Bartolucci talks Ring Of Fire

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci continues to promote his government's commitments to developing the Ring of Fire.  Bartolucci was the key speaker at a mining forum in Thunder Bay today and told the audience about Ontario's recent signing of an updated contract with Webequie First Nation.  The Memorandum of Cooperation includes benefits for communities such as regional infrastructure and environmental monitoring.

Class Action Suit To Be Filed This Week

A proposed class action lawsuit against the City of Thunder Bay involving flood victims is expected to be filed within days. That's the word from lawyer Chris Watkins who says the number of people requesting involvement is growing rapidly and could reach up to 15 hundred participants over the next few weeks. Watkins says he has partnered with the Merchant Law Group, a top Canadian firm, to help with the case.

Donated Dollars Not Flowing Yet

The idea to distribute 350 thousand dollars raised by the Salvation Army to flood victims remains in limbo. Spokesperson Gail Kromm says the plan is still to help those with no or insufficient insurance, but in the meantime the organization will be providing support that will include food, clothing and furniture. Anyone who wants to apply has to make an appointment by calling 345-6492

Anglers Get Caught In Storm

A couple of anglers are fortunate to be alive after being caught in Monday's late afternoon thunderstorm.   They were out on Northern Light Lake in Nolalu when the storm hit.  A spokesperson at the resort says they simply anchored down in the middle of the lake and covered themselves up until the storm passed.   Meantime the resort is reporting there were some trees downed and hail damage to some trailers.

Ontario Chamber Gets NWO Input

The efforts continues to get the economic message of Northwestern Ontario to the rest of the province. Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson hopes a one day conference in the city today  helped in contributing to an economic vision the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has planned for the province.  Meantime Wilson credits the new president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with paying more attention to Northwestern Ontario. He gives props to Allan O'Dette for taking the time to visit the area several times since he was elected.

Special Weather Statement Update

Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Upsala and Ignace are just some of the Northwestern Ontario Communities affected by a special weather statement. Environment Canada Meterologist Geoff Coulson says they won't know until this afternoon if Thunder Bay will get the lion's share of rainfall today. If we get hit by the brunt of the storm we can expect 50 to 75 millimeters of rain. Coulson notes most of the rain could fall in the communities to the west of us; with a possibility of the Lakehead region receiving 10 to 20 millimetres of rain.

PWU Wants Both Biomass & Natural Gas

Ontario's Power Workers Union wants Thunder Bay's coal fired power plant to use biomass.  The Province is shutting down all coal plants by 2014, and the local facility is scheduled to be converted into using natural gas.  Spokesperson Bob Menard says they want the local plant to use a mixture of both wood pellets and natural gas.  The union is holding a town hall meeting on the issue tonight at the West Thunder Community Centre.

L.R.C.A. Updates Possible Rainfall Amounts

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority continues its flood watch for Thunder Bay and surrounding area. They are advising that 15 to 20 millimetres of rain could fall this afternoon and overnight. An additional 15 to 20 millimetres is possible in severe thunderstorms or isolated areas.
Areas West of Thunder Bay could see higher rainfall amounts.

City In A State Of Readiness

City officials say they are prepared for the incoming thunder storms. They are on alert and will be monitoring areas of risk this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow with high rainfall accumulations expected. Mayor Keith Hobbs says one lesson we can learn from the flood of May 28th is to move your valuables upstairs and out of the basement.

Drinking & Pregnancy Don't Mix

Thunder Bay's Rotary Club wants to spread the word about drinking while pregnant. The club is bringing in the Executive Director of Healthy Brains For Children Jody Allen Crowe. Crowe says Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder impacts everyone, not just women. Crowe will be holding a workshop Wednesday at Confederation College.

Flash Flood Watch Issued For Minnesota And Wisconsin

If you are travelling to the United States today you may want to use extreme caution because a flash flood warning is in effect for areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Walker, Grand Rapids, Hill City, Duluth, Cloquet and Superior are all under a flash flood watch.

Special Weather Statement Issued For Thunder Bay

Environment Canada is issuing a special weather statement for the city of Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Upsala, Quetico, Superior West, Lake Nipigon, Wabikimi, Nipigon, Marathon and Superior North. Multiple thunderstorms are forecast to track through these areas beginning later today and continue through the night into Wednesday. Rainfall associated with this thunderstorm activity will be highly variable, however total amounts may be as high as 50 to 75 mm in some localities. Environment Canada is advising you to monitor future forecasts and warnings as they may be required or extended.

Cats Come Home With A .500 Record

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are returning home for a 5 game home stand starting tonight against Waterloo. The Cats wrapped-up a 2 game sweep against Duluth with a 7-2 win on the road last night, improving their record to 10-and-10 on the season. They are 5 games back in the North Division.