Thunderwolves Set For Exhibition Play

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team takes to the ice this Friday and Saturday night in Non-Conference play at the Gardens. They'll host the Carleton Ravens at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. Meanwhile, the men's basketball team announced two new home games for the upcoming exhibition season. The Winnipeg Wesmen will take on L.U. on October 4th and 5th at 7:00 O'clock at the Thunderdome.

T.Bay Mining Ready

Thunder Bay's Mining Readiness Strategy is gathering attention from other Northwestern Ontario communities.  Marathon's Economic Development Officer Bob Hancherow was in town Tuesday night to take in a public information session on the strategy.  Hancherow says the key to a good plan is working with all stakeholders in the region.  Others at the open house said they hope Thunder Bay's residents will embrace the strategy.

Chief Discouraged By NAN Move

Police Chief J.P. Levesque says he's discouraged the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is complaining to the Human Rights Tribunal about a mock police news release earlier this month. The release stated The Fresh Breath Killer had been captured. Chief Levesque is surprised by the move to go take the legal route. He says that he had spoken to NAN leaders and was left with the impression that it could have been settled in another way. Levesque says he's sending the results of an internal investigation on the matter to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

The Grease Hits The Fire Over Police E-Mail

A news release that was sent by city police over the Labour Day long weekend is still causing concern for the First Nations community.   The Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a Human Rights complaint has now been filed over the issue.    The e-mail was sent by accident to all news outlets in the city and stated that The Fresh Breath Killer had been captured.   NAN is also upset with comments by the Police Chief, Deputy Chief and Mayor saying the email wasn't racist.  

LRCA Gets Cash From Union Gas

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is on the receiving end of a donation from Union Gas. The company is putting 3 thousand 500 dollars towards the LRCA's Lakehead Children's Water Festival.  The money was announced Tuesday.

Road Work On Thursday

Parts of Memorial and Central Avenue are going to be closed Thursday while crews repave the road.  Work is expected to start at 6 am sharp and lane closures and reduced traffic movement can be expected.  Motorists are asked to take alternative routes around this area of town.

Coaches On The Lookout For Signs Of Suicide

Thunder Bay's Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force wants hockey coaches to be able to spot when young people are upset and troubled.  Program Spokesperson Sheila Hansen says they're training activity leaders and coaches this fall.  Coaches, teachers and activity leaders will receive a tip sheet and DVD about youth suicide and how to get students help.  The campaign is being funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

T.Bay To Become More Walkable

Thunder Bay is going to take part in a Canada Walks pilot project this fall.  The goal of the project is to make the City more walkable and pedestrian friendly.  The City will be given an assessment tool that will show the positive and negative aspects of the City when it comes to walking.

HMCS Griffon Medal Ceremony

The HMCS Griffon is hosting a special ceremony tonight where 10 of the Queen's Jubilee medals will be handed out. An Operational Service medal will also be presented to the ship's company and 11 new recruits will be sworn in. The parade begins at 7:05 with the medal ceremony starting 20 minutes later.

Mayor Talks Fate Of Municipal Golf

Thunder Bay City Council is going to discuss the future of their Municipal Golf Course on Monday.  Councillor Andrew Foulds is asking Council to revisit it's decision to close the course to allow for more discussion.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says he hasn't changed his mind about the course.  Foulds will bring his request to the next council meeting and open discussion around the council table will take place in October.

15 Year Old Girl Found Dead In Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout O.P.P. are now releasing the name of a 15 year old girl who was found dead behind a church on First Avenue North in that community. Regina Kakekaspan of Sioux Lookout has been identified by police. Provincial Police were told about the body on Monday and are calling in the North West Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit to help with the case. A post mortem exam is taking place today in Kenora.

Adam Sergerie Named L.U. Hockey Captain

Head Coach Joel Scherban has named a captain for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team heading into the upcoming season. 26 year old Adam Sergerie will wear the "C" for the men's hockey team. He becomes the fifth captain in the team's 11 year history and just the second from Thunder Bay to lead the team.

Council Happy With Cell Consultation

City Council feels Tbay Tel has met its obligations to consult the public in relation to installing a cell phone tower on Dawson and Grandview Road.  Council gave their seal of approval at their meeting Monday night.

Council To Tackle Golf Course

City Council is going to tackle the Municipal Golf Course issue in October.  They made the announcement at their meeting Monday night after a hundred supporters turned up to their meeting.  Next week's meeting will see Council rescind their decision to close the Golf Course and will allow for debate on the future of the course.

Council Rezones Labour Centre

City Council is giving the go ahead to the Progressive Driving School to stay in it's current home at the Lakehead Labour Centre.  Council approved the rezoning of the Labour Centre from Heavy Industrial to Urban Centre Zone.

Citizens Rally In Front Of City Hall

Over 100 supporters of the Municipal Golf Course rallied in front of City Hall Monday night.  Organizer Jules Tupker says they want council to openly discuss the fate of the golf course at one of their upcoming meetings.  Tupker has collected over 1, 800 signatures in favour of saving the golf course and delivered the petition to City Council.

NALS Support System

An added support system for Sioux Lookout. The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation has announced the expansion of it's Victim Witness Liaison Program. Executive Director Celina Reitberger says this service will provide assistance to those who are a victim or have witnessed a crime. Reitberger says the program will provide a cultural approach to First Nations people who may not understand the judicial process.

Teen Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter

A 19 year old city man is pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death last year of 54 year Robert Topping.  In Superior Court Nicholas Webber also plead guilty to break in and robbery charges.  He was originally charged with second degree murder.  Sentencing is set for January 2nd and 3rd.

Woman's Body Found In Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout OPP are looking in to the death of a woman who was found dead behind a church on First Avenue North in that community.  Police were told about the body on Monday and her identity has not yet been determined.  A post mortem exam is taking place Tuesday in Kenora.

NOSM New Appointments

There's some new appointments at the Northern Ontario School Of Medicine.  The school has appointed Dr. Douglas Boreham as Division Head of Medical Sciences and Dr. Elizabeth Levin as Division Head of Human Sciences.

Call For WSIB Clinics In T.Bay

A retired Thunder Bay based Orthopedic Surgeon is calling on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to hold specialty clinics in Northwestern Ontario. The move would give Northern WSIB clients access to specialists, diagnostics and treatment resulting in their early or timely return to regular employment. Remus discussed the idea with Elizabeth Witmer the Chair of the WSIB.

Mitomics Axes Jobs

Thunder Bay's fledgling research industry is taking another hit.  This time Mitomics Inc. (formerly Genesis Genomics) is reducing its local workforce by eight.   The company is calling it an alignment of resources.  It is not planning any additional staffing changes.  Recently Tornado Medical Systems closed its doors saying they ran out of money for a project.

NAN Communities Filing Policing Complaint

Two Nishnawbe Aski Nation Communities are filing human rights complaints against Thunder Bay's Police Service.  Fort Hope and Collins Lake First Nation are frustrated with what they claim is mistreatment and racism in local policing.  They plan to file a human rights application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.  Details will be released during a news conference Tuesday. 

Grant Assists Student Training

Lakehead University is getting a 1.6 million dollar federal grant to help train students in x-rays and MRIs. LU professor Alla Reznik says it will be given to the students in the form of scholarships which will train about 40 students in medical imaging over 6 years.

Two Women Face Assault & Robbery Charges

Two women are currently in police custody and will make a court apperance today to answer to charges of robbery, assault and possession of stolen property. City police were called about a robbery which took place at approximatly 2:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon near MacKenzie and Ogden Streets. Police were able to pick up the suspects and recover the stolen property a short time later. A 26 year old and 30 year old have been arrested and also face a charge of breaching probation.

Virdiramo Confirms Support For Eye On The Street

The Eye on the Street program is getting support from the Chair of the Police Services Board. Joe Virdiramo knows the program has it's critics on city council but feels police are getting good results out of it.  Virdiramo says it may be necessary to move the cameras on a regular basis to keep up with possible criminal activity.

Zone Policing On The Way

The city police are reviewing the way they do community policing. Chief J.P. Levesque says that he is looking to move the city into a zone policing model.  A committee is going to be formed to look at the issue and make recommendations.

Chief Backs Beat Officer Program

Thunder Bay's Police Chief says there will not be any officers taken off the street beat even thought a government program will cut funding for two officers. J. P. Levesque says it works and that business people in the two downtown cores like it,  as do the people who frequent those areas. Levesque says he will ask the board at a future meeting to consider ways to make room for the program to continue.

House Fire In Oliver-Paipoonge Being Investigated

Oliver-Paipoonge Fire and Rescue are conducting a preliminary investigation into a house fire that occurred just after 1:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Officials with the fire department have called in city police to help determine if the fire was deliberately set. The blaze occurred on Kuusisto Road in Oliver-Paipoonge. Police say no one was home at the time of the fire. 

S.I.J.H.L. Concludes Pre-Season Play

The two-time defending champion Minnesota Wilderness look good again this season as they wrapped-up their exhibition schedule in the Superior International Junior Hockey League. The Wilderness crushed the Fort Frances Lakers 6-1 yesterday. The regular season gets underway this Friday with three games on the schedule.

Found

Thunder Bay Police say 14 year old  Jackie Harasym is safe and sound.  She was located in the Westfort area after being reported missing Saturday morning.   The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have not been released.  

Missing Person

Thunder Bay Police are asking for the assistance in locating missing person 14 year old Jackie Harasyn. She was last seen leaving her residence to go to school on September 10. Jackie is described as Caucasian, 5 feet tall, 90 lbs, blue eyes, with straight blond hair. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a wolf, black pants, black shoes with white toes and laces. The missing person is known to frequent the area of James Street and Frederica Street.

Council Tackles Cell Phones & Golfing

City Council is expected to tackle some cell phone tower paper work at its meeting Monday night. Summit Telecom Services on behalf of Tbay Tel is letting council know it completed its public consultation process. Meanwhile, a group of concerned citizens plan to rally in front of City Hall Monday. They'll be holding signs asking councillors to keep control of the Municipal Golf Course. The rally starts at 5 just before the City Council meeting.

City Mining Strategy Meetings

The City's Mining Readiness Strategy will be on display for two days next week during public information sessions. The first is being held Monday night at Fort William First Nation's Community Hall.  John Mason is the City's Mining Services Manager and says they'll be taking tweets Tuesday night during their discussion panel. Monday's meeting will take place from 5:30 until 9. Tuesday's session will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre from 4 until 9.

Birla Signs Wood Deal With Pays Plat

It isn't taking The Birla Group long to settle into its role as the new owners of the Terrace Bay Mill.  The company has just signed a contract with the Pays Plat First Nation to cut wood on their territory.   Pays Plat Councillor Raymond Goodchild says it gives the community's economy a boost. The company says the deal will supply it with about 10 per cent of the wood it needs to operate

School Program Finds Funds

A First Nation in school and after school program has found new investors which has enabled them to continue to offer their program in 7 local schools.  The Biwaase'aa group has been successful in its submissions for financial support from local organizations and provincial ministries.  However the organization is worried they'll face the same financial struggles again in 2014.

August Busy Month For Airport

Thunder Bay's Airport is celebrating the busiest month in it's history.  Passenger volumes were over 72 thousand last month which is an 8.7 percent jump from the year before.

YETI Cleaning Up Boulevard Lake

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reminding the public that local beaches and parks are supposed to be smoke free.  The Youth Engaged in Tobacco Free Initiatives group will be cleaning up  Boulevard Lake this weekend.  YETI Spokesperson Kellie Milani says they expect to find some butts despite the smoke free by law being in place.  The smoke free by-law has been in effect for just over 2 years.

Respect Campaign 7 Months Old

The City's Respect campaign is 7 months old and already making an impact according to the Crime Prevention Council.  Coordinator Amy Siciliano says they've heard anecdotal evidence.  Two people who didn't know each other on the bus saw each other's respect buttons and decided to strike up a conversation about what respect means to them.  Siciliano says they've handed out over 8 thousand RESPECT buttons.

Robbery Victim Dies & Charges Laid

A 29 year old Thunder Bay man is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with what police say was a robbery gone wrong on the city's south side Thursday.   Jeffery Tomagatick appeared in court today on the charge and will be back again on Thursday.  Police say 50 year old Murray Keesic of Thunder Bay was the victim of that assault and died of his injuries early this morning.

Terry Fox Run Celebrates 32 Years

The Terry Fox Run is celebrating 32 years Sunday.  Thunder Bay's 5 km run around Boulevard Lake starts at 2 Sunday afternoon at St. Igantius High School. Organizer Don Morrison says they try to do Terry proud since he was forced to end his journey in our city.  To take part just show up for registration and then bike, walk or rollerblade around Boulevard Lake.

Highway & Overpass Open

A major government highway project in Thunder Bay is now complete.   The new overpass and interchange at Hodder Avenue is officially open as is the six kilometre expansion of Highway 11-17 east of the city. 

LRCA Sad About Cabin

Official with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority are expressing sadness at the loss of one of their facilities on Hazelwood Lake. A cabin was completely destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon and O.P.P. are calling it suspicious.  L.R.C.A. Spokesperson Donna Blunt says the cabin was insured and they will decide on how to proceed at their next board meeting at the end of the month.

Keynote Events Brings In Big Speakers

There's a new business in town that aims to bring fun events to the City.  Keynote Events is run by Charla Brown who says she got the idea to bring guest speakers to Thunder Bay through her many business trips.Eat Clean Guru Tosca Reno will be Brown's first speaker, followed by Top Chef Thunder Bay with David Adjey, and January's Thunder Bay’s Biggest Loser with Sione and Filipe Fa.

New Hope Dog Rescue Needs Foster Homes

The New Hope Dog Rescue needs to find some foster homes for the 32 dogs they have in their shelter.  Spokesperson Valerie Mackett says you can meet their many pooches Saturday at Marostica Motors from 11 till 3.  Mackett says they'll have have foster families on hand to field questions and forms for fostering and adoption.

PSAC Day Of Action

With word the Federal Government is slashing another 48 jobs between Kenora and Thunder Bay, the Public Service Alliance of Canada is holding a National Day of Action.  PSAC is protesting the Harper Government's austerity agenda that saw them eliminate jobs in the Employment Insurance and Human Resources fields in the two northern communities.  Thunder Bay's rally will take place at the Lakehead Labour Centre at noon Saturday. 

Fundraiser For Limbrick Fire Victims

There's going to be a fundraiser for the family members affected by the Limbrick Street town house fires. It's happening tomorrow in Sioux Lookout with the community being asked to bring in donations of cash and household items.  Two individuals who work with the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council in Sioux Lookout are organizing the fundraiser.  For more information call Barb Carpenter at 807-737-1488.

Drug Bust Napanee

OPP are reporting the seizure of a large amount of marijuana in Neebing Township.  Police executed a search warrant on a home on Monday and seized 383 pot plants as well as a large quantity of marijuana.  A 46-year old Neebing man is now facing numerous drug related charges.

SIJHL Season Starts Soon

The Superior International Junior Hockey League's new season gets underway in a weeks time.  There's some small changes this season with the Wisconsin Wilderness moving from Spooner, Wisconsin to Cloquet, Minnesota.  President Ron Whitehead says travel time will be cut down.  The season gets underway September 21st.

Kenora Fire Comes Close To School

There were four new fires in the region on September 13 including two in the Nipigon District and one each in the Districts of Sioux Lookout and Kenora.A fire of note was Kenora Fire Number 109 which started Wednesday within the city limits of Kenora. The fire was fought in a successful joint rapid response effort with the City of Kenora , the Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources FireRanger crews and CL-415 heavy waterbombers from the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program. The fire spread rapidly in a forested area with multiple spot fires adjacent to schools and residential subdivisions. The Kenora Fire Department was supported by four Ministry of Natural Resources FireRanger crews, a helicopter bucketing, and CL-415/Air Attack birddog units.

Gravelle To Open Hodder Avenue Exchange

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle will officially open the new clover-leaf exhange at Hodder Avenue during a ceremony this morning. The Highway 11-17 expansion will open ahead of schedule. The opening ceremony will take place at 10:00 O'clock this morning.