TBSO Fundraiser Hired

Thunder Bay's Stephanie Bateman is the new Development Manager with the Symphony Orchestra.  Her job is to fundraise about 2 million dollars a year for the TBSO something she admits will be a challenge. Bateman admits with money being tight it may be harder to raise funds from the community and governments.

Body Shop Open After Fire

Frankie and Johnny's Auto Body shop on Vickers Street is back in operation after the devastating October 31st fire.   Owner John Wiekowski estimates the blaze caused about half a million dollars in damages.  He says he has lost 50 thousand dollars a month in income and at least 50 thousand dollars worth of his own vehicles that were not insured.  Wiekowski adds 3 of his customers lost up to 70 thousand dollars worth of insured vehicles.  So far officials have not given out the cause of the fire only to say that it was suspicious.    

H1N1 Cases May Be Close To Peaking

The H1N1 virus may be reaching its peak in Thunder Bay.  Dr. David Williams of the District Health Unit says they're crossing their fingers that the worst may be coming to an end.  He says while there have been 78 confirmed cases of the flu so far, with more expected, he's hoping to know by the end of this week if we have reached the crest.    Dr. Williams says there says the H1N1 death toll in the district remains at two.

Students Kept Inside During Deep Freeze

With the dangerous cold upon us both school board's in the city are keeping students inside.   The catholic school board's Pino Tassone  says that's the way it will stay until the the deep freeze is over.   Tessone says it will apply to recess, lunch, nutrition breaks and the period just before school starts.  Tassone says closing schools is not an option that's considered unless there's a major heating malfunction in any school building.

Bad Weather In T-O Delays Flights

If you plan to leave by plane to Toronto today or you are expecting someone from the big city, there may be delays.  Thunder Bay  Airport arrival and departure information shows many flights to and from T-dot are delayed due to the weather there.   You can view the arrival and departure information at this LINK

First Nations Chief Dies

A long-serving northwestern Ontario First Nations chief has died. Family  members report Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson died yesterday in his home. McPherson was first elected chief between 1986 and 1988, returning to office in 1998.  No word yet on funeral arrangements.

Almada Fire Cause Still Unknown

Still no official word on the cause of a fire that ravaged Almada Upholstery on May Street back in October. Owner  April Roukema says fire inspectors have been reluctant to use the "A" word.  She says they have already determined the blaze didn't start in the building itself, which she says is making it look more and more like it may be arson.  Roukema says they won't be able to move back in until the summer, until then,  they are operating on Squire Street.

Another R.I.D.E. Program Ends

Another successful Festive R.I.D.E campaign has come to an end. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest OPP says 43 impaired driving charges were issued, including 21 warn range suspensions. Garr says the numbers are almost identical to last years.   The numbers in the region were on the same provincial average which saw a downward trend.

City Bids Closing Soon

A couple of City bid opportunities are coming to a close in January. The City is looking for a consultant to design and develop a Northwestern Ontario food purchasing model. The deadline for that project is January 16th.  Meanwhile, the expression of interest to purchase Municipal Golf Course is up on January 15th.

Sunday Night Robbery

Thunder Bay Police investigating another robbery in the City.  Around 10:30 last night, a male, armed with a syringe, robbed the Mac's Mart on Simpson Street.  The robber got away with an undisclosed
amount of cash and goods.  The accused is described as a Caucasian male in his 30's, who was last seen wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt, black toque and backpack.  No one was injured.