Mac's Mart is making changes to prevent robberies

Uniformed Security Guards could soon be patrolling our local Mac's Marts.  The Company announced today that they are making a number of changes to deter the rash of armed robberies plaguing their stores in Thunder Bay.  The company will also be reducing the hours at certain locations and clearing the lines of site with in the stores.

Make way for the Parade of Lights

The popular Parade of Lights happens Saturday night. About 50 or so trucks will be decorated for the event. Organizer Marshall Erickson says it will move down Memorial from the Harbour Expressway to Queen Street.  The parade begins at 7 o'clock and is expected to last about 45 minutes.

Jobless rate climbs again

Our jobless rate edged up last month.  Thunder Bay's rate went from 6.9 percent to 7 percent in October.  That's still lower than the national and provincial rates which sit at 7.4 and 7.9 percent respectively. 

RFDA seeks $

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to open up their wallets for the Regional Food Distribution Association. Board Chair Kelly Hicks says they're trying to raise about 400 thousand dollars to put the finishing touches on the new Syndicate Avenue headquarters, specifically completing work on the kitchen by purchasing new equipment.  The campaign will run until June.

NAN talks Attawapiskat

The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation says chronic Federal underfunding is to blame for the housing crisis in Attawapiskat.  Stan Beardy says it's shameful that the Harper Government is trying to absolve itself from its responsibilities.  Beardy says many of the communities in the Far North would allow people to use their traditional lands in exchange for basic human rights like clean water.

Humane Society staying open for now

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is going to continue to operate until March 31st. Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst says they'll continue to evaluate their financial situation on a month to month basis. The organization announced earlier in the year that they were facing a 180 thousand dollar operating shortfall and would be forced to close their doors on December 31st if things didn't improve.

Man stabbed on May and Williams

2 teens are charged with aggravated assault after a man was stabbed at May and Williams Street.  Police received a 911 call around 10:20 last night of a male being being stabbed.  The victim was transported to hospital and is in stable condition.  A knife was located further down on Williams Street.  Both accused will attend bail court in the morning.

Highgate Road Fire

A chimney fire forced a family of four out of their Highgate Road home last night.  Firefighters from Junot, North Central Mapleward, James and Neebing Stations battled the blaze that spread to the attic.  The fire department is reporting extensive water and smoke damage.  Investigators will be looking into the exact cause later today.

Third party management is not for Attawapiskat: Fontaine

The problems in Attawapiskat go beyond band finances according to the former head of the Assembly of First Nations. Speaking in Thunder Bay,  Phil Fontaine said the government decision to appoint a third party to manage the community will not get to the root of the problem. He says "third party managers cannot approve housing initiatives, because it's beyond their mandate."  Fontaine was in Thunder Bay to get an honourary degree from Lakehead University.

False security scare at the airport

 There's a red faced vehicle owner in Florida right now.   Thunder Bay Airport officials say an SUV left running in front of the airport terminal caused a bit of a security stir yesterday.  They had to call police after security spotted it running without anyone in it.   It turns out the owners were already on their way to a sunny Orlando vacation when the vehicle was discovered.   They'll get to pick up the keys and a parking ticket when they arrive

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Small fire causes a scene at Econo Lodge

No one was hurt during a small fire that forced the evacuation of the Econo Lodge on Memorial. Officials say a small electrical fire in one of the rooms caused the evac just before 11 o'clock and crews quickly put out the fire. 

Motors and Muscles launches raffle

The Canadian Diabetes Association is gearing up for it's Motors and Muscles Raffle. 600 tickets will be sold at 100 dollars a pop and Fundraising Chair John Trevisanutto hopes they'll be able to raise more money than last year. The draw will take place at the OLG Casino this year and is for a 2012 Harley Davidson Dyna Switchback Motorcycle.

LU gives Honourary Degree to Phil Fontaine

Lakehead University handed out an honourary degree to the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  LU President Brian Stevenson says the school is honoured to give Phil Fontaine the degree.  He says its important to celebrate the Aboriginal component of the University and Northwestern Ontario.  Fontaine was given the degree at a ceremony this morning. 

Dilico Christmas Fundraiser

Dilico Children's Foundation is looking to the community to help them with their Christmas fundraiser.  Chair Melanie Albanese says they want to provide 300 kids with Christmas boxes this year.  You can pick up empty boxes and drop off full boxes at the Thunder Bay Insurance, TD Bank locations, the Mary J L Black Branch Library and the Brodie Resource Library.

Arts and Heritage Awards

Several Thunder Bay artists were recently honoured during the City's Arts and Heritage awards.  10 awards were presented to nominees in nine categories representing Thunder Bay's cultural sector.  Magic 99 and The Giant 105.3 presented Paul Morralee with the Performing and Media Arts award.

Hobbs in Chicago this weekend

Thunder Bay's Mayor is in Chicago this weekend talking about the Great Lakes.  Keith Hobbs is taking part in a meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Initiative. Hobbs says they'll also discuss wastewater management and the invasion of asian sea carp.

Hobbs tackles PETA e-mails

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is being bombarded with e-mails from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  The group recently asked its supporters to write the Mayor and Council to cancel their plans for a bow hunt of deer.  Hobbs reiterates that he's opposed to the bow hunt in City limits.  The Mayor says he's taken the time to respond to each of the 200 e-mails he's received.

CP Holiday Train Friday night

It's time to get on board the Holiday Train.  The brightly lit CP locomotive will be passing through Thunder Bay Friday night.  Spokesperson Melissa Murray says the Holiday Train is in support of local food banks.  The train is expected at the CP train station on Syndicate at 9:30 Friday night.  Valdy will highlight the Holiday Train's entertainment this year.

PETA starts letter campaign to Council

The City's decision to allow bow hunting in City limits is not sitting well with animal rights group PETA.  The group wants residents to write Council asking them to scrap their bow hunting legislation.  The group is also applauding the City for discouraging the feeding of deer.

Conmee Street House Fire

A Conmee Street family is safe after their home caught fire over the evening hours. Firefighters from Hodder, North Central and Junot fought the fire and kept it to the outside of the home. The Fire Department is reporting very little smoke damage and no structural damage. Investigators will be on the scene of the fire today to look into the cause.