ISSUE #101

Good morning,

Welcome to Friday! I hope everyone has a fun and safe sort-of-long-weekend! 🇨🇦

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Thunder Bay woman wins 50/50 💰

• Daily Poll - Happy it was local ?

• Forest fire update 🔥

• Assault charge 👮‍♂️

• Poplar Hill did not have a tornado 🌪️

• Border Cats sweep 🧹

• Pow-wow

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Whitewater mansion 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Lottery

Thunder Bay Woman Wins $1.73M 50/50 Draw, Community Celebrates

On June 27, local resident Sharon Rabachuk hit the jackpot in the Thunder Bay Hospital Foundation’s monthly 50/50 draw, claiming a staggering $1,733,255 prize.

The Thunder Bay 50/50 initiative has now created 22 winners since its launch. Foundation CEO Glenn Craig delivered the exciting news in person at the Intercity Shopping Centre, describing the moment as historic due to the unusually large payout.

Rabachuk, overwhelmed by her win, said she’d “never seen a number that large before.” While she plans to keep playing, more importantly, the funds will continue to support urgent equipment needs at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Wednesday’s Results:

You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).

Forest Fires Update

Northwest Ontario Fire Update: New Blaze Near Poplar Hill

As of June 27, the Northwest Fire Region is managing 22 active wildland fires. A new fire — Red Lake 36, about 4 hectares in size — was discovered 3.5 km north of Poplar Hill First Nation.

FireRanger crews, two waterbombers, and a bird-dog aircraft were dispatched Friday afternoon, aiming to contain the blaze before it expanded. Larger fires such as Red Lake 12 (194,127 ha) and Sioux Lookout 18 (23,648 ha) remain uncontrolled but crews are making progress.

Rain is forecast for the weekend, which may help suppression efforts. Residents are reminded that drones near wildfires are illegal and can endanger air support operations.

Police

Man Charged with Aggravated Assault After High Street Incident

On June 26, Thunder Bay Police responded to an afternoon assault on the 300 block of High Street South, where a male victim sustained injuries and was hospitalized.

Officers quickly located the suspect, 47-year-old Burkley David Blake, in the vicinity and took him into custody. Blake has been charged with aggravated assault and appeared in court on June 27, where he was released under conditions and scheduled to return for a future hearing.

Police emphasized the seriousness of the charge, noting that aggravated assault indicates significant harm or intent. No further injuries were reported. Authorities encouraged residents to report incidents promptly to aid investigations into public safety.

Weather

CTV Confirms Poplar Hill Was Not a Tornado After Storm

On June 24, severe weather swept through parts of Northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay. Initially suspected to be a tornado, recent CTV Northern Ontario reports confirmed the phenomenon was in fact a downburst, not a tornado.

A downburst occurs when a column of air rapidly descends during a storm and spreads out upon impact, producing wind damage without a funnel.

Eyewitnesses described shingles blown from roofs and snapped tree branches. Meteorologists emphasized that while no tornado touched down, residents should remain watchful during severe weather events, as downbursts can damage structures and knock down power lines with little warning.

Sports

Thunder Bay Border Cats Sweep Weekend Series Against MoonDogs

Over the weekend (June 27–28), the Thunder Bay Border Cats delivered an electrifying performance at Port Arthur Stadium, sweeping a two-game series against the Mankato MoonDogs in the Northwoods League postseason push.

On Friday, the Cats secured a tight 6–3 win, setting the tone for Saturday’s “offensive fireworks.” The team exploded for a 13–6 victory, buoyed by a six-run fourth inning. Greg LaChance crushed a solo homer early in the game, while Lucas Johnson (2-for-4, three RBIs) and Manny Alberto (three RBIs) spearheaded the attack. Reliever Jimmy Cerhadominated, pitching 5.2 dazzling innings in relief and earning the win  .

With this sweep, the Border Cats have now won eight of their last ten games, improving to a strong 20–12 first-half record  . The team’s powerful hitting and resilient pitching have catapulted them into playoff contention, energizing the Thunder Bay community and showcasing the best in local sports. Fans are buzzing, and hopes are high for what’s next.

Indigenous News

Couchiching First Nation Holds 32nd Annual Traditional Pow-Wow

Over the weekend of June 27–29, Couchiching First Nation celebrated its 32nd Annual Traditional Pow-Wow at their reserve grounds. This well-known gathering brought together dancers, drummers, and community members from across the region to share in prayer, ceremony, and cultural celebration.

The event featured grand entries each day, traditional dance competitions across all age groups, and a variety of cultural workshops—including hand-drumming, pow-wow etiquette, and traditional arts and crafts led by local Anishinaabe artisans. Families enjoyed a communal feast offering bannock and wild rice, while vendors showcased beadwork, regalia, and Indigenous foods.

Organizers emphasized the pow-wow’s role in sustaining cultural traditions and fostering intergenerational connection. Elder Mary McPherson remarked that the event “honours our ancestors and passes teachings to our youth so our ways continue.” Youth participants shone in fancy shawl and grass dance categories, illustrating the ceremony’s importance for cultural identity and pride.

Open to all with no admission fee, the pow-wow underscores Couchiching First Nation’s commitment to sharing Anishinaabe culture, promoting healing, and strengthening community bonds.

Home of the Day

100 Island Ave

(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])

1+3 bedrooms
2 bathroom
1,305 sqft

$949,900

Lake Superior water front at Mink Mountain