Shelter House still needs food

Once again Shelter House needs your help. Officials with the homeless facility say there's still a need for food donations. They say priority items remain canned and dry goods. Shelter House normally experiences a lull in donations during the summer months.

Bear frees itself from plastic trap

Thunder Bay's Rob Paterson is relieved it's over. Paterson helped to bring the publics attention to the plight of the bear with the plastic jug on his head on Lambert Island. The Ministry of Natural Resources is confirming that a jug found floating in Lake Superior, near the island, Wednesday night by canoeists, was indeed the one the bear was wearing. His fate is not known. Paterson says that the bruins plight attracted international attention with the BBC picking up the story.

Shad kids say goodbye

Another Shad Valley program at Lakehead University has come and gone. Students from across Canada are leaving after spending the last month in the program. Anika Smithson says she's going back to Orangeville a changed person. She says it opened her eyes to new ideas and taught her how much stress she's able to cope with. Smithson adds it gave her an idea of which direction she wants to take in university. This years program attracted 65 students

Mauro hasn't given up hope for Big Thunder Ski area

The Ministry of Tourism has rejected six proposals to reopen the Big Thunder National Ski Training Centre.  Thunder Bay – Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says it all comes down to one thing and that's money.  In the end none of the people behind the proposals had enough money to run and operate the Big Thunder ski area. Mauro says he hasn't given up the fight yet, and notes he has one last proposal left that he hopes will be accepted.

New consolidated court house update

The Attorney General paid a visit to Thunder Bay today. Chris Bentley says he doesn't have any firm times as to when the construction contract will be announced for the new consolidated court house. Currently, demolition work is being completed to clear the area for the new building which will house both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. The new court house will be located between Brodie and Archibald streets, south of Miles Street.

Ring of Fire Co-ordinator position still not filled

There's not much known about the provincial government's "Ring of Fire" co-ordinator position.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says the candidate selected for the position could be announced sometime in the fall.  Gravelle adds they're not sure where that job will be based.  The Minister says it could be in Toronto, Thunder Bay or both.

Bentley visits Thunder Bay

Northern Ontario residents who want to train for a new job can say thanks to the McGuinty Government. A partnership program between the government, training facilities, and business was announced in Thunder Bay today. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says the money will help train people for resource based jobs. Bentley adds its a 45 million dollar three year project.

City closes park bridge

The Trowbridge Falls pedestrian bridge is closed. The city is making the move because of safety concerns. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says they hope to have it fixed before next summer. The closure will mostly affect hikers and cross country skiiers.