OPP Launches Recruitment Campaign

The Ontario Provincial Police are launching a recruitment campaign in Thunder Bay. Constable Erin Huckell with the Dryden Detachment says it's a "Northern Policing Experience", and runs from May 25th to 26th. Huckell says travel and accommodations will be taken care of.

New Centre CEO Looks To The Region

The new CEO of the George Jeffrey Children's Centre is Juliana Jason.   She says it's important for her to keep Centre's good reputation in Thunder Bay intact.   Jason says a priority for her will be reaching  out to special needs children in northern communities and looking at rural services.

More Evacuees Arrive

The city is hosting yet another set of evacuees from the James Bay area.   This time 120 First Nation residents from Attawapiskat are now in the city after being flown in last night and this morning.   As with the Kashechewan evacuees, who left yesterday, the current group is here because of the threat of flooding in their community.

South Side Grass Fire Controlled

Grass fire season is back again.   Firefighters on the city's south side now have a sprawling fire next to the Resolute paper mill complex under control.   At one point, just after the noon hour, white smoke was billowing over much of Westfort.   There are no injuries to report.  

Cops For Cancer

Cops for Cancer is happening today. The event will see local police and regular folks shave their heads to show support for those who are fighting cancer. The event will be going on from 11-3 at Intercity Mall.

Fire Fighter Recruitment Tests Begin

Are you interested in becoming a firefighter? The Preliminary Firefighter Recruitment tests are being held today at Lakehead University. Fire Chief John Hay says anyone interested in joining the department is encouraged to take the test.

Crime Stoppers Drug Drop Off

Thunder Bay Crimestoppers are holding a prescription drug drop off this weekend. Constable Jason Disher says it's a great way to reduce drug abuse. The drop off will be located near the Dove building at the Farmer's Market Saturday from 8 until 2.

Oliver Paipoonge Road Closed

Harstone Road is closed from 8-6 today. The rural road is closed to allow an inspection of the Kaministiquia River Bridge. Officials apologize for any inconvenience this may pose to motorists.

Rae Confirmed As ROF Negotiator

It's now official.   Former Ontario Premier Bob Rae  is  the chief negotiator for the Matawa First Nations in Ring of Fire negotiations with the province.  Rae is expected to tour all nine  of the regional First Nations communities in the next few months.

Inquest One Step Closer

A coroners inquest into the tragic deaths of 7 First Nations teens in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality.  The regional coroner has now set the date for a hearing on who will have the legal right to take part in the inquest proceedings.   That hearing takes place at the Red River Road government building starting June 11th.

Minor Injuries In Morning Mishap

Morning accident victim

Three people are recovering from injuries sustained following a 3 vehicle mishap on the city's north side.   Two people were taken to hospital following the collision at Cumberland and River just before 8:30 this morning.  Police say the injuries are minor.  One person was treated at the scene. The 40 year old driver of one of the vehicles is charged with careless driving.

Serious Injury In Hilldale Rd. Crash

City police say  two motorcycles crashed on Hilldale Road last night at around 10:15 and sent two men in their 20's  to hospital. The driver of one of the motorcycles suffered a serious injury and remains in hospital. The other man was treated for minor injuries.  

Mayor's "Cesspool" Comment Disputed

The head of city's Heritage Advisory Committee doesn't agree with the mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool.   Andrew Cotter believes the May Street building is worth keeping after its social housing lease expires. He admits he hasn't seen the inside of the May Street building but doesn't believe "cesspool" is an accurate description.  The mayor says it would take 10 million dollars to make renovations to the building

Evacuees Head Home

Kashechewan First Nation evacuees are returning home today.  They've been in Thunder Bay for over a week and flights will be scheduled throughout the day to transfer the remaining 150 evacuees.  The City notes they still are on alert as a host community for other evacuations should the need arise.

Johnson To Bring Up REA At Council

Word the Royal Edward Arms will no longer be a social service board run housing unit is making the rounds of City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's going to ask City staff on Monday about the DSSAB's decision to not renew their lease for the rental unit. Johnson notes its a balancing act saying they need affordable housing in the City but it should be in better condition than the Royal Edward Arms.

Campbell Cautious About ELA Deal

Kenora-Rainy-River MPP Sarah Campbell isn't convinced with the latest announcement about the Experimental Lakes Area. Sarah Campbell says the Memorandum of Understanding really only means that negotiations will continue. Campbell adds she doesn't know why the government hasn't made any financial commitments or time frames during the 7 months of negotiations.

Missing Teen Found

Thunder Bay Police are reporting they've found the 15 year old boy who was reported missing earlier this week. Police say he has been returned to his parents.

Ash Tree Owners Being Warned

City Hall is trying to educate homeowners with ash trees about a dangerous insect.  City Forester Shelley Vescio says there will be an information session this weekend to warn residents about what could happen with the potential arrival of the emerald ash borer.  The session takes place at 1 o'clock Saturday in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing.

Police Confirm Body ID

City Police are confirming the body found last week in the bush behind the Health Sciences Centre is that of 42 year old Pauline Kireto who disappeared in the area last October.  When she went missing there was an unsuccessful search of the area. There's no word on what caused her death.

ELA Saved For The Summer

The immediate future of the Experimental Lakes Area, west of Vermilion Bay looks brighter today. The Harper government and the International Institute for Sustainable Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's a great step forward. Rickford says the provincial government will continue talks with the ISSD.