Saturday, September 14, 2013

Northern Lights Lake Tragedy

OPP are searching Northern Lights Lake for a missing boater who disappeared Thursday night.   They say he was a guide from the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais, Minnesota whose fishing boat hit something in the water and he and his female companion were thrown into the lake.  The woman was wearing a life jacket and swam back to shore, the man did not resurface.  

Public School Board Sets Goals

The Lakehead Public School Board is setting its goals for the school year. Director of Education Cathi Semineuk says staff are accountable for reaching this year's goals. Goals include increasing the graduation rate, as well as improving student marks in math, reading and writing.

Ring Of Fire Road Rejected

The provincial government is staying out of the private business dealings of the Ring of Fire mining development.  This week a government commission ruled against Cliffs Natural Resource's road proposal for the area, essentially ruling in favour of a rival company.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he'll let the two companies work things out. Gravelle says he's encouraged that Cliffs remains committed to the project.

Fire Department To Update Communication System

The City's Fire Department is looking at updating its communication system. They're considering hiring a consultant to help them with the job. Fire Chief John Hay says their current system is just too old. Hay says they want to find out what type of system works best for Thunder Bay.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Hyer Goes To Bat For Longlac

The decision by VIA Rail to close its train station in Longlac isn't sitting well with MP Bruce Hyer.   Hyer says he plans to bring up the the issue with the transport minister and explain to her that it would mean people would have to wait outdoors for a train.    He says it's not acceptable that someone should have to wait in minus 30 degree weather for a train that is often late.   Hyer says he's working closely with the mayor and council on the issue.

Gravelle Takes R of F Road Ruling In Stride

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he's glad that Cliffs Natural Resources remains committed to the Ring of Fire mining project. Gravelle's comments follow a government commission's ruling this week against Cliffs road proposal for the area.  He says the province isn't going away either and want to work with Cliffs and the other companies to move the project forward. Gravelle says he is also encouraged by this week's decision by the Matawa First Nation to drop its court challenges.

More Work On HWY 17

13 jobs and a million dollars will be spent on improving a stretch of Highway 17 near Marathon.  The Canadian Pacific Railway overhead on the TransCanada is being removed.  Once the rail line is removed, it will be replaced with an earth embankment.

New Day Record Store Hitting T.Bay

The vinyl record craze is upon Thunder Bay.  Local resident Will Rutledge is working on opening his new store "New Day Records" on St. Paul Street.  The store which is expected to open later in the fall will offer new vinyl album releases and the players and supplies that go with them.        
                                                 

OPP Search For Missing Boater


Ontario Provincial Police are continuing the search for a missing boater in Ear Falls.  Two men went out on the English River duck hunting in a boat on Wednesday night when both lost balance and fell into the water.   One man made it safe to shore but the other 22 year old didn't.

OPP Still Investigating In Fort

Fort Frances OPP say they continue to investigate a bomb threat at the Northern Lights Credit Union yesterday.  On Thursday, OPP were notified about a bag behind the bank with a threatening note attached. The note told staff to fill the bag with money, and if the instructions aren't followed then there would be consequences for other businesses or schools in the area.  Police placed a perimeter around the area, but it has now been lifted since they haven't received any more threats.

Road Closures Sunday

Attention motorists some area roads will be closed Sunday in preparation for the Terry Fox Run. From 1:45 until 4 pm, West Lyon Boulevard from Algoma Street to Arundel Street will be off limits.  From East Lyon to Rita Street will also be closed and Arundel Street's eastbound lane from West Lyon Boulevard to East Lyon Boulevard will be closed as well.

Tree Of Life Back For Another Year

The Linda Buchan Centre is teaming up with Shoppers Drug Mart to help raise money in support of women's health.  It's the 11th year for the Tree of Life campaign that runs for four weeks starting tomorrow. You can purchase a leaf for the tree for a dollar, a butterfly for 5, an acorn for 10 dollars or a cardinal for 50 dollars.

Human Rights Training Next Week

The Ontario Human Rights Commission will be in Thunder Bay next week.  The organization is holding a two day training session on September 23rd and 24th at the Italian Culture Centre.  Training will cover a variety of themes including anti-racism and anti-discrimination for cities, housing and gender based harassment.

LU Raises 13-Thousand For Law Students

Lakehead University's Alumni last night helped raise 13-thousand dollars for the Faculty of Law's charter class.  Spokesperson Deb Comuzzi says scholarships and bursaries for law school students go a long way. The money was raised during a gala for University Donors.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sailors Saved


Three sailors are safe after being rescued from Lake Superior Thursday.  The US Coast Guard overheard the Mayday call and park rangers responded to the sailboat that had hit a rock near Isle Royale.  The sailboat was pumped of water and was able to make it on its own back to the shoreline.

PGA Event Expected

Thunder Bay is set to host a PGA Tour event.  An announcement is set to be made at the Whitewater Golf Club on Tuesday.   PGA golfers Cory Renfrew, Riley Wheeldon will be taking part in the announcement.

More Muskies In Kenora

The City of Kenora is looking to spruce up their downtown core.  The "Muskies On Main" project looks to place muskie sculptures in public spaces along the Harbourfront by next summer.  The group is currently looking to get enough money together for the project.

Bomb Threat At Fort Frances Credit Union


Provincial Police in Fort Frances have completed processing the scene where a bomb threat was made at the Northern Lights Credit Union. On Thursday, OPP were notified about a bag behind the bank with a threatening note attached.  The note told staff to fill the bag with money, and if the instructions aren't followed then there would be consequences for other businesses or schools in the area.  Police placed a perimeter around the area, but it has now been lifted.

Funny Money Man At Con College

Confederation College students are better prepared to deal with their finances after taking part in quick crash course.  Comedian and Financial Guru James Cunningham put on his "Funny Money" show today and says it's important to help students understand personal finance.  Cunningham says he got the idea to teach teens about their finances after several students approached him after he told jokes about being broke.

Stabbing Update

Police are probing another stabbing.  They say a woman suffering from a wound to the shoulder made it safely to the Mac's Store on May Street last night around 9 o'clock.  She was taken to the Health Sciences Centre and was expected to be released after treatment.  The incident took place on Cameron Street and police are looking for a 20 to 30 year old female suspect.