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.

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.