Mayor heads to AMO on Monday

Thunder Bay has a number of meetings set up with ministers at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be speaking with nine different ministers.  The City will continue to push for Aboriginal Affairs to set up a regional office in Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs will attend as will Councillors Joe Virdiramo, Ken Boshcoff, and Iain Angus.

One beach open, one still closed

Good news for people who want to cool off this weekend. The Health Unit has lifted the swimming bans at Boulevard Lake's main beach. Chippewa Park's main beach is still closed.

Local mental health expert lauds Rypien family

The untimely death of Rick Rypien of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets is creating a lot of talk about depression after it was revealed he struggled with it for a decade.  Nancy Black of the Smith Clinic in Thunder Bay says  it may help others to realize they aren't alone.  She believes it's very courageous for the Rypien family to come forward and to make Rick's issues public.

The Environment is still important to people in Thunder Bay

A new study says the environment isn't as big of an issue in Canada as it used to be.  The consumer study saw 49 percent of people say the environment was very important down 11 percent from 2008, but EcoSuperior's Ellen Mortfield says Thunder Bay isn't following that trend.  She says 11 thousand people in Thunder Bay took part in EcoSuperior's Spring Up to Clean Up Program. Mortfield says she thinks the decline in interest has more to do with a lack of commitment from the Federal Government.

Planning for retirement isn't as easy as it used to be

Relying solely on a pension plan for your retirement isn't the way to go anymore.  That's the opinion of investment expert Blake Cameron who says the baby boomer generation retiring will put a strain on pension plans and already Stats Canada predicts there will be only 3 workers for every retiree by 2030.

Afghan war vets honoured

The Royal Canadian Legion is giving something back to Afghan war veterans in Thunder Bay Friday. Branch 5 president Rob Cutbush says they're holding an event at their Van Norman Street hall to welcome home the troops.

Tornado ranked as a zero

Environment Canada has released more details on Tuesday's tornado that touched down.  Spokesperson Geoff Coulson says the tornado tracked roughly 80-kilometres from Oxdrift, north of the Dryden Airport and northeast between Lac Seul and Sioux Lookout.  Coulson says the tornado is being rated as a zero event, which is the weakest on the tornado ranking scale.  Coulson notes the time it took for the tornado to blow through was unusually long, but notes the exact length isn't known at this time.

Goodbye to US fire crews

More out-of-province fire crews are heading home today. Fire crews from Minnesota and Michigan are being released from the fire lines, as the situation continues to ease in northwestern Ontario. There are now just 81 forest fires burning across the region.

Winnipeg man found dead

The body of a missing 28 year old Winnipeg man has been found in Shoal Lake.  Lucas Janz was last seen swimming on Sunday and failed to return to the camp he was staying at.  OPP say Janz's body was found not far from the camp on Galt Island.  A post mortem exam is taking place in Kenora today.

Syrian people are still on their own

Western Powers are following the US and are calling on Syrian President Bashar Assad to resign.  Lakehead University Political Science Expert Laure Paquette says this is likely as far as they will go unfortunately.  Paquette says despite the calls, she doesn't think Assad will step down.

Get ready for traffic woes on Golf Links Road

Get ready for a mess when you head down Golf Links Road.  Thunder Bay Hydro will be taking up a lane starting Monday to move power lines to make way for a widening of the road. Crews will take up the right lane from Fanshaw to the Harbour Expressway and the work is expected to take a month. 

Police lay charges after vehicle fires

A pair of teenagers are facing charges after 5 cars were burned to the ground.  Thunder Bay Police arrested the two yesterday morning after fires near two homes on Carl Avenue just after 3 o'clock.  The two boys are aged 17 and 18 years old.  

Scott Read is Northern Lights teacher

The Northern Lights Alternative school has its teacher.  They've hired Scott Read.  The group plans to showcase Read at it's "Meet the Teacher" event.  Parents of students will get to meet Read on Wednesday, August 31st.

Gravelle talks with OFL

Minister Michael Gravelle feels talks went well with the Ontario Federation of Labour.  Gravelle made a phone call to President Sid Ryan after injured workers occupied his office.  Gravelle says he's committing his support to moving forward on their concerns over workers compensation. 

New Chamber Chair

There's a new Chair of the board for the Chamber of Commerce.  Michael Nitz is assuming the role starting immediately.  Nitz is filling former Chair Justin Frape's shoes.

No partying in parks

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on people hanging out in local parks after hours.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they've received complaints of people partying in parks.  The latest you can stay in a park is 11 pm. If your caught in a park after hours, you'll be sent for a summons where you could face a potentially steep fine.

Cyclist not seriously hurt in collision

Police say a cyclist, involved in a mishap this morning,  is suffering only minor injuries.  They say the female was on a bike which came into collision with a pick up truck at the corner of River and Algoma at around 11:30

West Nile in NWO

Northwestern Ontario has its first report of West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes.  The mosquitoes were found in a trap in the Fort Frances area.  Officials stress there has been no human cases reported.

Lawyer for accused killer mum on bail possibility

A Thunder Bay man, who is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of his 61 year old wife,  remains in custody.   After a brief court appearance Wednesday,  63 year old John Robertson was ordered back September 17th.  His lawyer George Joseph won't comment on the possibility he'll be making a bail application on behalf of his client .  The body of Elaine Robertson was discovered in the couple's Oliver Road apartment in April.   

Chief Simon Fobister welcomes decision in Grassy's favour

The Grassy Narrows First Nation is claiming victory in a court case involving clear cut logging activity on its traditional land-use terrritory north of Kenora.  The ruling finds that the Government of Ontario does not have the power to take away the rights in Treaty 3 by authorizing development including logging and mining. The decision ends a decade long battle against logging on Grassy.

Two arrested after two vehicle fires

Thunder Bay Police have two people in custody after an early morning arson.  Officials say the two were arrested in connection to a pair of vehicles on fire on Carl Avenue just after 3 o'clock.  No one was hurt and shortly after that another 3 vehicles were on fire just down the street.

ATV accident claims life

Tragedy in the Rainy-River area. A 10-year-old boy is dead following an Off-Road vehicle crash. OPP say the boy was operating an ATV on a private property in Dawson Township. Police say he lost control of the vehicle and struck a barbed wire fence and was ejected from the ATV. He was transported to Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

EC confirms tornado

Environment Canada has confirmed that a tornado did touch down yesterday afternoon north of the Dryden Airport and in Sioux Lookout.  Spokesperson Geoff Coulson says officials will be in the area to survey the damage.  The length, width and strength of the twister is not known at this time.

Gravelle's office occupied

Injured workers are occupying Minister Michael Gravelle's Thunder Bay office. Lakehead Labour Council President Melanie Kelso says they're demanding the provincial government take immediate action to alleviate the grinding poverty forced on working people. Kelso wants workers compensation to become a provincial election issue.

Online fraud warning

Thunder Bay Police are warning people to be wary when using Kijiji, Auto Trader and eBay.  Detective Constable Heidi Moore says they've received several complaints of counterfeit transactions. Local residents have posted items for sale and have been contacted by alleged buyers via email.  The buyers offer the sellers more money than the item is worth and send counterfeit money orders.  They ask the seller to send back a portion of the excess cash.  Unfortunately the seller deposits the counterfeit money and is then responsible when the bank discovers the bogus transaction. Moore notes to always be cautious with buyers that offer you more money than your asking for.

Beaches closed in T.Bay

With warm temperatures this week, its not the news people wanting to cool off want to hear. The Health Unit has issued a notice closing Boulevard Lake, Chippewa Park and Sunny Side beaches. Recent water quality tests at the beach yielded higher than acceptable levels of E-coli bacteria.

Tornado warning over for Dryden

Environment Canada has ended the tornado warning for the City of Dryden, and the town of Vermillion Bay. A funnel cloud was spotted at the local airport Tuesday afternoon.

Lamore thinks "royal" move is great

A local legionnaire thinks it's great that the federal government is putting "royal" back in the name of our navy and air force. Past President Roy Lamore believes it's only common sense.  Lamore calls it an important distinction.

Collision sends one person to hospital

Thunder Bay Police continue to investigate a car accident on Chippewa Road.  A car and transport collided on Chippewa Road near the James Street Intersection Tuesday morning.  The 36 year old woman driver remains in hospital with minor injuries.  Chippewa Road was closed for several hours today due to the accident.

City launches waterfront exhibit

The City wants you to travel back in time to learn about the re-development of the waterfront.  Archivist Matt Szybalski says the waterfront has been a priority for councils since 1967.  Szybalski adds waterfront development has long been a topic of interest.  To view the site click here.

CRTC gives CBC a digital reprieve

 TV viewers in Thunder Bay who get their  French CBC from an over-the-air signal don't have to buy digital equipment to view the station.  The Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission is giving the public broadcaster permission to broadcast in analog for another year before they must switch to a digital signal

Northern Lights School still has room

Over 20 educators have applied for the position as a head teacher with the Northern Lights Alternative School. Spokesperson Carrie Gillies says they should make a hiring announcement in the coming days. The school will open in September at it's Clarke Street location. Gillies adds they still have room for more students.

Caribou Charity Ride coming up soon

Cyclists will be riding to help beat Cancer.  Organizer of the 3rd Caribou Charity Ride Jeff Hupka says the 3rd annual event is set to take place September 11th.  Hupka says they hope to raise cancer awareness and help bring about prevention by promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Missing Winnipeg man

OPP divers are expected in Kenora today to search for a missing Winnipeg man.  Police say 28-year-old Lucas Janz of Winnipeg went swimming at a camp on Shoal Lake on Sunday morning and failed to return.  Police have searched the island and immediate area with negative results.

PA Stadium one step closer to being Canada's Favourite Ballpark

Port Arthur Stadium is off to the finals in Baseball Canada's Favourite Ballpark in Canada.  Thunder Bay International Baseball Association Chair Larry Hebert says its a nice feather in the city's cap that will help draw baseball tournaments to the city.  Thunder Bay will take on the winner of the Trois-Rivieres and London Ontario who face off in this week's semi final.

Stolen vehicle found

A vehicle stolen from Thunder Bay was found in Marathon by OPP.  Officers were conducting a patrol in the area of Penn Lake when the driver of the car sped off.  Two Marathon youths are charged with possession of property obtained by crime and breach of conditions.

Former TBAY resident wins NDP nomination

NDP in Kenora-Rainy River have selected MPP Howard Hampton's constituency assistant in Dryden as their candidate in the October 6th provincial election.  Former Thunder Bay resident Sarah Campbell beat out Kenora lawyer Robert Sinding following a series of nomination meetings that concluded last night in Fort Frances.  Campbell says the campaign for her is now underway.  No results were given, but a total of 137 people cast ballots.

Attacks heat up in Syria

Its going to be a long and bloody road for the people of Syria.  That's the opinion of LU Political Science Professor Laure Paquette.  She says unfortunately her earlier predictions of escalation, ended up being right with news coming in that government forces are using artillery fire against protesters. Paquette says despite that, western powers are unlikely to intervene. 

Impaired driver causes 2 vehicle crash

Thunder Bay police have a 52 year old in custody after a late night collision.  Police say the man was impaired and caused an accident at the corner of Junot and Red River just before midnight.  The collision sent 5 people to hospital with minor injuries. 

Decision to be made in September

City Council is putting off making a decision on a proposed Bell cell phone tower in the area of Regina and John Street Road. Council was asked to write Industry Canada saying there are concerns over the site. Concerned resident Attilio Garro says the city let him down by putting off making a decision. Bell will be making a deputation to council at it's September 19th meeting and that's when council will make a decision.

Cell tower sparks squabble

Who would have thought a proposed cell phone tower could spark a squabble between City Councillors.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga was visibly angry with Chair Iain Angus when it came to the procedural rules.  Giertuga alleged Angus may have been controlling the debate to his advantage.  Angus called Giertuga out of order and asked for an apology. The tiff was over Council being asked to write a letter to Industry Canada over the location of a Bell tower.

Whalen building renos approved

Some City Councillors are concerned over the size of the contingency fund for repairs slated for the Whalen Building.  Administration says it's because the building is 98 years old and they're not sure what they could find when they start to rehabilitate.  Council approved a 719 thousand dollar renovation contract with Roof Tile Management.  3 million dollars will be spent on the building in the next two years.

Council confers over curbs

Some residents of Holly Crescent would like the city to hold off on resurfacing their street.  They want the city to repair the street at the same time as their water mains and curbs.  Administration told council they just don't have the funds to repair all of the curbs in the City.  Several councillors visited the street to see the state of its infrastructure.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff mentioned there are homeowners in Thunder Bay who are unhappy with new sidewalks being put in place, while places like Holly Crescent would like one.

Suicide Stigma

A local firefighter wants to remove the stigma from talking about suicide.  Scott Chisholm is the creator of the Collateral Damage project.  Chisholm spoke to City Council Monday night and asked them to help foster a community dialogue about the signs leading up to suicide and prevention. 

Forbes Township youth dead in accident

A 16 year old Forbes Township teenager is dead as the result of a weekend traffic fatality. OPP say the single vehicle accident happened on Highway 11-17 west of Highway 102 Saturday morning at around 9:15. The victim, Marvin Spencer, was pronounced dead at the scene while two other occupants were taken to the Regional hospital with less serious injuries

NDP claim Clement controlled G-8 slush fund

The NDP believe they have dug up information that's damaging to FedNor minister Tony Clement. Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says his party has discovered the Harper government set up a slush fund for last year's G8 meetings in a way designed to avoid scrutiny by the auditor general. Hyer claims that Clement secretly funnelled 50 million dollars in G-8 money from FedNor through his constituency office.

CLE makes its mark again

Organizers of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition say they couldn't be happier. President Lawrence Timko says they expect they will reach the 62 thousand mark in attendance.   He adds, everything went right this year with very few, if any, glitches or problems.  Timko says the weather was also perfect.    

Missing man on Shoal Lake

Kenora OPP are searching for a missing Winnipeg man on Shoal Lake. They say he was last seen swimming in the lake early Sunday morning. The shoreline search is centred around Galt Island.

New chief of police in Dryden

The City of Dryden has a new Chief of Police. Rob Davis has accepted the position, effective August 29th. The Police Services Board says Davis has extensive experience in policing, particularly with aboriginal issues and combating organized crime.

Boshcoff takes up residents cause

Residents in the Regina and John Street area have a supporter on city council in their corner. Ken Boshcoff says he'll be asking council to vote in favour of his request to have Bell move a planned cell phone tower in the area.  He says the neighbourhood is making  it quite clear they're not in favour of the tower.   Boshcoff's request is directed at the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission which has jurisdiction over the issue.

NDP In Kenora-RR continue the process

The last of four nomination meetings for the NDP in Kenora-Rainy River goes tonight in Fort Frances. Former Thunder Bay resident Sarah Campbell and Robert Sinding of Kenora are vying to be the riding's candidate in this October's provincial election.

Young offender arrested in stolen vehicle

A 14 year boy is behind bars this morning after being found in a stolen car.  Police found the car at Hillcrest Park just before 3 o'clock, when they approached it the driver took off and collided with a cruiser.  The vehicle was then driven to Marlborough Street where it was abandoned and the occupants fled.  Officers arrested the driver but the others escaped.