Gravelle Open To Being Leader

Michael Gravelle says he is not ruling out a run for the top job of the Ontario Liberal Party.  The Natural Resources Minister says he would first like to see who decides to take a run at replacing Dalton McGuinty.  Gravelle says if no candidates show any passion for the north, he will consider his options.

Terrace Bay Pulp Charged

Terrace Bay Pulp is in trouble with the Ministry of Labour after last years fatal accident at the mill. An employee from Schreiber died when a tank used to cook wood chips exploded. Ministry spokesperson Matt Blajer says the company will be appearing in court next month.

Council of Canadians ELA Poll

73 percent of Canadians want to see the Experimental Lakes Area near Vermillion Bay stay open.  The results come from a poll done by the Council of Canadians which also shows that 60 percent of  Conservative voters oppose the cancellation of the ELA.  Earlier in the year, the Harper government decided it would stop funding the research facility.

Health Unit Says There's A Bed Bug Problem

The Health Unit calls a bed bug problem at the Royal Edward Arms an infestation. Public Health Inspector Abby Mackie says the pests have become a problem. Mackie says tenants need to keep their apartments clean and the landlord needs to treat the infected area as soon as possible. The Health Unit says the District Social Services Board has been taking care of any complaints they've received.

Tbay Tel Gives Money To Catholic Board

The Catholic School Board is on the receiving end of a 100 thousand dollar partnership with Tbay Tel.  Director of Education Joan Powell says it's a 5 year funding program.  The money will be used to buy laptops, iPads, and other technology.

Joint Meeting Tonight

A joint meeting is being held between Fort William First Nation and City Council tonight.  The two communities will discuss how they can better work together.  Tonight's meeting starts at 5 and will be held at the Current River Recreation Association.

Police Honour Their Own At Awards Ceremony

A number of members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service will be honored at their 5th "Honours and Awards Ceremony" tonight in Thunder Bay. They will be recognised by their peers and the Chief of Police, Claude Chum. Officer of the Year honours will go to Constable Robert McPhail, and a diamond jubilee medal will be presented to Constable Marc Beaparland for his work with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. Retired Sgt. Bob Baxter will also receive a jubilee medal for his work with victims.

Mining Readiness Winning Awards

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission is celebrating two prestigious awards. A conference in Denver, Colorado has honoured The Ring of Fire and Northwestern Ontario with the Strategic Project of the Year award and also the Job Creation of the Year award. More than 500 executives from the public and private sector are in attendance at the 4th annual North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum.

3 Dead After Plane Crash

OPP and the Transportation Safety Board are investigating a fatal plane crash last night near Pickle Lake.  Police responded to a report that an aircraft went down in a densely wooded area east of the Pickle Lake airport.  Three of the plane's occupants are dead, one survivor was airlifted to hospital in Winnipeg for treatment of minor injuries.  The names of the dead won't be released until the next of kin is notified.

Quality Market Union Meeting With Staff

The union representing workers at Thunder Bay's two Quality Market stores is speaking out. United Food & Commercial Workers Rep Colby Flank says they were shocked to hear that the two stores will close. Flank says the closure will impact 80 to 90 people. A meeting between the union and its members will be held next Wednesday to discuss employment insurance and the possibility of finding work in other grocery stores in the City. The owners of Quality Market have declined to comment on the closure notice.

Man Caught In Nipigon

A 50 year old man from Barrie, Ontario is now charged with fleeing from police, theft over $5,000 and breaking and entering. O.P.P. in Nipigon received a tip from an alert citizen and along with help from the Emergency Response Team and Canine unit, were able to arrest the man. He was the subject of a search following an incident on October 11th when police reported a vehicle had failed to stop for them and was later found abandoned in Nipigon. The man will make a video court appearance today.

Quality Market Closing

The Stzenko brothers who own the Quality Market stores in town are keeping mum on why they decided to close the local grocery.  After serving the Lakehead for 24 years the new store at Golf Links Road, and the other at Centennial Square are set to close soon.  All stock is being marked down immediately.  The owners are declining to comment on how many people will be affected or when the stores will close.

Chamber Doesn't Like Golf Decision

The head of the Chamber of Commerce is upset the city has decided to keep Municipal Golf Course open for one more year. Council decided in the spring to close Municipal but at Monday night's meeting delayed the closure until the end of 2013. Chamber President Harold Wilson is concerned about the impact this decision will have on the development and delivery of the City's core business review.

OPP Looking For Suspect

The OPP are continuing to look for a man wanted in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation from last week. Nipigon police tried to stop a stolen vehicle on Highway 17 when the driver fled. Recently, officers were notified about a break and enter to a camp on Nipigon Bay Road. They believe it's the same person and are looking for a man between the ages of 30 and 50 years old with dark curly hair.

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite

The Social Services Board is taking complaints of bed bugs at the Royal Edward Arms seriously. Spokesperson Terry Flaherty says they've dealt with five confirmed cases this month alone. Terry Flaherty says any future cases of bed bugs should be reported immediatly and they will deal with it as soon as possible.

A Cautious Response From Virdiramo

The chair of the city's Police Service's Board says he supports the mayor's decision to step down from the board. Keith Hobbs says he's too restricted in what he can say and do sitting as a board member. Chair Joe Virdiramo was cautious in his reaction to the news and would only add that he looks forward to working with the new member. The new city council representative for the board is going to be chosen October 22nd.

Mauro Credits McGuinty For North's Progress

Premier McGuinty's decision to step down as liberal leader is a surprise to Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro who says McGuinty has been good to the north.  Mauro says we have made great strides in this part of the province, and it couldn't have happened without McGuinty.  Mauro says he respects McGuinty's decision and says he personally thanked the premier for the support he has shown to him and his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan

Gravelle Saddened By Premier's Decision

Premier Dalton McGuinty's decision to resign is stirring up the passions in some of his most loyal supporters including Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle. He says McGuinty will be missed  and calls him an extraordinary supporter of Northern Ontario, a great man and the best premier the province has ever had. 

Hobbs Stepping Down From Police Board

Mayor Keith Hobbs is resigning from the city's Police Services Board.   Hobbs says his past policing career has frequently created situations where he's had to declare a conflict of interest.  He says the move will help him to freely comment on community safety issues.  A new city council representative will be chosen on October 22nd. 

Hobbs On McGuinty

Mayor Keith Hobbs isn't surprised by the Premier's decision to step down.  Hobbs says he was tipped off by Liberal insiders.  The Mayor says Thunder Bay will be fine during the transition to the new Leader.  Hobbs says the City has met most of the important players in the McGuinty cabinet.  Hobbs says they've met most of the possible replacements.

Golf Course Saved

Municipal Golf Course is going to stay open for another year. The City is letting the course operate for just one more year while a group looks at making it more affordable.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson was one of several to vote against the course. Johnson says she can't support keeping a course open when people are having a hard time paying their taxes.

Regen Med Gets Cash

City Council is giving Regen Med 150 thousand dollars.  Council decided to provide the not for profit bone and tissue bank an interest free loan.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga has concerns over giving out more money to that group.  The money gives the organization an almost 3 month window to complete a business plan for the Provincial Government.

Youth Centre Is A Go

The City is spending 122-thousand dollars towards setting up a youth centre in the Victoriaville mall.  They approved the spending for the 18 month pilot project at last night's meeting.  Youth Centre Spokesperson Colleen Peters says they're thrilled.  The group hopes to have the youth centre open by November 1st.

Consultants Report Received

City Council is one step closer to voting on building a multi-plex on the newly redeveloped waterfront.  Council received the consultant's study at last night's meeting.  Council will vote on whether to proceed with the 106 million dollar project at it's November 26th meeting.  A public meeting on the project is set for November 21st at the Community Auditorium.

McGuinty Resigning

Premier Dalton McGuinty is stepping down as Liberal leader.  He dropped that bombshell at an emergency meeting of his MPP's this evening.   No reason was given for the move except to say it's time for a change.   He says the party heirarchy has been asked to get the wheels in motion for a leadership convention to be held as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he was surprised by the announcement but respects the Premiers decision.

CEP CAW Merger Vote

Canada now has its biggest private-sector union.  The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada has approved a merger with the Canadian Auto Workers.  Thunder Bay's CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says it's a big move for the two unions.  A union official says more than 90 per cent of delegates at Monday's C-E-P national convention in Quebec City endorsed the merger.

Border Cats New Manager

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are hiring a new field manager for the 2013 season.  Dan Holcomb becomes the tenth manager in Border Cats history.  Holcomb is currently the pitching coach at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

City Ring Of Fire Project Up For Award

Thunder Bay is nominated for a strategic project of the year award.  The award is being put on by the City's North American colleagues.  The city's Ring of Fire project is being considered for the award.   The winners will be announced Tuesday afternoon.

Car Goes Through TD Store Front

A 79 year old woman isn't hurt after crashing her vehicle through the Dawson Road TD Bank. Police were called to the scene of the collision just after 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. The woman was parking at the front of the TD Bank when her vehicle sped up and over the curb and continued into the glass window. The vehicle came to a rest inside the bank. No charges are being laid because it happened on private property.

Flu Clinics Open

It's time to consider getting your yearly flu shot. Clinics have started in the city today organized by the District Health Unit. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says it's important to get vaccinated because there are some new flu strains about. The vaccine will help protect you from A-California, A-Victoria and A-Wisconsin strains. The free clinics run until the middle of November.

Football Blowout Defended

A lopsided victory in a weekend senior high school football game has one official wondering what can be done to prevent such a blowout in the future. David Pineau, the head of school sports programs in the city, says Churchill's 79-0 victory over Superior is something that will likely come up with officials of the SSSAA when they meet next. He says there is no mercy rule in the system.  Pineau says he spoke with both coaches and is confident there was no intention to run up the score.

Waste Reduction Week Kicks Off

It's Waste Reduction Week in Thunder Bay and right across the country.   Jessica Bracken of Eco Superior says once again the organization is teaming up with the city to keep waste reduction top of mind.  It kicked off with a ceremony at Franco Superieur Catholic School this morning.

Youth Centre Up For A Vote

City Council is considering moving ahead with a youth centre. City staff are recommending to council they spend over 122-thousand dollars towards the 18 month pilot project. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's a good idea.  Council will vote on whether or not to go ahead with the project at its meeting tonight.

Municipal On Life Support

City Council will re-evaluate the fate of Municipal Golf Course. Councillor Rebecca Johnson isn't pleased council is considering operating the golf course for another year while a group looks at how to make the course more affordable. Johnson says if they vote to keep the course open until the end of 2013 she'll be very disappointed. Under the proposal, during the 2013 season a group would be set up to look into how to make Municipal more cost efficient and sustainable.

Local Sports Roundup

In the SIJHL, The Thunder Bay North Stars beat the Minnesota Iron Rangers 4-1. The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team defeated the York Lions 7-3 last night in front of over three thousand fans at the Fort William Gardens.

Local CEP Rep Favours Merger With CAW

Thunder Bay union representative Marvin Pupeza is attending the Canadian Energy and Paperworkers convention in Quebec City. He says only one thing is on the minds of delegates, and that's vote on the proposed merger with the Canadian Autoworkers which has already been approved by the CAW.  Pupeza says he's in favour of the move believing the old saying "the bigger the better".  He adds that this new organization will end up having over 300 thousand members. The vote takes place on Monday.

Mining Association Backs Act

The Ontario Mining Association is backing the provincial government's changes to the Mining Act. Executive Director Chris Hodgeson says the changes will help modernize exploration, and hopefully create less conflict with first nation communities. Hodgeson says the changes to the Mining Act will also allow map-staking to take place, meaning prospectors won't necessarily have to be on the ground to stake their claims. 

10 Year Homeless Plan

The Kenora District Services Board is being told to come up with a 10-year plan to address the homeless situation in our area. Director of Integrated Social Services Diane Apland says the directive comes from the Province and must be completed by January 2014. Apland says major centres in the Kenora District face a major housing shortage and she expects the plan to address that situation.

Tourism Development

The Dryden Development Corporation is moving forward with a new online and mobile travel tool. Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced today that the DDC will recieve over $160,000 in funding from Fednor. Rickford says the development will showcase tourism oppertunties in the area. Rickford says people will be able to access go.nwo.ca on their smart phones and computers.

Assessment Hearing In The New Year

A hearing on Resolute Forest Products appeal of the assessment of its mill property in Fort Frances could come next spring.Town C-A-O Mark McCaig says the Assessment Review Board is still waiting on some information from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation first. Resolute wants its assessment cut almost in half which could lead to a tax rebate of over 2-million dollars.

Con College Eyes Atikokan

Confederation College is looking to introduce some new programs to Atikokan. A 12-week welding program could begin this winter with programs in mechanical techniques and practical nursing starting up next fall. Manager of the Rainy River campus, Anne Renaud  says the programs meet a couple of needs. Renaud says they're now determining interest.

Mammography Unit In Place

In the region, the new digital mammography unit at Riverside Health Care is now up and running. It was in place even before fundraising for the unit was complete. However Riverside CAO Allan Katz says they had enough confidence in the hospital foundation's campaign to commit to the purchase earlier this summer. Katz says the unit produces the lowest amount of radiation possible, while providing exceptional clear clinic images.

Charges Pending Following Collision

Police say charges are pending after a north side traffic mishap.   An SUV rolled over after it was involved in a collision with a pick up truck at the corner of Hill Street and Van Norman this morning.  They say that there were no serious injuries but the driver of the SUV was taken to hospital.  The occupants of the other vehicle were not hurt.

Disaster Relief Events Coming Up

There are a number of upcoming events that will help the Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone making a donation at Saturday's Thunderwolves hockey game will get a free skate sharpening  and a chance to win a thousand dollars worth of hockey equipment. Take-A-Hike is helping out by donating 10 dollars from every sale of their plaid rubber boots until October 17th to the cause. The 23rd annual Thunder Bay Reunion in Toronto happening Saturday night will see all of the admissions proceeds given back to the flood relief fund. Volunteer Thunder Bay is recruiting people to help canvass the city for a one day bottle drive that is scheduled for next weekend. Tickets are now on sale for 20 dollars for the Rock The Firehouse fundraiser happening November 17th at the C.L.E. Colliseum, being put on by the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association.

Ground Search Ends For Suspect

Police in Nipigon are continuing their search for a man that is wanted in a stolen vehicle case. A routine stop just east of the community yesterday became a full blown search which included police dogs and the tactical unit after the man ran off. Police say they have ended the ground search for the man they describe as a being Caucasian and 30 to 40 years of age with dark curly hair.

Lumber Industry Awakening?

The Resolute Forest Products lumber mill in the city is adding a third shift in the new year according to union rep Marvin Pupeza. He says the company is making the preparations right now. He says the move could add up to 30 jobs to the workforce of 150.   Pupeza adds that the move appears to be a sign of the times in the lumber industry noting that the Eacom mill in Ear Falls is expected to reopen in September.

Weather Temperatures Returning To Normal

With a rash of accidents this week along the Eastern shores of Lake Superior, motorists are now worried about Winter driving. Geoff Coulson with Environment Canada says the weather for Thunder Bay in the coming days should not result in any snowfall for the city. Coulson adds temperatures should resume to normals for this time of year with highs of 11 and lows down to zero.

Search For Wanted Man Re-evaluated Today

Nipigon O.P.P. are going to re-assess their search for a man later today. They were searching for a man using their Emergency Response Team and a Thunder Bay Police Canine unit. Provincial police attempted to pull over a vehicle near the township of Patience, just East of Nipigon when the driver took off. Police then found the vehicle abandoned in Nipigon. O.P.P. say there is no danger to the public for now, but the man is wanted on suspicion of stolen property and fleeing police.

Missing Hunter Found

O.P.P. are reporting another successful search for a missing hunter. This time a 78 year old man from Arkona, Ontario was reported missing on Wednesday. The man had been separated from his party. The Emergency Response Team, O.P.P. canine along with a Ministry of Natural Resources helicopter and Lakehead Search and Rescue volunteers were all involved in the search. The man has been located and is unharmed.

Thunderwolves Set For Home Opener

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team takes on the York Lions in their regular season home opener tonight at the Fort William Gardens. The Thunderwolves are a little banged-up on defence and will be without Mitch Fillman and Jay Gilbert. Captain Adam Sergerie is epected to play despite missing practice time during the week. The Thunderwolves are 2-and-0 in the regular season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.