Director defends legal costs

The legal fees paid by the Lakehead Public School Board over the last year are under the microscope. Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk defends the 390 thousand expense saying they have no control over some issues.   She says the costs can be attributed to highly sensitive personnel matters and property issues.  The year before the legal costs were 260 thousand dollars.

NAPS cruiser torched

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is looking for a new cruiser after one was set on fire in Eabametoong (Fort Hope).   Police say the vehicle was torched while it was parked in front of an officers home.   The cruiser was destroyed in the incident and the officer's home was slightly damaged.  No one was hurt.  Police are looking for whomever was responsible.

Mauro back as P-A

Bill Mauro's new responsibility is a job he is familiar with. The Thunder Bay MPP is now the Parlimentary Assistant to Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci. Mauro says he did the same job in the last decade.  Mauro says the job will again help bring him closer to the files that affect the Thunder Bay.

New NOSTA prez

There's a new president of the North of Superior Tourism Association. Greenstone's Vicki Blanchard says she looks forward to her term as the head of NOSTA saying tourism is getting some respect again and how important it is an economic driver.  Blanchard says she accepted the position because of her passion for tourism.

Port Arthur Health Centre workers have new contract

Workers at the Port Arthur Health Centre have ratified a new contract.  The more than 70 workers voted almost unanimously in favour of the contract on the evening of November 1st.  The deal includes an increase in benefits and a 2 percent wage hike each year for the 3 year term.

Officers awarded for their bravery

A handful of City Police officers are being recognized for their bravery.  The officers helped evacuate the Travelodge after a fire broke out in the Sushi Station restaurant October 22nd.  During the ordeal smashed through a class security door so they could help 5 people who were stuck on the 3rd floor of the hotel that was filling up with smoke. 

Bannon's faces OLG suspension

Bannon's Gas Bar on the Fort William First Nation has been handed a one week suspension from selling lottery tickets.  OLG Spokesman Don Pister says the business failed to comply with OLG rules.  Pister says the stores OLG ticket console will be remotely shutdown for one week starting today.  Pister declined to say which rule the store broke.

Credit counsellor gives sage advice

A local credit counsellor says now is the time for Christmas Shoppers to protect themselves from getting mired in debt. Bev Dunnill says planning ahead is critical. She says to go with a list of people you want to buy for and how much you plan to spend on them. Dunnill advises to go shopping when you're relaxed and not tired, rushed or hungry. Her words of wisdom come just ahead of Credit Education Week.

Racist vandals strike

Racism continues to raise it's ugly head in Thunder Bay. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says that some racist graffiti was painted on a bench at the Mission Marsh. Chair Bill Bartley says they've now covered up the offending message.  Bartley says the bench was a target of convenience for someone.

Nuke waste warning

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste. Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region. Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Remembrance Day in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay residents are marking Remembrance Day on Friday.  We spoke to people outside of City Hall about what the day means for them. 

Highway's OPEN

Area highways are reopened after being closed for most of the evening and early this morning. Highway 17 between Marathon and Terrace Bay and Highway 11 near Longlac were closed because of snowfall last night. OPP say the highways are now open to traffic.

Jobs in the Northwest are on the rise

Our unemployment rate went up last month but a closer look shows that we actually gained jobs in Thunder Bay.  Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo says our rate went up because of a large increase in the workforce.   Matteo says construction jobs likely caused the increase in job numbers.  

Kidnapping trial to resume in new year

A Thunder Bay kidnapping trial is taking a break until the new year.  35 year old Kyle Truong is charged in connection with an incident last year at a Cumberland Street motel.  Evidence presented in Superior Court of Justice this week included horrific accounts of a victim's finger being cut off.  The case will be back in court January 23rd for a judge's decision

New Solar Parks coming Thunder Bay's way

Thunder Bay seems to becoming a green energy centre in the province. GE Solar Ink has targetted our area for 3 new solar parks.  CEO Ian Rogers says he hopes to build parks on Dawson Road, Mapleward Road and Amethyst Bay.  Rogers says the parks should power between 15 and 20 thousand homes.

Aboriginal workforce targeted

Jobs for Aboriginals is the bottom line of a conference taking place in the city Wednesday. It focuses on employment, education and training. Sharon Smith-Baxter of the Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Strategy says it's important to provide them with the tools they need to find work since they are becoming a larger part of the city's population. 

Mauro hearing adjourned again

It will now be next year before the case against City Police Sgt. Jim Mauro can be heard.   Once again the Police Act proceeding for Sgt. Mauro has been postponed.  As with last month, Wednesday's scheduled hearing couldn't take place because his lawyer says Mauro is too ill to attend.  As a result there are now three days set aside in February for the hearing. Mauro faces two counts of misconduct under the  Police Service Act relating to a letter he presented to an arbitration hearing in 2009.

Hyer says Harper's greenwashing his environment record

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says the Federal Government is green washing it's abysmal environmental record.  Hyer says Ottawa's decision to spend 150 million dollars over five years is too little too late.  Hyer says that amount of money won't even make up for their decision to cut 700 Environment Canada jobs.

PSAC warns of job cuts

The Public Service Alliance is watching the Federal Government closely after they announced they would make cuts to the public service.  Regional Spokesperson Judith Monteith Farrell says they're watching to see if positions are eliminated from FEDNOR.  Farrell is also concerned with positions in Indian Affairs.

Kama Creek restoration started

Work has begun on restoring Nipigon Bay's Kama Creek. The work will bring the creek and it's floodplain back to conditions that were last seen in the 1960's.  The Creek's condition was one of the main factors for the decline in Brook trout.  The restoration is a partnership between Environment Canada, the Ministries of Envrionment and Natural Resources and Lakehead University. 

18 year old assaulted near Cumming Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an assault on an 18 year old man on the City's south side.  Constable Julie Tilbury says not much is known about last night's incident.  The teen was walking in the area of North Marks Street and Cumming Street.  He was approached by a group of men and was assaulted by one member of the group.  He was taken to hospital by ambulance and has been released.  Police are looking for a man with a buzz cut hair style wearing a grey hoodie.

Overnight stays up 4 percent

Tourism Thunder Bay is celebrating a four percent increase in it's hotel stays.  Acting Manager Lisa Beckwick contributes the increase in hotel stays to the hog rally this past summer that brought in 800 people.

Couch fire on North Franklin

A North Franklin Street homeowner is left with a thousand dollars in damage after a fire Tuesday night.  Thunder Bay Fire's District Chief Gilles Tellier says a couch caught fire behind the home owner's garage. Tellier says the fire appears to be accidental and suggests someone accidentally flicked a cigarette when passing by.

PARO's Enterprising Women

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprises is naming its 2011 enterprising women.  Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says the winners of this year's awards embody the word "enterprising".  Bonobo Foods won the Green Entrepreneur award, Brenda Adams won for her work with Janzen's Pharmacy.

County Fair Mall up for sale

If you have 4 million dollars burning a hole in your pocket you could be the proud owner County Fair Mall.  Colliers International has put up a for sale sign on the building excluding the Zellers portion of the mall.  That portion's lease was taken over by Walmart. 

NOSTA's last year a challenge

The North of Superior Travel Association is coming out of some tough times as the board enters Wednesday's Annual General Meeting in Thunder Bay.  President Iain Angus says NOSTA is in the hole 17 thousand dollars compared to 48 thousand last year with a goal of being debt free by March 31st.

Program targets seniors

Seniors who gamble at the OLG Casino can be seen as easy  marks for thieves and thugs. That's why the City Police will be at the casino Wednesday morning handing them crime prevention tips. Detective Diane MacLaurin says it's a new partnership between police and the OLG.  MacLauren says the initiative follows the recent robbery and assault of a senior in the casino parking lot.

Police are still investigating a truck that ended up in a river

Its still unclear how a truck ended up in the McIntyre River last night.  Thunder Bay police say one man was found inside the vehicle and was arrested for being drunk while a second man was taken to hospital after he was found on the river bank.  Both men have since been released. 

Hyer and Rafferty are getting support from the OFAH

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has come to the rescue of Thunder Bay's NDP MP's.  OFAH Spokesman Greg Farrant says they have sent an open letter to NDP Leader Nycole Turmel in support of Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty who were punished for voting in favour of ending the long gun registry.  Farrant says how can you punish someone for voting for what their constituents wanted when you don't have an official stance on the issue. 

Syrian death toll reaches 3500 civilians

The UN says 35 hundred civilians have been killed in Syria and despite that number, an LU Political Science Expert says there will be no western intervention.  Laure Paquette says the western world is concerned with the financial crisis in Europe.  Syria's leader Bashar Assad says he has stopped attacking civilians and is only targeting Al Qaeda but Paquette says now it seems everyone who opposes him is a member of the terrorist group.

Veterans ride gratis

For the 10th year in a row Thunder Bay Transit is offering free bus rides in the city to veterans this Friday, Remembrance Day.  Transit's Jon Handel says vets simply have to show their uniform or medals.

PARO brings in Cupcake Girls

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise wants local women to be inspired and start their own businesses. That's why they brought in one of the Cupcake Girls.  Heather White is one half of the business that includes a reality television show on the W network.  White says she was involved in a similar organization that played a big role in getting her business off the ground.

Housing starts down for the year

New housing starts in Thunder Bay are down this year compared to last. However, government figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show October bucked the trend according to local spokesperson Warren Philp. He says work began on building 22 new houses in the city, up 3 units from last year during the same month. So far this year though, housing starts are down 10 per cent.

Truck ends up in the McIntyre River

Police have a man in custody after a truck ended up in the McIntyre River late last night.  Staff Sgt. Frank Earley says they're still not sure who the driver of the truck was.  A man was found in the truck and is in jail for intoxication.  Earley says they're not sure if there was another person in the vehicle or not.

Travel Smart Plan approved

Thunder Bay City Council is throwing it's support behind a new transportation plan.  The plan requires 150-thousand dollars and when implemented would come out of the 2012 capital budget.  Councillor Andrew Foulds didn't see the point for another plan when they already have a transit plan and an active transportation plan. Consultant Jim Gough defended the plan at Monday night's City Council meeting.  The Travel Smart Plan encourages people to use healthier less costly forms of travel like buses, and car pooling.

First ever Crime Prevention Award

Nine local organizations were honored for their work in making the community a safer place.  It was part of the first ever Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards.  Members of the Public School Board, a local high school student, and Police Sgt. Glen Porter were among the residents celebrated at Monday night's awards.

Search for law school dean underway

Brian Stevenson

The search is on for the Founding Dean of the new law school at Lakehead University. LU's Rodney Hanley has put together a search committee and the hopes the process can be completed by the summer.  He says a short list of candidates should be ready by the end of the year with interviews taking place in January or February.  He says he's tried to include a good cross section of the community on the committee.  Hanley calls it an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant.

No word on Federal funding for Multi-Plex

The City is still waiting to find out if we'll receive Federal Funding for the proposed Multi Plex.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they were hoping to hear about the P-3 funding a couple of weeks ago. Commisso says the recent Provincial election could have slowed down the process a little. 

George Jeffery joins Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is set for December 3rd. Organizer Greg Stephenson says this year the George Jeffery Children's Centre is on board as one of the fundraising recipients along with Autism Ontario, the Therapeutic Riding Association and Special Olympics.The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

Missing Kayakers are safe

The pair of missing Kayakers on Lake Superior have been found safe and sound.  Officials at the Trenton Search and Rescue Centre says the pair stayed on Thompson Island because of strong winds and plan on staying until the winds subside.  They were originally supposed to be home yesterday.

Chase reached high speeds

An arrest warrant is out for the owner of a pick up truck that OPP say was involved in a high speed chase on city streets over the weekend. Sgt. Dan Peters says the officer had to call off the chase when speeds reached 145 kilometres an hour. The incident took place around 2 a.m Saturday.

Crime Prevention Week is on

The police are doing their part for Crime Prevention week, which is on right now.  Constable Julie Tillbury says the City Police and the OPP are joining forces Wednesday to staff an information booth at the Intercity Mall. 

Petition started to help Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society is getting some online support.  A petition is looking for 10 thousand online signatures on the website www.thepetitionsite.com.  So far there are over 400 signatures and its making its way across social media sites.  

Dufresne million dollar challenge

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre has received a nice bonus.  The hospital is the recipient of the million dollar Dufresne Charity Challenge.  Mark Dufrense is the president of Dufresne Furniture and says the challenge was a one-time only donation to the communities they serve.  Dufresne says the successful agencies have been asked to match the donation from the Charity Challenge.

Ontario Wood Works picks 3 area winners

Three local groups have been honoured by Ontario Wood Works.  Wood Works recognizes people and organizations that creatively utilize the use of wood in construction.  The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout has won the Northern Ontario Excellence Award.  The Architect Wood Advocate Award has been handed to Kenora's Nelson Architecture.

Hydro crews working on Arthur

A section of Arthur Street between James and Edward street is going to be crowded Tuesday. Thunder Bay Hydro crews are working in the eastbound lanes of that road. Hydro is suggesting motorists avoid the area and plan different routes.

T.Bay wants more immigrants

Thunder Bay wants to be more welcoming to immigrants, and that's why they're holding an all day conference on the issue.  Spokesperson Michelle Lander says they'll talk about how they can do better. The forum takes place Tuesday at the Victoria Inn.

Matawa takes fight to Ottawa

Matawa First Nation is going to court over the environmental assessment process for the Ring of Fire. The group of First Nation Chiefs are in Ottawa today and will launch a judicial review against the Federal Government.  Matawa wants an independent review panel not the Federal Government's preffered comprehensive study.

T.Bay Humane Society receives support

With the risk of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society closing its doors by December 31st, the public support has been overwhelming says Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst. She adds that she did not expect this type of reaction, but she knows they still have a long way to go. Public figures in community such as Mayor Keith Hobbs, Michael Gravelle and Ken Boshcoff have spoken to the humane society regarding their support. Kleynendorst says if 15 hundred people donated $10 dollars a month it should be enough to cover the $180 thousand dollar deficit. You can help by visiting tbayhumane.ca, or call 475-8803.

Thunder Bay Humane Society on hard times

The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society could close by the end of this year if the $180 thousand dollar deficit is not met. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to the announcement that the TBDHS could be shutting its doors, saying they will offer support where they can. Currently the Ontario SPCA is assisting the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society by providing funding for the wages of their investigation and enforcement officer.