McQuaker faces arrest

A bench warrant is out for Barry McQuaker.    He  was a no-show for his scheduled court appearance in Thunder Bay today.  The hearing was to deal with a peace bond which would put extended restrictions on who the 56 year old is allow to see and where he can go.  McQuaker spent time in jail in the 1990's after admitting to cremating and burying the remains of his 12 year old son Jason.    In an appearance earlier this year court heard that McQuaker has been a victim of homelessness and mental health issues. 

OLG pays 4th quarter payment to city

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation today issued a fourth quarter payment of more than $624,242 to the City of Thunder Bay. It amounts to 5% of the slot machine revenue at the local casino from January to March of this year. The total amount for the quarter is up some $44,000 dollars from the same period last year.

Province funds lung research

The Provincial government has announced $1 million dollars in funding to support and advance the pulmonary work being done at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. Dr. Mitch Albert and his group will receive the funding and use it towards diagnostic technology that focuses on such illnesses as cystic fibrosis, asthma along with lung and breast cancer.

Gravelle helps break ground on flight centre

Construction is under way on the Province's new flight training centre for water bomber aircraft in Sault Ste. Marie, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. 
MPP and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says "this new facility will help us train our pilots, right here in Northern Ontario, while helping to protect our families and communities."

Local winners pick up cheque

It's now a reality for Thunder Bay's Len Carr and his wife Joanna. They were in Toronto today at the SickKids Hospital to pick up their cheque for 1.5 million dollars. Len wants to use the winnings for retirement planning and to share it among his 8 siblings and 2 sons. They have supported the SickKids Lottery since 2007.

Leon back in May

A former Confederation College student is due back in court next month in connection with a case that caused an international sensation. Adam Leon is charged with theft following an incident about three years ago, when a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States. In front of a Thunder Bay judge today his lawyer asked for more time so he can get some court information from Missouri. Leon is now scheduled for a court appearance May 28th.

Mauro's bill reaches committee

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is happy to see his private members bill reach committee level. The legislation passed its second reading last week in the legislature. Mauro's bill promotes the use of wood in new government funded buildings.

Fire Marshal has no cause yet

Ontario's Fire Marshal office continues to investigate a fatal house fire on Victoria Avenue Thursday.  Fire Marshal's office Spokesperson Carol Gravelle says they've yet to determine the cause of the blaze.  An autopsy is being conducted on the 39 year old man who died. 

Bachelors raise cash for cancer

Another huge donation will be made to the Northern Cancer Fund thanks to the annual Bachelors for Hope Charity Auction. The 14th annual event raised more than 94-thousand dollars, bringing the total to more than 700-thousand dollars raised. Proceeds from the event stay in Northwestern Ontario and help with advances in screening, diagnosis and research.

More accolades for NOSM

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is being honoured by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. A cancer project was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario Innovation Award. The project helps connect remote First Nation's women with HPV immunization.

Franco-Festival coming soon

Organizers of the annual Franco-festival are gearing up for this year's big event. The event will promote the historical and culture heritage of Francophones in the city. Spokesperson Claudette Gleeson hopes the event will be an attraction. The event is on May 26 at the Sports Dome.