LeBlanc seeks P-C nod

The north side Tories may be looking for some star power for this October's provincial election.  Anthony LeBlanc is looking to become the Progressive Conservative candidate in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North.   The former Research in Motion executive is the only person to file his nomination papers with the party

Law school inches toward reality

The provincial government's approval is the only thing standing in the way of a new law school at Lakehead University.   A major hurdle was cleared after the Law Society of Upper Canada voted to approve the academic program for a proposed Faculty of Law.

Mining Centre of Excellence possible for the city

Talks are quietly taking place in the city to set up a so called Mining Centre of Excellence. City Manager Tim Commisso says the centre would be a home for mining companies, related businesses and possibly even training.  He calls it a natural development for Thunder Bay given what's been happening in the mining industry.  Commisso says discussions on the concept are in the early stages with the Economic Development Corporation and an interested business partner

The LHIN finds new chair

The North West Local Health Integration Network has found a new Chair of the Board of Directors. Joy Warkentin is taking over the position from Janice Beazley whose term expires later this year. Anne Krassilowsky has been appointed the new Vice Chair of the board.

Health Sciences Centre gets provincial funding

ER wait times are being attacked at the Thunder Bay Health Science Centre.  The Provincial government is providing over 2.2 million dollars for 11 short stay beds and another just over 100 thousand to help shorten wait times in the ER.  The province also announced an additional 800 thousand dollars for the Northwest Community Care Access Centre. 

Police handing out tickets at City Waste and Recycling facility

Free Entry week at the Thunder Bay Waste and Recycling centre is keeping city police busy.  Officers have handed out over 100 tickets for a number of violations.  35 people have been given 160 dollar tickets for hauling unsecured loads.

BMX group to speak to council

Thunder Bay's BMX club wants Council to help them build a five acre BMX park.  They're speaking to councillors tonight asking that administration embark on a feasibility study.  The current BMX park does not meet the club's needs.

Habitat wraps up raffle

There won't be much of a profit but Habitat for Humanity in Thunder Bay will be making some money off its raffle.  CEO Diane Mitchell says the situation has improved dramatically.  A month ago it looked like Habitat was going to lose thousands on the raffle but has since hit the break even mark.  Tickets are available at the Habitat Restore until tomorrow afternoon.

Health unit urges caution with found needles

Spring cleaning is on the mind of many Thunder Bay residents, but not everything can be simply thrown out. The Thunder Bay Health Unit is urging residents to take extra precaution if you find discarded or used needles. Always use tools when picking up used needles and store them properly in the yellow disposal units found in various locations in the city.

MNR hears residents concerns

The Ministry of Natural Resources is asking for public comment on their draft Lakehead forest management plan.  Spokesperson Leona Tarini says they've heard area residents concerns about cutting around their cottages and the impacts on the surrounding lakes and fish.  The plan will manage the forest for five years starting in 2014.

Teachers to eye kids at risk

A suicide prevention group in the city is getting 140 thousand provincial dollars to teach teachers.  The program will see school teachers get information on how to spot potential suicide victims among the students they see daily.  The program is run through the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.