Replica handgun leads to weapons charges

Police say a 26 year old city man is facing weapons related charges following an incident at the OLG Casino this week. Police say staff noticed a man who appeared to be carrying a handgun. It turns out it was a replica, however a subsequent search of his home turned up pocket knives, a metal pipe and a razor blade.

TBSO names its new conductor

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra now has its new Music Director. Arthur Post becomes the 8th conductor to lead the orchestra in its 50 year history. Post says he's looking forward to his new role saying that in his short time in the city this season he noted the TBSO has a group of magnificant muscians who are also exceptional people. Post will make his first appearance as conductor October 14th when the orchestra performs at the Community Auditorium.

ATV vote Monday in Oliver-Paipoonge

The Township of Oliver-Paipoonge may be about to allow ATV's on community roads. Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says on Monday council will be voting on the issue. She says it's just a matter of convenience for the rural residents.  She says alot of them have ATV's and would like to get from point A to point B in the municipality.  Kloosterhuis says the vote will follow a presentation by the Thunder Bay Police on highway traffic laws as they apply to ATV's

LU prof stranded because of volcanic ash

A Lakehead University professor is stranded in London, England because of the ash from that volcano in Iceland. Peter Hollings just happens to be a geology professor and one who specializes in volcanoes, an irony not lost on him.  He says he is staying with family and so it hasn't been unpleasant.  He says there are some people questioning whether officials reacted in haste in grounding all air traffic.  Hollings says he was surprised by the blanket ban but admits officials had to err on the side of safety.   Hollings says he hopes to be back in Thunder Bay on the weekend and teaching by Monday.

Restricted fire zone in place

The dry conditions in northwestern Ontario have forced the hand of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Fire information officer Deb MacLean says a restricted fire zone is now in place.  It affects the Thunder Bay, Fort Frances and Kenora districts as well as parts of the Sioux Lookout and Red Lake districts.  Maclean says not to let the cool weather fool you, the conditions are ripe for forest fires.

Minor injuries in accident

There are only minor injuries following a two car accident during the noon hour on the citys' north side. The vehicles came into collision at the intersection of Dufferin and Banning. Police have laid a charge of failing to yield against one of the drivers.

Ignatieff plans return visit to the city

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is coming to Thunder Bay on Tuesday, May 4th. He'll begin the day with a party policy announcement affecting northern Ontario.  Following that Ignatieff is scheduled for various appearances in the city. That includes a visit to St. Patrick's High School for a talk with students. He will also be pressing the flesh at Tony and Adams Restaurant that evening.

Dry weather to continue

Blame El Nino. Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says that the current dry conditions in northwestern Ontario are the result of that weather phenomenon. So far in April we have had half the normal precipitation for the month. He says there's no immediate end in sight,adding that over the next 7 days there is no measurable amount of rain in the forecast. Coulson says we may see more normal temperatures and precipitation in May.

St Francis celebrates Earth Day with new program

St Francis school marked Earth Day by unveiling a new program. Students took the covers off no idling signs in the schools parking lot as part of a program to reduce air pollution. EcoSuperior's Ashley Priem says ten schools are participating in cutting down air pollution like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxides that are especially harmful to children. The signs ask everyone to turn off their vehicles whenever they are parked at the school.

Dry spring weather causing water concerns

This springs extremely dry conditions are forcing the Lakehead region conservation authority to impose a level one low water condition. Chairman Bill Bartley says people should cut back their water consumption by about 10 percent to maintain adequate water levels in the Region. Bartley says there should be about 100 millimetres of precipitation a month but we've seen just under 60 millimetres since last September.