Fire Cause Still Not Known

There's still no cause to report involving a weekend fire on the city's south side.   Officials say that a house on the 1300 block of Mountdale Avenue is heavily damaged as a result of the blaze.  They say it started in the rear of the home, and while there were people inside at the time the fire broke out, they managed to escape safely.   The Fire Marshall's office is investigating.

City Man Attacked By Bear

A Thunder Bay man is lucky to have only minor injuries after being attacked by a bear. The OPP say the 42-year-old man was camping at a park in Ignace and was out for a walk with his dogs when he was attacked by a black bear. The man and his dogs were able to fend off the bear, and he was able to escape with non-life threatening injuries.

Crime Stoppers Crime Of The Week

 Crime Stoppers and the Thunder Bay Police are asking for your help to identify who was responsible for a break and enter into a home on the 2000 block of Government Road which happened on June 26th. Police say a number of items were stolen from the home including a flat screen TV, laptop, as well as several pieces of jewelry, including a Confederation College graduation ring. The total value of the stolen items is over $15,000. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 623-8477.

Dryden Firefighters Ride Bikes For Charity

Northwestern Ontario firefighters will participate in the 2nd Annual Bike Ride in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Reagan Breeze with the Dryden Fire Service says they leave on September 9th. Breeze says last year they raised six thousand dollars and they're looking to beat that this year.

TransCanada Pipeline To Expand

TransCanada is calling it the biggest capital expenditure in company history: a 12 billion dollar Energy East pipeline that will bring Alberta oil through to the Irving Refinery in Saint John. TransCanada President Russ Girling says demand by potential customers was higher than anticipated. The pipeline proposal will use existing TransCanada pipe through northwestern Ontario to Quebec City with construction of a new leg from there to Saint John.

Sunday Wilde To Record New Album

An Atikokan Blues artist is getting ready to record her next album. Sunday Wilde will head to North Dakota at the end of August. It comes almost a year after releasing her last album that has been well received around the world. It's expected to be released before the end of the year.

Civic Holiday Increases Border Activity

If you are heading to the United States this long weekend you could face long line ups. The Canada Border Services Agency expects the Pigeon River border crossing to be busy. In previous years, the Civic Holiday weekend has been the busiest of the year in terms of traffic volume.

MPP Supports Treaty Three Police

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is pleased the Treaty Three Police Service is fighting to stay open. Campbell says First Nations policing is a must-have in Northwestern Ontario. Campbell says she's hopeful the Provincial and Federal Government understand the importance of the police service, and will provide appropriate funding going forward.

OPP Long Weekend Blitz

OPP are again reminding the public that they will be out in full force this long weekend looking for naughty drivers. This year's traffic enforcement blitz will focus on dangerous driving behaviours such as failing to move over for emergency vehicles. Sergeant Shelley Garr says they'll be out this long weekend making sure motorists obey the "Move Over Law". Garr says violating this law could cost you anywhere from 400 to 1200 dollars, and three demerit points upon conviction.

City Hall Sounds

Local food and art is going to be showcased at City Hall.  It's part of the City Hall Sounds program that will run from August 8th until August 29th from noon until 1.  McGillvray Square will play host to musicians and fresh produce.  The Crime Prevention Council is behind the initiative and hopes it will bring the community together to relax and enjoy what the City has to offer.

Best Of The Lake

Thunder Bay is being recognized on several fronts in Lake Superior Magazine's Best of the Lake awards.  The waterfront at Prince Arthur's Landing won the "Best Shoreline to Stroll".  The Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre is also the "Best Visitor Centre".  Meanwhile, Sleeping Giant Brewery won the best local made brew award.

Habitat For Humanity Looking For Families

Habitat for Humanity is looking for families to live in two homes they are renovating in Marathon.  The charity group will select families based on their level of need, their ability to repay a mortgage and their willingness to work with Habitat.  Completed applications can be dropped off at TD and Scotia banks as well as Copperfin Credit Union. The deadline to apply is August 30th.  

Sharp Happy To See Local Fans

Several hundred residents turned up to the Fort William Gardens today for their chance to see Chicago Blackhawk's star Patrick Sharp and the Stanley Cup.  One of those people is 9 year old hockey player Jesse Meakin who says Sharp is his hockey hero.  People started lining up at 7 this morning.  Meanwhile, Sharp will be hosting his 2nd annual Children's Golf Classic in support of the George Jeffrey Centre next week at the Fort William Country Club.  Sharp says he's flattered to see that many people show up to see him and the cup.

Canada Wide Arrest Warrant For T.Bay Man

A Canada Wide Arrest Warrant is being issued for a Thunder Bay man in relation to a sexual assault investigation involving a child.  It stems from an investigation that began on July 25th and has lead to charges against 62 year old Arthur Joseph Lyons.  Police have been attempting to locate the man but haven't been able to make contact.  Anyone with information of the whereabouts of Lyons is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

CTF Debt Clock In Town Today

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is kicking off their 28 day Debt Clock tour in Thunder Bay today.  Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says the clock will be set up at the Tourist Pagoda on Water Street and Red River Road.  The province-wide tour will showcase the provincial government's debt that is set to reach 272 billion dollars by the end of the year. 

E.C. Calls For More Rain

Environment Canada says we can expect more rain and thunderstorms today.  Meterologist Geoff Coulson says it doesn't look like the rain is going to let up.  Coulson says their radars and lightning detectors are showing the thunderstorm activity in the Thunder Bay area and Lake Nipigon.

Resolute's Big Plans

Things are moving along as Resolute Forest Products plans open a retooled plant in Ignace and its new sawmill in Atikokan next year.  President Richard Garneau says they're spending 32-million on the Ignace operation and 50 million dollars on the Atikokan plant.  While Garneau didn't comment on specifics with the Ignace plant, he says construction on the Atikokan plant will start soon, as they still have to cut some wood before starting the foundation.

Kenora Death

Foul play isn't suspected in the death of a man who was found sitting in a wheelchair in Kenora.  Provincial Police were called Tuesday evening, and say the deceased is 39 year old Craig Shawataskung.   

Barb's Laundromat Robbed

Police are looking for a man they say robbed Barb's Laundromat on North May Street yesterday.  Just before 6:30 last night a man entered the Laundromat, threatened an employee with a syringe and demanded money.  The suspect took off with the money heading south on May street.  Police describe him as 6 feet tall weighing 210 pounds, wearing a white baseball hat, black sunglasses and a black zip up jacket.   Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

OCAP & Ontario Work On Framework

The pressure is on to establish a Framework agreement with the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples and the Province.  OCAP President Brad Maggrah says it's one of the topics he will bring up at their Annual General Assembly on Sunday.  Maggrah says they have 9-districts across Ontario, and is calling on folks to write to their MP's regarding issues facing off-reserve aboriginals.

Sharp Brings Cup Back

Thunder Bay is getting another visit from Lord Stanley's legacy. The Stanley Cup is in the City Friday and is being brought here by Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp.  The cup and Sharp will be at the Fort William Gardens from 12 until 2 tomorrow.  The last time Sharp brought the cup to the City was July 2010.

Debt Clock In T.Bay Friday

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is kicking off their 28 day Debt Clock tour in Thunder Bay tomorrow. The province-wide tour will showcase the provincial government's debt that is set to reach 272 billion dollars by the end of the year.  The clock will be set up at the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda on Water Street and Red River Road.

NOSM Gives Out Grants

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is doling out cash to future MD students.  16 students are getting 6-thousand dollars each in grant money.  The med school doubled the amount of grants awarded this year from 8 to 16 to provide more opportunities to potential students.

Charges Laid In Algoma/Clavet Collision

Police are charging a 48 year old woman after two vehicles collided at the intersection of Algoma and Clavet Street on Wednesday afternoon.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says a red Dodge sedan was eastbound on Clavet St and collided with a southbound black Ford pick-up truck in the intersection.  The driver of the sedan has been charged with a stop sign related violation.

Ciao Festa Italiana

The annual Festa Italiana takes place this weekend.  It's a chance to experience that country's culture and food.  Organizer Benny Melchiorre (Mel-Chore-ee) says the popularity of the event continues to grow.  This year's event includes Pino Gioia from Italy and they'll be drawing for a trip for two to Italy on Monday at 10 pm.  The Italian Society of Port Arthur event is on this Sunday and Monday at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma. 

Pricey Hydro One Project

Hydro One is set to spend 25-million dollars on the construction of a new transformer station for the Rainy River district.  The station, to be located in Barwick, will replace an existing and aging one in Fort Frances.  Spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa says they have all of the approvals in place to start work.  She says the station will improve the electricity capacity for the area between Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Low Fire Hazard

Not much work lately for Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews in northwestern Ontario.  The cool and damp weather has knocked down the fire hazard to low across the region.  There are 33-active fires in Northwestern Ontario.  30 of the blazes are being monitored and 3 are under control.

Dryden Meeting With Concerned Businesses

The concerns of a group of business owners are being taken seriously by Dryden Council.  Council has formed a so-called "working group" to meet with the business group.  Mayor Nuttall doesn't believe the City is opening "Pandoras Box" and giving this group special priviledges.  Nuttall notes Council is open to suggestions from everyone.

Jury Makes Recommendations

The jury in a coroner's inquest into the death of Gustavo Argueta is back with a list of recommendations to prevent similar deaths.  The 24 year old was killed in June 2011 while inspecting a bridge over the Mackenzie River. They deliberated yesterday and are recommending the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities develop and implement a standardized, mandatory training program for people working on elevated platforms.  The jury is asking the Ministry of Labour to develop regulations that require people already certified on those platforms be retrained and recertifed after a certain period of time.  The Construction Industry is also being asked to hold daily meetings that discuss the day's specific workplace objectives in order to address safety concerns.

Argueta Inquest Jury Deliberating

The jury in a coroner's inquest into the death of Gustavo Argueta is in deliberations.  The 24 year old was killed while inspecting a bridge over the Mackenzie River.  The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Hospital Looking To Fill Positions

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre continues to work towards filling the roles of two key executives who left the facility recently.   CEO Andree Robichaud says they hope to fill Scott Pott's corporate services position by the fall. The job posting closes on Friday and interviews are expected to take place shortly after.  Robichaud adds that Lori Marshall's previous job has been brought under the umbrella of another hospital department and a new position is being created to deal with communications and aboriginal affairs.

Collision At Algoma & Clavet

City Police are on the scene of a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Algoma and Clavet.  They say one person was sent to the hospital.  Officers have Algoma blocked off from Clavet and Monroe and expect it to be open by two today.  

NWO Resident On Species At Risk Panel

Added responsibility for Wabigoon's Brad Maggrah.  Maggrah has been apointed to the National Aboriginal Committee on Species at Risk.  The Committee was created with the mandate to provide the Minister of Environment with advice on the handling of the Species at Risk Act.  His term will last 3-years.  Maggrah is the current President of the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People.

More ELA Speculation

A report in the Globe and Mail says the Ontario government will pay to keep the Experimental Lakes Area operating in the long term.  The province and the federal government continue to negotiate the transfer of the research station to the Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development.  There have been concerns that the provincial involvement would only be one-time funding.  Ontario Natural Resources Mininster David Orazietti tells the Globe and Mail that the money will be below 2-million dollars but isn't commenting on a specific number.  The exact funding formula hasn't been determined.  A tentative transfer agreement expires at the end of August.

Hospital Looking To Rent More Space

Thunder Bay's Hospital is considering renting out the fourth floor of the former McKellar Hospital to ease overcrowding.  Spokesperson Dr. Mark Henderson says before that can happen they have to formally ask the local health authority and Provincial Government for support.  Henderson says the hospital is overcrowded and the extra rooms at McKellar would house patients who know longer need emergency care but can't go back to their homes.

ELA Fate Still Up In The Air

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the Liberals are all talk, no action.  Speaking specifically about the Experimental Lakes Area, west of Vermilion Bay, Campbell says there's been no word as to what the next step is.  Campbell says once she heads back to Queens Park in September, she is going to ask Premier Kathleen Wynne herself where things are at.

OPP Investigating Infant Death

Provincial Police are investigating the sudden death of a six-week-old baby girl in Big Trout Lake.  Officers were called to the nursing station Monday morning, and the child was pronounced dead.  Police say the deceased is Shantelle Sainnawap.  A post mortem is being done in Toronto.

Fire Crews Busy With 2 Fires

City firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire at 937 Home Avenue around 8-o'clock last night.  Crews had cut open portions of the roof to get at the fire that may have started in the attic. There were no injuruies and the investigation continues.  Meanwhile...there was heavy smoke damage after a small fire at an apartment on McTavish Street.  The blaze appeared to have started in the kitchen when boxes were left on a stove that was accidently turned on. There were no injuries.  

Collision At Expressway

Commuters late yesterday afternoon had to deal with delays at the intersection of the Thunder Bay and Harbour Expressways. A transport truck tipped over spilling part of its load which may have shifted causing the unit to roll.  The driver of the rig was not injured.  

Car Hits Pedestrian

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the public's help in completing their investigation into an auto pedestrian collision in Oliver Paipoonge.  On Monday afternoon a green sedan struck a 17 year old man walking at the intersection of Rosslyn Road and Queen Street.  Police say the driver stopped and asked if the pedestrian was ok but left without leaving a name or contact information.  Officers are looking for the driver or any witnesses.

OPP Investigate Death

OPP are investigating the death of a 55 year old woman in Strange Township.  Staff Sgt. Jim Graham says they were asked by the family to check in on the woman who resided alone on Northside Road.  Police found the woman dead on Monday and says the death doesn't look suspicous.  A post mortem exam is taking place in Toronto on Wednesday.

Swimming Advisory For Chippewa Park

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is issuing a swimming advisory for the Main beach at Chippewa Park.  The advisory doesn't close the beach or stop anyone from swimming there it just lets swimmers know about the water conditions.  Swimming in water with high levels of E. coli can cause skin, eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach illness. 

E-Bingo Approved

Thunder Bay Community Bingo is getting its wish and is joining forces with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to offer electronic bingo.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's good news for the local community groups that depend on bingo as a fundraiser.  Johnson notes e-bingo will help cut down on the number of volunteers that are needed to run a bingo. Council gave it's approval at last night's meeting.

MNR Reports No New Fires

It seems like everyday there's a report of new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.  However the Ministry of Natural Resources says there hasn't been any new ones for a couple of days. There are 35-fires active in the region, 32 of which are being monitored.

Fraud Warning

A scam in Northwestern Ontario, but this time the warning is out from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.  The Commission says people claiming to be with Sental Insurance have been targeting mostly Royal Bank of Canada clients.  They are asking for personal information in an effort to sell identity theft protection insurance on behalf of the bank.  But the Commission says the firm is not associated with the bank nor is it licensed to do business in Ontario.

LU Alumni Golf Tourney Sold Out

Lakehead University's Alumni Golf Tournament is sold out.  The 30th annual event will be held on Tuesday August 6th at the Whitewater Golf Course.  Organizer Mark Tilbury says money raised goes towards student financial aid.  They hope to raise over 45-thousand dollars from this year's event.

Research Conference Coming To T.Bay

Thunder Bay is going to host a major Canadian Research Conference this fall.  Organizer Rhonda Koster says it's the first time the Rural Revitalization Foundation has held a meeting in Northern Ontario.  The October conference will focus on finding ways to help grow rural Canada and will see 200 delegates take part.  

Crowded Jails

Dryden Police Inspector Kevin Glenister isn't surprised with a new statistic regarding Ontario's jails.  The Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections shows that almost half of the province's jails held more prisoners than they were designed for.  Glenister says they send majority of their prisoners to Kenora.  Glenister says all prisoners under 18-years-old either go to a facility in Kenora, Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie.

Ribfest Is Back!

Ribfest is back for another year, August 23rd to the 25th.  The Waterfront District BIA is bringing back the event to Court Street and Park Avenue. This year's event includes a best local rib competition as well as a competition between four out of town ribbers.  Over 20-thousand people turned up in droves to last year's event and even more are expected this August. Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski will also be on hand to talk about entertaining and cooking. BIA President Suzan Cooper Rochon says a portion of the proceeds from the beer garden will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.  

New City HR Director

Maureen Panizza is the City's new Director of Human Resources and Corporate Safety.  The appointment was made official Monday night by City Council.  City Manager Tim Commisso says Panizza is familiar in the role since she has been in it for the past six month in an acting capacity.  Panizza has been with the City since 1999.