Commissioner gives out awards

Twenty four OPP officers and civilians in Thunder Bay and area are now recognized for bravery and lifesaving.   The honours were presented by the OPP's top cop, Commissioner Chris Lewis.  He calls it a special relationship between the public and police who work together sometimes to get things done.  Those honoured played a major role in saving a life or attempting to save a life.

Officer recognized for lifesaving

An Thunder Bay OPP officer who saved a teenager from committing suicide has been awarded for saving a life. Constable David White talked the young girl out of jumping from a bridge into the Neebing River in March of last year.  The OPP have given citations to White and Sgt. Robert Elinesky in connection with the incident.

OPP awards citizens for bravery

A number of Thunder Bay citizens are now recognized for their bravery by the OPP. One of them is Danial Allen who helped pull an accident victim out of a burning car in July of last year. Allen says, at the time, his instinct kicked in.Three other men involved with the rescue, Kenneth Tallon, Peter Major and Joseph Miniaci,  have also been honoured.

Ministry still investigating accident

The Ministry of Labour is still investigating last week's industrial accident on Court Street. A 60 year old construction worker was pinned to a wall by a back hoes bucket. Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they are still working on finding out what went wrong. Blajer says they've ordered Bruno's to stop work and provide a compliance plan.

Nurse practitioner clinic now open

The new government funded nurse practitioner clinic is up and running.   It's located in the old McKellar Hospital building on Archibald Street.   The new clinic is available to about 32 hundred people in the city who don't have a family doctor. Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government run clinic is only the third of it's kind in Ontario.

City asks for arbitration

A new development in the Horizon Wind lawsuit saga.  The City of Thunder Bay has asked a Toronto court to have the 126 million dollar lawsuit go to arbitration instead of litigation.  The court date is set for January 13th.  City Lawyer Rosalie Evans says if Horizon agrees the matter could be fast tracked; however Horizon has gone on record saying they won't take that route.

MNR warns about wildlife on highways

Wildlife are on the move during this time of year, and the MNR wants you to be cautious on area highways.  Moose and deer are active at dusk and dawn because they're looking for mates and food.  Conservation Officer Ross Johnston reminds the public to take extra care where roads cross water or wooded corridors.

Nurse Practitioner Clinic Open

The Lakehead Nurse Practitioner clinic is open for business. The new facility offers four nurse practitioners and is electronic medical record ready. The clinic will be able to care for 3 thousand 200 patients.

Police deal with two robberies

Thunder Bay Police are looking for one man after he stole some money from a cab this morning.  Police say the theft happened just before 7:30 in the 800 block of Castlegreen Drive.  The K-9 unit was called in after the suspect fled into the woods.  No arrests have been made at this time.

Yesterday Police arrested a 25 year old after an apparent break and enter.  Police received a call just before 10am from a woman saying she heard someone breaking into her house on Selkirk Street.  When police arrived they apprehended the suspect and found a concealed knife.

Housing Starts on the rise

The City saw a small dip in new housing starts last month but so far 2010 has been solid.  October saw 25 new housing starts, which is slightly less than last year but still higher than the 10 year average.  Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation Analyst Warren Philp says overall we're in good shape. So far this year there have been 181 single family starts. Philp attributes the increase in housing starts to a good resale market.