Airbag injury sends man to hospital

One person is feeling the bruises of an air bag injury as the result of a traffic accident. It took place at the corner of Mcdonald and Christie just before 2 on Tuesday afternoon. Police say it involved two half ton trucks. One of the drivers was hurt after the truck's airbag went off. Police say he was unconscious when they arrived. Police say the other driver has been charged with a turning infraction.

Fire in Conmee destroys home

No one is hurt following a fire in Conmee Township this afternoon.   The volunteer fire department was called just before 1 o'clock to a house fire at 468 Mokomon Road.   A Township official says the blaze completely destroyed the residence.   The cause isn't known.

A heat wave is coming our way...lol

The work week will be cold, but this weekend looks like its going to be a nice one. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says by the weekend the temperatures will be hovering around the freezing point with cloudy skies and some scattered flurries. Laidlaw says unfortunately with the warmth you can expect a mess on the roads.

Firefighters finally reach deal with city

The city has finally reached a new contract with its firefighters.  After over 7 years an agreement has been reached through arbitration.  The new contract gives firefighters an average wage increase of just under 4 percent per year from 2004 to 2010.

More street addicts showing desperation

The use of mouthwash and hand sanitizing liquid by street addicts is going up in Thunder Bay. Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesque says beat officers are telling him it's becoming a major concern and they see it quite often. He says they are seeing a lot of these items being shoplifted and getting that under control is a challenge. Levesque says there needs to be a way to handle these people away from the criminal justice system.

Fraud artists captured near Marathon

Three Southern Ontario men will be appearing in court in Thunder Bay facing fraud charges after a recent routine traffic stop near Marathon.  OPP pulled over the vehicle for speeding on the Trans Canada and after a search of the vehicle credit card fraud materials were found.  A fourth man is facing drug charges.

Council approves drug study

Thunder Bay City council is committing to a substance abuse study.  Council voted unanimously to provide 30 thousand dollars for the study that will look at possible solutions to the drugs and alcohol problems plaguing the city.  The District Social Services Administration Board is also providing 30 thousand dollars.

Man flys to Thunder Bay with fireworks

An Ottawa man recently flew to Thunder Bay and claims airport security missed something. Mark Bennett says he flew here over a week ago via Toronto and security overlooked some fireworks in his carry on bag. He says it included a Roman eight-ball candle, Roman 10-ball candle, a big pack of extra-large sparklers and an airbomb. He says he didn't notice them until he was ready to fly back to Ottawa. Bennett is concerned about lax security. The government agency responsible for security had no comment.

Military may sack Mubarak says prof

Lakehead University's Laure Paquette says we may be days away from a change in government in Egypt. The political expert says if Hosni Mubarak doesn't step down willingly he may be forced to do so by someone with a rank. Paquette says to watch for the protests and violence to spread to more cities.

NAN looks at drug strategy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is looking at creating a drug strategy of it's own. Grand Chief Stan Beardy says NAN leaders are concerned about the abuse of prescription drugs in their communities.   Beardy's hoping they can somehow connect with the city of Thunder Bay's proposed strategy

Walk takes in 38K

The annual Walk for Memories by the Thunder Bay Alzheimers Society took in a sizeable amount on the weekend.  The Intercity Mall event raised almost 38 thousand dollars with more expected to roll in later in the month.

Hillier hints at sweetheart hydro deal

The Opposition at Queens Park are hinting at a possible sweetheart deal for Cliff's Natural Resources. The mining company says high energy prices may force them to build a chromite smelter outside the province.   Conservative Northern Affairs critic Randy Hillier says it's  unacceptable for a government to indicate that they may set one hydro price for one company while other companies are suffering

50 year old woman dies in Dryden fire

One person is reported dead in an apartment fire in Dryden. Fire crews were called around 5 o'clock Sunday morning.  They forced their way into the complex and found an unconscious woman.Teams searched all 10-apartments and moved everyone from the building to a local Hotel.  Some were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of that fire isn't known.  The Dryden Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office are investigating. 

NDP Leader speaking out against HST

The Leader of the Provincial NDP is taking another shot at the HST. Andrea Horwath was in Thunder Bay today and says scrapping the HST on home heating bills would benefit people in the Northwest. She says the McGuinty government is out of touch with Northerners.  She says the HST is costing people in the Northwest 50-60 dollars each month in extra heating costs and with living expenses already higher than other parts of the province, people are suffering.

Busy week for police

The last half of the week was busy for police. On Thursday they arrested two men after a man was pulled into a north side apartment, assaulted and robbed. Police say the incident was drug related and have issued a warrant for a woman who was involved as well.

Saturday morning a man was assaulted at a North Cumberland Street hotel. Police arrested two men and a woman in connection.

Two men were arrested after a failed robbery attempt on the city’s south side Saturday night. According to police, the two men assaulted a man after demanding he hand over money and a cell phone. A bystander intervened and the two men were arrested after police arrived.

Bystander stops robbery

A failed robbery attempt has resulted in two arrests. Police say a man was assaulted after leaving a south side ATM by two men who wanted money and a cell phone. According to police, a bystander came to the mans assistance after seeing him on the ground being kicked by the two other men. The police were eventually called to the scene by another person. Upon arriving, the police arrested the two suspects.

Mayors talk Northern Development Plan

Municipal leaders from Northern Ontario's largest cities want the province to get the ball rolling on the Northern Growth Plan. 

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs attended a meeting of the Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers last week where the plan was the topic of discussion.

The leaders say they're looking forward to what the plan may offer the region but are concerned about how long it's taking to get it in place.

The mayors also added the plan should ideally include new sources of funding to help spur growth.

The group is looking  to meet with Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle and Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli to discuss the plan.

Mayor pulling out the stops

Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's ready to work to get a chromite smelter for Thunder Bay. Hobbs says the city is pleased that Cliff's Natural Resources is willing to keep us on the radar for that Ring of Fire project. He says the city will do everything in it's power to get it located here. Hobbs admits there are challenges but other communities also have roadblocks.

Moose populations studied

The annual aerial moose survey is underway in Northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Brad Allison says they're trying to see if certain trends are continuing this year.   Moose populations are dwindling in certain areas and in others they're stable.  Allison says it's been an ideal winter for the survey because of the early snow cover.

Horwath in Thunder Bay Monday

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will be back in the City on Monday. She's going to outline her party's plans to provide the people of Thunder Bay with relief from the HST. Horwath has been calling for the removal of the HST on home heating bills.

Angus talks electricity

The City of Thunder Bay is joining forces with NOMA and Common Voice Northwest.  All three of them feel the Province's Long Term Energy Plan doesn't address the region's electricity needs.  Councillor Iain Angus says the system is flawed.  Council is going to be asked on Monday to support a paper on electricity transmission and distribution in the region.

Cheaper electricity needed for Ring of Fire

It all comes down to affordable electricity. That's according to the mining company looking to open a chromite smelter for the Ring of Fire development. Ferroalloys President Bill Boor says so far Sudbury is an early favourite because they have the necessary power to operate the smelter.  Boor also made mention that Ontario's electricity prices are not competitive and they are looking outside the province for potential sites.  The company says they've made no final decisions yet.

Gravelle on Chromite Plant: What me worry?

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says he's not overly worried about Cliff Resources comments saying the province's electricity isn't competitive. Gravelle is vowing to work with the company to ensure it will stay in Northern Ontario. When asked what the Government would do if the plant is moved outside the province; Gravelle said he's a best case scenario person and won't comment on speculation.

Facebook used to threaten Superior Collegiate

A young man has been arrested after threats directed at Superior Collegiate were posted to Facebook. Thunder Bay Police Detective Seargent Don Lewis says police were notified by a concerned parent.  Lewis says the threats were vague but it appears as though a person was planning on using some sort of weapon to damage the school.  Lewis says no students were threatened in the posts that appeared Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Northwestern Ontario Health Research

Northwestern Ontario is home to a variety of cutting edge research initiatives that will help improve our health. That was the goal behind holding a health research showcase in Thunder Bay recently.  St. Joseph's Care Group Director Dr. Michel Bedard says he was impressed with a HPV program for First Nation women.  Another program started in the region was a study on end of life care in remote First Nation communities.

Matawa teams up with Lake Nipigon

Two area First Nations are working together when it comes to the Ring of Fire. Matawa and Lake Nipigon Chiefs are forming a united front when it comes to mining and infrastructure issues. The First Nations feel the transmission line from Nipigon to Little Jackfish will be a key issue in the Ring of Fire process.

Walk for Memories Sunday

The InterCity Mall is going to bustle with activity on Sunday.  The Alzheimer Society is holding it's Walk for Memories today with over 200 people taking part.  A "memory lane" will be set up with over 450 names written in tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.  The walk gets underway at 10:30 this morning with closing ceremonies at 11:15.

LHIN funding for surgeries

Those waiting for surgery can breath a little easier thanks to the North West Local Health Integration Network. The LHIN is providing more than 275-thousand dollars in one-time funding for the regional joint replacement program. The money will provide 40-more hip and knee replacement surgeries in Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances. Wait times for these type of procedures are between 166 and 173 days, just below the Provincial target.

CWD study wraps up

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reflecting on its 2010 chronic wasting disease surveillance program. The MNR collected deer heads for testing of chronic wasting disease.  Wildlife Research Technician Tory Buchanan says the initiative was well received in Northwestern Ontario.  362 deer heads were tested in the Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances Districts. All results came back negative.  Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting members of the deer family.

Sudbury has early smelter lead

There is still no final selection made for the chromite smelter for the Ring of Fire development, but so far Sudbury appears to be the favourite location. According to the mining company, Cliff's Natural Resources, Sudbury has the necessary power requirements for the facility, however, Thunder Bay, Greenstone and Timmins are still being considered. The company admits though, that because of the current power prices in Ontario there isn't a place that is economically viable to operate the smelter.

DSSAB new CAO

The organization that takes care of welfare, child care and public housing in the city has a new boss. Melissa Harrison of Kirkland Lake is the new CAO of the District Social Services Administration Board. Harrison says her goal is poverty reduction through government help.  Harrison takes over from the recently retired Mary Lucas.

Closson in Thunder Bay

The head of the Ontario Hospital Association is collecting feedback from area hospitals.  Tom Closson was in Thunder Bay yesterday to speak with Hospital Board Chairs and C.E.O.'s.  Closson is calling on the government to freeze hospital union salaries.  Closson will be bringing the region's concerns back to the Provincial Government.

Download caps byte

As the government ponders it's decision on capping Internet downloads, a rural Thunder Bay woman can speak first hand about the issue. Connie Nickelsen lives in Nolalu and gets Internet via satellite. She says her 20 gigabyte limit is very restrictive and even prevents her from taking an online course from Lakehead University.  She says the amount of megabytes it would consume would put her over the limit very quickly and would become very expensive.  Nickelsen says it's very easy to exceed your monthly limit without knowing it.

Suspicious Man offering kids rides

Thunder Bay Police are on the lookout for a middle aged man.  Police say a 13 year old girl was offered a ride by the suspicious man in the area of Regina Avenue and Birch Grove Drive. The vehicle is described as a blue two door pick up.

Fort Frances man back from Cairo

A Fort Frances father of three is happy to be home after a harrowing trip to Egypt.  Tristan Hutton was visiting his sister in Cairo when the anti-government protests erupted.  Hutton says it was a trying experience, in order to get into the airport corrupt police officials were asking for bribes.  He adds before their flight could take off officials demanded 2-thousand dollars in US funds.  Hutton says the Canadians on board were so frustrated they just delved into their pockets and handed over the cash.  Hutton took advantage of an evacuation to Germany on Monday.

NOSM Dean awarded Order of Australia

The Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is getting a big honour in his home country.  Doctor Roger Strasser is being awarded with the Order of Australia.  Strasser says was given the award for his work in the health care sector through teaching, research and practicing medicine.

Stabbing leaves one man in hospital

One man is in hospital this morning after being stabbed in the chest.  The incident happened on South May Street at around 9:30 last night.  Police arrested a 21 year old man and charged him with aggravated assault.  The 24 year old victim is in stable condition.

Hope Classic happens in two weeks

The 2011 Hope Classic curling bonspiel is all set for the weekend of February 18th.   The event has a history of raising a great deal of money in support of breast cancer services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.   Last year the curlers collected 169 thousand dollars.

Rafferty's Pension Bill suffers a set back

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is disappointed this morning after he had a compromised proposal that was rejected by the conservative government.  Rafferty proposed a compromise to change the bill and still protect workers pensions but it was vetoed by the Harper government.  Rafferty says he's very disappointed.  The Bill will proceed as is for a final vote sometime next month.

Detox housing strategy coming to council

The Crime Prevention Council is throwing its support behind the idea of creating more detox beds.  Administration is bringing a resolution to council on Monday night calling for a short term housing strategy for those people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they're going to ask council for 30-thousand dollars.  The District Social Services Board has already put 30 thousand towards the project.  Deputy Police Chief JP Levesque says police will be freed up to do more work on the street if there's more substance use beds in the City.

Street Youth study launched

The needs of homeless youth in Thunder Bay are not being met.  That's the belief of the Children's Aid Society.  Spokesperson Michelle Vibert says they're conducting a study to assess the services available to street kids.  The C.A.S. is conducting focus groups with youth who are living on the street and those kids who have moved onto a better life.

Herbert set to announce intentions

It appears Larry Hebert has made up his mind.   The city councillor is being courted by the Progressive Conservative Party to run for the party's nomination in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.   Hebert says he hopes to announce his decision on Friday.   Former Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert says he 's going after the nomination which will be taking place on March 20th

Crime Prevention Council holds second meeting

The second meeting of the Crime Prevention Council covered a lot of ground.  Mayor Keith Hobbs introduced the idea of creating a community safety award.  Meanwhile, the Children's Aid Society announced they are launching a study of services available to "street" and homeless youth. 

Gravelle walking a fine line

Michael Gravelle says he's working to find a compromise in an area tourist outfitters dispute. The Northern Development Minister says he understands how upset some of the outfitters are over increased government fees, especially since it was their own association that recommended them.  Gravelle hopes to find a solution that will be agreeable to all sides

Tourist Outfitters upset with NOTO

NOTO has become the Ministry of Natural Resources lap dog.  That's the thought of Paul Boucher the owner of Ogoki Frontier.  Boucher says many camps feel betrayed after their land use permit fees went up 800 percent.  Rental fees went from 125 dollars to around 800.  Boucher says they didn't receive proper warning of the change.

NOTO stands by its decision

NOTO doesn't agree with angry tourist outfitters upset with increases to their land rental fees. The organization that looks after tourist outfitters is standing by its decision to move to a market value rent system. Executive Director Doug Reynolds says they warned outfitters that the changes were coming. Reynolds says they negotiated the best deal they could and feels it's unfair to say they sold the industry out. Tourist outfitters used to pay a 125 dollar administration fee and now pay 825 dollars in rent.

Drug strategy set for review

The city is one step away from having a new drug strategy. It has over 100 recommendations which are designed to help reduce the use of drugs in the community. However Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it'll have to be done without taxpayers money.   She says organizations and individuals should be able to implement some of the recommendation by allocating their dollars more efficiently.  The strategy goes to councillors for a vote in April.

NAPS makes deal with RCMP

Changes are in store for a remote island near Attawapiskat.  12 Nishnawbe Aski Police officers were recently appointed as special RCMP Constables.  Sgt. Jackie George says it's because it was getting hard to provide service to a nearby island.  The move means NAPS can provide service to the island which falls under RCMP jurisdiction.  In the past any service calls to the island had to be followed up by RCMP in Nunavut.

Local lab helps solve cold case in Winnipeg

A Thunder Bay DNA lab has helped Winnipeg police make an arrest from a death back in the 80's.  Warnex PRO DNA was used to test some hair samples from the case of a girl who was found tied up and frozen to death in a shed in 1984.  A 47 year old man has been charged with 1st degree murder in the case.

City still looking for arbitration

The City is taking another run at moving the Horizon Wind Farm Lawsuit to arbitration.  A city official has confirmed with our newsroom that the City will be appealing the Superior Courts decision to reject Thunder Bay's bid for arbitration.  A date for the appeal has not been set.