Wednesday, April 6, 2011

LU official to retire

Lakehead University is looking for a new Director of Communications.  President Brian Stevenson says that Eleanor Abaya has decided to retire.  Her last day will be June 17th. 

Manley speaking in Thunder Bay

The Alzheimer's Society is bringing in a Silver medal figure skater. Elizabeth Manley will be speaking at their fundraiser on Thursday night at the Valhalla Inn.

Mailing changes on the way

Shuniah and Oliver Paipoonge residents will soon bid farewell to the Rural Route mailing system.  Canada Post is scrapping site numbers and will use street names.  Spokesperson Tom Creech says the changes will take effect in October.  Pass Lake is also impacted by the changes.

Blank paper draws more attention to story

Lakehead University's newspaper isn't taking their censorship lying down. The Student Union pulled a story from the paper that was about the alleged rigging of their elections.  Argus Editor Ian Kaufman says before this happened they didn't know LUSU could have final say over their stories.  The paper has written an amendment to LUSU's laws that if passed will guarantee them editorial autonomy.  Kaufman says the blank page on their current newspaper has actually garnered the story more attention.

Counselling Centre receives cash

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving a local counselling centre 98 thousand dollars.  The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre will use the money to hire a co-ordinator and develop online counselling services.

Irwin named to Team Canada

Thunder Bay's Haley Irwin will be pulling on the team Canada sweater again. She's been named to the roster for the upcoming World Championships. Irwin helped Canada win a silver medal at the last World Championships, where she chipped in with 2 goals and 3 assists. Irwin was also part of last year's Gold Medal winning team at the Vancouver Olympics.

Recruit recovering from gunshot wound

A Thunder Bay Police recruit is still recovering after an shooting accident in February. Jason Firth was hurt when his gun went off unintentionally at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer. Deputy Chief J-P Levesque says Firth's injury was quite serious and says the road to recovery will be lengthy. Levesque says once Firth heals, he will continue his training.

Foundation grants money for cancer care

Almost 900 thousand donor dollars are being used for cancer care in Thunder Bay and the region. Regional Health Sciences Foundation CEO Glenn Craig says some of the money is being used for a new breast MRI program which he says is huge help for patients.   As well, half a million dollars will help support cancer research at the hospital. 

Boshcoff takes leave

It's official, City Councillor Ken Boshcoff is taking a leave of absence from council.  The Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay Rainy River will miss one meeting while campaigning in the Federal election.  Boshcoff's leave takes effect Tuesday, April 12th.

Combined Guns and Gang unit arrests 3

The Regional Combined forces guns and gangs unit has 3 people in custody in Sioux Lookout.  Officers made the arrest Monday after finding a military grade rifle and another prohibited device for the gun.  The 3 are facing a number of charges including guns trafficking.

70-thousand dollars in Marijuana seized

The Combined Forces Crime unit has seized over 70 thousand dollars in marijuana after searching a Hester Street home.  A 23 year old man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and proceeds of crime.