Two Dead In Expressway Crash

Two people are dead following a two vehicle accident early this morning. OPP have closed the Thunder Bay Expressway between Arthur Street and the Harbour Expressway as they continue to investigate. The accident happened around 3 o'clock, there is no timeline set for how long the closure will be in effect.

Outbreak At Pinewood Court

Officials with both the Health Unit and Pinewood Court are announcing that a gastrointestinal outbreak is being expanded to include the entire facility. Access is being limited to only caregivers and family members. All activities are cancelled.

Local Author Releases Book

A new and unique children's book is being launched today at the Coles book store at the Intercity Mall. Author and Thunder Bay resident Derek Khani says he wants to help expand children's imagination and creativity. The launch is being held from 11-4 this afternoon, copies will be available for purchase at the local Coles Store.

Groups Speak Up About Harbour Clean-Up

Cole Engineering is providing several options on how to clean up the mercury contaminated areas of the Thunder Bay harbour. Around forty-people from several environmental groups are embarking on a plan to clean up the area. Remedial Action Plan Spokesperson Jim Bailey says they intend to restore the harbour's natural state. Clean up options range in price from thirty to ninety million dollars. They include pouring sand on top of the contamination or removing it completely.

Dunker Training For Aviation Students

Second year aviation students at Confederation College are learning first hand how to leave a submerged aircraft that has had to ditch into a body of water. Bryan Webster runs the course which was taught at the Lakehead University pool Friday afternoon. Webster says he knows first hand that lives have been saved through his training. Webster developed the course after surviving a ditch in 1977.

35K For Teach Street Kids Art

The Wynne government is hoping street kids in the city who are at risk of falling into a life of crime will benefit from learning how to express themselves artistically.  MPP Bill Mauro says that Evergreen A United Neighbourhood is getting 35 thousand dollars towards their "Arts In The Street" project.   It's aimed at crime prevention and early intervention.

Early Morning Accident On High Street

One person is recovering in hospital following a two vehicle accident this morning on the city's north side.  The woman was taken to hospital with injuries than are not considered life threatening following the collision between a car and an SUV which took place at the corner of Oliver Road and High Street just before 8:30.   Driver of the SUV is now charged with running a red light.

Mi-Zone Launched

Confederation College and the Northwest Innovation Centre are launching a new manufacturing program today.  It's called Mi-Zone and Innovation Centre Spokesperson Judy Sander says plenty of company will be using it. The college is providing the manufacturing equipment that's needed to help build products for local businesses.

Today Is Elimination Of Racial Discrimination Day

Today marks the internationally recognized Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day. The Ontario Native Women's Association is bringing attention to the discrimination they say still runs rampant among the country's Aboriginal populations. ONWA Board of Directors President Dr. Dawn Harvard says derogatory actions towards Aboriginals can result in significant psychological effects on children. ONWA is calling on Canadians to recognize that Aboriginal discrimination has become entrenched in Canadian culture. They are asking Canadians to help put an end to the issue by no longer turning a blind eye to racism.

Kenora Has Culture

An entertainment co-ordinator in Kenora calls a recent cites journal.com report cynical.  Harbourfest Chair Randy Nickle is commenting on the report that says Kenora has no culture.  Nickle says the report ignores the work of volunteers in the city.  Nickle used Harbourfest, Trylight Theatre, the Lake of the Woods Art Collective, and Winter Bites as examples of culture in they city. The report ranked Kenora as one of the top 15 Canadian communities to move out of.

Chicken Strip Recall

A possible food contamination is causing a product recall across Canada.  Fresh House Foods Limited is recalling Kirkland Signature brand Grilled Chicken Breast Strips from stores due to a possible listeria contamination. People are asked not to consume the product.  The product is known to have been sold in Ontario and Eastern Canada, but may have been sold in other provinces.

New Doctor At Hospital

The Thunder Bay Hospital is announcing a new addition to their medical staff. Dr. Naana Jumah (Na-na Joo-Mah) is a Clinician Researcher who studied at Oxford University and Harvard University and is originally from the city. Jumah says she has a passion for working with aboriginal populations, something that started at a young age when working with youth that came to the city.  Jumah will also help further develop the hospital's High Intensity Focused Ultrasound program.

T.Bay Spared From Snow Storm

Area residents can breath a sigh of relief today as an Alberta Clipper has decided to head south. Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says that means Fort Frances will have to prepare for some heavy shovelling with around 15 centimeters expected.  Coulson says Thunder Bay can still expect 5 centimeters of snow today, but for the most part it will be cold and windy heading into the weekend.

Loblaws/Shoppers Deal Approved

The Competition Bureau is approving Loblaw's acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.  The deal is expected to close as of next Friday.  As a result of the deal Loblaws is selling 18 Shoppers Drug Mart stores around the Country.  Thunder Bay isn't on the list.

Volunteers To Be Honoured In Kenora

The region's volunteers will be honoured at a ceremony planned for Kenora this May.  The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards will be handed out to volunteers for continuous service to an organization of between 5 and 60 years.  Youth will also be recognized for two or more years of volunteer service. The Kenora event will take place May 27.

Local Beekeeper Comments On Report

Premier Kathleen Wynne is thanking the Ontario Bee Health Working Group for their report into the risk honey bees face from pesticide use.  Wynne adds that the province is working with the Federal Government when it comes to the use of pesticides.  Barry Tabor says 1.2-million dollars in funding from the province is a good start.  Tabor says he would of liked to see more attention given to bee keepers instead of growers, in the bee health working group's report.

Investigators Back From Ottawa

Investigators with the Thunder Bay Police and RCMP are returning from Ottawa after conducting interviews with staff and players with the University of Ottawa hockey program.  According to a release from city police the majority of players cooperated with investigators however a few chose not to speak.  The investigation continues into an alleged sexual assault that took place when the hockey team was in Thunder Bay for a pair of weekend games early February.

Hernandez Verdict May 13th

It will be another month and a half before Christian Hernandez learns his fate.  The 28 year old is charged in connection with the 2010 traffic death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael, who was a pedestrian crossing the street.  He faces two impaired driving related charges along with failing to remain at the scene of an accident where death has ensued.  After hearing closing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, Justice Joyce Pelletier will hand down her verdict in the case May 13th.

Anishinabek Nation Comments On Education Act

Chiefs with the Anishinabek Nation believe proposed education legislation from the Federal Government will render 18-years of negotiations useless.  Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says that the legislation does not translate to first nation control over their own education.

Chamber Makes Scholarships Available

The Chamber of Commerce is giving out two 500 dollar scholarships to local high school students. Applications are being accepted from students planning to attend a business related program at a Thunder Bay post-secondary institution for the 2014-15 school year.  The application deadline is April 16th.