Pigeon River Border Stats

Traffic statistics at the Pigeon River Border Crossing are down noticeably.  Canada Border Service Agents checked 25-thousand vehicles in the month of May and checked approximately 50-thousand people at the border. Statistics indicate traffic was down 6-percent from a year ago in the month of May. New border laws involving duty allowances did take effect on June 1st.

NOHFC Gives Out Over 1.4 Million Dollars

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is providing over 1.4 million dollars to three local businesses.  True Grit President Eric Zakrewski says they're using a million towards their new building in Innova Park.  Digital Engineering will use 390-thousand dollars to renovate their existing building and hire more staff.  Loch Lomond Equipment Sales received 107-thousand dollars from the Province to purchase a new building for their business as well.

Library On The Loose

Thunder Bay Library staff are going to be pounding the pavement this summer.  It's part of their new campaign called "Library on the Loose".  Spokesperson Lindsey Long says they want staff to get out and meet their neighbours.

Man Identified In Death Near Atikokan

One man is dead following a fatal car crash near Atikokan. Provincial Police say the vehicle, travelling on Highway 11, 2 kilometers east of the Arctic Watershed, crossed the centre line and crashed into a rock cut and burst into flames. Police say 88 year old Jack Tiefenbacher of Fort Frances was the only person in the vehicle that was completely destroyed by the fire. The incident happened just after 7:00 O'clock yesterday morning.

Fire Destroys Garage On Empire Avenue

Fire crews were called into action early this morning. Crews were called out to battle a garage fire at around 4:00 o'clock this morning. The Fire department used 15 personnel from 4 different stations to battle the blaze located on the 500 block of East Empire Avenue. The fire department says the fire started under suspicious circumstances and will be investigating later the morning. Police and Hydro One were also called to the scene.

15 Forest Fires In Northwest Region

Due to over 15,000 lightning strikes over the long weekend, 10 new Fires were reported in the Northwest region, bringing the total number of active fires to 15. The Kenora district saw the most action with 4 new fires being detected. Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, and Dryden all had one new fire. With the hot dry weather continuing, more holdover lightning fires are expected to be discovered across the region.

Pyatt Becomes New York Ranger

Taylor Pyatt has signed a contract to play with New York Rangers next season, making it his fifth team in his N.H.L. Career. Pyatt joins fellow Thunder Bay native, Marc Staal in the Big Apple. Pyatt had 9 goals and 19 points last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, before adding 4 goals and 6 points with the club in the playoffs.

Border Cats Edged By Honkers

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost a slug-fest at Subway field last night, 12-11 to the Rochester Honkers. Their 5-game series concludes tonight, starting at 7:05. Tonight also marks the end of the first half of the Northwoods league season.

Chill Paste Competition In Friendly Match

The Thunder Bay Chill are in the midst of a 9-day road trip in the United States. They played a friendly match yesterday against the Springfield Demize, beating the host 7-0. The Chill now travel to Des Moines to take on the Menace on Friday and Saturday, having already clinched the Heartland division title.

Mobile Crane On Its Way

The CEO of the Thunder Bay Port Authority is counting the days until a piece of machinery arrives that will change the way the port does business. Tim Heney says a new mobile crane should arrive here a week from Thursday and when it does, it has the potential to change everything because the port will be able to unload ships from shore and make the port more competitive.

OPP Probe Fatal Crash

Thunder Bay OPP are investigating a fatal traffic accident on the Trans Canada Highway. They say this morning around 7 o'clock a vehicle travelling on Highway 11, 2 kilometers east of the Arctic Watershed, crossed the centre line and crashed into a rock cut and burst into flames. That's all police are saying about the incident at this time and won't be releasing any information about who died or how many people were in the vehicle at the time.

Missing 11 Year Old Girl Found Safe

Thunder Bay Police says a missing 11 year old girl is now back at home.   Constable Julie Tilbury says Trinity Payash was found after a missing person's notice was issued to the local media.

Refugee Advocate To Receive High Honour

A Thunder Bay woman's volunteer work with refugees over the last 30 years is being recognized in a big way. Elizabeth McWeeny has been named as a member of the Order of Canada. McWeeny calls it an honour and an irony.    She says it's heartening to see the Governor General naming a refugee advocate to the Order while the government of Canada is passing a "destructive"  refugee law.  McWeeny will receive the honour during a ceremony to be held at a later date.

Border Cats Lose

The Rochester Honkers defeated the Border Cats last night 3-2 at Subway Field.  Thunder Bay plays again at home tonight at 7:05.

Road Work On Schedule

The May 28th city flooding put a halt to a number of ongoing projects in the city.  Project Engineer Rick Harms says scheduled road construction here in the city burned up a number of rain days as they waited for the water to clear.  Harms says they are back on schedule.

Campbell Talks Budget

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is refuting comments that the passing of the provincial budget solidified the closing of the area's tourist information centres. PC Critic Vic Fedeli said last week there was no effort by the NDP in committee to overturn the closure decision. Campbell says there wasn't that opportunity. Campbell claims she was also denied a chance to comment on the budget and the tourism centres because of the antics of the Conservatives in the legislature.

Liberals in Kenora Rainy River Rally

Provincial Liberals are looking to have to bigger presence in Ontario's rural areas.  President of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association, Anthony Leek says it will be a benefit to this area.  Leek says the party is embarking on an outreach campaign aimed at gathering more input at the grassroots level.

Aids Thunder Bay Name Change

Aids Thunder Bay wants to change their name.  The move is part of the organization's 3 year strategic plan. Executive Director Lawrence Korhonen says it's because they offer more than just AIDS service.  Korhonen hopes they'll have a new name by this time next year.

Deck Fire On Mayflower Drive

Thunder Bay's Fire Department is reporting a deck fire last night at a home on Mayflower Drive.  Crews were called to the home to put out a fire on the vinyl siding on a deck.  It was quickly put out and the cause is believed to be a cigarette.  No one was hurt.

Hydro One Power Outage O'Connor

Hydro One is working on a small power outage in O'Connor Township this morning.  About 20 people are without power after the company's equipment failed after last night's storm.  Power is expected to be restored soon.

Big Contract Extension For Jordan $taal

A great wedding present for Jordan Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes a week after his local nuptuals.   The Team has awarded him with a 10 year contract extension worth a 60 million dollars

Wasn't That A Party!

Canadian nationalism shines in Thunder Bay. Canada Day proved to be another success as the city presented festivities at the new-look waterfront for the first time. Marina Park was swarming with people as many marvelled at the glamour which has taken over Prince Arthur's Landing.  The evening wrapped up with a fireworks display.

Chill Clinch

The Thunder Bay Chill are in the playoffs again.   They clinched a berth with a 3-2 win over St. Louis.

Cats Win On Canada Day

The Thunder Bay Border Cats were 7-4 winners over the Rochester Honkers in front of a Canada Day crowd of 825.  The two clubs are back at it tonight at Subway Field starting at 7:05.

And TheWinner Is....

The Rotary Club's annual house lottery for 2012 is now in the history books.   The winner of this year's house is Bernadette Danco of Atikokan.

Chill on fire

The Thunder Bay Chill will be back in the Premier Development League playoffs for the sixth year in a row. The Chill locked up their spot in the post-season after a 1-0 win over the St. Louis Lions last night. With a record of ten wins and only one loss, the Chill are first place in the Heartland Division and are five points ahead of second place Real Colorado. The Chill will take on the Lions again in St. Louis today, and can clinch the Heartland Division with a win.

Cats win second straight

The Thunder Bay Border Cats doubled up on the Rochester Honkers 4-2 last night at Subway Field. The Cats pulled off the win in front of a season-high 1,322 fans earning them a record of 14 wins and 17 losses. The Border Cats will play game two of their five game series this afternoon against Rochester at 1:35 from Subway Field.

Cats crush Beetles

The Thunder Bay Border Cats avoided a three game sweep Friday night in Alexandria by beating the Beetles 17-7. The Cats hit seven runs in the 5th inning and added four more runs in the 7th inning as their first half record improved to 13-17. The Border Cats take on the Rochester Honkers tonight at Port Arthur Stadium at 7:05.

The Ties That Bind

Thunder Bay and it's sister city Little Canada, Minnesota will be cementing their relationship Saturday.  Little Canada Mayor Bill Blesner and Mayor Hobbs will be signing an agreement at Fort William Historical Park to continue the program.   Mayor Blesner says the relationship between the two communities has turned into more of a friendship. 

Mining Deal Goes Down

Another mining project in the Nestor Falls area is about to change hands. Houston Lake Mining says its selling all of its interest in its West Cedartree Gold project to Coventry Resources in a cash and shares deal.  The site is located 12 kilometres away from Coventry's Cameron Gold project.

Fishing Regulation Changes

A local advisory committee wants to improve and protect fishing in our area.  The Fisheries Management Zone 5 Council is proposing several regulation changes effecting lakes in Dryden, south of Kenora and in the Rainy River District.  Member Richard Boileau says they now want to know what the public thinks.

The council won't be present a final report to the Ministry of Natural Resources until later this year.

Canada Day Celebrations

Canada Day can be celebrated at Fort William Historical Park for free.  It is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Canada Day festivities are set to kick off after noon.  Communications Officer Marty Mascarin says one of his favourite things to see is the people dressed up in red and white. A full day of activities are planned including a canoe arrival with musket salute at 2:00 p.m., the singing of O'Canada at 2:15 p.m. and following that, free Canada Day Birthday cake.

Long Weekend Safety Tips

The long weekend is here.   Sergeant Shelley Garr of the OPP Northwest division says officers will be out looking for eratic behaviour.  Garr wants people to have a fun weekend and get home safe.  Meanwhile, The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighter's Association is asking you to "use caution" if you intend to use fireworks.  President Eric Nordlund is reminding you that it is illegal to set them off within city limits.  Nordlund is suggesting you watch the fireworks display put on by the city at Marina Park on Canada Day at approximately 11:00 o'clock.

MNR Talks Fire Hazard

The number of forest fires in the Northwest Region is increasing.  There are around 11 active fires. Nine are in the Sioux Lookout District, one in the Nipigon District and one in the Kenora area.

Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Deb McLean says people should continue to monitor the situation in their area.  McLean also reminds people that if they are lighting fireworks this weekend, that the residue must be put out.

Tornado Medical Systems Tells The City Why

The CEO of Tornado Medical Systems is offering up an explanation for the company's sudden closure this week.   Stefan Larson says the medical imaging company was simply running out of money for a project it was conducting and doesn't rule out opening its city offices again in the future.  Meanwhile, The CEO of the City's Economic Development Commission calls talks with Tornado Medical Systems forthright, frank and honest. Steve Demmings says they haven't given up hope that the company will be able to rebound. Demmings, the City and Larson all spoke this morning about the cuts to local staff.

It's Summer So That Means Shad Valley

It's Shad Valley time again. Out of town students converge on Lakehead University to expand their learning. Organizer Sultan Siddiqui says it's another unique group this year.   With 64 students from all across Canada and one from Saudi Arabia and another from India.   This year the students will be examing ways to solve the problem of obesity.

OPP Find Young Man Who Fled From MVC

OPP are no longer looking for a young man who left an early morning single vehicle accident on Highway 11-17 near Pebblestone Road. They found the teenager at the Curling Club in Kakabeka Falls and sent him to the hospital. The female passenger of the vehicle was sent to the hospital earlier today. There's no immediate word on charges.

Minor Injuries In Cycling Accident

One person is being treated in hospital following an accident involving a cyclist on the city's north side this  afternoon just before 3.   Police say the bike she was riding collided with an SUV at the corner of Memorial and Lisgar.  The injuries are said to be minor.

Dr. Roger Strasser To Become Canadian Citizen

Canada Day is typically a day for family, fireworks and festivities. For some it is the day they officially become a Canadian Citizen. On Sunday, Dr. Roger Strasser, Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and previous recipient of the Order of Australia, becomes a Canadian Citizen at the national ceremony in Ottawa. Strasser and his family have been in Canada since 2002.

Road Work Back On Track After Flood

The city flooding put some projects behind schedule but not road work. Project Engineer Rick Harms says the May 28th flooding cost them a few days. Harms says the major traffic routes that are affected by road construction right now is the Bay Street and Algoma area. He adds, Montreal Street will see road construction start likely in the second week of July, affecting traffic around Bombardier and Abitibi Resource Mill.

OPP Out In Full Force This Long Weekend

Thunder Bay OPP are reminding motorists to use common sense and caution while traveling on highways and waterways this holiday weekend. Officers will be on patrol targeting aggressive drivers, distracted drivers, ensuring seat belt compliance and conducting RIDE checks throughout the Thunder Bay area. With the school year completed and children enjoying their summer holiday, be extra cautious while driving in areas where there may be children at play, or crossing the roadways.

Cats Lose Wild One

For the second straight game the Thunder Bay Border Cats lost in 10 innings to the Alexandria Beetles, this time by a score of 14-13. The barn-burning loss drops the Cats record to 12-17 on the season. The series ends with game 3 tonight before the Cats return home tomorrow for a 5 game series against Rochester.

Chill Can Earn Playoff Spot With Win

The Thunder Bay Chill take their first place 9-1 record on the road this weekend in St. Louis when they visit the Lions on Saturday and Sunday. The Chill are just one win away from securing a playoff spot and another tie away from shoring up first place in the Heartland Division. The Chill are also 1 point up on the Michigan Bucks for the best record in the Central Conference.

Thunderwolf Eyes Olympic Berth

All eyes will be on Lakehead University Thunderwolf Alastair Brown today as he competes in the 1500 metre final at the Canadian Olympic track and field trials in Calgary. Brown has qualified for the finals after posting the 6th fastest time in yesterday's semi-final. Brown, who is from Winnipeg, could represent Canada at the London Olympics if he manages to pull out a win in today's final.

Councillor Furious Over Tornado Shocker

One city councillor is furious over the news that Tornado Medical Systems has closed up its offices in Thunder Bay. The medical imaging company announced it was setting up shop in the city in 2009 and was given substantial taxpayers dollars to build new offices in the Whelan Building. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says "this warrants a full investigation by council into the process in giving generous grants." He says there were promises of up to 300 jobs , but they closed with under 10.

LU Partners With Georgian College

Lakehead University is teaming up with Georgian College to make it easier for students to move between the two.  It will now be easier for college students to transfer their credit towards completing a university degree.  The two schools signed a deal Thursday that will allow joint delivery of programs, fast track diplomas, and credit transfers.

Hobbs Wraps Up Week Long Conference

Thunder Bay's Mayor is coming back from a week long Great Lakes Seaway meeting in Quebec. Keith Hobbs says he met with other Mayors and they tackled a number of important issues including stopping invasive species. He also talked about our disaster and asked the Mayors to donate money to our relief fund. Thunder Bay was also honoured with the Green Award for leadership in Pollution Prevention.

T.Bay Tel Lowers Mobility Package Rates

T.Bay Tel is cutting the price for some of it's cell phone services.  Spokesperson Barry Streib says they found opportunities to lower some of their cell rates and decided to give back to their customers.  The change in rates will come into effect July 1st.

New Strat Plan For St. Joe's

St. Joseph's Care Group is rolling out it's new strategic plan.  CEO Tracey Buckler says it was introduced at the Annual General Meeting.  The plan is designed to lead the health organization into the next four years. Buckler also tells us they are continuing with construction plans to the tune of 150 million dollars.

John Street Cash Update

A 38 year old woman is being held in custody after a jeep rollover on John Street this morning.  She was released from the hospital with minor injuries and has been arrested on two outstanding warrants.  The 43 year old and 42 year old male passengers of the vehicle are still in the hospital in good condition.  John Street has been re-opened.

Tbaytel Expands 4G Service

Tbaytel is investing an extra 3.4 million dollars into it's 4G network in the northwest this year.   CEO  of the city run phone company, Don Campbell,  says they realized early on that the original 5.8 million would not be enough to take care of demands. The new investments include extra cell sites in Thunder Bay and increased coverage in Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden.