Jacob Henriksen-Willis is a Thunder Bay-based multimedia journalist and die-hard Jays & Raptors fan. He studied journalism and political science at Trent University. You can contact him at Henriksen-WillisJ@radioabl.ca.
In celebration of Ontario’s Museum Month, the Dryden & District Museum is hosting an open house for guests to share their feedback and ideas for the museum’s future.
The event is scheduled for May 2 from 12 to 3 pm. Admission is free and includes entry to the “Who Are You?” exhibit. Museum staff will be available to connect and discuss future programming.
The open house is just one of several events the Dryden Museum has planned for Museum Month, including a town walking tour, escape room and Renaissance fair booth.
A third batch of items from the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (TBCA) are up for auction from now to May 8 at 8:00 pm.
The TBCA 40th Anniversary auction serves as a fundraising initiative for the iconic local event space, with all proceeds supporting renovations and new additions to the auditorium.
“We have a lot of history over the last 40 years,” Edwards said. “We don’t want (valuable items) collecting dust in our archives. It felt right to celebrate our past and let items go into the community where they can appreciate them.”
The first round highlighted artists who had an extensive history of playing at the TBCA. It featured signed guitars from regulars Alan Doyle, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keeler, Paul Brandt and Johnny Reid.
The second round featured a surfboard signed by the Beach Boys, a longboard signed by Cheech and Chong, and a guitar signed by Megan Patrick among other memorabilia.
Here’s what’s on the block for round three:
Guitars signed by Steve Earle, Ronnie Dunn, The Rival Sons, Headstones, The Glorious Sons, Pavlo and Jesse Cook
Posters signed by Jeff Beck, David Crosby, Gordon Lightfoot, The Counting Crowes, Norm Macdonald, Tom Cochrane, Simple Plan, Jim Jefferies, Michael Bolton and more
The Tenors Package: signed microphone, tote bag, 2 mugs, CD, DVD and T-shirt
Diana Krall Package: signed microphone and tour keepsake photo album
Drum Skin signed by members of April Wine
Custom George Thorogood signed painting
Winners of the auction will be able to pick up the items at the TBCA Box Office.
Ten-year old Kenora native Lochlan Hawes is in the running for $20,000, a tour of the Planetary Society with Bill Nye, and a feature in Reader’s Digest.
Hawes is among the top 1% of applicants for “America’s Favorite Student,” a contest for young students aged 6-17 from Canada and the US.
“We’ll donate some of [the prize money] to my cousin Harper’s GoFundMe, because she has CTNNB1,” Lochlan said.
CTNNB1 Syndrome is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that impairs growth of the brain and central nervous system. When Lochlan’s cousin Harper was 20 months old, her parents were told that she would most likely not walk or talk and would have severe global and intellectual delay. Harper has since learned to walk short distances with the help of leg braces and a walker. She began to communicate verbally shortly after her 5th birthday.
Some of Lochlan’s prize money would go to his cousin Harper Tanton’s treatments. (via Christopher Hawes)
Now eight years old, Harper has been selected as just the third child worldwide to participate in a groundbreaking human clinical trial for a new gene replacement therapy designed specifically for CTNNB1 Syndrome.
“After years of investing in Harper’s therapies (upwards of $20,000 annually), [Harper’s parents] Scott and Tara find themselves financially stretched, making it challenging to provide Harper with this unique opportunity,” Harper’s family wrote in their GoFundMe.
Lochlan says his prize money will go towards Harper’s treatment and his future post-secondary education.
“Harper’s a really great kid,” said Lochlan’s dad Christopher Hawes. “She’s really sweet and funny. We’re supporting her in many ways, and this will be another great way to do that.”
Lochlan and his family (via Christopher Hawes)
According to Lochlan, math is his favourite subject because he enjoys the rules and patterns behind solving problems.
“He legitimately loves learning,” Lochlan’s dad said. “Honestly, it’s been so exciting to learn with him and take him to his limits of understanding things.”
Born in Kenora, Lochlan moved to Thunder Bay two years ago. He plays competitive soccer and trains several times a week. He likes to play chess and cross country skis in his spare time.
“I’d like to meet Bill Nye,” Lochlan said. “We see him in science. He’s happy and always positive.”
With enough votes, Lochlan will advance to the semifinals of America’s Favorite Student. Click here to place your vote.
“We’ve had some wonderful support from friends and family and we’re now at the quarterfinal phase, which is amazing. The next step is to get some more momentum. We’re hoping people will vote for Lochlan help him go to the Planetary Society and meet Bill, and win some money for his education and to share with his cousin,” Lochlan’s dad said.
A 40-year old man from Thunder Bay was the suspect in two separate incidents in February and March.
On February 28, a Thunder Bay Police Service officer approached his blue Dodge pickup truck after it was seen exiting a parking lot with invalid plates.
He allegedly put the truck in reverse and sped towards the officer at a high speed, hitting a police cruiser before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported.
His truck was later found in a snowbank on the Arthur Street East and Syndicate Avenue South intersection but the man was not found.
One week later on March 6, police say he was sleeping behind the wheel of a running vehicle with incorrect plates. He fled the scene again when officers tried to speak with him.
On Tuesday, officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit arrested him in the Pearl Street area after a brief foot pursuit.
He faces the following charges:
Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud)
Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (three counts)
Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance
Dangerous operation (two counts)
Flight from peace officer (two counts)
Failure to comply with release order (five counts)
Aggravated assault of peace officer (Assault Level 3)
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Failure to stop after accident (two counts)
Theft under $5,000
Resist peace officer
He was remanded into custody after his first court appearance.
The police say they would like to thank the public for assistance with identifying the accused following an appeal for information.
Thunder Bay Police are reminding the public that it only takes a moment of distraction for belongings to be stolen from a vehicle.
Following several recent reports of property thefts, police are urging residents to take extra precautions. Thieves often look for quick opportunities, and visible valuables can make your vehicle a target.
Commonly stolen items include purses, wallets, jewelry, keys and electronics. Per the TBPS media release, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and:
Lock all parcels and shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle
Never hide a spare key inside your vehicle or outside your residence
Avoid leaving personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
Remove technology and other removable accessories from view when your vehicle is unattended
Confederation College and Alstom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to better match education and training with the company’s workforce needs through 2029.
The partnership will help align academic programs with industry demand and prepare students for careers in transportation and manufacturing.
“Confederation College is committed to working with industry partners to ensure our programs reflect current and future workforce needs,” said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. “This partnership with Alstom will help strengthen pathways from education to employment, ensuring students graduate with the skills and experience needed to fill Alstom’s in-demand roles.”
The MOU outlines a structured approach to define job requirements and develop training capacity to meet future needs.
The trains will be designed, built and tested in Canada, creating and supporting 945 jobs nationwide, including 250 in Thunder Bay. The project supports Alstom’s goal of providing Canadian-made transit solutions.
“At Alstom, we’re focused on building long-term career pathways that strengthen Canadian manufacturing and keep our country’s transit projects moving,” said Lindsay Fenton, Chief of Operations at Alstom. “This MOU with Confederation College helps connect students and jobseekers to the skills and training that match both our local and national hiring needs, creating opportunities for people in northwestern Ontario while supporting the workforce we need through 2029.”
Staff and leadership at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre gathered Tuesday to celebrate another successful year of the Family CARE Grants program.
Founded in 2009, the Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants program funds staff-driven ideas and initiatives to improve care, efficiency and comfort for patients at the hospital.
Last year, all 42 Family CARE Grant ideas were funded, a 100% approval rate.
Some of the items making a difference this year include:
Medi Teddy IV bag covers for Paediatrics will help reduce fear and anxiety for children by concealing blood or medication bags. These reusable, BPA- and latex-free covers attach to IV poles and feature an open back for easy access by caregivers.
A vibroacoustic therapy rocker for Child and Adolescent Mental Health will provide a calming sensory experience by combining gentle rocking with therapeutic sound vibrations. Designed to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional regulation, it will help patients self-soothe and manage distress more effectively, potentially reducing reliance on medication.
A Ring Rescue Kit for the Emergency Department will allow clinicians to quickly and safely remove rings from swollen or injured fingers, reducing complications and improving patient comfort. Made in Halifax, this innovative system can cut through modern materials like titanium and stainless steel, and has also been featured on the tv show The Pitt.
Three accessible outdoor picnic tables will provide inclusive seating in two garden areas on the ground floor, featuring a design that accommodates individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or IV poles. These durable, eco-friendly tables will create more welcoming outdoor spaces for patients, visitors, and staff, supporting comfort, connection, and overall well-being.
“We’re proud to support the ideas coming from the Hospital’s frontline staff, who see every day where improvements can make a real difference,” said Glenn Craig, CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “We are looking forward to the fall cycle and all the great ideas that will continue to be generated from frontline staff.”
Funding for these projects came from donor support. Over $126,000 was invested into these improvements, including $15,000 from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Volunteer Association.
“Our deepest thanks go to our staff, who are often the first to recognize opportunities to improve the care experience for patients and their families, and who bring forward valuable perspectives and ideas,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “Our staff truly embody patient and family-centred care and play a vital role in shaping meaningful improvements”
City crews are out on the streets as Thunder Bay’s 2026 spring street sweeping campaign has begun.
Sweeping begins once temperatures consistently stay above freezing. Crews focus on removing the sand left behind from winter maintenance on streets and sidewalks. They start in the downtown core, bike lanes, and major arterial and collector roads before moving into residential neighbourhoods.
“You’ll see our crews working across the city over the next several weeks,” said Ian Spoljarich, Thunder Bay Roads Manager. “Street sweeping keeps streets safe and clean by clearing lanes, improving road visibility, reducing vehicle damage, and protecting our waterways. We appreciate everyone’s patience and caution around our crews.”
Drivers and pedestrians are asked to use extra caution around street sweeping operations.
Residents can check where their neighbourhood falls in the street sweeping sequence and find progress updates online at www.thunderbay.ca/roads.
The City of Thunder Bay has secured back-to-back Canadian awards for financial reporting.
Thunder Bay’s city council is recognized for publishing an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report in 2024.
“This achievement is a testament to the incredible work that happens throughout the year across our teams. While this award is not about the financial results themselves, it is an important recognition that we are communicating our financial information clearly, accurately, and in line with industry best practices and standards,” said City Treasurer Keri Greaves.
The award was presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, which said Thunder Bay exceeded the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrated a strong commitment to clearly communicating its financial position and meeting user needs.
