MPP Invites Health Minister to Region

No word yet on whether Ontario's Health Minister will consider an invite to visit to the Kenora-Rainy River riding. MPP Sarah Campbell issued the invite to Deb Matthews so she could hear first hand about the challenges faced in the region's health care sector. The ongoing efforts to staff the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department was among issues prompting the MPP to issue the invite.

New website hopes to connect Thunder Bay

Do you want to know whats going on in Thunder Bay, well a new website is hoping to be able to answer your questions.  OUTLETPOWERED has just launched and the site will help events, organizations, people or businesses connect with the community.  Founder Kayla Quinn says sometimes it's hard to connect with things you are passionate about and this site will help bring it all together.  Quinn hopes to open a physical location this summer that will give people a place to meet and discuss all things Thunder Bay.

  

  

Lakehead Public Board embraces Twitter

The Lakehead Public School Board is embracing Twitter.  Communications Officer Bruce Nugent says the board sees social media as a way to stay connected to students and parents and since they've started using Twitter, traffic on the Board's website has increased.  Nugent says he wants to do a survey to see if social media increases awareness about what's happening at the schools.

Police close Kam River hole case

The hole in the ice on the Kam River is now a closed case.  Police say they received a call from a person who fell through the ice Wednesday night and managed to get themselves out.  Police says the person is in fine health and the case is closed.

Michael Kelly sentenced to life

The jury has found Michael Kelly guilty of First Degree Murder in the death of Judie Thibault.  The Alberta man was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 25 years.  He was charged in the death that happened in 2000, although Thibault's body wasn't found until 2004.  Thibault's family is happy with the verdict. 

Collision sends pedestrian to hospital

A 25 year old woman is lucky to have only minor injuries after being hit by a car.  The woman and 2 others started walking across Oliver Road towards the Hospital after being motioned by a motorist.  An eastbound car hit the woman and she was taken to the hospital.  Police say no charges have been laid at this time.

Terrace Bay Pulp is under creditors protection

The situation for Terrace Bay Pulp has gone from bad to worse.  The mill is under creditors protection.  Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle couldn't be reached but did send us a statement saying he hopes the facility can return to successful operation under new ownership.

OPP looking into fatal fire

OPP are investigating a fatal fire in Red Lake.  The Blaze tore through a house yesterday and destroyed the building.  OPP says a 49 year old woman was found inside the fire and they say the cause isn't suspicious.

An ice hole causes some tense moments

A hole in the ice on the Kam River lead to police searching the area.  Police Spokesperson Julie Tilbury says people in the area over the lunch hour say they saw foot prints leading to the hole.  Tilbury says a search turned up nothing and if anyone did fall through they likely escaped. 

OPP still looking for missing Terrace Bay man

OPP in Terrace Bay are still looking for a missing 31 year old man.  Greg Muckaday hasn't been seen since early Monday morning at his house.  A picture of the man can be seen on our news page. 

Police make major drug bust

Over 130 thousand dollars worth of marijuana is off the streets thanks to a huge police bust.  Officers searched a pickup truck and a house Monday and found over 14 pounds of marijuana and cash.  A 27 year old man and 26 year old woman have been arrested and are facing several charges.

No change for Hobbs on golf

There's no change in Keith Hobbs stand on city golf courses. He still believes at least one of them should be sold. His comments come as a new report states the courses will never make money. That report goes before city council on Monday.

Bartley stays LRCA chair

No change at the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Bill Bartley is back as Chair of the LRCA. It follows the Annual General Meeting. Donna Blunt returns as Vice-Chair.

Move over Motor City

Minneapolis TV stations will begin broadcasting in Thunder Bay on Shaw Cable starting on Tuesday. The company has been calling it's subscribers with an automated system informing them of the changeover from the Detroit and Rochester stations. The CRTC gave permission for the switch late last year.

Jury to begin deliberations today

The Michael Kelly murder trial is about to go to the jury. Justice John Wright will be giving his instructions to them this morning.  In his closing address Crown Attorney Dan Mitchell told the six men and six women that there can be no doubt , based on the evidence presented, that Kelly was the killer of Judie Thibault   He says the evidence showed Kelly told an undercover officer facts that only the killer would know about the case including the 22 calibre gun, the shot to the back of the head and the carpet her body was wrapped in. 

Golf report sets course debate on fire

The debate on if the city should sell the city run golf courses is raging.  A report is coming to council Monday that shows the courses will never make money.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says while no decisions will be made for months, he thinks this is just another attack on public services.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff on the other hand says if there is a time to sell it is now. 

Murder trial winds down

The closing arguments are complete in the Michael Kelly murder trial.   In his final address to the jury Defense Lawyer Gil Labine said it would be up to them to decide whether Kelly would lie to an undercover police officer,  to get his hands on half a million dollars being offered to him to confess to the killing of Judie Thibault.  Labine also showed them that the so called hold back evidence that Kelly told undercover officers about, was information that was known in the community through various means including police news releases.   Kelly is charged with First Degree Murder in Thibaults death.

Lakeshore collision turns tragic

A 9 year old girl has succumbed to her injuries after Monday's collision on Lakeshore Drive.  OPP say Paige Matte-Gurney died yesterday in hospital.  The other injured child is still in hospital.

NDP's Peggy Nash coming to T.Bay

You can have a pub night with the latest NDP Leadership candidate to come to Thunder Bay.  Peggy Nash will be in the City on Monday and is hosting a "pub night" at Tony and Adams for NDP supporters.  The event runs from 7 until 9.

Feds can do more for First Nation drug problem

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer wants the Federal Government to subsidize a new drug treatment for people addicted to prescription drugs.  Hyer says more needs to be done to help area First Nations that are experiencing a prescription drug abuse epidemic.  Hyer says the Federal Government needs to scrap the Methadone treatment in favour of a new drug that is more effective.

Hyer on PM meeting with First Nations

Tuesday's meeting between the Prime Minister and Canada's First Nations people is being panned.  This time the bad review is coming from MP Bruce Hyer.  The local MP thinks the PM should have made more of an effort towards scrapping the Indian Act.

Hudak at Confederation College Thursday

The leader of the Progressive Conservatives is coming to Thunder Bay today to talk about modernizing the province's apprenticeship system.  Tim Hudak will be speaking to Confederation College students about what he would like to see happen with the system.

Rafferty says McGuinty passing the buck

MP John Rafferty says Premier Dalton McGuinty is passing the buck when he claims First Nations are a Federal responsibility.  Rafferty says that's not the case since the Province of Ontario signed both the Treaty three and nine treaties.  The local MP says the McGuinty Government has failed to provide equal funding for first nation education.

OPP still searching Highway 17

Highway 17 between Marathon and Ney's Provincial Park is closed due to a police investigation.  It stems from an early morning incident involving OPP trying to stop a vehicle near Terrace Bay.  During the chase the car hit the ditch.  The two suspects in the car fled; one man has been caught the other remains at large.  OPP are requesting motorists NOT to pick up hitchhikers and to report any pedestrians observed on Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and Marathon.

Softwood Lumber deal for 2 more years

Canada has quietly extended the Softwood Lumber Agreement for another two years.  The deal will now expire in 2015.  Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says while softwood lumber exports have been declining in recent years, the deal does provide market certainty for producers.

ORNGE lay offs

There are no cuts being made to ORNGE posts in Northwestern Ontario.  18 jobs were cut at the Province's air ambulance headquarters in Mississauga.  The cuts are being made as a way to reduce costs.  The restructuring only affects office positions and not pilots or paramedics.

Highway closed near Marathon

Highway 17 between Marathon and Neys Provincial Park is closed due to a police investigation. OPP Constable Dave Shaw says the Trans Canada has been closed in both directions, west from Marathon and east from Terrace Bay. OPP are requesting motorists not to pick up hitchhikers and to report any pedestrians observed on Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and Marathon.  Police say they are looking for two suspects as part of the probe.

Roadway subject of open house

The public is having its say on proposals for the Junot Avenue and Golf Links Road area.  Residents came out to an open house Tuesday to get an idea of what might happen on that stretch of city roadway.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith promises all ideas will be taken seriously.  A consultant's ideas for the corridor were the centrepiece of the open house.

Leaders walk away unsatisfied.

The Chief of the Fort William First Nation isn't too thrilled about today's meeting with the Prime Minister. Peter Collins says that he and other Aboriginal leaders didn't get the commitment they were looking for on a number of issues.  He also wasn't satisfied that Stephen Harper did not make a move to scrapping the Indian Act, a demand from many of the Aboriginal leaders in attendance at today's conference. Meantime, Nishnawbe Aski Grand Chief Stan Beardy says he was hoping for an update on treaty relationships, but that didn't happen.  The Grand Chief says a hundred years later and they're still waiting for the Government to do their part on the treaties.

Ruberto wants more say in location of cell towers

Bell Mobility Towers garnered some more discussion at council.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto took issue with the fact that Bell wants to build 3 very tall towers instead using existing ones.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith said he thinks people understand that these towers are needed to support technology that we want to use.  In the end council voted to send a letter to the Federal Government confirming that Bell held public consultations.

Grand Chief attracts national media

Nishanawbe Aski Grand Chief Stan Beardy is one of many First Nations leaders who are in Ottawa today meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.  Prior to the gathering the Grand Chief was interviewed by the national media on his concerns heading into the conference.

Hobbs has high praise for Noront

Mayor Hobbs is excited about prospects for the "other" player in the Ring of Fire mining zone. In a speech to the Thunder Bay Rotary Club, Hobbs praised Noront Resources for its plans for the mineral rich area.  He says we are finding out quickly that Cliff's Natural Resources isn't the only player there. Noront is making a presentation in the near future to council on it's Eagle's Nest project.

OPP look for missing man

Schreiber OPP are looking for a missing 31 year old Terrace Bay man.  Greg Muckaday was last seen during the early morning hours of January 23 at his home.  He's described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighs 160 pounds.   Muckaday was last seen wearing a brown sweater jacket, blue jeans, and snow pants.  A variety of law enforcement organizations are currently searching the Terrace Bay area for the missing man.

Waterloo Mac's Mart Robbery

Police are releasing pictures and video of the man who robbed a Mac's Convenience Store over the weekend.  The suspect is described as being slim and standing six feet tall.  He was wearing a black toque, black jacket, grey shirt and pants.  On Saturday, someone robbed the Waterloo Street Mac's with a large knife.

Lakehead continues Dean search

Lakehead University is starting to whittle down it's list of potential Law School Deans.  Spokesperson Rodney Hanley says they should have a short list of candidates in February.  Hanley says they've received applications from people in Canada and around the world.

Children in Critical Care

OPP continue to investigate a serious two vehicle collision on Lakeshore Drive in Shuniah.  Yesterday. a Ford Focus was traveling east bound when the driver lost control and collided with a west bound Ford Explorer.  The driver of the focus and three children were transported to hospital.  Two children are currently listed in critical condition.

Official Plan dominates discussions at council

Council got an update on the Official Plan process at Monday night's meeting.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says he's been through this process a few times but this time is different because the city is growing and that provides different challenges.  Chamber President Harold Wilson spoke to council and says he believes council needs to look at bringing in more multi family housing complexes.  City Planning Manager Leslie McEachern says more public planning will be done soon.

Collision sends 2 kids to hospital

Two kids have suffered life threatening injuries after a 2 vehicle collision on Lakeshore Drive.  OPP says 2 others were taken to hospital in the collision that happened near Cedar Bay.  A car carrying 4 was hit by an SUV that had just the driver in it.  No word yet on charges.

Commission hearings hit City

Social issues are getting an airing by a travelling Commission on the public service in Ontario. Here in Thunder Bay there were several speakers at a hearing Monday, including Larry Brigham who spoke on poverty issues. Steve Mantis was also there to advocate for injured workers. Most of the local presenters were social activists in the community and are speaking at a time when the province is going to be considering cuts to public services.

Poor weather conditions close highways

The OPP say that Highway 11 between Longlac and Hearst is closed because of poor weather and road conditions.  Officers say Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and White River has reopened going west and predict the eastbound lane to open soon. 

Home invasion in Manitouwadge

OPP are dealing with a home invasion in Manitouwadge.  Two 20 something men are charged with various offences such as breaking and entering, robbery, assault with a weapon and use of a disguise.  The charges stem from a report that two men broke into a home where they accosted the owner with weapons.

Police release deceased name

17 year old Matthew Gibbons of Thunder Bay is now identified as the deceased in yesterday's accident near Kakabeka Falls.  OPP Constable Diana Cole says they're still looking into the cause of the crash. Gibbons van collided with a transport near Pineview Road just before five in the morning Sunday.

Parallax has plaza plans

Expect to see County Fair Plaza getting a facelift after a deal to sell the mall is finalized later this week. Stafford Lawson of Parallax Investments says his firm has a reputation for restoring the retail properties they purchase. He says they've fixed up a number of buildings in their history and that's what they intend to do with this one.  No purchase price has been mentioned for the 87 thousand square foot facility.

Smoke detector fine

A Melbourne Road homeowner is in trouble with the local fire department. The owners didn't have a working smoke alarm; they've been issued a ticket. The set fine is 235 dollars.

Sand Point First Nation

The federal government and a Northwestern Ontario First Nation will soon begin the process of opting out of some land-related sections of the Indian Act.  Treasury Board President Tony Clement says the move will give the First Nations greater control over their reserve land and resources.  Sand Point First Nation Chief Paul Gladu says his First Nation is pleased to be a new signatory to the agreement.  Gladu says it will assist the First Nation in establishing and  nurturing partnerships with industry, governments and municipalities.

St. Joe's meets fundraising goal

St. Joseph's Care group is going to revamp their hospice rooms thanks to donations from the community.  After nine months of fundraising 725-thousand dollars was raised.  The rooms will be modernized and make it easier for family to be close to their loved ones.

EcoSuperior gets cash

EcoSuperior is one of 11 groups that are sharing in 98-thousand dollars from Sobey's.  The local company will use it's share to create EcoKits.  Sobey's is donating 98-thousand dollars towards environmental programs.

City teen dies in crash

A 17 year old Thunder Bay boy is dead following an accident on the Trans Canada Highway near Pineview Rd.  OPP say the teen was the driver of a Chevy Uplander van which collided with a tractor trailer unit just before 5 o'clock  early Sunday morning.   The youth was pronounced dead at the scene.   The name has not been released.   The two occupants of the tractor trailer were not hurt.   Police say it is speculated that no charges will be laid.

OPP close highway near Rossport

OPP are reporting another accident on Highway 17 near Rossport.  Two transports collided.  The highway is closed at Cavers Hill.  No other information is available.

Highway 11/17 closed

Highway 11/17 is closed due to a fatal accident east of Kakabeka Falls.  OPP say the accident involved a transport truck and another vehicle.  It happened just before five this morning.  There's no word on when the highway may reopen.  A detour is available on Highway 102.

NOVA Top 20 under 40

Northwestern Ontario's best and brightest were honoured over the weekend. The top twenty under fourty were unveiled at a special ceremony Saturday night. 14 Thunder Bay residents were honoured, and six from the region were selected. Honourees include: Marcia Arpin, Stephanie Ash, Chantal Brochu, Doug Carlson, Elliott Doxtater-Wynn, Justin Frape, Keely Hartviksen, Genevieve Knauff, Jason Komoski Herp Lamba, Joseph LeBlanc, Duncan F. Macgillivray, Jake Satten and Matt Simeoni.