Thursday, November 10, 2011

NAPS cruiser torched

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is looking for a new cruiser after one was set on fire in Eabametoong (Fort Hope).   Police say the vehicle was torched while it was parked in front of an officers home.   The cruiser was destroyed in the incident and the officer's home was slightly damaged.  No one was hurt.  Police are looking for whomever was responsible.

Mauro back as P-A

Bill Mauro's new responsibility is a job he is familiar with. The Thunder Bay MPP is now the Parlimentary Assistant to Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci. Mauro says he did the same job in the last decade.  Mauro says the job will again help bring him closer to the files that affect the Thunder Bay.

New NOSTA prez

There's a new president of the North of Superior Tourism Association. Greenstone's Vicki Blanchard says she looks forward to her term as the head of NOSTA saying tourism is getting some respect again and how important it is an economic driver.  Blanchard says she accepted the position because of her passion for tourism.

Port Arthur Health Centre workers have new contract

Workers at the Port Arthur Health Centre have ratified a new contract.  The more than 70 workers voted almost unanimously in favour of the contract on the evening of November 1st.  The deal includes an increase in benefits and a 2 percent wage hike each year for the 3 year term.

Officers awarded for their bravery

A handful of City Police officers are being recognized for their bravery.  The officers helped evacuate the Travelodge after a fire broke out in the Sushi Station restaurant October 22nd.  During the ordeal smashed through a class security door so they could help 5 people who were stuck on the 3rd floor of the hotel that was filling up with smoke. 

Bannon's faces OLG suspension

Bannon's Gas Bar on the Fort William First Nation has been handed a one week suspension from selling lottery tickets.  OLG Spokesman Don Pister says the business failed to comply with OLG rules.  Pister says the stores OLG ticket console will be remotely shutdown for one week starting today.  Pister declined to say which rule the store broke.

Credit counsellor gives sage advice

A local credit counsellor says now is the time for Christmas Shoppers to protect themselves from getting mired in debt. Bev Dunnill says planning ahead is critical.  She says to go with a list of people you want to buy for and how much you plan to spend on them.  Dunnill advises to go shopping when you're relaxed  and not tired, rushed or hungry.   Her words of wisdom come just ahead of Credit Education Week.

Racist vandals strike

Racism continues to raise it's ugly head in Thunder Bay. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says that some racist graffiti was painted on a bench at the Mission Marsh. Chair Bill Bartley says they've now covered up the offending message. Bartley says the bench was a target of convenience for someone.

Nuke waste warning

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste. Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region. Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Remembrance Day in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay residents are marking Remembrance Day on Friday. We spoke to people outside of City Hall about what the day means for them. 

Highway's OPEN

Area highways are reopened after being closed for most of the evening and early this morning.  Highway 17 between Marathon and Terrace Bay and Highway 11 near Longlac were closed because of snowfall last night.  OPP say the highways are now open to traffic.