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.

Habitat For Humanity Welcomes 50-Thousand Dollars

The mother of a one year old asthmatic is the latest recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home. The home being built on Home Avenue is part of Bombardier's 50 thousand dollar donation.  The company made the presentation today and will also use the cash to build another home in 2013.

Two Historic Designations Announced At Bombardier

Parks Canada has made the Thunder Bay Bombardier Plant a historical site.  The Federal Government unveiled two plaques recognizing the Canadian Car Foundry's 100 years in the community. Another plaque was presented to honor Elsie MacGill's contributions as a woman engineer in the Second World War.

Jeep Rollover Sends 3 To Hospital

Three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance this morning after a vehicle rollover on John Street Road between Community Hall Road and Lawrence Road. Emergency services responded to the incident just before 7:00 o'clock. Police say the driver of a Jeep lost control and rolled over into the side ditch. One person was ejected from the vehicle. All three occupants were taken to the Regional Health Sciences Center with undetermined injuries. John Street Road is currently closed between Community Hall Road and Lawrence Road for the Traffic Unit to conduct the investigation. John Street Road is expected to be closed for at least the next hour.

Cosmo Valente's Death Investigated As A Homicide

The RCMP in Manitoba are investigating the death of Thunder Bay's Cosmo Valente at Stony Mountain Penitentiary this month as a murder. Spokesperson Sgt. Line Karpish says their probe has discovered that Valente was stabbed. While there is no one charged in the death of the 69 year old, police say they are working with the institution on the case.

Fireworks Warning

The hot weather has the Ministry of Natural Resources on high alert for new forest fires this long weekend. The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association is also 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.

Bishop E.Q. Jennings School Closed Today

Bishop E.Q. Jennings is closed today. Officials will spend the day cleaning up blood left on the library floor. Police say a man and a woman broke into the school overnight and were found sleeping on the library floor. One of them was cut. They have been charged with one count of mischief each.

2 Possible New Forest Fires

M.N.R. officials say 2 new fires are being investigated by Fire Rangers from the Sioux Lookout Headquarters; however, neither fire has been confirmed yet by personnel. There continues to be 8 active fires in the region that are being monitored in the far north districts of Sioux Lookout and Nipigon. The forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario has climbed to "High" and is expected to climb into the "Extreme" by the weekend. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources urges the pubic to use caution with all outdoor fires.

Cats lose In Extra Inning

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 4-3 in an extra inning last night in the opener of a 3-game road series to Alexandria. The loss drops the Cats' record to 12-16 in the first half. They're back home on Saturday to start a 5-game seris against the Rochester Honkers.

CPC Plugs Away At Implementing Plan

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council is reaching out to the community as part of their crime reduction plan.  They've started a campaign welcoming remote First Nation residents to the City, as well as work in individual neighbourhoods.  Acting Co-ordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says they've also started partnering with other community groups.  Hendrick updated the council on her work during the last few months at their monthly meeting Wednesday night.

CPC Plugs Away At Crime Plan

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council is reaching out to the community as part of their crime reduction plan.  They've started a campaign welcoming remote First Nation residents to the City, as well as work in individual neighbourhoods.  Acting Co-ordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says they've also started partnering with other community groups.  Hendrick updated the council on her work during the last few months at their monthly meeting Wednesday night.

Crimestoppers Launching Highschool Program

Thunder Bay's Crimestoppers Program is looking to launch a Highschool version of themselves.  Constable Julie Tilbury says they want to provide an anonymous tip program for students who want to prevent underage drinking. They'll be recruiting members this summer and launch the program sometime in September or October.  Tilbury spoke about the program at Wednesday night's Crime Prevention Council meeting.

NOMA Goes To Bat For ELA

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is the latest group to plead with the Harper government to continue funding the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.   President Ron Nelson says the nearly 40 municipalities in the organization are troubled by the proposal to close the ELA next year.   The plea comes in a letter to the Prime Minister on the issue.

Business Owners Stay Pumped About Economy

Expectations for the future are positive according to the 15th annual small business survey by Thunder Bay Ventures.  Manager Royden Potvin says as an example,  seventy-four percent of business owners questioned believe that the Thunder Bay economy will have positive growth over the next year.   Meantime the survey also showed that 75 per cent of owners surveyed believe a new multiplex is affordable.  However the survey was conducted before the May 28th flooding disaster.

Via Rail Safe Sioux Lookout

The daily run east and west from Sioux Lookout isn't impacted by cuts at Via Rail. Trip frequencies are being cut on some of the big routes, including the Montreal to Halifax route ``The Ocean'' which will be cut from six to three round trips per week. In the West, ``The Canadian'' , a Toronto to Vancouver route, will be reduced from three to two round trips per week in the off-season. There will also be a number reductions in southwestern Ontario. Via Rail says it expects to cut 200 unionized jobs, or about 9-percent of its positions, as the government-owned passenger rail service deals with federal budget cuts.

Pulitzer Prize Winning Author In Town

Michael Wood

A Pulitzer Prize winning author is speaking to the Regional Research Institute Board today. Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee wrote a book about Cancer and CEO Michael Wood says they look forward to hearing what he has to say. Mukherjee will also be speaking tonight at the Victoria Inn.

Immigration Social Network Launched

Thunder Bay's Multicultural Association is launching its Immigrant Social Network today.  Spokesperson Michelle Lander says the group will help newcomers settle in Thunder Bay.  The new group's board is made up of about 12 people and is being launched on Canada's Multicultural Day.

Life's A Beach

Bad news for the Canada Day long weekend.  The Health Unit has put Boulevard Lake's main beach and sunnyside beach under a swimming advisory.  You can still swim at those beaches but be warned there is high levels of e-coli which can lead to skin, eye, nose and throat infections.  The Health Unit is testing the water and will alert the public when the e-coli dissipates.

Beardy Elected Regional Chief

A local face is the new face of the Chiefs of Ontario.  Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy has been elected Regional Chief.  Beardy received 59 votes in traditional voting this morning.  Incumbent Angus Toulouse received 53 votes.  The 38th Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference is on the go in Toronto.  Beardy's election will mean the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation will be electing a new Grand Chief.

Cosmo Valente Dies In Custody

A Thunder Bay Man serving jail time in Stony Mountain has died. Cosmo Valente died at a hospital in Winnipeg on Monday. The 69 year Valente was serving a 5 year 8 month sentence for trying to hire a "hit man" to kill his ex-wife and her lawyer. The cause of his death is not known but is being reviewed by police and the coroner.

Canada Day Activites At Fort William Historical Park

Fort William Historical Park along with the OLG Casino and Marina Park are the host venues for Canada Day festivities. Admission to Fort William Historical Park is free and activities include a scavenger hunt, tug of war, ceremonial canoe arrival with musket salute and Canada Day birthday cake. Communications Officer Marty Mascarin suggests you can start at the Historical Park and then make your way to the casino and marina for their planned activities. The Historical Park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Canada Day. 

Public School Board Passes Budget

The Lakehead Public School Board is going ahead with a budget of more than 131-million dollars for next year. The budget was approved at last night's meeting. Board Chair, Deborah Masserro says “Developing a balanced student-focused with stakeholder input is a significant accomplishment.” Highlights of the budget include: maintaining programs such as Full-Time Senior Kindergarten in existing schools, continued support for French as a second language and Native language support in elementary schools, more money for textbooks and e-books as well as e-learning opportunities for High School students.

Thunderwolves To Compete In Olympic Trials

Lakehead University Thunderwolves Alastair Brown and Hillary Quirion are set to compete at the Canadain Olympic Track and Field Olympic trials starting today in Calgary. Brown is ranked 11th Canada in the 1500 metres and has a shot at making the finals. Quirion, who is from Thunder Bay, qualified for the 10,000 metre run following a 3rd place finish at the O.U.A. provincials this year.  Three other L.U. Athletes will compete in pre-trial events, Tess Naroski in the 800 & 1500, Heather Maxfield in 400 & 800 and Travis Roske in the 800.

Cats Split Series In St. Cloud

The Thunder Bay Border Cats eneded up splitting a mini 2-game series with St. Cloud after dropping a 3-2 decision last night. The Border Cats now have a first half record of 12-15. They start a 3-game seris against Alexandria this afternoon.

Gas Line Break At Champlain Place

Some residents of Champlain Place were told to leave their homes this afternoon. A contractor digging a drive way hit a gas line causing an evacuation of about 20 people. The City's Fire Department expects the residents to to be back in their homes by supper time.

Gravelle Talks Forest Management Corporation

Ontario is giving a giant chunk of forest land over to area First Nations and surrounding communities. The Northeast communities will form a Forest Management Corporation that will oversee the sale of timber. Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle says the corporation will be operational by the Spring of 2013.

Quality Of Life Improvements No Thanks To Feds

A new report says the gap between aboriginal and non aboriginal residents quality of life is improving. The benchmarking report is backed by the Federal Government and states the gap is not as big as it once was. Pic River Chief Roi Michano says things have improved but no thanks to the Government. The report was released on Tuesday and states more First Nations people are finding jobs and self employment is on the rise.