District teachers get a chance to learn

Teachers in the district have a chance to get some schooling of their own with the NOEL summer conference. Organizer Carol Volbracht says this year's theme is navigating the winds of change and is very valuable for teachers.  Volbracht says the conference gives educators a chance to learn from their colleagues and get new information from other sources.

Horizon Wind holds last open house

Horizon Wind has filled its responsibilities to consult area residents about their proposed wind park.  The last open house was held Tuesday night, and Project Co-ordinator Nhung Nguyen says they're now readying their application to the Ministry of Environment. Nguyen says they're not sure when they'll be ready to send in the renewable energy approval application.

Family health team announced for Tbay

The provincial government is green lighting the creation of another family health team in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro announced the funding yesterday. Mauro says it's a joint project between the hospital and an already existing clinic. It could take three to four years before the family health team is up and running. There are already four family health teams working in the Thunder Bay area.

One man hurt during an armed robbery

Thunder Bay police are looking for a man who robbed the Subway in the North downtown yesterday night. The robbery happened just after 8 o'clock when the man jumped over the counter with a knife and demanded cash. An employee received non life threatening injuries during the robbery.

One dead after early morning single vehicle accident

Thunder Bay police are investigating a fatal collision that happened early this morning. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the driver lost control of his vehicle in the intersection of Algoma and Red River and hit a retaining wall.  Adams says 52 year old Timothy McLellan was pronounced dead at the health sciences centre and the investigation will continue to find the cause of the crash. 

Trevor Giertuga running for council again

Councillor Trevor Giertuga has filed his papers to run in the upcoming municipal election. Giertuga finds himself in a 3 horse race in McIntyre ward. He has sat on council for the past 10 years.

Shaw allowed to keep broadcasting

City council has decided to continue the status quo when it comes to a televised black out of their meetings.  The resolution was brought forward by Councillor Robert Tuchenhagen who feels the Shaw broadcasts provide an advantage to Incumbants.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga feels Tuchenhagen is using the resolution to his advantage.  Councillor Larry Hebert voted against the resolution citing they can't ban other media from covering the council meetings leading up to the election.

OPSEU rallies at City Hall

Striking Northern Ontario School of Medicine employees rallied at Thunder Bay's City Hall Monday night.  Members of the OPSEU union took to the streets holding signs asking the school's dean to get back to the bargaining table.  The union is still waiting for a response from the Management Team for scheduled dates to return to the bargaining table.

City signs Declaration of Commitment with area Aboriginals

The City of Thunder Bay has signed a declaration of commitment with urban Aboriginal people. The City's Aboriginal Liaison Anna Gibbon says its a very important step for future relationships between the city and aboriginals. Mayor Lynn Peterson says aboriginals in Thunder Bay have very diverse cultures and needs and a unique and understanding solution is needed to help them become a bigger part of the community.

Police hand out second murder charge in Bearskin Lake

A second murder charge has been handed out in connection to a death in Bearskin Lake First Nation. Niel Fiddler was murdered and another young man was taken to hospital following an incident August 14th. A second 15 year old boy has been arrested and is charged with 2nd degree murder and attempted murder.

Police looking for missing teen and find missing man

City Police are on the look out for a missing teen. 15 year old Daniel Pelletier reportedly said he was going to leave with the fair and was last seen at the CLE August 16th. Pelletier is 6 foot 4 and around 240 pounds.

Meanwhile Thunder Bay Police have found a man missing since the end of July. Darren Sabbe was found at a house on the North Side Saturday safe and sound. He was last seen July 28th.

Take a Hike hitting the road to new location

A local outdoor outfitter is relocating. Take a Hike is gearing up to move from its current location in downtown Fort William to a new bigger location in the Bay and Algoma business community. Owner Diane Petryna says she's excited for the move.

Cat overflow at Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society has over 130 cats currently and has simply run out of room.


Board of Directors Secretary Judy Decicco says to make some space the adoption fee will be waived for any cat that has been at the humane society for over six months. This leaves only the vet fee of 100 dollars.

Decicco says responsible pet ownership is the only long term solution and encourages pet owners to have their pet spayed or neutered.

15 thousand dollars given to Alzheimer Society

The 2009 Ischkinakker Shaker has raised 15 thousand dollars for the Alzheimer Society.  The youth driven fundraiser was created by Katie Ischkin and Johnny DeBakker.  Executive Director Alison Denton says she's grateful for the contribution.  The 2010 event will support the Justice B Lester foundation.

Police arrest man who made threats on a bus

Police have a 68 year old man in custody after a disturbance on a city bus this morning. Police say the man had to be taken off the bus at the City Hall terminal after the driver and passengers became offended by some of his remarks and vague threats. No one was injured. Police say the man is familiar to them and that alcohol was involved.

Bentley pays a second visit to Thunder Bay

The provincial government is supporting Northwestern Ontario's aboriginal and metis victims.  The Ontario Native Women's Association has developed workshops designed to foster healthy relationships.  Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says they've adopted a "for us by us" strategy.  Another first nations group is offering a healing arts program designed to remember those first nation women who are missing.

Parking rate increases proposed

Parking rates could be on the rise...but relax, it won't be right away. Parking Authority Manager James Coady says a report to council Monday, recommends it, but says it won't happen until there can be discussions with the businesses that would be affected. That includes the Harbour B.I.A., the Victoria Ave. B.I.A., the Simpson St. B.I.A., the Westfort Merchant Association, and the Bay/Secord Merchant Association. It would then be brought before councillors at budget time. As well councillors will hear that it'll cost about 2.2 million dollars to aquire lands around the new courthouse building in the south core to accommodate parking demand.

Waverley Park bandshell may become history

Plans are in the works to have the bandshell at Waverley Park replaced. The organization called Coalition for Waverley Park says the stage that's there now is old and has served it's purpose. They are proposing a smaller stage and are working with city officials to put together a plan that can be presented to city council.

Solar forest project axed

A planned solar power project for the Bay and Algoma area is dead in the water. The group wanted to erect a series of solar panels at that intersection. They say that changes by the province on the rules that govern such projects, forced them to axe it. The group wanted to run the venture along with the Finlandia Club.

Fundraiser for local soup kitchen

Thunder Bay's Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen is holding a big fundraising yard sale Friday and Saturday.   Director Terri Favreau says the proceeds will be used to help fund the facility.  The goal is to raise 10 thousand dollars.  The fundraiser takes place from 4 until 9 Friday and from 8 am until 2 pm Saturday.