Commitment Award Given To Thunder Bay Woman

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is announcing this years Community Celebration Volunteer Award winners. Thunder Bay's Michelle Blackburn is receiving the CIBC Run for the Cure Commitment Award. Blackburn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and says the Run for the Cure is how her and her family let people know that they are not backing down from the disease. Blackburn says her fundraising team, The Leopard Pack, have already begun brainstorming fundraising ideas for Octobers Run for the Cure event. Anyone with questions are urged by Blackburn to contact: Bonnie Tittaferante at 807-333-4428.

Local Reservists Earn Recognition

Three Thunder Bay Army Reservists are being recognized at Monday nights Jays, Twins game in Minneapolis. Captain George Romick says the three will each be involved in pre-game ceremonies during the three game stand. Those being recognized are: Warrant Officer Craig Loverin, Master Corporal Taylor Crozier and Corporal Tucker Arnold.

Peppercorn Recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expanding a recall made April 5th, to include Pusateri's Fine Foods Organic Whole Black Peppercorns. The peppercorns are being recalled due to a possible salmonella contamination and were sold in Ontario. Consumers are being asked to throw the product out or return it to the grocer they purchased it from.

Reminder To Stay Off The Ice

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to remain off all frozen bodies of water due to recent spikes in temperature. Fire Chief John Hay says its nearly impossible to tell how thick ice may be because of water currents. Hay adds that a fall through the ice could result in hypothermia, and ultimately be fatal.

Help Line For Aboriginal Women

Help is just a phone call away for Aboriginal women facing violence at home. Talk-4-Healing is a 24-hour hotline that's available to Aboriginal women living across northern Ontario. Coordinator Robin Haliuk say women get services they need in the language they need, as their services are offered in Objibway, Oji-Cree and Cree as well as in English. Haliuk says phone line was set up over a year ago.

Province Provides Help To Young Entrepreneurs

Ontario is looking to help young people succeed in today's economy. The province is announcing a new program called the Starter Company program, which provides youth with training and business skills development from local business leaders. The program is part of Ontario's Youth Jobs Strategy, and will support 18 to 29-year-old entrepreneurs across the province. 

Funding For Northern First Nation

A remote First Nation community in northwestern Ontario has received 125-thousand dollars in Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The money will be used to renovate the Wapekeka First Nation recreation and cultural facility as well as purchase equipment. The centre and equipment will be used by community groups to offer traditional land-based recreation, culture and healing programs. 

New Councillor For Conmee

The Township of Conmee is announcing that Cathy Woodbeck has been sworn in as councillor. Woodbeck fills the seat of the late Robert Rydholm, who passed away in February. Conmee mayor Kevin Holland says Woodbeck brings vast knowledge and experience to the position. 

Hammarskjold High School Evacuation

Crews are investigating the cause of a gas smell at Hammarskjold High School this afternoon. The school had to be evacuated after the odour was reported on the second floor. Staff and students have since been allowed back inside.

Kloosterhuis Excited For Museum's Next Chapter

Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis is excited Oliver Paipoonge is going to take over the Founders' Museum and Pioneer Village.  The Founders Museum Incorporation has decided to split up their organization. She says they've hired a liquidator who will be looking for people who are owed money.  Kloosterhuis hopes to have the museum back open for Canada Day.

Gas Is Up

Gas prices are going up in the City.  They jumped last night and today according to Gasbuddy.com are anywhere from 146.9 and at their cheapest 114.5 on the First Nation. The average price of gas in the province is coming in at 133.

29 Year Old Charged

City Police are charging a 29 year old man in relation to two robberies last week.  Officers say they spotted the man near the corner of Franklin Street and East Arthur Street on Wednesday at 8:30 in the evening. Police believe he is connected to a robbery at two local businesses on April 3rd.  Blake Kowalchuk is charged with two counts of robbery, uttering threats and breach of probation and recognizance.

Gravelle Doles Out NOHFC Cash

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is in the City today and he's doling out Northern Ontario Heritage Fund cash.   Gravelle says Sencia Canada will get 500 thousand dollars. Another 500-thousand dollars is going to KBM Forestry Consultants, and a 100 thousand to XLV Diagnostics.

College Receives Funding For Biomass Study

Confederation College is receiving 100-thousand dollars from TD Bank Group today for their biomass heating research study. College President Jim Madder says they have at least one remote First Nations community involved in the study and are looking to expand. Madder adds that one of the projects goals is to see similar communities eventually transition from diesel as a primary source of power. Phase one of the project is expected to wrap up by next Spring and is being done in conjunction with the biomass research centre at Nipissing University.

No One Hurt In Apartment Fire

No serious injuries are reported following a kitchen fire at a 52 Walkover Street apartment this morning. Fire crews responded to the blaze after receiving reports of smoke on the 3rd floor of the building. Platoon Chief Brant Kiessig says crews continue to clear up the apartment. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a pot on the stove.

Provincial Investment For Local Project

The provincial government is investing $21,800 into a shop local coupon project in Nipigon. The support comes from the Rural Economic Development Project and will go towards the Top of the Lake Chamber of Commerce and other local Chambers involved. Three full-time positions will either be retained or created.

Police Car Involved In Crash

Four people were sent to hospital including two children following a collision between a police cruiser and a car at the intersection of Arthur and Franklin Street last night. The accident occurred just after 7:30 while the cruiser was responding to a call. Those sent to hospital had only minor injuries. The Police Traffic Unit continues to investigate with more details expected to be released next week.

Send A Kid To Camp

Thunder Bay's Safeway Stores continue to raise awareness and money for Easter Seals.   Easter Seals Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says they'll be using the money to send kids to camp.  Starting today and running until April 25th, local Safeway stores will be asking customers to donate two dollars towards the charities in return you'll receive 5 bonus air miles points.

Teen Recovering After Heart Surgery

Thunder Bay's Bronwyn Huffman and her family will be back in the City this summer after the teenager received a heart transplant in Toronto on Wednesday. Her Mom, Kellie says she was elated to get the call from the doctor.  Kellie says the surgery went great and they'll spend the next three months at the Sick Kids Hospital.

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Rickford Remembers Flaherty

Heavy hearts across the province today as those mourn the loss of former finance minister Jim Flaherty. Minister of Natural Resources Greg Rickford shares just of many things he will be remembered for.  Flaherty was 64.