Police seek missing senior

Thunder Bay police are asking for your help in finding a missing 84 year old man. They say that Norman Johnson was last seen on Monday when he drove away from his home. He was driving a black 2005 Ford F150 extended cab with Ontario plate number 500 5AC

Missing woman sighted

The police are looking for a missing 20 year old year woman. They say Danielle Lawson was reported missing by her family February 7th, but was seen in public on Friday in the company of a man at the OLG Casino

Robbery times two

Police now have a suspect in connection with Sunday night's Mac's Convenience Store robbery Syndicate Avenue and they didn't have to go far to find him. They say it's the same 20 year old they arrested on Tuesday in connection with Mac's robbery on Beverly Street.

Consultation process sbould be tweaked

The city's public consultation methods could use some updating.  That's the opinion of one city law maker.  Current River Councillor Andrew Foulds says the city is doing a good job of consulting with the public, but the fact that very few people attended recent budget meetings makes him think more can be done to reach residents through the use of the Internet and social media.

Syrian situation gets even bloodier

If it wasn't yet the situation in Syria is becoming an massive international human rights issue.  Lakehead University Political Science Professor Laure Paquette says the deaths of 2 international journalists will lead to more talk on the international stage but unfortunately for the Syrian people she doesn't expect any western military intervention anytime soon. 

City delegation heads to TO to lobby

A delegation from Thunder Bay is once again heading to the Ontario Good Roads Association Conference.  Mayor Keith Hobbs will lead the group that includes 5 councillors, City Manager Tim Commisso and the Economic Development Officer of Fort William First Nations Ed Collins to the conference that kicks off Sunday.  The delegates will be meeting with several provincial ministers including Energy Minister Chris Bentley and Deb Matthews the Minister of Health and Long Term Care.  The 3 day conference wraps up Wednesday. 

Gravelle supports colleague

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle is standing up for his fellow colleague in cabinet in the wake of the Ornge financial scandal. Gravelle says calls by the opposition for Health Minister Deb Mathews to step down are uncalled for saying she is on top of the situation.   It's so serious, the government has called in the OPP to investigate what's been going on behind the scenes at the province's air ambulance provider.

"Iconic" event set for March 3rd

It's back for another year. The 35th annual Sleeping Giant Loppet takes place March 3rd at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Organizer Marianne Stewart says they're hoping for up to a thousand participants. Stewart calls the loppet an iconic winter event in Thunder Bay saying many cross country skiers train all year for it.

Today America, tomorrow the world

A Thunder Bay Lab that has the rights to a prostate testing service is able to expand it's market in the United States. Bob Poulter, the president of Mitomics says they've signed a distribution deal with Lab M-D of Atlanta, Georgia and he hopes for more to come with future world wide distribution contracts.  This latest distribution deal is the third such agreement for the company.

Assault fuels mayor's ire

The Mayor isn't happy with this week's mugging outside Fort William Gardens.  Hobbs says the incident where a woman was assaulted and robbed is just another reminder about the sad state of crime in this city.  He says one of the biggest problems is the courts which in his opinion are weak.  Hobbs says crime has been an issue here for a very long time and its time we start addressing the issues behind it.

RNAO boss visits city

The executive director of the province's Registered Nurses Association is calling for more funding for primary care in Thunder Bay.   Doris Grinspun's call comes after today's visit to the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner Clinic which she says is short four NP's because of a lack of funding.  Grinspun also visited the Health Science's Centre, the District Health Unit and Hogarth Riverview Manor.

Legal victory for former councillor

A former Thunder Bay city councillor is getting his day before the highest court in the province.  The Ontario Court of Appeal has granted Robert Tuchenhagen permission to appeal his conviction that he broke the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act in his purchase of some surplus city property in 2008.  The purchase took place while he was a city councillor.   His lawyer Chantelle Bryson,  says her client is thrilled that the appeal has been granted noting the case has some novel issues to explore.  

NAN not happy with Feds Report

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is less than pleased with the Federal Government and a report it plans to send to the United Nations.  NAN is upset the Government failed to consult First Nations in their report on combating discrimination.  That report is set to go to the UN this week.  NAN is also sending the United Nations their own report on the discrimination First Nations face and the denial of their fundamental rights.

Memorial planned for former mayor

The city is giving you the chance to pay your respects to Dusty Miller. The former mayor died last week at the age of 82. City Clerk John Hannam says there will be a public memorial service Friday afternoon at the Community Auditorium.  He calls it a unique opportunity to honour someone who has given quite a bit to the city.  The doors to the auditorium will open at 1:15 and the service starts at 2 o'clock

Noront Resources Open House Thursday

You can have your say tonight at an open house for Noront's Eagle's Nest mining project.  Chief Operating Officer Paul Semple says public feedback on their project so far has been positive.  The open house is being held at the Travelodge from 5 until 9 Thursday night.

Critic pays visit to T.Bay

The Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic says a regional approach is needed to move the Ring of Fire project forward.  Dr. Carolyn Bennett issued the comment following a briefing in Thunder Bay on Tuesday. Bennett says they need everyone on the same page.  Bennett met with advisers of area Chiefs and Council.

Dryden in trouble

Dryden has been red flagged by the provincial government.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing paid council a rare visit last night to update it on the city's current financial situation.  Spokesperson Susan Fraser says Dryden hasn't filed a Financial Information return in 3-years.  The province is already withholding 3.4-million dollars in funding for the city and the grant allocations for 2010 and 2011 haven't been calculated.

Fire Marshall investigates Sandy Lake Fire

The office of the Fire Marshall is expected to arrive in Sandy Lake First Nation today to survey the damage caused by a large fire at Thomas Fiddler Memorial School.  Nishnawbe-Aski Police received an anonymous report of a fire on Sunday afternoon.  The fire caused extensive fire, smoke and water damage.  No one was injured.  An initial investigation shows that the fire started in the storage and supply room area.

Mauro pays tribute to Miller

Former Thunder Bay mayor Dusty Miller is being remembered across the province.  Miller died last week after a lenghty illness she was 82.  In the Ontario Legislature,  provincial member of  parliament  Bill Mauro paid tribute to Miller.

Campbell on region's Oxy addiction

The Provincial Government is being asked to come up with a strategy to help people addicted to prescription drugs. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell rose in the Ontario Legislature this morning to ask the Health Minister to take action. Campbell says while it has been announced that Oxycontin will no longer be produced, there are still many people who will have to deal with the devastating impacts of their addiction to the drug.

Oversight leads to 7 million left out the budget

At first it looked like a major blunder but an apparent 7 million dollar oversight was just a timing issue.  Administration informed council Tuesday night that the capital investment for the Emergency Services Shared Facilities plan was left out of the document.  City Clerk John Hannam says the funds were approved after the document was put together and since the capital investments are paid for through reserve funds it won't affect the tax rate. Hannam says much of the funding will come from the EMS reserves which is meant for these types of expenditures.

Council approves the 2012 budget

The city's budget is another step closer to being in the books.  Council voted 11-2 in favour of accepting the document at Tuesday night's meeting.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto voted against the budget saying we keep going to the tax payer when maybe its time to look at city staffing.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says its a very lean budget that does go after the deplorable state of our roads, and because of that its a great document. The document comes with a tax increase of 2.67 percent and will be ratified March 5th.