Police Release Mac's Robbery Photos

Police are releasing photos from Monday night's Mac's convenience store robbery on Balsam Street. Just before 10:00 p.m. a man walked into the store and told the cashier he had a weapon and wanted money.  Police are looking for a 45 year old white man that's six feet tall with a heavy build and a goatee.

School Bus Schedules Online

Parents and Guardians of students in Thunder Bay are now able to check online for their kids bus schedules. Student Transportation Services Spokesperson David Carrol says you can access the information by logging onto their web page and clicking on parent portal. You need the student's Ontario education number and birthdate to access information. Click here for a link to the website.

Northern Ontario Won't Lose Seats

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission is going to be holding a public meeting in Thunder Bay in two months time.  It comes after they announced there would be no changes made to Northern Ontario's 10 electoral districts.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says we need to have strong representation at the local meeting.  Hyer is also welcoming the idea of Manitouwadge joining the Thunder Bay Superior North riding.

Beach Advisories In Place At Boulevard

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is placing three of Boulevard Lake's beaches under swimming advisories.   There are high levels of e-coli at the main beach, Sunnyside and Sandycove beach. 

NAPS & OPP Sign Agreement

Ron van Straalen & Claude Chum

OPP and Nishnawbe-Aski Police continue to work together. The two police forces signed a 3 year operational agreement today. NAPS Chief Claude Chum says it replaces expired protocols. The agreement lays out protocols dealing with sharing equipment and services. It also provides guidelines on culturally appropriate policing for First Nations.

College Faculty Collective Agreement Set To Expire

Ontario's College Faculty Collective Agreement is set to expire on Friday.  The Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Province are in negotiations over the new contract but if one isn't reached a strike vote is set for September 10th.  Confederation College President Jim Madder says he hopes the two sides continue to talk. Madder says if a faculty strike occurs the school will stay open but classes won't resume.

Conservatory Set To Re-Open

Safety netting and new plants are on the menu to help open the conservatory.  Council passed a motion last night that will see the city run facility re-opened to the public in a couple of months at a cost of 76-thousand dollars.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff believes the number of visitors to the venue just aren't there.

ETFO Rally At Government Building

Upset teachers are sending a message today outside of Mini Queen's Park on James Street.   The rally is being held alongside a protest happening at Queen's Park in Toronto.  President of the local chapter of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Ellen Chambers says they're not just upset with the McGuinty government over legislation to impose a two year contract, but with the Conservatives as well. Chambers says people need to know that it's not the wage freeze that's bothersome to teachers but the unwillingness to negotiate that has them upset.

Mac's Robbery

Police are looking to the public for assistance in solving another Mac's convenience store robbery overnight. City police say the robbery occurred at the Balsam Street location just before 10:00 o'clock when a white man, approximately 40 years old walked into the store and indicated that he had a weapon demanding cash from the lone woman who was working. He then ran from the scene in an unknown direction.  Police are asking for the public's help with any information about this robbery to call them or Crime Stoppers.

City To Buy Radar Signs For Dawson Rd.

City council is buying radar signage to be installed on Dawson Road. Lawmakers voted to spend $33,000 out of the 2013 budget to purchase the signs that indicate your speed. Council felt it was a community safety issue and the signs should be visible on Dawson Road in a couple of months.

New Speed Limit On Oliver At Golf Links

City Council is moving forward with a speed reduction on Oliver Road. Lawmakers voted in favour of reducing the speed limit from 60 to 50 kilometres an hour last night. The new speed limit will be in effect from the intersection at Golf Links Road.

Watch Out For Bears

City police are warning you about the potential dangers of bears wandering into the city. Police were alerted to the presence of a bear last night on James Street at approximately 8:00 o'clock. They kept an eye on the animal until it vacated the area. Unconfirmed reports had a young bear in a wooded area near Castlegreen at approximately 7:00 o'clock last night. In another instance, an adult bear was spotted on Wardrope Avenue during rush hour. Police are reminding you to use caution when in the presence of wild animals.

Road Work Today

The City is warning motorists about a road closure today. John St. Road between Chercover Drive and Biloski Road will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or until work is complete. The reason for the closure is to install a new residential sewer and water connection.