Hupka Back As Board Chair

Bob Hupka

Trustees with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board don't appear to like change. Bob Hupka has been re-elected as the board chair.  Hupka is no stranger to the position, he as been at the helm for the last 7 years.   The board has also returned Tony Romeo as vice-chair.

All Schools Open

Despite the overnight snowfall, all area schools are open and all school buses are running this morning as scheduled.  Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay says there could be some bus delays due to road conditions.  

Council Round Up

The City is spending almost a million dollars to purchase defibrillators.  The expenditure is to replace the existing medical machines for both the Superior North EMS and Fire and Rescue Service.  The existing defibrillators have reached the end of their use.  Meanwhile, The social services board is providing 70-thousand dollars to two child care facilities in the City.  50-thousand dollars will go towards the Algoma Child Care Centre to provide a review of their facility.  Grace Remus will use 20-thousand dollars towards upgrading a special needs room.  An update on the projects were provided to City Council last night.

Riverview Drive Stays The Same

City Council is going to keep the status quo when it comes to Riverview Drive.  Some residents had concerns about the speed of cars driving down the neighbourhood road.  Staff recommended to Council they don't implement any traffic calming measures since residents who took a poll suggested they didn't want change.

Council Puts Off Water Vote

City Council isn't making a decision anytime soon on delivering well water to rural homes.  They asked staff to look into other municipalities best practices and the liability of offering the service.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga is against discontinuing the service saying it's not fair to the rural homeowners. Council Chambers were packed Monday night with residents speaking out against the decision.

Church Donations Stolen

City Police are investigating a theft from St. Paul's Anglican Church.  Someone broke into the church early Monday morning and stole a safe full of money set aside for Christmas Cheer. Archdeacon Deborah Kraft says it breaks her heart to think someone would steal from the needy. Kraft says they've notified police and are hopeful they will be able to apprehend the person or people responsible.

Break Ins Reported At Max Lake

Constable Diana Cole

The OPP are looking into a series of break-ins at camps on Max Lake north of Thunder Bay.  Constable Diana Cole says that the incidents took place sometime between November 24th and the 30th to about 17 cottages, with more reports coming.  Cole says some of the items stolen included generators, chainsaws, outboard motors and fishing equipment.

Roadside Sleeper Charged

Thunder Bay OPP are charging a 66 year old man with a drinking and driving related offence after police spotted a vehicle parked at the end of a merge lane on Highway 11/17 on Friday. An officer attempted to get the driver's attention who appeared to be sleeping.  Once the man woke up officers smelled alcohol on his breath and found him to be over the legal driving limit. He'll appear in court on January 7th.

First Nation Company Likes Ontario Energy Plan

A First Nation power company is putting its support behind the Provincial Government's long term energy plan.  The Ontario power plan commits to connected remote First Nation communities currently serviced by diesel generation.  The First Nations-led company looks forward to working with the provincial government to connect the communities to a transmission power line.

OPP Report Several Incidents In Terrace Bay Area

Terrace Bay OPP are charging a 35 year old man with assault and theft under five thousand dollars after an incident Friday. Police responded to a call of an assault at a business in which a man sustained injuries after being struck by another man. He made a court appearance in Thunder Bay Monday. Meanwhile, Schreiber OPP are currently investigating reports of break and enters that happened two weeks ago in Strey Township, west of Terrace Bay. Someone forced their way into buildings and homes causing property damage. Numerous items were stolen.

RFDA To Feed Seniors & Singles

The Regional Food Distribution Association will be feeding less fortunate seniors and single people this holiday season.  It comes after the Christmas Cheer Fund announced they would only be giving hampers out to families with children.  RFDA Board Member Larry Brigham says these are people who already depend on area food banks.  Those in need can apply for a Christmas package on Wednesday by calling 211.

Richardson Seeks South Side NDP Nod

The executive director the North Superior Workforce Planning Board is stepping into politics.   Madge Richardson says she is seeking the nomination for the NDP in Thunder Bay-Atikokan.   She says the riding needs a strong voice in the legislature to make sure we have the resources to maintain and improve our economy.

Local To Receive G.G.'s Bravery Medal

A Thunder Bay man is being honoured for his heroic efforts this week by the Governor General.  Alex Myros and two southern Ontario men, are receiving the Medal of Bravery in Ottawa on Thursday.  It's for risking their lives to rescue two people from a burning vehicle near Angola, Indiana in June of 2009.

Community Foundation Partners With Dilico

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is breaking new ground.   Executive Director Bonnie Moore says they are making the Dilico Children’s Foundation eligible for the Community Foundation's support through an endowment fund.   She calls it an historic announcement since only about two other foundations in the country have partnerships with First Nations. Moore says the Community Foundation will match the fund dollar for dollar up to 50 thousand dollars.

Victim Won't Have To Pay Rescue Costs

The victim of a weekend rescue on Mount McKay will not have to pay  for his misadventure.  The 24 year old man was attempting to parachute down when something went wrong and he became stranded.   Chief John Hay says the costs of the rescue are minimal and will not be charged back to the victim. He says it's not something the fire service normally does and in this case the extra costs were minimal, amounting overtime for some off duty technicians.  Saturday evening's rescue lasted for about 8 hours.

Wild Police Chase

A 26-year old man is in custody after a wild chase on the City's north side.  Shortly before 10 o'clock last night Police attempted a traffic stop, but the car driven by the man, took off and eventually collided with another vehicle at the corner of Cumberland and Wolseley Streets.  The suspect then fled on foot before officers eventually captured him hiding under the deck of a home on St. James Street.  The male was found to be in possession of several weapons including two knives, brass knuckles and a taser, plus a large amount of cash.  The suspect had eight outstanding warrants and now faces an additional 10 charges including dangerous driving, fleeing from police and assault of police.  He'll answers to those charges in court today. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision was not injured.  

East West Tie Meeting Tonight

NextBridge Infrastructure's proposed East West Tie Transmission line is going to be the subject of a series of public consultation meetings in the region this week.  Tonight, officials will be speaking to area residents at the Current River Community Centre.  Meetings on the electricity grid project will also be held in Nipigon, Marathon, White River and Terrrace Bay.

Open Government Meeting Tonight

The term "open government" may seem like a contradiction in terms to some, but the province's government services minister wants to change that. John Milloy says his open government team is stopping in Thunder Bay this evening to get your views on what can be done to make the government more open. A forum is taking place at the Valhalla Inn this evening from 6 until 9 o'clock

City Council Preview

City Council is discussing putting speed bumps, curb extensions or speed radar signs on Riverview Drive to slow down traffic.
Mayor Keith Hobbs says it's a good idea. A staff report suggests the City keep the status quo with the street as a poll of area residents supported making no changes. Meanwhile, City staff are asking council to stop delivering well water to rural areas of the City. Councillor Ken Boshcoff expects lively discussion around the suggestion. If the city decides to do away with the service residents will be notified in the New Year.

CO Detectors Mandatory In All Homes

Thunder Bay Fire Chief John Hay is supporting new legislation making CO detectors mandatory in homes. Homeowners won't face a fine from the city's fire services if they do not have one but Hay wants people to know just how important they are as early detection devices. More legislation similar to this is expected to be passed in the new year.

Movember Wrap Up

Movember officially wrapped up this past weekend. Local Campaign Chair Jon Hendel says its an event that grows in popularity every year with this years fundraising total reaching nearly seven-thousand dollars locally. On a national level Canada continues to lead the charge raising roughly twenty-seven million dollars.

Man Rescued From Mount McKay

A 24 year old man is recovering in the Health Sciences Centre  after being rescued from the side of Mount McKay Saturday evening.    Fire officials say the high angle rescue began just before 6 o'clock and took about 8 hours to complete .    They say that earlier the man had been attempting a jump with a parachute type device called a speed wing when it failed to deploy and he became stranded.   Rescuers had to rappel down in dark and icy conditions, but did reach the victim and he was carried down in a basket stretcher, conscious the whole time.  The man is said to have sustained multiple injuries but his immediate condition is not known.

Rescue On Mount McKay

Rescue crews are up the side of Mount McKay this evening conducting an operation.  A fire official at the scene says a man was trying to parachute down when something went wrong and he injured himself.   They say the man was able to talk to rescuers via cell phone.   About 18 men are part of the rescue mission and it's not known how long it might take to complete.  The darkness and the location of the victim have been causing them problems.

Construction Season Slows Down

Construction on several regional infrastructure projects is wrapping up for the winter. The 2013 season was busy for construction crews who began work on a new bridge over the Nipigon River. Bridge replacement took place at the Little Wabigoon River, Melgund River, Bug River and both Nugget and Beaver Creek. Crews also resurfaced stretches of highways 17 just east of Terrace Bay, 72 at Sioux Lookout and 11.

Opening Day For Christmas Cheer Fund

The Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund is announcing some big changes. Today marked day one of the campaign that will focus solely on supporting families with children. Chair Joleene Kemp says the decision to no longer include those who are single or seniors in their campaign was a difficult choice. Kemp says the fund will aim at providing families with hampers filled with gifts and a weeks worth of food. This years funding goal is less than years past set at 140-thousand dollars.

Mishap Had Serious Potential

A 63 year old woman is nursing only minor injuries after her car was hit by another vehicle at the the corner of Madeline and River Street.   Police say it had the potential to be something more serious as it happened just after 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon and was near a school.   Instead a car careened into an empty school crossing guard hut.  They say that an 83 year old man is charged with making an improper turn.  A picture can be found on our web page.

Jersey Day At The Hospital

It's Jersey Day at the Health Sciences Centre.    Staff there are wearing the jerseys of their favourite sports team.  It's all part of a nation wide event sponsored by ParticipACTION to promote a physical and healthy lifestyle.

Local Accounting Students Pass The Test

The working world awaits six Thunder Bay chartered accounting students.  They have passed this year's Canada-wide Uniform Evaluation  recognized as one of the world's most challenging professional entry examinations.  Once they complete their experience requirements, Michael Iorianni, Richard Jagielowicz, Kristopher Mauro, Jennifer McIntosh, Jonathan Racco and Jonathan Valente will be members of the CPA profession.

Holiday Train In NWO This Weekend

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is entering northwestern Ontario on its westward journey through the country.    The train will be in Mobert on Sunday morning then wind its way along the north shore hitting spots like Heron Bay, Marathon, Schreiber, Nipigon and finally on Sunday night it will arrive at the Syndicate Avenue train station Sunday night.  

Gravelle & Boor Talk It Out

The Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says talks went well with Cliffs Natural Resources.  The two met recently and Gravelle says they talked about the future of the company and their plans for the Ring of Fire.  Gravelle says he looks forward to future conversations with Cliffs President Bill Boor.

Charges Laid In Early Morning Collision

A 24 year old man is facing a total of thirteen charges, including impaired driving,  in connection with a  two vehicle collision overnight.
Police say that  the mishap at James and Edward resulted in both vehicles rolling over and sending a total of five people to hospital who are expected to be released  today.  The intersection is now reopen to traffic.

National Chief Shawn Atleo In Thunder Bay

National Chief Shawn Atleo, along with other Aboriginal leaders are responding to the Federal Governments First Nation Education Act. While speaking in Thunder Bay Atleo says he has felt support from First Nations communities across Canada in wanting more control over their education system. Atleo compared the proposed education act to the residential school system saying it does not provide a guarantee for children to learn about First Nations culture and heritage.

OPP Release Name In Fatal Crash

Kenora OPP are releasing the name of the 57 year old man who died in yesterday's fatal collision on Highway 17 near Percy Lake. Multiple vehicles were involved and caused the highway to be closed for most of the day. Deceased is Benjamin Bueckert of Gladstone, Manitoba.

Two Vehicle Crash At James & Edwards

City Police are still on the scene of a two-vehicle rollover crash at the corner of James and Edwards streets near Confederation College. A total of five people were sent to hospital with unknown injuries. The accident took place around 2 o'clock this morning and Police are advising motorists to stay clear of the scene to avoid traffic tie-ups.

CO Alarms Soon To Be The Law

Carbon Monoxide alarms will soon be the law for all homes in Ontario. A private members bill put forward four years ago by Tory MPP Ernie Hardeman has gained final approval in the legislature. Hardeman says the death of a Provincial Police constable and her family as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning spurred him to get involved. Currently, carbon monoxide detectors are only required in homes constructed after 2001.

Tbaytel Expands Free Wi-Fi Area

Thunder Bay's WiFi corridor is now open a little wider. Tbaytel's President Dan Topatigh says it's part of staying competitive against other wireless companies. The city has announced that City Hall, the Current River Rec Centre, the 55 Plus Centre and the West Thunder Community Centre are now free Wi-Fi hot spots.

Resolute Faces WSIB Accusations

A spokesperson for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is confirming that Resolute Forest products is facing some legal problems involving the company's Thunder Bay sawmill.   The board says that it's accused of four counts of failing to report work related accidents within three days.    The board would not confirm the exact safety issues that are involved saying they are now before the provincial offences court.  

Police Confirm Death In Highway 17 Crash

One person is confirmed dead in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 17 between Vermilion Bay and Kenora.  Provincial Police say the crash occurred about 20-kilometres east of the Highway 71 junction overnight. Police say the victim is an unidentified man. Several other collisions involving transports were reported on the highway and the road is closed to remove all of the debris. Provincial Police say the highway won't reopen until the MTO completes sanding operations. OPP are asking motorists heading west from Thunder Bay to take Highway 11 at Shabaqua Corners.

CN Bridge Road Repairs Started

CN bridge officials are working on the road section of the James Street Swing Bridge. Spokesperson Lindsay Fedchyshyn says work is ongoing. Fedchyshyn says they're not sure what other work needs to be done and when it will be complete. The bridge is still closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Police Looking For Driver

City Police are looking for the driver of a stolen truck that was involved in a collision this morning in the area of Hilldale Road and Wardrope Avenue.  A call was made to police about the single vehicle accident just after 6:20 this morning.

AFN Chief Shawn Atleo In T.Bay

The Assembly of First Nation's Chief Shawn Atleo is speaking at A chiefs conference on the Fort William First Nation this morning.  Yesterday, Regional Chiefs rejected the Federal Government's Education Act. They plan to implement their own education plan on a community level.

DSSAB Looking At Draft Budget Today

The Social Services Board's 2014-2015 budget is coming in at just over 73 million dollars.  The board will discuss the fiscal document at it's meeting today and CAO Bill Bradica says there are some savings that will bring the total cost down.  The board is looking at decreasing the amount area municipalities pay by two and a half percent.

Rickford Not Amused With Province

The federal minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says he's not amused by some of the rhetoric coming out of Queen's Park this week.  Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is responding to premier Wynne's invitation to come to the table.  Rickford says they've been a willing participant all along.  Rickford says he was caught off guard by the announcement of a development corporation for the Ring, because the federal government was not consulted beforehand.

Horwath Says Open Government Meeting Is Interesting

Thunder Bay is going to play host to the Provincial Government's first "open government" engagment team meeting that's taking place on Monday at the Valhalla Inn.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath thinks its interesting that the Liberals need to create a committee to find ways to become more open. The meeting will take place from six until 9.

Alzheimer Rendezvous Tonight

The Alzheimer Society is hosting an evening with TVO's Steve Paikin.  The host of "The Agenda" is speaking at the 12th annual Alzheimer Rendezvous. Spokesperson Ashleigh Quarrell hopes the event will raise 50-thousand dollars.  The event gets underway tonight at the Victoria Inn.

Local Officer Honoured

City Police Staff Sergeant Ryan Gibson is being honoured for his part of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run. He took part in the Torch Run's International Conference in Orlando, Florida. Gibson was selected to take part because of his volunteer involvement with Special Olympics Ontario.

Charges Laid In Suspicious Death

A 26 year old Seine River man has been charged with 2nd degree murder following a police investigation in Fort Frances. Provincial Police say they have arrested Peter Deafy for the death of 45 year old Leo Whitecrow. Whitecrow was found dead at the Midtown Motel on the morning of November 2nd, last year. Deafy is set to appear in court tomorrow to answer to the charge.

Bearskin Execs Get Award

Bearskin Airlines top execs are being honoured for their charity work. President Harvey Friesen and VP Cliff Friesen won the Jim Glass Humanitarian Award.  The award is presented by the Air Transport Association of Canada and Transwest Air.

United Way Needs Help

The United Way Campaign is closing in on the halfway mark for their fundraising campaign with five weeks to go. Campaign Chair Walter Flasza says there will be several events in December to help them reach their goal. There has been just under one and a half million dollars raised so far, the goal is to reach two point seven million.

Salvation Army Gets Money From Target

The Salvation Army's breakfast program in Thunder Bay is benefiting from a charity donation by Target Canada.   The department store giant is splitting the 160 thousand dollar donation among 23 Salvation Army programs in the country.