Med students complete Dryden training

Two Thunder Bay medical students who spent 8 months practising at Dryden Regional Health Centre are saying goodbye. Kristie Skunta and Marlon Hheerty have completed their training . Hheerty says working in a rural community is important. He says unlike a big hospital he will get to see almost everytype of ailment that comes through the door. Both students will be returning to Thunder Bay for fourth-year Medicial studies.

Fog lifts

A blanket of fog affecting parts of Thunder Bay much of Thursday has lifted. Areas next to Lake Superior were heavily affected like Marina Park where the waterfront development project is underway. Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson says the fog did clear off from the Thunder Bay Airport by mid afternoon with the rest of the city several hours later. Meantime, the fog along the north shore of Lake Superior is causing zero visibility to Marathon, and is expected to linger much longer.  Coulson adds we should wake up to a clearer day on Friday.

No panic at local travel agencies

Air traffic into and across much of Europe is grounded today by an ash cloud from a volcano in Iceland. However,  it's not causing headaches for Thunder Bay travel agents. The manager of My Travel, Katie Zuber, says very few people from here travel to Europe in April, because it's the off season. Zuber says summer is the peak time for European travel.

College and TBayTel become partners

Confederation College and TBay Tel have signed a partnership, but it has nothing to do with money. TBayTel will provide tech experts to the college as consultants. College President Pat Lang says in exhange TBay Tel utilizes tech students from the institution. TBayTel CEO Don Campbell says it doesn't give the utility a leg up for any contracts. Both the College and TBay Tel says the agreement will not inhibit the competitive process

Grass fires keeping Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue busy

Despite this week's light rain there will still be a fire ban in the city this weekend. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says the conditions are extremely dry right now and as a result crews have had to deal with 65 grass fires since the beginning of March.  Hankkio says a large number of the fires are being started by youth and discarded cigarette butts. Hankkio says until we see significant rain the burning ban will stay in place.

NOACC meets in Sioux Lookout

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce are meeting in Sioux Lookout. Chief Operating Officer Harold Wilson says a major issue at the gathering will be a request to the McGuinty government to scrap the Far North Act.  Wilson says the act would prevent First Nations from developing half the land in the far north. The featured speaker this year is federal Treasury Board President Stockwell Day.  Wilson says its a great opportunity to hear first hand how the federal government can work with the north to address issues here.

Lac des Iles back in operation

It's back to business at the Lac des Iles Mine north of Thunder Bay. North American Palladium says it has restarted production at the mine after it was closed down in 2008 because of low prices for the commodity. However now that prices are a lot higher, the company says opening the underground mine makes sense. It will operate 7 days a week with 2-12 hour shifts employing 180 people.

LeBlanc still wants Thunder Bay team

Anthony LeBlanc is confident he will have good news for Thunder Bay in a matter of months. LeBlanc is continuing his efforts to have a junior hockey team located in the city. It comes in spite of his company, Ice Edge Holdings, losing out in it's bid to snag the Phoenix Coyotes franchise. LeBlanc says getting a hockey team here did not hinge on the Phoenix bid

Cats sign Canadian

More signings for Thunder Bays' boys of summer. The Border Cats have inked three more players for the upcoming Northwoods League season. Joining the Cats are third baseman P-T Kitamura, catcher Brooklyn Foster and pitcher Josh Deeg. Foster is the first Canadian born player to sign with the team this season. He is originally from Langley B-C but has played his baseball at Orange Coast College in San Diego.

Local Poles remain in mourning

Thursday is a national day of mourning in Canada for the people of Poland. They lost their president in a weekend plane crash. Here in Thunder Bay Bishop Fred Coli will be saying mass for the local Polish community. He says he'll be there to share in their grief and also to share the hope that the Polish nation and its' people will get through this tragedy to work into the future together. The mass takes place Thursday at 7 pm at St. Cashmir's Church on McKenzie Street.

Body of missing man found in Nipigon river

A Thunder Bay man is dead after going missing near the Nipigon River Bridge. OPP were notified that the man went fishing Monday and never returned. Members of the Emergency Response Team recovered the man's body Tuesday evening. The victim is identified as 63 year old Lawrence Larsen

Hammarskjold students are getting breakfast at school

Students are serving students breakfast at Hammarskjold high school. The school is celebrating the success of its Breakfast club program that provides nutritious breakfasts for students. Guidance Councillor John Storm says the program has been in place for 3 years and has been proven to improve students work in the class room. Storm says he was amazed to learn how many students aren't eating breakfast each morning.

Two arrested in Kenora Stabbing

Kenora OPP had to deal with a stabbing last night. Two girls were arrested, one for assault with a weapon and other for assault. The Victim was taken to hospital and police are still investigating.

Lawyer tells councillors, rethink wind farm deal

Opponents of the proposed Nor'Wester wind farm can't say they haven't been heard.   Over 20 individuals made their case against the location of the 18 wind turbines to City Councillors at a special meeting Tuesday night.   Included in that group was lawyer Sam Bachinski who lives near the affected area.  He urged councillors to consider finding a way out of the legal agreement with the wind farm developer.   City councillors did not make any decisions Tuesday.   They will be revisiting the issue at their May 17th meeting

Opponents of wind farm come out in force

Opponents of the proposed Nor'Wester wind farm believe there is power in numbers.  They showed up in force for Tuesday nights' special meeting at City Hall on the wind power development.  There were so many, the overflow crowd were seated in the foyer of the building and allowed to watch proceedings from the third floor chambers on a wide screen TV set up especially for them.

Horizon presents its case for wind farm location

Officials with Horizon Wind say they have done their best to meet concerns of residents about the location of the proposed wind farm on the Nor'Wester Mountains.   In a presentation to city councillors, project coordinator Nhung Nguyen outlined some of the myths and rumours that have been associated with the project.  She also repeated the major concession, to move back the turbines over 1 kilometre from the original location.  She added that in the future they "may or may not" see more than the original 18 turbines but that has yet to be determined.   President Anthony Zwig also stressed the jobs and economic benefits that the wind farm would bring to the community.

Hyer tours Chalk River nuke plant

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is back from a first hand look at the disabled Chalk River Nuclear plant. He was there as part of a parliamentary committee tour. Hyer says after his visit he is more determined than ever for hospitals to move away from using nuclear isotopes for medical proceedures. Instead he would prefer to see cyclotrons and linear accelerators used to produce safer isotopes noting our own Cancer Centre in Thunder Bay has applied for funding for that purpose. Hyer says he'd like to see the Chalk River facility sold to the private sector

Wareham murder trial in October

A 31 year old Thunder Bay man will be facing a jury trial in the fall on a charge of second degree murder. Andre Wareham was charged in January of last year in connection with the death of 29 year old William Atkins. They say he died following a fight in the common area of the Finlayson Street apartment building they both lived in. Assistant crown attorney Elaine Burton says the trial is expected to begin on October 18th and last two weeks.

OPP are investigating a Fatal collision near Manitouwadge

One man is dead after a head on collision near Manitouwadge. Two pick up trucks hit each other yesterday afternoon. 56 year old Eusebio Esarte of Manitouwadge was killed in the collision, while another occupant was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional for further treatment. The third victim was treated and released.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue deal with small morning fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue are investigating after a garage fire this morning. Crews responded to a call just after 4 o'clock when a fire started inside a garage at 135 Finlayson Street. Officers say no damage to the garage itself was done but some contents were destroyed. The cause of the fire isn't known at this point.

OPP make drug bust in Pickle Lake

Pickle Lake OPP have arrested two people after recovering a large amount of prescription pills. Officers arrested 42 year old Ida Crane and 25 year old Cheryl Bottle after seizing 24 thousand dollars worth of drugs. Both will appear in court in June.

Councillors nix recycling program for the poor

There will be no special recycling program for low income residents of the city. Councillors have voted down the idea, but not before Councillor Rebecca Johnston aggressively made her point that people on fixed incomes can't afford blue bags.  Administration says there would just be too many hurdles to overcome to put such a program in place

Two lanes to remain open during bridge repairs

The repairs to the May Street Bridge will now take longer to complete. City councillors voted to have two lanes open during repairs instead of closing the bridge entirely. It came after a plea from Dairy Queen owner Richard Schutte who said closing the bridge would have had a devistating effect on his business. He estimated the loss could be as high as 30 per cent. The change means repairs will take almost all summer to complete instead of only half that time.

TBay Tel dividend to fund Tennis Centre repairs

The TBay Tel dividend is coming through to help the Thunder Bay Tennis Centre at Chapples Park. City Councillors have voted to dip into the fund and come up with almost 240 thousand dollars to help with the repairs to the centre this year. Centre president Lori Ruberto came before council to plead for the extra money saying that the tenders for the project came in over a quarter million dollars above the 500 thousand dollars that was budgeted

Wind farm protesters descend on City Hall

The city began hearing concerns of residents in the Nor'Wester Mountain area who are against the proposed wind turbine development. Prior to the meeting a group of them protested in front of City Hall.

Developer wants city water extension

A Thunder Bay developer wants to have city water piped to a new development he has planned in neighbouring Shuniah Township. He wants to build a luxury gated community that would be located next to the citys' Bare Point water treatment plant.    Robert Zanette says he is frustrated because city administration refuses to say yes to his idea.  Planning manager Mark Smith says the proposal goes against the citys' Official Plan. 

Bombardier eyes more work for TTC

There's the potential for more work for Thunder Bays' Bombardier plant. MPP Bill Mauro says that the company has entered into negotiations with Metrolinx to exercise the option for more TTC streetcars.   Mauro says because Bombardier has won the original contract and has the infrastructure, it stands to reason they would have a good chance for success.   The Toronto Transit Commission has already ordered 200 streetcars from Bombardier as part of the contract.

Former city man injured in fatal Afghan blast

A Thunder Bay mother is thankful her son is recovering from a weekend roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan. Maureen Drewes says her son Chris was with Private Tyler William Todd when he was killed in the Sunday morning explosion. Chris is currently in hospital being treated for shrapnel wounds to his shoulder. Maureen Drewes says her son was about 10 feet ahead of Todd when the blast took place. She says he first called on Sunday morning to tell the family that he survived the incident.

Neebing fire nomads back at James Street

It's back to the James Street Fire Station for Neebing station fire crews. They had to be relocated to the MNR fire base until mould problems at the Neebing station could be fixed. Deputy fire chief Greg Hankkio says they have now moved back to James Street until the mould issue is fixed. Hankkio says under a best case scenerio, they could be back their home base by the end of this month. The Neebing fire house has been closed since February 10th. Pictured: James St. Fire Station

Man wants credible candidates for mayor

A city man is anxious to have Mayor Lynn Peterson face some challengers this fall. David Polhill is running an ad to help find and support a suitable candidate to run against Peterson in the October municipal election. He says right now there have been special interests groups that have contacted him about getting together for a meeting on the issue. He's hoping this will lead to financial backing for a candidate and people willing to help with the campaign. Polhill says he began his crusade after a personal incident at city hall.

Province make major highway announcement

The highway from Thunder Bay to Nipigon will see some major construction over the next few years. The provincial government has announce three new projects to four lane portions of the highway. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the projects will cost over 770 million dollars and including the Widening of the Nipigon River Bridge, four-laning a 12 kilometre stretch between Red Rock and Nipigon and another 13 kilometres from Mackenzie Station Road to Highway 527. These projects are in addition to four-laning from Hodder Avenue to Highway 527 and from Mackenzie Beach to Birch Beach.

Local Poles saddened by tragedy

There's sadness in the Polish community in Thunder Bay. They're mourning the death of Polands' president over the the weekend in a plane crash. Local spokesperson Donna Wronowski says the president was well loved by many Poles   She says he was the first president to recognize the hard work of the Polish people.   The Bishop will be saying a special mass  Thursday night at St. Cashmir's Church starting at 7 o'clock.  Pictured:   Flags are lowered to half staff at the Polish Legion on Cumberland to commemorate the death of President Lech Kaczynski

Body found in the Goods Road area

Thunder Bay Police have identified the man whose body was found in a drainage ditch over the weekend on Goods Road.   They say it's that of 60 year old Kenneth Berg.   He was the mental health patient who was reported missing in October after wandering off from the Regional Health Sciences Centre.   Police say the body was in a ditch that was filled with water and was discovered after the water was drained Saturday afternoon.  Police say foul play is not suspected.

Hydro rate hike approved

Thunder Bay Hydro customers will be seeing a small increase in their energy bill. The city run utility has been given approval by the Ontario Energy Board for an increase of point two per cent. Hydro spokesperson Eileen Dias says that works out to about 20 cents a month for a household using the average amount of electricity.

6 million in contracts to be award Monday

City councillors will be making more million dollar decisions Monday night. City engineering manager Pat Mauro says there'll be decisions on contracts to fix the May Street Bridge, asphalt resurfacing and for sewer and watermain replacement. The bridge contract is worth 800 thousand dollars, the asphalt contract comes in at 3 and a half million while it will cost taxpayers 1.7 million for the sewer and watermain replacement. Also Monday night, administration will recommend councillors turn down a proposal to introduce a recycling program for low income residents.

Wind park to take up councillors time

City councillors will be hearing a lot about the proposed Big Thunder Bay Wind Park. Monday, they'll hear from the head of the Nor'Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection committee opposed to the idea of building wind turbines. However City Clerk John Hannam says a special meeting will be taking place Tuesday on the issue. There are close to 20 presentations expected then.

EMS boss concerned about patient transfers

Paramedics in Thunder Bay say they're handling too many non emergency cases. Their boss, EMS chief Norm Gale, will be before city councillors Monday night with an operational update. Gale says something has to be done to deal with the issue of patient transfers possibly handing it to a private company. Gale says in Thunder Bay non emergency transfers make up 20 per cent of paramedic calls. That number jumps to 35 per cent in the region.

Janzen's owner concerned about fee policy

A local pharmacy owner is upset with a provincial government decision to cut fees they get from drug companies. Brenda Adams of Janzen's Pharmacy says those rebates go back to help their customers, adding they go to pay for all the services within the pharmacy operation and as such are an essential part of their funding.  Adams says if nothing changes she may have to impose a hiring freeze but stopped short of saying a planned expansion would have to be scrapped.

Wilson says rising loonie presents challenges

The rising loonie is causing some shoppers to head south of the border. However the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is asking them to consider the advantages if they shop here. Harold Wilson says they are considerable from return policies and follow up services.  Wilson says it's also up to businesses to become creative to keep shoppers here adding, they've had plenty of time to prepare.

Gravelle promotes entrepreneur program

The Ontario government says its' Northern Entrepreneur Program has helped launch 13 businesses in northwestern Ontario. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it shows a little assistance from the taxpayer is sometimes needed to help the economy.  The businesses range from a backhoe service in Thunder Bay, a dental office in Nipigon to a garden shed company in Dryden.   The province staged a media event in Thunder Bay to promote the program.

United Way gears up for fundraiser

A top United Way fundraiser is all set to go next month. The Billboard Rescue aims to raise more than 100 thousand dollars. Organizer Shawn Christie says it's always a popular event.  It takes place May 20th at the Investors building on Jade Court off of Balmoral.

Unemployment rate is down in Thunder Bay

The Unemployment rate in the city saw a sizable drop last month. Thunder Bay's rate went from February's 7.4 percent to an even 7 last month. That's well below the National average of 8.2 percent and far better than Ontario's rate of 8.8 percent.

Molesti lawyer frustrated by process

A Thunder Bay lawyer is complaining about the treatment her client is getting by Canadian Immigration. Lydia Stam is representing 59 year old Patrick Molesti. He's accused by American officials of trying to buy a 5 year old online and was recently captured in Thunder Bay. Stam says hearings have taken place and her client was moved out of Thunder Bay without her knowledge or presence. She is currently trying to get him a lawyer for his next detention hearing in Toronto Friday morning. She says she is frustrated by what has happened.

Wind farm opponent scoffs at compromise

An opponent to the proposed Nor' Wester Mountains wind farm is turning tumbs down to a compromise by Horizon Wind. The company has offered to moved its turbines back by 1 kilometre. But area resident Margot Freitag says that's not good enough.   She says there are Paragine Falcons there along with other endangered animal and plant life.   Freitag also insists the mountain location is a health hazard

Shuniah highway upgrade announced

7 and a half kilometres of Highway 11/17 in Shuniah Township is getting upgraded. The federal and provincial governments are providing 3 and a half million dollars for the project. The area involved is beween Mackenzie and Birch Beach. The section is not considered part of the four laning project between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. It will continue to exist for local use once the new highway is completed.

Women's United Run all set

There's a new look and name for the annual womens' run. The Womens United Run, Stroll or Roll is once again being sponsored by Royal LePage Lannon Realty. Organizer Art Lannon is hoping the name change will get more women to participate.   About 15 hundred women are expected to take part with money raised going to the United Way and a goal of 25 thousand dollars.  The event takes place May 8th at Blvd Lake.

Police make arrest in cab driver robbery

A cab driver was the victim of a robbery Tuesday morning on the south side. Around 4 O'clock the driver dropped off two males in the 500 block of South Marks Street, when the males assaulted him and made off with some cash. Police arrested a 21 year old in connection but are still looking for the second suspect. The victim was taken to hospital and was treated and released.

Horizon makes changes to wind farm

Horizon Wind is offering an olive branch to those against the proposed Nor' Wester Mountains wind farm. The company has agreed to move its turbines 1 kilometre away from the nearest home. President Anthony Zwig says the move shows they are trying to be flexible and trying to find solutions that both sides can live with.   At least one opponent says the compromise is not good enough.

Police respond to morning robbery

Thunder Bay Police are looking for two men wanted in connection with a south side robbery this morning. Officers say two men entered a convenience around 2 o'clock and demanded the safe be opened. When the safe couldn't be opened one of the suspects took money from the till and fled.

Siemens Energy awarded contract for Dorion wind farm

Siemens Energy has been awarded the contract for a wind power project just east of Thunder Bay. Dorion's Greenwhich wind energy park will have 43 turbines that will be built by Siemens. The project will power around 30 thousand homes in Ontario and officials expect it to be up and running by next summer.

No early problems for Donald St. terminal

Day one of the temporary Donald Street bus terminal is now in the books. According to Thunder Bay Transits' Ken Koza, riders were getting used to the new situation and it went smoothly on Wednesday. The transit terminal will stay in front of City Hall until the Violet and North Street location is ready. The temporary locations are needed in order to allow for the construction of the new consolidated courthouse. There is the possibility the corner of Brodie and Donald may require a four way stop to control traffic.

Seniors centre opens woodworking shop

Seniors in the Kakabeka area now have a remodeled 60 Plus Centre to go to. The old Pineview school on Highway 11/17 had 225 thousand dollars worth of renovations done to house a woodworking shop. Project manager Bob McCluskey says it was a long time coming. A total of 170 thousand dollars was granted from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Heritage Corporation.

George Jeffrey gets treatment cash

There are smiles all around at the George Jeffrey Children's Centre. The McGuinty government has come through with over a quarter million dollars for the facility. Executive Director Eiji Tsbouchi wasn't expecting the extra money.  He says the government told provincial centres that with a 25 billion dollars deficit there wasn't likely to be any extra cash available.  Most of the money will be going towards treatment programs

90 year old ash trees to be cut down

Say goodbye to the 14 ash trees on Arthur Street in front of Vickers Park. They will be cut down. City Forester Shelley Vecsio says there's some roadwork taking place there and those trees aren't needed anymore. She says even if there wasn't any road construction, the trees would have had to come down this year anyway having reached the end of their lifespan. The trees are about 90 years old and are expected to be cut down starting next week.

Beardmore is getting a new multi use centre

The town of Beardmore is getting a new multi use centre. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is investing over 650 thousand dollars to the project that is projected to be completed next March. The facility will include a municipal office, community meeting rooms, a public library, tourist information centre and office space. The project is expected to create about 30 construction jobs.