Commitment Award Given To Thunder Bay Woman

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is announcing this years Community Celebration Volunteer Award winners. Thunder Bay's Michelle Blackburn is receiving the CIBC Run for the Cure Commitment Award. Blackburn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and says the Run for the Cure is how her and her family let people know that they are not backing down from the disease. Blackburn says her fundraising team, The Leopard Pack, have already begun brainstorming fundraising ideas for Octobers Run for the Cure event. Anyone with questions are urged by Blackburn to contact: Bonnie Tittaferante at 807-333-4428.

College Receives Funding For Biomass Study

Confederation College is receiving 100-thousand dollars from TD Bank Group today for their biomass heating research study. College President Jim Madder says they have at least one remote First Nations community involved in the study and are looking to expand. Madder adds that one of the projects goals is to see similar communities eventually transition from diesel as a primary source of power. Phase one of the project is expected to wrap up by next Spring and is being done in conjunction with the biomass research centre at Nipissing University.

Provincial Investment For Local Project

The provincial government is investing $21,800 into a shop local coupon project in Nipigon. The support comes from the Rural Economic Development Project and will go towards the Top of the Lake Chamber of Commerce and other local Chambers involved. Three full-time positions will either be retained or created.

Students Join TBSO

Roughly 1400 local students from grades 3-6 contributed to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra's education concert Wednesday. Students sang and played their recorders from the seats of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Two concerts were held and are part of a year long Link Up program. Orchestra's in Calgary, Spain, Japan and the U.S took part.

Bisson' Bill Passes Second Reading

Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson says he is pleased that his Broader Public Sector Advertising Act has passed second reading. The bill would require parties receive approval from the auditor general for tax funded advertising for government programs. Bisson adds however that support wasn't unanimous as the Conservatives voted against the it. The standing committee will now conduct an in-depth review of the bill.

Spring Up To Clean Up

EcoSuperior is asking everyone to do their part to help clean up the City. It's part of their annual Spring Up to Clean Up program that starts in May. Program Coordinator Shannon Costigan says you can sign up your office or neighborhood by April 28th. This year participants have a chance to receive a gift from Tim Hortons.

L-U Student Places Second

Lakehead University student Naureen Mushfique placed second for the recent Focus 2040 Competition. Mushfique is a Masters of Business Administration student and won 3-thousand dollars. The competition challenges students to imagine what jobs will be like in the year 2040.

Screen For Life Coach Hits The Road

The Regional Cancer Care Northwest "Screen For Life Coach" is back on the highways connecting Northwestern Ontario. The coach will visit 35 communities from Wawa to the Manitoba border and north to Red Lake. For more information call 1-807-684-7777.

Business Awards Handed Out

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is announcing this years Business Awards winners. The awards ceremony took place at the Victoria Inn Hotel Saturday evening. The business excellence category was divided into three categories: large, medium and small. Business Excellence Large went to Gillons Insurance, medium was presented to Firedog Communications and small went to Primary Foto Source. The company recognized for best customer service was Sweet Escape Cake Cafe & Bakery. Form Architecture Engineering was recognized for their environmental stewardship. The Looking Good Award went to Lowery's. Not For Profit Excellence went to Our Kids Count while Eat Local Pizza and Pastry earned the New Business Excellence distinction. The Nurse Next Door was awarded the Quality of Life award. Confederation College was recognized for Strategic Leadership in Diversity and the Tourism Partner Award went to sailsuperior.com.

Busy Night For TB Police

Two men will appear in court today for separate incidents that took place overnight. At around 1:40 am police responded to a call for a man who had fallen asleep in his car at a fast food drive thru. Police discovered that the 55-year old was impaired and involved in a hit and run earlier that evening on West Gore Street. Around two-hours after that police responded to a robbery at a north end recreation centre. When they arrived they found a 26-year old Sachico Lake man helping himself to some onion rings.

Hospital Scam Circulating

The Hospital Foundation is warning the public of a scam currently going around. There are reports of people receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be with the foundation looking for donations. The Foundation is coming out and warning residents that the calls are not from them, and if you receive one to alert the police.

Painted Barrel Auction Being Held This Weekend

The fourth annual painted rain barrel auction is being hosted EcoSuperior this weekend. The fundraiser takes place during the CLE Home and Garden Show. Executive Director Ellen Mortfield says there is a wide range of artists taking part. You can also vote for your favorite barrel by visiting EcoSuperior on Facebook.

20th Annual Business Awards

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce's 20th annual business awards are being held tonight. Presentations will be made at the Victoria Inn Hotel. Categories include: Business Excellence (small, medium and large), Not for Profit, New Business, Customer Service, Looking Good, Quality of Life, Environmental Stewardship, Strategic Partnership, Strategic Leadership and Tourism Partner. The event begins at 5:30.

Horizon Winds Calls For Review

Horizon Wind is taking the Provincial Government to court to force a final decision on its proposed Big Thunder Wind Park. The plan would see 16 wind turbines on the Nor' Wester Escarpment however it has been hung up, waiting on a technical study of the project. The study is to be completed by the Ministry of the Environment. Company Spokesperson Kathleen MacKenzie says Horizon wants a judicial review of the process.

Added Duties For Valhalla GM

Valhalla Inn General Manager Mary McLellan will have some added responsibilities. Airline Hotels has purchased an Ambassador Hotel and Conference Centre in Kingston. McLellan will operate both locations while living in Thunder Bay.

Lakehead University Increases Tuition

The Lakehead University Board of Governors is approving a 3-percent tuition hike. Board President Cameron Clark says the increase is in line with a provincial framework. The province doesn't allow an increase of more than 3-percent per year over a 4 year term. Clark says it shouldn't come as a surprise if other schools across Ontario increase their tuition rates as well. The 3-percent jump will come in to affect in the Fall. It is an average however, students in Graduate Professional Programs could see an increase of up to 5-percent.

Winter Storm On The Way

Thunder Bay could be facing at least one more winter storm before the spring weather kicks in. Meteorologist Rob Kuhn says a nasty storm could roll in overnight tonight. Kuhn says the mix of incoming cold air and the current mild air will cause for lots of snow, ice pellets and possibly rain for Monday. He adds that there is the potential for up to 30cm's of snow to fall depending on the conditions.

Kitchen Fire Being Investigated

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is coming to Thunder Bay to investigate a Friday afternoon fire. It took place at a Strand Avenue home in a kitchen. Although damages were not severe burns sustained from a lone male occupant inside the home were serious. His condition is being listed as good to fair.

Comedy Tour Hits Thunder Bay

The Rank & Vile comedy tour is making a stop in Thunder Bay tonight. Darren Frost and Kenny Robinson are performing two shows at the Dragon's Den. Frost says he thinks Thunder Bay comedy goers will be able to handle a more mature show. Frost calls it Canada's dirtiest stand up tour.

L-U Recognizes Athletes

Lakehead University is hosting its annual athletics awards gala this afternoon. Sports Director Hugh Mullally says they want to shine a spotlight on the university's great competitors. The gala is being held at the Port Arthur Collegiate Institute auditorium. It will include honours for rookie's of the year, athletes of the year and volunteer recognition.