Another Christmas Charity is falling behind

The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign is in danger of falling short of its goal.  Major Mervin Halverson says they are about 26 thousand dollars short of its 130 thousand dollar goal.  Halverson says they also have a few shifts open for people who want to volunteer to man the Kettles.

A Christmas tragedy for a Thunder Bay family

Richard Carmichael's family is facing a tragedy just days ahead of Christmas.  He was killed in a hit and run early yesterday morning.  City police arrested 25 year old Christian Hernandez in connection and charged him with failing to stay at the scene and impaired driving causing death.  Carmichael was hit on North High Street.  Hernandez will be back in court Wednesday.

Constance Lake First Nation renews call for water

Constance Lake First Nation is renewing it's call for more water. In November, Indian and Northern Affairs reduced the amount of bottled water being shipped into the community from four litres to 1.5 litres per person.

While there is a temporary work-around that has water coming into the community from a power plant, Chief Arthur Moore says that water is unsafe to drink and is only being used for things like bathing and laundry. Also, there has been a recent increase in rashes and fungal infections and many in the community feel that the water coming from the power plant may be the culprit.

The need for bottled water began this summer when an algae bloom covered the lake the community used as its main water supply and it's water treatment facility was unable to properly filter the water. The community is waiting on a new well that should be finished in the new year. Moore says the well is only a temporary fix and the only long term solution is more modern water treatment technology.

Armed robbery arrest

Police have a man is custody after an armed robbery. Dutchaks Recycle Inc. on Hammond Avenue was robbed by a man with a knife around 10 a.m. yesterday. After an investigation, police arrested a man in the East End. The suspect will appear in court today and is being charged with robbery.

Highway 17 closure

Highway 17 was closed west of Kenora last night because of an accident involving several vehicles. The pile up started when two tractor trailers collided. The OPP closed the highway when one of the big rigs started leaking fuel and was reopened after the cleanup was complete. There were no injuries.

Crash results in impaired driving arrest

Police responded to a two vehicle crash last night at the intersection of Dawson Road and Strand Avenue. One man was taken to the hospital with a broken arm, no other injuries were reported. Police arrested the driver of one of the vehicles for impaired driving; he'll appear in court this morning.

North end garage fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a burning garage on Court Street just before midnight. Firefighters quickly put the blaze out upon arriving; there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation.

Slovak Legion kitchen open again after food sickness

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is waiting on lab results to determine what caused 37 people to get sick from a meal at the Slovak Legion on Tuesday. The Health Unit has narrowed it down to one food, and is just waiting on the lab results for confirmation. The food in question has been removed from the kitchen. The Legion was fined as a result of the outbreak. Manager of Environmental Health Chris Beveridge says the Health Unit believes it was an isolated incident and adds that the Slovak Legion runs a clean kitchen. If anyone suspects they have been affected by food-borne illness, they are encouraged to contact the Health Unit.

More First Nations bound Oxy's seized

Oxycontin continues to be the drug of choice to smuggle on to First Nations communities in the northwest. Police say that they recently busted 2 women at the Thunder Bay airport with trying to smuggle 268 thousand dollars worth of Oxy's to the Weagamow First Nation. In an unrelated bust 3 people in the city are charged after a raid at a Hargrave Street home. They face drug and weapons related charges.

New officers sworn in

The city police now have five new officers. They've just completed their stint at Ontario Police College and are ready to go according to Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesques.  He says they'll begin in the new year at which time 5 more recruits will be sent to police college and will graduate in March.  He says this is the time to apply for the force since they are seeing a high rate of retirement.

KI to DeBeers-take a hike!

It's a no go for De Beers.  KI First Nation has sent the diamond company a letter saying they can't look for diamonds around their community.  Chief Donny Morris says they're just trying to organize themselves.  De Beers wants to look for diamonds around the community this summer, but Morris says the community won't be ready by that time.

LU hopes for dividends from invention

Researchers at Lakehead University have developed a concrete idea. It's an additive which makes cement stronger. It's partnered with a company called GreenCentre Canada to help get it to market. Spokesperson Rui Resendes says it's got the potential to revolutionize the cement industry.  The additive is now being taken to it's next stage of development in Southern Ontario.

Christmas Cheer nearing its goal

We're getting close but there still a little ways to go. Christmas Cheer Chair Linda Gambee says the community has made a tremendous push over the last few days and their food donation goal has been met. Gambee says as of this morning they were still 50 thousand dollars short of their 165 thousand dollar goal.

Burned toast results in fire call

Burned toast resulted in Fire and Emergency vehicles swarming a south end condo Friday A.M.   The apartment building across from City Hall had a false alarm triggering crews to respond.

More murder suicide details released

The situation surrounding Sunday's Murder Suicide continues to unfold this morning.  Reports say Joseph Lavoie was court ordered to stay away from Antoinette following an assault last August.  The court also seized Mr Lavoie's 5 firearms.  The weapon used in the murder was unregistered and at this point it isn't known where the gun came from.  Its also unknown why Antoinette was back living with Joseph prior to Sunday's tragedy.

Overnight stabbing leave two in hospital

A man and a woman are in hospital this morning after being stabbed.  City police were called to McGillivary Street around 11 o'clock last night with the reports of a stabbing.  Officers arrested a 29 year old man who will appear in court today.  The two victims received non life threatening injuries.

Crime Prevention Council meets

Representatives from all walks of life took part in the inaugral Crime Prevention Council meeting Thursday night. Mayor Keith Hobbs told the committee that police can't keep up with the crime in the City. Meanwhile, Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are no quick fixes. The committee is made up of 32 representatives ranging from education, aboriginals, police, and social planning organizations. The first task of the crime prevention council is to conduct an crime audit.

Man shoots black bear illegally

A Colorado man has been fined 25-hundred dollars for shooting a black bear without a valid licence near Fort Frances. Levi Larsen is banned from hunting in Ontario for a year after he was fined for unlawfully hunting a black bear, possessing a void licence and exporting the bear out of Ontario without a permit. Court heard that Larsen tried to purchase a non-resident hunting licence on a number of occassions, but was denied by the Ministry of Natural Resources. However, Larsen persisted and purchased a licence in another location and went on to shoot a bear.

Dryden police seize many guns

Dryden Police have released details surrounding the Monday firearms seizure at a Park Crescent home. Detective-Sergeant Anne Tkachyk says the investigation didn't originate from this area.  Brandon RCMP have scheduled a News Conference for 1 o'clock Monday afternoon in Winnipeg to unveil more details surrounding this investigation.  Officers seized long guns, handguns, switch-blade knives and high capacity magazines.

Outdoors licence changes on the way

The New Year will bring changes to the way we get our fishing and hunting licenses.  The Ministry of Natural Resources is moving the current paper system to an automated one.  Spokesperson Burton McClelland says the changes will benefit residents, Americans, and MNR staff.  The pilot part of the project will start this Summer, with all of the Province on the new system by the Fall.

Heroes recognized for lifesaving

Three TBayTel employees are now recognized for their lifesaving  efforts.   They helped pull some people from a  vehicle that later burst into flames following a traffic accident.  Joseph Miniachi credits the manditory courses they take.  St. John Ambulance presented awards to Miniachi, along with Peter Major and Ken Tallon.  

OPP car ruined

Upsala OPP are down a vehicle after responding to a transport that caught fire on Highway 17.  The officer was investigating, when two east bound tractor trailer units approached the scene.  The first transport pulled out and went around the police car, the second did not and struck the empty car.  The vehicle was totalled and the investigation continues.

Flu Shot numbers in

Just over 10-thousand people in Thunder Bay took the time to get a flu shot. The health unit's Darlene Binette says the numbers have yet to be finalized. Binette says the H1N1 scare may have contributed to more people getting their flu shots last year. It's not too late to get a flu shot. You can still get one by appointment at the health unit office.

The Northern's are inching closer

Organizers of the Northern Ontario men's curling championship are trying to draw your attention to the event.  It's being held at the Fort William Curling Club in February.  Co-chair Kris Woznesensky hopes it'll rekindle an interest in curling in the city.   It's expected to also generate about 135 thousand dollars towards the local economy.  The winner of the event will represent Northern Ontario at the Brier in London in March.

Elizabeth Fry and John Howard share $

Thunder Bay's two prison reform organizations are benefiting from taxpayer funding through the Trillium Foundation. The John Howard Society is getting almost 100 thousand dollars to help out with a homelessness program they run. The Elizabeth Fry Society is getting 22 thousand to hire someone to fund raise.

Police are conducting an internal review after murder suicide

The head of a local women's shelter is calling for better police protocols dealing with domestic abuse.  The call comes from Debbie Zweep at Faye Peterson's Transition house after a murder suicide last week in Oliver Paipoonge.  Zweep says police officers released Joseph Lavoie after the first domestic assault occurred.  Zweep adds the first case wasn't handled as it normally is.  Meanwhile Thunder Bay Police say they will be conducting an internal review of how the first assault case was handled.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says police won't be commenting until after the review is completed which should take until early January.

Confederation College launches fundraising campaign

Confederation College students will soon be getting a state of the art learning facility. The College launched a fundraising campaign for the REACH building with a 250 thousand dollar contribution for a new Dental Clinic. President Pat Lang says the building will give students an edge with top of the line hands on learning.

Police nab two for impaired driving

City police are investigating a two for one impaired accident this morning.  Police at around 2:30 a pick up lost control at the corner of Rowand and Simpson street and hit a lamp post, decorative bell and a house.  Officers say the driver couldn't get the vehicle free so the passenger started driving the truck.  Officers arrested a man and woman and charged them with impaired driving.

Police chief avoids Hobbs talk

Thunder Bay's police chief doesn't appear ready to discuss anything to do with our new mayor. It's no secret Chief Bob Herman and Mayor Keith Hobbs have had frosty relations dating back to when Hobbs headed the Police Association. Now that Hobbs is mayor and part of the Police Services Board, Chief Herman is relucant to discuss the mayor's role with the board with our newsroom.  Chief Herman even implied we were trying to create a controversy with our line of questioning

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Treaty Three has Deputy Chief

A long time member of the OPP is now the deputy chief of the Treaty Three Police Force.  Terry Armstrong was sworn in yesterday.  He says he's looking forward to his new duties.  Armstrong is a 30 year veteran of the OPP and fills a vacancy that has been open since the summer.

Proulx on trial in Kenora

"Kill me Cop, Kill me Cop". Those were reportedly the words 39 year old Helen Proulx spoke before being shot twice in downtown Kenora on June 7th of this year. The Grassy Narrows resident is on trial this week on four charges, including assaulting a police officer. Constable Kathrine Moyer told the court this morning that when she came across Proulx just after 8:00 in the evening, she was cutting at her wrists and forearm in a slicing motion. She then took the knife and jabbed it into her abdomen. Moyer says she told Proulx at least six time to drop the knife, and only fired her firearm when Proulx began to jab it in her direction. Testimony is continuing at the Kenora Court House.

Illegal trail costs 2 thousand

Two Nipigon men are in trouble after building an illegal trail.  The duo were fined two thousand dollars creating a path in a conservation reserve.  Conservation officers found the men creating the trail with skidders and chain saws.

Imrie receives award

The Executive Director of the region's sports hall of fame is the winner of a prestigious award. Diane Imrie recieved the 2010 Schroeder Award from the International Sports Heritage Association.

Labour pains at LU next year

The Human Resources department at Lakehead University will have it's hands full next year. Four contracts come up for re-negotiation. At the top of the list are LU's 300 professors. H-R Director Ray Raslak says don't expect any of those talks to wrap up until the fall.  Also up for negotiation next year are contracts for grad assistants, security personnel and maintenance workers.

Rogers blinked: Hyer

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is claiming a small victory.  He says that because of his actions in parliament, communications giant Rogers has ended its cell phone locking policy.  That policy kicks in at the end of a contract and prevents owners from keeping their old phone if they want to switch providers.  Hyer says it's nice to win one for a change.    He says he got discouraged after the Senate killed his climate change bill, but now feels like he's making a difference.

Fender bender causes traffic issues

No one is hurt as the result of this minor fender bender on Red River Road near Rockwood during the lunch hour Wednesday.   It did, however, cause traffic problems until the scene was cleared.

The end of the penny could hurt the United Way

The United Way's Pennies from Heaven campaign could be coming to an end. The Federal Government is considering axing the 1 cent coin which would effectively end the charity campaign. The United Way's Jared Zieroth says last year's campaign raised 20 thousand dollars and they'd have to come up with some sort of new project to replace that fundraiser.  Zieroth says Nickels from Heaven just doesn't have the same ring.

It's a tropical heat wave LOL

We're going to get a reprieve from the deep freeze.  Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says the arctic air is moving north and in its place some seasonal temperatures are coming our way. Laidlaw says we'll likely see some snow Thursday with some more small amounts over the weekend.

22 accidents today so far

Busy day for Thunder Bay Police. Officers were called to 22 accidents Tuesday. Traffic Officer Glen Porter says one car rolled down an embankment at Boulevard Lake, and a man is charged with careless driving as a result. Porter adds thankfully no one was badly hurt.

Inaugral police services board meeting

Thunder Bay's Police Chief Bob Herman is calling the inaugral meeting of the police services board productive.  Herman welcomed new board members to the meeting on Tuesday.  The 2011 budget has been put on hold until January so members can take time to review it.

DNA lab accredited

A milestone for the Warnex DNA lab. Warnex is now accredited internationally for forensic science testing. President Mark Busgang says the news will open doors for them.  Busgang says business has been ok and the local facility is now operating in the black.

McFadden predicts no solar farm controversy

Thunder Bay's airport manager doesn't expect any objectors to a new solar farm. A company called SkyPower is going to construct the panels on airport property starting early next year. It's expected to create about 100 new jobs. Scott McFadden says it'll be far from any homes and located on land which is not useful for airport operations and of limited commercial use.  The park will be bordered by railway tracks and 2 runways

Teens turn thumbs down to curfew

The prospect of a curfew for teenagers in Thunder Bay isn't sitting too well with some of them. The city is conducting a study to see if a curfew in the city is do-able.Those teens we spoke to say it takes away their freedom.

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Squire Street flooded with water

Someone caused quite a stir on Squire Street Tuesday.  A fire hydrant was opened and a large amount of water spilled into the street.  Police says they're treating the mischief as a serious matter because of cold conditions.  A car later slid into a pool of water in that area.

Deep freeze no problem for waterfront project

The city feels local construction companies know how to deal best with Thunder Bay's wicked winter weather.  Waterfront Supervisor Gary Wood says they know how to deal with the cold weather so its still business as usual. Wood believes the weather won't put work behind schedule.

Streetcar threat creates Internet buzz

There appears to be little sympathy by some Toronto bloggers to concerns in Thunder Bay over Mayor Rob Ford's desire to tear up a streetcar contract.  Scrapping that billion dollar contract would affect jobs at our Bombardier plant and some Torontonians are posting strong opinions about it on Internet news sites ....one says, ...you people in Thunder Bay... have no vote, or say... in how Toronto conducts it's business, and, Thunder Bay can go play with itself, the days of sole sourcing are gone.   But not everyone is so seemingly callous...one says,  Thanks for letting us know how far the damage... is reaching.

Hampton thinks election is coming

The Provincial election isn't until next Fall, but expect to see campaign-style ad's start showing up in the new year. That's the prediction of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton. Hampton says the McGuinty Government has been under seige in the Ontario Legislature and he expects the Liberals to start actively campaigning shortly. Hampton says the government has been hurt by recent reports by the Ombudsman and the Auditor General.

Christmas Cheer falling behind campaign goal

Christmas Cheer is in trouble.  With just over a week to go in their campaign the charity is over 100 thousand dollars short of their goal.  The Charity is hoping to raise 165 thousand dollars to feed the homeless and less fortunate in Thunder Bay.

Garage destroyed by fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue dealt with a garage fire this morning.  Crews responded to the blaze on Talbot Street just after 2:30 and found a garage engulfed in flames.  The inferno was quickly brought under control and officials are investigating the cause.