Dog owners are pointing the finger

Some dog owners are blaming irresponsible dog owners for problems at the off leash dog parks. Bob Guse owns a small Chihuahua cross and says he often see people bring their big dogs to the small dog park. Guse says its up to dog owners to follow the rules. Guse says it only takes a second for a big dog to kill a little one owners need to keep that in mind. Last week a small dog was killed by a bigger dog at the Beverly and Winnipeg Park.

No foul play found in Kenora Hotel death

Kenora OPP have completed the investigation into the dead body found at a hotel.  Officers say 30 year old Allan Henfrey died of complications from ongoing health issues. His body was found in his Hotel room Wednesday morning.

Snow will be falling in Thunder Bay

Get ready for some snow. Environment Canada's Jim Prime says a low pressure system will be bringing in some of the white stuff.   He says some areas could see as much as 10 centimetres.  Prime says most of the snow will fall tomorrow night and Sunday.

City council for dummies

Thunder Bay's new city councillors and mayor go to school this week.   They begin a set of sessions to teach them how the city works.  City Clerk John Hannam says it's a major orientation which will last about two weeks.  It will allow them to hear from top administrators on the process that takes place and how council plays a roll in that.   There will also be tours of city run facilities along with the waterfront project. 

Ship forced to wait for shipment

For the second time this year, a ship has been forced to wait for grain from the prairies.  The Isodora is the ship that's been sitting in the harbour for over 2 weeks now, awaiting a shipment of Number one grade Durham from the prairies.  Thunder Bay Port Authority officials say bad weather in the prairies is causing the delay.

Thunder Bay based Airline sold again

Another Thunder Bay based Airline is being purchased.  Two months after Bearskin Airlines was bought by a Manitoba based company, Thunder Airlines is following suit.  The company is being purchased by Bravo Air based out of Elliot Lake.  The agreement will see Bravo take over all Thunder Airlines operations by the end of this year. 

Dog park death unfortunate says councillor

A Thunder Bay city councillor is concerned about the death of a dog at a city "off leash" park.  The owner of a Chihuahua says her pet was mauled by another dog at the park.   Rebecca Johnson hopes something can be done to prevent another incident.  She calls the dog's death unfortunate.

Thousand take in Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Thunder Bay

Honouring our fallen country men was on the minds of over 2 thousand people who attended the Remembrance ceremony at Waverly Park this morning. Dozens of organizations paid their respects by laying a wreath.  Other ceremonies were held at Mount McKay and Fort William Gardens.

PARO Business awards handed out

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprises have handed out its 2010 Business Women of Distinction awards.  The winners included Erika Maki of A Spa for You, Jean Paul of Jean Paul Photography, Sharla Brown of Journey to Wellness, Marcia Aprin of All the Daze Productions, Loretta Shymko of Loretta's Hand Knits and Linda Bruins of An Extra Hand.

Kenora OPP investigating hotel death

Kenora OPP are investigating after a man was found dead in a hotel room.  Staff at the hotel called police yesterday morning when they found the man.  Police haven't released any names or cause but say an examination is being conducted.

Dog park death sparks concern

Questions are being raised concerning pet safety at the off leash dog parks in the city. One pet owner says her Chihuahua was killed by a bigger dog at the Beverly and Winnipeg Street location. The parks are designed to allow dogs to run free and mingle with other dogs. Animal Control officials are investigating.

Three ceremonies for Remembrance Day

There are three main ceremonies in the city Thursday for anyone wanting to mark Remembrance Day. On the North side the ceremony will take place at the Waverly Park Cenotaph, south siders can attend Fort Williams Gardens and there will also be a ceremony at Mount McKay. The Legions Lorne Kondreska says the day is about remembering our fallen soldiers both past and present.   We will be broadcasting a special Remembrance Day feature starting just before 11 o'clock.

City officer charged

A bombshell from city police. An 11 year veteran of the police force is facing 12 charges in relation to the province's Sex Offender Registry. Police say over a 5 year period in which she was in charge of the registry locally, a number of records were falsified. Charged with Breach of Trust is 43 year old Constable Toni Grann.

Police Services Board set to search for new Chief

The Police services board will start the search for a new Chief of police. Chair Wayne Bahlieda says he thinks looking outside Thunder Bay is a smart idea, because it will leave no stone unturned to ensure the best possible candidate is found.  Bahlieda says the parameters for the position will be outlined at Tuesday's Police Services Board meeting.

Students rally against education costs

Students are Lakehead University are complaining about the high cost of education. They rallied at the universityWednesday afternoon. Student Union President Michael Snodden says MPP's Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro don't seem to be getting the message that many students are carrying a heavy education debt well into their working years.

TBayTel TV could be on its way

The waiting game may soon be over.   There's word that T Bay Tel may be ready to roll out it's new TV service sometime this month.   It will provide competition for TV cable and satellite companies.   The city owned utility isn't saying anything for now.

Operation Overseas looking for donations

Operation Overseas has kicked off this year's campaign. The fundraiser collects items to send to Canadian Troops serving in Afghanistan. Organizer Alana Bencharski says they are looking for personal hygiene items and things like magazines, DVDs and other leisure items. Donations can be dropped off at Quality Market locations and Cash Converters.

Commissioner gives out awards

Twenty four OPP officers and civilians in Thunder Bay and area are now recognized for bravery and lifesaving.   The honours were presented by the OPP's top cop, Commissioner Chris Lewis.  He calls it a special relationship between the public and police who work together sometimes to get things done.  Those honoured played a major role in saving a life or attempting to save a life.

Officer recognized for lifesaving

An Thunder Bay OPP officer who saved a teenager from committing suicide has been awarded for saving a life. Constable David White talked the young girl out of jumping from a bridge into the Neebing River in March of last year.  The OPP have given citations to White and Sgt. Robert Elinesky in connection with the incident.

OPP awards citizens for bravery

A number of Thunder Bay citizens are now recognized for their bravery by the OPP. One of them is Danial Allen who helped pull an accident victim out of a burning car in July of last year. Allen says, at the time, his instinct kicked in.Three other men involved with the rescue, Kenneth Tallon, Peter Major and Joseph Miniaci,  have also been honoured.

Ministry still investigating accident

The Ministry of Labour is still investigating last week's industrial accident on Court Street.  A 60 year old construction worker was pinned to a wall by a back hoes bucket.  Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they are still working on finding out what went wrong.  Blajer says they've ordered Bruno's to stop work and provide a compliance plan.

Nurse practitioner clinic now open

The new government funded nurse practitioner clinic is up and running.   It's located in the old McKellar Hospital building on Archibald Street.   The new clinic is available to about 32 hundred people in the city who don't have a family doctor. Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government run clinic is only the third of it's kind in Ontario.

City asks court for arbitration

A new development in the Horizon Wind lawsuit saga. The City of Thunder Bay has asked a Toronto court to have the 126 million dollar lawsuit go to arbitration instead of litigation. The court date is set for January 13th. City Lawyer Rosalie Evans says if Horizon agrees the matter could be fast tracked; however Horizon has gone on record saying they won't take that route.

MNR warns about wildlife on highways

Wildlife are on the move during this time of year, and the MNR wants you to be cautious on area highways.  Moose and deer are active at dusk and dawn because they're looking for mates and food.  Conservation Officer Ross Johnston reminds the public to take extra care where roads cross water or wooded corridors.

Nurse Practitioner Clinic Open

The Lakehead Nurse Practitioner clinic is open for business. The new facility offers four nurse practitioners and is electronic medical record ready.  The clinic will be able to care for 3 thousand 200 patients.

Police deal with two robberies

Thunder Bay Police are looking for one man after he stole some money from a cab this morning. Police say the theft happened just before 7:30 in the 800 block of Castlegreen Drive. The K-9 unit was called in after the suspect fled into the woods. No arrests have been made at this time.

Yesterday Police arrested a 25 year old after an apparent break and enter. Police received a call just before 10am from a woman saying she heard someone breaking into her house on Selkirk Street. When police arrived they apprehended the suspect and found a concealed knife.

Housing Stars on the rise

The City saw a small dip in new housing starts last month but so far 2010 has been solid.  October saw 25 new housing starts, which is slightly less than last year but still higher than the 10 year average.  Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation Analyst Warren Philp says overall we're in good shape. So far this year there have been 181 single family starts. Philp attributes the increase in housing starts to a good resale market.

Man gets jail for manslaughter conviction

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man is going to jail for the beating death, in April of last year, of a man who was his friend. Jessie Patrick George has been sentenced to 7 years in prison, but with time already serve, he will actually be spending about 4 years in a federal institution. George plead guilty in Superior Court to a charge of manslaughter in the death of 19 year old Joseph Kakeway

City to ask Feds for Grain Elevator Centre

The City of Thunder Bay is going to ask the Federal Government if a National Grain Industry Activity Centre could be a National Historical Site.  Councillors are going to bring the idea to their intergovernmental affairs committee.  Councillor Mark Bentz says they support the Centre, they just don't have the funds to properly back the Friends of the Grain Elevator's project.  The move means the City will back the project in any way they can just not financially. The Spokesperson for the Friends of the Grain Elevator says they're more than pleased with council's decision.

Special Olympics needs cash

The City of Thunder Bay is getting a report on funding the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games. The local committee is asking for over 13 thousand dollars. The money is to be used to offset the costs of transportation. The committee is responsible for the transportation of all coaches and athletes to all of the sport venues and activities. The money is for the use of 3 buses from Thunder Bay Transit. Council is going to make a decision on whether or not to approve the request in two weeks time.

It's Credit Education Week

The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is kicking off Credit Education Week with a public launch at the Intercity Mall Tuesday at noon.  The group hopes to educate consumers how to manage their money.  Counsellor Bev Dunnil made a presentation to City Council Monday night.  Dunnil says they want residents to make a budget and stick with it.  A series of free financial training programs and workshops will be provided this week.

Students help realize dreams

Sir Winston Churchill Highschool Students will continue to help seniors realize their dreams.  The City of Thunder Bay's George Alexander says he will work with the organizers of the "Dreamweaver" program to help offset some of the costs associated with providing activities to seniors.  Peer Leadership Teacher Ryan McDonnell is asking for the city to provide 1 thousand 500 dollars and donations such as tickets to the Thunder Bay Auditorium and other city run venues.

Police deny chase was dangerous

City police say there was no danger posed during a short chase on Saturday evening near the supper hour.   A caller to our newsroom says a city police cruiser  chased a red car on Golf Links Road and went through a red light at James Street.    He says the vehicles reached speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, and he called it dangerous.   Police couldn't tell us what speeds were involved, but say that once the vehicle they were chasing went through the red light they stopped the pursuit so there was no danger.   They were trying stop the driver, who is wanted on a warrant.

Problems close Tournment Centre

An ice malfunction has forced the closure of the Thunder Bay Tournament Centre on Highway 61. Both rinks will not be open Monday night, but will be in use Tuesday.

Transit gives vets a free ride

Thunder Bay Transit is saying "thank you" to war veterans and their families. This Thursday, Remembrance Day, they will get to ride for free on the bus. Transit's Jon Hendel says it's the least they can do.  The free rides extend to cadets and all forces members.   All transit buses will stop at 11 am on Thursday to commemorate 2 minutes of silence.

Med School strike O-V-E-R

The strike at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is over.   The school's Board of Directors have voted to accept the new deal.  It's a 3 year deal that has a one time wage increase of 3 and a quarter per cent.  A back to work date is still in the works. 

City and School Board say yes to plan

The McGuinty government is getting input on a new 10 year plan for funding road, sewer and building projects.  Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli believes it would be very valuable to people who manage our school boards, hospitals, colleges and universities.   Chiarelli was in Thunder Bay to get input on the proposal.  Both the Lakehead Public School Board and the City of Thunder Bay say the ten year plan is a valuable tool.

Hovorka takes top honours

Thunder Bay's Shy-Anne Hovorka is back in the spotlight. The singer was awarded female entertainer of the year at the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards on the weekend. She calls the award unexpected and is still floating on cloud 9

Horwath talks with Hobbs

The province's NDP leader is pledging her support for our new mayor. Andrea Horwath says she met with Mayor-elect Keith Hobbs and promised him a voice at Queens Park if he finds he's not getting satisfaction from the McGuinty government.   Horwath says she now has a sense of what issues Hobbs is concerned about.

Police Chief Bob Herman Retiring

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is calling it quits.  Bob Herman announced today that he's planning on retiring effective July 7th next year.  Herman says he's been in discussions with the police services board since September and his decision has nothing to do with Keith Hobbs being elected as Mayor.  Hobbs has been highly critical of Herman's opinion on safety in the city.  In the press release Herman says he feels extremely privileged to have served the community over his 30 plus year career.  Meanwhile Hobbs wishes Herman the best and says he has been a very dynamic officer during his career.

Hovorka picks up two awards

Northwestern Ontario phenom Shy-Anne Hovorka is coming home with two Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards. The singer-songwriter picked up a Female Entertainer of the Year award and a nod for Best Producer/Engineer. Hovorka was also nominated for Best Pop CD. Thunder Bay's own Thunder Mountain Singers are bringing home an award as well for Best Pow Wow CD-Traditional.

Standoff ends

Court Street's 100 block is now open again after a daylong standoff between police and a man who barricaded himself inside of a residence. The 42 year old Thunder Bay man surrendered to police around five this morning.

The standoff began after the man allegedly made threats to his former spouse with a shotgun and then headed back to his Court Street residence. Police set up a perimeter around the location early Friday morning and began negotiating to resolve the situation.

The mans name isn't being released to protect the identity of the woman involved in the initial domestic incident. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says the man is facing multiple weapons charges. The man appears in court today.

Med school workers say yes!

Striking workers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have voted to end their labour dispute.   They have accepted their very first collective agreement.   No details of the contract will be released until the school's Board of Directors votes on it.

Horwath in Thunder Bay this weekend

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is in Thunder Bay Sunday.  She is joining MP John Rafferty at the Vanderwees Home and Garden Centre today, and attending a Remembrance Day Ceremony.  Monday, she will be meeting with Mayor Elect Keith Hobbs.

Council meets again Monday

City Administration doesn't think it would be wise for council to approve a National Grain Industry Activity Centre. The Friends of the Grain Elevators asked council to help them with the project back in June.  Administration is going to recommend to council that the Tourism Department continue to liase with the group. Council is expected to make a decision on Monday night.  Meanwhile, Sir Winston Churchill High School students are helping area seniors fulfill their dreams.  Grade 11 and 12 students have been visiting residents of Grandview Lodge senior home.  The students have been asking the residents about any unfulfilled dreams they may have had, and then plan a way to make the dream a reality.  The high school is asking council for 1 thousand 500 dollars for the project.

...the waiting game continues

Police appear ready to wait as long as it takes to end the standoff on the 100 block of South Court Street. A man police believe has a gun has been held up in a house since just after midnight. Spokesperson Chris Adams says there's no hurry on the police's part.  Police say the incident began as a domestic dispute.

Infrastructure Minister visits T Bay

The Provincial Infrastructure Minister is paying Thunder Bay a visit on Monday. Bob Chiarelli is seeking input from stakeholders for a new 10 year infrastructure plan. Chiarelli will be holding a round table discussion on the plan with Minister Michael Gravelle and MPP Bill Mauro.

Help for Fort Hope

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says 2-police officers have been dispatched to help at a Northwestern Ontario First Nation that's in crisis.  Bentley says the officers arrived on Tuesday to help restore 24-hour policing in Fort Hope First Nation. The fly-in community, declared a state of emergency recently due to increasing murders, gang fights, arsons and animal cruelty.  Band leaders have put out repeated calls for help from all levels of government as they attempt to deal with the problems.

Wood project launched

The Province is spending 50-thousand dollars on a study to help develop new markets for forest products. The Canadian Wood Council is looking to use more Ontario wood products to construct buildings 5 to 8-storeys high. With support from the Government and the WoodWORKS program, the Council is looking at new technology and wood products for the framing of the buildings. Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle says its another example that value-added material can strengthen the forest industry and the Northern economy.

Hospital could get more money

Thunder Bay is in the running for a ten thousand dollar achievement grant.  The Health Sciences Centre is being honoured for it's "road to excellence" program.  The program was designed to provide more welcoming waiting rooms, improve surgical education materials and foster better overall communication.  The provincial government will announce the winner on Wednesday.

Stevenson now wears the mantle

It appears that the new president of Lakehead University doesn't plan to mess with success. In his first speech as president Brian Stevenson hinted he doesn't plan to stray from the vision of making the institution a research leader.   Stevenson became the sixth president of the L-U in a formal ceremony on Friday.

Clinc collects half a ton of food

A local Chiropractic Clinic came through with a big helping hand for Shelter House. The Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre collected over a thousand pounds of food for the Shelter.  Doctor James DiGiuseppe says they asked patients to fill reusable grocery bags and leave them on their doorstep to be picked up.  DiGiuseppe says he looks forward to getting other clinics in town involved next year.