Police looking for 3 boys after a fire

Three young boys are being sought by police after they allegedly tried to start a fire at a ball diamond.  Officer say a boy playing ball at the Balsam Street Pits yesterday afternoon saw the boys trying to start a fire in one of the dugouts.  Fire crews managed to limit the damage.

Motorcycle clocked at 225 km

A motorcyclist is facing several charges after getting busted for speeding on Highway 17.  Thunder Bay OPP clocked the biker going 225 kilometres an hour yesterday in the Raith area.  Police impounded the motorcycle.

Layton Memorial in Thunder Bay

A memorial service for NDP Leader Jack Layton grew a large crowd to Hillcrest Park.  City Councillor Andrew Foulds told the crowd about the first time he met Layton in Thunder Bay.  Well over 100 people came to remember and celebrate the life of Layton.  Elaine Kerr grew up in the same town as Jack.  Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty feels Jack would have been touched by the turn out in Thunder Bay and across the country.

Con College prepares for strike

The President of Confederation College says they're prepared for a potential strike by support staff. The local OPSEU union gave strike notice that if negotiations fail they'll walk out September 1st.  Contract talks are continuing between OPSEU and the Province.

Ring of Fire office open

Thunder Bay's Ring of Fire Office is open.  The new office will promote economic opportunities and facilitate development in the Ring of Fire.  The government recently appointed Harvey Yesno as the Director for Aboriginal Community and Stakeholder Relations.  Former Confederation College President Pat Lang is part of the Ring of Fire Advisory Council.  Lang is one of the first four members of the advisory group.

ATV collides with SUV

Two Manitouwadge youths are hurt after an ATV collided with a vehicle. The collision occurred on a roadway in the Hillsport area North of Manitouwadge. OPP say the all terrain vehicle being operated by the two collided with a suburban SUV. Further investigation revealed that the youths riding the ATV were not wearing helmets.

New teacher looks forward to school

The teacher for the Thunder Bay Alternative school can hardly wait for the year to start.   Scott Read says its going to be a creative process that will nurture the mind of his students.  Read says his experience with outdoor education and youth leadership building will help him.

Chief Returning Officer talks election

Voters will have a few different options when they cast their ballots for the provincial election. Chief returning officer Greg Essensa says there will be 21 days for people to cast a vote.  There will be 10 days of advanced voting, and 15 days of assisted voting for the disabled.

REACH is a reality

Confederation College's new REACH building is open.  After 15 million dollars from the Provincial government and another 6 million from the Federal government the state of the art facility opened its doors Thursday.  The building will provide an additional 130 spots for students and will provide distance education into the region's satellite campuses.

City police are looking for a missing girl

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing 14 year old girl.  Police say Miranda Ritchie has been missing since Friday after she was dropped of in the Academy Towers area by her Guardian. 

Woman charged with attempted murder

A 29 year old Schreiber woman is facing attempted murder charges.  OPP say the woman was arrested after a man suffered non life threatening injuries during an altercation Friday night.

Ring of Fire Consultation Process

The Matawa First Nation Ring of Fire Coordinator is sounding the alarms over consultation.  Raymond Ferris took time yesterday to reiterate that both levels of government need to create a consultation protocol for industrial activity on first nation land.  Ferris notes they're not pleased with the current consultation process.

Local hospital takes part in trial

Thunder Bay, Toronto, Kingston, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa are working on a cancer project together.  They'll be sampling tumors and providing the information back to Toronto.  Spokesperson Tarja Heiskanen says it's a big deal for the local hospital.  Heiskanen adds the project proves that if it can be done in Thunder Bay it can be done anywhere.

Rally infront of Mauro's office

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's office was the site of a protest Wednesday. A group of citizens are disenfranchised with the Children's Aid Society in Thunder Bay. They want the Province to give the Ombudsman oversight of CAS. 

Cruisin' for a cause

Thursday is Cruisin' for a cause day at A&W's across Canada. President Paul Hollands says money raised from the one day event will go towards the MS Society. A dollar from each Teen Burger purchased today will go towards the charity. Hollands says they hope to raise a million dollars this year.

School starts September 7th

The Lakehead Public School Board is preparing for the upcoming school year.  Edcuation Officer Charles Bishop says they're rolling out wifi service at their high schools.  The board is also welcoming an additional full day kindergarten location and a healthy lifestyles policy.  Students go back to class September 7th.

Memorial set up for Layton in Stornoway

Layton's body will be lying in state in the foyer of the House of Commons for public viewing.  This morning in Stornoway, the residence of the official opposition, a small memorial was set up.  It included a can of orange crush, the symbol of Layton's surge and triumph in Quebec during the last Federal Election.  A state funeral will be held in Ottawa Saturday. 

Footbridge not closed

The city has called off a footbridge closure.  The walkway in Boulevard Lake Park over the Curernt River Dam was to be closed today and tomorrow.  The work that was to take place has been cancelled.

Twitter is the new driving force in the financial world

Twitter is changing the financial world, that's the opinion of Thunder Bay born investment expert Keith McCullough.  He says the social media site gives everyone an avenue to learn insider knowledge and faster than older media venues.  McCullough says the little guys in the financial game stand to benefit greatly by using Twitter.  He also says some of the big players he works with on Wall Street are dropping their hold methods and are using twitter to help make decisions. 

No injuries in overnight fire

No one was hurt after a 2 alarm Blaze on the city's North side.  Crews got the call just before midnight on Essex Court and managed to confine the fire to a downstairs bedroom.  There was also extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the house.

Thunder Bay will hold Layton memorial

You have a chance to pay your respects to NDP Leader Jack Layton tomorrow.  A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest park at 6 o'clock.  A book of condolences for his family will be there for people to sign. 

YPN has new President

There's a change of the guard at Thunder Bay's Young Professional Network.  Former President Michael Nitz is now the new head of the Chamber of Commerce.  Nathan Lawrence will now take over the vacant president's position.  The Young Professionals Network is now known as SHIFT.

Walkway closed

A walkway in Boulevard Lake Park will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.  The pedestrian walkway over the Current River Dam is off limits while work is completed on the dam.

Coroner's inquest into inmates death

The coroner will be investigating the death of an 18 year old inmate at the Thunder Bay district jail. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Cody Thompson was transferred from the jail on August 11th to the hospital and died last Friday.  Thompson was charged with second degree murder in the death of Robert Topping.

NOMA goes to AMO

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is recapping his recent meetings with Provincial Ministers. Ron Nelson says they also met with the leaders of the NDP and Progressive Conservatives. Nelson asked each party if they would be willing to give the region its own seperate lower electricity rate. Nelson feels discussions with ministers about their issues were well received.  Meanwhile, NOMA wants all three party leaders to take part in a Northern Ontario debate.  The proposed debate would be held in Thunder Bay on September 23rd.

8 billion dollar infrastructure shortfall

It's going to cost billions of dollars to bring First Nation communities infrastructure up to snuff.  Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Angus Tolouse says they need 8 billion dollars.  The infrastructure figures are from the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.  Tolouse says they need capital investments in housing, water and waste water, roads, and broadband service.

MNR has record breaking year

The Ministry of Natural Resources says it's been a record breaking year for forest fires in the Northwest.  Information Officer Debbie McLean says we've broken a 50 year old record.  With more than two months left in the current season, more than 622 thousand hectares has burned. McLean adds they haven't had more fires than in 1961, just burned more hectares of land.

Sheep Dogs set to entertain Thunder Bay

Wednesday's the day to head down to Marina Park to watch the Sheep Dogs.  The band is headlining the Superior Youth Festival and organizer Jean-Paul De Roover says they will be one of many attractions and the event will kick off at 6 o'clock. 

PA Stadium battles London for title

Port Arthur Stadium will be battling London's Labatt Stadium for the title of Canada's Favourite Ball Park.  Chair of Thunder Bay's International Baseball Association Larry Hebert says its time for everyone in Thunder Bay to get out and vote.  Hebert says a win would enhance the city's bid for the 2014 World Junior Baseball Championships.  Voting will take place over the next two weeks.

Trail system being studied

Oliver Paipoonge is embarking on a trail study.  Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they're using provincial funds to hire a trail expert.  Oliver Paipoonge council would like to see a trail created from Fort William Park to Kakabeka Falls.  A series of public meetings will be held in the near future.  The trail expert starts work next week.

Book of condolences

The City of Thunder Bay is opening a book of condolences to allow residents to pay their respects to Jack Layton.  The flags at City Hall will fly at half mast until after the NDP Leader's funeral to recognize his contributions to Canada.

Rafferty remembers NDP Leader

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is shocked by the passing of NDP Leader Jack Layton.  The 61 year old died this morning after battling a second round of cancer.  Rafferty considers Layton a friend and one of the reasons he decided to enter politics.  Rafferty is collecting messages from the riding for the Layton family.  The MP's offices are closed today out of respect for the family.

OPP Bouncer Blitz

The OPP are releasing more information about their security guard and bouncer blitz.  Detective Sgt. Rick LePage says in Thunder Bay 105 charges were laid.  In Kakabeka Falls, nine charges were laid for failing to wear a uniform.  LePage says they charged bouncers working at night clubs and businesses that sell the services of security guards.

Outdoor water ban over

The trunk watermain break at Marina Park is repaired.  The ban on outdoor water use that came into effect last week is now over.  The water distribution system is back to normal.

Hobbs takes part in AMO conference

Thunder Bay will be joining discussions Tuesday in London about the heads and bed levy. Mayor Keith Hobbs says they want to see an increase in the levy by 80 percent. Municipalities receive the levy in lieu of property taxes for universities, colleges, hospitals and correctional facilities. The discussion is part of the Association of Municipalities conference being held in London, Ontario this week.

PC's feel confident in NWO

The Ontario Progressive Conservatives are predicting they will do well in northern Ontario in the next provincial election. Ken Zeise is president of the party and says they are very optimistic about making in-roads in this region. Zeise says he's travelling across the north this week, meeting with party faithful, and gearing up for the October 6th election.

Vote for Port Arthur Stadium

With a click of the mouse you can help support Port Arthur Stadium in their quest to become Canada's Favourite Ballpark.  The final round of voting in the Baseball Canada competition starts Tuesday at noon. Voting continues for two weeks and wraps up on September 6th.  To vote click here.

10-thousand towards Children's Wish

Thunder Bay's Children's Wish Foundation is 10 thousand dollars richer thanks to local Wendy's restaurants. Director George Badanai says all money raised goes directly towards fulfilling local kids wishes. The 25th Children's Wish Charity Golf Tournament is on September 9th.

Conservatives nominate McKay

All the major parties in Kenora Rainy River have their candidates in place for the October 6th provincial election.  The Conservatives are the latest party to select their candidate.  Kenora City Councillor Rod McKay beat out Louis Roussin for the Tory nomination.

Bar owner ready to fight OPP Blitz

A Thunder Bay bar is getting ready to fight the results of an OPP bar blitz.  Co-owner of Shooters Tavern Paul Maybroda says officers charged some bouncers for not being licenced or for not wearing uniforms.  Maybroda says he will be helping his employees who were charged during their October 28th court date. 

No one hurt in fire

No one was hurt in a kitchen fire in an apartment building.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue are investigating the fire that happened yesterday afternoon just after 5 o'clock at 273 Pioneer Drive.  Crews managed to keep the damage to the kitchen of one of the units.

Libyan rebels have entered Tripoli

Rebels have stormed the capital of Libya and according to Lakehead University Political Science expert Laure Paquette its only a matter of time before the civil war ends.  Paquette says rebels are storming Moamar Gadhafi's compound and it'll likely be chaos until he is found and arrested or killed.

Forest fire situation

Seven new fires have been reported in the last 24 hours with approximately 80 active fires burning in the Northwest region. People from across Canada and the United States are in Ontario supporting the fire fighting effort. A total of 433 people are assisting with our current fire situation. Over 600 thousand hectares of forest have burned to date this year.

Fire Ban in Thunder Bay

A fire ban has been put on the city by Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service. All fire permits are cancelled until further notice. Firefighters blame low water pressure and the dry weather the reason for the recent ban.

NWO mining company fined

Premier Gold Mines has been fined 25-thousand dollars for constructing water crossings on Crown land without a permit. Court heard that last October a company representative spoke with the Ministry of Natural Resources about a planned project in the Fly Lake area, northeast of Ear Falls. The MNR advised the company that it would need a permit before conducting the work, however officials soon discovered that work had started prior to the permit being issued. The Company voluntarily conducted remediation work in the areas where the stream crossings were built.

Green Party leader visits T.Bay

The leader of the Provincial Green Party is paying a visit to Thunder Bay Saturday. Mike Schreiner is speaking with party faithful today and will throw his support behind local candidates Scot Kyle and Russ Aegard. Schreiner likes his party's chances in the coming election and notes most of today's jobs are green.

AbitibiBowater saves dinero

Thunder Bay's AbitibiBowater pulp and paper mill is reducing its electricity costs.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the company will be able to see cost savings thanks to two government programs.  The local mill will save about 25 to 30 million dollars a year.  Mauro says the programs are already in effect for the local mill.

4 vehicle accident at Simpson and Robertson

No one is hurt after a four vehicle accident Friday afternoon.  The chain reaction crash occurred shortly after 12:30 in the Robertson and Simpson Street area.  A witness at the scene says the accident may have been the result of one or more of the drivers being distracted by a pedestrian in a wheelchair who fell over after hitting a sidewalk pothole.

Conservatives vote in Kenora Rainy River

All the major parties will have their candidates in place in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding after this weekend.  The Conservatives will select their candidate tomorrow after a travelling ballot box makes stops in Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora.  Two Kenora City Councillors are duking it out for the position.