Quashing Rumours

City Manager Tim Commisso is putting to bed any mis-conceptions about Provincial Funding coming in for flood relief. Of the 16-million dollars the province has promised, 10-million is for roads and sewers. Commisso says fund raising the 3-point-2 million is the figure to focus on if you want to help flood victims. Conmee Township and Oliver-Paipoonge were recipients of 2-point-8 million dollars from the province to round out the 16-million dollar figure.

Mayor Away In Quebec

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in Quebec at a conference that brings together the Mayors of Great Lake cities. Hobbs has some scheduled time to speak at the conference and intends to raise awareness about Thunder Bay's Flood situation to his colleagues.  Hobbs has said that he has targeted this meeting as a potential source for financial help since the disaster first occurred on May 28th.

Johnston Stresses Flood Relief Number

Members of the Emergency Operations Control Group are making sure you are well aware of what's available when it comes to flood help. Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson wanted to relay the message about Disaster Relief Forms being available on-line. The "9-8 Flood" number is important for you to call if you have any questions or inquiries about flooding.

Bentley Hears Our Energy Concerns

Energy Minister Chris Bentley is back on the road after a meeting in Thunder Bay with municipal and First Nations leaders. Bentley says he was especially interested in his discussions with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and it's energy concerns. Bentley says all sides are still exploring the energy needs in the Ring of Fire mining development.

School Board Unions Raise $

The Red Cross has 28 thousand dollars more in it's relief fund for city flood victims. Spokesperson Rob Kilgour says it comes from money raised by the unions within the city's public and catholic school boards which he hints may get matching funds. Kilgour says the organization's flood fund has reached a quarter million dollars and continues to grow.

7 Active Fires In Northwest Region

The recent wet weather helped keep forest fire activity to a minimum this weekend. The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 active fires in the Northwest Region. One in the far North of the Nipigon District and six in the Sioux Lookout District. There are no problems being reported with these fires. They are all classed as Being Observed. The weather forecast is calling for another sunny day today and the fire hazard is rising. It is "Moderate" to "High" in the West and "Moderate" across the remainder of the region.

Stan Beardy Greets Literacy Counsellors

Nisnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy will welcome more than 80 students this morning as they begin training to become Literacy Camp Counsellors. The training will take place starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Bora Laskin Building at Lakehead University. This is the 7th year for the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps program, which works to improve literacy skills among youth in NAN First Nations. This year, the program will be providing 38 camps in 29 Northern Aboriginal communities.

Cats Hit Road

The Thunder Bay Border Cats enjoyed a day off yesterday and are on the road to face St. Cloud tonight. The Border Cats are 11-14 on the year and are 7 1/2 games back int he North division.

Disaster Relief Forms Now Available

Flood claim forms are now available from the city for residents affected by the May 28th catastrophe. The Emergency Organization Committee and members of City Hall were on hand for a pair of public meetings held today at the Slovak Legion and the Moose Hall. The Slovak Legion was full of people looking to fill out two possible claims, an advance form for up to $1,000 within five business days and another for the detailed disaster relief which will be paid out after October 31st. Disaster relief claim forms can be picked-up from City Hall starting Monday and are also available from the city's website: www.thunderbay.ca. 

Pittsburgh Bound

Another Thunder Bay native will have his shot at playing in the NHL. Soo Greyhounds Goaltender Matthew Murray was drafted in the third round, 83rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft.

Crosby Visit Causing Stir

Twitter is abuzz with Tweets about Sidney Crosby's visit to the city for Jordan Staals wedding. Here is another of the many Twitter pics of "Sid the Kid" in Thunder Bay.

Bike Racks For Businesses

The City is looking for interested businesses who would like bike racks in front of their store fronts. Display models of the racks were showcased on Friday to area businesses and City Spokesperson Lee Amelia says they have several people interested in them. Earlier in the Spring, the City asked local artists to design artwork that would be put on the bike racks.

Report Says ELA For Sale For $1

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's their preference to transfer the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party. Rickford isn't commenting on a report that the area is up for sale for only 1-dollar. Rickford says they want to see the important work at the facility to continue. He says he's been in discussions with some local groups and he believes those talks are morphing into what will be a new begining.

The Path Of The Paddle

A water route linking Dryden and Kenora is now looking at involving the Rainy River district as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River. Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing industry. The route spans roughly 900-kilometres.

City Set To Talk Flood Monday

City Council is going to spend Monday night talking about the after effects of the flood. City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be asking council to approve the independent engineering and neighbourhood flooding studies. On top of that they'll also be asking permission to launch a flood prevention campaign.

Sunday Simpson Street Closure

Simpson Street between Pacific Avenue and Ogden Street will be closed on Sunday for watermain repairs. Work is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. Simpson Street will remain closed to through traffic until 6:00 p.m., or until work is complete. Motorists are asked to watch for detour signs and take an alternate route.

Bill Brings Jobs

Bill C-38 will bring new jobs and create a stable condition for the economy to survive the recession. That's according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford. Rickford says the budget bill brings new opportunities. He notes investment in forestry and mining will help bolster the Northern Ontario economy.

Leaders In Patient Care

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre is being honoured for being a leader in Patient and Family care. Vice President of Performance and Aboriginal Health Lori Marshall says they're the first and only hospital in Canada to win this award. Marshall adds they have patient advisors that provide suggestions on how the hospital can be more patient friendly.

A Day of Caring

United Way's GenNext wants people to come out and show they care on Saturday June 23. People can spend their day building, painting, or landscaping to help those in need. The Day of Caring is a one day commitment that helps United way and its agencies. The day starts off with breakfast at the Victoria Inn.

Mining Companies Evicted

Six Northern Ontario First Nation Chiefs are preparing to issue eviction notices to all mining companies on their land. They feel the Province and the companies haven't properly consulted them on their planned Ring of Fire projects. Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon says they'll serve the companies next week.

The Forms Are In

The forms are finally available for flood victims who want to make claims to the city. There are three types of forms available, one of which allows the applicant to apply for a cash advance. City Clerk John Hannam says this shows the city is moving from emergency management to disaster relief. They will be available at tomorrow's two public meetings.

Janzen's Suspect Caught And Charged

The suspect in this week's Janzen's Pharmacy robbery is in police custody.  They say he was arrested last night over the supper hour during a traffic stop on the city's south side.   He is now charged with robbery with a weapon.    

Woman Swept Away In Current River

A woman is very lucky to be alive. Members of the Thunder Bay Fire Department were called to the Current River yesterday to search for her after being swept away by the current. She was swimming with her boyfriend at the time and failed to appreciate the strength of the flow. The Fire Department eventually found the woman with a few cuts and bruises but essentially in good condition in Centennial Park. The woman was able to swim ashore under her own power and walk to safety.

4 Dogs Poisoned In Dryden

Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance with a case of dogs being poisoned near Dryden. O.P.P. say they responded to a call in Wainwright Township last Friday to find 4 dogs who had been poisoned. Two of the K-9's have died since then as a result. Police are asking for your help, if you have any information you're asked to call 1-888-222-8477 (TIPS).

Sidney Crosby Visits City For Staal's Wedding

The man who scored Canada's "Golden Goal" at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is visiting Thunder Bay. Sidney Crosby, a Stanley Cup Champion is in the city to take in the wedding of teammate Jordan Staal, who is set to get married to his Thunder Bay fiancee Heather today. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is also said to be in town for the nuptials.

Staal Turns Down 10 Year Deal

Reports indicate Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal has turned down a 10-year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jordan becames an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year. He scored 25 goals and added 25 assists in 62 games this year.

Cats Dropped Opener To Bucks

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 3-0 to the Waterloo Bucks last night at Subway Field. It was supposed to be a "Twi-Night" double-header by officials ruled the field "unsafe" for the second game. The two teams will meet again for a "Twi-Night" double-header tonight starting at 6:05 p.m.

Thunderwolves Hockey Releases Schedule

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team released its 2012-13 schedule, and will open the season at home versus the University of Ottawa on September 21-22. The Wolves will also host the final four teams from last season’s OUA playoffs - McGill, Western Ontario, UQTR and Windsor.

T.Bay Contractor Fined

A Thunder Bay Construction Supervisor is being fined 10 thousand dollars after being found in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  Ministry of Labour spokesperson Matt Blajer says Chad Shostal was in charge of a team of workers re-shingling a roof when one of the men fell off.  Shostal was fined becuase he was supposed to provide the worker with safety equipment and didn't train the injured worker on how to use said equipment.

Police Release Photos of Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are releasing pictures of the man they believe is responsible for a recent robbery of Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street. Police are looking to identify the stocky man wearing black pants, t-shirt and runners with red laces. He was also wearing a black baseball cap with a yellow emblem on the front. Anyone with information about the identity of this male is asked to call Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-TIPS.

Rickford Aboriginal Day Funding

A 25-million dollar Federal investment on this National Aboriginal Day.  Parliamentary Assistant for Aboriginal Affairs Greg Rickford says the money will launch a 10-year health research program.  The Kenora MP adds the Goverment is also supporting 6-major projects to study the best ways for health providers to collaborate with First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Latest On Thunder Bay Flood

The city is slowly returning to normal after the May 28th flood. Garbage pick-up is back on schedule and now spokesperson Darrell Matson says the dump is returning to schedule but they will still honour flood vouchers that were given out, voiding scale fees during regular business hours. Meanwhile, the city survived the rain scare this week. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Darrrell Matson says everything is okay following the 40-to-50 millimetres of precipitation that fell since Tuesday. Matson says they did not have to use any of the strategic pumps that were in place at various locations throughout the city.

Aboriginal Day At Marina Park

Aboriginal Day ceremonies began in the city with a sunrise ceremony at the marina at 5:00 o'clock. It kicked off a day of activities that will run until 8:00 o'clock this evening and is being put on by the city's National Aboriginal Day Committee. Events will be held at Travelodge Airlane and The Health Sciences Centre to name just a few.

LRCA Lifts Flood Watch

The flood watch is now over.   The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says that in the last 2 days we've received up to 50 millimetres of rain and with no rain forecast for the next couple of days the Authority decided to lift the flood watch. 

St. Pat's Students Decorate Uniforms

It's the last day of school for St. Patrick's High School Students in Thunder Bay and a Grade 12 prank left several students outside on the sidewalk.Valedictorian Jacob Luczak says they decided to decorate their St. Pat's t-shirts and have classmates sign them.  Meanwhile, Vice Principal Mike Filipetti says students were told to change because the uniforms didn't cover their shoulders, and midriffs.  Filipetti feels the incident could have gone differently.  The school had also asked for Grade 12 students uniforms to be donated for future students who can't afford the formal attire.

 
Vice Principal Mike Filipetti

City Facing 300 Million Dollar Class Action

The city is being sued.   A class action suit has been filed in Superior Court alleging negligence on various levels in connection with the May 28th flood. Those allegations still need to be proven in court.  The suit, on behalf of flood victims, is asking for general and special damages in the amount of 300 million dollars.  The city is not commenting.

Cops Still Looking For Robbery Suspect

Police are still on the hunt for a robbery suspect involved in an incident at Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street. It happened around 4:40 p.m. yesterday afternoon when a man entered the store, wielding an edged weapon. Police say the suspect, a heavy-set Native-Canadian man, wearing a hoodie, took off with an undisclosed amount of property. Anyone with information that can help with the case are asked to call police.

6 To 8 Months To Repair Water Treatment Plant

The Atlantic Avenue Water Treatment Plant is far from being repaired after the flood. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Darrell Matson says it will take 6 to 8 months to get it back to the way it was, prior to the May 28th flooding. Matson says work at the plant continues and he will advise council as to any additional repairs or purchases they may need to make once an independant firm has concluded its investigation into the breach.

Cats Washed Out

The Thunder Bay Border Cats and Waterloo Buck were rained out once again last night at Subway Field. They'll now try and play "Twi-Night" double-headers for the next three straight days. The 7 inning games begin at 6:05, starting tonight.

Heavy Rainfall Warning Ended

A heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warning has ended for the Thunder Bay area.  Environment Canada issued the warnings earlier today after 40 millimeters of rain fell last night and another 30 millimeters was expected throughout today.  Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we can expect light rain throughout this evening. 

Flooding Kills Duluth Zoo Animals

It's a sad day at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minnesota. The entire facility flooded as the result of the overnight rain and Development Director Anita Skutevik says almost a dozen barnyard animals died. She says some animals managed to swim out of their enclosures including one of their star attractions Berlin the polar bear. She says Berlin was tranquilized and is now recovering and doing fine. Two seals also managed to escape, but were captured a short time later.

Budget Passes

A summer election in Ontario has been averted with the passage of the minority government's budget. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he's glad the budget passed.  Right up until the vote the Liberals said they could not trust the New Democrats to keep their word and let the budget pass, but in the end the NDP did as promised.

Highway 597 Washed Out

OPP are reporting Highway 597 between Mannisto Road and Nicholson Road is closed. There was a wash-out and water is flowing over the highway. There's a detour at Mannisto road.

Project Supports Seniors With Dementia

St. Joseph's Care Group is introducing a new behavioral supports project for seniors with dementia. The money for the 1.2 million dollar plan has been approved through the Local Health Integration Network. Spokesperson Susan Pilatzke says the new project will mean new staff will be hired to develop the plan.

You Thought We Had It Bad

The City of Duluth, Minnesota is in a State of Emergency as the result of flooding caused by torrential rain.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says they received 175 millimetres overnight.   Just as people did during our storm last month people there are posting pictures on the local radio station website and it clearly shows the devastation.

Summer In The Parks Ready To Roll

The Summer in the Parks is kicking off on June 27. Eight outdoor concerts will be taking place over the summer featuring live music along with many more attractions, including childrens activities, artisan's market and on-site consessions. Summer in the Parks takes place every wednesday evening throughout the summer.

Duluth Streets Like Waterfalls According To Reporter

Thunder Bay's Sister City Duluth is experiencing similar flood conditions this morning to what we saw three weeks ago. Up to six inches, or 15 centimetres of rain has been reported in and around the city. Police are advising motorists not to go anywhere. Reporter Alan Hoglund of WDIO television news in Duluth says the streets were like rivers.

It's Not Over Till It's Over

It's steady as she goes for the city's sewage treatment plant after the overnight rainfall. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says they are monitoring the plant and he says "so far so good."   He says the plant responded well to the increased flow.   Matson says it's not over yet, there's more rain predicted and officials will continue to watch over the plant to avoid a flood like the one that happened three weeks ago.

No Flooding Reported By LRCA

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is monitoring area waterways for flooding.  So far the Authority says we received 40 to 50 millimetres of rain overnight and 10 to30 millimetres is expected today, maybe more in thunderstorms.  No major flooding is being reported, however the Flood Watch continues.

Highway 61 Washed Out In Spots Down To Duluth

Highway 61 South of the American Border is closed this morning because of washouts in spots, all the way down to Duluth. Duluth Police are advising against travel in the entire city of Duluth. Rainfall of more than 6 inches or 15 centimetres in spots was recorded in the city and along Highway 61 along the North Shore. Various American media outlets and law enforcement are reporting extensive damage in the city of Duluth itself, with roads starting to collapse along the hillside. There have been reports of people being rescued from their basement apartments, falling into sinkholes of collapsed roads and of rivers and streams taking over roadways. Highway 61 remains closed in various spots with washouts, overflowing streams and rivers, washed out culverts and washed out roads.

Cats To Make Up Rained Out Game Tonight

The Thunder Bay Border Cats will try and make up their rained out game against the Waterloo Bucks tonight at Subway field, if they can dodge the weather one more time. The two teams will try and play a "Twi-Night" double-header starting at 6:05. Both games will be seven innings long.