Woodcrest students sing sing

The 500 students at Woodcrest Public School are proud of their latest accomplishment. They joined with other schools in Canada in singing the same song at exactly the same time. Grade 6 teacher Jacqui Soulias organized the event and says it was to celebrate music and school spirit. Students at Holy Family Catholic School also took part in the nationwide sing-a-long.

Local Soldiers return home

Two Thunder Bay Soldiers landed on home soil after a 6 month tour in Afghanistan. Corporal Richard Cranton and Sergeant John Conrad returned home this morning to a small group of friends and family at the Thunder Bay airport. Cranton says he never thought he'd be this happy to return home and says his tour was a really rewarding experience and is proud to have helped out the Afghan people. This was the first tour for both soldiers.

Spelling help wanted

It's a mistake worthy of the Jay Leno Show. This Red River Road take out food outlet may be in need of more than management after showing this job posting on the weekend

Tree falls on south side house

There is no one injured after a tree fell on a three story house on Syndicate Avenue following a windy weekend.

Fatal fire in Terrace Bay

Nipigon OPP are investigating after a fatal house fire in Terrace Bay. The fire happened early yesterday morning just before 5 o'clock. Crews responded and found a body in the house. Dead is 31 year old Kevin Daniels. The cause of the fire hasn't been released.

Folklore Festival another success

Thunder Bay's Culture was on display once again at the Fort William Gardens. That was the scene for the annual Folklore Festival. There was food, dance and many other attractions Saturday and Sunday. Thousands made it through the doors for this years event to take in the entertainment and fine cuisine.

Low level of Dog Lake no concern for OPG

A trip to Dog Lake will help prove how dry the weather has been. Ontario Power Generation monitors the lake level there. Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says it's about half a metre lower than average and just less than a metre lower then it was last year. He says however, there's no concern it will cause any power problems for OPG generators on the Dog River.

Free waste week coming up

If there was any time to get rid of that junk in your house and yard its from May 2-9. The city is allowing you to use the Mapleward Road waste facility for free for those 7 days . Spokesperson Jason Sherband says it's become very popular.  He says the facility averages about 900 vehicles a day.  Sherband recommends going early in the morning to avoid the long lines.  Meantime police will be monitoring vehicles going to the landfill to make sure all loads are properly covered.

Outdoor fires now permitted in the northwest

The outdoor fire ban in Northwestern Ontario is over. Reagan Breeze of the Ministry of Natural Resources says that the Restricted Fire Zone has been lifted. He says the rain that we've received has helped to reduce the fire hazard in the entire district. It means that camp fires for cooking and warmth are now allowed.

Huge changes proposed to forest licencing

The McGuinty government is proposing sweeping changes to the way wood cutting licences are awarded. Effectively the big forestry giants would have their current licences scrapped and they'd have to start over. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle admits the moves are bold putting all firms, large and small, on an equal footing.  The biggest difference would be the creation of Local Forest Management Corporations that would control the system in each region.  Public hearings on the proposed changes start in Thunder Bay May the 18th.

Father and son arrested after donut shop brawl

One man has been sent to Winnipeg for treatment after a fight with a father son duo. Police say the 21 year old victim received a serious wound to his arm during a fight at a south side donut shop last night. A 41 year man and his 18 year old son are facing several charges and police say alcohol may have been involved. .

Businesses take part in Spring Up to Clean Up

Businesses across Thunder Bay were out picking up garbage and litter around their buildings. It's all part of the 14th annual Spring Up to Clean Up program. Councillor Andrew Foulds says picking up litter goes a long way in making the city more attractive to visitors. Eco Superior's Karen Copeland says everyone is encouraged to help clean up the community throughout the month of May.

Pot bust lands one man in jail

A special package has landed a Thunder Bay man in jail. The 23 year old was arrested after police intercepted a package containing 3 pounds of marijuana and a pound of hash. The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit made the arrest after the package was delivered.

Cyclotron building may be in jeopardy

Officials with the Regional Research Institute hope they don't have to scale back their plans for a new building on the hospital grounds. The proposed 25 million dollar facility would house a new cyclotron that would produce medical isotopes. Institute chair, Keith Jobbitt says federal funding for the project may not come through. He says they may instead have to use an existing building like the Health Sciences Centre or the Munro Street facility. Jobbitt says they will continue to pursue the funding from the feds.

Slain constable to receive another honour

The Current River Bridge on Highway 11-17 is going to be named after a police officer who died in the line of duty. Saturday officials will dedicate the bridge to the memory of City Police Constable John Kusznier. He died in a shooting in the parking lot of a north side hotel 30 years ago. The ceremony will take place at the Terry Fox Lookout at 11 am.

Study says school food program works

The Lakehead Public School Board is touting the success of a program aimed at helping Aboriginal students. The Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project helps make sure the students are fed and are exposed to native culture. Organizer Tammy Bobyk says a new study shows it's working and has an influence on student success which can be directly linked to academic success.

Fatal accident leads to charge

A Thunder Bay man is now facing a charge in connection to Wednesday's fatal traffic accident on Red River Road. Spokesperson Chris Adams says that's were a pick up and a motorbike collided resulting in the death of the motorcycle driver, 37 year old Darren Dolph. Police have charged the 49 year old pick up truck driver with careless driving. Adams says no further charges are expected.

Cheques on the way for some northern residents

Some residents of Northern Ontario will soon qualify for a cheque to take the sting out of higher energy costs. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the money will start coming after the law is passed. The cheques will ranges from 130 dollars for individuals to 200 dollars for families. The credit is designed for low and middle income people and families.

Walk to help Easter Seals

On the charity beat, the Dawson Road Safeway store is hosting an Easter Seals fundraising walk Saturday morning. Rhonda Harrison of Easter Seals says there is no financial goal set because it's only the first year of the event. The walk starts at 11:30 until 12:30. The cost to enter is 10 dollars

Fourth mayoralty candidate emerges

A city truck driver wants to be the next mayor of Thunder Bay. 53 year old Brian Kwasny is a life long resident of the city and understands he has a low profile, but he believes that can be an advantage because it will keep him open minded. Kwasny says the current city council has been doing things backwards. He becomes the 4th candidate in this mayors race. The other three are Lynn Peterson, Keith Hobbs and Jeff Irwin.