Miles With the Giant

Gilbert Kiptoo crossed the finish line in first place for the second year in a row as crowds cheered him on at the Miles With the Giant marathon. This year's runs started and finished in the Marina Park and both the marathon and half-marathon are Boston certified. Barry Streib, organizer of the event, says this really puts Thunder Bay on the map and will help to make the event bigger each year. Over 900 runners registered this year. 

Foul Play Not Suspected

An autopsy has been completed on 15-year-old Regina Kakekespan.  Provincial Police are saying that foul play is not suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.  Police say her body was found on Monday in a wooded area behind a church on First Avenue North in Sioux Lookout.  The cause of death has not been released.

Police Board Says Sorry

The Police Services Board is issuing an open letter about the internal police email that went public earlier this month which some Aboriginals feel was offensive.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo is hoping the letter helps to soothe relations between the two groups.  He says they are apologizing to the First Nation community and telling them what the police service board is doing to diversify. Virdiramo says the letter is not being released in hopes area First Nations drop their human rights complaint.

ONWA Releasing Prostitution Report

The Ontario Native Women's Association is releasing a report on Thunder Bay's prostitution trade. ONWA Spokesperson Lana Ray says they spoke to 27 aboriginal sex trade workers.  Ray says many of the women said they would like to see a sex trade worker transition house.  It would help them feel more comfortable and safe when trying to leave the industry.  The prostitution report is expected to come out in October.

Conservatory Debate Monday Night

Thunder Bay City Council is going to have a lot on their minds Monday night as they discuss the future of the Botanical Conservatory.  Several groups have come out in support of the building including the Canadian Union of Public Employees.  CUPE Spokesperson Marie Dean says she just wants visitors and workers at the conservatory to be safe.  CUPE doesn't want the City to lose the 48 year old building.  Meanwhile, Councillor Brian McKinnon says he might support keeping the facility open but only if repairs are made and it's deemed safe.

Public School Garden Tour

Five city public schools are showing off their food gardens Saturday.  Parents and educators are being given a bus tour of all the gardens according to organizer Erin Beagle. She says it's part of a growing trend.  The tour begins at 9 o'clock at Agnew H. Johnson school and wraps up at noon. 

OTF Releases Book

As part of its Aboriginal education awareness project the Ontario Teachers Federation is releasing a book of diverse stories of students across the province.  Students from seven schools in Thunder Bay contributed to the book.

Superior North EMS HQ Open

The Superior North EMS District Headquarters is now officially open.  Chief Norm Gale says the new building has improved the work environment for paramedics.  Gale says he has no complaints about the new building since it came in on time and on budget.

20 Year Old Charged After Wild Party

City Police are charging the 20 year old man who hosted a massive party at his Hacquoil Road residence during the September long weekend.  The party resulted in a number of noise complaints and a congested rural road.  He's charged with Mischief and has a court date of October 23rd.

Canadian Forces Recruiting Office To Close

Workers at the Canadian Forces Recruiting office in Thunder Bay are confirming they are set for closure next year. 6 people work at the office and 3 have already moved on. The office is set for closure on August 31st of next year but will likely close its doors to the public on March 31st. Two people will lose their jobs, the other four will be re-distributed within the Canadian Forces. The Recruting office is closing because of the Harper Government's cutting of expenditures.

Fire Truck Damaged In Collision

A 40 year old Firefighter is now being charged with failing to stop for a red light. 
Police say the charge stems from an incident where a Pumper Rescue unit was travelling westbound through the John and Court Street intersection with sirens and lights activated, when it struck a pick-up truck. The 50 year old driver of the pick-up was taken to hospital, treated and released with minor injuries. Police say the passenger side of the pick-up was completely destroyed, meanwhile there is extensive damage to the front end of the Pumper Rescue unit.

Thunderwolves Men's Hockey Hosts Gee Gee's

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves face their first pre-season test this weekend against the visiting Ottawa Gee Gee's. Head Coach Joel Scherban says they have three former O.H.L. captains joining the team and will be expecting them to contribute right away. Puck drop is at 7:30 at the Fort William Gardens on Friday and Saturday night.

North Stars Start Season On Road

The 12th Superior International Junior Hockey League season gets underway tonight on three fronts. The Thunder Bay North Stars travel to Hoyt Lakes to take on the Minnesota Iron Rangers in their opening game. Still no head coach has been named for the team, which is under new ownership.

BB Gun Lands Teen In Trouble

A 17 year old boy is in trouble with city police after they received an anonymous call on Wednesday night about a youngster staggering down the street with a handgun.  Officers were called to the area of the Limbrick Townhouses and later located the teen with a gun in his hand. Police drew their pistols and ordered him to the ground.  The youth didn't put up a fight and was visibly intoxicated at the time of the arrest.  The gun turned out to be a bb gun that's described as a black replica handgun. He's charged with Possession of Weapons Dangerous to the Public, Breach of Probation and Breach of Undertaking.

Under 30? Why Not Go To The Symphony

Good news if your under the age of 30. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is offering students and young professionals the opportunity to buy tickets to their concerts for 15 dollars. TD Canada Trust helped make the cheaper tickets possible. Development Manager of the TBSO Kelly Rooney says the lower ticket prices help create a connection between youth and the symphony early on. Rooney adds students and the under 30 set are the future supporters of the arts.

Mill Start Up Creates Noise Concern

All is back to normal at Resolute Forest Products.   A listener called to complain about a consistent loud noise coming from the mill at around 2 o'clock this afternoon.   A company spokesperson says that at the time,  the mill was starting back up from its annual maintenance outage and what the listener probably heard was noise from the steam pressure valves being released.

Giant Marathon Sunday

The third annual Miles with the Giant Marathon is set to go Sunday.  Organizer Charla Robinson says hundreds of runners will take off from Prince Arthur's Landing at 8 in the morning including several from Kenya.  Several roads will be closed off during the marathon Sunday including Court,  Beverly and Cumberland Streets.

Miss Thunder Bay 2012

The City's first Miss Thunder Bay Pageant is quickly approaching. The winner of this year's pageant will go on to represent the city in the 2013 Miss Northern Ontario pageant.  Contestant and Grade 11 student Natalie Krzeminski says pageants are a great way to boost young girls self esteem.  The beauty pageant will take place November 2nd and 3rd at the Slovak Legion.

Extensive Mining Study To Be Released

Bahram Dadgostar

A group of movers and shakers in the city called Ambassadors Northwest is about to release a comprehensive mining study. Group spokesperson Marv Detweiler says the study was done by Bahram Dadgostar at Lakehead University and will give an overview of the mining boom in the region. Detweiler says it will address the value of the minerals, the workforce that will be required, infrastructure and First Nations involvement. The report will be released at a news conference on Thursday morning.

Kidney Foundation Walk Saturday

The Thunder Bay chapter of The Kidney Foundation of Canada is holding a fundraising walk Saturday. Registration gets underway at 9 am at Sir Winston Churchill High School. Spokesperson Lisa Galon says there's a great need for funds in the region. She says there are over 13 hundred patients in the region suffering from kidney disease. The group hopes to raise over 7 thousand dollars.