Facebook Posting Brings Out Skeptics

This weeks reported cougar sightings in the city seem to be drawing a lot of skepticism among the public after the posting of this picture on Facebook. It appears to show a lynx crossing the road at the Lakehead University student residence. Local resident Dave St. Amand says he took the picture on Sunday morning and it appears to have stirred the pot somewhat. However police insist witnesses who they have spoken to claim the animal they saw has a long tail like a cougar would, unlike the short tailed lynx in the Facebook pic.

KI Chief Honoured

Chief Donny Morris of KI First Nation stood up for what he believes in, and now he's been awarded a medal. Morris was presented a Diamond Jubilee medal, honoring the work he's done for his community. In March 2008, Morris and others were put in jail for standing up to the province. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell presented the medal, saying Morris has been a "true leader".

Gravelle Monitoring Cougar Sightings

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle is watching the developments surrounding cougar sightings in the city. Gravelle says his ministry is on top of the situation helping to find the animal.  He says MNR officials are working with city police to try to track the animal.   However Gravelle points out there hasn't been a confirmed sighting of a wild cougar in Ontario since 1884.

Frigate Tour Times Announced

The Royal Canadian Navy is allowing you to take a tour of the HMCS Ville de Quebec when it arrives here for a five day visit this week. On Thursday there will be two opportunities. The first will be in the afternoon from 1 until 5 then from 6 until 8 in the evening. On Friday ,Saturday an Sunday the visits will be restricted to the afternoon starting at 1 o'clock. The ship will be docked at the Pool 6 pier.

Cougar Sighting At Hospital

City police are saying three Hospital staff members were charged by a what they say was a cougar this morning. Police were called to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre early this morning. Hospital staff reported that a cougar was seen in parking lot H on the east side of the property. Meanwhile, a bear with an injured leg was also spotted in the same area by staff members just after 5:00 a.m. The animal was said to have acted in an aggressive manner before returning to the wooded area. Police were unable to locate the animals. The police are following up on this matter with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Police are patrolling the area around the hospital and reminding the public to exercise caution when walking in wooded areas in the vicinity. They are also asking you to call them immediately if these animals are spotted.

Injured Bear Still Loose

City police are warning you of the dangers of wild animals roaming through the city. Reports of a cougar sighting were last given to police yesterday afternoon near Tungsten Street and Pioneer Ridge. Officers spotted an injured bear near their station on Balmoral on Central at approximately 10:30 p.m. last night. In both cases the animals fled into the bush before police could catch up with them. In a seperate incident, a bear was hit and killed by a vehicle on West Arthur Street at approximately 9:00 O'Clock last night. No Injureies were reported. Police are warning you to use extreme caution when walking or biking near Central, Balmoral, Tungsten and along the trails surrounding the Lakehead University campus.

Brett Kay Named All-Star

Thunder Bay Border Cats Shortstop Brett Kay has been voted to the 2012 Northwoods League Post-Season All-Star Team. Coaches and members of the media voted him as the lone representative of the Border Cats. He batted .320 with 3 triples, 14 doubles and one home run while collecting 77 hits in 64 games during the regular season.

Thunder Bay Wants Trade Talks Exemption

The city of Thunder Bay wants to be left out of any negotiations involving Canada's discussions with the European Union on a new trade deal. Councillor Paul Pugh is fearful having no exemption from the talks could leave us vulnerable to policy changes involving mass transit thus putting local jobs in danger at the Bombardier plant.

Funding Priorities Set

The city's top requests for infrastructure funding from the Harper government are now set in stone.   Councillors voted to promote a list of five projects including improvements to the Delaney Arena and Fort William Stadium.  Other priority projects to be submitted by the city include improvements to trails, lighting and bridges and transit shelter upgrades.

Surveillance Program Has It's Critics

It appears the city's Eye on the Street program may get some council scrutiny in the future. In presenting the program's annual report to council, some city lawmakers, like Councillor Andrew Foulds believe it may be time to rethink the video surveillance program altogether.  He feels the 200 thousand dollars could be better spent on something else. The mayor too feels the program has no value.