Cats Send Two To AllStar Game

A pair of  Thunder Bay Border Cats pitchers have been selected to play in the 2012 Northwoods League All Star Game July 24th in Madison, Wisconsin. Wes Parsons from Jackson State Community College in Tennessee and Jordan McCoy of Louisiana's Nicholls State University will represent Thunder Bay on the North Division team.

Thunder Bay Celebrates Lake Superior Day

Mission Island Marsh is the place to be this afternoon to help celebrate Lake Superior Day with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. A whole host of family activities are planned from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Events include a scavenger hunt, a children's activity tent, interactive displays and various demonstrations by local community groups. EcoSuperior also has events planned from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. today at Marina Park. Family activities include a free tour of a Coast Guard ship, a whitefish dinner for five dollars and demonstrations by the Science North Caravan and of course, music.

Classic Cars on Display

Fond memories of summer cruising will be restored today as the Northern Ontario Classic Cruisers Car Show is taking place at Chippewa Park. Admission is just two dollars and more than 120 classic cars are expected to be on display. Organizer Pat Bailey says you'll see cars today that aren't on the road during cruise nights. The grand door prize being given away today is a small block Chevy engine.

Hyer Accepts Nominations for Medals

It's the Queen's 60th anniversary and to mark the event the Canadian Government is handing out Diamond Jubilee medals. Local MP Bruce Hyer is taking nominations for the award. Eligible applicants must have made outstanding contributions to the community and Canada are eligible for the award. Nomination forms can be submitted to Hyer's Court Street office up until August 30th.

Volunteer Firefighters Take Part In Training

Local volunteer firefighters will be meeting this weekend for a 3 day pumper truck training course. The Ontario Fire College is providing the training around essential skills that will keep them safe at fire sites and around equipment and water. Training wraps up on Sunday.

Police Stop Drunk Drivers

Thunder Bay Police have nabbed another three people suspected of drinking and driving. This time around all three are charged with failing to provide a breath sample. The first incident saw a 53 year old woman come to an abrupt stop at a red light at Victoria Avenue and Edward Street. In the second incident, Officers saw a vehicle driving in an erratic way on Frederica Street. The 23 year old woman driver wouldn't provide a breath sample and was charged for it. The final situation involved a 38 year old man on Rupert Street. Police were called to the scene where they found him arguing with his girlfriend and having a hard time starting the vehicle. He's charged with failing to give a breath sample, drunk driving and possession of cocaine.

PSA Hearing Over

The Police Services Hearing for 3 local police officers has concluded.  The hearing officer will return to the City on September 12th to render a decision in the misconduct hearing.  The hearing comes after a 44-year old city resident alleged that the three officers assaulted and stole money from him during the course of a drug investigation back in September of last year.  Detective William Wowchuck, Detective Constable Ron Popowich and Detective Constable Brad Bernst are each facing one count of Misconduct and one count of Discreditable Conduct under the Police Services Act.

Kam River Rescue

Thunder Bay Police helped rescue a man from the Kam River today.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says the incident happened just before the noon hour.  Fire crews, ambulance and police were called to the riverfront near the rowing club and worked together to pull the man out.  The man suffered serious injuries and is in the intensive care unit at the hospital.

Drunk Driving & Failing To Give Officers A Breath Sample

Thunder Bay Police have nabbed another three people suspected of drinking and driving.  This time around all three are charged with failing to provide a breath sample.  The first incident saw a 53 year old woman come to an abrupt stop at a red light at Victoria Avenue and Edward Street.   In the second incident, Officers saw a vehicle driving in an erratic way on Frederica Street. The 23 year old woman driver wouldn't provide a breath sample and was charged for it.  The final situation involved a 38 year old man on Rupert Street. Police were called to the scene where they found him arguing with his girlfriend and having a hard time starting the vehicle.  He's charged with failing to give a breath sample, drunk driving and possession of cocaine.

City Warns About Permits

The City is reminding property owners that a building permit is required for their flood renovations and repairs.  Building Department Spokesperson Allan Bygate says permits are required for substantial work. Permits are required for replacing structural elements, adding or removing large areas of drywall and replacing plumbing drain, waste and vent systems.  Replacing finishing, plumbing fixtures or minor maintenance doesn't require a new building permit.  The permits are being fast tracked and can be ready within 2 days.

AFN Leader Debate

Candidates seeking to become the top Native Chief in Canada debated the issues last night.  Diane Kelly, the Grand Chief of Treaty Three, believes her experience can be beneficial to the Assembly of First Nations in dealing with senior levels of governments.  More than 600 First Nations chiefs will cast ballots at the Assembly's conference next week.

CEP Domtar Reach Deal

Possible labour peace between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and the Domtar.  A tentative contract impacting roughly 500 CEP members at the Dryden and Ear Falls Mill's has been reached.

The agreement follows almost 40-days of fairly challenging negotiations over the last 9-months.  CEP Spokesperson Stephen Boon says they won't be releasing any further information until details are presented to their members.  Boon is recommending ratification.  Meetings are being held in Dryden July 15th and 19th and in Ear Falls this Sunday.  Final voting is scheduled for July 26th.

Target Set To Open Summer 2013

Target is finalizing some plans for its grand opening of a Target store in Thunder Bay's Intercity Mall. The company purchased the mall's Zeller's store and will spend around 10 million dollars remodeling it. The store is expected to close for a period of six to nine months for extensive renovations.

Skypower Sues Province

The company that built a solar park at the Thunder Bay airport is taking the Provincial Government to court.  SkyPower is launching a court challenge against the Province over changes to the Green Energy Act.  They're seeking damages of over 100 million dollars.  The company doesn't like the Minister of Environment's decision to change parts of the Feed In Tariff program.  They claim it effects their existing FIT contracts that had previously been deemed complete.

35 Forest Fires Now Burning In Northwest Region

The forests in Northwestern Ontario are like a dried up box of kindling. The Ministry of Natural Resources reported fifteen new fires alone yesterday and ten new fires the day before. 6 fires are burning in the Thunder Bay district. 10 fires are burning in the Sioux Lookout district, 8 are burning in the Red Lake district, 7 are burning in the Nipigon district, 3 are burning in the Dryden district, 1 fire is burning in the Kenora district. There are currently 35 active fires in the northwest district, bringing the total number of fires for this season up to 295, which have destroyed nearly 2700 hectares of land. M.N.R. officials say they were able to declare 9 fires out on Wednesday.

A map of the fires is available by following this link: http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/firemap_English.htm

Harbour Crane Is Coming Today

A ship carrying a huge crane destined for the port of Thunder Bay arrives today at 5:00 O'clock at Kiefer terminal. C.E.O. of the Port Authority, Tim Heney says the crane will be used to off-load cargo from vessels and the unit itself has the ability to lift 104 metric tonnes up to 18 metres off the ground. Heney says the crane will be off-loaded on Saturday and an Austrian crew will spend the next couple of weeks assembling the unit. A special unveiling ceremony will be held prior to its launch of operation.

Highway 17 Back Open

Highway 17 west of Vermillion Bay is back open following a closure overnight. O.P.P. say a tractor-trailor unit jackknifed blocking both lanes at about 2:00 O'clock this morning. The incident occurred about 45 kilometres west of Vermillion Bay and shut down Highway 17 for about an hour.

Cats Crush Bucks

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are back at .500. They pasted the Waterloo Bucks on the road last night 15-1 to win their third in a row away from Subway field. Game 4 of that 5 game series goes tonight in Iowa.

Chill Host Brass At Home Tonight

The Thunder Bay Chill are desperate for a pair of wins at home starting tonight at Chapples Park. The Chill put their 11-2-1 record on the line against the Kansas City Brass, needing 2 wins and a pair of losses by the Michigan Bucks in order to host the Conference tournament. The Chill have already sewn up first place in the P.D.L.'s Heartland division.

Pyatt excited for New York gig

Thunder Bay's Taylor Pyatt is looking forward to his upcoming season in New York.  Pyatt recently signed a 3.1 million dollar contract with the Rangers and he's looking forward to working with his new team mates.  Pyatt feels the team has a good shot at the Stanley Cup next year.  The local hockey player was in town this week to support a variety of charities.

Police Services Act Hearing Expected To Wrap Up Friday

The Police Services Act Hearing for three local officers is expected to wrap up Friday. For several days the adjudicator has listened to testimony and today the Defense and Prosecutor will summarize their cases. The hearing comes after a 44-year old city resident alleged that the three officers assaulted and stole money from him during the course of a drug investigation back in September of last year. Detective William Wowchuck, Detective Constable Ron Popowich and Detective Constable Brad Bernst are each facing one count of Misconduct and one count of Discreditable Conduct under the Police Services Act.

Health Unit Lifts Beach Advisory

Boulevard Lake's Sunnyside Beach is getting the ok from the local health unit.  They've lifted the swimming advisory from earlier in the week.  Public Health Inspectors will continue to test beach water for E-coli up until the end of August.

Tim Horton's Promises Cash For Goals

Thunder Bay's Tim Horton stores are going to be donating money each time a local NHL'er scores a goal this season. Local Owner Brent Prepp says they'll donate 300 dollars per goal. Freedom 55 Financial is also going to donate 50 dollars per goal this season.  New York Rangers player Taylor Pyatt who is in town this week says he'll try to do his best to raise funds for the camp.Money raised goes toward sending kids to Tim Horton's summer camp.

Fletcher Wants Focus On Fundraising

Thunder Bay's Flood Relief Committee is reminding the public that they need cash. Over 500 advance claim forms were submitted to the group on Monday and Chair Wayne Fletcher says they now need the community to step up their fundraising efforts. Fletcher says there already has been some fundraising efforts in the community and is asking that any future events are brought to their attention.

L.U. Welcomes New Students

Lakehead University is welcoming future students from across Canada to their campus today. It's part of their two day early orientation and First Year Experience Leader Danielle Ruel says they'll see over a hundred students. The students and their families will take in the sights of Thunder Bay and learn about the support programs the University offers.

Great Lakes Warriors On History

Thunder Bay Tug Service is going to be highlighted on a History Channel Reality TV show. Owner Sharon Dawson says they're nervous about how it turned out since they originally were pitched the idea as a documentary. Dawson says they went ahead with the show because they hope it will show what tug boats do and showcase the Thunder Bay Port.   Show airs on July 19th.

Domestic Dispute Calls On The Rise

Thunder Bay Police are saying the number of domestic dispute calls is on the rise, dramatically. In an article written by Police Spokeperson, Chris Adams and published by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the statistics more than double in Thunder Bay in a 6 year span. Domestic Dispute calls go from just over 1,100 in 2004 to more than 2,200 received in 2010. In the article, Adams points to addictions problems as one of the primary causes for the substantial increase. Adams wrote the article entitled "A Northern Policing Perspective" to share some of the unique challenges that police face in the North.

Charity Golf Tournament Goes Hi-Tech

The Freedom 55 Financial Celebrity Hockey Golf Classic will see the Staal brothers and other local hockey players golf for a good cause. Event Chair Tom Mihaljevic says all money raised goes towards the Northern Cancer Fund. This year you can donate $10 by texting the word HOPE. Not only will N.H.L. players be taking part in the charity golf tournament but Eric Staal signed a Carolina Hurricanes jersey which is up for auction on e-bay.

Record Temperatures Set

The heat wave is setting record temperatures across the region. Thunder Bay got up to a high of 32.4 yesterday but not close enough to the record of 33.8. Dryden reached 33.5 breaking the old record of 32.1 set 1998. Fort Frances reached 32.7 breaking the old marker was 32.0 set 1998. Kenora reached 32.4 breaking the record of 32.1 set 1979. Red Lake reached 34.5 destroying the old mark which was 32.2 set 1943. Sioux Lookout reached 33.8 breaking the old record of 33.3 set 1943.

Cats Win 2 In A Row

The Thunder Bay Border Cats made it 2 wins in a row last night in Waterloo, Iowa. The Cats posted a 7-3 win over the Bucks, improving their second half record to 3-4. Game 3 of that 5-game series goes tonight in Waterloo.

LU Wrestling Coach Back From Romania

Lakehead University Wrestling Coach Brock Curtis is back from a tournament trip to Romania.  He took the Canadian U24 Women's Wrestling Team to the Country fora Memorial Tournament and the week-long training camp that was after it.  Curtis was the team's assistant coach for the trip.

Greenstone Launches Citizen Survey

Greenstone is embarking on a strategic plan for their community. They've hired a consultant that will help them define the town's priorities. You can help shape the plan by taking part in their online citizen survey which is available from now until July 31st. To have your say click here.

Sister Margaret Smith Demolition Underway

St. Joseph's Care Group is in the final stages of demolition at the former Sister Margaret Smith Centre.  President Tracy Buckler says the 2 million dollars worth of demolition should be complete by the fall.  Once demolition is complete, the site on Algoma Street will house a new mental health wing for St. Joseph's Care.

Province Provides Cash To 3 Local Groups

The Provincial Government is giving money to three Northwestern Ontario organizations.  Thunder Bay's Big Brother Big Sisters is getting just over 20 thousand dollars for their "Game On" mentoring program.  It's a school based program that helps mentor teens.  Atikokan will see 30 thousand dollars for a youth program. Meanwhile, 24 thousand dollars is going towards a Wasaya Wee-Chee-Way-Win program that promotes physical activity, injury prevention and healthy eating for aboriginal youth.

NOSM LU Welcome Physician Assistant Program

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine now boasts a Canadian Medical Association approved Physician Assistant program.  Some of those PA's are going to work in Thunder Bay at the hospital and in the community according to Spokesperson Gordon Porter.  The student doctors are coming from the University of Toronto and NOSM.

Tassone & Belisle Named Superintendents

Two new Superintendents of Education are going to make their presence felt in the boardroom for the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board. Pino Tassone and Omer Belisle have each been named as new Superintendents of Education. Tassone has been involved with the education system here in Thunder Bay for 24 years and was the Principal at St. Ignatius High School, while Belisle has fifteen years of educational experience and was the Principal at Our Lady of Charity.

18 Year Old Woman Faces Drunk & Stunt Driving Charges

An 18 year old woman is in trouble with the law. O.P.P. were tipped off about a possible drunk driver just after 11:00 O'clock yesterday morning. The Thunder Bay Driver was caught speeding at more than 150 km/h west of Upsala. She's facing a number of charges including, impaired driving, stunt driving and underage drinking.

Staal & Pyatt Brothers Happy To Give Back

Local N.H.L.'ers are gathered for a number of fundraising events in the city this week. The Easter Seals Skate with Kids happens today. Last night six N.H.L.'ers helped raise money for cancer research by playing in the fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni game. New Carolina Hurricanes Centre Jordan Staal says he's always willing to help out the team that began his hockey career. Tomorrow the N.H.L.'ers are going to play golf in support of the Northern Cancer Fund at Whitewater Golf Course.

5 New Forest Fires

5 new forest fires are being reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, bringing the region's total up to 11. 2 were discovered in the Nipigon district. 1 of them is just 3 kilometres west of Terrace Bay, the other is burning near the Webequie First Nation landfill. 3 new fires were reported in the Fort Frances district. Firefighters remain on high alert with conditions at "High" to "Extreme" across the region. 

Grand Slam Helps Cats Win On Road

A grand slam home run helped the Thunder Bay Border Cats to a 10-6 win on the road last night in Waterloo. The win over the Bucks improves Thunder Bay's second half record to 2-4. Game two of that 5-game series goes tonight in Iowa.

Training At Airport

If you noticed a plane circling Thunder Bay's Airport, don't be alarmed.  The Canadian Forces are training today and could be seen flying over the airport as well as having people parachute out of planes.  Airport President Scott McFadden says training takes place periodically over the summer at least once or twice a month.

United Airways Service To Chicago Comes To T.Bay

Thunder Bay's Airport is gearing up to offer service with United Airways to Chicago.  President Scott McFadden says they've wanted to offer this new daily service for sometime.  The daily run into Chicago's O'Hare Airport will start in February 2013.  The flight leaves Thunder Bay at six in the morning and comes back into the city at 8:40 at night.

Swimming Advisory For Sunnyside Beach

Bad news for swimmers.  The Health Unit has placed Boulevard Lake's Sunnyside beach under a swimming advisory.  The advisory doesn't close the beach or stop people from swimming it's just a warning the beach water has high levels of E-coli.  High levels of that bacteria can lead to skin, eye, nose and throat infections.

Drinking & Driving Incidents

Thunder Bay Police are dealing with a rash of drinking and driving incidents recently.  Police says they charged a 45 year old man with driving his scooter intoxicated.  It stems from a report that he fell off his scooter on Waverly Street after traveling the wrong way on the street.  In the other incident, a 58 year old man was charged after an early morning stop on Red River Road and Junot Avenue.   The final call was for a 75 year old woman who hit a guard rail at the Hospital. The woman was at the hospital to pick up a patient who wasn't involved in the accident.  She was charged with drinking and driving as well.

CMHC Releases Housing Stats

Thunder Bay's experiencing a boom in it's second quarter housing starts.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Analyst Warren Philp says the 39 single detached housing starts in June is 13 higher than the 10-year average.  In contrast, housing construction of semi-detached, row and apartment construction is still negligible, leaving total starts off 12 percent from 2011.

Province Invests In LU Researcher

The Provincial Government is investing more than 2-hundred thousand dollars in the Thunder Bay Research institute. The Government is making the investment in research being conducted by Lakehead University's Dr. Rudip Rakshit who is researching the production of biofuels and renewable chemicals from organic materials.  The research project aims to overcome our dependance on petro-based products.

Police Services Act Begins Today

All three officers charged under the Police Service act are pleading not guilty.  The Thunder Bay officers are involved in a Police Service Hearing this week at the Valhalla Inn. The charges stem from an accusation of the unlawful arrest of a 44 year old man last fall. All three officers are charged with misconduct, unlawful use of authority and discreditable conduct.  The hearing is expected to last throughout the week.

Teddy Bear Picnic

This year's Teddy Bear Picnic is being deemed a success.  The 29th annual event was enjoyed by parents and kids this afternoon at Vicker's Park.  City Festival and Events Coordinator Meghan Shanks says they want to educate parents as well as provide a free fun family event.  One of the educational highlights included a group of parents showing others how to properly wear a baby carrier.

Forest Fire Update

A total of nine forest fires are burning in the Northwest region. Dryden, Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout each have one in their districts. The fire in Dryden is the only one classed as "not under control". Three fires are burning in the Kenora district, two of them are deemed "not under control." Three fires are also burning in the Red Lake district with two of them classed as being "not under control." There are no fires currently burning in the Thunder Bay, Nipigon and Geraldton districts.

Highway 11 Near Atikokan Re-opened

Motorists can once again use Highway 11 West of Atikokan. Provincial Police had to shut it down yesterday to deal with an incident involving tractor-trailor carrying a wide-load. Highway 11, five kilometres west of Atikokan has since re-opened.

Kings Host Annual Alumni Game

The fifth annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni Showcase takes place tonight at the Tournament Centre. Local N.H.L.'ers scheduled to lace them up include Eric, Jordan and Jared Staal, Taylor and Tom Pyatt and Robert Bortuzzo. The game starts at 6:00 O'clock with doors opening at 5:00. Tickets are $10 for adults and just $3 for kids 12 and under.

Cats Struggle In Second Half

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are leaving Subway field with their tails between their legs. They lost 7-2 last night to Alexandria, dropping their record to 1-4 in the second half. The Border Cats are now on the road for the next six games against Waterloo and Duluth.