Dragon's Den Here Saturday

Calling all local entrepreneurs. CBC's Dragons Den is in the City Saturday holding auditions at Lakehead University.  You need to be able to pitch your idea in less than five minutes.  Auditions run from 10 until 5 Saturday. 

No Change In Schools Situation

Safety procedures remain in place at two public schools.   The so called "Hold and Secure" mode at CD Howe and Kakabeka Falls schools has been in effect all week because of what police say was a threat made to a teacher.   School board officials are reviewing the situation daily.

Hovorka To Be Honoured Monday

City Hall will pay tribute to Shy-Anne Hovorka Monday night. The Thunder Bay resident is an award winning Aboriginal musician. She's set to receive the Citizens of Exceptional Achievement award. Hovorka is being recognized for winning six Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards.

Hope Classic Set To Go

The 17th annual Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic charity curling bonspiel is all set for the Family Day weekend at the Fort William Curling Club.   Last year the event raised 177 thousand dollars and organizer Susan Childs is optimistic that it will be another huge fundraising success.

Charges Laid In Bus Assault

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 46 year old man with assault on a woman bus driver. It's alleged the man was asked to pay for the bus ride which resulted in him assaulting the driver. The man will appear in court on March 30th.

NW LHIN Launch Health Care Plan

The region's health authority is out with its health services plan for Northwestern Ontario. Local Health Integration Network CEO Laura Kokocinski says one of their priorities is establishing an e-Health network. Kokocinski says electronic medical records will soon be available for patients at many hospitals and health care settings in the region. The LHIN's plan also aims to ease congestion at the Health Sciences Centre, provide more health care in the community and enhance chronic disease prevention.

Transit Union Calling For Increased Safety

A pair of incidents involving city bus drivers is prompting their union to call for increased safety protocols. Local Union President Sheila Kivisto says one verbal incident three weeks ago has resulted in one female being placed on a leave and on Tuesday, another female driver was physically assaulted. Kivisto says driver abuse numbers across the country and in Thunder Bay are on the rise and it's not just female drivers who are the targets.

Extra 10K Could Be Added To Budget

City Council is considering putting 10 thousand dollars towards opening heated pools earlier in the year.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's hard to know how they'll vote on that.  Johnson notes 10 thousand isn't much money but in the end it will have an impact on the budget.  City Hall is also holding another public input session on the budget February 13th.

Transport Accident Closes Highway

The Highway 20 kilometres West of White River is back open in both directions following an accident overnight involving one tractor trailor. Provincial police say the driver lost control and the big rig overturned and blocked the highway in both directions. Police say the accident happened after 11:30 last night and were able to clear the Highway at 4:30 this morning. Charges may be pending. No injuries are being reported.

Northern Tankard Results

Trevor Bonot's rink playing out of Thunder Bay is tied atop the standings with the 4-time defending champion, Brad Jacobs after the opening day of competition at the Northern Ontario Tankard in Nipigon. Bonot and Jacobs are both 2-0 in the regional men's curling championships. Al Hackner's team is 1-0 and had a bye last night. Jeff Currie and Bryan Burgess each went 1-1 on the opening day with three draws set for today, which determines the Brier rep for the region.

Library Looks At Options

Thunder Bay's Public Library budget is coming in at almost 5.4 million dollars.  It's a 143-thousand dollar increase in their finances from the City.  CEO John Pateman says one of the things on their mind is the current lease for the County Fair Mall that expires this fall.  The two options for the library are to either lease a new location within the mall or build a new facility outside of the mall.  Pateman says they'll take some time to explore both options and notes they are in talks with the new owners of the County Fair Mall.

Golf Courses Missing Break Even Point

City Golf courses are missing the break-even point by almost 213-thousand dollars.  That's 1-thousand 900 dollars more than 2012's budget projection.  City Staff are recommending a 2 percent increase in all golf fees in 2013 which they note is a risky estimate since weather can both positively and negatively affect that figure.

Community & Emergency Services Budget

45.4 million dollars is going towards the City's Community & Emergency Services Department Operating Budget.  Areas being increased include in Fire Services and Emergency Medical Services.  The EMS budget came in higher because of an expansion that puts 8 additional paramedics in ambulances to address the increasing demand for 911 service.  Fire's operating figures are coming in at almost 25 million and increased due to 3 full time employees.

Council Tackles Outside Board Budgets

City Hall is looking at the budget's of it's outside boards.  The Community Economic Development Commission is asking for 1.18 million dollars which is a 2 percent increase from the year before.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson questioned the board wanting to know if they needed that much money and was critical of their request.  Meanwhile, the Public Library's budget is increasing 2.7% at 5.3 million dollars.

Rae Day In T.Bay

Interim Federal Liberal Leader and one time Ontario Premier Bob Rae is going to be in the City March 11th.  He'll be touring Bombardier, the new Northern Law School and the Waterfront.  Rae will also be speaking  at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon event.

Federal Offender Wanted

A Canada Wide Warrant is out for a federal offender who may be in Northern Ontario.  The 35 year old is 5'8 and weights over 200 pounds, has brown eyes and a shaved head.  He also has a scar above his right eye and has a history of sexual assault and assault related offences.  Anyone who may have information can contact Crimestoppers.

LUSU Pleased With Governors Decision

The president of the Lakehead University Student Union is giving it two thumbs up.  Emma Brightwell is pleased the university's Board of Governors is allowing the student union reps on the board to vote on tuition fee increases.   She gives credit to last years union president.  Brightwell says it brings the institution into line with others across the country.   The student union,  last year,  threatened court action if the issue wasn't addressed. 

Safety Procedures Continue

Safety procedures  are continuing at CD Howe and Kakabeka Falls public schools today. It follows what police say were threats to a teacher earlier in the week.  Police say safety procedures which included student escorts will continue just as a precaution.  No incidents have been reported.  The school board says it will be accessed on a daily basis.

Holiday Inn Applies For City Permit

The Holiday Inn is coming back to Thunder Bay in 2014.   The company has applied for a permit to build the foundation to a new 3 story 88 room Holiday Inn Express.  City Hall says it will be located on the Harbour Expressway across the street from the Real Canadian Superstore. It will be nearby the new 5 story, 148 room Marriott Hotel being built right in front of the Superstore.

Robbery Arrest Made

City police say they have made an arrest in connection with two recent Mac's Convenience Store robberies.Police arrested a 21 year old man at 2 o'clock this morning and he was taken into police custody where he is expected to make a court appearance later today. The robberies in question took place at the Oliver Road Mac's store that occurred on January 22nd and the Beverly Street Mac's Break and Enter on January 29th.  The man is facing robbery charges along with wearing a disguise with intent and breaking an entering.