Possible Food Poisoning

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is looking into a suspected food poisoning incident.   A number of people have reported being sick after taking part in a number of catered events in the City this past week.  Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, and believe they may be connected to something you ate at a catered event, please contact the health unit.

Loonie Days Raises Almost 21 Thousand

The Disaster Relief Committee is pleased with its "Loonie Days" fundraiser.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says the final total for the Labour Day weekend fundraiser has come in at almost 21 thousand dollars.  The money raised came from a variety of stores who collected a dollar from customers who wanted to top off their bills.  The Committee is in charge of raising money for the May 28th flood victims who are not covered or have inadequate insurance.

Boshcoff On CNIB Board

A former MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River will be lending his expertise to a group that helps Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.  City Councillor Ken Boshcoff has been appointed the CNIB's Ontario-Nunavut Board of Directors.  Boschoff has commemorated the appointment by using Braille on his business cards.

No Double Jeopardy

There is no double jeopardy for former Confederation College Student Adam Leon. Thunder Bay judge threw out his lawyer's attempt today to say he could not be tried twice in connection with an incident in April 2009. That's when a Cessna was taken from the College's flight school and flown into the United States.  Leon spent two years in jail in the States in connection with the case.

Mac's Robber Sentenced

A 35 year old Thunder Bay man is going to prison for 3 years in connection wiith a 2010 Macs store robbery.   Court heard this morning that Gregory Esquiga held a knife to the throat of the clerk when he got away with 75 dollars 8 lottery tickets and cigarettes. His female companion was sentenced earlier to 2 years.

T.B. Hydro Applies For Rate Increase

Thunder Bay Hydro has applied for a rate increase to the Ontario Energy Board to hike power rates here in the city. Spokesperson Tim Wilson says the application process is by no means a rubber stamped procedure. Wilson says  changes will take affect May 1st, 2013 and for residential users, bills will increase by about 40 dollars a year while small commercial businesses will see their annual rate go up by almost 100 dollars.

R.I.D.E. Check Numbers

Ontario Provincial Police are out with the number of drivers who have been warned or charged for driving under the influence of alcohol this holiday season. So far, O.P.P. have issued 10 warnings and charged 24 drivers during their annual R.I.D.E. check programs here in the North West Region. Across the province, provincial police have issued more than 400 warnings and charged just under 450 people for drunk driving.

Handi Transit Goes In House 2014

City Council is approving the merger of handi transit services with Thunder Bay Transit.  Manager of HAGI Transit Brenda Deck was emotional when pleading to councillors last night to continue to allow HAGI to run the service.  Thunder Bay Transit will take over running the service in January 2014.

Maki Bay Solar Asks For Support

Maki Bay Solar is asking for City Council's support for their rooftop solar panel projects.  The business is looking for Municipal approval because the Ontario Power Authority requires it before they can implement their projects.  Maki Bay has a number of deals in line to place solar panels on a number of area business roof tops.

State Of The City Address

Thunder Bay's Mayor is proud of council's partnership with Fort William First Nation.  Keith Hobbs talked about the relationship between the two communities in his State of the City Address Monday night.  Hobbs hopes that one day there will be a unity bridge connecting Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay.  Other issues that popped up in the yearly address include the May 28th flood, and the City Lean cost saving program.

Christmas Cheer Fund Needs Help

Thunder Bay's Christmas Cheer needs your help. Spokesperson Linda Gambee says they are facing a 50-thousand dollar shortfall and a decline in food donations. You can donate food until Tuesday at 7 pm.  Cash donations can be made at the Christmas Cheer office at the CLE until Wednesday at 7.

Highway 11 Open

Highway 11 is now open to traffic after a motor vehicle collision Monday.  A transport truck was on its side blocking the highway.  Police believe there is only minor injuries for the people involved in the crash.  The accident happened 15 kilometers south of Beardmore.

Second Degree Murder Charge In Kenora

Two Kenora men are charged with second degree murder and arson after a fatal house fire over the weekend. 21 year old Langford Ogemah was found dead in the residence. 20 year old Peter Fisher and 22 year old Ringo Carpenter appeared in court for a bail hearing today. The North West Regions Crime unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigations Branch.

Nan Offers Condolences

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is offering its condolences to the family of former NAN Deputy Grand Chief Dan Kooses.  He passed away Sunday after battling a lengthy illness.  The former deputy was from Kashechewan First Nation and was one of the founders of Grand Council Treaty #9.

Border Cats Finalized Schedule

The Thunder Bay Border Cats kick off their 11th season in the Northwoods League Wednesday, May 29th, with a three game road trip beginning in Willmar against the Stingers. The Cats will play two games in Willmar and one in St. Cloud against the Rox before returning to Thunder Bay for their home opener on Saturday, June 1st, against Willmar .

Results Of Food Drive "Amazing"

Organizers of a weekend food drive are more than happy with the results.   Volker Kromm, of the Regional Food Distribution Association, says with the help of area police forces they they managed to collect 23 thousand dollars in food and 3 thousand dollars in cash in the Stuff A Cruiser event.  He calls it amazing  says it equals one of their top food drives during the year.  The food will be used to supply area food banks for the Christmas season.

Success Of Deer Hunt Can't Be Measured

The first ever controlled deer hunt in the city is now in the books. By-law enforcer Ron Bourret says it all appeared to go very well but says there is no way to find out how many deer were killed. He says early in the new year there will be a meeting of all the those involved to find out how success can be measured in the future. Bourret says there were very few complaints filed with the police and of those, all of them were settled easily.  

Johnson Favours City Transit

The issue of whether or not to renew the contract with HAGI Transit comes up for debate tonight at City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson is in favour of the move that will bring the handicapped transit service under the umbrella of Thunder Bay Transit. The HAGI Transit contract with the city officially runs out on December 13th of next year.

City To Host National Soccer Tourney

A major soccer event is headed to the city. Thunder Bay will host the 2013 Canadian Soccer Association National Championships for All-Star girls ages 15 and 16. It's the first major soccer tournament to be held in the city in a hundred years according to Chair Peter Augruso. He says six teams in each age group will compete for the national championship starting July 16th next year at Chapples Soccer Park and Fort William Stadium.

Police Chief Says Small Towns Not Immune

Dryden Police Chief Rob Davis says he is horrified by the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Davis says it just proves it can happen anywhere.   He says there's a perception that can't happen in a small town, but the world is changing and we have to be prepared for such situations. In the spring, the Dryden Police conducted a simulation-school shooting, where they practised how they would handle such a situation.