bay's Superstore says they've pulled the meat off the shelf already.

Hyer Says Trip Was "A Okay"

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is defending his recent trip to Guatemala on mining company Goldcorp's dime.  Mining Watch blasted Hyer and his fellow four MP's for taking the trip in August.  Hyer says he guesses they'll just have to agree to disagree about what's inappropriate.  Hyer says he didn't break any rules and reported the trip and the costs to the House Of Commons.

Dryden Council Sells DMTS Mobility

Dryden Council has agreed in principle to sell Dryden Mobility to Tbaytel. The transaction is still subject to Council approval. Tbaytel President Don Campbell says the sale will provide Dryden customers with access to coverage, handsets, price plans and features that they previously didn't have access to. Campbell says the goal is for a seamless transition. A public meeting will be held next Thursday to discuss the deal. Additional details will be released at that time. Meanwhile, the city of Dryden has agreed in principle to the sale of DMTS landline and internet services to Bell Aliant for 4.5-million dollars. The sale still needs to be approved by City Council and no meeting date has been set. Bell officials say this is a small one-time opportunity that makes competitive and financial sense. The company adds they will bring modern, reliable and affordable telecom services to Dryden. 

Mites Cause Quite A Buzz

Word that Thunder Bay's bee population might have mites is creating a buzz in the city's beekeeping community.  Val Forrest has a hobby bee farm and sells the excess honey.  She is upset upset the City which was mite free may have been contaminated.  Forrest says for mites to reach Thunder Bay someone here had to buy a Queen or bee from another area that was already contaminated.  Forrest says if she discovers her hives have mites she'll just get out of the bee business.

Three Break-ins Overnight Investigated

A spree of break, enter and theft incidents overnight is being investigated by Thunder Bay Police. A.J.'s Trading Post, The Pita Pit on Red River Road and Cousin's Restaurant are all said to be victims and police say in all three cases, the thieves smashed in the front doors and either took or damaged the cash registers. Tilbury says they are looking to the public for help in solving these cases.

Under The Red Star

The Thunder Bay movie Under the Red Star is playing this weekend in Sudbury as part of their "Cinefest". Director Kelly Saxberg says the movie about the Finnish Labour Temple is making the rounds of movie festivals across the globe. Red Star already played at Thunder Bay's Bay Street Film Festival.

LU New Research Program

Lakehead University is embarking on a new research project aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal Nurses in Ontario.  The results of the study will be given to employers to help recruit and retain aboriginal nurses.  The study will be finished by March 2013.

Nominations Open For Clean, Green & Beautiful

The City is calling for nominations for the fifth annual Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards. The nomination deadline is October 17th. The awards celebrate businesses or organizations that are improving the physical environment and the quality of life in our city. Awards will be presented in Council Chambers at City Hall on November 26th.

RBC & Robbi Weldon Donate Cash

Thunder Bay's Royal Bank is donating money to the George Jeffrey Children's Centre.  Paralympic Gold Medalist Robbi Weldon made the donation at a welcome home ceremony Wednesday night at the centre. Weldon was able to make the donation on behalf of the bank as she is their RBC Hometown Champion.

Assocation Outraged Over First Nations Action

There's outrage coming from the Thunder Bay Police Association. President Greg Stephenson says it's over the move by the Aboriginal community to take legal action over a bogus news release which some consider to be offensive. Stephenson believes the move isn't necessary but it will not affect they way police do their job.

Brandon VS Evergreen

Evergreen's United Neighbourhood group is holding a fundraiser for the Disaster Relief Committee. Brandon Walker is behind the charity basketball game called "Brandon vs Evergreen".  Walker says he wanted to give back. The Disaster Relief Committee will be at Minnesota Park on October 5th accepting donations.  You can check out the event on Facebook by looking up Brandon vs Evergreen.

Stats Can Says Young Adults Living With Folks

More and more young adults in Thunder Bay are living at home with their parents.  Census information from last year shows that it's been an increasing trend according to Jane Badets of Statistics Canada says our city is ranked 9th out of about 30 cities in Canada when it comes to young adults living at home.

OPP Warn About Water Scam

OPP want you to be on the lookout for a scam making the rounds of Northwestern Ontario.  Conmee and O'Connor Township residents have been receiving phone calls from someone asking to obtain a water sample from that person's home.  OPP say once a sample is taken, the caller attempts to sell the resident a very expensive water filtration system.  Police are advising the public to be wary of these types of scams and to know that the Townships are not soliciting for water samples in the Thunder Bay area.

LUSU Weighs In On OSAP Extension

The President of the Lakehead University Student Union is panning the latest step by the McGuinty Government to improve the finances of students.  Post-secondary graduates who take their first job in the not for profit sector will have their OSAP loan grace period extended.  The OSAP grace period will go from six months to one year for grads who work with a registered charity for at least 30 hours per week.   LUSU President Emma Brightwell says students can't afford to work at not for profit organizations.

Deadline Today For Residential School Survivors

Today is the last day for aboriginals who suffered physical or sexual abuse in residential schools to apply for federal compensation.  After the deadline at midnight tonight, the only way anyone can file a new claim is through court action.  Residential schools operated during much of the 19th and 20th centuries as part of federal policy aimed at forcing the assimilation of young aboriginal people into European-Canadian society.

Humane Society Gets Cash

Pedigree is making a 5-thousand dollar donation to Thunder Bay's Humane Society.  It's part of the company's adoption drive campaign.  Spokesperson Eric Shelson says they're happy to help.  Humane Society Executive Director Maryanne Kleynendorst says they will most likely use the money to help offset their spay and neutering costs.

The Hack Is Back

The "Iceman" is taking his curling knowledge to the United States. Former World Champion Al Hackner has accepted a coaching position with the U.S. High Performance Curling Program. The Nipigon native who now resides in Thunder Bay says he got a call from the head of the program two weeks ago. Hackner says there is the possibility of heading to the next Olympics in Russia as a coach for either the men's or women's U.S. teams.

Marriage On The Decline In T.Bay Region

Marriage is on the decline in the Thunder Bay Region according to Statistics Canada's new census data.  That isn't stopping Shelby Ch'ng from opening up a new bridal boutique.  Ch'ng feels there's room for more wedding stores in the City.  Wedding Planner Bethanie Kramer adds she too is seeing an increase in business but attributes that to the fact that wedding planning is new to the City.  According to Stats Canada married couples make up 67.6 percent of families in Thunder Bay and common law families make up 13.7 percent.

Thunderwolves Set For Exhibition Play

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team takes to the ice this Friday and Saturday night in Non-Conference play at the Gardens. They'll host the Carleton Ravens at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. Meanwhile, the men's basketball team announced two new home games for the upcoming exhibition season. The Winnipeg Wesmen will take on L.U. on October 4th and 5th at 7:00 o'clock at the Thunderdome.