Grenade found by gardener

A old rusted grenade is now destroyed after causing some excitement on the city's south side. It was found by a man gardening on Victor Street according to city police Staff Sgt. Bill Boote. He says it was discovered Thursday by the man who then took it to the shore of the Kam River. He then called city police who called the OPP who, even though they have their own bomb squad, had to call the Canadian Military from Winnipeg to dispose of the devise.

Complex discovers "hidden" art

The saying goes everything old is new again and for the Canada Games Complex that holds true. During renovations a ceramic mural was discovered after one of the walls was taken down. It turns out it's a mural made by the Thunder Bay Potter's Guild back in the day. It's now hanging in the reception area for everyone to see.

City jobless rate drops

A shot in the arm for the city's economy as Thunder Bay's unemployment rate for the month of June was down from May.   Statistics Canada says the June rate was 6.7 per cent compared to 7.2 per cent the month before.

Organizers pumped about Bluesfest

It's time to sing the blues at Marina Park for the 10th annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival. Organizer Trevor Hurtig says out of the over two dozen acts there was only one switch that had to be made due to legal problems at the border.  As an added bonus anyone who has a Blues Festival ticket can ride any city transit bus for free this weekend.

ONWA opens new location

The Ontario Native Women's Association is now in it's new digs at the old St. John School on Ray Blvd. President Dawn Harvard says it symbolizes 30 years of hard work on behalf of native women in the province. Harvard says the new location was paid for with some belt tightening, fundraising and government money.

47 thousand dollars worth of drugs seized

Cocaine, Magic Mushrooms, Codeine and cash are in the hands of the Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit after a search of a Thunder Bay home.  The street value of the drugs is 47 thousand dollars.  A 29 year old woman and a 42 year old man are charged with various drug related offences.

Missing 22 year old woman

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a 22year old woman.  Geraldine Blackhawk is missing and is 5'10 with black hair and brown eyes.  Anyone with information is asked to call 684-1200.

Two fatalities on NWO Highways

A Thunder Bay teen is dead after a fatal accident on Highway 71 in Sioux Narrows.  Early yesterday morning, a southbound vehicle lost control and ejected the driver.  The vehicle came to rest in the west side ditch.  In another fatal accident reported yesterday on Highway 17, a west bound truck left the highway and struck a rock cut near Kenora. 40 year old Colin Duguay of Kenora was transported to Hospital where he died as a result of the injuries.

Thunder Bay man found dead in Illinois

Police say the search for 69 year old Ed Spakowski of Thunder Bay has ended tragically.  They say that Illinois State Police confirm that both Spakowski and his dog were found dead. The circumstances surrounding the death aren't known but police do not suspect it was foul play. Spakowski disappeared last week after he picked up an RV in Elkhart, Indiana to drive back to Thunder Bay.

Deer Lake Evacuated

500 people from Deer Lake are fleeing their remote community because of nearby forest fires.  Two Canadian Forces Hercules aircraft from Winnipeg flew the Deer Lake residents to Greenstone.  The blazes are sending heavy smoke into the area.

Blues Festival to entertain thousands

About 15 thousand people are expected to attend the 10th annual Blues Festival at Marina Park this weekend. Over two dozen acts are expected to entertain the crowds starting Friday afternoon at 3:30 when the gates open. It all wraps up Sunday night with Blue Rodeo.

Ontario wood products get a new brand

A new Ontario wood logo is supposed to make it easier for consumers to see if the wood they buy is manufactured in this province. The Executive Director of Ontario Wood Works,  Marianne Berube, speaking  in Thunder Bay,  said the new branding is needed because until now people couldn't tell at a glance where the wood was brought in from.

From one T Bay to another

Thunder Bay's Tom Pyatt has been signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.  The 24 year old spent last season with Montreal.  The free agent was signed on Wednesday.

Update on Current River Power Outage

Police say a drunk driver is responsible for taking out the power to Grenville Avenue near Adelaide Street on Tuesday night.  A Pontiac Sunfire hit a hydro pole causing extensive damage.  A 43 year old woman is charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Impaired Driving.

Two fatalities on NWO Highways

A fatal morning on local highways.  The OPP are currently investigating two separate motor vehicle accidents that have claimed two lives.  The first collision took place just after midnight, after a vehicle drove off of Highway 17 east of Kenora and into a rock cut.  Police say one man was killed in the accident, which took place about 10 kilometers east of the Highway 71 junction.
The highway was closed overnight, but was finally re-opened to two way traffic around 7:30 this morning.  The name of the deceased has not been released.

Deer Lake Residents Evacuated

Nearly 500 residents of Deer Lake are being evacuated because of a nearby forest fire.  The province is co-ordinating with federal and defence officials to evacuate residents whose health is most at risk.  It is expected that about 480 residents will be immediately airlifted by Canadian Forces aircraft to Greenstone.

Highway 17 east of Kenora Open

Traffic is moving again on Highway 17 east of Kenora.  The Trans-Canada was closed for about four hours overnight due to a single vehicle accident.  The OPP say there was a rollover just east of the Highway 17 junction.  The accident took place around 1:00 this morning. So far there has been no indication whether anyone was injured in the accident.

Kenora Power Outage Lengthy

Two and a half days and counting.  That's how long some homes southwest of Kenora have been without power.  Hydro One says there are still about 100 customers waiting to have their electricity restored following Monday night's vicious thunder storms.  Crews are still working in the area and its expected power will be back on to most homes and cottages by 4:00 this afternoon.

Young Driver Joy Rides in Pikangikum

A 12 year old girl faces a number of charges after going for a joy ride in the remote community of Pikangikum.  The OPP say they were notified about a pick up truck driving in an erratic manner around 5:00 in the morning.  Officers tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver refused to stop.  Because the driver appeared to be quite young, the OPP gave up the chase.  A short time later, the vehicle ran into a hydro pole, knocking out power to the entire community.  Police say there were 14 passengers in the truck at the time, including three ten year olds, four 12 year olds, three 13 year olds and three 14 year old youths.

Thunder Bay man found dead in Illinois

Police say the search for 69 year old Ed Spakowski of Thunder Bay has ended tragically.  They say that Illinois State Police confirm that both Sapkowski and his dog were found dead.   The circumstances surrounding the death aren't know but police do not suspect it was foul play.   Spakowski disappeared last week after he picked up an RV in Elkhart, Indiana to drive back to Thunder Bay