McGuinty Sticks To His Guns

Premier Dalton McGuinty will not budge. He's standing by a decision to put a hold on the conversion the Mission Island power plant to natural gas for what experts say could be energy savings of 400 million dollars. Speaking in Thunder Bay, the outgoing premier says it's all about meeting the energy needs of the north. McGuinty says it would be reckless to proceed without looking at the advice of those experts.

Police Make Arrest In 2011 Traffic Death

Thunder Bay police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal accident last year on Victoria Avenue at Leland. It killed a 60 year old woman.  Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the man was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on the city's south side. Charged is  Ashley Shabogomik of the Aeroland First Nation.  Hay says the investigation lasted over 400 days.

Woman Hit By Vehicle

City police are searching for a woman at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital after she was reportedly hit by a vehicle. Police say the incident was called in just after 2:00 o'clock this afternoon and happened at the corner of Oliver and High Street. Police say a witness was able to take the woman to hospital with unknown injuries and now officers are trying to find her.

Hospital Gridlock Continues

It's organized chaos at the Health Sciences Centre as staff are coping with the stressful situation of gridlock. That means that all the beds in the facility are taken and it's a juggling act with the patients. Hospital spokesperson Mark Henderson there's a faint light at the end of the tunnel with the construction of new beds coming, but that is not an immediate solution.  Henderson says there are about 60 patients at the hospital that are the cause of the overload

Manhunt In Lappe

O.P.P. are on the lookout for a man in Lappe. Officers are currently on foot trying to cordone off certain areas of the bush as they look for a man who is wanted on a number of charges. It stems from an incident early this morning when police say the man failed to stop for a routine check and proceeded to run into the bush. O.P.P. have since recovered the vehicle and have had a number of reports from nearby residents who said they had spotted the man.

Stop The Energy Politics Says Horwath

The leader of the Ontario NDP says it's time to take the politics out of the Mission Island power plant debate. The Ontario Power Authority is claiming the plants closure could save 400 million dollars. However on a visit to Thunder Bay Andrea Horwath would not say whether she would keep the plant open or closed if she were premier. Horwath says it's clear the issue has become a political football.

MP Rickford Says ELA Allegations Are Untrue

The MP of Kenora is very disappointed with a recent statement put out by the Coalition to Save The Experimental Lakes Area. Greg Rickford says that the statement made by Director Diane Orihel regarding a possible sale to an unknown buyer, is completely untrue. Rickford says there was no such thing, and that they are looking at the best option for the water research facility. Orihel also said that the government is striking down motions to save the ELA behind closed doors, and Rickford says that is not true either.

National Development Centre Team Announced

The National Development Centre's nordic ski team is embarking on a busy season. The 13 member team was introduced today and will take part in 15 to 20 events throughout the Winter months. Team Manager Amanda Holdsworth says the team will be eyeing the World Junior Under 23 Trials from January 3rd to the 6th at Lappe as one of their major events of the season. 

PARO Awards Tonight

Nine women business owners are being honoured this evening by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise. They are being recognized as the top enterprising women of 2012.  The event takes place at the Victoria Inn

Politicians Visit City Today

Thunder Bay is a political hotbed today. Premier Dalton McGuinty is expected in the city later today, along with Liberal Leadership candidates Glenn Murray and Kathleen Wynne. They are here for a fundraising dinner for Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle.

Vehicle Crashes Into Light Pole

 City police say 4 charges are being laid against a man following an early morning collision. The man is facing two alcohol charges, a stolen vehicle charge and one count of dangerous driving. Police were called to the corner of May and Arthur Street at approximately 4:25 a.m. to a report of a vehicle crashing into a light stand. The man made an appearance in video court this morning.

Mauro Backs Pupetello For Leader

Bill Mauro knows who he wants to see as the province's next premier. The Thunder Bay MPP is endorsing Sandra Pupetello to replace Dalton McGuinty as liberal leader. Mauro believes she is best suited to lead the province and understands the needs of the north.

Project Sold Off

An exploration project, in its infancy stages in the Rainy River district, is being sold off. B-C based Duncastle Gold has signed a letter of understanding to acquire the Mineral Mountain Resources Pipestone project in a cash and shares deal. It's located about 60 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

Chamber Of Commerce New Board Members

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce has some new faces on it's 2013 board of directors. Eat Local: Pizza & Pastry owner Jim Stadey, as well as Lakehead University's Bahram Dadgostar will sit on the board, followed by Bombardier's Claude Gingras, and Uli Walther of GKR Fasteners.

Christmas Cheer Ready To Fundraise

The Christmas Cheer Fund is back for another year.  Past Chair person Jolene Kemp says one of this year's goal is to have a positive outcome.  Christmas Cheer's Chair person will announce the Campaign's new goal at the end of November.

Credit Counselling On The Rise

Thunder Bay's Counselling Centre is seeing a jump in the number of people coming to them for help with their finances. Manager Sheri Fata says they've seen a 28 percent increase in the number of their clients and most of the time its after they've already racked up a debt. Fata says they hope people will be smart when it comes to their holiday spending. Fata made the comments during a celebration of Credit Education Week and wants to remind the public that their services are free and they're here to help.

Toys For Tots Back Again

Toys for Tots is back for another holiday season of fundraising. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg says they're confident in their fundraising efforts. The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations. Money raised goes towards buying toys and gifts that Christmas Cheer gives to those in need.

Education Centre Open On Cumberland

There's a new opportunity for First Nation residents to upgrade their skills and training.  The Matawa First Nations set up an education centre at the Everest College building on Cumberland Street.  Spokesperson Carolyn Zadnik says they'll be helping residents upgrade their highschool education and beyond.  Over 100 students are expected to take part in the program.

Auto-Pedestrian Collision Near City Hall

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision between a car and a pedestrian. It happened just after 10:30 this morning at the intersection of Archibald and Donald Street. 2 city buses were indirectly involved and are parked at the scene while police investigate further. No other information is being released at this time.

Ground Search Begins For Missing Woman

Twenty city police officers are on foot patrolling the area surrounding the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police are conducting the ground search for 42 year old Pauline Kireto who was last seen on October 15th. Efforts by her family and police to locate her have been unsuccessful. Kireto is described as 5-foot-1 with a medium build and short dark hair. She does require medication and has been without them since the time of her disapearance. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call city police or crimestoppers.