Second Teen Faces Murder Charge

If it wasn't enough of a shocker that a 16 year old is charged with first degree murder at the Whitefish Bay First Nation,  there comes word from police that a 14 year old is also now charged.  It's in connection with the July 22nd death of a 61 year old resident of the community.   Both of the accused boys are also from Whitefish Bay which is located in the Kenora District.

Border Stats Stay Steady

The latest statistics from the Pigeon River Border Crossing show that Thunder Bay residents didn't rush to the States in June.  That's when Canadians were allowed to take advantage of the new duty free limits.  The numbers show that in June officials processed about 3 per cent fewer travellers through Pigeon River, however there was an almost 2 per cent increase in the number of vehicles.

Bentley Expands Loan Program

The provincial government is expanding the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program to encourage First Nation and Métis participation in creating energy projects.  Energy Minister Chris Bentley made the announcement this morning at the Prince Arthur Hotel.   He says it will increase from 250 million to 400 million dollars. Bentley says the program is being expanded because it has been very successful so far.

Miles With The Giant Race Gets Certification

Organizers of the Miles With The Giant Marathon have earned Boston Certification with Athletics Canada. The announcement was made today and means anyone running the full marathon, half-marathon, 10 and 5 kilometre events can have their times used as a qualifier for larger races such as the Boston Marathon. Chair Barry Streib says this year's race route will feature some of Thunder Bay's most scenic trails and streets including Lakehead University and Confederation College campuses, Chapples and Centennial Park as well as Boulevard Lake. Early bird race registration ends at midnight tomorrow.

Evacuee Numbers Increase

Thunder Bay is playing a role it's very familiar with. We are hosting 300 evacuees from Sandy Lake because smoke from a forest fire is blanketing their community. City Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says they'll be here for as long as necessary. The evacuees are being put up in a city hotel.

Drunk Driver Fails To Remain At Scene

A 21 year old man was arrested on North May Street just after 1:00 o'clock this morning. City police say the man was drinking and driving when he got into a single vehicle crash on Simpson Street near the Venice Grill. He then took off running and with the help of witnesses, police were able to track him down on North May Street a short time later. He will appear in court in September facing impaired driving and fleeing the scene charges.

Impaired Driver Took Off From Police

A timely red light is being credited with helping to stop an impaired driver trying to run from police overnight. Police say they spotted a 19 year old man driving eratically on Court Street at approximately 2:00 o'clock this morning. The man drove away from police when they tried to stop him but he got caught up in traffic at a red light on Cumberland and Water Street where police were able to stop him from getting away a second time. The man remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in video court today.

North Spirit Lake Death Investigated

Nishnawbe-Aski Police and the Ontario Provincial Police are now invesitgating the death of a North Spirit Lake First Nation community member. The deceased has been identified as 38 year old Paul Campbell of North Spirit Lake First Nation. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today here in Thunder Bay. Few details are being released by police.

Sandy Lake Evacuees Head To Thunder Bay

The forest fire situation has now forced 70 people from Sandy Lake First Nation from their homes. Chief Bart Meekis has asked the city of Thunder Bay to serve as a host community. Mayor Keith Hobbs has signed an emergency declaration for the city which has supported similar evacuations over the last few years and is prepared to support additional evacuees if needed. Last year Thunder Bay hosted 350 evacuees and served as a transportation hub during the severe forest fire situation.

Forest Fire Update

There are 66 forest fires now burning here in the northwest district. Officials with the Ministry of Natural Resources say 476 forest fires have started this year burning more than 69,000 hectares of land. Weekend rain has helped the situation in southern parts of the district. The M.N.R. now says the fire hazard is "Low" for the entire region.

Thunder Bay All-Stars Win Provincials

In an all Thunder Bay Battle at the Ontario Senior Little League Championships at Baseball Central, the Thunder Bay All-Stars defeated the Selects 8-5 to earn a berth at the national championships in Regina. The All-Stars rallied for 7 runs in the final two innings to secure the win.

Border Cats Rained Out - Play Pair Tonight

The Thunder Bay Border Cats weren't able to sneak in their game against the Mankato Moondogs yesterday ahead of the rain. The two teams will now play a pair of 7 inning games tonight starting at 6:05 at Subway Field. The Border Cats have won 5 in a row and now have a record of 10-11 in the second half, just 3 games back of first place in the division.

Auld Leaves For Europe

Thunder Bay's Alex Auld is headed to Europe next season. The 31 year old netminder played last season for the Ottawa Senators and now will dawn the jersey of E.C. Salzberg in the Austrian League. Auld has played with 8 different N.H.L. teams.