Thunder Bay Has Its First Pride Parade

The first ever Pride Parade in Thunder Bay is in the books.   Over 200  people took part today on the city's south side . 

New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 27 active fires in the Northwest Region. Thunderstorms in the forecast are expected to bring lightning strikes, which may result in new fires if there isn't a significant amount of rain. Since April 1st, there have been 146 fires burning over an area of nearly 6,000 hectares.

Toys R' Us Grand Opening Today

Thunder Bay's Toys R' Us store has its grand opening this morning.  The 36-thousand square foot facility in the Thunder Centre should be a welcome boost to the local retail economy according to company spokesperson Victoria Spada. Spada says the store will have about 20 to 30 employees.

SIJHL Setback

A possible major setback for the Superior International Junior Hockey League. Representatives from Duluth and the Minnesota Iron Rangers failed to show up at a recent Hockey U.S.A certification meeting. The SIJHL is hoping to move the Duluth membership to Spooner, WI., and re-certify the Iron Rangers. Hockey U.S.A is now wanting to schedule a special meeting to address the issue and the certification may now come with some resistance.

Annual Ride For Dad Today

The 12th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad fundraiser is back. Today's event starts at 9:30 this morning at the Victoria Inn. Money raised goes towards prostate cancer research.

NAN Satisfied With Court Decision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is applauding a court decision on Aboriginal jury rolls. NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, says the Court of Appeal threw out a conviction on the basis that not enough Aboriginals were represented in the man's jury. Fiddler agrees that now is the time for the province to work with NAN on solutions to the jury roll problem. 

Hudak Says TBGS Must Stay Open

The province's opposition leader is taking aim at the Liberal government over the possible closure of Thunder Bay Generating Station.  PC leader Tim Hudak says the Mission Island facility needs to stay open to play an economic role in getting clean energy to the region. Hudak suggests  it's a mistake for the Wynne government to keep local officials guessing on the matter and conversion of the plant to natural gas should resume.

Former NAN Grand Chief Dies

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the death of a former NAN Grand Chief.   Frank Beardy died yesterday following a lengthy illness.    He was the Grand Chief in the 1980's and also served as the chief of the Muskrat Dam First Nation.   Frank Beardy, dead at the age of 63.  

Recool Truck Catches Fire

A recool recycling collection truck is being inspected after catching fire at the Chronicle Journal loading dock. Around 9am, onlookers noticed smoke rising out of the back of the truck. Steve Ree, the truck's driver, says this was the first time something like this had happened to him. Ree managed to escape completely unharmed.

Big Trout Lake Welcomes Visitors Monday

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is heading to Big Trout Lake First Nation Monday.  Hyer and 24 Canadians from all walks of life will be living in KI for a week.  The remote First Nation wants people to see their living conditions.

Kenora Murder Case Sentencing Today

Three-and-a-half months after being found guilty of second degree murder, Kenneth Ivall will finally find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail.  Ivall will be sentenced this morning in Kenora Superior Court in the death of Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009.  Ivall's co-accused, Angela Duchese is already spending three years in a federal penitentiary.  She plead guilty to manslaughter charges midway through the eight week long
trial.

Rafferty Wants More Protection For Bus Drivers

A northwestern Ontario MP wants better protection for transit bus drivers in Canada.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty says his private members bill stems from recent incidents against drivers in Thunder Bay.  Rafferty proposes an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that would give greater sentences if an assault is against a transit driver.

Rickford Supports Welfare Plan

Helping Aboriginal people in Northwestern Ontario get off welfare.  That's the focus of a new plan being pushed by Canada's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says 241-million dollars will go to help youth achieve the same job opportunities as other Canadians.  First Nations who choose to participate in the program will have those under the Income Assistance Program undergo personalized case management.

Policing Issue Heading To NOMA

Concerns about policing costs are being raised.  Fort Frances has drafted a resolution it's forwarding to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association that seeks more financial support from the province.  Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the current funding formula is inadequate.  In its resolution, the town cites economic and financial challenges, as well as a pending wage increase for OPP officers next year.

ER Losing Doctors

The emergency room at the Health Sciences is losing 6 doctors later this year.  However Dr. David Wood says there is enough time to find some replacements, but failing that there's always temporary doctors to choose from.  Wood says it's not a problem the ER is unfamiliar with.

Probe Into 24 Year Old's Death

An inquest into the death of a 24 year old man is going to be held in Thunder Bay on July 29th.  Gustavo Argueta died from injuries received during the course of his employment inspecting the under-surface of a new bridge in the Thunder Bay area. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding his death.  It's expected to last five days to hear from 15 witnesses.

Collision On South Side

No injuries to report following a two vehicle collision at the corner of Arthur and James Streets just before 5 o'clock this afternoon.  One person was shaken up and police say that person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Elementary Teachers Ink Tentative Pact

The province now has labour peace with the union representing public elementary teachers after protests that saw teachers withdraw from extra-curricular activities last fall.   Ellen Chambers of the local Elementary Teachers Federation says it's a testament to the determination of the membership. Teachers will vote on the new tentative agreement with the government later this month.

Repair Work Will Force Power Outage

Some businesses and residents in the central part of the city should prepare for a power outage.   Thunder Bay Hydro says an excavation crew damaged an underground electrical cable today.   Repair work is going to take place starting at 6 o'clock so utility officials say power will be out in that area until midnight. The section affected is John Street, High Street and Fort William Road.

Tsekouras Faces New Charges

City police say new accusations are facing  a city man who's already going through the court system on major drug charges.   Thirty nine year old John Tsekouras is now looking at more drug charges as well as conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to kidnap. That means he's back in custody and is due to appear in court June 17th.