Fire Season Starts Slow

To the relief of  the Ministry of Natural Resources the fire season continues its slow start. There were three new fires reported in the Northwest Region as of today.   Two were in the Red Lake District and one in the Dryden District. There were two additional active fires in the Red Lake District that began yesterday.  To date, there have been almost 70 fires burning an area of  just over 60 hectares in the Northwest Region.

Flood Report Postponed

An update from city councillors on last years flood will now take place at  the June 3rd council meeting and not Monday night as scheduled.   The report states that the total price tag for the disaster is pegged at about 44 million dollars.   City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says that administration postponed the presentation.

Private School Causes Buzz

The education community is buzzing with word that a  private high school is about to open at the former Quetico Centre near Atikokan.   It's the brainchild of Toronto's Michael Heaton who says he's shooting  for a September opening.   He says a number of teachers from outside the province are expressing interest in the new facility.   Heaton says tuition for the new school will be 39 thousand 500 dollars a year.

Collision At William & Balmoral

A two vehicle accident at the intersection of William and Balmoral is causing traffic to be slowed down.   The mishap is in the area of the Golf Links road detour.  Traffic is backed up in the area.  A witness says there are injuries, police can not confirm the extent of injuries.

Inquest Complete

The provincial government is being asked to improve communication from within. That's one key recommendation from the jury hearing the case of Edwin Davis, who died on a Dryden area lake while building an ice road for Manitou Lake two years ago. Ministry of Labour Lawyer David McCaskill admits its an issue that's been addressed for the first time in this type of inquiry. Another key recommendation is having all mining operations provide and develop more training programs for ice safety.

Lac Seul First Nation Man Found Dead

Provincial Police have found a man who was reported missing from Lac Seul First Nation. Police say that 47-year-old Dion Morrision was found dead in a wooded area on Manitoba point on Lac Seul. Morrison was missing since Monday. Police say foul play is not suspected, however police are continuing with the investigation.

Suspicious Vehicle Stopped Near Upsala

Reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Dryden and Ignace Area has lead to the arrest of three men near Thunder Bay. Provincial Police noticed a Ford Mustang Wednesday afternoon on Highway 17 east of Upsala and signalled it to pull over. As the officer was about to exit his cruiser, the car sped off and headed north. While searching the vehicle, police found 68 grams of marihuana and have charged three people from Winnipeg and Calgary with flight from police and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Closed

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is closed due to a highway washout. Several employees of the park and visitors were stranded up until last night when they were able to get out using a temporary road fix. Park Supervisor Greg Wilson says the park is now off limits. Wilson says a skeleton crew is staying at the park to keep the facility in good shape.

City Reopens Campground & Streets

The City is reopening some streets, trails and campgrounds after the weekend's heavy rain fall.  Chippewa Campground, Melbourne Road, Toms Road, Mapleward and all recreation trails are reopened.  The only exceptions include the trail under the Edward Street Bridge, Arundel Street and Kline Road remain closed.

Grant Buys Dance Floor

Chalk one up for the organizers of the popular Lakehead Music Festival.  They've scored a 93 hundred dollar grant from the Ontario government's Trillium Foundation according to MPP Bill Mauro who says the money will be used to buy a portable dance floor.

Wynne Tours Resolute FP

Kathleen Wynne's first official visit to Thunder Bay as premier is over.   After a morning trip to YES Employment Services the premier took in a tour of Resolute Forest Products where she got a look at the paper machine number five, the only paper machine in operation at the sprawling facility.  

Border Cats Expand Roster

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have added eight new players to their roster. The Cats signed back catcher Anthony Azar, pitchers Clint Knoblauch, Ryan Atwood, Chris Kerwood, Caleb Smith, Daniel Stoney, Clay Cinnamon, as well as infielder Derek O'Dell. The Border Cats open their season on June 1st against the Willmar Stingers at Subway Field.

DSSAB Takes Over Water Bills

From now on all social housing tenants in the city will have the costs of water added to their rent.   Bill Bradica of the District Social Services Board says it will eliminate problems when some tenants pay water bills and others don't.  He  says they will have the costs added to their monthly rent there-by saving administrative headaches for the board. Bradica says in some cases tenants will see a savings with the combination of costs.

Police Ask Public For Help

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public for information about an assault on the city's south side. Police say a woman was assaulted near the 700 block of Syndicate Avenue South sometime before two o'clock on Monday morning. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Fishing Season To Bring Heavy Traffic

The Canada Border Service Agency is expecting higher traffic volume at the Pigeon River border crossing. CBSA officials say they are anticipating more travelers over the next three weeks due to the start of fishing season in Northwestern Ontario. Border officials are advising travelers to plan around peak traffic periods if possible.

Wynne Visits T.Bay

The Province is still in negotiations.  That's the message on several topics from Premier Kathleen Wynne.  At a news conference this morning in Thunder Bay, Wynne was asked about topics ranging from the Ring Of Fire to more money for local flood victims all with similar responses.  Wynne says the conversation about the conversion of the local Coal Plant is also ongoing.  Wynne was in the City to tout her government's youth employment initiatives in the Provincial budget.

Highway Closure

Highway 587 remains closed at Joe Creek, close to the Sleeping Giant Provincial park. The closure is due to a washout, due to recent heavy rainfall. For more information, call 511.

Fednor Provides Funding For NAN

60-thousand dollars of Fednor funding is going toward the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Fednor Minister Tony Clement announced it yesterday, saying the money will go towards Aboriginal Business management training. This funding will allow NAN to set up at least ten business management training summits throughout the region.

Active Transportation Corridor Discussed

An Active Transportation Corridor in the Bay Street area is garnering plenty of attention.  200 residents took part in a Red River Ward meeting last night that showcased the multi-year plan.  Councillor Andrew Foulds was also at the meeting and says people had a lot of questions about pedestrian safety.  The bike and walking plan spans an area from Bay Street to Marlborough Street and still needs to go before Council before anymore work can be done.

Premier Wynne To Visit City

Premier Kathleen Wynne is coming to Thunder Bay tomorrow.  It's her first visit to the city since becoming premier.  According to a notice from her office she will be at YES Employment Services in the morning and touring the Resolute Mill in the afternoon.