Horwath rallies troops

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling out the Liberal Government for sending out press releases attacking her Northern Ontario platform. Horwath says if the McGuinty Liberals want to attack her policies they can take part in a Northern Ontario specific debate set in the region. Horwath spoke to a crowd of party faithful at the Lakehead Labour Centre Thursday night.

Speeders nabbed the first day of school

City police say too many drivers are speeding near schools. They say on the first day of school this year over 50 tickets were handed out to lead footed drivers. City traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says he's not surprised saying it usually takes drivers several days to adapt to new situations.  Police say one woman was clocked going almost 100 in a 50 km an hour community safety zone.

LU and Metis Nation sign "historic" agreement

Lakehead University is making its mark in the Aboriginal community with the signing of an agreement with the Metis Nation of Ontario. President Brian Stevenson says the Memorandum of Understanding takes the relationship between the two parties to a new level by opening up more opportunities for Metis students.  LU becomes the 10th postsecondary institution in the Province to sign such an agreement with the Metis.

Liberals attack NDP Northern platform

The Liberals are claiming that the NDP will ban all development in the Far North.  They say the NDP plan to repeal the Far North Act and instead put a climate change plan in place. The Liberals are also against the NDP's mining policy.  Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says the NDP mining scheme is bad policy that would hurt foreign investment.  The NDP plan would make it law that resources that can be processed in Ontario won't be shipped away elsewhere.

Bruce Hyer talks Parliament resuming

Members of Parliament head back to work in Ottawa on September 19th.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says his party will be able to carry on former Leader Jack Layton's vision.  The party will look at holding a leadership election in 2012.

CPR is the centre of a new study

An international study on CPR and Defribulation is looking to Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue and Superior North EMS.  EMS Spokesperson Mario Audet says the study's aim is to remove un-needed proceedures to help save lives. Audet says providing CPR and defribulation as soon as possible are vital for saving lives.

Sheelagh Hendrick gets promotion

The City has found someone to cover Crime Prevention Coordinator Amy Siciliano's maternity leave.  Spokesperson Karen Lewis says they've promoted from within.  Sheelagh Hendrick starts her new job September 19th.  Hendrick is currently the Deputy City Clerk.

United Way wants 2.5 million dollars

The United Way is ready to raise funds for the 27 local charities it supports.  Co-Chair Shelley Trewin says this year's goal is just over 2.5 million dollars.  The 2011 fundraising goal was announced at the organization's campaign breakfast Thursday at the Valhalla Inn. 

Police auction off goods

Thunder Bay Police are auctioning off unclaimed property tonight.  60 bikes are up for grabs.  The event kicks off at 6:30 at the police station on Balmoral.

Local author gets recognition

A Thunder Bay author is basking in the limelight after his book was nominated for a Giller Prize.   Michael Christie is one of 17 authors in the country to be nominated for Canada's most prestigious English-language literary award. It's for his book "Beggar's Garden".

Chamber talks provincial election issues

The Provincial election campaign is underway and not everyone seems to be aware of it.  That's the finding of the Chamber of Commerce; President Harold Wilson says some residents are blissfully unaware. Wilson says they hope to raise voter awareness through a candidate survey on their website. Wilson feels creating resource and knowledge based jobs, and the cost of electricity will be hot election topics.

Top 20 under 40

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the first ever Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards.  Board Chair Michael Nitz says it's a way to celebrate the rich array of young talent in the region.  The awards will recognize the top 20 under the age of 40.  The awards will be handed out in January, nomination forms are due by October 15th.

Provincial election campaign underway

The Provincial election campaign is officially underway.  We asked residents outside of City Hall what they thought of the upcoming vote.  We head to the polls October 6th.

Tri-party deal inked

Three area First Nations are hailing an agreement signed between them which they say prevents industry from pitting the communities against each other.  The letter of intent involves the Aroland, Ginoogaming and Long Lake 58 First Nations.   The agreement is designed make sure that all of them tell each other about any activities on their lands. 

Burn victim flown to Winnipeg

A Thunder Bay man is now receiving treatment in Winnipeg for burns to his face and hands after a weekend grease fire that fire officials say could have been prevented. They say the Melvin Avenue resident had to be flown out of the city because of the seriousness of the injuries.

PA Stadium loses out to London

Baseball officials in Thunder Bay are taking it in stride. Port Arthur Stadium finished in second place behind London's Labatt Park in voting for Canada's Favourite baseball stadium. Thunder Bay's Larry Hebert says it helped to boost the sport in the city.   About 19 thousand votes were cast in the online poll.

T.Bay man sentenced to 9 years

A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man is looking at up to 9-years in prison for his role in a series of violent, drug-related events.  Steven Nelson Leeson was sentenced Tuesday in connection with events that involved kidnapping, assaulting and intimidating suspected low-level drug dealers. Leeson was sentenced for three counts of unlawful confinement, three counts of aggravated assault, choking someone with a seat belt, using a firearm, kidnapping and assault causing bodily harm.

Naughty Dryden residents

The Dryden Police Service has laid charges of indecent act.  Police located 2-individuals engaging in sex acts in a public place.  Police say the incident occurred on the weekend in broad daylight and note some individuals were offended by the display of public affection.

Leading concussion expert coming to town

Brain Injury Services Northwestern Ontario is calling for better record keeping for concussion victims.  Spokesperson Alice Bellavance says right now there is no way to know how many people have suffered concussions in the area and that needs to change. Bellavance says long term effects from concussions are becoming more and more now and keeping records will be vital in moving forward.  Brain Injury Services Northwestern Ontario is partnering with the District Health Unit to host information sessions October 5th with leading concussion expert Doctor Charles Tator.

T-Wolves training camp underway

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves are on the ice this week at the Tournament Centre for the start of training camp. Coach Joel Scherban says that there are 16 returning players and 10 new ones vying for a roster spot which Scherban says he is in no hurry to finalize. The first game will take place on September 23rd at the Gardens against Trois Rivieres