Mayor, local media served with libel notice

Acadia Broadcasting Ltd. and other news outlets in the city along with Mayor Keith Hobbs have been served with a Libel notice brought by Police Chief Bob Herman. It involves a recent news conference the Mayor held in which Hobbs spoke about the Chief. In the notice, legal counsel for Chief Herman is demanding an apology for stories that were broadcast on Magic 99.9 and posted on its website.

Extortion charges laid

Two Thunder Bay men are behind bars after an alleged incident involving a 26 year old man.  The investigation was handled by the Provincial Biker Enforcement unit.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the incidents allegedly happened between March 7th and April 13th. Adams says the men face intimidation, extortion and threat related charges.  Both men will be in court April 18th.

Pine Beetle on the way

The spread of the pine beetle is on the minds of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The bug already hurt B.C's forest industry and is making its way east through Saskatchewan. Spokesperson Taylor Scarr says it will impact Northwestern Ontario as well. Scarr says because of the high winds last year the bug flew through Alberta in just one season.

Report on council make-up proposed

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  That's the message of Councillor Joe Virdiramo about a proposed study of different council models.  Councillor Larry Hebert is asking for the report studying the composition of council.  Hebert is recommending an at-large race for all of council rather than a combined ward and at large race.

15 year old girl missing

A 15 year old girl is missing.  Natasha Lynn Charlie Stillaway was last seen on April 2nd at the Victoriaville mall in Fort William.  The young First Nation girl has gone missing before, and her guardian is concerned about her health.  Police are asking for your help in assisting to find her. Police describe Stillaway as 5'2, weighing around 110 pounds.

Waterfront workers are ready for spring

Work is picking up at the Waterfront project.  Manager Catherine Dugmore says for the most part it's on schedule, the only hold up is landscaping which requires warmer weather.  As far as the budget, Dugmore says the first three tenders this year came in less than expected.

Construction starts on EMS headquarters

Construction has begun on the new Superior North EMS headquarters on Junot Avenue.  City Councillor Brian McKinnon took a lot of flack in the past over the location and cost of the building.  McKinnon says the 11 million dollar project has gone slightly over budget by about sixty nine thousand dollars.  A ground breaking ceremony was held today and the building should be open by the end of December.

Clock ticking on old MJLB

The sun is slowly sinking on the old Mary J-L Black Library.   Acting Chief Librarian Barb Philp says it will close April 29th and  the new branch on S. Edward Street will open on May 9th.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue deal with early morning fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue dealt with a house fire this morning.  Officials say crews responded to the call in the 600 block of McPherson Street at around 2 o'clock.  It took firefighters about 3 hours to get the blaze under control.  There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

Bachelors auction another success

It was another successful year for the Bachelors Fight Breast Cancer event.  Over 400 woman attended the event where 10 bachelors were auctioned off.  Organizers say over 50 thousand dollars was raised and will go to the Northern Cancer Fund.