For Ken Lewenza it's ABH

The national leader of the Canadian Auto Workers Union is suggesting his members not support a Tim Hudak government. However, speaking in Thunder Bay, Ken Lewenza insists he is not endorsing any political party for this provincial election. However he admits his message is "anybody but Hudak".  Lewenza told a group of union members last night the Tories are not on the side of workers or public servants.

Gravelle responds to Northern Debate

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is coming to the defence of his Leader.  Gravelle says they want to make sure Northern issues are heard on the province wide debate. In a press release, the Liberals say they wrote NOMA to tell them the Premier wouldn't be able to attend because he has a prior commitment.  The Liberals say they offered to make someone else available for the Thunder Bay debate, but they declined.

Stand off is over

The police stand off with a man who barricaded himself in a Brunswick Street home is over.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the man surrendered shortly after 2:30 Wednesday.  A 53 year old Brunswick Avenue man is in custody and charges are pending.  The stand off started after city bylaw officers attempted to conduct a clean up of the man's property.

Police dealing with a tense situation

Thunder Bay Police are dealing with a stand off like situation on Brunswick Street.  A man has barricaded himself in a house with a woman who police believe is his girlfriend.  He's believed to be armed with a weapon. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's too soon to call it a stand off and doesn't want to label the situation at this time.  Adams is asking the public to stay away from Brunswick, Waterloo and Victoria Street for their safety.

Neebing Avenue fire under investigation

The Fire Marshall is in Thunder Bay today investigating Tuesday's townhouse fire on Neebing Avenue.  Inspector Terry Hanshire and a representative from the Fire Marshall's Office are on the scene.  The cause of the blaze is still not known.

Northern Ontario Debate next Friday

Premier Dalton McGuinty appears to be the only holdout in a Northern Ontario debate. Both NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and PC Leader Tim Hudak have accepted the NOMA invitation for September 23rd. Horwath says McGuinty opting out of the debate shows what he thinks of the North.  PC Candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North Anthony Leblanc agrees saying McGuinty continues to neglect the North. McGuinty says he wants to have a Northern Ontario specific debate in the September 27th televised debate.

McGuinty to bring campaign to Thunder Bay

Premier Dalton McGuinty is travelling to Thunder Bay to stir up some Liberal support during his election campaign.   One of the issues sure to come up will be McGuinty's reluctance to join in a leaders debate about Northern issues.   The Premier will arrive in the city tonight and is expected to leave after his tour of the Bombardier Plant tomorrow morning.

Red Cross honours hydro linesman

L to R: Rob Kruk-Rory Milani

A Thunder Bay Hydro linesman is being honoured for his heroism. Last May, Roy Milani performed live saving CPR on Robert Kruk who was having a heart attack. Milani credits the skills training he received through Thunder Bay Hydro.   As the result of his actions, the Red Cross has  given Milani a safety award.

Mac's Mart robbed again

Police are investigating another robbery at a Mac's Convenience store in Thunder Bay.  Two men entered the east Arthur street store armed with a knife and stole some money and merchandise.  The duo fled on foot and were last seen heading east from the store.

Top marks!

It's high fives all around at the Regional Hospital after it got high marks in two areas of a mandatory accreditation. CEO Andree Robichaud says the hospital received a good report for it's telemedicine program and for family centred care.   Robichaud hopes to improve in other areas for the next examination including strategic planning.

Columbus visits City

Thunder Bay's Port welcomed a four hundred passenger cruise ship this morning.  Acting Waterfront Manager Paul Pepe says the Columbus is being sold and will sail next year under the name Hamburg. Pepe is trying to bring that ship back and attract others to the City.  Over 300 German speaking tourists sailed in on the ship today and toured the City.  The cruise ship will be back in two weeks time.

Thunder Bay teens involved in weekend mishap

Two Thunder Bay teens are in trouble with the law as they recover from a traffic accident.  The 14 and 16 year old boys were arrested and charged Sunday after police had reports of a stolen vehicle from Thunder Bay travelling on Highway 17 near Schreiber.  OPP say the vehicle the two teens were in later veered off the road and slammed into a rock cut after it failed to stop for police.  The incident is currently being probed by the Province's Special Investigations Unit.

Hiring climate said to be healthy

It looks like the coming months will be good for Thunder Bay's hiring climate.  Manpower Thunder Bay spokesperson Florentine Bahlieda says the results of the most recent survey show 20 percent of employers are planning on hiring new staff.

Taxi robbed by syringe point

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a woman in connection to a taxi robbery.  Police say a woman robbed a Diamond Taxi early this morning armed with a syringe.  The woman is know by police.

No one hurt in a townhouse inferno

Luckily there are no injuries after a 2 alarm inferno at a townhouse on the south side of town. The blaze ripped through two units a 924 and 926 Neebing Avenue just after 9 this morning. Initial searches of the units came up clear. There is no indication at this time what may have caused the blaze. Black smoke from the fire could be seen across the city.

Another fire at AbitibiBowater sends 5 to hospital

Another fire at AbitibiBowater sent 5 employees to the hospital with minor injuries.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Responded to the blaze early this morning at Paper Machine 5.  Four people suffered smoke inhalation and one person received a head injury.

Walsh street sidewalk to be discussed Monday

The controversial Walsh Street sidewalk might not be created after all.  Council already approved the contract for the project, and it's underway.  However, the city is considering backing out of the project because of trees being cut down.  A report will be brought back to council next Monday during a special meeting.

Traffic light removal approved

Thunder Bay City Council is approving the removal of the traffic signals at the intersection of Miles Street and Syndicate Avenue. A report found that the lights are no longer needed because the traffic conditions no longer warrant them. The removal of the lights will save the city a thousand dollars each year. Pedestrian activated signals will be installed 30 metres west of the intersection of Miles and Brodie streets. Council will ratify the traffic light removal at it's September 26th meeting.

Bus passes approved

Thunder Bay City Council is going to provide some bus passes to Lakehead University's Humanities program. However, they're also asking administration to create a policy that would deal with community groups asking for free bus passes.  Council will be providing 600 bus passes to the Humanities 101 students.

Shelter House makes request

Thunder Bay City Council is considering a request from Shelter House.  The group wants council to put just over 240-thousand dollars towards renovating their George Street building.  Shelter House wants to use the building to offer help to chronic alcoholics. The group wants to offer 15 beds to alcoholics that currently stay at the hospital or in jail cells. Council has asked for a report on the project.