Old Library To Be Converted

The old Mary J-L Black Library on Brock Street is going to get a new tenant. The city is allowing it to be used as a martial arts school. City official Mark Smith says while parking in the area could be an issue he believes it will work with only parking allowed on the street. Councillors voted unanimously to allow the change.

It's Festa Time Again

The 22nd annual Festa Italiana takes place this weekend.   The two day event is happening on the Italian Cultural Group's grounds at 132 South Algoma. Highlights of the event include music, a draw for a trip for two on a Mediterranean cruise and of course the food. Non-profit groups are serving up homemade food from the northern and southern regions of Italy.  Organizers say there will be activities for all ages including the kids. Admission is free.  Musical acts from Thunder Bay and Toronto will also be on stage.  You are asked to bring a lawn chair and admission is free. The 22nd Annual Festa Italian wraps-up with a fireworks display each night at 11 o'clock.

Strathcona Invitational This Weekend

The 82nd edition of the Strathcona Invitational takes place this long weekend, as it does every august long weekend. Robert Cumming is the defending champion. He'll be in tough against the likes of 7 time champion Barry Caland who is out to re-claim his title and add to his record number of titles. Regular division qualifying takes place tomorrow. Today in Senior qualifying Randy Fossum shot a 5-under 67 to lead the way. 4-time champion Tony Stokaluk posted an even par round of 72 to lead the Super Senior division. The tournament concludes Monday at Strathcona Golf Course.

Suspicious Fire Scary For Neighbour

A resident near Carrie Street and Kenogami says she is concerned about the area after a garage fire next door to her. It's a blaze that officials deem as suspicious. Marlene Salmonon says it's scary to think there could be a fire bug around.  The fire happened around 4 this morning. Investigators don't know the exact cause but suspect it could be arson.

City Teen Promotes Helmet Use

Thirteen year old Mason Dean won't mind if his mother nags him to wear his bike helmet anymore. The helmet is credited with saving him from serious injury when he was hit by a car this week. He realizes how fortunate he is.   Dean received a new helmet from the city police.

Fire Hazard Low

The forest fire hazard is low for northwestern Ontario as we head into the long weekend. Thunderstorms and rain continue to track across the region, bringing lightning. But the Ministry of Natural Resources says that lightning is less of a concern now because of the heavy rainfall associated with it.  To date, there have been a total of 492 fires in the northwest, burning a combined area of 84-thousand hectares.

Conversion Moves Along

Another step in the conversion of the Atikokan coal-fired generating station to burn biomass has been taken. Ontario Power Generation has signed a contract with Aecon for the design and construction work on plant modifications and new fuel storage and handling systems. The contract is worth about half the 170-million dollars project. The plant will make the switch to biomass in 2014.

Early Morning Garage Fire

The City's fire service still doesn't know the cause of an early morning garage fire on the city's North side. The fire occurred just before 4:00 a.m. this morning at the corner of Carrie Street and Kenogami. One unit was called out to fight the fire which was extinguished quickly. One fire official says they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a near by residence which suffered only minor melting of the siding.

Canadian Little League Championships

At the Canadian Junior Little League Championships in Lethbridge, Alberta, Thunder Bay gets back on the field today after a day off yesterday. They take on B.C., tryiing to improve to 2-0 in the tournament. The Canadian Senior Little League Championships opened yesterday in Regina. The Thunder Bay All-Stars lost their opener 5-1 to the team from Fraser Valley, B.C. Thunder Bay will try and get back on track as they take on Sydney, Nova Scotia today.

Cats Doubled-Up On Road

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have now lost 2 in a row after winning 8 straight. Last night they were doubled-up 8-4 by the St. Cloud Rox to fall 3 1/2 games out of first place in the North Division. The Cats 5 game road trip continues tonight in St. Cloud.