North Stars Unveil Coach

Kevin Kahoot has been unveiled as the Thunder Bay North Stars new Head Coach. He won his debut behind the bench as his team posted an 8-2 vctory of the Sioux Lookout Flyers last night at the Fort William Gardens as the North Stars improved to 3-0 to start the Superior Internation Junior Hockey League season.

Yes Helps People Find Work

Yes Employment Services is celebrating its successful clients. Spokesperson Sharon Kovacic says they've seen a large number of people head through their doors this past year. 13,685 students came in for service. Yes found job placements for 643 students. Yes Employment Services is funded by the Provincial and Federal Governments.

United Way Doesn't Go Door To Door

United Way of Thunder Bay would like to remind our generous community donors that we DO NOT conduct a door-to-door canvass. If you have someone come to your door soliciting donations for United Way please advise the Thunder Bay Police as this is fraudulent.

Library Has New Boss

Thunder Bay's Public Library Board is hiring a new Chief Librarian.  After a long search they've appointed John Pateman.  Pateman will begin his position on Tuesday. 

Trial Ends...Storey Pleads Guilty

O.P.P. Sergeant Darryl Storey is pleading guilty to Dangerous Driving Causing Death. Storey plead guilty in Superior Court this morning and it was accepted by the Justice. Storey had been charged with criminal negligence causing death in connection with a 2008 incident which claimed the life of 18-year old Jasmine Veneruzzo. Storey will now be sentenced on January 18th next year.

Northwest OPP Awards

Members of the OPP from across Northwestern Ontario are being honored today in Thunder Bay. Fort France's Constable Anne McCoy and Dryden's Marty Singleton are receiving the Queen Elizabeth the second Diamond Jubilee medal.  Thunder Bay's Sergeant Eric Luoto is also being celebrated with a jubilee medal. 

LU Researchers Take A Trip

Lakehead University Researchers are travelling to Duluth this weekend to chat with their counterparts from the University of Minnesota.  It's the second visit they've made to the University.  They'll be talking about Thunder Bay's economic development ties wth Duluth.  Other talks involve biorefining research and geology and mining.

Body Of Missing Boater Found

A post mortem exam is scheduled today for the body of a missing 24 year old boater. The body of the Winnipeg man was found on Gun Lake. He was a passenger in a 14 foot Lund boat when it ran into waves and he was ejected from the boat. The operator of the boat was rescued from the water by witnesses in the area. 

Canfield Concerned About Kenora By-Pass

Some concern has been raised again about the safety of the intersections of the Kenora By-Pass following a fatal accident over the weekend. Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says there have been a number of near misses at that intersection.  Canfield says that the in the past the city has approached the Ministry of Transportation with ideas on how to make that intersection safer.

Bartleman Awards Handed Out

Four northwestern Ontario aboriginal students have picked up a prestigious literary award. The Bartleman Award winners were announced recently with teens from Whitefish Bay, Fort Severn, Wunnumin Lake and Sioux Lookout collecting accolades. This year's successful entries include poems that address the damaging effects of bullying, isolation and the legacy of residential schools. The winners each pick up a cheque for 25 hundred dollars. 

Early Morning Stabbing Reported

A police investigation is in its infancy but emergency personnel were called to the James Street Swing Bridge just after 5:00 O'clock this morning to a report of a possible stabbing. Police, fire and ambulance workers were all called to the scene of a reported unconcious man who had suffered a stab wound. Police aren't releasing any information at this time.

Highway 17 Open To Traffic

Highway 17 is now fully open again following a single motor vehicle collision West of the Steele River bridge, outside of Schreiber. Provincial police say a transport went off the road last night with the driver suffering minor injuries. The highway was closed to one lane for approximately 3.5 hours.

Tyler Walsh Player Of The Week

The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Monday that Dryden Ice Dogs forward Tyler Walsh has been named the opening Pizza Hut player of the week. In three games the 20 year old native of Mississauga, registered seven points in helping the Ice Dogs to a trio of victories over the weekend.

Golf Debate October 15th

The City is going to discuss the future of Municipal Golf Course at it's October 15th meeting.  A lively debate is expected from councillors for and against keeping the course.  A committee will be created to look at the current operation of the golf course and will report back to council in July 2013.

Conservatory Gets Netting

City Council is going to keep the Centennial Botanical Conservatory open.  They voted to install 76-thousand dollars worth of netting that will help protect falling glass in the area of the tropical display house.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson was one of several who were against the netting and calls buying the nets a band aid solution.  Meanwhile, Councillor Brian McKinnon called opening the conservatory with netting is another "Elliot Lake" waiting to happen.  Council also asked administration to find money in the 2013 budget to rebuild the greenhouses and come up with a plan for the future use of the conservatory.

Highway 17 Back Open

Highway 17 has been re-opened following a single motor vehicle collision west of the steele river bridge in Schreiber.  The highway was closed to one lane for three and a half hours.  A transport rolled off the highway.  OPP are reporting minor injuries.

Salvation Army Building Won't Last

The Salvation Army is telling the City their facility is aging and probably won't last another 10 years.  Major Merv Halvorsen spoke to councilors last night and says there are many upgrades needed.  Halvorsen says they aren't asking for any money right now they just want to let the City know there is a huge need. The Salvation Army is toying with the idea of building a new facility on their current site or renovating another building in the City.

City Voting Van Gets Award

The City's mobile voting van is getting an award.  The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario presented the accolade to City Clerk John Hannam at last night's meeting.  The van was used in the 2010 municipal election.

MNR Fire Thunder Bay

Ministry of Natural Resources crews are reporting one small fire on Monday.  They say it was human caused and located on an island on Flower Lake.  There are no problems anticipated with this fire.  The fire hazard is currently listed as low.

Dryer Cause of Victor Street Home Fire

Thunder Bay's Fire Department says a dryer is the cause of a fire at Victor Street Saturday night. Fire Prevention Captain Eric Nordlund says the dryer had an electrical malfunction. The owner put some laundry in the dryer and left his house. When he and his dog got back to the home they found it on fire. No one was hurt and all of the contents of the home were destroyed.

Mining Project Continues Environment Phase

The environmental assessment process for a proposed copper mine near Marathon hits Thunder Bay Tuesday. A Joint Review Panel is holding an information session in the city in the evening.   Panel spokesperson Lucille Jamault  says the panel's secretariat will give any interested groups the information they need on how to participate in the process.   She says the session takes place at the Victoria Inn starting at 7 o'clock.

SIU Probes Prisoner Death

The province's Special Investigations Unit is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner who was in OPP custody in Kenora. The 42 year old woman died in a weekend traffic accident on Highway 11-17. The SIU's Monica Hudon  says they are looking for witnesses specifically the driver of a dark pick up truck who may have seen what happened.  Hudon says there are three SIU investigators in Kenora looking into the tragedy.

Litt Remembers "Sam The Record Man"

A retail giant in the Canadian record industry is dead. Sam Sniderman, the founder of Sam The Record Man, was 92. John Litt managed a Sam The Record Man store in Thunder Bay and says Sniderman was one of a kind, calling him warm hearted and jovial. He recalls the winter when Sniderman was going to come to Thunder Bay to perform with the symphony orchestra at Selkirk High School, but his plane was forced to turn back because of bad weather. Litt says Sniderman changed the way records were marketed in the country.

Early A.M. Hodder Avenue Fire

Firefighters are speculating about a possible mattress fire that forced residents on Hodder Avenue to wakeup early this morning. The fire was called in just after 5:30 a.m. this morning to the townhouses on the 600 block. Four units were initially called but the fire was later downgraded after firefighters were able to inspect the scene. No one is reported to be hurt. 

Victor Street Fire Investigated

A fire on the 14-hundred block of Victor Street is now being investigated. Five units and 24 firefighters were called to the residence on Saturday night after the tenant came home to find heavy smoke in the basement. No one was injured but the residence did suffer heavy smoke and fire damge.

Search Continues For Missing 24 Year Old Boater

O.P.P. Underwater Search and Rescue are now being called in to look for a missing boater. Two men were operating a 14 foot boat on Gun Lake South of Minaki when they were ejected Saturday night because of waves. Witnesses were able to save a 23 year old Winnipeg man but his 24 year old companion is still missing. Provincial Police say neither of the two men were wearing their lifejackets at the time. The search is scheduled to continue today.

Woman Prisoner Dies Near Kenora

A 42 year old woman is dead following a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway. She was a prisoner being transferred by Ontario Provincial Police and died early Sunday morning when their vehicle was hit by a transport on Highway 17-A just outside of Kenora. The two officers in the vehicle were also taken to hospital, treated and released but the female prisoner died in the collision. The province's Special Investigation Unit is now being called in to examine the case, as is protocol when any prisoner's dies while in custody. The intersection of Highway 17-A and 658 was closed until 8:00 o'clock last night but has now fully re-opened.

Miles With The Giant

Gilbert Kiptoo crossed the finish line in first place for the second year in a row as crowds cheered him on at the Miles With the Giant marathon. This year's runs started and finished in the Marina Park and both the marathon and half-marathon are Boston certified. Barry Streib, organizer of the event, says this really puts Thunder Bay on the map and will help to make the event bigger each year. Over 900 runners registered this year.

Foul Play Not Suspected

An autopsy has been completed on 15-year-old Regina Kakekespan. Provincial Police are saying that foul play is not suspected, but the investigation is ongoing. Police say her body was found on Monday in a wooded area behind a church on First Avenue North in Sioux Lookout. The cause of death has not been released.

Police Board Says Sorry

The Police Services Board is issuing an open letter about the internal police email that went public earlier this month which some Aboriginals feel was offensive.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo is hoping the letter helps to soothe relations between the two groups.  He says they are apologizing to the First Nation community and telling them what the police service board is doing to diversify. Virdiramo says the letter is not being released in hopes area First Nations drop their human rights complaint.

ONWA Releasing Prostitution Report

The Ontario Native Women's Association is releasing a report on Thunder Bay's prostitution trade. ONWA Spokesperson Lana Ray says they spoke to 27 aboriginal sex trade workers.  Ray says many of the women said they would like to see a sex trade worker transition house.  It would help them feel more comfortable and safe when trying to leave the industry.  The prostitution report is expected to come out in October.

Conservatory Debate Monday Night

Thunder Bay City Council is going to have a lot on their minds Monday night as they discuss the future of the Botanical Conservatory.  Several groups have come out in support of the building including the Canadian Union of Public Employees.  CUPE Spokesperson Marie Dean says she just wants visitors and workers at the conservatory to be safe.  CUPE doesn't want the City to lose the 48 year old building.  Meanwhile, Councillor Brian McKinnon says he might support keeping the facility open but only if repairs are made and it's deemed safe.

Public School Garden Tour

Five city public schools are showing off their food gardens Saturday.  Parents and educators are being given a bus tour of all the gardens according to organizer Erin Beagle. She says it's part of a growing trend.  The tour begins at 9 o'clock at Agnew H. Johnson school and wraps up at noon.   

OTF Releases Book

As part of its Aboriginal education awareness project the Ontario Teachers Federation is releasing a book of diverse stories of students across the province.  Students from seven schools in Thunder Bay contributed to the book.

20 Year Old Charged After Wild Party

City Police are charging the 20 year old man who hosted a massive party at his Hacquoil Road residence during the September long weekend. The party resulted in a number of noise complaints and a congested rural road. He's charged with Mischief and has a court date of October 23rd.

Superior North EMS HQ Open

The Superior North EMS District Headquarters is now officially open. Chief Norm Gale says the new building has improved the work environment for paramedics. Gale says he has no complaints about the new building since it came in on time and on budget.

Canadian Forces Recruiting Office To Close

Workers at the Canadian Forces Recruiting office in Thunder Bay are confirming they are set for closure next year. 6 people work at the office and 3 have already moved on. The office is set for closure on August 31st of next year but will likely close its doors to the public on March 31st. Two people will lose their jobs, the other four will be re-distributed within the Canadian Forces. The recruting office is closing because of the Harper Government's cutting of expenditures.

Fire Truck Damaged In Collision

A 40 year old Firefighter is now being charged with failing to stop for a red light. 
Police say the charge stems from an incident where a Pumper Rescue unit was travelling westbound through the John and Court Street intersection with sirens and lights activated, when it struck a pick-up truck. The 50 year old driver of the pick-up was taken to hospital, treated and released with minor injuries. Police say the passenger side of the pick-up was completely destroyed, meanwhile there is extensive damage to the front end of the Pumper Rescue unit.

Thunderwolves Men's Hockey Hosts Gee Gee's

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves face their first pre-season test this weekend against the visiting Ottawa Gee Gee's. Head Coach Joel Scherban says they have three former O.H.L. captains joining the team and will be expecting them to contribute right away. Puck drop is at 7:30 at the Fort William Gardens on Friday and Saturday night.

North Stars Start Season On Road

The 12th Superior International Junior Hockey League season gets underway tonight on three fronts. The Thunder Bay North Stars travel to Hoyt Lakes to take on the Minnesota Iron Rangers in their opening game. Still no head coach has been named for the team, which is under new ownership.

BB Gun Lands Teen In Trouble

A 17 year old boy is in trouble with city police after they received an anonymous call on Wednesday night about a youngster staggering down the street with a hand gun. Officers were called to the area of the Limbrick Townhouses and later located the teen with a gun in his hand. Police drew their pistols and ordered him to the ground. The youth didn't put up a fight and was visibly intoxicated at the time of the arrest. The gun turned out to be a bb gun that's described as a black replica handgun. He's charged with Possession of Weapons Dangerous to the Public, Breach of Probation and Breach of Undertaking.

Under 30? Why Not Go To The Symphony

Good news if your under the age of 30.  The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is offering students and young professionals the opportunity to buy tickets to their concerts for 15 dollars.  TD Canada Trust helped make the cheaper tickets possible.  Development Manager of the TBSO Kelly Rooney says the lower ticket prices help create a connection between youth and the symphony early on.  Rooney adds students and the under 30 set are the future supporters of the arts.

Mill Start Up Creates Noise Concern

All is back to normal at Resolute Forest Products. A listener called to complain about a consistent loud noise coming from the mill at around 2 o'clock this afternoon. A company spokesperson says that at the time, the mill was starting back up from its annual maintenance outage and what the listener probably heard was noise from the steam pressure valves being released.

Giant Marathon Sunday

The third annual Miles with the Giant Marathon is set to go Sunday. Organizer Charla Robinson says hundreds of runners will take off from Prince Arthur's Landing at 8 in the morning including several from Kenya. Several roads will be closed off during the marathon Sunday including Court, Beverly and Cumberland Streets.

Miss Thunder Bay 2012

The City's first Miss Thunder Bay Pageant is quickly approaching. The winner of this year's pageant will go on to represent the city in the 2013 Miss Northern Ontario pageant. Contestant and Grade 11 student Natalie Krzeminski says pageants are a great way to boost young girls self esteem. The beauty pageant will take place November 2nd and 3rd at the Slovak Legion.

Extensive Mining Study To Be Released

Bahram Dadgostar

A group of movers and shakers in the city called Ambassadors Northwest is about to release a comprehensive mining study.   Group spokesperson Marv Detweiler says the study was done by  Bahram Dadgostar at Lakehead University and will give an overview of the mining boom in the region.  Detweiler says it will address the value of the minerals,  the workforce that will be required, infrastructure and First Nations involvement.   The report will be released at a news conference on Thursday morning.

Kidney Foundation Walk Saturday

The Thunder Bay chapter of The Kidney Foundation of Canada is holding a fundraising walk Saturday.  Registration gets underway at 9 am at Sir Winston Churchill High School.  Spokesperson Lisa Galon says there's a great need for funds in the region.  She says there are over 13 hundred patients in the region suffering from kidney disease.  The group hopes to raise over 7 thousand dollars.

Greenstone Wants Mills Back Up & Running

Greenstone is asking the Ministry of Natural Resources to provide their two idle sawmills with a sufficient amount of softwood. Council passed the motion at it's September 10th meeting. The township feels a reliable wood supply would allow the Longlac and Nakina mills to employ people again.

Con College Casting Call

Calling all would be movie stars.  Confederation College's Film Production Program is holding an open casting call Saturday and Sunday at Intercity Mall.  Spokesperson Lee Chambers says it's open to all ages and shape and size.  Chambers says they'll be set up at the food court entrance near Zellers in the Mall.

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.