T.Bay Inflation Rate Up

Thunder Bay's inflation rate is on the rise.  Statistics Canada is reporting the City saw it jump from 1.2 percent in June to 1.6 percent in July.  Meanwhile, the national inflation rate edged up one-tenth of a point to 1.3 percent last month.

Rally For Ranger Program

Former members of the province's Ontario Ranger program will gather tomorrow as part of a lobby effort to bring back the program.  The province axed its camps last fall.  Spokesperson Emily Kerton says a rally tomorrow in Huntsville is being held to generate more public support.  Kerton says they'll hoping to gain a meeting with government to discuss ways of bringing back the program.

300 Kenora Residents Without Power

Day three without electricity for about 300 Hydro One customers in the Kenora area.  Hydro One says its hoping to restore power by 4:00 this afternoon.  A vicious thunderstorm which blew through the area Tuesday night is responsible for the outage.

MNR Reports More Fires

Lightning caused fires continue to crop up across northwestern Ontario.  Four new forest fires were reported yesterday.  So far this week, there have been 17 fires reported across the region.

Weldon Hopes To Return Home Soon

A setback for Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon following an accident in Matane, Quebec.  Weldon is in hospital after being involved in a collision with a vehicle while training for the 2013 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup Finals.  Her pilot was also injured in the accident.  Cycling Canada says both are doing o-k, but have mulitple fractures.  Weldon hopes to return home this weekend despite suffering a concussion.       

Search Still On

The search is on for a prisoner who has escaped from the lock-up at the Kenora Court House.  The Ontario Provincial Police say 53-year-old Harvey Smith managed to escape custody just after 11:00 yesterday morning.  Constable Bob Bernie says there's a large search taking place.  Smith is described as being six feet tall, wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, glasses and blue and white jail issued shoes.

Date Set For Moonias Inquest

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man will be held October 21st.  Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.  The inquest is expected to last three weeks and will hear from 22 witnesses.

Ribfest Is Here

Ribfest is back for its second year and will be taking up space on Court Street and Park Avenue this weekend.  The Waterfront District BIA event will feature four out of town ribbers as well as a local "best rib" competition.  Money raised from the beer tent sales will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.

Weldon Injured In Accident

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is injured but doing ok after being involved in a collision with a vehicle in Matane, Quebec.  A Cycling Canada official says she hit by a vehicle yesterday while training and is in hospital.  She was set to compete in the 2013 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup Finals on Friday.  Weldon tweeted to her followers that she's alive and thanked everyone for their messages of support. 

Inquest Date Set

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man will be held October 21st.   Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.   The inquest is expected to last three weeks and will hear from 22 witnesses.

Big Coke Seizure In T.Bay

A 37 year old Brampton man is charged with trafficking cocaine in Thunder Bay.  Staff Sergeant Murray Brown says they arrested the man on Wednesday while he was in possession of a package holding almost 3 kilograms of cocaine.  Brown says the man had flown into Thunder Bay from Toronto earlier in the day and was staying at a local hotel.  He was arrested walking along Mountdale Avenue.  The street value of the drugs is 292-thousand dollars.

Province Gets It

The Provincial Government finally gets it.  That's the message from the City after they met with nine Cabinet Ministers this week in Ottawa.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo says they spoke with Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli about the future of our coal fired generating station.  Virdiramo says the Minister reminded them that all coal plants will be closed after 2014, but hinted at alternative fuel sources for some of those plants.  Virdiramo says they also took away from a variety of ministers that there may be Provincial dollars for the proposed event centre.

Collision At Arthur & Brown Streets

A 23 year old woman is charged with making an improper turn after a collision this morning at the intersection of Arthur and Brown Streets.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says the woman hit a 27 year old man who was lawfully crossing in the cross walk.  Porter adds the man was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Yes Says Goodbye To Summer Students

Yes Employment Services is saying farewell to its summer students.  Spokesperson Thomas Kelly says they've placed over 240 young people in summer jobs this year.  Kelly says it's great to help give students their first work experience.

New Fires In Region

Some more action for Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters. Six new forest fires have been confirmed in Northwestern Ontario, specifically in the Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Kenora and Nipigon Districts.  Lightning was the main cause, however human-caused fires are also part of the total.  Many of the fires did require an air and ground attack as they were in areas that could threaten people or property, but now they are listed as under control.  Meantime, the fire hazard is moderate but is expected to reach high by this weekend.

Prisoner Escapes

A prisoner has managed to escape police custody in Kenora.  Provincial Police say the prisoner escaped Tuesday morning when he was being moved from the Kenora Court House.  53-year-old Harvey Smith of White Dog First Nation is now on the run.  He's described as 6 feet tall and was wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, glasses and blue and white jail issue shoes.  An arrest warrant has been issued and police are now searching for Smith.

Ontario's Energy Plan Funding

The Province is promoting conservation and clean energy in smaller sized and Aboriginal communities.  The new Municipal Energy Plans and Aboriginal Community Energy Plans will allow the communities to assess its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and consider the impact of future growth and options.  Small and medium sized as well as Aboriginal communities will be eligible for up to 90-thousand-dollars to develop a plan, while remote First Nations can receive up to 95-thousand.

Northern Priorities Presented

Northern Ontario Mayors are giving the Provincial Government a piece of their mind.  They presented seven Ministers a document called Northern Priorities.  Acting Mayor Joe Virdiramo says they got a good response from them.  The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities. 

Bisson Stops In T.Bay

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is taking up the cause of the Thunder Bay's generating station.  Bisson is calling on the Provincial Government to get to work on converting the coal generating station to natural gas.  Bisson says he intends to bring up the coal plant conversion as soon as the Legislature resumes in September.  Bisson paid a visit to Thunder Bay yesterday to talk about the Liberal Government's inaction on the local coal plant.

Bisson In T.Bay Today

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is taking up the cause of the Thunder Bay's generating station.  Bisson is calling on the Provincial Government to get to work on converting the coal generating station to natural gas.  Bisson says he intends to bring up the coal plant conversion as soon as the Legislature resumes in September.  Bisson is in Thunder Bay today to talk about the Province's failure to convert the local plant.  

Ontario Creates Fund For Energy Plans

The Provincial Government is out with a new funding program for small and medium-sized municipalities and Aboriginal communities.  The money will be used to create Municipal Energy Plans.  Eligable plans must focus on increasing conservation and identify the best energy options for that specific community.

Law School Almost Ready

Thunder Bay's Northern Ontario Law School is set to open its doors for the first time this September.  Dean Lee Steusser says the class of sixty will one day offer a free legal aid clinic and they're in discussions with Legal Aid Ontario. Steusser says the building is still under construction but they'll be ready by September 3rd.

Northern Mayors Speak Up To Ministers

Northern Ontario Mayors are giving the Provincial Government a piece of their mind.  They presented seven Ministers a document called Northern Priorities.  The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities. 

Unionized Workers Make More Dough

A report by the Canadian Labour Congress is touting the economic benefits of having unionized jobs in Thunder Bay.  CLC President Ken Georgetti says the average unionized worker in the City earns six dollars and five cents an hour more than non unionized employees.  Georgetti is calling for more unionized positions in the City.  He adds money made in Thunder Bay is spent within the City and will help local business.

Hydro Gets Safety Award

Thunder Bay Hydro is being recognized for it's safety record.  A Health and Safety Association is giving them an award for achieving 250-thousand hours of work without an injury.  135 employees worked for over a year to set the record.

NOMA Back From AMO

Members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association are back from Ottawa.  They took in two days of meetings with Provincial Cabinet Ministers.  They spoke with reps from the Ministry of Energy, Municipal Affairs and Housing and Finance.

Rickford Says Prorogation Is Good Idea

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is calling it a smart move.  His comment is in regards to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the Governor General to prorogue the legislature until October. Rickford says he feels confident that their best interests will be right there as the government transitions into a new parliamentary agenda.

Swimming Advisory Lifted

Swimmers take note...The Health Unit is lifting the swimming advisory at Boulevard Lake's Sandy Cove Beach.  However, the advisory is remaining in place for Sunny Side Beach and Chippewa Park's Main Beach.  Swimming advisories do not close the beach or stop people from swimming. 

George Creek Rehab

The City and a local trout group are teaming up to work on restoring fish habitat at George Creek in Centennial Park.  Parks Spokesperson Werner Schwar says as work moves ahead the main trail to the logging camp will be temporarily closed from time to time.  The bridge over the Current River may be temporarily closed for a few minutes at a time to safely allow machinery and material to cross over to the work site.  Work in the park is expected to take a couple of weeks.

Superior Youth Festival Back

Poor Young Things and Scientists of Sound will be co-headlining the City's Superior Youth Festival tonight.  Organizer Jean Paul DeRoover says the free event is designed to create something strictly for young people that relates to them.   The concerts take place tonight at Marina Park from 6 until 10:30.

Hot Hot Heat

It might be the hottest day of the year, or at least its going to feel like it.  A humidex advisory has been issued for Thunder Bay.  Environment Canada Meterologist Trudy McCormack says you should avoid doing heavy exercising in the hot weather and stay indoors where it's cooler.  Today's high is expected to hit 32 degrees, but with the humidity it could feel like 37.

Missing Man Kenora

Provincial Police in Kenora are searching Lake of the Woods for a 52-year-old man.  OPP say the man was paddle boarding on the lake when he fell off the board and did not resurface.  The OPP Marine Unit and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is combing the Pine Portage Bay area.  The identity of the man is not being released at this time pending the results of the search.

Train Death In Hudson

A 47 year old Sioux Lookout man is dead after being run over by a train in the community of Hudson.  The OPP say the incident took place last night around 10:00.  The deceased has been identified as Arnold Derouin.

Paxton Facing More Charges

A former bible camp counsellor and babysitter in the city is facing some more serious sex charges that involve minors. Thunder Bay Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Jeff Paxton is charged with an additional 13 charges bringing the total to 23.  Police say the charges against Paxton date back to between 1983 and 2004 and 11 victims have been identified.  Paxton is back in court Wednesday.

New Agreement In Place

A collaboration agreement has been signed between the Lac Seul First Nation and Goldcorp.  Chief Clifford Bull says there are a lot of things in the agreement with respect to revenue sharing, job opportunities and contracting provisions.  Bull says the agreement will define the long-term benefits for the First Nation, as well as the future of mining developments in the Red Lake area.

Cyclotron Public Meeting Tonight

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute wants you to have your say when it comes to their new cyclotron facility.  A public information session is being held tonight at 4:30 at the Hospital's Auditorium A.  Spokesperson Michael Campbell says so far they haven't heard too many concerns.  Another open house on the medical machinery will be held at Lakehead University in September.

Deadly Weekend On Area Waters

It was a deadly weekend on the water in Thunder Bay.  Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah Township near the Silver Harbour boat launch. OPP divers recovered the body of 32-year old Sioux Lookout resident Kevin Spade yesterday in Lake Superior.  26-year old Marlene Fox of K-I First Nation, who had been rescued from the waters, died Sunday night at the Health Sciences Centre from the injuries she sustained in the incident. Meantime, OPP divers have found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan DesFosses, who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.  The 31-year old, who had just moved to Thunder Bay from Peace River, AB, had been canoeing with another man and two children when it tipped over.  The three others made it to shore safely.  Police say DesFosses was not wearing a life jacket.

Missing Truck Found

Habitat For Humanity Thunder Bay is rolling once again.  A truck that was stolen from their Restore on Friday night was found yesterday in a parking lot in the East End.  The group's primary work vehicle is in good shape with no apparent damage.

New Job Training Program

A unique employment service is now up and running in northwestern Ontario.  Shooniya Job Connect has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says the web-site offers a wide range of services.  Bridgeman-Cross says they also work with employers across the region to help place aboriginal employees.  

Police Officer In Court Today

A Thunder Bay Police officer charged with assault is set to be before the Ontario Court of Justice today.  The charge against Constable Andrew Johnstone stems from a Special Investigations Unit inquest into how he treated a man that was brought into his custody.  The incident dates back to May of this year.

Three Dead In T.Bay

Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah near the Silver Harbour boat launch. The body of 32 year old Kevin Spade was found just before noon today, while 26 year old Marlene Fox died from her injuries last night in hospital.  Meantime, OPP divers have found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan Desfosses who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.

New Job Program For First Nations

An employment service for aboriginal job seekers is now up and running.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says Shooniyaa Job Connect says they offer services to both employers and employees. Bridgeman-Cross says they also help job seekers out with resumes, writing cover letters and with job interviews.  The new initiative has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.

 

Police Confirm Scooter Incident

Thunder Bay Police are confirming the theft of a scooter Friday night at Marina Park.  A 12 year old boy's scooter was stolen and he got hurt after he went up to people he thought were responsible for the crime.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's rare to see an incident at the Skate Park.

MNR Crews Deal With Fires

There are currently 15 forest fires burning in Northwestern Ontario, however none of them are posing a risk to people or property.  There were 3 new fires reported over the weekend...one each in the Thunder Bay, Dryden and Sioux Lookout districts.  With the chance of storms over the region today, there is a possibility a few lightning-caused fires could occur in areas where little rain has fallen.       

Roots To Harvest Carrying On

A Thunder Bay group is going to keep bringing fresh food to lower income residents despite having five of their bikes stolen.   The incident happened last week at their greenhouse on South Algoma Street.  Roots To Harvest Organizer Erin Beagle says so far the stolen bikes haven't been returned but they have received numerous offers of replacement bikes.  Beagle says they're going to find a way to bring the fresh produce no matter what to their weekly markets at the City's bus terminals.

Road Closure Wednesday

Drivers take note...A portion of Pacific Avenue at Simpson Street is going to be closed on Wednesday.  Thunder Bay Hydro Spokesperson Eileen Dias says it's because crews are working on upgrading the electrical system in the area. The closure will impact traffic travelling east-west between Simpson Street and May Street south of the Neebing River.  The road will be closed from 7 am until 5 pm.

AMO Conference Continues

The annual provincial municipalities conference is underway in Ottawa.   Ron Nelson is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says tomorrow  is when the local delegates will meet with provincial cabinet ministers for one hour.  Nelson says the Northern Growth Plan, Ring of Fire and the Thunder Bay Generating station are on the list of topics for that meeting.

Pet Limit Still Has A Pulse

He refuses to give up.  City councillor Aldo Ruberto says he is hoping to revive his request for a limit on the number of pets you can own. Before he left on his trip to China, Ruberto told our newsroom he has one more chance to make his case because his proposal still requires a final vote to make it official. Ruberto says there's been a lot of support for his idea since it came up at City Hall last week.

Bridal Boutique Closing

After almost 3 decades in business Eva's Bridal Boutique on Algoma is closing.   Owner Eva Tucci say she's retiring.  She says no date has been set for the closure saying she will stay open until stock runs out.  Tucci says it's also possible someone may buy the company from her.

Crimestoppers Probing Greenstone Mischief

Thunder Bay District Crimestoppers  is looking for your help in solving a recent case of mischief and theft of machinery in Greenstone.   Back in June someone stole a feller buncher as it was parked on Partridge Lake Road.   It was driven down the street and the driver then found some trees to cut down.  Police believe it was someone with experience in operating such heavy equipment.  Crimestoppers is asking anyone with information about who may be responsible to call 623-8477 or 623-TIPS.