Charges Laid In Accident

The OPP are charging a 51 year old man with several traffic offences after a collision Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 61 and Chippewa Road.  The man is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and following too close.

Chemo And Smoking Don't Mix

A Cancer Care consultant is travelling the province with a warning about smoking during cancer treatment.  Dr. Bill Evans says that studies show clearly that smoking helps to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  He says that even some doctors need to be taught about the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

Benny Birch Retiring

Benny Birch is calling it a day.  The St. Joseph's Foundation is retiring the mascot.  This year will be his 33rd and final birthday party that helps raise money for St. Joseph's.  The event has raised over a million dollars.

E.C. Funding Creates Buzz

The city's proposed event centre is now into the next phase with both the federal and  provincial governments providing 1.1 million dollars for a design study.  Minister of State Greg Rickford says it's a project that's worth funding because it will have a benefit for the entire region, not just Thunder Bay. Rickford says the centre will provide an important economic opportunity for northwestern Ontario.  Mayor Keith  Hobbs says he's pleased to see both levels of government coming together to help the city and  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the design phase is a positive step forward in getting the project off the ground adding, the city is taking the right steps in guiding the project along.

Tbaytel Sponsors Golf Tournament

Tbaytel is presenting the upcoming PGA Thunder Bay Classic golf tournament.  The company is providing 150 thousand dollars over the next three years.  Organizer Scott Smith says it's win-win for both parties involved. The tournament will be held for the first time this summer.

Dryden Worries About MPAC

The provincial Government has alerted local leaders of a plan to implement 26-recommendations to improve the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The move will change the way MPAC does business and will allow for more transparency, Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says recent mill assessments have handcuffed several communities including Thunder Bay.  A letter released by the government states they are confident that implementing the recommendations and working with area communities will result in a fair, accurate and predictable system.

Northern Look At Wireless Auction

Tbaytel was shut out in the recent sell-off of wireless services in Canada. The regional company participated in the auction but failed to win any bids. Bell, Rogers, Telus and Bragg Communications received the winning bids for licenses in northern Ontario. A total of 97-licenses were awarded to 8 companies. The auction netted the federal government more than 5.2-billion dollars.

Osisko Ramps Up Attack On Goldcorp

Opposition to an unsolicited take-over bid from Goldcorp continues from Osisko Mining. Chief Executive Officer Sean Roosen says the bid is preventing shareholders from getting a dividend on their investment. Roosen says Osisko planned for a significant dividend policy, but claims that some of the money is now being spent on lawyers and bankers dealing with the legal challenge against Goldcorp. A Quebec court is to hear the matter March 3rd. Roosen is again urging shareholders to reject the bid.

OPP Warn Drivers

OPP are cautioning motorists to drive with extra care in preparation for a winter storm that is expected to hit our city. Police are asking people to postpone all non-essential travel until conditions improve, and asks for motorists to slow down.

Hospital Addresses Fire Code Violations

Hospital CEO Andree Robichaud admits they violated the fire code by treating patients in alcoves. Staff had to treat patients in the alcoves during times when the facility was overcrowded. At a news conference Thursday, Robichaud says while they were looking for alternatives to the alcoves they were fined. Robichaud says they did the best they could with the decisions they had to make.

1.1 Million For Events Centre

The Provincial Government and FedNor are giving the City 1.1 million dollars for the proposed Event and Convention Centre. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the funding will help take the heat off the City. Both levels will pony up their share of the funding which will allow Thunder Bay to complete a detailed design of the centre.

College Gives Out Cash

Confederation College President Jim Madder says its a chance to recognize top students and local donors. Over 250 students were given a total of 120 thousand dollars yesterday to help them continue learning at the college. Madder says the donors are made up of former students and others in the community who believe in what the college is doing

Winter Storm Warning For Tbay

Old man winter just won't go away as a winter storm warning is in effect.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Marie-Eve Giguere says two systems one from Alberta and one coming up from the Southern U.S. will hook up and dump 25-30 centimetres of snow on us. The heavy snow will likely start tonight and last well into Friday night.

More Vandalism At Silver City

Another night of vandalism at Silver City.  Two more vehicles were spray painted in the parking lot between 7:00 and 9:30 last night.  The vandals are also going through vehicles, stealing valuables and then spray painting them.  Police have adjusted the total and are now saying that is seven incidents in the past two nights.  Anyone with any information is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS.