YPN has new President

There's a change of the guard at Thunder Bay's Young Professional Network.  Former President Michael Nitz is now the new head of the Chamber of Commerce.  Nathan Lawrence will now take over the vacant president's position.  The Young Professionals Network is now known as SHIFT.

Walkway closed

A walkway in Boulevard Lake Park will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.  The pedestrian walkway over the Current River Dam is off limits while work is completed on the dam.

Coroners inquest into inmate's death

The coroner will be investigating the death of an 18 year old inmate at the Thunder Bay district jail. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Cody Thompson was transferred from the jail on August 11th to the hospital and died last Friday. Thompson was charged with second degree murder in the death of Robert Topping.

NOMA goes to AMO

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is recapping his recent meetings with Provincial Ministers.  Ron Nelson says they also met with the leaders of the NDP and Progressive Conservatives.  Nelson asked each party if they would be willing to give the region its own seperate lower electricity rate.  Nelson feels discussions with ministers about their issues were well received.  Meanwhile, NOMA wants all three party leaders to take part in a Northern Ontario debate. The proposed debate would be held in Thunder Bay on September 23rd.

8 billion dollar infrastructure shortfall

It's going to cost billions of dollars to bring First Nation communities infrastructure up to snuff. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Angus Tolouse says they need 8 billion dollars. The infrastructure figures are from the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. Tolouse says they need capital investments in housing, water and waste water, roads, and broadband service.

MNR has record breaking year

The Ministry of Natural Resources says it's been a record breaking year for forest fires in the Northwest.  Information Officer Debbie McLean says we've broken a 50 year old record.  With more than two months left in the current season, more than 622 thousand hectares has burned. McLean adds they haven't had more fires than in 1961, just burned more hectares of land.

Sheep Dogs set to entertain Thunder Bay

Wednesday's the day to head down to Marina Park to watch the Sheep Dogs.  The band is headlining the Superior Youth Festival and organizer Jean-Paul De Roover says they will be one of many attractions and the event will kick off at 6 o'clock. 

PA Stadium battles London for title

Port Arthur Stadium will be battling London's Labatt Stadium for the title of Canada's Favourite Ball Park.  Chair of Thunder Bay's International Baseball Association Larry Hebert says its time for everyone in Thunder Bay to get out and vote.  Hebert says a win would enhance the city's bid for the 2014 World Junior Baseball Championships.  Voting will take place over the next two weeks.

Trail system being studied

Oliver Paipoonge is embarking on a trail study.  Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they're using provincial funds to hire a trail expert.  Oliver Paipoonge council would like to see a trail created from Fort William Park to Kakabeka Falls.  A series of public meetings will be held in the near future.  The trail expert starts work next week.

Book of condolences

The City of Thunder Bay is opening a book of condolences to allow residents to pay their respects to Jack Layton.  The flags at City Hall will fly at half mast until after the NDP Leader's funeral to recognize his contributions to Canada.