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.

Deer By-Law To Be Re-Examined

The City is considering amending the deer feeding by-law. Council will make a decision on July 23rd which if passed will allow feeding on private property on McKellar and Mission Islands only. Long time 103rd Street resident Rob McCallum feels the Mission Island deer are a tourist attraction.

Hit & Run

Police are charging a 37 year old woman in connection to a hit and run at the intersection of Secord and Dufferin Street today. Police say an eastbound Intrepid was struck by a northbound Subaru that did not stop at the posted stop sign. The driver of the SUV left the collision scene on foot and was later located by police and arrested on outstanding warrants. She's been charged with Failing to Remain, Driving without a licence and Failing to Stop. More charges are pending.

Press Repeat...Hotel Announcement Not Ready

The cloak of secrecy surrounding the proposed hotel at Prince Arthur's Landing is still firmly in place. Developer Gisele MacDonald can't say when the official announcement will be made adding it's a complex process.   Meantime the developers are showing off the condominium designs.

Oh Canada! What A Day It Will Be

Staff are releasing details about what is happening this Canada Day long weekend. Coordinator Megan Shanks says the parade is back again this year at 6:00 p.m on Water Street. Brand new activities this year include canoeing, kayaking and even dragon boating at the marina. Canada Day festivities at Marina Park officially begin at 5:00 p.m. on July 1st and wrap-up with the fireworks display at approximately 11 o'clock.

Bruno's Contracting Talks Business

Money can be made and lost during times of disaster.  The May 28th flood ended up being a neutral event for Bruno's Contracting from a business perspective.   They lost money because they had to leave projects alone because of the water, but Secretary-Treasurer, Silvio Di Gregorio says they were able to help the M.N.R.  Di Gregorio says the down time on their own projects was minimal and that they are back on schedule.

MP Warns Of New Bill

There could be another omnibus bill coming before MP's in the House of Commons this fall. Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he hasn't been told what it may contain, but worries debate will be limited as it was with the budget bill. The budget bill contained changes to several pieces of legislation effecting such things as old age security, the environment and fisheries.

$2.7 Million Invested For Red Lake Gas Pipeline

The future is looking bright for Red Lake. FedNor Minister Tony Clement and Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced last week that they will be investing in the area. An investment of 2.7 million dollars will support a gas pipeline project, which will provide 180 businesses with natural gas in the next 5 years. The development is estimated to create 120 jobs.

NAN Bills Province For $127 Million

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy is in Toronto this morning. He will be presenting a billing invoice of $127,000,000 to the province of Ontario for benefits derived from resource development for the past 100 years.

Cats Eek Out Win

The Thunder Bay Border Cats opened a mini 2-game series against St. Cloud on the road last night with a 3-2 win. The Border Cats improved their record to 12-14 on the year.

Morrison Brings Home Bronze

Lakehead University Men's Basketball Coach Scott Morrison has brought home a bronze medal from the FIBA America's U18 championship in Brazil. Morrison was the assistant coach of Canada's under-18 men's basketball team.

Earthwise Trademark Is Pricey

The City is turning down a proposal to buy the Earthwise Trademark. An energy company wants the City to either lease the use of the name or purchase it. Councillor Ken Boshcoff calls the request to purchase the trademark offensive. The Earthwise committee wants council to buy the trademark for 44 thousand dollars. The committee has one year left on their current lease of the name.

Council Moves Forward From Flood

The City is moving forward after the May 28th flood. Council approved a number of initiatives at it's Monday night meeting that will help pinpoint flood areas including a neighborhood drainage study and review of it's sewage treatment infrastructure. City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be digging deep into what areas were hit by the flooding. A report on the cost of the studies of neighborhoods and the sewage treatment plant will come before council in July.

City Plans To Take Over Salvation Army Funds

The City is going to take over the funds raised by the Salvation Army and Red Cross. The decision was made at tonight's council meeting. After the two organizations updated council on their work, councillors gave them a standing ovation.

Northwood Residents Share Concerns

A group of concerned Northwood residents expressed their anger over repeat flooding in their neighborhood. They told council they've warned the City over and over again about the periodic flooding that happened long before the May 28th flood. They feel they've done everything they can to prevent flooding. They are in favour of City staff's plan to conduct a neighborhood drainage study.

Missing Boater Located

A 62 year old Thunder Bay man is safe after a weekend boating accident on Lake Nipigon.  OPP say the man's vessel was damaged after it struck an island.   He was reported overdue on Saturday morning, but was found by 7 o'clock that evening.  He was flown to the Nipigon hospital for his injuries and then taken to the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Class Action Suit To Target Province

The provincial government is being put on notice that it's about to face a  half billion dollar class action lawsuit by victims of flooding in Thunder Bay.   Lawyer Sandy Zaitzeff says the lawsuit will allege the province neglected in it's duty to police the workings of the city's storm and sewage  system.  None of the allegations have been proven in court.   Zaitzeff says they plan to formally file the statement of claim in two months

Quashing Rumours

City Manager Tim Commisso is putting to bed any mis-conceptions about Provincial Funding coming in for flood relief. Of the 16-million dollars the province has promised, 10-million is for roads and sewers. Commisso says fund raising the 3-point-2 million is the figure to focus on if you want to help flood victims. Conmee Township and Oliver-Paipoonge were recipients of 2-point-8 million dollars from the province to round out the 16-million dollar figure.

Mayor Away In Quebec

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in Quebec at a conference that brings together the Mayors of Great Lake cities. Hobbs has some scheduled time to speak at the conference and intends to raise awareness about Thunder Bay's Flood situation to his colleagues.  Hobbs has said that he has targeted this meeting as a potential source for financial help since the disaster first occurred on May 28th.

Johnston Stresses Flood Relief Number

Members of the Emergency Operations Control Group are making sure you are well aware of what's available when it comes to flood help. Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson wanted to relay the message about Disaster Relief Forms being available on-line. The "9-8 Flood" number is important for you to call if you have any questions or inquiries about flooding.

Bentley Hears Our Energy Concerns

Energy Minister Chris Bentley is back on the road after a meeting in Thunder Bay with municipal and First Nations leaders. Bentley says he was especially interested in his discussions with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and it's energy concerns. Bentley says all sides are still exploring the energy needs in the Ring of Fire mining development.

School Board Unions Raise $

The Red Cross has 28 thousand dollars more in it's relief fund for city flood victims. Spokesperson Rob Kilgour says it comes from money raised by the unions within the city's public and catholic school boards which he hints may get matching funds. Kilgour says the organization's flood fund has reached a quarter million dollars and continues to grow.

7 Active Fires In Northwest Region

The recent wet weather helped keep forest fire activity to a minimum this weekend. The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 active fires in the Northwest Region. One in the far North of the Nipigon District and six in the Sioux Lookout District. There are no problems being reported with these fires. They are all classed as Being Observed. The weather forecast is calling for another sunny day today and the fire hazard is rising. It is "Moderate" to "High" in the West and "Moderate" across the remainder of the region.

Stan Beardy Greets Literacy Counsellors

Nisnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy will welcome more than 80 students this morning as they begin training to become Literacy Camp Counsellors. The training will take place starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Bora Laskin Building at Lakehead University. This is the 7th year for the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps program, which works to improve literacy skills among youth in NAN First Nations. This year, the program will be providing 38 camps in 29 Northern Aboriginal communities.

Cats Hit Road

The Thunder Bay Border Cats enjoyed a day off yesterday and are on the road to face St. Cloud tonight. The Border Cats are 11-14 on the year and are 7 1/2 games back int he North division.

Disaster Relief Forms Now Available

Flood claim forms are now available from the city for residents affected by the May 28th catastrophe. The Emergency Organization Committee and members of City Hall were on hand for a pair of public meetings held today at the Slovak Legion and the Moose Hall. The Slovak Legion was full of people looking to fill out two possible claims, an advance form for up to $1,000 within five business days and another for the detailed disaster relief which will be paid out after October 31st. Disaster relief claim forms can be picked-up from City Hall starting Monday and are also available from the city's website: www.thunderbay.ca. 

Pittsburgh Bound

Another Thunder Bay native will have his shot at playing in the NHL. Soo Greyhounds Goaltender Matthew Murray was drafted in the third round, 83rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft.

Crosby Visit Causing Stir

Twitter is abuzz with Tweets about Sidney Crosby's visit to the city for Jordan Staals wedding. Here is another of the many Twitter pics of "Sid the Kid" in Thunder Bay.

Bike Racks For Businesses

The City is looking for interested businesses who would like bike racks in front of their store fronts. Display models of the racks were showcased on Friday to area businesses and City Spokesperson Lee Amelia says they have several people interested in them. Earlier in the Spring, the City asked local artists to design artwork that would be put on the bike racks.

Report Says ELA For Sale For $1

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's their preference to transfer the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party. Rickford isn't commenting on a report that the area is up for sale for only 1-dollar. Rickford says they want to see the important work at the facility to continue. He says he's been in discussions with some local groups and he believes those talks are morphing into what will be a new begining.

The Path Of The Paddle

A water route linking Dryden and Kenora is now looking at involving the Rainy River district as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River. Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing industry. The route spans roughly 900-kilometres.

City Set To Talk Flood Monday

City Council is going to spend Monday night talking about the after effects of the flood. City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be asking council to approve the independent engineering and neighbourhood flooding studies. On top of that they'll also be asking permission to launch a flood prevention campaign.

Sunday Simpson Street Closure

Simpson Street between Pacific Avenue and Ogden Street will be closed on Sunday for watermain repairs. Work is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. Simpson Street will remain closed to through traffic until 6:00 p.m., or until work is complete. Motorists are asked to watch for detour signs and take an alternate route.

Bill Brings Jobs

Bill C-38 will bring new jobs and create a stable condition for the economy to survive the recession. That's according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford. Rickford says the budget bill brings new opportunities. He notes investment in forestry and mining will help bolster the Northern Ontario economy.

Leaders In Patient Care

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre is being honoured for being a leader in Patient and Family care. Vice President of Performance and Aboriginal Health Lori Marshall says they're the first and only hospital in Canada to win this award. Marshall adds they have patient advisors that provide suggestions on how the hospital can be more patient friendly.

A Day of Caring

United Way's GenNext wants people to come out and show they care on Saturday June 23. People can spend their day building, painting, or landscaping to help those in need. The Day of Caring is a one day commitment that helps United way and its agencies. The day starts off with breakfast at the Victoria Inn.

Mining Companies Evicted

Six Northern Ontario First Nation Chiefs are preparing to issue eviction notices to all mining companies on their land. They feel the Province and the companies haven't properly consulted them on their planned Ring of Fire projects. Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon says they'll serve the companies next week.

The Forms Are In

The forms are finally available for flood victims who want to make claims to the city. There are three types of forms available, one of which allows the applicant to apply for a cash advance. City Clerk John Hannam says this shows the city is moving from emergency management to disaster relief. They will be available at tomorrow's two public meetings.

Janzen's Suspect Caught And Charged

The suspect in this week's Janzen's Pharmacy robbery is in police custody.  They say he was arrested last night over the supper hour during a traffic stop on the city's south side.   He is now charged with robbery with a weapon.    

Woman Swept Away In Current River

A woman is very lucky to be alive. Members of the Thunder Bay Fire Department were called to the Current River yesterday to search for her after being swept away by the current. She was swimming with her boyfriend at the time and failed to appreciate the strength of the flow. The Fire Department eventually found the woman with a few cuts and bruises but essentially in good condition in Centennial Park. The woman was able to swim ashore under her own power and walk to safety.

4 Dogs Poisoned In Dryden

Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance with a case of dogs being poisoned near Dryden. O.P.P. say they responded to a call in Wainwright Township last Friday to find 4 dogs who had been poisoned. Two of the K-9's have died since then as a result. Police are asking for your help, if you have any information you're asked to call 1-888-222-8477 (TIPS).

Sidney Crosby Visits City For Staal's Wedding

The man who scored Canada's "Golden Goal" at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is visiting Thunder Bay. Sidney Crosby, a Stanley Cup Champion is in the city to take in the wedding of teammate Jordan Staal, who is set to get married to his Thunder Bay fiancee Heather today. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is also said to be in town for the nuptials.

Staal Turns Down 10 Year Deal

Reports indicate Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal has turned down a 10-year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jordan becames an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year. He scored 25 goals and added 25 assists in 62 games this year.

Cats Dropped Opener To Bucks

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 3-0 to the Waterloo Bucks last night at Subway Field. It was supposed to be a "Twi-Night" double-header by officials ruled the field "unsafe" for the second game. The two teams will meet again for a "Twi-Night" double-header tonight starting at 6:05 p.m.

Thunderwolves Hockey Releases Schedule

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team released its 2012-13 schedule, and will open the season at home versus the University of Ottawa on September 21-22. The Wolves will also host the final four teams from last season’s OUA playoffs - McGill, Western Ontario, UQTR and Windsor.