Thursday, September 5, 2013

OPP Nab Escaped Prisoner


An escaped prisoner has been captured in downtown Kenora.  Kenora OPP say they found and arrested 53 Harvey Smith of White Dog First Nation.  Smith had escaped custody while at the Kenora Court House on August 20th.  Smith made a court appearance after his arrest to answer to the charge of escaping lawful custody.

Collision In Front Of Waverly Park Apartments

Police, paramedics and fire are on the scene of a two vehicle collision in front of the Waverly Park Apartments.  The collision just after 3 happened at the intersection of Red River Road and New Street. Officials say one of the people involved in the crash may have whiplash.

Ainsworth Selling Barwick Mill

There's to be new owners of the mill in Barwick.  Ainsworth is agreeing to sell all of its operations, including the Barwick mill, to U-S forestry giant Louisiana Pacific in a deal worth one-point-one billion dollars. Louisiana-Pacific chief executive Curt Stevens says the acquisition provides more financial stability to weather market conditions. Stevens says it will also gives L-P greater access to the Asian market where Ainsworth is well established.

Mayor's Safety Awards Back

The Crime Prevention Council is looking for nominations for the 3rd annual Mayor's Community Safety Awards.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says since its inception he's noticed more grassroots groups making their neighbourhoods safer.  The awards recognize citizens and groups who work to improve community safety. Nominations close September 27th with the awards being presented at the November 4th meeting of Council.

Tbaytel Gets Award


Tbaytel keeps racking up the awards for its local digital TV apps.  They are the recipients of the 2013 Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Community Channel Award for NextBus and Flight Status.  As part of their award they've been given a thousand dollar donation for Children’s Wish Thunder Bay.

City Seeks Uses For Gardens


File:Fort William Gardens TBay.jpg

The City is looking for a consultant to study the future use of the Fort William Gardens.  City Facilities Manager Michael Smith says they want the consultant to examine what possible uses the garden could have if and when an event center is built.  Smith says the deadline to apply is September 26th.

Fort William Street Festival This Weekend

This weekend marks the sixth annual Fort William Street festival.  Business District BIA Coordinator Tina Huk says they'll have plenty of food, entertainment and some surprises.  The roads will be closed starting at 9.  The festival starts at 11:30 and runs until 5.

School Stress

It's a problem we often associate with adulthood, but a national survey reveals high school students are majorly stressed out. The study shows that 68% worry about finding a job in their field, 58% worry about not getting into their chosen post-secondary program and 51% worry about not being able to pay for it. Big Brothers-Big Sisters CEO Bruce MacDonald says the difference in attitudes between the students who were sure about going on to post-secondary and those who weren't all that certain stuck out to him.  MacDonald says it speaks to a loss of hope and optimism far too early in a student's high school career.

Easter Seals Announces Roast

Easter Seals is getting ready to host it's 11th annual celebrity roast in November.  This year's guests of honour are the manager of the Best Western Norwester and the dealer of Performance Kia.  Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says money raised goes towards sending local kids to camp.  The fundraising goal this year is 50-thousand dollars.

Thrift Shop Party September 13th

It's time to get your thrift shopping on.  Camp Quality is throwing a "Thrift Shop Party" on Friday the 13th at the CLE Heritage Building. Organizer Boris Potoyants says it's based on Ryan Lewis and Macklemore's Thrift Shop music video.  Potoyants wants to raise 5-thousand dollars for the organization through the party.

Hockey Locals Make Their Mark

A couple of Thunder Bay hockey players are gearing up for some NHL action.   The Pittsburgh Penguins have inked 19 year old  Matthew Murray to a three year entry level deal and Carter Hutton is officially the backup goalie for the Nashville Predators.

Ministry Probes Fall

The Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident in the city yesterday.   Emergency officials were called to a construction accident on Cadillac Circle  where a 24 year old worker had fallen off the roof.  They say he sustained leg injuries.

Subway Robbed

The latest robbery in the city hit a Subway Restaurant on North Cumberland Street.  Police say a man entered the location last night around 11 o'clock wearing a mask and holding what appeared to be a black barrel.  He got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.  There were no injuries.

Gambee Booted From CLE Board

Linda Gambee is no longer a member of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition board of directors.   The general membership voted her out at a special meeting last night.  CLE spokesperson Ralph Scharf  says it was for conduct unbecoming a member, but he did not elaborate.  Gambee believes it's because she was threatening legal action and her stand on alcohol at board meetings. She is disappointed with how the meeting was conducted and claims her supporters were not given a chance to speak.  With Gambee off the CLE board, her tenure as chair of the Christmas Cheer campaign is up in the air.  After last nights membership vote Gambee said it was too emotional for her to discuss but she will announce a decision very shortly.