United Way to release final total

The United Way's 2010 campaign officially comes to an end later today when the organization releases its fundraising total. The goal was to raise 2.47 million dollars in the community.

Power restored to outlying areas

Power is back on for Hydro One customers after they were without it for about 8 hours during one of the coldest days on record. A report says more than 12 hundred homes were affected Sunday morning in Fowler, Gorham, Jacques, Ware and Oliver-Paipoonge.   Power line problems are being blamed by the utility for the outage.

FWFN says yes to deal

There is near unanimous approval on the Fort William First Nation.   On the weekend members voted on a 154 million dollar land claim settlement that includes the transfer of Flatland Island and Pie Island to the band.    Chief Peter Collins says of the 800 or so members who voted, about 98 per cent of them voted in favour of the deal.  Collins says it was no surprise to him.

Its a winter wonderland

Expect some more snow today. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says Lake Superior will be adding moisture to the system moving through the area and more snow will fall.  He says in Thunder Bay the snow should taper off near noon, with more significant amounts in the Nipigon area.  Laidlaw says it looks like we could get another dumping of snow come Thursday.

Near record low temperatures

Thunder Bay came close to breaking a record for the coldest temperature. Environment Canada meteorologist Arnold Ashton says Thunder Bay's temperature hit a low of minus 37.3 Sunday morning, falling just short of the previous record of minus 37.6 that was set back in 1996.

Funding for Lakehead University

Lakehead University is in the money. The Canada Foundation for Innovation awarded 312 thousand dollars to the University. The money will purchase microscopes that will be used by geology, chemistry, engineering, biology and physic students.

Fort William First Nation Votes

It's a historic day on the Fort William First Nation. The band membership are voting today on a proposed  land claim settlement from the Canadian and Ontario governments. The tentative settlement includes about 154 million dollars and transfers of land on Flatland and Pie Island. 

Dog park death results in legal action

The owners of Jimi the dog and the city of Thunder Bay are being sued for 50 thousand dollars.  It's in connection with the death ofa Gus the chihuahua last year at a city off leash dog park.   Lawyer Chris Watkins says the Perrier family wants the city to pay for improper supervision of the dog park and the owners of Jimi for general damages and other items.    The claims have not been proven in court

Inquest postponed

An inquest into the death of Christopher Coaster has been postponed.  The inquest was to take place February 7th.  The 29 year old died in August of 2008 while in custody at the Thunder Bay District Jail.   An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act and will be rescheduled.

Shuniah Chimney Fire

Shuniah Fire Officials responded to a fire this afternoon on Cedar Bay road.  A chimney caught fire, and the owner of the house escaped with no injuries.  Chief Blair Arthur says the damage is estimated at around five thousand dollars.  The cause of the fire is improper installation of the chimney.  Two children and one other adult were not home at the time of the incident.

NOWW E-Writer in Residence

If you have writers block, the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop can help. They're offering an E-Writer in Residence. Vice President Jenny Morrow says it's a program that's been needed for some time. Writers across the region are isolated when it comes to meeting up and discussing their craft. Winnipeg author Michael Van Rooy will critique manuscripts, and host online workshops.

Budget Time

Budget season is upon us.  Thunder Bay City Council will get their hands on the budget package Monday.  City Clerk John Hannam says they've been busy preparing the financial document.  The public will get to see the document online starting Tuesday.  A series of budget related meetings will start in February.

No City Council Monday

There won't be an open session of City Council Monday night. A planning application meeting was scheduled but there was a lack of material so it was cancelled.  Council will now hold a closed door session, and City Clerk John Hannam says they have two items to discuss.  Thunder Bay Telephone will present and City Manager Tim Commisso will provide an update to council on the 126 million dollar Horizon Wind lawsuit.

Historic vote on the FWFN

The over 18 hundred members of the Fort William First Nation are making history. They are voting Saturday on whether to accept or reject a tentative land claim settlement with the Canadian and Ontario governments. The deal involved 154 million dollars in cash and some land. Chief Peter Collins doubts it will be turned down

Leafs GM visits Thunder Bay's Special Olympics

Athletes of the Special Olympics had a special guest Friday. Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke was in town to hand out medals and talk with athletes. Burke says he feels if you go to a Special Olympics event and it doesn't warm your heart then you don't have a heart. He went on to say anyone who isn't touched by the respect and admiration the athletes have for each other than you have some serious mental deficiencies. Burke says he is thrilled to come and help out such a great organization and event.

Tomack out of custody

A 21 year old Oliver Paipoonge man is now free on bail after his arrest for robbery this week.   Bradley Tomack  is charged in connection with the incident at the Provincial Alliance Credit Union on Wednesday.   As long as he meets some strict conditions, Tomack will be free on bail throughout his legal process.  He will back in court on February 14th.

Arthur Street Burger King reopens

The newly remodeled Burger King on Arthur Street is open for business again.  Cameron Loopstra is the senior marketing manager for Burger King Canada and says they're going for a modern look with lots of brick, wood and steel.  The building is more environmentally friendly with high efficiency broilers and lighting. 

Weather causes delays at games

Not surprisingly there are going to be delays at all the outdoor events at the Special Olympics. Games Chair JP Levesque says they are hoping the alpine, Nordic skiing and snow shoeing will get underway at noon.  He says volunteers should tune in and find out when they are needed before showing up at their venues.  Levesque says the temperature has to be above minus 25 for the events to happen.

Bundle up its freezing

Northwestern Ontario is in the deep freeze. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says a cold air mass is stretching across the entire region and won't be going anywhere for the time being.  He says cloudy conditions will bring slightly less harsh temperatures tomorrow, but real relief won't come until next week.  Laidlaw says with the warmth Monday it looks like a large amount of snow could be coming our way as well.

Special Olympics have officially begun

Special Olympic organizers pulled out all the stops for last night's opening ceremonies. Sportsnet's Evanka Osmak emceed the night filled with musical performances and special guests with encouraging words for the athletes. Even Eric Staal showed up by way of video with a little advice for the athletes--from one Olympian to another. Special Olympics Chairman J.P. Levesque says spectators who brave the cold and come out to watch the games over the next couple days can expect a good show. There's no charge for admission to the events. The games start today and continue tomorrow.

Here's a link to the schedule: http://www.specialolympics2011games.com/calendar.php