City Solicitor prepares report on lawsuit

The City Solicitor is preparing a report for City Council about a defamation suit against Mayor Hobbs. Rosalie Evans says the city does have policies in place that covers employees who are accused during their time on the job. Evans report will be presented at the July 18th council meeting. Meanwhile, The City isn't releasing a formal statement about the allegations. Police Chief Bob Herman is seeking 700 thousand dollars in damages centered around comments made by Hobbs during a press conference earlier this spring.

Mayor still to file defence against lawsuit

Mayor Keith Hobbs hasn't filed his statement of defence against a lawsuit issued by The Chief of Police.  Bob Herman filed the defamation suit last Friday, and Hobbs has 30 days to file his defence.  The lawsuit centres on remarks Hobbs made during a spring news conference.  Herman is seeking damages of 700 thousand dollars.  The claims have not been proven in court.  Hobbs declined to comment and Herman could not be reached.

2 Thunder Bay residents appointed to Order of Canada

This year's appointments to the Order of Canada have a Thunder Bay flavour. Lawyer and Adventurer David Shannon along with Doctor Ruth Kajander have been named to the order and will recieve their insignia's at a cermony in the near future.

Keg gives 25-thousand to charity

The Keg is giving a local charity 25 thousand dollars.  Our Kids Count will use the money to offer programs to families with kids under the age of six.

Thunder Bay teen charged with mischief

A poor choice for a hiding spot for a Thunder Bay teen.  Dryden Police were called to a Government Street home early yesterday morning by the resident who said someone was trying to get into the home.  Police got a description and the accused was found shortly after hiding under a tree at the Tourist Information Bureau.  Police say 19-year-old Marella Meekis has been charged with public intoxication and mischief under 5-thousand dollars.

Mishkeegogamang residents heading home

Its good news today for evacuated residents of Mishkeegogamang, they'll soon be heading home.  MNR officials say smoke from a nearby forest fire has blown out of the area and residents will be able to go home tomorrow.  However officials say the area is still under high alert and if the wind shifts residents could be evacuated again.

Fort Frances man keeps snapping turtles

A Fort Frances man has been fined 17-hundred dollars for keeping live snapping turtles in his home.  Donald Cameron was charged back in February after Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers, acting on a public tip, found the reptiles hidden in the tank of a toilet.  Cameron had been convicted of a similar offence back in 2010.  Snapping turtles are a special concern species under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Long weekend blitz

OPP and Thunder Bay Police will be out in full force this long weekend.  They will target aggressive drivers who speed, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drive while distracted or fail to wear seatbelts.  The OPP will also be checking on waterways to ensure boaters are wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices.

TSX-LSE deal falls through

 A blockbuster deal to merge the Toronto and London stock exchanges has fallen through.  The operator of the TSX says there wasn't enough shareholder support for the deal to take place.  Thunder Bay investment expert Blake Cameron, who predicted the deal might not happen,  says it now makes way for a Canadian deal with the Maple Group

Lang bids good-bye

The Pat Lang era at Confederation College is coming to a close Thursday. After 11 years as President of the college she is retiring without any regrets. Lang sites her greatest accomplishment as setting up the Community Nursing Program in the region. She hopes her legacy will be the people she met and helped change over the years.

Fish for free starting this weekend

It's time to get your family hooked on fishing.Licence-free fishing begins on July 2nd across Ontario. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says it's a chance to try the sport without the hassle of getting a licence.

TBaytel gives 100 k to college

A new lecture theatre at Confederation College is getting  some of its tech equipment  thanks to a 100 thousand dollar grant from TBaytel.   Utility President Don Campbell says the donation shows the goals of TBaytel go beyond making money

Business community is optimistic

Small businesses in Thunder Bay are feeling pretty secure this year.  That's one of the themes in the annual Thunder Bay Ventures survey.  Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says the results are encouraging.  The Survey shows 51 percent of businesses are planning on hiring new employees this year.  Also almost 70 percent of respondents feel the city's economy is moving in a positive direction and just over 80 percent of respondents say they feel secure about their future.

Inflation is on the rise

Our inflation rate is tied for tops in the entire country.  Our rate went from 3.7 in April to 4.3 in May.  That's ahead of both the province and the country which climbed to 4 and 3.7 percent respectively.

Public Board approves budget

The Lakehead Public School Board has approved its budget for the next school year.  The budget comes through at just over 135 million dollars.  The board also announced it will be laying off 20 secondary teachers because of declining enrollment.

Canada Day celebrations set

Marina Park is again the site for the city's Canada Day celebrations. City events supervisor Doug Henry says organizers are prepared for 20 thousand people who are expected to attend. The stage show begins at 5:30 and opening ceremonies take place at 6:30.  Henry says it's Thunder Bay's biggest one day event.

Gliddy to face trial

The Thea Gliddy murder case is going to trial.  The 29 year old Gliddy is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of Randy Lawrence Cromarty in May of last year.   His body was discovered at the Inntowner Hotel.   A trial date is expected to be set in the coming months at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Camelot Street.

Investment advisor faces disciplinary hearing

A hearing is scheduled July the 11th for a Thunder Bay investment advisor who is facing a disciplinary proceeding in front of an industry securities watchdog.   The hearing by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization will probe allegations against Terry Norman Dyck relating to his knowledge of a fund he was recommending to clients when he worked at a local investment firm.

LU Economics Professor endorses Water Street for Multi-Plex Location

The North downtown is getting another endorsement for the location of a proposed multi-plex.  LU Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo says the Water Street location will serve to draw visitors to our waterfront and showcase what Thunder Bay has to offer those who attend conferences and trade shows.  Di Matteo says as far as parking goes, parkades can be built to fix the problem.  

The end is creeping towards Gadhafi

The pressure on Moamar Gadhafi continues to mount.  Lakehead University's Political Science Expert Laure Paquette says with the International Criminal Court calling on his inner circle to arrest him, its only a matter of time before they turn on him.