Hobbs Backs Murray For Liberal Leader

Mayor Keith Hobbs is endorsing Glen Murray for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Hobbs calls Murray a visionary for the ideas he has laid out for northern Ontario. Hobbs is especially impressed with Murray's idea of a regional government for the north. He says the south doesn't understand the north and sites the example of the Mission Island generating station and the "mess with" the Ontario Power Authority that proves we need people from the north governing the north. Hobbs is one of four northwestern Ontario mayors backing Murray, the others are: Dave Canfield of Kenora, Rick Dumas of Marathon and Dennis Brown of Atikokan.

Police Make arrest In Dog Attack Investigation

City police say they have made an arrest in connection with a weekend dog attack on an 11 year old boy. Police say a man who appeared to be the owner of the dog did not remain at the scene. More details are expected to be released later today. The attack occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Tarbutt Park when the boy entered the hockey rink not realising there was a large dog and five smaller dogs behind the boards. A man reportedly left the scene without offering any assistance to the boy, who will require reconstructive surgery.

O.P.P. Re-open Highway 588

Highway 588 in Kakabeka Falls is back open to motorists today after Ontario Provincial Police had to close it early yesterday morning. A two vehicle collision occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. near MacLean's Road. Police can't confirm a report that two people were sent to hospital with serious injuries. Police have not said if charges are pending.

Women's Volleyball Defeats Ryerson

Sarah Reid, Vanessa Chorkawy and Jorie Daymond led the offence for Lakehead University's women's volleyball team as they beat Ryerson 3 sets to 1 yesterday at home. The trio of attackers has 12 and 11 kills respectively as L.U. improved to 2-4 in the regular season despite having some of the province's best team and indivudual statistics. The team is off to London next weekend to take on the Western Mustangs.

Possible Re-Hab Facility Draws Opposition

There's potential controversy brewing as city administrators say the old Oliver Road School is being considered as a possible site for a drug rehab facility. City Administration is telling councillors that the request is appropriate, but that there is strong opposition from residents in the area who are concerned about public safety. Also at City Hall tonight councillors will be asked to approve the purchase of a new fire truck at a cost of almost 600 thousand dollars.

Dog Attacks Child

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an incident which left an eleven year old in the hospital. The child was attacked by a dog at Tarbutt Park yesterday and now requires reconstructive surgery for his injury. The dog was among five other dogs inside the hockey boards at the park. The dog's owner left the park without leaving his information or assisting the child. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police

Highway 588 Closure

The Thunder Bay detachment of the OPP are advising drivers that highway 588 is closed at Mclean Road. A serious car collision shut down the area overnight and will continue to be closed to traffic until further notice. Police will be releasing more information as it becomes available.

School Replaces Security Guard

The Public School Board is confirming reports that a security guard at Superior Collegiate has been replaced after an incident at the high school this week.   Spokesperson Bruce Nugent says it involved an innappropriate comment made by the male guard to a female student.  There's no word on exactly what was said. Security guards have been placed at all public high schools this week because of job action by the teachers.

Christmas Parade All Set

The annual Christmas parade takes place Saturday morning. it starts at 10 o'clock at the Community Auditorium and moves along Memorial Avenue to the CLE grounds. Organizer Volker Kromm is hoping the good weather will attract up to 30 thousand spectators.Kromm says there will be about 50 floats in the this years event.

Police Release Robbery Details

City police are out with new details concerning an overnight robbery at a Mac's convenience store on Simpson Street. Just before midnight, a masked man carrying a knife entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect made of with some money. The clerk was not injured. Police are looking for a Caucasian man approximately 5-foot-6 inches tall with a medium build with blond short hair. He was wearing black and white checkered pants, a grey hoodie and a blue toque. He had a Toronto Maple Leafs bandanna covering his face and he was wearing ear phones. Anyone with information about the identity of this male is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers.

Four Laning Continues

The government is announcing the next phase of twinning the Trans Canada Highway between here and Nipigon.   Work will being later this year on a 13 kilometre stretch east of Highway 527.   It will be completed in 2015.    Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd. was awarded the contract.

Wynne-ing Over The North

Kathleen Wynne is unveiling a 4 point plan that she hopes will resonate with northern Ontarians. While campaigning in Thunder Bay, Wynne met with a number of groups to hear their concerns. Part of Wynne's plan would be to create a northern Ontario Cabinet Committee within 30 days if elected.

Lappe Search Called Off

O.P.P. are calling off a ground search for a suspicious man in Lappe and Gorham township.  Staff Sergeant James Graham says provincial police made the decision instead to issue an arrest warrant for the suspect.  Police are asking residents in Lappe and Gorham township to call them if they do notice anyone wandering around the area looking suspicious.

Murray Promises Regional Government

Glen Murray has some bold plans for the north if he becomes premier of Ontario. The Liberal leadership candidate says his number one priority for the north is to set up regional governments. Speaking in Thunder Bay Murray says it's all about taking control.  Murray says the process would begin with discussion then it would be put to a public vote in the form of a referendum.

McGuinty Proud Of Ring Of Fire

 As he gets set to leave his job in the new year Premier Dalton McGuinty believes his government's  greatest accomplishment for the northwest was the Ring of Fire mining project. He calls the Ring of Fire an exciting new frontier in economic development for the northwest.  McGuinty also points to the new hospital in Thunder Bay along with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the new law school

Mac's Store Robbed Overnight

City police are expected to release a full description of a man later today. They are currently on the hunt for a man who robbed a Mac's convenience store on the 700 block of Simpson Street just before midnight last night. Police say the man entered the stored brandishing an edged weapon and demanded cash and then took off. Police say no one was hurt and more details are to be released later today.

Manhunt Continues In Lappe & Gorham

O.P.P. are expected to be continuing a ground search later today for a man in Lappe and Gorham township. Police tried to pull over a vehicle early yesterday morning when the man took off on foot into the bush. The Emergency Response Team and the Anishnabek Canine Unit were scouring the bush yesterday for the man who allegedly showed up at a residence in Gorham township. Provincial police say the man is not considered a threat or dangerous but are advising residents in the area not to pick up hitchhikers.

Thunderwolves Weekend

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams host their home opener tonight at the L.U. Thunderdome. The women's team tips-off against the Queen's Golden Gaels at 6:00 with the #7 ranked men hitting the hardwood at 8:00. Meanwhile the women's volleyball team are also at home this weekend. They take on the University of Toronto Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. and then against Ryerson on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the #8 ranked Thunderwolves men's hockey team travels on the road this weekend for games against Brock tonight and Wilfred Laurier tomorrow. You can watch live games by clicking on www.ssn.ca

McGuinty Sticks To His Guns

Premier Dalton McGuinty will not budge. He's standing by a decision to put a hold on the conversion the Mission Island power plant to natural gas for what experts say could be energy savings of 400 million dollars. Speaking in Thunder Bay, the outgoing premier says it's all about meeting the energy needs of the north. McGuinty says it would be reckless to proceed without looking at the advice of those experts.

Police Make Arrest In 2011 Traffic Death

Thunder Bay police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal accident last year on Victoria Avenue at Leland. It killed at 60 year old woman. Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the man was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on the city's south side. Charged is Ashley Shabogomik of the Aeroland First Nation. Hay says the investigation lasted over 400 days.

Woman Hit By Vehicle

City police are searching for a woman at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital after she was reportedly hit by a vehicle. Police say the incident was called in just after 2:00 o'clock this afternoon and happened at the corner of Oliver and High Street. Police say a witness was able to take the woman to hospital with unknown injuries and now officers are trying to find her.

Manhunt In Lappe

O.P.P. are on the lookout for a man in Lappe. Officers are currently on foot trying to cordone off certain areas of the bush as they look for a man who is wanted on a number of charges. It stems from an incident early this morning when police say the man failed to stop for a routine check and proceeded to run into the bush. O.P.P. have since recovered the vehicle and have had a number of reports from nearby residents who said they had spotted the man.

Hospital Gridlock Continues

It's organized chaos at the Health Sciences Centre as staff are coping with the stressful situation of gridlock. That means that all the beds in the facility are taken and it's a juggling act with the patients. Hospital spokesperson Mark Henderson there's a faint light at the end of the tunnel with the construction of new beds coming, but that is not an immediate solution. Henderson says there are about 60 patients at the hospital that are the cause of the overload

Stop The Energy Politics Says Horwath

The leader of the Ontario NDP says it's time to take the politics out of the Mission Island power plant debate. The Ontario Power Authority is claiming the plants closure could save 400 million dollars. However on a visit to Thunder Bay Andrea Horwath would not say whether she would keep the plant open or closed if she were premier.   Horwath says it's clear the issue has become a political football.

MP Rickford Says ELA Allegations Are Untrue

The MP of Kenora is very disappointed with a recent statement put out by the Coalition to Save The Experimental Lakes Area. Greg Rickford says that the statement made by Director Diane Orihel regarding a possible sale to an unknown buyer, is completely untrue. Rickford says there was no such thing, and that they are looking at the best option for the water research facility. Orihel also said that the government is striking down motions to save the ELA behind closed doors, and Rickford says that is not true either.

National Developent Centre Team Announced

The National Development Centre's nordic ski team is embarking on a busy season. The 13 member team was introduced today and will take part in 15 to 20 events throughout the Winter months. Team Manager Amanda Holdsworth says the team will be eyeing the World Junior Under 23 Trials from January 3rd to the 6th at Lappe as one of their major events of the season. 

PARO Awards Tonight

Nine women business owners are being honoured this evening by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise. They are being recognized as the top enterprising women of 2012.  The event takes place at the Victoria Inn

Politicians Visit City Today

Thunder Bay is a political hotbed today. Premier Dalton McGuinty is expected in the city later today, along with Liberal Leadership candidates Glenn Murray and Kathleen Wynne. They are here for a fundraising dinner for Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle.

Vehicle Crashes Into Light Pole

City police say 4 charges are being laid against a man following an early morning collision. The man is facing two alcohol charges, a stolen vehicle charge and one count of dangerous driving. Police were called to the corner of May and Arthur Street at approximately 4:25 a.m. to a report of a vehicle crashing into a light stand. The man made an appearance in video court this morning.

Mauro Backs Pupetello For Leader

Bill Mauro knows who he wants to see as the province's next premier. The Thunder Bay MPP is endorsing Sandra Pupetello for to replace Dalton McGuinty as liberal leader. Mauro says believes she is best suited to lead the province and understands the needs of the north.

Project Sold Off

An exploration project, in its infancy stages in the Rainy River district, is being sold off. B-C based Duncastle Gold has signed a letter of understanding to acquire the Mineral Mountain Resources Pipestone project in a cash and shares deal. It's located about 60 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

Chamber of Commerce New Board Members

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce has some new faces on it's 2013 board of directors.  Eat Local: Pizza & Pastry owner Jim Stadey, as well as Lakehead University's Bahram Dadgostar will sit on the board, followed by Bombardier's Claude Gingras, and Uli Walther of GKR Fasteners.

Christmas Cheer Ready To Fundraise

The Christmas Cheer Fund is back for another year. Past Chair person Jolene Kemp says one of this year's goal is to have a positive outcome. Christmas Cheer's Chair person will announce the Campaign's new goal at the end of November.

Credit Counselling On The Rise

Thunder Bay's Counselling Centre is seeing a jump in the number of people coming to them for help with their finances.  Manager Sheri Fata says they've seen a 28 percent increase in the number of their clients and most of the time its after they've already racked up a debt.  Fata says they hope people will be smart when it comes to their holiday spending.  Fata made the comments during a celebration of Credit Education Week and wants to remind the public that their services are free and they're here to help.

Toys For Tots Back Again

Toys for Tots is back for another holiday season of fundraising. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg says they're confident in their fundraising efforts. The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations. Money raised goes towards buying toys and gifts that Christmas Cheer gives to those in need.

Education Centre Open On Cumberland

There's a new opportunity for First Nation residents to upgrade their skills and training. The Matawa First Nations set up an education centre at the Everest College building on Cumberland Street. Spokesperson Carolyn Zadnik says they'll be helping residents upgrade their highschool education and beyond. Over 100 students are expected to take part in the program.

Auto-Pedestrian Collision Near City Hall

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision between a car and a pedestrian. It happened just after 10:30 a.m. this morning at the intersection of Archibald and Donald Street. 2 city buses were indirectly involved and are parked at the scene while police investigate further. No other information is being released at this time.

Police Begin Ground Search For Missing Woman

Twenty city police officers are on foot patrolling the area surrounding the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police are conducting the ground search for 42 year old Pauline Kireto who was last seen on October 15th. Efforts by her family and police to locate her have been unsuccessful. Kireto is described as 5-foot-1 with a medium build and short dark hair. She does require medication and has been without them since the time of her disapearance. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call city police or crimestoppers.

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett In T.Bay

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett is holding a roundtable event at Lakehead University tonight.  The Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Critic will be speaking with Confederation College and LU students about aboriginal issues.  The event gets underway at 4:45 tonight.

NAN Talks Funding Cuts

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is taking action against the Federal Government's funding cuts to First Nation organizations.  A series of funding cuts have been made and will be fully implemented by 2014.  NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno says if they have less money to work with they won't be able to hold as many conferences.  Yesno brought up the federal funding issue at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Special Chiefs Assembly currently running at the DaVinci.

Noront Stays The Course

Noront Resources remains confident production of its Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario will begin on time.   President Wes Hanson says even though Cliffs Natural Resources has delayed the start up date for it's own mining project by a year, Noront still has its sights set on starting production at the Eagle's Nest site in 2016 or 2017.  Hanson says however  that still hinges on the search for cash.  While not mentioning a possible financial partner, Hanson says they're optimistic they can  assemble a package which will meet their start up target.

Hobbs Says Last Resort T.Bay Buys Plant

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is confident a local delegation has swayed the mind of Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  Hobbs, Councillor Joe Virdiramo and NOMA President Ron Nelson were in Toronto Tuesday to discuss the possible closure of the Mission Island power plant.  Hobbs says they aren't opposed to purchasing the plant themselves if the Province decides to mothball the facility.   Hobbs says he thinks they made a pretty strong case to keep the plant alive.

Bisson Weighs In On Power Plant

The Provincial New Democrats are weighing in on the Provincial Government's decision to possibly close the Mission Island Power Plant.  NDP Critic Gilles Bisson says the situation adds up to election seat saving. Bisson's comments are in reaction to a recent meeting with a Thunder Bay delegation and Energy Minister Chris Bentley.

ELA Concerns Not Over

The Coalition to save the ELA is concerned about the possible sale of the Experimental Lakes Area to an unknown buyer.  Diane Orihel is the director of the coalition and says the government is striking down motions to save the ELA behind closed doors.  Orihel adds that the government has seemingly ignored 25 thousand signatures on a petition to save the ELA from being sold.

Sarah In The Hall

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has a new bike.  It's the bone-bike used by the Kids in the Hall in their 2010 series "Death Comes to Town."  It was given to Campbell after the Kids wanted a place to store it.  The bike is now on display at Campbell's Queen's Park office.

T-Wolves Drop One In Rankings

In hockey news...the Lakehead University Thunderwolves are now ranked number 8 in the country.  That's a drop of one spot in the CIS rankings from last week.  The T-Wolves are tied for first place in the OUA's West Division with the Windsor Lancers.   They'll be on the road this weekend for games with the Brock Badgers and Laurier Golden Hawks.

City Drives Message Home To Energy Minister

The City's delegation feels they drove their message home to Energy Minister Chris Bentley this morning.  Mayor Keith Hobbs, Councillor Joe Virdiramo and NOMA President Ron Nelson met in Toronto this morning with the energy Minister to discuss the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant.  Virdiramo says the Minister never said the plant will close he just implied they will put the project on hold while they collect more information.  Virdiramo says they let the Minister know they want to see the plant continue to operate.  The City held a news conference this morning via teleconference.

City Delegation Meets With Minister

The meeting is over and now the waiting begins. A Thunder Bay delegation, led by MPP Bill Mauro, met in Toronto this morning with energy Minister Chris Bentley to discuss the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant. Mauro believes the minister heard city concerns loud and clear. Mauro now wants to scrutinize the numbers from the Ontario Power Authority which claims the closure of the plant could save the province 400 million dollars in energy costs.

Dilico & CAS Sign Deal

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is taking over child welfare services for Aboriginal children and families in Thunder Bay.  Dilico and the Children's Aid Society signed a formal agreement this morning on the Fort William First Nation.  Dilico Executive Director Michael Hardy says the agreement lays out jurisdictions for the two organizations.  CAS Executive Director Rob Richardson says they've always been supportive of Aboriginal children receiving child protection services from an Aboriginal agency.

Province Wide Bargaining Begins

With another round of bargaining underway, provincial government workers in Thunder Bay are holding an information picket today outside mini-Queens Park. Their union spokesperson Neil MacDonald says it's to mark the start of contract talks between the public service union and the province. MacDonald says 38 hundred government workers in the northwest are affected by the talks.

Fatal Crash Near Kenora

Two people are dead following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 east of Kenora. Police say their vehicle crossed the centre line and ran into a minivan around 7:00 o'clock last night. A 75 year old man and a 71 year old female companion died in the crash. The Highway was closed for over seven hours while the wreckage was cleared and the OPP conducted their investigation of the crash scene.