First Bike Racks For Business Installed

Thunder Bay's first bike rack has been installed in front of the restaurant "Made Fresh."  It's one of almost 30 that the Clean Green and Beautiful Committee paid for.  Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says they'll be telling the committee how well their project went.  All of the bike racks should be installed by the end of October.

LU Braun Building Welcomes Back Native Nursing Program

Lakehead University's Braun Building is welcoming back programs. A fire in 2008 caused the Native Nursing Program to move out of their workspace on the second floor.  The program is now back in their familiar building as of today.  Spokesperson Sandra Cornell says they're happy to be back.  Around 25 students are enrolled in this year's course.

Mayor Splashes On The Marina

Mayor Keith Hobbs and the Marina's Splash Pad are going to be featured in the 2013 Thunder Bay Experience Magazine.  Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says it was fun to get the Mayor to roll up his trousers and take a dip in the splash pad.

14 Year Old Boy Reportedly Propositioned At Mall

A 14 year old boy says he was propositioned at the Grandview Mall recently.  The boy told City Police at around 5 o'clock on Sunday he entered the mall's washroom where he was approached by an older man.  Police say the boy was able to get himself out of the washroom and ran into the mall corridor.  Officers are looking for a 50 year old man, 5'9 with an average build.  The suspect is described as having salt and pepper hair, stubble on his face and wearing round glasses.  He was seen leaving westbound from the mall on a mountain bike.

RNAO's Grinspun In Fort Hope Today

The head of the Registered Nurses' Association is in Fort Hope today.  Doris Grinspun wants to see firsthand how the community's nursing station is dealing with the health care needs of Fort Hope.  Grinspun wants to find ways her organization can help recruit and retain nurses for remote northern communities.

Public Input On Paterson Park

The City wants to hear your thoughts on what to do with Paterson Park. A town hall meeting is being put on Thursday night by the non-profit group 8-80 Cities. City Spokesperson Werner Schwar says they'll be collecting input at Thursday night's meeting at City Hall. The goal of the project is to make the park more user friendly for users of all ages. The meeting will be held at 6:30 Thursday. A second meeting will be held on Saturday at Paterson Park from 10 til 2.

Scholars Education Centre Takes On Sylvan Clients

Parents and guardians have one less educational option for kids returning to school. Sylvan Learning Centre has closed its doors and clients are now being referred to Scholars Education Centre. Jaimie Jorgenson of Scholars says they're more than willing to accommodate students after the surprising news.

Bartolucci Defends NPI

The provincial Liberals are defending their decision to set up a Northern Policy Institute that will provide input to government.   Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says they have the support from northerners.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell feels an all-northern Ontario legislative committee would be a better and cheaper approach.

Lakehead Sorting Out Class Rooms

The Lakehead Public School Board is responding to some complaints from parents who want to transfer their children into their schools this fall.  Superintendent of Education Ian MacRae says the schools aren't full they just can't accept students until after they sort out how many students they have at each school. MacRae says they made their enrollment projections in the Spring and now they need to see how many of those students are actually attending their schools.

Law School Accepting Applications Soon

The deadline to apply for the first school year at the Northern Ontario Law School is quickly approaching.  Founding Dean Lee Stuesser says would be students have until November 1st.  The school will open in the fall of 2013.

Racial Discrimination In Thunder Bay

An aboriginal issues educator is calling on Thunder Bay area groups to get the word out about racial discrimination.  Bonnie Couchie spoke at the Learning Cafe Tuesday night and says there's still discrimination in Thunder Bay. Couchie launched a human rights application after she was fired as an Aboriginal Educator for the Government of Ontario.  The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal found she received heightened scrutiny and blame when compared to her non-aboriginal co-educator.

Hobbs Blasts Reporting On Email Incident

Mayor Keith Hobbs is blaming the media for blowing a news release story way out of proportion.  Hobbs says a weekend police email entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" that was emailed to news outlets in the city, is not racist and says to suggest otherwise is irresponsible.  City Police say the incident is under investigation. 

OPP Find Body Of Missing Angler

The search is over for a missing angler on a lake near Armstrong.  The 76 year old man and his 21-year-old grandson had been fishing when their small boat flipped over after hitting a buoy located upstream of a dam at the south end of the lake. The Under Water Search and Recovery Unit recovered the body of Matthew Dawd below the dam.  A post mortem exam will be conducted in Thunder Bay tomorrow.

School Safety Tips

Kids of all ages will be heading back to school Wednesday.  It marks the first day of classes and City Police are reminding motorists to pay close attention to students crossing streets and getting off buses.  Sgt. Glenn Porter says drivers should slow down, especially in school zones.  School zone speed limits are posted at 40 km/hr as opposed to 50.

Campbell On Gas Prices

The fight against rising gas prices continues. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says this increase hits Northern Ontario hard because there is a constant need for travel. When the GST and HST were merged, gas prices in Ontario jumped by eight cents per litre. Campbell says she remains committed to protecting consumers and keeping pressure on this issue.

T.Bay Teacher New OTF President

A Thunder Bay teacher has been elected as the 69th president of the Ontario Teacher's Federation.  Terry Hamilton has been a math and science teacher with the Lakehead Board of Education since the early 1980's.  The election came last month at a conference in Niagara Falls.

OPP Long Weekend Stats

OPP are reporting a busy weekend on area highways during the Labour Day long weekend.  In North West Region, officers laid 7 distracted driving charges, 813 charges for speeding, 53 seat belt charges and 11 drunk driving charges.

Local Assistant Crown Attorney Charged

An assistant crown attorney in Thunder Bay is in trouble with the law.   The Attorney General's Ministry confirms Karen Scullion is charged with a drinking and driving offence and will be court again on October 17th.  The Ministry official says Scullion is on leave from her job until the matter is settled. 

Police Close Down Out Of Control Party

Police are continuing to investigate a large out of control party on Hacquoil Road from Friday night. Constable Julie Tilbury says when police arrived on the scene they saw 200 cars parked along the roadway toward Highway 61 and estimate around a thousand youth taking part in the celebration.  25 officers including Thunder Bay Police, OPP and NAPS helped close down the party.  Tilbury says officers on the scene attempted to get the party revelers out of the area safely and detained some.

New Hotel To Break Ground Soon

The developer of the new Marriott Town Place Suites near the Real Canadian Superstore says the project is on schedule. Lou Meandro is with Thompson Centres Inc and says the hotel will start to be built at the end of September or start of October. In the spring, the developer said construction would start this summer.

Officer Probed After Fake News Release

An internal probe is underway after a bizarre weekend incident that saw a bogus news release issued by city police entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured." Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the release was connected with an ongoing murder investigation and was quickly retracted. He calls it unfortunate,  saying it overshadows the hard work and professionalism of the officers who are involved in the murder investigation. Hay couldn't say why the release may have been sent saying it will be one of the questions police ask of the officer involved.

O.P.P. Search For Missing Boater

A 75 year old man is still missing after capsizing his boat northeast of Armstrong. The man was fishing with his 21-year old grandson on Friday when they struck a buoy while on a fly-in fishing trip. Both men were thrown into the water. The grandson was able to swim to shore safely, but the grandfather is still missing. Members of the O.P.P.’s Emergency Response Team and Under Water Search and Recovery Unit are currently searching the area.

Confederation College Starts Thursday

Confederation College starts back up on September 6th.  President Jim Madder says mining courses filled up fast this year as well as courses related to that field.  Students started moving into their residence buildings during the long weekend.

Public School Starts Wednesday

Lakehead Public School students head back to class Wednesday. Director of Education, Cathi Siemieiuk says they've added more early learning education classes at elementary schools. Siemieniuk adds they spent the summer renovating schools and installing new technology in school class rooms.

Homicide Update

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man remains in custody after yesterday's court appearance. Joseph Wesley was arrested and accused of 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Adam Yellowhead last week. Wesley made his first court appearance yesterday and was further charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm for an unrelated incident which happened before the murder. His next court appearance will be on September 6th.

Another Bear in the City

 The MNR is hoping there won't be too many more bears wandering the busy streets of the city. Thunder Bay police received several calls yesterday about a large black bear walking in the Simspon Street and May Street area. This was the second bear that MNR officials tranquilized this Long Weekend. Police are reminding the public that these bears can be dangerous and aggressive when provoked.

Navy Veterans Day

Thunder Bay's City Hall is going to raise the Merchant Navy Veterans Flag today. Local Veterans Association Spokesperson and Second World War Vet Thornley Christiansen says it's important to remember what they did during the war. The ceremony will start at 10 today at City Hall with Mayor Keith Hobbs and representatives from the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association.

Stabbing at East Victoria Avenue

Thunder Bay Police were called to the 500 block of East Victoria Avenue last night. A 20 year old man was stabbed shortly before 11 last night. He was taken to the Regional Health Sciences Centre where he is listed in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Weekly Claim Form Clinics for Disaster Relief

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is offering claim form clinics every Tuesday night during September and October. The deadline to fill out an application for assistance for losses and damages through the Ontario Disaster Relief Program is October 31st. Chair Wayne Fletcher says they want to make sure everyone who is eligible can fill out a form.

Ignace MNR Office Faces Possible Closure

A valuable service in Ignace may face closure. The Ministry of Natural Resources is closing a number of area offices due to a deficit. Mayor Lee Kennard says the township is growing, and the office is much needed. Kennard says that if the office does close, 11 jobs will be lost. The final decision will be revealed sometime in the fall.

Thunder Bay Man Arrested for Homicide

Police have arrested a 33 year old Thunder Bay Man in connection with the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead. Thunder Bay Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the arrest was made without incident before midnight last night in Kenora. Adams says the man is being transported back to Thunder Bay where he will appear in court tomorrow to face a charge of 2nd Degree Murder. Adam Yellowhead's body was found at the end of Field Street on Wednesday night.

Fire Crews Prepare for Long Weekend Fires

Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews are preparing for a possibly busy Labor Day long weekend. The fire hazard is starting to inch up across the region into the high to extreme range. Fire information officer Heather Pridham says they've responded to 22 new fires over the past three days. Pridham says most of the new fires have been caused by lightning, but adds that they are also seeing an increase in the number of human-caused fires as the long weekend approaches.

Bow and Arrow Deer Hunt

Thunder Bay's controlled bow and arrow deer hunt starts today. The controlled hunt is in the regulated rural and semi-rural areas of the City and will run until December 15th. Spokesperson Ron Bourret Says they've been fielding a number of inquiries about the hunt and more information will be available online. Bow hunters require the written consent from property owners before being able to hunt on private property.

Autopsy Reveals Death As Homocide

Thunder Bay Police say the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead is a homicide. His body was found on Wednesday in a wooded area on Field Street. Police are seeking the assistance of the public in solving this crime.People can contact the Criminal Investigation Branch or Crimestoppers. The investigation is continuing. 

Peter Mrowiec Passes Away In Plane Crash

The Juab County Sheriff's Office confirm 58 year old Thunder Bay Lawyer Peter Mrowiec died in a plane crash Thursday in central Utah. Sheriff Aldon Orme says bad weather was a factor in the crash that killed Mrowiec and his instructor.  Mrowiec had purchased the plane and hired an instructor to log some flight hours on the aircraft. Orme says it's unclear if Mrowiec was the one flying the plane at the time of the accident.

LU Baseball Team Recruits

Lakehead University has it's latest recruit for the baseball team.  They've picked a local player and graduate of Superior College.  Taylor MacAski will be studying Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism at LU and plays outfield and pitcher.

MNR Reports More Fires

While four new fires have been confirmed in the Northwest region, there's some good news to report.  Currently there are no fires posing a threat to people or property.  The new fires are small in size and are being managed.  The warmer weather forecast for this weekend will likely reduce the number of lightning caused fires.

Local Police Don't Get Bankable Sick Days

The President of the Thunder Bay Police Association is clearing the air over claims City Police are allowed to bank their sick days for future use.  Greg Stephenson says that's not the case and local police haven't been able to do that since the late 80's.  Stephenson is reacting to the Premier asking area municipalities to remove bankable sick time from future contracts.  Stephenson says if Dalton McGuinty wants to find savings he can look to his own back yard and claw back MPP pensions.

Presiding Coroner Revealed

Ontario's Chief Coroner is making moves leading up to the beginning of a joint inquest into the deaths of seven Aboriginal Youth who died while attending school in Thunder Bay. The inquest is scheduled to begin in the Spring of next year.  Dr. Andrew McCallum appointed Thunder Bay and Hamilton's Assistant Crown Attorney's as the coroner's counsel. Dr. David Eden will be the Presiding Coroner.

Port Crane's First Lift

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is full of pride today as it watches it's new mobile harbour crane lift cargo off a boat from the Netherlands.  CEO Tim Heney says the crane is lifting heavy wind turbines that are destined for a wind farm in the Western United States.  It's the crane's inaugral lift.

Northern Policy Institute Launched

The Provincial Government is launching the Northern Policy Institute. NPI Special Advisor, Lakehead University's President Dr. Brian Stevenson says they're looking to set up their office and hire staff within the next six to eight months. Stevenson adds they're hiring a search consultant to look for the organizations first CEO. One of the guiding principles of the institute is to provide Northern Ontario input on Provincial Government policies.

Bortuzzo Signs 2 way Deal With Pens

Thunder Bay's Robert Bortuzzo has re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The defenceman signed a 1 year, 2 way deal with the club for $525,000 U.S.

6'4" Forward Added To Women's Basketball Team

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves women's basketball team have added some much needed size up front. They announced 6-foot-4 forward, Sarah Barclay will be joining the team from Brandon, Manitoba. The engineering student will join six recruits to L.U.'s club this season.

Mobility Market Expansion?

Tbay Tel isn't commenting on rumours they may have competition in the local mobility market.  Bell Mobility has said they're looking to expand its retail operations into the Thunder Bay area but an official open date has not yet been set.  T.Bay Tel Spokesperson Barry Streib says they're focusing on their current customers.  A media spokesperson for Virgin Mobile says they haven't made any announcements saying they will be setting up a shop in Thunder Bay this fall.

Border Services Busy July

It was a busy July for Canada Border Service Agents at Pigeon River.  On Canada Day agents noticed a U.S. resident acting nervous. They searched him and found a small bag of marijuana. Another search of his vehicle turned up 16 dosages of magic mushrooms. The drugs were seized, he was arrested for smuggling and the car was released after he paid 660 dollars.  In another incident, a Canadian man told agents he bought a pool cue in the States for just over 75 dollars. After some investigation the man admitted he altered his invoice and he really paid 451 dollars for the cue. The man was fined 211 dollars. Border Services says had he properly declared the pool cue, he would only have paid around sixty dollars in taxes.

OPP Find Grow Op In Atikokan

OPP are charging two 54 year old Atikokan men with producing marijuana, possession of pot and morphine and several firearm offences.  During a joint forces investigation, police observed two men tending to a grow op of marijuana in the area of Turtle River Road. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and additional evidence was seized from a residence in Atikokan.  Robert Kozar and Kevin Leblanc will be in Fort Frances Provincial Court on September 17th.

Salvation Army Employee Book Launch

A Salvation Army Thrift Store employee who published his own book is launching it Saturday at the store he works at on Red River Road.  Ernest Grundy says his book is about his daily struggle with mental illness.  Grundy says he spent most of his life savings on publishing the book.

Commisso On Flood Relief Fund

City Manager Tim Commisso says fundraising for flood relief is his number one priority for the next couple of months.   He is urging fellow residents to open their giant hearts to raise the 4-million dollars that's needed to help in the wake of the May 28th flood.   Commisso says the Safe Home program alone cost the city nearly 3-million dollars just to clean-up homes flooded in the disaster. To date the flood fund committee has raised almost 900-thousand dollars. 

OPP Long Weekend Blitz

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. The Ontario Provincial Police want to remind everyone to be careful this Labour Day long weekend. OPP will be patrolling this weekend looking for distracted drivers, those not wearing their seat belts and impaired driving. OPP Sgt. Shelley Garr says unfortunately ten people have died this year on roads in the Northwest, compared to 13 last year.

Post Mortem Exam Friday

A post mortem exam is taking place Friday on the body of a 65 year old man who was found dead in a wooded area off of Field Street. Police Constable Julie Tilbury says they hope to get the results from the Thunder Bay Coroner sometime Friday. The scene where the body was found Wednesday will be secured by police until the results of the exam are received.

T.Bay Marathon New Competitor

Thunder Bay's Marathon, Miles with the Giant is quickly approaching.  The Board of Directors are excited elite athlete Thomas Omwenga will be taking part in the marathon on September 23rd.  Directors hope he will be able to set a new speed record for their event.  Omwenga will face 2011 Thunder Bay Marathon champion and fellow Kenyan Gilbert Kiptoo.