Lightning Strike Costs City

The city might be on the hook for damage to vehicles after the Whalen building was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted the roof and debris was scattered all over St. Paul Street. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says insurance costs will be part of the total damage estimation. Smith says the roof has been deemed as "safe" and is thankful that no one was hurt in the blast.

Premier Set To Visit Thunder Bay Tomorrow

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will be visiting Thunder Bay Tomorrow. He is scheduled to tour the Bombardier plant at 9:00 in the morning. McGuinty will be accompanied by local M.P.P.'s Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro. The Premier is expected to make an announcement following his tour.

Whalen Building Damage

The City is still trying to determine the total cost to repair the Whalen Building after it was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted a terra cotta from the roof and scattered debris onto St. Paul Street, damaging some vehicles. No one was Hurt. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says they're still trying to determine the amount of damage sustained to the building. Smith says, to his knowledge, it's the first city run building to be struck by lightning.

Event Centre Presentation Delayed

Another delay for Thunder Bay's proposed new event centre. The Phase 2 feasibility study was to be presented to council next month but has now been pushed back until September. City Manager, Tim Commisso says "Given the importance of the study, we need to allow the consulting team the time required."

Drug Strategy Praise

High praise for the City of Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy. Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald MacPherson was in the City recently and says Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy has been influenced by Vancouver's. He adds the City's drug strategy is viewed as one of the most progressive in the Country.

CEDC New Entrepreneur Plan

A new logo and a new direction. The Community Entrepreneur Development Centre unveiled both today. Development Officer Ron Humphreys says they too need to be able to adapt and change with the current economic climate. Humphreys says they're encouraging local entrepreneurs to "Imagine, Plan and Execute" as part of their new branding strategy.

MNR Wants Info From Kam River Anglers

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to hear from anglers on the Kam River.  Spokesperson Eric Burgland says they're surveying people fishing on the river this summer and will be looking for anglers who've caught tagged fish or one of 50 walleyes with antennas attached.  It's legal for you to keep tagged or fish with antennas but the MNR is asking you to throw them back.

Employment Insurance Cuts

The Federal Government's new rules for collecting employment insurance are not sitting well with everyone. Ontario Public Service Employment Union President Smokey Thomas says reducing the benefits of repeat E.I. applicants will punish seasonal workers. Thomas says fire fighters are a perfect example, they would love to work year round but they can't since they're only needed in the Spring and Summer.

Police Charge Woman In Brawl

A 54 year old woman is in hospital after a late night fight on the City's North End. Police responded to a call about a woman who was assaulted and bleeding at a home on South Algoma Street. Officers found the woman had been cut on the side of her neck. A 31 year old woman is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Failing to Comply with an Undertaking. Police says the two women knew each other and they appeared to be drinking.

Rickford Makes Funding Announcement

Federal funding for the peforming arts in Sioux Lookout.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced yesterday 6-thousand dollars in support for the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series for the Performing Arts.

AbitibiBowater New Name Change Official

It's now official.  AbitibiBowater will officially be known as Resolute Forest Products beginning today.  The name change was approved at the company's annual general meeting today.  A mill employee at the Fort Frances mill was one of two to suggest the name in a company wide contest held last year.

OPP Long Weekend Results

A busy weekend for Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario during the Victoria Day long weekend.  Police charged 249 drivers for speeding, 21 for seat belt infractions and seven with distracted driving.  Four careless charges were laid and one ticket was handed out for impaired driving.  The OPP laid roughly 8-thousand charges across the Province.

Whalen Building Hit By Lightning

Lightning hit the Whalen Building Wednesday afternoon after a brief storm. Bricks came crushing down onto the street and caused the road to be closed during clean up.