Riverside Health in Rainy River has plan

Riverside Health Care Facilities says it's prepared to deal with possible closures of the emergency room at Rainy River Health Centre.  But CEO Wayne Woods says the main focus is still trying to get continue assistance for the town's lone full-time physician.  The hospital has been relying on locum doctors since July and will have assistance through to the first week of January.

Local Sports Scores

Thunder Bay's North Stars defeated the Duluth Clydesdales 6-2 at the Fort William Gardens Friday night. 3 Thunder Bay rinks are in action Saturday at the Northern Ontario Women's Provincial Championships in Copper Cliff, Ontario. Krista McCarville beat fellow T.Bay'er Ashley Kallos 11-7 Friday night. McCarville plays again today at 9:30.

No "Bomb"ardier

The police search of the Bombardier plant is now over and no bomb was found. The plant had to be evacuated Friday afternoon after police say that someone called security at the facility and said there was a bomb in the building. After that it became somewhat of a spectacle as the entire city transit system was shut down as bus after bus was sent to the Montreal Street facility so workers could have someplace to stay warm. Eventually they were given the rest of the day off as police searched the sprawling complex. It wasn't until about 7:30 Friday evening that police sounded the all clear and handed the plant back over to company management.

GTE Solar coming to council

Council will be getting a presentation from GTE at tonight's meeting.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto says he isn't surprised to see so many solar projects coming to Thunder Bay considering we have the 2nd most sunlight in the country.  The company is hoping to build 3 solar parks in the area.

Final Report on World Junior's coming to council

City Council is going to hear a final report on the World Junior Baseball Championships.  Thunder Bay International Baseball Executive Director Warren Philp says they want to give council some final numbers on summer 2010 event.  Philp says he hopes that this tournament will be the first of many for the city.

Foundation grants almost 120 K

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is playing Santa Claus for 28 local charity organizations. It's divided close to 120 thousand dollars amongst all of them. Spokesperson Mark Wright says the money will go to meeting a variety of local needs.Wright says the Foundation tried to align its grants with the strategic priorities of the City of Thunder Bay.

Bomb threat forces the evac of Bombardier

A bomb threat at Bombardier has led the the evacuation of all staff at the facility.  Thunder Bay Police Officials say they used the city's transit buses to keep workers warm while a search of the building was conducted after the threat came in just after 12.  Transit services were suspended but have since been resumed.  Bombardier Employees have been moved to a warehouse at the Resolute Mill.

Hospital CEO Salary guidelines touted

The Ontario Hospital Association wants Ontario hospitals to develop guidelines for CEO salaries. Health Sciences Centre Human Resources Spokesperson Don Halpert is also in favour of the idea. Halpert says as it is now hospitals pay different amounts and they compete to hire top executives.

Science North unveils planetarium

Science North is over the moon over its new portable digital planetarium for the Northwest. Spokesperson Nicole Chiasson says the inflatable unit is going to make its way to any school or festival that requests it.  It's located at the Boys and Girls Club on Junot Avenue.

SHIFT gives money to United Way

Thunder Bay's Young Professionals Network SHIFT is giving 3-thousand dollars to the United Way.  The money will go towards United Way's GenNext Cabinet.  The cabinet engages youth and teaches them about philanthropy.

Gravelle addresses Injured Workers

MPP Michael Gravelle is taking the call of Thunder Bay's Injured Workers seriously.  The local group is accusing the Liberal Government of cutting benefits for the injured as a way for making up years of underfunding.  The injured workers are rallying at Mini Queen's Park today on James Street.  Gravelle says he's passing on their concerns to the Minister of Labour.

Legion calls for death benefits for all soldiers

The Royal Canadian Legion says it's shameful that unmarried soldiers killed in combat are not eligible for a death benefit.  Former local legion President Roy Lamore says the 250 thousand dollar death benefit should be made available to all soldiers.  The legion is calling on the Federal Government to expand the benefit to all soldiers killed in action.

Our MP's are in the dark when it comes to the multi-plex

Our MP's say they haven't been involved in the city's bid for Multi-Plex Funding.  John Rafferty says he wanted to help out but didn't hear from the city.  Bruce Hyer says no one from the city contacted him and until that happens he won't get involved in the project.

The Beacons have been lit

The Beacons on the Waterfront are being tested.  The LED lights could be seen scrolling in morse code yesterday evening and they were visable from good distance away.

Letter shows Hobbs got off with a warning

We now know a little more about what the province's Civilian Police Commission had to say about how it disciplined our mayor. A letter from the Commission to Police Services Board chair Joe Virdiramo essentially shows that Mayor Keith Hobbs received nothing more than a verbal lashing for his "technical breach of confidentiality". It says he was told what's discussed behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. The letter says the Mayor was spoken to at length about conflicts of interest and was told to educate himself on the rules on how board members are to conduct themselves...and finally the letter says Hobbs should treat his fellow board members better.

Locals weigh in on Attawapiskat

The crisis in Attawapiskat is shining a bright spotlight on the problems in the First Nations community.  We asked people in Thunder Bay if they agree with the way Harper Government has handled the crisis.

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United Way still needs another million

The United Way campaign is still just under a million dollars short of its goal with 25 days to go.  Just over 1.5 million dollars has been raised so far. 

Housing starts up slight in November

2011 should close out on a decent note for new housing construction in Thunder Bay. Government figures from Canada Mortgage and House show detached housing starts in November are ahead of the 10 year average. Meantime 2011 is the strongest year for the construction of new row houses, apartments and condos in since the early 90's

Past Legion President on Japan's apology

Japan has apologized to Canada over it's treatment of Second World War Prisoners. Roy Lamore is the former local legion President and says an apology is an easy way out. Lamore adds you have to accept it regardless because it happened. Japan apologized Thursday for the harsh mistreatment of Canadian prisoners. Lamore notes there are still some POW's still living in the City.

LU Award nominations open

Lakehead University wants to recognize members of the community that help them on a regular basis.  It's part of the fellow awards that recognize individuals who have helped the University grow over the years.  Nominations can be made for volunteers, educators and donors up until January 6th.

Hydro Crews close west lane of Dawson Road

Thunder Bay Hydro is closing down the west bound lane of Dawson Road.  Crews are working in the area of Hilldale Road and Hazelwood Drive.  The lane closure will take place in the day only and will move as the work progresses down the road.

P.A. man gets military award from G.G.

A Port Arthur Afghanistan vet is being honoured by the Governor General.  Chief Warrant Officer Shawn Stevens is receiving the Meritorious Service Cross.  Stevens was the regimental sergeant-major of the battle group in Afghanistan from October 2009 to May 2010.

NOMA on Environment Report

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is tearing a strip of Ontario's Environmental Commissioner. In his most recent report, Gordon Miller suggested the Caribou Conservation Plan would have only a limited impact on local communities. NOMA Vice-President Dave Canfield says Miller has his facts wrong.

Manitou Apartment fire last night

Thunder Bay's Fire Department is investigating a third floor apartment fire on Manitou Street.  The apartment building was evacuated last night just after seven o'clock.  No one was in the apartment at the time of the fire.  Crews quickly extinguished the fire and minimal damage is reported.

Police investigating break-ins

Thunder Bay Police are looking for the person or people responsible for a number of vehicle break-ins on the south side.  Officials say 3 vehicles were broken into Saturday near Fort William Gardens during a Lakehead Thunderwolves game. 

Relative pleads to driver...give yourself up

A relative of an elderly woman who died after a hit an run in October, wants the person responsible to turn themselves in. Joyce Ryan was killed in the collision at Victoria and Leyand. Daughter-in-law Judy Szabo  thinks the suspect should come clean. The family is holding a memorial service Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4 o'clock at the Prosvita Hall on Gore Street.

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Leblanc says RIM could be in trouble

Research in Motion is running out of time and chances.  That's from former Executive Anthony Leblanc who says a recent string of company hiccups and poor sales with the BlackBerry Playbook have led to dropping stock prices.  Leblanc says if things don't turn around RIM could be acquired.

Hobbs to return to Police Services Board

Mayor Keith Hobbs is back on the Police Services Board after being off for 9 months. Hobbs says the province's Civilian Police Commission ruled information he made public last spring didn't warrant his removal from the board. Hobbs stopped short of saying I told you so. Hobbs says he's agreed to tone down his delivery.

NOSM has new contract with faculty

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has a new ratified contract with its full time staff.  The deal includes full time faculty, librarians, and professional staff at the school.  The four year deal comes with a 1.5 percent wage increase the first 2 years and 2 percent in the final two years.

Hospital launches yuletide fundraiser

The Health Science's Centre Foundation is asking for your donation. President Glenn Craig says they're looking to raise money in the annual Christmas appeal. This year it's for Emergency Department services.The goal is 75 thousand dollars.

Hospital experience hotline

Northwestern Ontario seniors who have had bad experiences in area hospitals are being asked to share their stories. Mary Cook is a spokesperson for the group that's hosting the health care hotline. Cook says they'll be using the stories to pursuade the Provincial Government to boost health care spending in the upcoming budget. The number is 1-888-599-0770.

News Conference on Hobbs today at 1

The Police Service Board is gathering today to discuss the conclusion of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigation of Mayor Keith Hobbs.  Chair Joe Virdiramo will be holding a news conference at 1:00 today at the Police Station on Balmoral Street.

Fort William North Stars host Dudley Hewitt Cup

The Fort William North Stars will be hosting the Dudley-Hewitt Cup this Spring.  The Central Canadian Junior A championships will be held at the Fort William Gardens this April.  Tickets area already being sold for the event.

Memorial Service for Joyce Ryan Thursday

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from any witnesses of an October second fatal motor vehicle accident.  On October 2nd, 60 year old Joyce Ryan was a passenger in a car driven by her husband when a stolen pick up truck ran the stop sign at the intersection and hit the side of their car. Sgt. Glenn Porter says they are waiting the result of forensic evidence. A memorial service is being held Thursday for Joyce Ryan.

More people getting flu shots

More people are taking advantage of the free flu shot clinics put on by the Health Unit. Officials say that the numbers are up over last year. Approximately 11 thousand people have already been immunized, 500 more than in 2010. There are still 4 clinics remaining this month.
Mon. Dec. 12 - Vickers Heights Community Centre - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 13 - Gorham and Ware School - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 19 - Neebing Municipal Office - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 20 - MacGregor Community Centre - 3:00 – 7: 00 pm

Lakehead School Board Chair re-elected

The Lakehead Public School Board is returning for another school year with Deborah Massaro as their Chair.  Massaro was elected for a fifth term as the head of the board.  Trustee Karen Wilson was also elected for a third term as Vice Chair.

Accident on Golf Links Road

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a motor vehicle accident on Golf Links Road.  Police say it's a minor accident and that one of the drivers is complaining of back pain.  Traffic is backing up in the area and take caution.

Radio Marathon for Christmas Cheer is a success

Christmas Cheer is almost 23 thousand dollars closer to its goal thanks to our 34 hour Radio Marathon.  Chair Linda Gambee says she was hoping for 10 thousand and is amazed how great it turned out.  Gambee says she doesn't have a hard number but thinks they've passed the 60 thousand dollar raised mark. 

Op Red Nose making its mark

There's two more weekends to go for Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose.  Organizer Toni Lightwood says so far it's been another successful season driving party goers home safely. So far volunteers have provided almost 180 rides.

The LU Thunderwolves are 7th in the country

The Lakehead Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team is up in this week's CIS Rankings.  The wolves went from 8th to 7th this week after a weekend sweep of the Calgary Dino's.  The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds remain first followed closely by the McGill Redmen. 

Local cancer care feted

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have something to brag about.   They've been given Quality and Innovation Awards for their work in cancer prevention.    The Research Institute got it for its work with HPV screening while the medical school received  it for running a quit smoking program with the Regional Hospital

CRTC approves Minneapolis signals

Shaw Cable customers in Thunder Bay will be getting their Minneapolis TV back.   The Canadian Radio and Television Commission has approved Shaw's application to switch from the Detroit stations currently being offered.   The company argued that Minneapolis signals offer programming that is more relevant to our region.   Spokesperson Chris Kucharski says the change will take place in the new year and will involve all the major American network stations out of the Twin Cities.

Wasaya Christmas Cheer

Wasaya Airways is getting into the holiday spirit and flying food and toys into the First Nation communities it serves.  Spokesperson Jennifer Mihalcin says they're delivering goodies all this week.  Christmas turkeys and goodie bags will be delivered to Cat Lake, Pikangikum, Bearskin, Fort Hope and Deer Lake First Nations.

Campbell on auditor general's report

NDP Natural Resources Critic Sarah Campbell is concerned with the findings of the Auditor General. Campbell takes issue with the review of the government's renewable energy and forest management initiatives. Campbell is calling on the McGuinty Government to put more money into staffing the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Hupka returns as board chair

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.  Bob Hupka is returning for another year as the Chair of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.  With his 13 years behind him Hupka is the longest serving Trustee on the board.   Tony Romeo is returning as the Vice-Chair.

Sudbury gets NDP Leadership debate

All nine NDP hopefuls vying for the top job with the Federal NDP will be duking it out in Sudbury for an all candidates debate.  The February debate is being organized by Richard Eberhardt who says they want to hear from each candidate about "northern issues".  The all candidates debate will take place February 5th.

Urban Bird in Thunder Bay

The City is showcasing it's young entrepreneurs.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took part in the grand opening of 27 year old Lauren Ischkin's new store "The Urban Bird." Ischkin says she couldn't do it alone and received support from the City and money from the Province.  Ischkin says it's great that she's able to operate a business in her home town.

ER troubles in Rainy River

Ontario's Health Minister says emergency room service at Rainy River Health Centre will be manned during the Christmas holidays.  Deb Matthews says interim help will be available from December 23rd to January 2nd to cover the communities only full time physician.  But Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says long-term solutions are needed.  A recruitment drive for another full-time physician is ongoing.

Man hit by car

Thunder Bay Police are trying to identify a man that was hit by a car at the intersection of Memorial and Isabel Street on Friday.  The driver who had hit the man picked him up and drove him from the Intercity Mall to Victoriaville.  Police are asking for any information about this incident or the identity of the man.