Clement makes funding announcements

FedNor Minister Tony Clement is rolling out funding for Tornado Medical Systems.  Clement was in the City today and provided over 363 thousand dollars towards a device that will analyze breast tumor tissue.  Clement also announced over 300-thousand towards Lakehead University's North American DNA database project.

Rescue on the harbour

Two people are safe after they were spotted on the breakwall Monday afternoon. Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue took their air boat out to the site after they were spotted walking on the rocks. It turns out it was a couple of tourists from Quebec who were sight seeing and didn't realize it was against the law to be out on the harbour ice.  They were not charged.

Another bizarre court appearance for Barry McQuaker.

Barry McQuaker remains in the legal system as he looks to gain his freedom.  The 55 year old McQuaker is serving a short sentence for threatening and assault and was in court today to deal with a peace bond which would put extended restrictions on who he is allowed to see and where he can go. As was the case with his last court appearance in February, McQuaker didn't have a lawyer and displayed an erratic behavior. He came precariously close to justice Dino DiGuiseppe finding him in contempt of court. McQuaker is due back in court April 20th. He spent time in jail in the 1990's after admiting to cremating and buring the remains of his 12 year old son Jason.

Public school board pans rankings

The Lakehead Public School Board is less than thrilled with the latest Fraser Institute rankings of elementary schools.  Director of Education Cathy Seminieuk says they're not investing in the ranking system.  Seimieuk takes issue with the fact that the Fraser Institute didn't include all of their elementary schools in their rankings.

Mathieu Da Costa exhibit on now

City hall just got more colourful.  The Mathieu Da Costa Exhibit is on now and the 16 works of art were created by youth from across the country.  The City is one of 8 in Canada that were selected to host the art exhibit.  The free exhibit will be in the City Hall lobby until Friday.

Fire at Vickers Street North home

Fire officials will be investigating the cause of a 2 storey house fire on Vickers Street.  Crews were called to the home last night and District Chief Jon Swaggert says thankfully no one was home at the time of the fire.  The fire was contained to the back of the home on the first floor.

Ignace gets Mayor back

Ignace Council is going back to a familiar face as Mayor.  Council has agreed to appoint Lee Kennard as Mayor, citing the significant cost of a by-election as one of the reasons behind the decision.  A delegation asked Council to put Kennard back in the top position, citing his huge electoral win last October and his strong performance as Mayor.  Kennard resigned on January 27th, but had a change of heart 5-days later. Council legally deemed the position open, prompting a debate on what should happen next.  He will be sworn back in as Mayor on March 13th.

Arctic air above Thunder Bay

Arctic air is settling over Thunder Bay today causing the cold temperatures.  Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says the cold air will eventually let up bringing warmer weather.  Laidlaw says it's not unusual for temperatures to be minus 20 one day and in the plus temperatures the next.

Province withdraws land near KI

The Provincial Government is keeping some land around the Big Trout Lake First Nation off limits from mining projects.  The First Nation had asked for a moratorium on mineral exploration and development.  God's Lake Resources holds a mining lease and mining claim in the area of Big Trout Lake but their existing leases and claims are not affected by the withdrawal.

LU Basketball team gets wildcard spot

The Lakehead Thunderwolves are off to Halifax after receiving a wild card spot in the Men's Basketball CIS championships. Lakehead received the at-large berth following a vote by a committee of CIS coaches. The Thunderwolves finished atop the OUA West standings with a 20-2 record before being upset by Ryerson, 86-70, in the conference semifinals.

Local Canspell winner Jacklyn Spithoff

Crestview Public School student Jacklyn Spithoff is off to the Canspell National Finals in Toronto.  She won the local spelling bee over the weekend and will represent Thunder Bay and District in Toronto at the end of March.

Woman in hospital after accident

A 25 year old woman is in hospital after she was hit by a vehicle on Saturday.  Police were called to the intersection of Red River Road and Highway 11/17 for an auto pedestrian collision around 9:30 Saturday night.  The woman was sent to the hospital with serious injuries and is said to be doing better.  Charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.

Arrests on South Brodie Street

A 30 year old man from Fort Hope and a 28 year old man from Webequie were arrested early this morning on South Brodie Street after police responded to an assault in progress. One of the men is said to know the victim. The two are charged for robbery and both will be appearing in court today.

Fraser Institute Report

It's a mixed bag for Thunder Bay's 39 elementary schools. In the Report Card on Ontario Elementary Schools 2012, The Fraser Institute ranks half of them at or above the provincial average; the other half falls below. Spokesperson Michael Thomas says low rankings alert officials and parents that something needs to be done.

Wildlife Feeding Prohibition By-Law

The City of Thunder Bay wants to remind citizens of the new Wildlife Feeding Prohibition By-law which was passed on February 27th and is now in effect. The By-law outlines the dangers of feeding deer which includes an increase in unpredictable and aggressive behaviour of the animals, increased chances of car collisions, and the spread of infectious diseases among deer, wildlife, and humans. Anyone found not obeying the by-law will receive a Provincial Offences Act ticket or summons to attend Court along with a possible fine of up to $5000.

Ignace Mayor Reinstated

The township of Ignace has reinstated mayor Lee Kennard after town council endorsed and approved a 3-1 vote. Kennard resigned on January 27th due to personal reasons but withdrew his resignation five days later. Kennard is expected to be sworn back into office on March 13.

Facebook poll puts Event Centre in the North Downtown

A Magic 99.9 Facebook poll asking residents where they'd like to see the proposed Events Centre built is getting a lot of responses.  So far over 700 people have cast a ballot and the Waterfront is coming out on top with about 50 more votes than Innova Park.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto says despite the apparent near deadlock he doesn't think the location should be decided by a public vote because most people don't know all the sides of the proposal and therefore can't make an informed decision.  Ruberto thinks most of the people who voted for Innova business park aren't looking beyond parking. The Airport location received only about 20 votes. 

Feds cut summer job centre funding

It could be tougher for students to find jobs this summer.  The Federal Government has cut its funding for summer student job centre and according to the Chair of the Student Committee of the Thunder Bay Youth Strategy its going to be hard on both students and employers.  Colleen Peters says moving to a more online service sounds more efficient but will make it harder for students and employers to connect.  Colleen Peters says the loss of the job centre will force students to use the already over taxed adult job centres.

LU trimming Board

A new look is coming to Lakehead University's Board of Governors.  The institution has decided to trim its board from 30 members to 17.  Board Chair Colin Bruce says its in an attempt to become, leaner, more agile, more transparent and more accountable.  The changes will come into affect after September's annual general meeting.

Local business owner wins big

Thunder Bay's David Thomas has a bulging bank account now that he's won two million dollars in the Heart and Stroke Lottery. Thomas says he's been buying tickets for 10 years.  The 34 year old Thomas, who runs Salt & Pepper Catering, says he has no plans for  his winnings.