Border Cats Win Third Straight

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have now won three in a row. They edged the St. Cloud Rox 11-10 in a wild one at Subway Field last night to improve to 8-11 in the second half. The Border Cats are now 3 1/2 games back of Duluth for top spot in the North division. That series concludes tonight here at home.

Selects Lead The Provincials At 3-0

The Thunder Bay Selects are cruising at the right time. They beat Orleans 8-7 last night in the Ontario Senior Little League Championships being played at Baseball Central. The win gives the Selects a 3-0 record in the 5 team tournament and assures them a spot in the playoffs. Tonight they take on the 2-1 Thunder Bay All-Stars who need a win in order to secure a spot in the 3 team playoffs.

Druery Signs Deal To Go Pro

Lakehead University's Lindsay Druery is graduating from playing basketball for the Thunderwolves to playing professionally in Europe. She will join Lakehead Alum Kathryn Verboom in the German 2 Bundesliga on the TSV Towers Speer/Schifferstadt. Druery, from Smithville, Ontario, says she never dreamed of even being able to play basketball at the university level, let alone professionally. Druery leaves for German in September and will have an opportunity to teach English during her time away from the court.

Charge Laid In Valente Death

A 24 year old inmate of Stony Mountain jail in Manitoba is charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of Thunder Bay's Cosmo Valente last month.  RCMP says Valente died June 25 from a single stab wound he received while he was an inmate.  Charged is Bryon Jacob.  He made a brief court appearance in Winnipeg Thursday.

Funding Concerns Heard

A Harper government cabinet minister is going back to Ottawa with funding suggestions from northwestern Ontario municipal leaders. Minister of State Steven Fletcher says his round table meeting in Kenora showed roads for the Ring of Fire, Airports and the Trans Canada Highway were area funding concerns. The government wants to set up a new infrastructure funding program by 2014.

Good Samaritans Now Need Help

One Thunder Bay family is looking for help in the aftermath of the city flood. Jessica Sharpe and her family opened her home up to East End residents in the immediate aftermath of the flood, offering a hot shower, blankets and even hot food.  Now Sharpe says they don't have the $21,000 needed for repairs and is in need of help herself.  As is her nature, she is asking residents to keep in mind all of the people affected by the devastating flood and not just her family.

Goal Set For Disaster Relief

The City's Disaster Relief Committee is setting its fundraising goal at 5 million dollars. Committee chair Wayne Fletcher says they hope to get that amount raised for the May 28th flood victims by November 30th. He says committee members believe it's a necessary goal .  Fletcher is also reminding you that any donation to disaster relief can be claimed on your taxes.

Highway 61 Revisited

There's a move on to get more publicity for the Canadian portion of Highway 61. City Tourism Manager Paul Pepe is in Duluth this week to make the case for our city becoming a part of the tourism promotions south of the border for the iconic highway's route along Lake Superior.  Pepe says as it is now,  American promotions for the highway do not include Thunder Bay. 

Police Chief Celebrates Anniversary

Thunder Bay's Police Force is celebrating a year with a new Chief. J.P. Levesque was sworn into the position on July 13th last year. Levesque says he has a number of goals for the year to come. Levesque says he spent much of last year dealing with contract negotiations and disciplinary actions.

3 Kilograms Of Cocaine Seized

Two Toronto area men are currently in custody pending an investigation into a cocaine bust. Nipigon O.P.P. say a traffic stop yesterday afternoon resulted in the seizure of 3 kilograms of cocaine. The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $300,000.

16 Year Old Charged With First Degree Murder

A 16 year old is in custody and charged with first-degree murder. Treaty Three and O.P.P. made the arrest Tuesday in connection with the death of 61 year old Charles Minshall of Whitefish Bay First nation. The 16 year old, who can't be named because of age, is also from Whitefish Bay First Nation. Police are not releasing the cause of death, but earlier reports had police responding to gun fire being heard at a local store, where the deceased was found. The 16 year old is to appear in a Kenora court today.

O.P.P. Search For A Third Suspect In Attempted Robbery

O.P.P. are still looking for a third suspect in connection with an attempted store robbery in Schreiber. Provincial Police were alerted just before 4:00 o'clock yesterday morning.  They then spotted the suspect's vehicle west of Nipigon but an attempted stop had to be abandoned because of public safety reasons as the vehicle took off. Later police spotted the same vehicle and used a spike belt to halt the vehicle and three men went running into the bush. Two of them were caught. The third remains at-large with O.P.P. K-9 units being used in the pursuit. O.P.P. are warning travellers not to pick up any hitchhikers in the Schreiber area.

7 New Forest Fires Reported

The rain yesterday did relatively nothing to help new forest fires from starting. 7 new fires were reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Fire crews are now battling 80 forest fires in the Northwest region. The fire hazard remains high across most of our area.

Border Cats Begin Longest Homestand Of The Season

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are back in action tonight following the All-Star break. They begin a 7 game homestand against the St. Cloud Rox tonight at 7:05 at Subway Field. The first-half champion, Mankato Moondogs, are here for a 5 game series starting Saturday. The Border Cats remain 4 1/2 games back in the North Division with 18 games left in the season.

Thunder Bay Selects In First Place

The two Thunder Bay teams at the Ontario Senior Little League Championships are holding their own against the competition. The Thunder Bay Selects are alone in first place with a 2-0 record after dumping Windsor East 11-1 yesterday. The Thunder Bay All-Stars improved to 2-1 with a 13-3 win over East Nepean. Action continues today starting at 2:00 p.m. at Baseball Central. The Selects are in action at 6:00 o'clock against East Nepean.

Salvation Army Copes With Fire Losses

The Salvation Army is still adding up the losses after a fire this week damaged the goods at its Memorial Avenue Thrift Store. Spokesperson Scott Gilmore says they have basically lost everything. Gilmore says they hope to re-open in a week.

Police Chief Says Bust Will Help

The Chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police says the latest Oxycontin bust is going to be a great help in keeping the highly addictive pain killer out of First Nations communities in the northwest.   Claude Chum says the drug sells for up to 600 dollars a pill and is literally crippling some communities.  He says in Cat Lake, for example, about 80 per cent of the reserve is addicted and that keeps its workforce limited.  He says many get money by selling their possessions to feed their addiction,

Sister Cities Meet Again

Another five year sister city agreement with Seinajoki, Finland is being signed this week. City Clerk John Hannam says it happens tomorrow evening at the Prince Arthur Hotel and will allow our two cities to continuing promoting business and cultural opportunities

Project Harrington Results In 95 Charges

Details are being released today about a 6 month joint forces drug investigation entitled "Project Harrington." Members of the Thunder Bay Police, OPP, RCMP, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and Anishnabek Police were all involved in the investigation that resulted in 9 search warrants being executed in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga, Kitchener-Waterloo and Thunder Bay, including at the Thunder Bay District Jail. The joint forces unit were targeting a network that transported Oxycodone and cocaine from southern Ontario to areas here in the northwest. In all, police laid 95 charges against 11 persons, seven of whom are in custody and four others remain at large. Quantities of drugs worth approximately $1.13 million and cash were also seized. The charges include: Directing or Participating in a Criminal Organization; Trafficking and/or Conspiracy to Traffic; and Breach of Probation. One of the individuals, an employee of the Thunder Bay District Jail, is charged with Breach of Trust.

Heavy Rainfall Warning Dropped

The heavy rainfall warning for the city is now ended.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says that instead of the 50 millimetres of rain we were supposed to get, we will now get 10 to 20.  He says most of the rain is moving to our south.

Salvation Army Caught On Fire

Firefighters are recovering from what could have been a very dangerous fire. Crews were called to the Salvation Army at 915 Memorial Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning. The fire from three B.F.I. bins caused an exposure fire to a gas metre and that allowed the fire to spread to the building. Damage is being described as moderate.

Morrison Signs 4 Year Deal

Lakehead University Men's Basketball Coach Scott Morrison is staying in Thunder Bay for at least 4 more years. He signed a contract extension with the Thunderwolves that will see him take on additional administrative duties. Morrison has taken the men's team into the national spotlight with three straight national championship tournament appearances and an Ontario championship title in 2011. He's coming off an Assistant role for Canada at the world under-18 championships in Brazil.

Little League Update

Both Thunder Bay Teams will be on the field at Baseball Central today in the Ontario Senior Little League Championships. The Selects are tied for first place with East Nepean at 1-0. The All-stars are a half-game back in the standings after dropping a 6-3 decision yesterday to Orleans. Games today are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the All-Stars taking on East Nepean followed by the Selects squaring off against Windsor East.

Inductees Named to N.W.O. Sports Hall Of Fame

2 Athletes, 3 builders and a woman's rowing duo make up this year's entry into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. Mike Busniuk and Terri Gibbons will go into the hall for their hockey and water skiing careers. The two-some of Barb Kukko and Helen Fleming-Livingstone for their rowing careers. Builders Dick Henderson, Alex Dampier and Bill Selman will be inducted for their contributions to curling and hockey respectively. The official ceremony takes place at the end of September at the Valhalla Inn.

Swim Advisories Round 2

Swimmers beware.  The Health Unit is issuing swimming advisories at two local beaches again.  This time around it's at Boulevard Lake's Sandy Cove Beach, and Chippewa Park-Main Beach.

MPAC says T.Bay Affordable

Thunder Bay is still one of the most affordable cities in Ontario to purchase a home.  The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation says Thunder Bay's fairly affordable despite the price of homes jumping 26 percent since 2008.  MPAC Spokesperson Larry Hummel says it's good news for the community's real estate market.

LU Extends Morrison Contract

Lakehead University is locking down its Men's basketball head coach Scott Morrison.  They've extended his contract through to June 2016.  The University made the announcement Tuesday.

Joint Investigation Media Conference Wednesday

Results from a joint forces investigation will be made public Wednesday at a media conference at the Valhalla Inn. OPP, City Police, the RCMP and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Police are all involved in the investigation looking at the connection with trafficking prescription medication and illegal drugs from southern Ontario to several communities in the north west.

Van Loan Talks ELA

The Federal Government continues to hold steadfast to their decision to close the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.  Peter Van Loan was in Thunder Bay on Friday and says he's heard area residents concerns over the move.  Dissaproval has come from across the world over the Federal Government's decision to cut the funding for the outdoor research lab.

MNR Gets Help

The Ministry of Natural Resources is receiving more outside help to deal with a rash of forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. 20-fire rangers from Saskatchewan and 20-from New Brunswick will join Ontario's crews on the fire lines. Water bombers from Quebec and Newfoundland have also been called in. 20-fire rangers from Minnesota arrived last week. Five new fires were reported yesterday, bringing the number of active fires up to 70.

Feds Announce Funds For S.L.

The Federal Government is helping the Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority establish a Child Advocacy Centre.  Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced 115-thousand dollars in funding yesterday and stated the centre will help young victims of violence or sexual abuse.  The money will be used to establish a needs assessment and feasibility study for the centre which will provide culturally sensitive services.

Rydholm Talks Infrastructure Fund

The Federal Funding for Municipal Infrastructure projects is going to expire in 2014. A round table meeting is being held in Kenora on Thursday. Councillor Linda Rydholm will be attending and says she'll be bringing up the issue of new waste water regulations that will tax area communities with extra costs.

Police Respond To John St. Accident

Thunder Bay Police say a three year old boy is in hospital this afternoon after being hit by a vehicle. Police responded to the accident just before 1:30 on John Street.  Officers say the child was playing in the parking lot of the building complex when he was struck by the vehicle that was backing out of a parking spot.

Stats Can Releases Crime Rates

Statistics Canada is ranking Thunder Bay 3rd in the Country for a city of our size for overall crime and violent crime. Police Chief JP Levesque says the stats are alarming but there is a bright side our homocide rate has dropped since 2010.

More Local Lottery Winners

A young Thunder Bay couple are 87 thousand dollar lottery winners.  Dale Pichlyk  and Shana Fillier won on the June 30th 6-49 draw.   They plan to use their windfall towards paying bills and they will bank the rest.  They bought the ticket in Sioux Lookout. 

Thunder Bay Teams Hot To Start Little League Tourney

The Ontario Senior Little League Championship is being played this week at baseball Central and both Thunder Bay teams are off to good starts. The All-Stars crushed Windsor East 23-3 in their opening game, while the Selects edged Orleans 7-6. Action continues today starting at 2:00 p.m. The All-Stars are back in action starting at 6:00 p.m. The winner of the 5team tournament advances to the Canadian Championships in Regina.

Two Border Cats Make All-Star Squad

Pitchers Jordan McCoy and Wes Parsons are the two all-stars representing the Thunder Bay Border Cats in tonight's all-star game in Madison, Wisconsin. The Border Cats remain 4 1/2 games back in the North division and are set to begin a 7 game homestand starting Thursday at Subway field.

Pugh Reaches Out To Algoma Street Businesses

McKellar Ward Councillor Paul Pugh hopes Algoma Street businesses can stick out the remainder of construction season on their roadway.  Several businesses recently complained about the road being closed during construction.  Pugh says it's unfortunate but it needs to happen in order to complete the major construction project that's under way.  

Deer Feeding Exemption Voted Down

It's illegal to feed deer anywhere in the City of Thunder Bay.  Council had been considering allowing it on Mission and McKellar Islands but city law makers voted it down at Monday night's meeting.  Councillor Andrew Foulds was just one of several councillors who felt the amendment to the deer feeding by-law was unfair to other wildlife feeders in the other parts of the City.

Boshcoff Wants Cross Canada Museum

Thunder Bay could one day be home to a museum recognizing the scores of people who travel across Canada on their charity missions.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff introduced the motion and says it would be fitting to house the museum since many people walk and cycle through Thunder Bay on their cross-country tours.  Boshcoff doesn't want their ourneys to be forgotten.  City staff will be looking into the feasibility of the idea.

City Hires Companies To Create Plan

Two companies are being hired to create a joint mining strategy and economic development plan for Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay.  SNC Lavalin and Edward Hoshizaki Development have been tasked with the job to create the plans.  The plans will run from  2012 to 2015. 

City Buys New Buses

City Council is putting almost 1.3 million dollars towards three new transit buses.  Council made the decision last night and awarded the contract to Nova Bus.  The new buses will replace other buses that are 17 years old or more.

Council Puts Extra Cash To Whalen

City Council is going ahead with increasing the amount of money set aside to repair the Whalen Building. Council decided last night to kick in another 300 thousand dollars towards renovating the historical building.

Mission Accompished

Officials at the Salvation Army are overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the city.  Spokesperson Gail Kromm says the organization received more than enough furniture for local flood victims after a call went out to the public recently.  She says for that reason,  they aren't accepting anymore furniture donations for this cause. 

NWO Man Faces Sex Assault Charge

A 25-year-old Cochenour man faces a long list of charges after a 50-year-old woman was sexually assaulted.Red Lake Provincial Police say the two knew each other and the incident occurred at a Cochenour home. OPP say the accused faces counts of break and enter, overcoming resistance to commit and offence, forcible confinement and sexual assault causing bodily harm.The victim was transported to hospital and released. The accused remains in custody and no names have been released.

Search Continues For Fire Bug

The Fire Service is helping city police in trying to catch what they believe is an arsonist.  Fire crews have been called to more than a half-dozen fires in recent months in the Empire Avenue and Christina Street areas. Director of Fire Prevention, Terry Henchar says in each case an accelerant has been used to set either sheds or garages on fire.

Algoma Construction Causes Concerns

The city says it's honouring its pledge to Algoma Street business owners about construction work.  As merchants complain about a loss of business, Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says there was an understanding that Algoma could not always remain open through the lengthy roadwork.  He says that was addressed during the public meetings. Businesses claim that the city said there would be at least one lane of the street open during construction.

Traffic Reduced To One Lane On Golf Links

Traffic on Golf Links Road between the Harbour Expressway and Fanshaw Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting this morning. City crews are repairing a watermain and the lane closures could last up to four days. Drivers are requested to take alternative routes during this time and to exercise extra caution if driving through the construction zone.

1 New Fire Reported Sunday

The Ministry of Natural Resources is expecting it to be only a brief help. Weekend rain in some parts of the Northwest Region was a welcome relief with only one new fire reported in the District of Thunder Bay. Information Officer Deb McLean says " it was a quiet day in the region Sunday after rain helped dampen the fire hazard and smoky conditions that had been experienced on Saturday." The reprieve is expected to be short lived though as the weather is forecast to clear and put the fire hazard back into a high level by mid-week.

Border Cats Rally For Win

The Thunder Bay Border Cats rallied for a 9-6 win over the Willmar Stingers yesterday at Subway field. Their record is now 7-11 in the second half and they are 4 1/2 games back in the North division as all teams are off for three days for the all-star break. The game is being played tomorrow in Madison, Wisconsin.