Operation Red Nose is back

Operation Red Nose is back for it's third annual go-round in the city. Organizer Toni Lightwood says once again volunteers will be out driving party goers home safely.   She says starting on November the 25th there will be 15 nights in which the service will operate.   Lightwood says that once again there will be no service on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve because there aren't enough volunteers

Don't let the bed bugs bite!

The District Health Unit is trying to prevent a bed bug problem from creeping up in Thunder Bay. Spokesperson Chris Beveridge says they held a one day bed bug conference for local businesses and others to educate them on the keys to prevention. Beveridge says there have been 11 bed bug complaints in the city so far this year.

Toys for Tots kicked off

Toys for Tots is back for another holiday season of fundraising.  Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg says they're confident in their fundraising efforts.  The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations.

City Age Friendly

Thunder Bay is now a member of the World Health Organization's Global Age Friendly Network.  The City has been working on getting the recognition for over two years and Councillor Rebecca Johnson says they're already thinking about next steps.  The City was recognized by the WHO in Geneva, Switzerland recently.

Big Trout Lake talks break off with Province

Talks between Big Trout Lake and the Ontario Government are on hold.  The First Nation feels the province is unable to provide assurance that mining exploration by God's Lake Resources would stop while the joint panel meets.

Thunder Bay Alliance speaking with Cliffs

Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay, and the Economic Development Commission are teaming up to talk with Cliff's Natural Resources.  The trio are heading to Cleveland and will speak with the company tomorrow about located the ferrochrome processing facility in the City.

Arson charges laid in cruiser fire

Two Fort Hope (Eabametoong) residents are facing arson charges in connection with last week's fire which destroyed a police cruiser in the community located about 400 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. The two, a 20 year old and 23 year old, are scheduled for a bail court appearance in Thunder Bay today.

Council okays EMS Plan

The North of Superior EMS strategic plan is causing a lot of rift in the region.  Mayors and officials at a number of municipalities spoke to council last night to give their concerns about the potential of shifting EMS resources away from the district and into Thunder Bay.  Terrace Bay Mayor Mike King says his community just went through a tragic incident that shows how important EMS services are. In the end council voted in favour of the EMS Plan but agreed that no district changes would be made without public consultation.  The plan includes 2 new ambulances that will be funded over the next 3 years.

City Council approves the Master Fire Plan

The master fire plan is in the books.  Council voted in favour of the plan despite some questions about the future Brown Street Stations proximity to the train tracks.  Chief John Hay says they have a plan in place that will call a different truck if there is ever a delay.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga voted against the plan because he doesn't support the addition of new administration positions that come with a price tag of half a million dollars.

Open house attracts a crowd

There's definitely a lot of interest in Thunder Bay in the Ring of Fire chromite project. Hundreds of people attended the open house put on by Cliff's Natural Resources. For some like Donna and Myron Yurkew, it was curiosity about the project that brought them to the event.    For others like Chris Michaels it was a chance to see what business opportunities are available for local supply companies. The open house is part of the Environmental Assessment process.

Police officer pleads not guilty

The trial of a city police officer is underway.  43 year old Constable Toni Grann has pleaded not guilty in a Thunder Bay courtroom to 11 counts of Breach of Trust. The prosecution withdrew one of the original 12 counts before the trial began. Police say the charges involve falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry. The trial is expected to go on the rest of this week and possibly into next.

Kanate to be sentenced next month

A sentence will be handed down next month in connection with the 2009 stabbing death of 25 year old Keegan Williams.   20 year old Patrick Kanate of Thunder Bay  has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case.  As part of the proceedings Keegan's mother Ida Williams gave a victim impact statement talking of the depression she has undergone since her son's death.   When given a chance to speak Kanate told the mother..."I'm sorry for everything I've done...sorry for making your life miserable."   Sentencing takes place December 5th.

Police are investigating a 3 vehicle collision

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a 3 vehicle collision on Balmoral Street.  Staff Sergeant Frank Early says a transport truck lost control after colliding with a car then hit a pickup truck.  He says the jaws of life were needed to remove a man from the pick up and was taken to hospital along with two elderly occupants in the car.  Early says its still too early to say who is to blame and if charges are pending.

Toni Grann trial underway

The trial of a City police officer is underway. 43 year old Toni Grann has pleaded not guilty in a Thunder Bay courtroom to 11 counts of breach of trust. The prosecution withdrew one of the original 12 charges before the trial began. Police say the charges against Grann involve falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry

Police investigate assault

Police are investigating a couple of incidents at the Hudson Apartment buildings Saturday.  A party broke up in the building and an hour later police found an unconscious man bleeding in the hallway.  Constable Julie Tilbury adds police located a second man in the stairwell that they believe was assaulted.  A 19 year old man is charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Giving Tree Campaign Launched

Dilico Family Care, the Children's Aid Society and Zellers have teamed up to brighten Christmas for kids in need.  The three have launched their Spirit of Giving Tree campaign.  Customers are encouraged to pick an ornament off the tree with the age and gender of a child in need and then purchase an age appropriate gift for that child.  Dilico's Carmela Magbanua says all three Zeller's stores are taking part in the campaign that runs until December 21st.

First case of flu

Influenza is in our community. The Health Unit has confirmed it's first case of flu in the district this season. Medical Officer Dr. David Williams says it's a good reminder to the public that they need to get a flu shot. Health Unit flu clinics take place weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays through to December 20th.

Coroner's Office concludes investigation

The investigation into the death of a 4 year old girl at Fort William Historical Park is over. Regional Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says they're keeping the results private and are sharing it with the family and the park only. Willow Scott Hannam died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park in the spring of 2010.

Fire Plan coming up at Council

Council will get a second look at the Master Fire Plan at tonight's meeting.  Chief John Hay says he hopes City Council will accept the 5 year plan and says it will provide them with a good baseline for strategic planning moving forward.  Administration is recommending Council approve the plan.

Cliffs Open House

Cliff's Natural Resources is holding an open house for Thunder Bay residents tonight. The company is offering up information on its Ring of Fire chromite project.  The open house is on from 4 until 8 tonight at the Valhalla Inn.

New Website highlights Great Lakes Shipping

Thunder Bay's Port is getting some more exposure thanks to a new website.  The Chamber of Marine Commerce spokesperson Julia Fields says they have launched the site to highlight the importance of each port including Thunder Bay's. Fields says the website will be available in both the US and Canada.

Councilor Hebert says T.Bay needs to help TBDHS

City Councilor Larry Hebert says Thunder Bay needs to work closer with the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society. Hebert has tried to contact other councillors and says the city might step in with financial help. Councilor Hebert is a local Humane Society board member. The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society has received tremendous support since news broke that it could close by the end of the year if their $180 thousand dollar debt is not solved.

Impaired driver faces court today

The Thunder Bay man who collided into 4 parked cars early Saturday morning on Pasteur Road will appear in court today. Police have not yet released his name but the man is facing a number of charges including impaired driving causing bodily harm. The female passenger was treated for her injuries and was released from Thunder Bay hospital today.

Long gun registry awaits final reading

There could be more pressure on Members of Parliament from Northwestern Ontario next month. A bill to abolish the federal long gun registry could go for third and final reading before the Christmas break. Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he's not happy how two NDP members of Parliament from Thunder Bay have been treated on the issue. Rickford feels John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer should be allowed to vote the way they want, without being disciplined by their party.

4 car collision

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a 4 car collision that happened early Saturday morning on Pasteur Road. It's reported that a man was driving impaired and struck 4 parked vehicles. The man has been charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, failing to remain and failing to stop. The passenger of the vehicle has been taken to Thunder Bay Hospital.

Gardens packed for Remembrance Day

  Around 3 thousand people packed the Ford William Gardens to pay honour to our veterans, service men and women and those who paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom. Dignitaries who laid wreaths included Mayor Keith Hobbs, MP John Rafferty and MPP Bill Mauro.  As the veterans and service men and woman marched around the arena  the crowd gave them a standing ovation in a show of respect and honour.

Remembrance Day in Thunder Bay

The Past President of the Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion is pleased with the turn out for Friday's Remembrance Day Ceremony. Roy Lamore says it's the best he's seen at Waverly Park. Meanwhile, 80 year old Wisconsin resident Eugene Gryskiewicz has been coming to Thunder Bay for 29 years. Gryskiewicz served in the Korean war as a Corporal.

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.