Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Salvation Army Copes With Fire Losses

The Salvation Army is still adding up the losses after a fire this week damaged the goods at its Memorial Avenue Thrift Store. Spokesperson Scott Gilmore says they have basically lost everything. Gilmore says they hope to re-open in a week.

Police Chief Says Bust Will Help

The Chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police says the latest Oxycontin bust is going to be a great help in keeping the highly addictive pain killer out of First Nations communities in the northwest.   Claude Chum says the drug sells for up to 600 dollars a pill and is literally crippling some communities.  He says in Cat Lake, for example, about 80 per cent of the reserve is addicted and that keeps its workforce limited.  He says many get money by selling their possessions to feed their addiction,

Sister Cities Meet Again

Another five year sister city agreement with Seinajoki, Finland is being signed this week. City Clerk John Hannam says it happens tomorrow evening at the Prince Arthur Hotel and will allow our two cities to continuing promoting business and cultural opportunities

Project Harrington Results In 95 Charges

Details are being released today about a 6 month joint forces drug investigation entitled "Project Harrington." Members of the Thunder Bay Police, OPP, RCMP, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and Anishnabek Police were all involved in the investigation that resulted in 9 search warrants being executed in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga, Kitchener-Waterloo and Thunder Bay, including at the Thunder Bay District Jail. The joint forces unit were targeting a network that transported Oxycodone and cocaine from southern Ontario to areas here in the northwest. In all, police laid 95 charges against 11 persons, seven of whom are in custody and four others remain at large. Quantities of drugs worth approximately $1.13 million and cash were also seized. The charges include: Directing or Participating in a Criminal Organization; Trafficking and/or Conspiracy to Traffic; and Breach of Probation. One of the individuals, an employee of the Thunder Bay District Jail, is charged with Breach of Trust.

Heavy Rainfall Warning Dropped

The heavy rainfall warning for the city is now ended.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says that instead of the 50 millimetres of rain we were supposed to get, we will now get 10 to 20.  He says most of the rain is moving to our south.

Salvation Army Caught On Fire

Firefighters are recovering from what could have been a very dangerous fire. Crews were called to the Salvation Army at 915 Memorial Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning. The fire from three B.F.I. bins caused an exposure fire to a gas metre and that allowed the fire to spread to the building. Damage is being described as moderate.

Morrison Signs 4 Year Deal

Lakehead University Men's Basketball Coach Scott Morrison is staying in Thunder Bay for at least 4 more years. He signed a contract extension with the Thunderwolves that will see him take on additional administrative duties. Morrison has taken the men's team into the national spotlight with three straight national championship tournament appearances and an Ontario championship title in 2011. He's coming off an Assistant role for Canada at the world under-18 championships in Brazil.

Little League Update

Both Thunder Bay Teams will be on the field at Baseball Central today in the Ontario Senior Little League Championships. The Selects are tied for first place with East Nepean at 1-0. The All-stars are a half-game back in the standings after dropping a 6-3 decision yesterday to Orleans. Games today are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the All-Stars taking on East Nepean followed by the Selects squaring off against Windsor East.

Inductees Named to N.W.O. Sports Hall Of Fame

2 Athletes, 3 builders and a woman's rowing duo make up this year's entry into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. Mike Busniuk and Terri Gibbons will go into the hall for their hockey and water skiing careers. The two-some of Barb Kukko and Helen Fleming-Livingstone for their rowing careers. Builders Dick Henderson, Alex Dampier and Bill Selman will be inducted for their contributions to curling and hockey respectively. The official ceremony takes place at the end of September at the Valhalla Inn.