Police Board looking to hire consultant

Thunder Bay's Police Board wants to hire a consultant to help them find a new Police Chief.  Board Chair Wayne Bahlieda says they hope to have a consultant hired by January.  Bahlieda says they will be looking for candidates from the police world.  Bahlieda says the consultant will help look for a new chief, but won't have hiring powers.

L-U improves in university rankings

Lakehead University is edging up in Maclean's Magazine's national rankings. It moved to 12th from 14th in the category of best undergraduate universities. Provincially, the survey positions L-U at number 3  out of 8, and that's fine by President Brian Stevenson   He says since 90 per cent of students come from Ontario the provincial rankings are important.   Stevenson believes the survey also shows the constant improvement and development of the university.

United Way gives fundraising update

United Way has raised 37 percent of it's 2010 campaign goal.  So far over 920 thousand dollars is in the groups coffers.  The goal is almost 2 and a half million dollars.

Road closure Wednesday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing the North bound lane of Golf Links Road Wednesdy. The closure will be in effect from Central Avenue to Oliver Road from 9 to 4. City crews will be repairing a hydro pole that was broken during a car accident.

Toys for Tots returns

Toys for Tots is back with it's fundraising efforts for another Christmas season. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg  says there are thousands of children from needy families in Thunder Bay who will benefit.  The goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations.

Bad bug on the way

Thunder Bay is working on a plan of attack against the Emerald Ash Borer.  The invasive pest will be in Thunder Bay within the next five years and could devestate the City's urban forest.  Forestry Program Specialist Rena Viehbeck says there are two options.  One of the options is to inject an antibiotic into some of the emerald ash in the city.  Viehbeck says the other option is to do nothing and replace the trees when they die.   Urban Forester Shelly Veccio says it could kill all of the ash trees within the city.

Pharmacies are experiencing shortages

Thunder Bay Pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of prescription drugs.  Janzen's Pharmacy Owner Brenda Adams says part of the problem began when changes were made to the rules governing drug manufacturers.  Adams says a variety of drugs are on back order and some people are going without their prescriptions.  Adams adds the situation is the worst she's seen in her 26 years in the business.

CA Rockstar on youtube

A Thunder Bay resident is doing his best to make Chartered Accountants cool. Richard Jagielowicz is a finalist in the Chartered Accountants of Ontario's Rule the Tube contest. You can support the Thunder Bay CA by watching his youtube Video entitled Rule the Tube CA Rockstar. The contest comes to a close on Friday. To watch his video click here.

Local teens top alcohol survey

Teens in Thunder Bay lead the province in a very dubious category.  They drink more alcohol on average than teens in the rest of Ontario. The Health Unit's Jennifer McFarlane says the Health Unit continues it's efforts to reduce the problem.   The survey by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows 64 per cent of teens have tried alcohol compared to 58 per cent across the province.  The same stats show city teens also binge drink more than their provincial peers.

Dog owner could face charges

The city will decide whether or not to charge the owner of the dog that killed a small Chihuahua at an off leash park. By-law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says the City will take action if the offending dog is not put down. Bourret says if the dog is not put down there will be charges.

A new seniors complex opens its doors

McKellar place has officially opened its doors.  75 temporary housing units are now being occupied at the facility.  The apartments offer seniors independent living with some support from building staff.  The units will be used as a stop gap for seniors until the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors Services opens.