Racing a factor in accident: Police

Two people are hurt, but not seriously, as the result of a single vehicle accident on James Street near Ryerson Crescent late Wednesday afternoon. Police say that one of the victims was taken to hospital as a precaution. They say racing was a factor in the mishap.

Police to honour their own

On Thursday, 16 members of the Thunder Bay Police Service will be honoured for their long service. 3 different awards will be handed out to recognize outstanding achievements in different categories, the exemplary service medal, exemplary service bar and dedication to service award. The awards will be given out at around 8:30 at the Valhalla Inn.

Mauro bill promotes wood use

Bill Mauro is introducing legislation to promote the use of wood in new government funded buildings. The Thunder Bay MPP says his private members bill is designed to help the struggling forest products industry after it was stung by the collapse in the U-S housing and newsprint markets.  Mauro's bill would also increase the maximum height of wood frame buildings from 4 to 6 stories.

Hyer mourns loss of Katimavik

Saying he's sad to see it go, MP Bruce Hyer is blasting the Harper government's decision to put an end to a taxpayer funded youth volunteer program. Hyer says the move to axe Katimavik is pure partisan politics.  He says the government is throwing students "under the bus" on this one.   Hyer calls Katimavik one of the bright lights on the Canadian scene.

Ontario Human Rights hearing

A hearing being held in Thunder Bay today is looking at Ontario's Human Rights programs.  Toronto Lawyer Andrew Pinto is the Chair of the review board and says Northerners are telling him more needs to be done.  The City's Urban Aboriginal Strategy Spokesperson Beth Ponka says they need an outreach program for First Nations to help them speak out about racism.  30 local organizations are speaking out at today's meeting.

Marathon route changes

There's a new route for the Miles with the Giant Marathon. The full 26.2 mile loop will start and finish at Prince Arthur's landing and takes in Lakehead University and Boulevard Lake. President Barry Streib says the new course will bring in more participants and is set to be certified as a Boston qualifier. To view the new course you can go here

CBS won't back down

Canadian Blood Services isn't backing down from its plans to shut down the local plasma donation centre.  The word comes after City Council sent a letter asking them to reconsider.  Ian Mumford is a spokesperson with CBS and says the closure will take effect on Thursday of next week.

Dryden says DMTS doing ok

The City of Dryden says DMTS is still very much in business. The audited 2011 financial statements have been released and Dryden Mobility has incurred losses to date of over 8.3-million dollars. That includes an operating loss for 2011 of more than 3.7-million. City Manager Joe Van Koeverden admits they have had financial difficulty in delivering cell service to the area. He notes the chosen technology, in the end, has fallen far short of what was promised and staff are aggressively pursuing replacement opportunities.

Break and Enter on Limbrick Street

Police are investigating a break and enter on Limbrick Street early this morning. A man armed with a knife broke into the home at around 1:48. Police say he appeared to be drunk and didn't know who or what he was looking for. A resident of the home called police from an upstairs room while others tried to get him to leave the residence. He's been taken into custody and is charged with breaking and entering with a dangerous weapon.

Prospectors meeting in Thunder Bay

Prospectors from across the Province are in Thunder Bay today for the final day of their annual conference.  Today delegates will hear updates on several Ring of Fire projects.  The Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium is taking place at the Valhalla Inn.