True North's Chipman makes Thunder Bay inquiries

Don't rule out Thunder Bay as being a possible future home of an AHL Franchise.   City Manager Tim Commisso says he spoke to  Manitoba Moose owner and True North's Mark Chipman about three weeks ago and  Chipman appeared very interested in Thunder Bay.  He says that Chipman's group sees "synergies" with Thunder Bay, especially it's proximity to Winnipeg.  However, Commisso couldn't guarantee Chipman when, or even if, a new Multi-Plex arena would be built here.

Influential Women honoured

Thunder Bay's Marija Harp is one of three local women who are award winners for being influential women in the north.  Other award winners were Levina Collins of Nipigon and Lakehead University's Nancy Luckai.

MNR sends more people to Alberta

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending more personnel to the forest fire fight in Alberta.  Another 102-fire staff are expected to leave Wednesday; replacing some of those who have been in the western province for the past two weeks.  85 of the 190 Ontario personnel now in Alberta are expected to return later this week.

One year of smoke free play areas

It's been one year of smoke free parks and beaches in Thunder Bay.  Northwest Tobacco Control Spokesperson Dan DePeuter says so far no charges have been laid.  The by-law prohibits smoking within 10 metres of any playground equipment or beach areas.

Thunder Pride flag flies over City Hall

The rainbow flag is flying high over Thunder Bay's City Hall.  The flag raising ceremony kicked off a week of gay and alternative lifestyle events in the city.  Spokesperson Tom Boland says the week long event will help raise awareness with the region's youth. Boland says it's a celebration of diversity.

Gadhafi's running out of time

Moammar Gadhafi's rope continues to fray, that's the opinion of Lakehead University Political Science expert Laure Paquette.  She says Gadhafi has asked for a truce to stop NATO Bombing but rebels have already rejected it because it would take away their biggest advantage.  Paquette says it's taking longer than anyone expected but it does appear that the end is near for Gadhafi.

Black liquor to go green

Black liquor could soon become green thanks to a 180 thousand dollar grant from the provincial government. The money is coming through Thunder Bay's Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio Economy.  CRIBE is giving the money to Thesis Chemistry of Cambridge.  It's so the company can produce environmentally friendly versions of the gooey solution which is the by-product of the paper producing process.