Flood Committee Holds First Meeting

Fundraising is job one for the new group of volunteers who will oversee the distribution of flood relief money from the city to victims of the recent flood disaster. Wayne Fletcher was elected chair of the committee at it's first meeting Friday afternoon.

Mauro Blasts Horwath

There's some real drama at Queen's Park as the Liberals and NDP are accusing each other of wanting to force the province into an election. Thunder Bay Liberal MPP Bill Mauro says NDP leader Andrea Horwath has gone back on a promise to support the McGuinty government's budget. He says she has completely reneged on her promise to the premier not once but twice.  It was only nine months ago the Liberals were reelected with a minority government

City Lawmakers To Discuss Mining Strategy

City Councillors are being asked to support a plan which prepares the city for the new Northwestern Ontario mining boom. It sets the direction the city will take so we can take maximum advantage of all industry opportunities. Also Monday night, council will be look at making a portion of Edward Street in front of Dennis Franklin Cromarty School a safety zone, thus creating a 40 kilometre an hour speed limit which will take effect in September. Councillors also are being asked to make decisions on a landscaping policy for parts of the city and a plan to improve the look of our major streets

New Waterfront Makes A Big Splash

Summertime activities are officially open to the public today with the unveiling of the splash pad, Baggage Building Art Gallery and the Water Garden Pavillion at Prince Arthur's Landing. Councillor Mark Bentz says people will be surprised by the new look of the waterfront.

Watch For Bogus Walmart Text

City police are asking you to watch for what they say is a fake text message that appears to be from Walmart.  The message says that you are a prize winner, when in fact you haven't won anything.  They say the text comes from a 718 area code and is making the rounds in this area.

OPP Constable Charged

An OPP officer in Greenstone is facing an assault charge after an investigation by the province's Special Investigations Unit. Spokesperson Monica Hudon says the charge against Constable Brian Bellefeuille is in connection with an incident in February in which a man was allegedly injured while being taken into custody. She says two weeks later it was discovered that man has sustained a serious eye injury.  Constable Bellefeuille will be in court on the charge in August.

Big Fundraisers Highlight Weekend Events

It's a busy weekend full of activities in Thunder Bay. The Canadian Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" kicks off the weekend tonight at 7:00 o'Clock at Fort William Historical Park. 70 teams are registered for the annual cancer fundraising event. The 12th Annual Motorcycle Ride For Dad is expecting more than 200 bikers to depart from the Keg Steakhouse tomorrow morning at 9:30. Organizers are hoping to crack the 700,000 dollar mark as a total for money raised to help support prostate cancer research. Thunder Pride concludes with events on Saturday and Sunday. Pride in the Park at the marina and a Pub Crawl is featured on Saturday. There is also a Church Service and luncheon on Sunday. The Festival of India wraps-up the weekend at the marina from 5pm to 9pm and features a free vegetarian meal.

Kids Golf For Free Father's Day

Once a year the National Golf Club Owner's Association has a take your kids to the course day. Director of Golf Operations, Tom Forsythe says the City offers a chance for young kids to try the game numerous times throughout the summer. Chapples Golf Course is holding the Special event on Father's Day where up to three kids can golf for free with the payment of one adult 9-hole green fee. It starts after 2:00 p.m.

Ride For Dad Ready To Roll

The 12th annual Motorcycle Ride For Dad is gearing up for a noisy start on Saturday morning. It's a fundraiser for prostate cancer and Special Events Officer, Sarah Focht says they are hoping to have more than 200 motorcycles involved. Organizers are hoping to crack the 700,000 dollar mark for funds raised that help research at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre.

Transit Plan Is The Public's Plan: Loroff

The manager of Thunder Bay Transit is confident that bus riders will buy into the changes proposed in the new master plan. Brad Loroff says the new route network along with a centralized terminal are direct requests from riders themselves.  He says it responded to customers needs and the input they got from the public meetings.  The forecasted cost of the new plan is about nine million dollars.

Nolalu Businesses Grow

Businesses in the Thunder Bay area are getting help from the Provincial government. The Whitefish Roadhouse and Katrina Hurzeler's Kiln Operation have received support and upgrades thanks to the North Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Investing in small businesses is part of the McGuinty Government's plan to create good jobs for families in the face of global economic uncertainty.

Police Probe Alleged Hit And Run

City police are asking for your help in tracking down the driver of a vehicle who allegedly failed to stop after hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle, described as a Jeep type SUV.  They say the incident took place just before 6 o'clock this morning at the corner of Robertson and Pacific.  The victim was taken to hospital and was treated for minor injuries.

Province Asked To Protest ELA Closure

The McGuinty Government says it supports local efforts to keep the Experimental Lakes Area west of Dryden open. In the Ontairo Legislature, MPP Sarah Campbell asked the Minister of the Environment to take action. Jim Bradley says he's already spoken to his counterpart in Manitoba on the issue.

Dryden Protesters Target Rickford

About 90-people converged on Kenora MP Greg Rickford's Dryden office yesterday in a noisy and supportive protest. Dale MacKenzie was on hand and she explained  they were there to protest the Harper governments plans to make changes to environmental laws. MacKenzie says she is especially concerned over the proposal to relinquish responsibility for the Lake of the Woods Experimental Lake Area .  She calls it a world class research facility and says the Feds can afford 600-thousand dollars to keep the facility running.   Rickford was in Ottawa.

Bentz Hears Constituents' Concerns

Councillor Mark Bentz is promising to move forward with potential solutions. He held a ward meeting at Grandview Lodge that was completely full last night. Bentz says emotions were high but everyone was civil and he understands where they are coming from. Bentz says they are at the beginning stages of collecting data and involving city engineers to develop a better drainage system in the Northwood Ward.

Cats Streak Snapped

The Thunder Bay Border Cats 3-game winning streak was snapped last night on the road against Willmar. The Cats lost 3-2, dropping their record to 7 and 9. The Cats have just 1 win away from Subway field this season. Game 2 of the 3 game series goes tonight.

Chill Face Winnipeg On The Road

The Thunder Bay Chill are on the road this weekend. The Chill who are 5 and 1, will play a pair of games against Winnipeg who have 1 win in 12 games. Games are Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

District Pro-Am Set To Tee Off

The Thunder Bay District Golf Association's first major is this weekend. The Mallon's Play-It-Again-Sports Pro-Am takes place Saturday and Sunday at Strathcona and Fort William Country Club. 40 teams of two are entered. The tournament starts at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow at Strathcona Golf Course.