Thayer gushes over city donation

There's high fives all around at Thunder Bay's RegenMed after city council's decision to award the company half a million dollars. CEO Bob Thayer says it proves the city is behind the company's efforts to develop a human bone and tissue bank.  Thayer says the money is going towards developing freeze dried tissue

Rafferty surprised by Layton revelation

Thunder Bay M-P John Rafferty is expecting to see Jack Layton back in the helm as strong as ever. Rafferty says he was surprised by the news that Layton was stepping down temporarily to be treated for cancer.  Rafferty says the NDP Caucus will meet Wednesday to discuss the appointment of an interim leader.

Out of province firefighters "recycled"

Some 116-forest fires continue to burn across Northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Carin Glassford says they are starting to see some new blood come in to assist weary firefighters. 600-fires have been reported this season, with over 560-thousand hectares of land consumed. That's the third highest on record since 1917.

Evacuees not returning too soon

The Province isn't going to jump the gun and allow First Nation residents to return home.  Over 34-hundred evacuees are staying in 13-communities. Ian Davidson is the Deputy Minister of Community Safety and he says patience is the key right now. Davidson adds that the Government wants to ensure affected communities are fully stocked with food, water and other items before they start sending residents home.

Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Centre gets funding

Agriculture in Northwestern Ontario is getting a big boost from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.  MPP Bill Mauro says 621 thousand dollars in funding will go towards research in fertilizer.  Mauro says while agriculture isn't a huge industry in the region, it is becoming more important with the increase in demand for locally grown food.

Catholic Board names new superintendent

The Catholic School Board's new Superintendent of Education is coming back home.  Maria Vasanelli is originally from Thunder Bay and attended Lakehead University.  She is going to return to the city after years of holding down various high level education positions within the Ontario Catholic school system in Southern Ontario.   Vasanelli is replacing Joan Powell who is now the Director of Education

City donates $ to RegenMed

The city is getting itself into the business of regenerative medicine.   Councillors have agreed to donate half a million dollars towards RegenMed to help it become a human tissue bank for transplant operations.   As well councillors have formally given approval to last week's decision to build  stylized light sculptures at Port Arthur's Landing as part of the waterfront development project.