Local hospital takes part in trial

Thunder Bay, Toronto, Kingston, London, Hamilton, and Ottawa are working on a cancer project together.  They'll be sampling tumors and providing the information back to Toronto.  Spokesperson Tarja Heiskanen says it's a big deal for the local hospital.  Heiskanen adds the project proves that if it can be done in Thunder Bay it can be done anywhere.

Rally infront of Mauro's office

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's office was the site of a protest Wednesday. A group of citizens are disenfranchised with the Children's Aid Society in Thunder Bay. They want the Province to give the Ombudsman oversight of CAS.

Cruisin' for a cause

Thursday is Cruisin' for a cause day at A&W's across Canada.  President Paul Hollands says money raised from the one day event will go towards the MS Society.  A dollar from each Teen Burger purchased today will go towards the charity.  Hollands says they hope to raise a million dollars this year.

School starts September 7th

The Lakehead Public School Board is preparing for the upcoming school year. Edcuation Officer Charles Bishop says they're rolling out wifi service at their high schools. The board is also welcoming an additional full day kindergarten location and a healthy lifestyles policy. Students go back to class September 7th.

Memorial set up for Layton at Stornoway

Layton's body will be lying in state in the foyer of the House of Commons for public viewing.  This morning in Stornoway, the residence of the official opposition, a small memorial was set up.  It included a can of orange crush, the symbol of Layton's surge and triumph in Quebec during the last Federal Election.  A state funeral will be held in Ottawa Saturday. 

Footbridge not closed

The city has called off a footbridge closure.  The walkway in Boulevard Lake Park over the Curernt River Dam was to be closed today and tomorrow.  The work that was to take place has been cancelled.

Twitter is the new driving force in the financial world

Twitter is changing the financial world, that's the opinion of Thunder Bay born investment expert Keith McCullough.  He says the social media site gives everyone an avenue to learn insider knowledge and faster than older media venues.  McCullough says the little guys in the financial game stand to benefit greatly by using Twitter.  He also says some of the big players he works with on Wall Street are dropping their hold methods and are using twitter to help make decisions. 

No one hurt in late night fire

No one was hurt after a 2 alarm Blaze on the city's North side.  Crews got the call just before midnight on Essex Court and managed to confine the fire to a downstairs bedroom.  There was also extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the house.

Thunder Bay will hold Layton memorial

You have a chance to pay your respects to NDP Leader Jack Layton tomorrow.  A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest park at 6 o'clock.  A book of condolences for his family will be there for people to sign. 

YPN has new President

There's a change of the guard at Thunder Bay's Young Professional Network.  Former President Michael Nitz is now the new head of the Chamber of Commerce.  Nathan Lawrence will now take over the vacant president's position.  The Young Professionals Network is now known as SHIFT.

Walkway closed

A walkway in Boulevard Lake Park will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.  The pedestrian walkway over the Current River Dam is off limits while work is completed on the dam.

Coroners inquest into inmate's death

The coroner will be investigating the death of an 18 year old inmate at the Thunder Bay district jail. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Cody Thompson was transferred from the jail on August 11th to the hospital and died last Friday. Thompson was charged with second degree murder in the death of Robert Topping.

NOMA goes to AMO

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is recapping his recent meetings with Provincial Ministers.  Ron Nelson says they also met with the leaders of the NDP and Progressive Conservatives.  Nelson asked each party if they would be willing to give the region its own seperate lower electricity rate.  Nelson feels discussions with ministers about their issues were well received.  Meanwhile, NOMA wants all three party leaders to take part in a Northern Ontario debate. The proposed debate would be held in Thunder Bay on September 23rd.

8 billion dollar infrastructure shortfall

It's going to cost billions of dollars to bring First Nation communities infrastructure up to snuff. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Angus Tolouse says they need 8 billion dollars. The infrastructure figures are from the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. Tolouse says they need capital investments in housing, water and waste water, roads, and broadband service.

MNR has record breaking year

The Ministry of Natural Resources says it's been a record breaking year for forest fires in the Northwest.  Information Officer Debbie McLean says we've broken a 50 year old record.  With more than two months left in the current season, more than 622 thousand hectares has burned. McLean adds they haven't had more fires than in 1961, just burned more hectares of land.

Sheep Dogs set to entertain Thunder Bay

Wednesday's the day to head down to Marina Park to watch the Sheep Dogs.  The band is headlining the Superior Youth Festival and organizer Jean-Paul De Roover says they will be one of many attractions and the event will kick off at 6 o'clock. 

PA Stadium battles London for title

Port Arthur Stadium will be battling London's Labatt Stadium for the title of Canada's Favourite Ball Park.  Chair of Thunder Bay's International Baseball Association Larry Hebert says its time for everyone in Thunder Bay to get out and vote.  Hebert says a win would enhance the city's bid for the 2014 World Junior Baseball Championships.  Voting will take place over the next two weeks.

Trail system being studied

Oliver Paipoonge is embarking on a trail study.  Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they're using provincial funds to hire a trail expert.  Oliver Paipoonge council would like to see a trail created from Fort William Park to Kakabeka Falls.  A series of public meetings will be held in the near future.  The trail expert starts work next week.

Book of condolences

The City of Thunder Bay is opening a book of condolences to allow residents to pay their respects to Jack Layton.  The flags at City Hall will fly at half mast until after the NDP Leader's funeral to recognize his contributions to Canada.

Rafferty remembers NDP Leader

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is shocked by the passing of NDP Leader Jack Layton. The 61 year old died this morning after battling a second round of cancer. Rafferty considers Layton a friend and one of the reasons he decided to enter politics. Rafferty is collecting messages from the riding for the Layton family. The MP's offices are closed today out of respect for the family.