Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors 

Domestic Violence Groups Want Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as away to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence and they should be.

Macher Fire Considered Arson

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the house fire on Macher last week as arson.  The Fire Marshall's Office determined that it was deliberately set.  Anyone with information about the incident or information about any suspicious activity in the Macher Street area on the evening of March 6th is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police.

CA's Offering Free Tax Service

Once again chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.  Organizer Jennifer Whelan says Tuesday and Wednesday they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The number to call to sign up is 345-0551.

Dryden Isn't Getting A Break From MPAC

Dryden isn't going to get a break from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in its ongoing battle to reverse the recent assessment of the Domtar Mill.  MPAC says they have reviewed the Assessment Review Board decision with their legal team and determined they don't have enough to go on for an appeal.  President Antoni Wisniowski says they aren't leaving Dryden's side.  He says the ARB came up with the 14-million dollar value after hearing extensive evidence from both MPAC and Domtar.

Bob Rae In Thunder Bay

Federal interim Liberal leader Bob Rae is in Thunder Bay today. He spoke with members of the Chamber of Commerce during the lunch hour about the Ring of Fire and First Nation involvement.  Rae says he's looking at how he can legally represent Matawa Chiefs with their dealings in the chromite mining development.  The one time Ontario Premier is touring the Bombardier facility this afternoon and speaking at a party faithful fundraising event.  He will step down as interim leader April 15th.  Rae is touring the North and will continue on to Dryden Tuesday.

Police Crack Down On Commercial Vehicles

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on commercial vehicles.  They held an inspection over the weekend at the Mapleward Road landfill.  Police noted that some drivers had made absolutely no effort to secure the loads that they were hauling, and as a result five drivers received a ticket.  The set fine for this offence is $160.00.

Sled Dog Race Begins

A musher from Ray, Minnesota, leads the pack at the John Beargrease sled dog race from Grand Marais to Duluth. Keith Aili was first on the trail after a taking a break in Finland this morning. Andy Heerschap of Kakabeka Falls and Paul Amano of Kaministiquia are competing in the half-marathon which got underway from Finland this morning.

Local Connection To Brier Winners

The Northern Ontario win at the Brier has a Thunder Bay connection. Local Curler Joe Scharf served as the team's fifth member at last year's Brier. Scharf says the Brad Jacobs' win hits close to home. Scharf says the team works harder off the ice at being the most physically and mentally ready team in the country.

Armstrong Jersey To Remain On Display

The jersey of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to remain on display at the regional cancer centre.   Officials say the decision to keep the autographed yellow jersey where it is, was based on discussions with local and regional cancer patients, community members and the staff.  

Fort Frances Teacher Elected President of O.S.S.T.F.

The new leader of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is from Fort Frances. Paul Elliott was voted to lead the 60 thousand member union in Toronto yesterday. Elliott, a teacher from Fort Frances High School, was first elected to the Provincial Executive as Executive Officer in 2005, and is a former Vice-President three times. Sue Doughty-Smith, an Educational Assistant from Thunder Bay, will serve as Executive Officer for the upcoming term.

Thunderwolves Lose In National Final

The dream run is over for the Lakehead University Men's basketball team. They lost 92-42 to the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens in the championship final on Sunday. It was the last ride for six players who were in their last year of eligibility. The team is expected to return from Ottawa today after pulling off upsets over Cape Breton and Ottawa at Nationals.

Domestic Violence Issues Come To Council

Local women's groups are going to speak with City Council tonight about a recent report saying Thunder Bay has the highest rate of domestic violence in all of Ontario.  The groups including the Faye Peterson House will be asking each Ward Councillor to have a meeting to talk about violence against women and create ward specific strategies.  They're also asking for more domestic violence training for police and better communication between law enforcement and their organizations.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the following crime. On January 8th police responded to CRC Communications on Dunlop Street to find the front window of the building smashed. Video surveillance shows an early 2000 Pontiac mini van with large black stripes across the doors pulling up to the building and a man exiting with a hammer. He is described as 5' 10" with a slender build and was wearing possibly a white painter's suit. The man made off with a number of company cell phones. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at  623-TIPS, that's 623-8477.

EMS Strat Plan Up For Debate

City Council is going to be asked to approve the Superior North EMS Strategic Plan Monday night.  Chief Norm Gale says they want Councillors to give them the go ahead so they can start implementing the plan.