Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Forest fire situation quiet

The forest fire situation in Northwestern Ontario can only be described as quiet. MNR Fire Information Officer Heather Pridham says there are no fires of concern. She says the fire hazard is low to moderate with the far north at Big Trout Lake and Summer Beaver experiencing a moderate to high hazard. There are currently 8 fires in the region and none of them are threatening anything of value. There are no fire bans in place.

Two new schools named for full day kindergarten

Two Thunder Bay schools are benefiting from the latest rollout of all day kindergarten by the province. St. Elizabeth has been chosen to host the program for the Catholic School Board starting in September of 2011. Ogden School has been chosen for the Lakehead Public School Board. Both schools will each receive over half a million dollars in order to build and equip the two schools.

Scores of people walk to prevent elder abuse

A new effort to draw attention to elder abuse. People of all ages marched in Thunder Bay Tuesday to raise awareness about the issue. Lee Stones is with a group that organized the walk and says it's a critical cause. Stones says it's important to tell the public that some of the people that built this community are not being treated well. The Thunder Bay City Police were also involved.

Councillors view Hovorka video

Shy-Anne Hovorka is back with a new single. "Can't Change the World" is the latest song from the Thunder Bay musician. Monday night City Councillors got their own screening of the socially conscious music video.

Summer in the Parks good to go

Summer in the Parks is back. The Marina Park Bandshell is the site of the Wednesday evening concerts that feature local musicians. Coordinator Jean-Paul De Roover says this year there are 23 performers, 10 of them newcomers. The first Summer in the Parks takes place June 23rd with Roy Coran and Mark Potvin jazz bands. The construction at Marina Park is going to affect parking. You're encouraged to walk or take advantage of the park and ride program. Shuttle buses will be available throughout the downtown. Pictured: Mark Potvin and his son Max

Baseball organizers get piece of concession pie

The organizers of the World Junior Baseball championships are getting some of their wishes granted. The group spoke to council about the tournament in May and asked for a number of municipal favours. Thunder Bay city council is allowing them to collect 15 per cent of the concession revenues that would normally go into city coffers. However, council is not waiving rental fees for the Port Arthur Stadium and the cost of lighting for the tournament.