Police Board looking to hire consultant

Thunder Bay's Police Board wants to hire a consultant to help them find a new Police Chief.  Board Chair Wayne Bahlieda says they hope to have a consultant hired by January.  Bahlieda says they will be looking for candidates from the police world.  Bahlieda says the consultant will help look for a new chief, but won't have hiring powers.

L-U improves in university rankings

Lakehead University is edging up in Maclean's Magazine's national rankings. It moved to 12th from 14th in the category of best undergraduate universities. Provincially, the survey positions L-U at number 3  out of 8, and that's fine by President Brian Stevenson   He says since 90 per cent of students come from Ontario the provincial rankings are important.   Stevenson believes the survey also shows the constant improvement and development of the university.

United Way gives fundraising update

United Way has raised 37 percent of it's 2010 campaign goal.  So far over 920 thousand dollars is in the groups coffers.  The goal is almost 2 and a half million dollars.

Road closure Wednesday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing the North bound lane of Golf Links Road Wednesdy. The closure will be in effect from Central Avenue to Oliver Road from 9 to 4. City crews will be repairing a hydro pole that was broken during a car accident.

Toys for Tots returns

Toys for Tots is back with it's fundraising efforts for another Christmas season. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg  says there are thousands of children from needy families in Thunder Bay who will benefit.  The goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations.

Bad bug on the way

Thunder Bay is working on a plan of attack against the Emerald Ash Borer.  The invasive pest will be in Thunder Bay within the next five years and could devestate the City's urban forest.  Forestry Program Specialist Rena Viehbeck says there are two options.  One of the options is to inject an antibiotic into some of the emerald ash in the city.  Viehbeck says the other option is to do nothing and replace the trees when they die.   Urban Forester Shelly Veccio says it could kill all of the ash trees within the city.

Pharmacies are experiencing shortages

Thunder Bay Pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of prescription drugs.  Janzen's Pharmacy Owner Brenda Adams says part of the problem began when changes were made to the rules governing drug manufacturers.  Adams says a variety of drugs are on back order and some people are going without their prescriptions.  Adams adds the situation is the worst she's seen in her 26 years in the business.

CA Rockstar on youtube

A Thunder Bay resident is doing his best to make Chartered Accountants cool. Richard Jagielowicz is a finalist in the Chartered Accountants of Ontario's Rule the Tube contest. You can support the Thunder Bay CA by watching his youtube Video entitled Rule the Tube CA Rockstar. The contest comes to a close on Friday. To watch his video click here.

Local teens top alcohol survey

Teens in Thunder Bay lead the province in a very dubious category.  They drink more alcohol on average than teens in the rest of Ontario. The Health Unit's Jennifer McFarlane says the Health Unit continues it's efforts to reduce the problem.   The survey by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows 64 per cent of teens have tried alcohol compared to 58 per cent across the province.  The same stats show city teens also binge drink more than their provincial peers.

Dog owner could face charges

The city will decide whether or not to charge the owner of the dog that killed a small Chihuahua at an off leash park. By-law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says the City will take action if the offending dog is not put down. Bourret says if the dog is not put down there will be charges.

A new seniors complex opens its doors

McKellar place has officially opened its doors.  75 temporary housing units are now being occupied at the facility.  The apartments offer seniors independent living with some support from building staff.  The units will be used as a stop gap for seniors until the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors Services opens.

Rafferty's pension bill being discussed

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill is being discussed Tuesday.  Rafferty says they'll be going clause by clause through the bill for the next two weeks.  The NDP member says he hopes to have a vote on the bill just before the Christmas break.

Two TBay men charged

Two men from Thunder Bay face charges following a chase with OPP in Kenora. Officers tried to stop the vehicle on numerous occassions Sunday, however the car failed to stop. It was eventually stopped north of the Kenora Bypass, when police deployed a spike belt. The two men tried to escape on foot, but were nabbed a short time later. OPP say 31-year-old Chadwick Atwood and 32-year-old Stephen Parr both face charges of possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Parr has also been charged with dangerous operation and driving while disqualified.

Habitat helps another family

Another family has moved into a Habitat for Humanity Home in Thunder Bay. The McKay's will now reside at 44 Banning Street thanks to the organization. Mother, Nicole says she's excited about her new home. Another habitat family was recently living in the Banning Street home.

Police busy with weekend robberies

City Police and OPP had to deal with separate robberies on the weekend.   OPP arrested a 36 year old Quebec man after the Imperial Bar and Motel was robbed.  In Thunder Bay police say that they are looking for the man responsible for the knife point robbery of the Elks Lodge on Syndicate Avenue Friday night.

Police nab B & E suspect

A 34 year old man is facing a break and enter charge after an incident on the city's north side. They say a man was seen scoping out some yards on McKibbon Street about 9:30 Monday morning. A suspect was captured on Rupert Street using a police dog. A number of electronic devices were seized at the scene.

College promises more Aboriginal education

Confederation College and Matawa First Nations are partnering. The College has signed an agreement which will see it provide services to the Aboriginal youth in that organization. College President Pat Lang believes the partnership will help make a difference in the First Nations communities.

Operation Red Nose is Back

Operation red nose will be running again this year. Honorary chairman Ken Boshcoff says the message is still getting drivers home safely when they have had too much to drink. He also stated that they are still looking for more sponsors and volunteers. Operation Red Nose starts November 27.

Traffic Jam on Highway 102

Recent snowfall has made travelling on highway 102 something to avoid. Eastbound traffic is blocked due to several transport trucks that have spun out on hills. There are tow trucks on the scene trying to assist the situation. Westbound traffic is still moving but at a very slow pace. Police say if possible take highway 11-17 instead.

Seniors Beware of Mysterious Calls

Thunder Bay police are warning seniors about a new scam circulating through the city.  Seniors are receiving calls from people claiming to be a lawyer representing their grandchild who is in legal trouble and needs money.  Police say this is a scam and anyone who gets a phone call similar to this should hang up and call police immediately.