Friday, October 29, 2010

Bus driver hurt in accident

The driver of a city transit bus is hurt after his vehicle collided with a 5 ton truck. The accident took place just after 1 Friday afternoon at the corner of Red River Road and Clarkson. Joe Pucci was the driver of the truck.  He says the bus went through a red light and hit his truck as he was waiting to make a left turn.   Police confirm that bright sunlight may have restricted the bus drivers view of the traffic light.  About 5 passengers were on the bus at the time.  They were not hurt.

Fort William North Stars No More

The Fort William North Stars no longer exist. The team folded, but a set of investors has created a new team called the Thunder Bay North Stars. SIJHL Commissioner Ron Whitehead says it's a new team off the ice, but the same players on the ice. Whitehead says seven investors came forward to create the new team but they still need three more partners. The Thunder Bay Northstars will continue to play this weekend at the Fort William Gardens against the Dryden Ice Dogs.

Ruberto has no worries about new mayor

Councillor Aldo Ruberto says working with new mayor Keith Hobbs shouldn't be a problem.  Ruberto believes there will be no difficulty what-so-ever  between Hobbs and the rest of the returning councillors.   He says it shouldn't be a concern for anyone.  Ruberto won his second term on council in Monday's election.

Trick or eat

The Lakehead University Student Union is collecting food for its student foodbank this Halloween.
Spokesperson Chantelle Clark says they're calling it "Trick or Eat.".  Lakehead students will be dressed up in costume, but will have a LUSU id tag on to identify that they're with the food bank.

Thunder Bay software popular

A Thunder Bay based software company is expanding its salon management software.  Optique Global CEO David Logan says he has big plans for the company and is exporting the software into the states, Australia and England.  The software is being produced in foreign languages as well so it can be sold in non english speaking countries.

Don't throw your pumpkins out

Thunder Bay has a unique Halloween tradition that's going on 15 years. The Great Pumpkin Compost Collection is being offered by EcoSuperior once again. Spokesperson Ellen Mortfield says the pumpkin compost bins will be set up at the Lakehead Labour Centre, County Fair Plaza, and the Westfort Playfield. Since the program started over 276 tonnes of pumpkins diverted from landfill to the municipal composting site.

Fire Fighters honored Saturday

Thunder Bay's Fire Department is holding a celebration today. 8 new firefighters are graduating and 10, 20 and 30 year career milestone pins will also be awarded.  Acting Director of Training Dave Paxton says it's an important day for the department.  Paxton says its a nice way to show their respect for the older members of the department, and inspire the new ones.  The event will be attended by City staff, area MP'S and Thunder Bay's MPP.

Councillors back to work on Monday

It's the first City Council meeting since the Municipal election. City Clerk John Hannam says it will be business as ususal for Mayor and Council. Hannam says they are not a lame duck council so that means they retain all of their decision making powers. Council will hear from the owner of Badanai Motors about an extension to property on Court Street at Monday's meeting.

Police out in full force for Halloween

Thunder Bay Police are urging motorists to drive with care this weekend.  Little Ghosts and goblins will be wandering local streets Sunday night for Hallowe'en.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says costumes should have reflective tape on them so drivers can easily spot children crossing the street.   Adams adds they'll have extra patrols on duty for Hallowe'en.

Official election results are in

The City of Thunder Bay has released the official results from the 2010 municipal election. City Clerk John Hannam says they saw an increase in voter turnout with 46 and a half percent of residents voting this year. To view the results online visit the City website or pick up a hard copy at the City Clerk's office.

RFDA gets additional $

Another cash injection for the Regional Food Distribution Association.   This time it's close to a quarter of a million dollars from the provincial government.   Association Chair Larry Brigham says the money goes towards the new building on Syndicate Avenue.

Thunder Bay Golf and Country club could soon get condos

The Thunder Bay golf and country club is another step closer to building a Condo Complex at the golf course. The Organization has pegged Robert Zanette to build the unit. Club President Bob Swan says the development will also mean a new club house and other improvements to the club.  Swan says there are still a couple of hurdles to cross but construction should start next fall.

Northwestern road tops worst roads list

Northwestern Ontario is leading the province when it comes to the CAA's worst roads list. Pelican Falls Road near Sioux Lookout tops the list with Onion Lake road coming 12th. Onion Lake road is schedule for work in 2012, but there is no timeline for repairs to Pelican Falls Road.