Staals Sponsor PGA Tournament

The Staal brothers, Eric, Jordan, Jared and Marc, are adding their names to the world of golf.   The Staal Foundation is the title sponsor for the PGA tour's Thunder Bay Golf Classic in July.   Executive Director Scott Smith says it's a 300 thousand dollar commitment for three years.  Smith calls the sponsorship  the most exciting thing that could have happened to the tournament.   The tour stop takes place July 14th until the 20th at the Whitewater Golf Course.

Young Couple Die In Collision

A Thunder Bay couple, who were about to be married, are the victims of this weekend's fatal traffic accident on the Thunder Bay Expressway.   Police say that the two were in a PT Cruiser at around 3 am on Saturday when a pick up truck struck several guard rails and veered across the highway striking their vehicle.  They say that 28 year old Daniel Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene while his fiancee Michelle Parker was pronounced dead at the hospital.   It was her 28th birthday.    The driver of the pick up sustained injuries that are considered minor.   So far there have been no charges laid, but police say that the investigation is not finished.

Nurses Resume Negotiations With Employer

The Ontario Nurses Association and Thunder Bay District Public Health Unit Nurses are going back to the bargaining table. The 58 Public Health Nurses are the lowest paid in Ontario, and are without a contract for more than a year. The bargaining talks resume after breaking down during their last meeting on February 3rd. The Ministry of Labour has appointed a conciliation officer to help the two sides reach an agreement.

Rickford Vows To Stay Focused On ROF

The newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources says the Ring of Fire remains a high priority for the Federal Government.  Greg Rickford says the dialogue between the Feds and the Ontario government continues.  Rickford already had the Ring of Fire portfolio before the cabinet shake-up, but the new appointment will give him better control of the massive mining project in northern Ontario.

Taxi Issue At Council Tonight

The Police Services Board is officially asking City Council to take back the job of policing taxis.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says if Council takes back the responsibility it will free up officers time and allow them to get back to keeping the public safe.  A report on the history of the taxi by-law is being delivered to Council tonight.

PETA Calls Bear Hunt Bloody Massacre

The animal activist group PETA is rallying their troops against the upcoming return of the spring bear hunt. They're asking for people to write the Premier and MNR Minister to cancel the bear hunt. PETA representative Ashley Byrne says the spring hunt won't help with bear populations or human bear conflicts. PETA feels Ontario should enforce strict wildlife feeding prohibitions and provide residents with more information about how to better coexist peacefully with their wild neighbors.

NDP Labour Critic Touring Bombardier

Ontario NDP Labour Critic Taras Natyshak is calling on the Provincial government to bring in Canadian content requirements on provincially funded transit vehicle purchases. The call comes after a tour today of the local Bombardier plant. It also comes ahead of a private members bill on Thursday that will ask for 60 per cent Canadian content requirement for transit vehicle purchases.

First Nation Mining Conference Underway

Fort William First Nations is holding their second annual Mining and Economic Development Conference. This years conference, themed "investing in our people", will encourage First Nations people to build relationships with entrepreneurs, government officials, contractors, and suppliers to increase awareness of training and job opportunities in the region. The event starts today and runs until Wednesday.

Hillcrest Park To Get Vendors

The city is looking for vendors to set up on Hillcrest Park during this summer's Canada Day celebrations. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says its a first for the area.  Fayrick says there would be a small payment made by vendors.

Draft Plan Being Reviewed

City Council is going to review it's draft official plan tonight.  Spokesperson Leslie McEachern says the living document is being updated to reflect changes in the way the City will be handled over the coming year. Staff are looking for approval and direction from Council.

Respect Award Tonight

Police Constable Larry Baxter is the recipient of the City of Thunder Bay's 2014 Respect Award. Baxter works with the Aboriginal Liaison Unit and serves as the Cultural Diversity Officer.  The respect award is awarded to people who recognize the importance of human dignity.