First marathon in the books

The winner of the first Miles with the Giant Marathon is from Kenya. Philip Kipchumba completed the course in 2 hours and 29 minutes. The top Thunder Bay finisher was John Balabuck with Nicki Wilberforce of Thunder Bay the top female. Organizers are happy with the results and say they plan to be back next year.

Miles with the Giant off and running

The Miles with the Giant Marathon got off to a start shortly after 8 o'clock Sunday morning.. 835 runners are taking part in either the full or half marathons. For organizer Barry Streib  it's the end of a 2 year effort and credits the volunteers for the success.   He says the the satisfaction of getting it off the ground is amazing.  

Union walks away from NOSM talks

Talks have stalled in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine labour dispute.


Ontario Public Service Employees Union representatives left the table Friday afternoon after four days of talks last week.

A NOSM representative says progress was made but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

East Avenue Accident

There was a single vehicle accident this morning on East Avenue near County Boulevard.

Thunder Bay Police say a man was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

His condition is unknown at this time.

Man on fire in front of courthouse

Thunder Bay Police and Fire Rescue responded to a call about man who was on fire yesterday in front of the courthouse on Arthur Street.

It isn't yet known how the fire started.

The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

The man was taken to hospital, his condition is unknown at this time.

Harper speaks at Conservative rally

The Prime Minister wrapped up his visit Friday by speaking at a Conservative rally at the Victoria Inn.

Stephen Harper began his speech by name dropping some local hockey heroes. He also had some complements for Conservative candidates Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann and Richard Harvey.

Harper said out of the four years the Conservatives have been in power this has been the "greatest for Canada" and touted everything from Olympic gold to the G8-G20 meetings and the nation's global economic standing to make his case.

Harper also reiterated his party will work to abolish the long gun registry even if the Tories come up on the short end of next Wednesday's vote.

PM hints registry may survive vote

The Prime Minister remains determined to have the long gun registry scrapped.  In Thunder Bay Stephen Harper hinted the registry might survive next weeks vote in the House of Commons,  but...the fight will not end.  Harper says his party will not rest until the day the registry is abolished.

PM promotes waterfront project

The Prime Minister thinks the new Thunder Bay waterfront will be a tourist magnet. Speaking in the city Stephen Harper says when the project at Prince Arthur's Landing is complete, it will change our city. Harper says it will be a project cherished for years to come.   He was in the city to tout his governments 14.6 million dollar contribution to the project. 

Harper pays tribute to Terry Fox

A whirlwind visit to Thunder Bay for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper's first stop on Friday was to the Terry Fox Monument where he paid tribute to the long distance runner. Harper called Fox ``a true Canadian hero.'' The 30th Terry Fox Run is taking place Sunday.

Two new doctors in Thunder Bay

Two medical experts are relocating to Thunder Bay.   Dr. Michael Wood has been appointed as the new Vice President of Research at the Health Sciences Centre and the Research Institute.  Wood says he's looking forward to advancing the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.  Dr. Margaret Sweet will be taking up the role of a clinical neurologist.

Field of Greens comes to a close

If you plant it they will come.  The Field of Greens Community Garden has come to a close with harvesting taking place this weekend.  Spokesperson Kevin Holloway says the food grown will be used in the Salvation Army's hostel and food bank.  The project was a partnership between Port Arthur Rotary Club and the Salvation Army.

Rafferty goes back to work Monday

It's back to work for Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty.  A vote on dismantling the long gun registry is scheduled for later in the week.  Rafferty says he's sticking by his original stance and voting to dismantle the legislation.  Rafferty is introducing a private members bill asking the government to create a national strategy on FASD.  The Northern Ontario NDP MP notes he will also maintain his original position on the long gun registry and vote to abolish it.

United Way kicks off fundraiser

United Way wants to help provide help to the community 24/7.  The group kicked off its 2010 fundraiser by announcing their goal for the year.  Campaign Chair Wayne Fletcher says they hope to raise 2 million 470-thousand dollars.  That amount is higher than the amount raised last year.  Thunder Bay's United Way supports 69 programs and services that help 1 in 3 in the community.  The services are provided by 28 local agencies.  Fletcher adds they feel strongly that Thunder Bay will be able to dig deep and come up with that money.  The campaign wraps up in December with the final numbers being announced in January.

A man on the most wanted list could be in the city

A man on the RCMP's most wanted list may be in the City. Police say Paul Gallagher was spotted in the city yesterday trying to cash a cheque. Gallagher is wanted on a Canada wide Warrant for Parole Violations. He has a history of Identity theft and a picture can be seen on our news blog.

Marathon man talks to students

Motivational speaker and marathon runner Dick Beardsley is in Thunder Bay.  He's here to help promote the Miles with the Giant Marathon and talk to local high school students with a positive message of living a drug free lifestyle.  He says he knows his message is getting across, because many come to thank him later. Beardsley is no stranger to the city, he's been here to speak before.

Debate brings up many election issues

It was standing room only at the mayoral candidates debate at the Lakehead Labour Centre last night.  250 people took part, and only one candidate didn't show Brian Kwasny.  Audience members brought up the proposed Multi-plex and questioned if they city can afford such a project.  Keith Hobbs says if he's elected Mayor big ticket items will go to the public for a vote. Meanwhile, incumbent Lynn Peterson says it's not a done deal they are just conducting a feasibility study. Frank Pullia says nothing is final since council will change in two months time. Collin Burridge says he would engage the public on major infrastructure projects.  Another hot topic was the city's tax rate.  Councillor Frank Pullia says the city can't raise taxes any higher or else people will be forced out of their homes.  Meanwhile, Collin Burridge says he would put the money used to pay off the Health Sciences Center towards lowering property taxes.  Lynn Peterson says they pay close attention to what is in the budget, balancing cutting items and providing critical services.  Keith Hobbs says he would put off projects that are not necessities such as the waterfront project.

Outbreaks at old age homes

There are a couple of outbreaks at local old age homes.  Officials at the health unit have declared a respiratory illness on Plaza One.  Meanwhile, there's an outbreak at Versa Care on the fifth and sixth floors only.  The health unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting those sites.

First Nations sign agreements

Marten Falls and Webequie First Nation signed a relationship protocol with each other.  The document deals with exploration of any Ring of Fire discoveries.  The two first nations also signed a protocol with the Ministry of Northern, Mines and Forestry and Natural Resources.

No transit deal yet

The transit dispute still isn't settled, but the buses will still be running Friday.   Conciliator Myrna Mann will be flying in from Toronto to help both sides come to an agreement.   Union boss Charlie Brown says for now, there will be no strike as long as the talks are continuing.  Brown also promises that he will give the public plenty of warning if there is a strike. 

Jordan Staal out for the start of the season

Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal is going to miss the first six weeks  of the NHL season.   The star forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins needs 5 to 6 weeks to recover from a foot infection that followed an operation.    The surgery necessary to repair a tendon injury Staal suffered during the playoffs. It's a bit of a blow for Staal since he has only missed one regular season game in his 4 year career