Health Unit Lifts Advisory

The water is good at our area beaches again.  Thunder Bay's Health Unit lifted swimming advisories for Boulevard Lake's main beach and Sandy Beach at Chippewa Park.  Chippewa Park's main beach however is still under a swimming advisory.

Misconceptions Surround Disaster Relief: Chair

There appear to be some myths surrounding the fundraising for victims of the May 28th flood in the city.  Disaster Relief  Committee chair Wayne Fletcher says it's causing concerns.  He says those misconceptions need to be straightened out to show how grave an issue it is.   The committee promises to reveal details on Wednesday.

North Side Accidents Keep Police Busy

Police are investigating couple of afternoon traffic mishaps   No one was seriously hurt in a three vehicle smashup on North Cumberland at Nelson. That accident took place just after 1 o'clock.  Then just after 2, a child on a bike was not hurt after police say he was struck by a vehicle on Perth Cres. and County Blvd.

"Suspicious" Fire On Mount Baldy

Arson is suspected in a fire on the top of Mount Baldy last night. Shuniah Fire Chief Blair Arthur says while it was a smaller building which was destroyed by the blaze, it was tough to get to because it was a steep climb for firefighters. He believes they lost about 15 minutes Arthur says the cause is not known, but he says it's "suspicious."  They also managed to contain a brush fire behind the building

Daniher Gives Props To Birla

The head of the local steelworkers union is looking forward to working with the new company that's taken over Terrace Bay Pulp. Herb Daniher says the Birla Group has already done wonders for two mills in New Brunswick. The mill is expected to get back into operation in the fall.

Waterfront Celebration

It's a grand celebration of Thunder Bay's waterfront. House of Commons Leader Peter VanLoan helped celebrate today the completion of the first phase of redevelopment at Prince Arthur's Landing. Van Loan says the federal government was happy to play a funding role in this project.  The Provincial Government was also on hand to celebrate their part in making the waterfront project get off the ground.

Woodcrest Crossing Guard Up For Debate

City Council is going to consider hiring a full time crossing guard for Woodcrest Road.  A crossing guard was placed on that street as a pilot project for the 2012 school year and now City staff are recommending they keep up covering the cost to employ that person.  Staff are proposing 6 thousand dollars be added to the 2013 budget.

Heney Talks Transporting Oil Sands Product

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is getting requests from western companies looking to transport oil sands oil through our waterways. CEO Tim Heney says it's a legitimate business opportunity. Heney says they already transport diesel and gasoline through our port and notes it wouldn't take much to move into offering oil sands products as well.

Boulevard Lake Welcomes Paddlers

Boulevard Lake is going to be alive with the sound of paddles at the 14th annual Dragon Boat  Festival today and tomorrow. Spokesperson Volker Kromm says money raised will go towards three local charities.  A parade and opening ceremonies start tonight at 7.

OLG Casino Gives Cash

The City is getting another payment from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Over 600 thousand dollars from the local casino is going towards the City. The money was taken from the casino over a three month period from April to June of this year.

Arts Community Receives More Than $600,000 In Grants

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is boasting about contributions to the arts community in his riding. The Ontario Arts Council contributed more than $600,000 to more than 30 arts organizations and individuals during the past year. The two organzations receiving the most amount of money are the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra at $260,000 and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery at $122,000 in grant money.

Gravelle Happy T.B.P. Deal Went Through

The Provincial Government hopes to finalize the sale of Terrace Bay Pulp by the end of the month. Minister Michael Gravelle says the sale of the mill is moving along nicely. Gravelle is pleased the court approved the sale yesterday as well as the union ratifying a deal with the new owners. Gravelle says Terrace Bay, the company, former owner Buchanan and the Union still need to formalize the deal with signing a formal contract.

Cyclist Seriously Injured

A 22 year old is still in serious condition in hospital. While riding his bike, the man was injured in a collision with a vehicle on John Street and Faircrest Street at around 7:45 p.m. last night. Police say the cyclist was traveling east on John Street when he came into collision with a car driven by a 71 year old woman who was turning onto Faircrest.  The 71 year old female driver involved in last night's auto/cycle collision has been charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.

Police Car Backed Into

Thunder Bay Police didn't have far to go to charge the latest person in the City with drunk driving.  They say a 49 year old man was arrested just before 1:00 this morning after backing his car into a  police cruiser at the intersection of Balmoral Street and Oliver Road. Officers saw a car driving in an unsafe manner westbound on Oliver Road. The 49 year old is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Failing to Provide a Breath Sample.

Chill In Michigan For Playoffs

The Thunder Bay Chill are in Pontiac, Michigan this weekend for the Conference finals. The Chill, who won the Heartland division and posted the second most points in the entire league, will take on Forest City out of London on Saturday for the right to move on to the finals.

Cats Lose 6th In A Row

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have now lost 6 in a row. They fell 4-2 on the road to the division leading Duluth Huskies last night. Tonight they're back at Subway field to start a 3 game series with the Willmar Stingers.

Court Approves TBP Takeover

Good news for the community of Terrace Bay.  A court has given permission to a company from India to take over Terrace Bay Pulp and convert it to make rayon.  Mayor Mike King says it's a relief for the entire community and is elated over the decision.

Whelan Repairs Could Cost Much More

City Council is being asked to up the amount of money it's willing to spend on renovations to the historical Whalen Building.  City lawmakers already awarded a contract to repair the buildng but now city staff are asking for an increase in the original purchase agreement.  Staff are asking for an additional 300-thousand dollars.

Theatre Company Hit With Flooding

Officials with a local theatre company are adding up the losses after their basement facility at Court and Park was hit by flooding this afternoon.    Jessica Bouvier of Frankly Scarlet Productions says a watermain break has resulted in some extensive damage.  She says carpeting and costumes are soaked as a result.

Disaster Relief Could Reach 15 Million

The cost of disaster relief from the May28th flood is estimated to be about 15 million dollars. The city's relief committee chair Wayne Fletcher says that means they'll have to raise 5 million dollars in a community he hopes is not losing it's fundraising spirit. Fletcher says he hopes to start alleviating misconceptions in the community on various disaster relief issues.

Atikokan Generating Station To Begin Conversion

The Atikokan Generating Station has a power purchase agreement with the Ontario Power Authority. It was the last step needed before the plant could be converted to using biomass. Thunder Bay Atikokan M.P.P. Bill Mauro made the announcement today alongside Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown. The conversion of the plant from coal to biomass will start later this year and will be completed by 2014.

Grand Chief Bows Out In Second Round

Former Treaty Three Grand Chief Diane Kelly has failed in her bid to become National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Kelly dropped out of the race after finishing third with 39 votes in the second round of ballots. Shawn Atleo has returned for a second term and he says First Nations are increasingly demanding to be treated as equal partners in governance and in control over natural resources. Atleo adds his mandate will reflect the will of the regional chiefs who advise him.

Federal Cuts Hurt Local Police

Thunder Bay Police are upset the Federal Government has decided to end it's five year Police Officer Recruitment program. The local force is losing just over $140,000 a year that was used to hire two beat cops. Chief J.P. Levesque says when the funding gets cut in March next year he'll put it into the 2013 budget. Levesque says Police Forces across Canada have lobbied the Federal Government to keep this program going but to no avail.

Highway Sink Hole Causes Delays

The Ministry of Transportation is warning travellers about delays on highway 61. There's a large sink hole in the south bound lane of the highway near Little Trout Bay road. OPP say one lane is open but there are delays as M.T.O. staff work on patching the highway. It could take two hours or more.

Taddeo Case Closed

The city's police chief is closing the book on the case of a suspended inspector.    Dan Taddeo is now back on the job after being suspended for  nearly a year and a half and being charged under the Police Services Act over his supervision of Constable Toni Grann.   Police Chief J-P Levesque says the matter has been handled internally through and informal process, and that Inspector Taddeo's suspension has now been lifted.   Levesque would not give further details.

Kakabeka Falls Needs Your Vote

You have a 24 hour window starting at 12:00 p.m. today to vote for Kakabeka Falls and earn them a live "Sportscentre" show from T.S.N. and a $25,000 cheque to help upgrade the town's curling club. Kakabeka Falls is up against New Liskeard in an on-line vote for the right to host the show and win the money for a community upgrade. Winning communities so far have averaged more than 300000 votes. You can vote on-line at www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca

Border Cats Losing Ground

The Thunder Bay Border Cats were doubled-up 8-4 by the first place Duluth Huskies last night. The Border Cats are now 4 1/2 games back of first place in the North division. Their 5 game series with Duluth concludes tonight on the road.

Health Unit Puts Beaches Under Advisories

Bad news yet again for swimmers.  Thunder Bay's Health Unit has placed Boulevard Lake's main beach, Chippewa Park's Main and Sandy Beaches under swimming advisories.  Swimming advisories don't close the beach or stop people from swimming.  It just warns people swimming in e-coli could cause skin, eye, nose and throat infections.

Emergency Crews Called To Waterfront

Thunder Bay emergency crews including the coast guard are at the Marina after someone called in a report saying they saw a shiny object beyond the break wall.  They weren't able to identify what it was.  Fire Captain Bill Kruse says so far no one has been able to spot anything.  It's not known how long the search will continue.

Chocolate Milk Case Put Over

A 38 year old Thunder Bay man is due back in court next month in connection with last month's anti-abortion protest. Brian Hamilton is charged with assault after a group of anti-abortionist protesters had chocolate milk poured on them. The incident took place in the Bay and Algoma area and was captured on video and posted on YouTube. The case came up briefly in court today and was put over until August 20th.

Regional Coronor Investigates Hospital Death

The Regional Coroner's Office is launching an investigation into the death of a 60 year old man who died Monday in front of the hospital.  Police say he threw himself under a truck and later died as a result of his injuries. Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says they'll be looking into how the patient got outside of the hospital. Wilson says they're hoping to determine if the death was a suicide or an accident.

Pioneer Ridge Seeks Liquor Licence

A city run home for the aged is applying for a liquor licence. Pioneer Ridge wants it so they can run special programing for the residents according to acting administrator Lee Mesic. She says they are at the public input stage of their application.

Forest Fire Update

The forest fire hazard remains at "High" to "Extreme" in northern parts of the region. Information Officer Deb McLean says crews have been able to extinguish some fires but are battling a total of 70 fires right now across the northwest district. A crew of 20 fire fighters are coming in from Minnesota today to help provide some relief to weary crews across the district.

Wesway Continues In Two Districts

A Thunder Bay agency that provides respite support services is extending a program it has had in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts the past two years. Wesway Manager Carol Ness says they weren't exactly sure what the response would be when they expanded into this area. The program provides funding for caregivers who need a break from taking care of Seniors living at home.

Police Charge Another Person With Drunk Driving

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 34 year old man with a variety of drunk driving related offences.  Police arrested the man early this morning after he allegedly hit a light pole at the intersection of High and Red River.  He's charged with impaired driving, operating the vehicle with over 80 milligrams of alcohol in his system and causing a collision.

Former T.Bay Police Officer Charged

A former Thunder Bay Police officer is facing several weapons charges in Southern Ontario. Winston Wong was a constable with the local police from 1995 to 2000. Peel Region Police Spokesperson Thomas Ruttan says they were called to a domestic incident when they found weapons improperly put away. Wong is charged with 49 firearms and related offences. The 39 year old Wong is now a resident of Mississauga.

Marc Staal Talks Hockey

Chris Prystanski recently interviewed New York Ranger Defencemen Marc Staal. He was in town to take part in a variety of charity events along with other local NHL players.

 

Drug Arrest At Airport

A 37 year old woman from Thunder Bay is facing drug trafficking charges. Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Police arrested the woman yesterday at Thunder Bay Airport with approximately $4,800 of Oxycodone Pills. Police officials believe the pills were destined for Marten Falls First Nation which is located about 450 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

Kompon Lands With Blackhawks

Jamie Kompon from Thunder Bay who won a Stanley Cup as an Assistant Coach with the Los Angeles Kings this year, has landed a new job in Chicago. Kompon will now work with Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp and be reunited with Head Coach Joel Quenneville, with whom he worked with for 9 years.

Border Cats Lose Two At Home

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost both games of a twin bill last night at home to Duluth. They were edged 1-0 and 3-1 respectively. Still the Border Cats are just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the North division as they continue play on the road tonight in Duluth.

Seven Seek Grand Chief Post

The candidates are now in place for Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief. There are seven people vying for NAN's top spot. They are; current Deputy Grand Chiefs Terry Waboose and Mike Meta-tawabin, former Sioux Lookout Mayor Lawrence Martin along with the head of of Wawatay David Neegan. Rounding out the list are Harvey Yesno, Doug Semple and Brian Davey

More Flood Damage

The City says it's uncovered more damage to public property from the May 28th flood. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says there are two areas that were hit which they weren't aware of until recently.  The first is a trail system by the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway which has not been repaired yet.  He adds the boat launch and parking area on the Kam River at the end of Mountdale Avenue suffered significant damage. Matson says they don't have any damage estimates.

Health Unit Wants Licence Face Lift

The District Health Unit's war on tobacco is taking a new twist. Spokesperson Klaus Larsen says as a way to discourage the sale of tobacco to underage teens, they want the Ontario government to redesign driver's licences to easily identify people under the age of 19.  Larsen says other provinces already use the licence system they are proposing.

Terrace Bay Pulp Fate Up In The Air

It's going to be several days before we know the fate of Terrace Bay Pulp.  The judge overseeing the sale of the mill is taking some time to decide whether he will support the sale to a company from India or a late second offer from a Chinese company.  Terrace Bay Mayor Mike King says his community just wants to see the sale go through as soon as possible.  King says it's disappointing to see an offer for the mill come in so late and last minute.

Salvation Army Looking For Furniture

The Salvation Army is collecting used furniture for victims of Thunder Bay's flood. The group recently acquired a location to store donations and will accept any furniture in good condition. Items in high demand include bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture. To donate call 345-6492.

M.N.R. Respond to 113 Forest Fires

Despite a day of rain, the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to have its hands full with new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. Yesterday alone there were 11 new fires reported across the District. Information Officer Debbie MacLean says they expect to see more activity in the days ahead as warm weather returns. MacLean says over the past five days, the M.N.R. have responded to 113 forest fires in the Northwest region.

Dryden Budget Approved

The 2012 Dryden budget has survived its final vote. Council approved the financial document and accompanying 10 percent tax increase last night. However, the vote didn't come without plenty of opposition.

Twin City Crossroads Closed For Railway Repairs

Twin City Crossrods is closed today between Arthur Street and Highway 11-17. Repairs are being done to the CP railway crossing. Officials in Oliver-Paipoonge say the section of road will be closed until Thursday. Detour routes are posted in the area.

Tsekouras Back In Court August 1st

The man police arrested after a massive drug sweep in the City is going to be in court for a bail hearing August 1st.  John Tsekouras is charged with running a criminal organization, trafficking cocaine and marijuana.  The 38 year old was already denied bail in May and has retained one of Canada's leading criminal lawyers Edward Greenspan.

T.Bay Tel's Campbell Retiring

T.Bay Tel's CEO is retiring. Don Campbell's retirement is set to take place in five months time, but if a replacement isn't found he'll stay on longer. Campbell says he's extremely proud of his time with the company. The company's board has hired a firm to conduct a search for a replacement and will be looking at candidates in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Tomeck Sentenced To 5 Years In Jail

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man will be spending the next five years in prison. Bradley Tomeck was sentenced yesterday after being convicted of armed robbery and weapons charges following the robbery of a credit union on Highway 130 in January of last year. Tomeck was convicted of making off with $3,000.