New hockey franchise for the city still not a sure thing

The former Thunder Bay resident who is trying to bring an AHL or OHL hockey franchise to the city isn't having any early success. Anthony LeBlanc wants to make the local franchise a farm team for the Phoenix Coyotes when his group Ice Edge Holdings buys them. He says however, it's slow going so far. He says they're looking for franchises that are for sale or able to relocate, but nothing is available right now. Meantime LeBlanc is hopeful that his group will be able to have a deal in place soon to lease the Jobbing.com Arena in Glendale Arizona.

Local MPs largely critical of Throne Speech

Thunder Bays' two NDP Members of Parliament have few good words to say about the Harper governments' Speech from the Throne.  Bruce Hyer believes the speech lacks the vision of the average Canadian.   Hyer says the speech also highlights the governments' willingness to favour big business. Meantime, John Raffery says out of the 6 thousand words in the speech, there are 26 recycled words on forestry with no clear direction.    Both MPs agree, however, on a salary freeze for elected members, even though it is mostly symbolic.

Nor' Wester View School on Alert after wolf siting

Parents of students at Nor' Wester View School are being assured their children are safe. A school bus driver spotted a wolf on his route this week. Vice-Principal Laurel Moir says the school has now taken extra precautions as a result of the siting.   She says staff are outside at 8:15 in the morning equiped with  whistles and staff are also carrying walkie-talkies.   Moir says a note was sent home with the students as part of the protocol.

TBSO appoints Clint Kuschak interim GM

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra has a new General Manager, but it's only for a short time. Clint Kuschak is taking over on an interim basis. He's replacing Leanne Atkinson who is on a 10 month maternity leave. His duties will begin March 17th.

International Ice Boat Races on now

Thunder Bay is playing host to a the North American Ice Boating Championship Regatta this week. All the action is taking place on Lake Superior at Silver Harbour. There are about 50 racers here from as far away as San Diego, Germany and Poland. Richard Potkova from Detroit Michigan is one of the organizers and says conditions this week are ideal.   He calls the sport an addiction.  The races are taking place until Saturday.

More home care the goal for Community Living Thunder Bay

Community Living Thunder Bay is asking you to consider opening up your home. They're trying to expand a program that sees developmentally challenged people living in a family home environment. Melda Ponton and her husband take care of Cecily Ignace. She says they find it a rewarding experience because they're making a difference.  The organization says there is a need for 20 to 25 more homes to help these individuals.

Chris Whitley wins his first AHL start

Former Thunderwolves goalie Chris Whitley won his first career AHL start last night. Whitley backstopped the Lake Erie Monsters to a 6-5 shootout Victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins. Whitley spent over 150 games for the Wolves and has the career mark for wins.

Two college students hoping to win Dorito's contest

Two northwestern Ontario college students could be the new face of Dorito's. Adam Armit of Fort Frances and Joel Popoff of Schreiber want people to view their video produced for a Dorito's contest to help them win up to 250-thousand dollars. Popoff says they're sitting number one with a couple of weeks to go. The two are business marketing students at London's Fanshaw College.

Mustangs visit Thunderwolves for OUA West final

It'll be a packed house at the Fort William Gardens tonight.  The Thunderwolves are hosting their arch rivals the Western Mustangs for game one of the Western Final.  The Wolves split there season series with Western this year going 2-2 and winning both home games.  Head Coach Joel Scherban says playing in front of a home crowd against Western adds a lot of energy to his players.  Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.