Car Hits Pedestrian

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the public's help in completing their investigation into an auto pedestrian collision in Oliver Paipoonge.  On Monday afternoon a green sedan struck a 17 year old man walking at the intersection of Rosslyn Road and Queen Street.  Police say the driver stopped and asked if the pedestrian was ok but left without leaving a name or contact information.  Officers are looking for the driver or any witnesses.

OPP Investigate Death

OPP are investigating the death of a 55 year old woman in Strange Township.  Staff Sgt. Jim Graham says they were asked by the family to check in on the woman who resided alone on Northside Road.  Police found the woman dead on Monday and says the death doesn't look suspicous.  A post mortem exam is taking place in Toronto on Wednesday.

Swimming Advisory For Chippewa Park

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is issuing a swimming advisory for the Main beach at Chippewa Park.  The advisory doesn't close the beach or stop anyone from swimming there it just lets swimmers know about the water conditions.  Swimming in water with high levels of E. coli can cause skin, eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach illness. 

E-Bingo Approved

Thunder Bay Community Bingo is getting its wish and is joining forces with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to offer electronic bingo.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's good news for the local community groups that depend on bingo as a fundraiser.  Johnson notes e-bingo will help cut down on the number of volunteers that are needed to run a bingo. Council gave it's approval at last night's meeting.

MNR Reports No New Fires

It seems like everyday there's a report of new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.  However the Ministry of Natural Resources says there hasn't been any new ones for a couple of days. There are 35-fires active in the region, 32 of which are being monitored.

Fraud Warning

A scam in Northwestern Ontario, but this time the warning is out from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.  The Commission says people claiming to be with Sental Insurance have been targeting mostly Royal Bank of Canada clients.  They are asking for personal information in an effort to sell identity theft protection insurance on behalf of the bank.  But the Commission says the firm is not associated with the bank nor is it licensed to do business in Ontario.

LU Alumni Golf Tourney Sold Out

Lakehead University's Alumni Golf Tournament is sold out.  The 30th annual event will be held on Tuesday August 6th at the Whitewater Golf Course.  Organizer Mark Tilbury says money raised goes towards student financial aid.  They hope to raise over 45-thousand dollars from this year's event.

Research Conference Coming To T.Bay

Thunder Bay is going to host a major Canadian Research Conference this fall.  Organizer Rhonda Koster says it's the first time the Rural Revitalization Foundation has held a meeting in Northern Ontario.  The October conference will focus on finding ways to help grow rural Canada and will see 200 delegates take part.  

Crowded Jails

Dryden Police Inspector Kevin Glenister isn't surprised with a new statistic regarding Ontario's jails.  The Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections shows that almost half of the province's jails held more prisoners than they were designed for.  Glenister says they send majority of their prisoners to Kenora.  Glenister says all prisoners under 18-years-old either go to a facility in Kenora, Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie.

Ribfest Is Back!

Ribfest is back for another year, August 23rd to the 25th.  The Waterfront District BIA is bringing back the event to Court Street and Park Avenue. This year's event includes a best local rib competition as well as a competition between four out of town ribbers.  Over 20-thousand people turned up in droves to last year's event and even more are expected this August. Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski will also be on hand to talk about entertaining and cooking. BIA President Suzan Cooper Rochon says a portion of the proceeds from the beer garden will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.  

New City HR Director

Maureen Panizza is the City's new Director of Human Resources and Corporate Safety.  The appointment was made official Monday night by City Council.  City Manager Tim Commisso says Panizza is familiar in the role since she has been in it for the past six month in an acting capacity.  Panizza has been with the City since 1999.