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.