Still Millions To Go

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee has raised just over 1.4 million dollars.  They still have to raise just under 4 million dollars.  Every dollar the Disaster Relief Committee raises, the Province of Ontario will match by two dollars.

Gravelle Respects Commissioner's Concerns

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says he's taking the words of the province's Environment Commissioner to heart.   The commissioner blasted Gravelle's ministry for not being open about decisions it makes relating to the environment specifically a program that monitors the population of wildlife in the province.    Gravelle says his ministry is always working to be transparent and will look at the recommendations to see if there is action that needs to be taken.  He hopes to meet with  Commissioner Gord Miller to discuss the concerns.

CFIA Recalls Tainted Beef

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expanding it's recall of tainted beef originating from Alberta's XL foods. That beef is believed to be contaminated with E.coli. The new stores that were added to the recall include Thunder Bay's Real Canadian Wholesale Club and the Real Canadian Superstore. It also includes No Frills and the Wholesale Club in Kenora, Extra Foods in Dryden, Marathon and Geraldton. Thunder Bay's Superstore says they've pulled the meat off the shelf already.

Hyer Says Trip Was "A Okay"

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is defending his recent trip to Guatemala on mining company Goldcorp's dime. Mining Watch blasted Hyer and his fellow four MP's for taking the trip in August. Hyer says he guesses they'll just have to agree to disagree about what's inappropriate. Hyer says he didn't break any rules and reported the trip and the costs to the House Of Commons.

Dryden Council Sells DMTS Mobility

Dryden Council has agreed in principle to sell Dryden Mobility to Tbaytel.  The transaction is still subject to Council approval.  Tbaytel President Don Campbell says the sale will provide Dryden customers with access to coverage, handsets, price plans and features that they previously didn't have access to.  Campbell says the goal is for a seamless transition.  A public meeting will be held next Thursday to discuss the deal.  Additional details will be released at that time.  Meanwhile, the City of Dryden has agreed in principle to the sale of DMTS landline and internet services to Bell Aliant for 4.5-million dollars.  The sale still needs to be approved by City Council and no meeting date has been set.  Bell officials say this is a small one-time opportunity that makes competitive and financial sense.  The company adds they will bring modern, reliable and affordable telecom services to Dryden.

Mites Cause Quite A Buzz

Word that Thunder Bay's bee population might have mites is creating a buzz in the city's beekeeping community. Val Forrest has a hobby bee farm and sells the excess honey. She is upset upset the City which was mite free may have been contaminated. Forrest says for mites to reach Thunder Bay someone here had to buy a Queen or bee from another area that was already contaminated. Forrest says if she discovers her hives have mites she'll just get out of the bee business.

Three Break-ins Overnight Investigated

A spree of break, enter and theft overnight is being investigated by Thunder Bay Police.  A.J.'s Trading Post, The Pita Pit on Red River Road and Cousin's Restaurant are all said to be victims and police say in all three cases, the thieves smashed in the front doors and either took or damaged the cash registers.  Tilbury says they are looking to the public for help in solving these cases.

Under The Red Star

The Thunder Bay movie Under the Red Star is playing this weekend in Sudbury as part of their "Cinefest".  Director Kelly Saxberg says the movie about the Finnish Labour Temple is making the rounds of movie festivals across the globe.  Red Star already played at Thunder Bay's Bay Street Film Festival.

LU New Research Program

Lakehead University is embarking on a new research project aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal Nurses in Ontario. The results of the study will be given to employers to help recruit and retain aboriginal nurses. The study will be finished by March 2013.

Nominations Open For Clean, Green & Beautiful

The City is calling for nominations for the fifth annual Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards. The nomination deadline is October 17th.  The awards celebrate businesses or organizations that are improving the physical environment and the quality of life in our city.  Awards will be presented in Council Chambers at City Hall on November 26th.

RBC & Robbi Weldon Donate Cash

Thunder Bay's Royal Bank is donating money to the George Jeffrey Children's Centre.  Paralympic Gold Medalist Robbi Weldon made the donation at a welcome home ceremony Wednesday night at the centre. Weldon was able to make the donation on behalf of the bank as she is their RBC Hometown Champion.

Association Outraged Over First Nations Action

There's outrage coming from the Thunder Bay Police Association. President Greg Stephenson says it's over the move by the Aboriginal community to take legal action over a bogus news release which some consider to be offensive. Stephenson believes the move isn't necessary but it will not affect they way police do their job.

Brandon VS Evergreen

Evergreen's United Neighbourhood group is holding a fundraiser for the Disaster Relief Committee. Brandon Walker is behind the charity basketball game called "Brandon vs Evergreen".  Walker says he wanted to give back. The Disaster Relief Committee will be at Minnesota Park on October 5th accepting donations.  You can check out the event on Facebook by looking up Brandon vs Evergreen.

Stats Can Says Young Adults Living With Folks

More and more young adults in Thunder Bay are living at home with their parents.  Census information from last year shows that it's been an increasing trend according to Jane Badets of Statistics Canada says our city is ranked 9th out of about 30 cities in Canada when it comes to young adults living at home.

OPP Warn About Water Scam

OPP want you to be on the lookout for a scam making the rounds of Northwestern Ontario.  Conmee and O'Connor Township residents have been receiving phone calls from someone asking to obtain a water sample from that person's home.  OPP say once a sample is taken, the caller attempts to sell the resident a very expensive water filtration system.  Police are advising the public to be wary of these types of scams and to know that the Townships are not soliciting for water samples in the Thunder Bay area.

LUSU Weighs In On OSAP Extension

The President of the Lakehead University Student Union is panning the latest step by the McGuinty Government to improve the finances of students.  Post-secondary graduates who take their first job in the not for profit sector will have their OSAP loan grace period extended.  The OSAP grace period will go from six months to one year for grads who work with a registered charity for at least 30 hours per week.   LUSU President Emma Brightwell says students can't afford to work at not for profit organizations.

Deadline Today For Residential School Survivors

Today is the last day for aboriginals who suffered physical or sexual abuse in residential schools to apply for federal compensation. After the deadline at midnight tonight, the only way anyone can file a new claim is through court action. Residential schools operated during much of the 19th and 20th centuries as part of federal policy aimed at forcing the assimilation of young aboriginal people into European-Canadian society.

Humane Society Gets Cash

Pedigree is making a 5-thousand dollar donation to Thunder Bay's Humane Society. It's part of the company's adoption drive campaign. Spokesperson Eric Shelson says they're happy to help. Humane Society Executive Director Maryanne Kleynendorst says they will most likely use the money to help offset their spay and neutering costs.

The Hack Is Back

The "Iceman" is taking his curling knowledge to the United States. Former World Champion Al Hackner has accepted a coaching position with the U.S. High Performance Curling Program. The Nipigon native who now resides in Thunder Bay says he got a call from the head of the program two weeks ago. Hackner says there is the possibility of heading to the next Olympics in Russia as a coach for either the men's or women's U.S. teams.

Marriage On The Decline In T.Bay Region

Marriage is on the decline in the Thunder Bay Region according to Statistics Canada's new census data.  That isn't stopping Shelby Ch'ng from opening up a new bridal boutique.  Ch'ng feels there's room for more wedding stores in the City.  Wedding Planner Bethanie Kramer adds she too is seeing an increase in business but attributes that to the fact that wedding planning is new to the City.  According to Stats Canada married couples make up 67.6 percent of families in Thunder Bay and common law families make up 13.7 percent.

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.