Vandals Strike At Waterfront

Vandals have struck at Prince Arthur's Landing. On at least three separate occasions in the last few months, vandals have targeted the “Balloon Animals”on the new Children’s Garden at Prince Arthur’s Landing. The acts of vandalism have broken large pieces off of three of the 10 stone sculptures. The cost to repair the art work is more than $5,000. The artwork is said to be worth more than $95,000.

LUSU Puts Court Action On Hold

The Lakehead University Student Union is holding off on taking the University's Board of Governors to court over a conflict of interest by-law. LUSU says as long as the by-law is under review there will be no court action, much to the delight of Board Chair Colin Bruce who calls the move the only reasonable action that could have been taken.  LUSU is threatening  court action so it can be allowed a vote at the board table on tuition fees.   

Smelter Announcement Days Away

The location of Cliff's Natural Resources Ring of Fire chromite smelter is still a mystery, however in Thunder Bay company president Joseph Carrabba indicated the announcement is just a few days away,  He wouldn't be more specific.  Carrabba said he knows the location won't please everyone especially some First Nation Communities but says in the end the company will respect all concerns and will not force its way on anyone.  Carrabba says in order for the process to be economical for everyone, there has to be give and take.

Lakehead Manor Workers Upset By Cuts

Workers held an information picket this morning at Lakehead Manor, formerly known as Versa Care on South Vickers Street. Members of the C.A.W. Local 229 are upset that the private corporation will be cutting 180 personal care and nursing hours for residents. Union President Kari Jefford says "both workers and staff will suffer." Management claims the cutbacks are due to lower occupancy rates and a decrease in funding by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Dilico Launches New Campaign

The Dilico Children’s Foundation launched its new Aim High campaign today. The campaign, which was created to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s Rising Eagle Bursary Fund, was marked with a $5,000 donation made by TD Bank to be awarded to a deserving student pursuing post-secondary education this fall. The Rising Eagle Bursary Fund is an option for the 6,000 plus children and youth who access the child welfare and mental health services offered by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care each year.

Series of Walks Set For Weekend

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council wants you to get out and explore your neighbourhoods. Coordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says it's part of a series of walks taking place this weekend.  Walks are planned for the areas of Bay and Algoma, Waverley Park, Westfort, and Evergreen.  The Waverley Prospect Walk includes a miniature flour mill that was built by Rod Muir that's a replica of the mill in Scotland where his great-great-great-great grandfather worked.

Deer By-Law Enforcement Starts Today

The grace period for feeding deer in City limits is over.  By-Law Enforcement Officer Ron Bourret says most citizens obey the new rule and understand it's no longer ok to feed local wildlife.  Bourret adds for those people who choose not to obey they could end up taking them to court.  The by-law is being enforced starting today.

Hyer Wants Back In?

Just a week ago, Thunder Bay M-P Bruce Hyer quit the New Democratic Party to sit in the House of Commons as an independent. According to sources Hyer wants back into the N-D-P caucus. Hyer went out with a blaze of publicity, telling reporters his failure to be named to Mulcair's shadow cabinet showed he was being punished and muzzled for voting with the Conservatives to kill the federal long gun registry.

MS Society Needs Cash

Thunder Bay's MS Society could face a funding shortfall if they can't raise more money for their programs.  Chair Pat Lang says there is a high demand for their services and they could face a 25 thousand dollar shortfall.  May is MS month and the local organization will be launching it's 36th annual Mother's Day Carnation campaign.

Regent Apartment Gets Smokey

Carelessness created heavy smoke in a Regent Street apartment early this morning.  A resident left a pot on the stove which started to smoke causing the apartment complex to be evacuated.  Thunder Bay Fire Crews ventilated the complex and brought residents back into their homes.

71 Year Old Man Dies on Highway 11

OPP are reporting a 71 year old man is dead after he drove his vehicle off a section of highway near Beardmore last night.  The senior was driving an escort vehicle leading a larger than normal transport, when he started experiencing medical problems.  Highway 11 was closed for several hours last night and has since reopened.