Border Cats Lose Both At Home

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost both games of a twin bill last night at home to Duluth. They were edged 1-0 and 3-1 respectively. Still the Border Cats are just 3 1/2 games out of first place in the North division as they continue play on the road tonight in Duluth.

Seven Seek Grand Chief Post

The candidates are now in place for Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief.  There are seven people vying for NAN's top spot.  They are; current Deputy Grand Chiefs Terry Waboose and Mike Meta-tawabin, former Sioux Lookout Mayor Lawrence Martin along with the head of of Wawatay David Neegan.  Rounding out the list are  Harvey Yesno, Doug Semple and Brian Davey

More Flood Damage

The City says it's uncovered more damage to public property from the May 28th flood. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says there are two areas that were hit which they weren't aware of until recently.  The first is a trail system by the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway which has not been repaired yet.  He adds the boat launch and parking area on the Kam River at the end of Mountdale Avenue suffered significant damage. Matson says they don't have any damage estimates.

Health Unit Wants Licence Face Lift

The District Health Unit's war on tobacco is taking a new twist. Spokesperson Klaus Larsen says as a way to discourage the sale of tobacco to underage teens, they want the Ontario government to redesign driver's licences to easily identify people under the age of 19.  Larsen says other provinces already use the licence system they are proposing.

Terrace Bay Pulp Fate Up In The Air

It's going to be several days before we know the fate of Terrace Bay Pulp. The judge overseeing the sale of the mill is taking some time to decide whether he will support the sale to a company from India or a late second offer from a Chinese company. Terrace Bay Mayor Mike King says his community just wants to see the sale go through as soon as possible. King says it's disappointing to see an offer for the mill come in so late and last minute.

Salvation Army Looking For Furniture

The Salvation Army is collecting used furniture for victims of Thunder Bay's flood. The group recently acquired a location to store donations and will accept any furniture in good condition. Items in high demand include bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture. To donate call 345-6492.

M.N.R. Responds to 113 Forest Fires

Despite a day of rain, the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to have its hands full with new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. Yesterday alone there were 11 new fires reported across the District. Information Officer Debbie MacLean says they expect to see more activity in the days ahead as warm weather returns. MacLean says over the past five days, the M.N.R. have responded to 113 forest fires in the Northwest region.

Dryden Budget Approved

The 2012 Dryden budget has survived its final vote. Council approved the financial document and accompanying 10 percent tax increase last night. However, the vote didn't come without plenty of opposition.

Twin City Crossroads Closed For Railway Repairs

Twin City Crossrods is closed today between Arthur Street and Highway 11-17. Repairs are being done to the CP railway crossing. Officials in Oliver-Paipoonge say the section of road will be closed until Thursday. Detour routes are posted in the area.

Tsekouras Back In Court In August

The man police arrested after a massive drug sweep in the City is going to be in court for a bail hearing August 1st. John Tsekouras is charged with running a criminal organization, trafficking cocaine and marijuana. The 38 year old was already denied bail in May and has retained one of Canada's leading criminal lawyers Edward Greenspan.

T.Bay Tel's Cambell Retiring

T.Bay Tel's CEO is retiring.  Don Campbell's retirement is set to take place in five months time, but if a replacement isn't found he'll stay on longer.  Campbell says he's extremely proud of his time with the company. The company's board has hired a firm to conduct a search for a replacement and will be looking at candidates in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Tomeck Sentenced To 5 Years In Jail

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man will be spending the next five years in prison. Bradley Tomeck was sentenced yesterday after being convicted of armed robbery and weapons charges following the robbery of a credit union on Highway 130 in January of last year. Tomeck was convicted of making off with $3,000.

Border Cats To Play "Twi-Night" Double-Header

The Thunder Bay Border Cats had their game against Duluth cancelled last night because of wet field conditions. The two teams will try and make-up the game as part of a "twi-night" double-header. The first of two 7 inning games begins at Subway field tonight at 6:05 p.m.

Porter Signs Deal To Stay With Blues

The St. Louis Blue have re-signed Chris Porter to a two-way contract for next season. The 28 year old who grew up in Thunder Bay had 7 points in 47 games with the club last season.

Border Cats Game Cancelled Today

Thunder Bay's Border Cats are playing a double header tomorrow.  Today's game was cancelled because the field was too wet.  They'll play two games against Duluth at 6:05 Tuesday. 

Court Documents Reveal Government Role

The provincial government is not standing in the way of the sale of a north shore mill to a company from India. Court documents show that the McGuinty government is forgiving a nearly 25 million dollar loan to Terrace Bay Pulp, something Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says will help with the sale of the mill, and will help creditors get paid more money. The new company plans to convert the mill to make rayon.

Arson Update

Thunder Bay Police continue to investigate a rash of arsons from over the weekend.  The first incident on Saturday saw a travel trailer and car burned in the 100 block of Bethune Street.  On Sunday, Police responded to a suspicious fire at the intersection of Alice Avenue and Paquette Road. A front end loader was damaged as a result of the blaze.  Police are looking for a vehicle they spotted in the area, a yellow Nissan Frontier pickup truck.  Anyone with information on these incidents should contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Cargo North Buys New Aircraft

Cargo North is buying a new Basler Turbo 67 aircraft. The investment group is teaming up with Nakina Air Service and North Star Air to provide the new transport craft that will be able to hold 11-thousand pounds of cargo. It will be in service by November.

Police Warn Of Winners Scam

Put your wallets away, you aren't winning 10 thousand dollars.  That's what residents in the area have been told by a phone-scam artist.  The person claims to be from Winners and is doing customer appreciation calls, saying they will send you 10 grand. But in order to do so, they need your credit card information. Police want to remind people that if they get this call, hang up, and to never give your credit card information if you have won a prize.

South Side Crash Hurts One

Police have now cleared up the scene of a  two vehicle collision at the corner of Franklin and Ridgeway just before 1 o'clock this afternoon.  Police can't immediately confirm that one woman was sent to hospital, but based on an early report, they didn't believe any injuries were serious.

NOSM Researcher Studying First Nation Disease

A Northern Ontario School of Medicine researcher is looking into what's causing a deadly new infection to hit area native communities.  Dr. Marina Ulanova says the new strain of the disease is impacting mostly First Nations.  Ulanova and her team are taking blood samples looking for antibodies to create a vaccine to eradicate the disease.

Probe Into Minaki Explosion

Both the Ministries of Labour and Environment are investigating an explosion on a boat at the Minaki marina.   Ontario Provincial Police say that it took place early in the weekend and involved a boat that was being refueled.   They say the explosion took place when the boat was started after some fuel spilled inside from a broken hose.  Two people remain in hospital in Kenora with second degree burns.

Police Report Second City Fatality

City Police are confirming a second fatal accident this morning, this one on John Street Road.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says a 50 year old man was driving his pick up truck when he left the road and hit a tree.  He died as a result of his injuries.

Facelift For 527

The road to Armstrong is under construction. The Ontario government is rebuilding 25 kilometres of Highway 527 north of Thunder Bay. Pioneer Construction is the contractor and is creating about 70 jobs.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident In The City

A pedestrian is dead following a collision outside the main entrance at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.   Spokesperson Chris Adams says the 60 year old patient died shortly after the accident occured around 9 this morning.  Police say the man threw himself under a truck which was driving near the main entrance of the building.

Adam Leon Back In Court In October

Adam Leon is heading back to court in October.  The ex-Confederation College student is charged with theft following an incident where a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States.  His lawyer Neil McCartney feels Leon shouldn't be tried in Canada since he was already charged and served time in the United States.  McCartney is asking the court to consider Leon's situation as "double jeopardy."

Police Seek Arsonist

City police are investigating what they believe is an arson overnight. Thunder Bay Police officers noticed a vehicle on fire in a car lot located on 11th Avenue just after 3:00 a.m. Members of the Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. 3 vehicles in total were destroyed. Police are seeking the public's help for information.

68 Forest Fires Now Burning

Firefighters in our region have their hands full with a rash of new forest fires. 13 new fires were reported all over the Northwest district bring the total number of active fires up to 68. The largest fire is burning in the Red Lake district inside Caribou Provincial Park. That fire is measured at 934 hectares. The Sioux Lookout district is also dealing with a large fire measuring more than 400 hectares in size. None of the active forest fires are threatening any residents.

Camp Quality Kicks Off

Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario is gearing up for another fun-filled week. Children living with cancer will set off on a 6 day adventure starting today as they get picked up at the Landmark Inn this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Around the World". Campers ranging in ages between 5 and 17 will be shuttled out to camp Duncan on East Loon Lake. Activities planned throughout the week include the annual soccer game between campers and the Police Association and a planned afternoon of fishing.

Cats Lose Opener In Duluth

The Thunder Bay Border Cats dropped the opener of their five game series with the Duluth Huskies last night 5-2. The series now switches to Subway field for a pair of games starting tonight at 7:05 before returning to Duluth for the last two. The Border Cats now have a record of 5-6 in the second half and are 2 games back of Willmar for first place.

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.