Groups Ask Council To Save LTC Beds

Thunder Bay's Health Coalition is among several other organizations asking City Council to save 93 long term care beds.  They are concerned about the closure of 65 spots at the Revera Thunder Bay Interim Long Term Care Home and the cutting of another 28 spots at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.  They claim there's a shortage of beds in the City and want council to ask the Government to step in and stop the closure of the facilities.  Council is going to ask the Provincial Government and the Northwest Local Health Integration Network to step in and avoid the closures.

Regen Med Asking For Cash

Regen Med is going to ask City Council to continue to support their operation.  The formal request will come at council's October 15th meeting.  President Judy Sander told council Monday night, that a business sustainability report will be completed at the end of the month which will help them decide how they move forward.  The report was commissioned by the Ontario Ministry of Health.  Regen Med is a bone and tissue bank.

Council Considering Suzan Labine Park

Thunder Bay City Council is considering naming the new children's playground at Junot Park after the late Suzan Labine.  Her family spoke to council Monday  night and also provided a number of letters in support of the name change.  Mayor Keith Hobbs asked administration to look into renaming the entire park after the well known citizen who was a member of the Lakehead School Board and St. Joseph's Care Group.

MNR Fire Update

The Ministry of Natural Resources is lending a helping hand to the State of Minnesota.  They've asked for help fighting a fire that crossed the Canada-United States border into Manitoba on Sunday.  Two CL-415 water bombers and a birddog aircraft were dispatched from Ontario to a 600-acre fire.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay's MNR crews responded to a human caused fire on Saturday.

OPP Looking For Wanted Man

OPP are still looking for 31-year-old Wayne Cunningham who they say could be headed to Calgary. The warning comes after police captured a fugitive in Longlac in connection with a forcible confinement and sexual assault case in Nova Scotia. Sgt. Kelly Daniels-Griffis says 47-year-old David Leblanc is still in Greenstone OPP custody.  Daniels-Griffis says police are asking you to watch out for the man but not to make contact with him.  Cunningham is believed to be driving a 2003 Hyundai Elantra with a Nova Scotia licence plate.

Campbell On MNR Cuts

The decision to cut jobs and downgrade the designation of Caliper Lake Provincial Park in Nestor Falls isn't sitting well with the area's MPP. The Liberals cite low visitation as a reason for the decision. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says if area tourism centre were open, more people might have visited. Campbell says the changes will have a significant impact on Nestor Falls's economy.

Sioux Lookout Corridor Petition

The Mayor of Sioux Lookout is supporting Pickle Lake in an ongoing petition.  The provincial government is considering a North-South transportation corridor from the Ring of Fire to First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario.  Dennis Leney says an east-west road would promote growth and development to the North.  Leney says the north-south corridor would pose a lot of environmental hazards.

Head Of VON Goes Under Cover In T.Bay

The head of the Victorian Order of Nurses is going to be featured on an upcoming episode of Undercover Boss Canada. Judith Shamian went in disguise and worked in Thunder Bay as well as another site in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Shamian followed two Thunder Bay nurses on their daily rounds. The show will air on Thursday night.

Historic Border Bust

The Canada Border Services Agency is just  reporting about a huge drug bust from last month at the Pigeon River Border.  Officials say that 2.2 million dollars worth of cocaine and heroin was seized on September 22nd. They say it came after they stopped a truck suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into Canada. They say the drugs were stored in a hidden compartment in the truck.  A Windsor man is charged.  One official calls it the largest drug bust in the history of the Pigeon River border.

Habitat Hands Over House Keys

Habitat for Humanity in Thunder Bay is celebrating it's 23d house build today. Rheanna Scott and her 1 year old asthmatic son Aiden are the new residents. The home provides Aiden with better living conditions because his previous living quarters were not smoke free. Construction on the house started in May of last year. 

Campaign Draws Attention To Abuse

It's child abuse prevention month in Thunder Bay. According to Rob Richardson, the head of the local Children's Aid Society, it's a chance to shine a spotlight on the issue and get more people to report abuses. He says his organization is taking care of about 900 clients while Dilico family services agency has about 600.

Wanted Man Captured In Greenstone

One of two men wanted in connection with a disturbing sexual assault in Nova Scotia is now in custody in Geraldton. Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Carl Pettigrew says David Leblanc was nabbed on a remote logging road last night near Longlac after a person called police to say they saw a man in distress.  When OPP arrived they recognized Lablanc from his wanted picture and took him into custody.  Pettigrew says that Leblanc will make a video court appearance today and then is expected to be sent back to the east coast. Meantime it's believed that Leblanc's partner, Wayne Cunningham, is still on the loose and is thought to be heading west.

Tony Villeneuve Auto Rally Raises $25,000

The money total is in from the Tony Villeneuve Memorial  Auto Rally. Organizers say 17 teams participated in yesterday's event starting and ending at the Fort William Country Club and raised $25,000. The money goes to an endowment fund for lung cancer research, patient care and education with all of the proceeds staying here in Northwestern Ontario. To date the Tony Villeneuve Memorial Auto Rally has raised more than $380,000.

CIBC Run For The Cure Called A Success

Organizers are still adding up the money from yesterday's CIBC Run For The Cure. Canada's largest single day breast cancer fundraiser brought more than a thousand people to the Legion Track for a 5 kilometre run or walk. The 21st annual event raises money for breast cancer research.

LU Sports Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves lost 7-4 to the Brock Badgers Saturday night.  In Women's Volleyball Brandon defeated Lakehead 3-nothing. The LU Women's Basketball team beat Brandon 70 to 51. The LU Men's Basketball team defeated Brandon 92 to 69.

Council Preview Monday Night

City Council is going to get an earful at it's Monday night meeting with a list of speakers set to discuss a variety of topics.  First up the family of Suzan Labine will be asking council to consider renaming Junot Park in her memory.  Next is Regen Med who will provide an update on their operations in the City.  The Community Economic Development Commission will also provide more information to councilors on the City's Mining Readiness Strategy.  Finally, the Revera Thunder Bay Interim Long Term Care Centre will be discussed by the Union representing staff at the facility.

Run With Me T.Bay

A 25 year old hospital employee wants your help in raising funds for the Northern Cancer Fund. Jay Tysoski is taking part in the Men's Health Urbanathlon in Chicago in memory of his mother and will be holding a "Run With Me Tbay" fundraiser at Shooters this evening. Last year, Tysoski raised 5 thousand dollars and he hopes to do the same this year.

LU Sports Round Up

In University hockey, The Lakehead Thunderwolves beat the Brock Badgers 3-2 in overtime last night.  Meanwhile, LU's Women's Volley Ball team fell to Brandon 3-1. Lakehead's Women's Basketball team beat Brandon 85 to 58 and LU's Men's Basketball team were victorious against Brandon 83 to 56.

Accident Injures Pedestrian

Details are sketchy, but Thunder Bay police say at least one person was taken to the hospital to be treated for two broken legs following a vehicle pedestrian accident in the city late Friday afternoon. It took place on Simpson Street just metres from the Neebing McIntyre Floodway bridge.  

Dryden's Money Woes Continue

Dryden's debt is higher then originally thought. At last night's public meeting regarding the sale of DMTS, the topic of the city's debt was often brought up.  City Manager Joe van Koeverden says that there is an extra 10 million on top of the 27 million that the city is down by. He adds that council is taking the issue very seriously. Van Koeverden says part of the extra 10 million, is 6 million dollars in overdraft.  However Mayor Craig Nuttall says paying off the overdraft shouldn't be too difficult.

Tbaytel Offer Remains Cloaked In Secrecy

"Keep moving forward" was the motto of last night's meeting regarding the sale of Dryden's phone service and Dryden Mobility. While the offer from Bell Alliant has been revealed, there still lies some mystery regarding the offer from Tbaytel for wireless services. City Manager Joe van Koeverden says they have received a generous offer but adds, the purchase price cannot be revealed at this time.

Mauro Blasts Hudak's Logic

Liberal MPP Bill Mauro is disputing comments about arbitration awards by Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak. While in Thunder Bay Friday Hudak told municipal leaders his party wants to change the laws and hopes to have its own passed this session. However Mauro says that Hudak's proposed law is one the PC's turned down already in the spring budget.   Mauro questions why Hudak would promote an idea the PC leader once voted against.

Smile Cookie Numbers In

Thunder Bay's cookie monsters can pat themselves on the back. They helped Tim Hortons to raise almost 33 thousand dollars in the recent Smile Cookie campaign. In the region Fort Frances raised almost 5 thousand dollars, Kenora raised 36 hundred dollars, Dryden 16 hundred, Nipigon 14 hundred and Red Lake 11 hundred dollars.

Memorial Day Service Sunday

Thunder Bay Police are going to remember the officers that have died while in the line of duty.   They are holding their annual National Memorial Day service on Sunday afternoon.  It begins at 1:30 with a march from the Provincial Court building on Arthur Street to St. Paul's Church on Ridgeway Street.  

Hangar Space For Rent

The local volunteer air search and rescue organization is looking to the future. Civil Air Search and Rescue President Dan Kuss says the group currently runs its airport hangar on 24 thousand dollars year, money which needs to be fundraised. However Kuss says that could soon change. They soon plan to rent out hangar space to help pay the bills. The organization just received a new hangar door thanks to 30 thousand dollars from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

M.N.R. Announces Staff Cuts To 10 Parks

Northern Ontario will see 10 provincial parks have their staff cut and their designation downgraded, meaning campers will no longer have access to any services. The Ministry of Natural Resources announced the cuts on Thursday and say they will eliminate 28 full-time jobs and 102 seasonal jobs in an effort to save $7.1 million a year. Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle says the staff cuts and other changes will help the government eliminate a deficit of nearly $15 billion and modernize the way the ministry does business.

Kidnapping & Sexual Assault In Big Trout Lake

Details are coming to the surface about a kidnapping in Big Trout Lake. O.P.P. were called on Wednesday after parents apprehended the suspect who had taken their four kids, ages 5 through 8, earlier that day. Police say two of the kids managed to escape and alert their parents but not before a 6 and an 8 year old were sexually assaulted. The 33 year man remains in custoday and will appear in a Sioux Lookout court today facing charges of kidnapping, assault, sexual assault and uttering threats. The children received immediate and on-going medical attention in Big Trout Lake and in Thunder Bay.

Full Slate For Thunderwolves' Alumni Weekend

Alumni weekend kicks off a great weekend of sports at Lakehead University. The men's hockey team is on the ice against the Brock Badgers tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The men's and women's basketball team opens an exhibition against Brandon at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Thunderdome, and the women's volleyball team gets it all started this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Thunderdome with an exhibition game against the Bobcats.

Mother Credits Son For Saving Her Life

A Thunder Bay woman says she's alive today thanks to her son. Jennifer Lunn says her son was stabbed three times trying to save her life from another person on the Fort William First Nation on Tuesday morning.. Lunn says it was a life changing experience.  She says her 25 year old son was taken to the hospital and had life saving surgery performed on him. A 40 year old man was also taken to hospital. So far police have not laid charges in the case.

Drug Bust On Ambrose Street

A cocaine bust on the city's north side.   Police say that a home on the 200 block of Ambrose Street was raided  on Thursday.   It resulted in the arrest of a 59 year old man and the seizure of almost 70 grams of coke.

Cultural Days This Weekend

The city is preparing to show off Prince Arthur's Landing once again during the 3rd annual Cultural Days.  The city's contribution kicks off Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock with a cultural fair at the Baggage Building Arts Centre with activities into the evening.  The Baggage Building will remain open for the weekend so you can view displays and other activities. 

Cancer Centre Moving To E-Charts

The Regional Cancer Centre is taking another step in a technical direction with the announcement that all it's patient records will be computerized. Program Director Joanne Lacourciere says the 2.1 million dollar project is now in the works with a goal of going paperless by March of next year.  Cancer doctors in thirteen regional sites will have access to the new record system.

Nine Mines Worth Big $

A new study on the mining industry in Northwestern Ontario predicts nine mining projects in the region will be worth 136 billion dollars. The study, headed by Lakehead University's Dr. Bahram Dadgostar, says the mines will also create over 13 thousand jobs and he says that's low-balling it. The study also says government taxes revenue could hit 16 billion dollars.   However, the study says in order to move ahead as quickly as possible,  industry, government and First Nations have to work out their differences.

United Way Day In Thunder Bay

Today is United Way Day in Thunder Bay. The orginzation which raises funds for community groups and agencies held a flag raising ceremony today. The United Way flag is now proudly waving in front of City Hall. Dignitaries on hand included Mayor Keith Hobbs. The United Way is collecting money throughout many businesses today as part of their $2.6 million fundraising goal. 

E.L.A. Travels To Parliament Hill

The battle to save the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora is heading to Parliament Hill once again today. A number of petitions will be presented to M.P.'s. Diane Oriehl heads up the group Save the E.L.A. and says they are trying to protect research that's vital to our eco-system. People from across Canada and even internationally have signed the petitions. The E.L.A. is slated to close in March of next year.

Campbell Hosts Health Meeting

Atikokan has been added to a series of town hall meetings on health care being organized by Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. It will take place tonight at 5:30 Central time at the Atikokan Pioneer Centre. Campbell and NDP Health Critic Frances Gelinas are gathering comment on the health care system and its ability to meet the needs of northwestern Ontario. They'll be in Fort Frances, Rainy River, Kenora and Dryden tomorrow.

Sexual Assault Charge Laid In Ignace

O.P.P. are laying sexual assault charges against an Ignace man after a minor came forward to police. The 46 year old man was arrested Wednesday after a reported incident on September 19th. The man remains in custody, charged with sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching and sexual interference. His name is not being released in order to protect the identity of the victim.

Thunderwolves Sports Weekend

Lakehead University sports teams will be on full display this weekend. The men's hockey team welcomes the Brock Badgers for pair of games Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The men's and women's basketball teams will tip-off at the Thunderdome for a pair of exhiition games against the Brandon Bobcats. The women tip-off at 6, the men at 8. The L.U. women's volleyball team also has an exhibition series against Brandon. Game times are set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Gas Leak In Greenstone

OPP are dealing this afternoon with a natural gas leak in Greenstone. Natural gas has confirmed that there are no safety concerns for public in the area and are working to rectify the problem but it will take a few hours.

Missing Horses

Police are looking into the disappearance of two horses from a Townline Road home.  Officers say the horses went missing sometime between 9 Monday night and 8 in the morning Tuesday.  The first horse is described as a male black and white American Painted Horse with an L-shaped scar on his forehead.  The second animal is a chestnut Arabian male horse.  Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these horses is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

City Stabbing Sends Man To Hospital

A 19 year old man is in custody after a stabbing on Cumming Street this morning.  Police say that a 26 year old man was the victim,  and he remains in the hospital in stable condition. They say it appears to have been an argument that got out of hand after some drinking.

NOMA Conference Thursday

Northwestern Ontario political and business leaders begin a two day conference in Thunder Bay Thursday. Ron Nelson, of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, says the regional meeting is a chance to discuss our readiness for the mining boom that's approaching. The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce is co-host of the conference.

Safe Homes Program Ends September 30th

The City's Safe Homes Program is coming to a close.  The program wraps up on September 30th, so far 455 homes are registered for assistance with basement inspections, clean-up and furnace and hot water tank replacements.  The program was put in place after the May 28th flood.

Habitat For Humanity Needs Volunteers

Habitat Humanity is looking for volunteers to help with a number of salvage projects.  In October, salvage crews are working on the complete deconstruction of a two story house.  The salvage crew will recover resalable items from the home including doors, lights, and building supplies.

Donation Accidentally Includes Valuables

A local family is anxious to get some valuable jewelry back after they accidentally included it with clothing they recently donated to Value Village. Tony Scarcello says about 15 thousand dollars worth of jewelry was accidentally left in a ski jacket that they gave away.  Scarcello says the clothing was given away about three weeks ago.   He says most of the items lost have extreme sentimental value.

Local Grits Pumped About Trudeau

Word of Justin Trudeau's intention to run for the leadership of the Liberal party has local grits pretty excited. Vince Mirabelli, the president of the Superior North Liberal Riding Association believes it will inject some life back into the party.  Mirabelli believes we could be in for another bout of Trudeaumania.

OSSTF Strike Vote

The Thunder Bay chapters of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation are voting in favor of a strike. The OSSTF members include Student Support Professionals in the Catholic School Board, as well as Teachers, Educational Assistants and Early Childhood Educations that work in the local public school board. The union and the school board's contract expired on August 31st.

O.P.P. Take Over Stabbing Investigation

Anishnabek Police Services are now calling for help from the O.P.P. Northwest Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigation Branch to help with an investigation into a stabbing that happened early yesterday morning. Initially Thunder Bay Police were called to the James Street Swing Bridge and to Mount McKay to separate reports of an injured man. It was discovered that a 25 year old and a 40 year old had been in an altercation on the First Nation Territory of Fort William. Both men were taken to hospital for medical treatment. There is no update on their condition. Anishnabek and Ontario Provincial Police will now work together in trying to determine exactly what happened.

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.