CAS Boss Praises Adoption Tax Breaks

No complaints from Rob Richardson at the Children's Aid Society.   The Federal Budget is extending tax breaks for people who want to adopt a child, something Richardson is happy to hear about.  Richardson believes it will help to increase the number of children that are adopted and says it's good to see the federal government is thinking about the needs of families.

Slovak Legion Doing Fine

The Slovak Legion on Atlantic Avenue is doing well.   Officials say there are rumours flying that it is about to close which is not true.   They say such an urban legend only serves to have an negative impact on the organization at a time when legions are struggling to begin with. 

Community Auditorium Nominated For National Award

The Community Auditorium is nominated at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards.  Manager of Marketing and Development Trevor Hurtig says it's the second year they're up for the Performing Arts Centre of the Year Award.  Hurtig says it's great to be recognized.

Baird Defends Budget

Regional Minister John Baird is selling his government's budget as good news for Northern Ontario.  The Foreign Affairs Minister is downplaying FedNor's budget being cut 10 percent.  Baird is also touting skilled trades training that will help the mining industry.

Celtic Fair Line-up Announced

Fort William Historical Park is celebrating summer with a Celtic Fair full of concerts and camping under the stars. July 19th will bring the Irish Rovers, as well as the group Celtica. On July 20th, they'll have a flash back night with Pat Benatar, Colin James and Glamrock group Sweet.

NAPS Tweet-A-Thon Today

Police in Northwestern Ontario will be participating in a global Tweet-A-Thon today.  The Nishnawbe-Aski Police are one of the many forces that will be posting on the social media website.  Sergeant Jackie George says people who don't use Twitter can also view similar posts on the NAPS Facebook page.

Health Unit Looking At Flu Shot Clinics

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is going to consider marketing their flu shot clinics differently next year.   The board recently received a review of their influenza program that suggests marketing the clinics differently.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they'll be getting more insight from a public survey.  The survey will ask locals why they chose not to get their flu shot from the Health Unit.

Hajdu Likes Funding For Homeless

The Harper government is pledging to extend funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy beyond 2014.  That is music to the ears of Patty Hajdu the executive director of the city's homeless shelter who says Thunder Bay benefits from that program.  Hajdu is also pleased the program will focus on "housing first" which she calls a proven idea.

Federal Budget Riles Local MPs

Thunder Bay independent MP Bruce Hyer is attacking the federal budget on several fronts siting no improvements to the Canada Pension Plan or tax breaks for small businesses.  He does however says there document does help the mining industry. Hyer is disappointed there are no tax reductions for small businesses.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is calling the budget a shell game.

Geraldton Man's Body Found

OPP are reporting they found the body of missing 32 year old Erik Legarde.  Around 11 o'clock yesterday they found the body of Legarde on a bush trail in Geraldton.  The OPP are looking into the circumstances leading to his death and a post mortem exam is taking place over the next couple of days.

Man Charged In Viral Video Incident

Dryden Police are charging the man accused of assaulting a Pikangikum First Nations man at a local fast food restaurant.  22-year-old Christopher Donylyk of Geraldton made arrangements to turn himself in to Dryden Police after learning of the investigation.  The incident captured widespread attention on social media.  The incident was reported Tuesday night by a long time Dryden resident but the date of it isn't known.  Several witnesses came forward to assist in the investigation.  Donylyk will appear in Sioux Lookout court today for a bail hearing.