New Company Moving to T.Bay

Aquatech Dewatering, a mining related company plans to set up shop in Thunder Bay this spring.
President Andy Ingriselli says they've had their eye on the community for sometime now. The office is expected to open in March or April. 5 staff members will work in the office for the first year with the possibility of one day employing up to 25 people. Mining companies use Aquatech to get water out of mine sites among other things.

Horwath and Mauro Talk Auditor General Report

The Leader of the NDP is weighing in on the findings of Auditor General Jim McCarter.  McCarter released his annual report on Wednesday and showed that the waiting lists for long-term care homes have tripled since 2005 and that last year 15 per cent of patients on a waiting list died before getting into a home.  Andrea Horwath says that's not surprising. Horwath says having the report in black and white will help the opposition push the Provincial Government to make changes to alleviate long term care waiting lists.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says it's now important to make sure the government takes actions on the suggestions from McCarter.

Hwy 17 Closed Near Kenora

A multiple vehicle accident has closed Highway 17 West of Kenora. O.P.P say the accident occurred before noon today at Highway 17 and Inglis Road. Constable Dave Cain wants to warn drivers about conditions in the area and to avoid the highway if possible.

Urban Aboriginal Strategy Updated

Thunder Bay's Urban Aboriginal Strategy is looking to the future.  They held a brainstorming session Thursday and discussed what issues will affect First Nations people in the City in the coming years.  Spokesperson Frances Wesley says they want more services for youth.  Wesley says they also want to provide more welcoming services to First Nation families relocating in Thunder Bay.

Kettle Campaign Reaches Halfway Point

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign needs your continued support. Major Merv Halvorsen says so far they've raised just over 80-thousand dollars. Another 80-thousand dollars needs to be raised to reach their 160 thousand dollar goal. You can donate to the Christmas Kettle campaign up until Christmas Eve.

United Way Still Needs More Cash

The United Way only has 2 more weeks left to reach it's fundraising goal of 2.6 million dollars.  So far they've raised just over 1.6 million and there's another 955 thousand more that needs to come in.  Several donation ceremonies are taking place Thursday which should help bring the fundraising total up. 

Accident Traps Passengers

Two people are survivors of a traffic accident near Nipigon yesterday that had them trapped in their vehicle for a time. OPP say the driver lost control on an icy stretch of Highway 17 and then rolled over a steep embankment. After two hours the 40 year old male passenger managed to free himself and helped the 65 year old woman who was the driver get out as well. A couple of road clearing workers managed to find the couple and take them to McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay where they are recovering.

Chief Happy Bail Safety Program Renewed

It seems the Provincial Government has changed its mind when it comes to the funding of the Police Bail Safety program.  The program was set to expire at the end of this March, but now will run until the end of March 2014.  Police Chief JP Levesque says it's music to his ears.  The bail safety program allows an officer to alert domestic abuse victims when their abuser is being let out of jail.

NAPS Welcomes New Officers

Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be presenting badges to 5 new police officers on Friday. Graduating officers are Trent Abernot, Graham Cotter, Aaron Dodge, Evan Polini, and Peter Schoenfeld. The new police will work in the North West and North East Regions.

Elementary Teachers Strike Today

Thunder Bay's public school board teachers are taking part in a one day strike today.  Over 500 teachers are rallying across the City today at 5 local schools, the offices of MPPs Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle and Mini Queen's Park.  Local ETFO President Ellen Chambers says they feel for the parents who were left scrambling for a babysitter.  Public teachers with the Lakehead Public School Board will be back to work tomorrow.

Griffon Officer To Receive Medal

Yet another Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal is being given out in Thunder Bay.  This time the honour is going to Lieutenant-Commander Carolyn Garrity of the HMCS Griffon.    The ceremony is taking place at Rumours Dining Room at Confederation College this afternoon at 3:30. 

NWO's Wilde Gets More Kudos

More accolades for Atikokan blues and jazz artist Sunday Wilde. A radio station out of the U.K. has Wilde among its nominees for best female blue acts in its year end awards. Area residents can vote by email your choice to studio@severnfm.com with a subject: blues awards.

Fort Frances Tries To Plan

The mayor of Fort Frances says the town is working diligently to minimize the impact felt by the indefinite idling of the kraft mill and a paper machine at Resolute Forest Products. Roy Avis says it includes forming a council sub-committee that look at the town's economic future under his direction.  Avis says council's also had talks already with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle; Northern Development Parliamentary Assistant Bill Mauro and company officials.

Minnesota Wants Moose Declared Endangered

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to add moose to the state's endangered species list. The moose population is declining in Minnesota, so the DNR wants to list the animal as a `species of concern.' The status wouldn't limit hunting. That would happen only if moose moved to threatened or endangered status.

Kelseys Raises Money For Movember

Thunder Bay's Kelseys Restaurant is donating money from it's Movember campaign.  They raised over 23-hundred dollars which will be used towards local organizations.