Another City Mac's Robbery

The Mac’s store at Balsam and River Streets was the scene of an early morning robbery.  Police say a man entered the store at approximately 3 a.m.. The suspect demanded money and was armed with knife. There were no injuries and the man made off with a small amount of money and cigarettes.

Man In Critical Condition After Assault

A 36 year old man is in critical condition after he was beaten and robbed Sunday night.  Police say they found him lying in front of a home on McNaughton Street.  4 youths and an 18 year old man are charged with aggravated assault and robbery with violence.  Alcohol is thought to be one of the factors in the incident and the victim and the accused are all known to each other.

Cameron Street Bridge Under Repairs

The Cameron Street Bridge is down for repairs.  City spokesperson Mike Vogrig says that while the repairs will last until September, they shouldn't affect traffic too badly. The repairs will end up extending the bridge's lifespan.

Festival Breaks Attendance Record

Organizers of the annual Folklore Festival are basking in the glow of a successful weekend event.  They say all records have been thrown out the window with over 16 thousand people attending the 40th anniversary edition of the festival.

Councillor Looks To Keep Kids Safe

Councillor Brian McKinnon is going to ask staff to find ways of keeping kids safe at the intersection of Junot Avenue and Blucher Crescent. McKinnon says he'll present the matter at tonight's meeting. Staff will be tasked with looking for short term options for calming traffic.

Upgrades Coming To City Arena And Stadium

City Council is formalizing an agreement with FedNor over a million dollars in upgrades to the Delaney Arena and Fort William Stadium.Councillor Paul Pugh says the improvements are needed.The City's share of the million dollar project is 500-thousand.

SIU Looking Into OPP After Weekend Incident

The Special Investigations Unit is looking into an incident this weekend where a man was injured during an altercation with OPP.  OPP were called to deal with a suspected drunk driver on Highway 61 when they approached the driver he didn't listen to police when they asked him to leave the vehicle.  An altercation broke out and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment of what the SIU says was a broken eye socket.  

City To Approve Construction Contracts

City lawmakers are set to put their stamp of approval on several construction contracts at their meeting this evening. Councillor Rebecca Johnson doesn't see any problem with councillors approving the five million dollars worth of work. Johnson says the work has already been approved during budget deliberations.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Walk For Suicide Prevention Today

The Out Of The Darkness Memorial Walk is happening today. This event is a three kilometer walk starting at Confederation College. Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak created the event as a way for people to celebrate the lives of people they've lost to suicide. The event will go from 6-8 pm.

Toronto Doctor Recommends New NWO CPR Guidelines

Healthcare guidelines specifically for Northwestern Ontario. Dr. Aaron Orkin with St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto believes that the current "hands only" CPR guideline may not work for local communities because it usually takes a lot longer for an ambulance to arrive. However, Orkin says any help is better then none at all. Orkin says people in Northwestern Ontario deserve guidelines that are designed with their needs in mind.

Navy Pays Tribute To Those Lost In WW2

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are paying tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Commander of the HMCS Griffon Pete Flemming says Thunder Bay played a role in the critical fight. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon today at 2.

Hike For Hospice Today

Hike for Hospice is taking place today at Boulevard Lake. Hike for Hospice is an event that helps raise money for Hospice Northwest, allowing them to continue providing services to over 300 people a year. This year's fundraising goal is 40-thousand dollars.

Local Grain Industry Changing

The grain industry continues to evolve. In the latest business move Parrish and Heimbecker and Cargill are proposing joining forces to streamline services which grainhandlers union boss Herb Daniher says will mean the closure of one elevator in the city. He says it's a sign of the times with a deregulated grain environment. He says it's too early to talk about possible job losses. The proposal still needs government approval.

NOHF Promotes Funding Opportunities

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is out promoting new funding opportunities for this region. Executive Director Bruce Strapp is encouraging communities to take the next step forward on a regional economic development initiative. Strapp says they will be consulting with municipalities and first nations the next couple of weeks to raise more awareness on the programs.

Awards For Keeping Work Green To Be Given

The Municipal Green Awards are being presented at City Council Monday night. Nominated organizations are the Airlane Hotel, The Green House and Agnew H. Johnson public school. The awards are handed out to organizations that act in environmental ways.

Officer Not Guilty X2

 An OPP constable is not guilty on two counts of assault causing bodily harm and a charge of public mischief.  Both charges were dismissed against Brian Bellefeuille in a Thunder Bay courtroom today.   Bellefeuille was charged by the province's Special Investigations Unit after a complaint from a man who says he was roughed up by the constable after being arrested in Geraldton in February of 2012.

Atikokan Wood Firm Sold To Americans

There's more American investment coming to Northwestern Ontario.  California's Rentech Inc. has purchased Atikokan Renewable Fuels from Thunder Bay's Ed Fukushima who says he wasn't able to get the necessary Canadian financing to run the plant and made wood pellets.   Rentech has also purchased an idled plant in Wawa, also to produce wood pellets.  

Larry Joy Sr. Dies

A well known Thunder Bay businessman is dead.   Larry Joy Senior died this week after a lengthy illness.    He operated Larry Joy Men's Wear for more than 40 years.   His funeral will be held tomorrow morning at St. Agnes Church at 11 o'clock.