Hobbs get racist reaction

Mayor Keith Hobbs' efforts to reach out to the Aboriginal community is bringing out the worst in some people.  Hobbs says he's received some letters and e-mails that indicate they aren't pleased with his stand.   It includes one from Edmonton which was checked out by police there, but no charges were laid.

Oxdrift man creates ice hut

Roger Nordlund of Oxdrift, near Dryden, is creating a YouTube buzz in Northwestern Ontario with this video of his ice fishing hut

Election Speculation

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer has decided he won't support the Federal budget as it stands. Hyer says he's ready for a possible election. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's surprised Jack Layton moved as quick as he did in tossing out the budget. Rickford believes the Conservative Government struck a perfect balance in the budget.

Bisson not happy with Agent Orange panel

Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson's is expressing his displeasure to the McGuinty government. Bisson is not happy with the province's choice to name Dr. Leonard Ritter as the head of the Agent Orange investigation panel. Bisson says Dr. Ritter approved the use of Agent Orange in the past. Bisson raised the issue in the Legislature on Wednesday.

Baird talks budget

Members of the Conservative Government continue to sell their budget despite election talk in the air.  John Baird is the regional Minister of Northern Ontario and says the opposition is voting against the 4 million dollar Cyclotron.  The Liberals plan to introduce a non-confidence motion.

LU bans sale of bottled water

It looks like the sale of bottled water will be banned on the campus at Lakehead University. A survey of 5 thousand students, faculty and staff shows almost 60 per cent think it's bad for the environment. The student union and administration will now meet to figure out a plan to eliminate the sale of botted water

Clue turns up in Wabasse search

There's another clue in the search for Jordan Wabasse. The 17 year old has been missing since February 7th and the search has been centred around the Kam River near the area of the James Street bridge. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says a running shoe has been found.  He says there's a "high probability" the shoe belongs to the missing youth.   Adams says as a result of the discover the area will remain the focal point of the search

Province rolls out cash

The Provincial Government has rolled out its share of cash to area communities.  Thunder Bay's share of funding for policing and social programs comes in at almost 650-thousand dollars.  Shuniah will see 97-thousand, and Neebing over 33-thousand.

Northern Ontario economy to be discussed

The Northern Ontario economy could recieve a big boost thanks to a new concept. The Northwestern Ontario Bio-Economy Corporation will be introducing a "Grassroots Approach". Spokesperson Natalie Hughs hopes the approach will help promote entrepreneurship. An annual "Grassroots" conference will be held Saturday at the Valhalla Inn.

Leon out on bail

Adam Leon is now free on bail.  The former Confederation College student made a court appearance this morning in Thunder Bay.  He was allowed out on 10 thousand dollars bail and will be back in court April 13th.   Leon is charged with theft in connection with an incident almost 2 years ago that caused an international sensation after a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States.

Missing teen found

The story of a missing teen in Thunder Bay has come to an end.  17 year old Soline Whitney Sakanee has turned up safe and sound in Sioux Lookout.  The teenager hadn't been seen since Friday.

Budget Reaction Wrap Up

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer hasn't decided if he will support the budget yet.  Hyer expects to have made up his mind by tonight.   Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty will not support the federal budget as it stands.  Rafferty says that doesn't mean all hope is lost for the 4 million dollar Cyclotron.  Both NDP members say there will be money for the project under new governments.  The Liberal Candidate for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding is setting up his campaign headquarters.  Yves Fricot says there's not much in that fiscal document for the riding.

Wilson likes budget

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce thinks there are a number of incentives in the Federal Budget that will help the economy.  President Harold Wilson says it's a steady as she goes budget, and doesn't think it warrants triggering an election.  The Opposition parties have said they won't support the budget.

Rydholm on Federal Budget

There's a lot hanging in the balance.  That's the feeling of City Councillor Linda Rydholm.  Opposition parties have said that they plan to vote down the Federal Budget and trigger an election unless changes are made to the fiscal document.  Rydholm says there's too much at stake for Thunder Bay.  The head of the Canadian Federation of Canadian Municipalities adds each MP will have to do what they think is best for their riding.  The budet includes 4 million dollars in funding to help bring a Cyclotron to the city's hospital.

NAPS weighs in on Fed. Budget

The federal budget lays out 30 million dollars for aboriginal policing. The money will be put towards two years of First Nations policing.  Nishnawbe Aski Police Chief Claude Chum says it's not much when you look at the bigger picture.  Chum says the first nations policing program has been running a defecit the last couple of years.  The budget also includes 22 million dollars over two years to help First Nations ensure fuel tanks that power their community services meet environmental safety standards.

Army Worm invasion two years away

It will be at least two more years until Northwestern Ontario is plagued with high numbers of Army Worms.  Ministry of Natural Resources Expert Taylor Scarr says the insect has a 7 to 10 year outbreak cycle. 
The last outbreak started in 2001 and ended in the summer of 2004.  Scarr says when the outbreak starts you will notice more moths gathering around traffic lights at night.

Blackhawks hopeful Sharp will return

The Chicago Blackhawks have their fingers crossed that Patrick Sharp's knee injury is not season ending. Blackhawk's radio host Judd Sirott says that's the latest from the team coach.  He says the team is hopeful he can be back by the end of the regular season.   Sirott wouldn't speculate on whether the loss of Sharp will harm the teams chances of making the playoffs.  They have 10 games remaining, three of them with the Detroit Red Wings.

Bearskin Airlines to expand

Flights from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg will be more frequent now thanks to an expansion at Bearskin Airlines. They will have a new 34 passenger plane arriving in May. Vice President Cliff Friesen says they will be able to carry more passengers. Friesen says they will make stops in Sioux Lookout and Red Lake as well.

Shipping season upon us

The new shipping season is just days away in the Port of Thunder Bay. Harbourmaster Guy Jarvis says with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway preparations will start this week. The U.S Coast Guard icebreaker Mobile Bay will be here on Thursday morning, with the locks at Sault Ste. Marie opening Friday. He says the first ship of the season should arrive on the weekend.

Herman backs calls for suspension without pay

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is backing a call for the provincial government to open up the Police Act. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police wants the government to give them the option to suspend officers without pay. Bob Herman is also the head of the OACP and says it's been an ongoing concern for them. Herman says there is a lot of community support for it. Here in Thunder Bay, Sgt. Jim Mauro has been suspended with pay until his police act hearing.

Council formed for disabled athletes

Physically disabled athletes in the city no longer have anything to worry about when it comes to being active. The Thunder Bay Accessible Sport Council will help give para-sport athletes more opportunities to get physically active. Council chair Tessa Soderberg says it will try to unite many different para-sports. The council benefits athletes by giving them resources, sharing practices and improving access to physical activity.

Police looking for missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public for help in locating a missing teen.  17 year old Soline Whitney Sakanee hasn't been seen since Friday.  She has been known to frequent both the North and South cores.

City's Official Plan to be amended

Thunder Bay City Council is asking administration to amend the Official plan so there can be an additional lot on Melbourne Road.  Owner Terri Rizzo says they want to subdivide the property so her son can build a house and operate the gravel pit that already exists on the property.  Council wants administration to write a resolution explaining why they would allow an additional lot on Melbourne.  Councillors will still have to vote on whether or not to allow the subdivision. 

Cyclotron money rests with NDP

MP Greg Rickford says Thunder Bay's two NDP MP's may be about to put a kibosh on  4 million dollars of money towards a cyclotron for the Health Sciences Centre. The Conservative MP says the money is to be included in Tuesday's budget, but approval rests with the NDP.  Asks Rickford, "are they prepared to vote against probably one of the most significant medical advancements...in Thunder Bay in a long time?".  He says the money would be thrown into jeopardy as the result of an election call.

Hampton blames McGuinty Liberals for jury crisis

The blame for the jury selection crisis in the northwest lies with the McGuinty government according to NDP critic Howard Hampton. Jury trials are on hold until more First Nations are represented in the jury selection process. Hampton says this has been an issue since 2008.  He adds,  the government hasn't taken the problem seriously

Sharp's status unclear

The immediate future of Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp remains uncertain today.   The talented Chicago Blackhawk suffered a knee injury in the first period of Sunday's game against Phoenix.  The team isn't saying anything right now only that the injury is being examined.   Sharp is having a career year with 34 goals and some are saying the severity of damage to his knee will determine the severity of damage to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup hopes

Autopsy held in Toronto underway

OPP continue to investigate the death of an 11 year old Big Trout Lake First Nation girl. The young girl was reported missing in Sioux Lookout on Friday night and was later found on the property of Sacred Heart School early Saturday morning. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronouced dead. A post mortem exam is scheduled for today in Toronto. The name of the deceased is not being released.

Adam Leon's legal saga not over yet

Thunder Bay's Adam Leon is back in Canada. He's the one time Confederation College student who caused an international sensation after being arrested for flying a Cessna into American airspace in 2009.   Police say the RCMP escorted him back after his time in a Missouri jail.  He will appear in court via video in Thunder Bay on Wednesday on theft charges.

LU expert says Gadhafi remains cunning

The pressure continues on Moammar Gadhafi. Coalition forces continue to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. Lakehead University political science expert Laure Paquette says Ghadafi may be using his own people as human shields in the battle. Paquette says we should watch how well the rebels take advantage of the protection they are getting. She fears if Ghadafi is brought down, there could be a complete collapse of civilian order

Two fires, no injuries

Some tense moments for tenants of an apartment building on South Archibald Street. They were startled by the sound of blaring smoke alarms just before 9 a.m.. Fire officials say no one was hurt and a quick response confined damage to only one unit. One tenant told our newsroom the door to the fire escape was bolted shut and he had to kick it down to get out. A fire official says if that's the case, then charges could be pending to the owner. The property manager of the building has not returned our call.    At about the exact same time there was a garage fire in Current River.  A fire official says it took place on Surrey Street and crews had it out quickly.  No one was hurt.

Donations keep flooding in for Japan

 Thunder Bay continues to show support for the people of Japan.  The Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association held a sushi fundraiser yesterday and managed to raise 5 thousand dollars for the Red Cross.  Officials at the Red Cross say so far around 40 thousand dollars has been handed in to their office and another 10-15 thousand through online donations.

Feds back Cyclotron

This week's Federal Budget hasn't been released yet but according to reports will contain some help for Thunder Bay.  Reports say the budget contains 4 million dollars in funding to help bring a Cyclotron to Thunder Bay.  It would be part of a transitional research facility proposed for the hospital. 

Arrest made in Thunder Bay man's death

A suspect has been arrested in connection to the death of Thunder Bay man near Elk Lake.  The body of 32 year old Christopher Jean was found Thursday and police say Dwane Turk is charged with second degree murder.  The 55 year old Thunder Bay man worked with Jean.

Two more arrested in murder investigation

The other two suspects in Thunder Bay's 1st murder of the year have been arrested.  City Police took 18 year old Cody Thompson and 20 year old Christopher Hawk into custody last night in connection with the death of 54 year old Robert Francis Topping.  Police say Topping was assaulted when he walked into a break and enter in progress on Minnesota Street. 

Soldiers family visit Afghanistan

A group of Canadians recently made a trip to Afghanistan to honour love ones who paid the ultimate price in the war torn country.  Of the group, relatives of Corporal Anthony Boneca made the trip and took part in a memorial ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.

Police issue alert for wanted men

City police remain on the hunt for two men wanted in connection with the death of 54 year old Robert  Francis Topping early Saturday morning.    Police say it's the first murder of 2011.   They say both men are considered dangerous and should not be approached. The two are:  18 year old Cody Allister Thompson and 20 year old Christopher John Hawk.


Cody Thompson



Christopher Hawk



Thunder Bay Entrepreneurs

Thunder Bay auditions for the hit show Dragons Den were a success. Local entrepreneurs brought their ideas to the Prince Arthur Hotel for a shot at appearing on the show. Inventors will be notified within 3 weeks if they will advance to pitch their ideas to the real dragons on television in Toronto.

Missing Girl Pronounced Dead

Sioux Lookout detachment of the OPP were notified of a missing 11 year old girl. She was found yesterday morning and taken to Meno Yi Win Health care centre and was pronounced dead. OPP, Northwest region crime unit, and northwest identification unit are investigating the incident.

Police probe city's first murder of 2011

Thunder Bay police are investigating the city's first murder of the year. They say a 54 year old man died in hospital around 1 o'clock Saturday morning after he walked into a break-in in progress at a home on the 800 block of Minnesota Street. His 45 year old female  friend told police he was assaulted. The victim is identified as Robert Francis Topping. Police have arrested two men and are still looking for two others aged  18 and 20 years old.

Fire in City's South End

5 firetrucks rushed to a fire that broke out in the 500 block of S. Syndicate ave. No one was home at the time but firemen were able to rescue a dog safely. The fire was brought under control quickly although there had been substantial damage to the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fort Hope trip called productive

Another first for Mayor Keith Hobbs. He has just returned from a trip to the First Nations community of Fort Hope with City Manager Tim Commisso. Hobbs says they toured the community and both sides came away with a better understanding of each others needs.  Hobbs says they also talked of ways to accommodate people from Fort Hope to come to our city.  The mayor called the trip so productive they plan to visit other communities as well.

100 days at City Hall documented

A Thunder Bay filmmaker ready to release a documentary on the first 100 days of the new city council. Paul Moralee says his film takes us behind of scenes at City Hall. He says it follows not only the mayor and councillors but the workings of administration as well. The film makes it's debut at the Paramount Theatre on Thursday March 31st.

NAN wants CFBA scrapped

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation continues to fight against the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement.  Stan Beardy is leading the call for its termination and explains why.  Beardy had originally called for the agreement to be terminated by mid-March.  The CBFA is made up of 21 forest companies that want to control forest regulation.

Thunder Bay man dies in Northeastern Ontario

A 32 year old Thunder Bay man has been found dead in James Township near Elk Lake.  A post mortam exam is taking place in Sudbury.  OPP say the name of the deceased is being withheld until his family is identified.

Bearskin delays service to Minneapolis

"The Bear" won't be taking you to Minneapolis anytime soon. Plans to offer service to the twin cities by Bearskin Airlines have been put on hold according to Vice President Cliff Friesen who blames the red tape. He says approval from Homeland Security in the United States and the sale of the company are the problem. Friesen says the company now hopes to have the service running by the fall.

Air Canada scraps Ottawa to Thunder Bay

Air Canada has scrapped it's Ottawa to Thunder Bay direct route due to the rising cost of fuel.  The changes take effect May 1st.

Film festival returns

The annual Northwest Film Fest is back for it's 18th year. This year 17 films are on tap. Organizer Marty Mascarin says he's amazed how popular the festival and how it's become a part of the city's culture.   He says it's become a recruiting component for attracting physicians to the city.  The festival takes place at Silver City on March 27th and April 3rd.

Hyer weighs in on contempt of parliment

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says lying in parliament should be strictly punished. The comments come after our newsroom asked for his thoughts on the Commons Committee investigating if the government should be found in contempt of Parliament. Hyer says he has considered putting forward legislation to prevent misleading statements. Hyer would like members caught lying to be suspended the first time and after that removed.  Hyer says he's watched the Harper Government skirt the truth for 2 and a half years.

Libyan situation continues to change

The Situation in Libya continues to move and change almost by the hour. In the latest development the Libyan Foreign Minister has declared a ceasefire. Lakehead University Political Science Professor Laure Paquette says the move could signal a number of possibilities.  The call could be only an attempt to prevent any bombings by Western Powers.  Paquette says it is unclear exactly what kind of ceasefire this is, will government forces defend themselves and will rebels also take part in the ceasefire.  Another possibility is a split in the government since the Foreign Minister made the announcement and not Gadhafi.  Paquette says it could also mean Gadhafi is just buying time to move forces close to civilians making it very harder to bomb without civilian deaths.  

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Former Mill Manager passes away

A former mill manager of the Abitibi Bowater mill here in Thunder Bay has passed away.  Lorne Crawford was also a member of the air ambulance board "ORNGE".  Crawford's funeral will take place Saturday in Dryden.