Council supports EMO position

Thunder Bay City Council is throwing it's support behind a resolution asking the Province to ensure the region has its own Emergency Management Field Officer.  The province isn't going to replace Dale Smyk when he retires in January.  Councillor Ian Angus says the move would hurt the region's communities big and small.  Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Hay echoed Angus' comments and says the closest field officer is in Duberville.

Waterfront Contract runs over budget

The civil works contract for the waterfront development project is coming in over a million dollars more than expected.  Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says it's over budget because of design changes.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she can't understand how it can cost so much to complete fourty five changes.  Johnson says she's not happy the project ran over and that it's proving to be very expensive.  The civil works contact came in at over 3.9 million dollars.  Dugmore adds the sewer, water and storm water projects are expected to be complete in the Spring of 2011.

The Clap is on the rise

The District Health Unit says it's dealing with an unexpected increase in gonorrhea.    They say normally from September until December there are about 15 reported cases of gonorrhea in the district, but this year there have been 43 cases reported.   No reason has been given for the jump in cases. The Health Unit says it's investigating.

Scenic lookout project up for council approval

City council meets for the final time in 2010 tonight.   One of the highlights will be the approval of the Current River Scenic Lookout Project.   It's a development being sponsored by Hydro One in co-operation with the city.   As well councillors will be asked tonight to oppose the elimination of low key, but important civil service position in the city.  The McGuinty government is not going to fill the job of Emergency Management Field Officer for the region once the current officer, Dale Smyk, retires.   The province says it wants to run things from Southern Ontario.

Con College to include Red Lake and Wawa

Confederation College is expanding.    Starting next year it's regional campus network is going to include Red Lake and Wawa.  As of February, both campuses will offer full time programs in Office Administration along with Construction and Mining Techniques.   President Pat Lang says it shows the commitment the college has to the region. 

Johnson returns to the big leagues

Ryan Johnson is back in the NHL.  The veteran forward signed a one year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks Friday.  The Thunder Bay native made his way back to the NHL through the minors after signing a tryout contract with Chicago's AHL affiliate a couple of weeks ago.  Johnson was in Chicago's lineup Friday and Sunday.  The team won both games. 

Another Christmas Charity is falling behind

The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign is in danger of falling short of its goal.  Major Mervin Halverson says they are about 26 thousand dollars short of its 130 thousand dollar goal.  Halverson says they also have a few shifts open for people who want to volunteer to man the Kettles.

A Christmas tragedy for a Thunder Bay family

Richard Carmichael's family is facing a tragedy just days ahead of Christmas.  He was killed in a hit and run early yesterday morning.  City police arrested 25 year old Christian Hernandez in connection and charged him with failing to stay at the scene and impaired driving causing death.  Carmichael was hit on North High Street.  Hernandez will be back in court Wednesday.