Fire Chief issues thin ice caution

An ice warning from the Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service. Chief John Hay says the alert is coming earlier than normal. He says you should stay off the ice on all the rivers, streams and lakes adding, water on top of the ice and waterflow underneath has caused considerable erosion.   Hay says there have been no close calls so far

BISNO hosts virtual dirt car races

A local charity is back raising money for Brain Injury Support Services of Northern Ontario. The group hosts a computer dirt racing event at the SportsDome every year. Spokesperson Jessie Bielski is inviting you to take part.  They're looking for you to put together a team of 5 people.    The entry fee is 500 dollars in pledges per team.   Over the last 3 years 20 thousand dollars has been raised.  The event takes place April 17th.

Health Unit introduces new MOH

The new Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District is Dr. Henry Kurban. Because of rules by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, the 34 year old Kurban says his scope of responsibility is limited for one year.   The restricted licence means he'll be under the supervision of Dr. Graham Pollett the MOH from the Middlesex-London Health Unit and also Dr. Samuel Graham in Thunder Bay.    Until that  year is complete Kurban is officially considered the Acting Medical Officer Health.

NAN Women's council host 4th annual forum.

The fourth annual Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Traning Forum is underway. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says its an empowering event that gives a voice to NAN women.  He says drug and alcohol abuse is deffinately the greatest issue facing his people.  The event includes workshops on a number of topics including wellness, education, parenting and violence.

NAN Grand Chief is encouraging Harper government to adopt UN resolution

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is encouraging the Harper Government to adopt a UN resolution on the rights of aboriginals. Grand Chief Stan Beardy says Canada is the only country who hasn't signed the declaration and its about time the Federal government gets inline with the rest of the world.  Beardy says the declaration sets the perametres on how business is done with aboriginals and is vital for the future First Nations people.

Police looking for drug store robber

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man who robbed a North Edward Street Drug Store. Police say the man entered the Shoppers Drug Mart Sunday and walked out with a quanitity of prescription drugs. The suspect appeared to have a handgun.

Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit makes drug bust

Over 15 thousand dollars worth of illegal drugs have been taken of the streets. The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit conducted a search of an apartment yesterday morning in the 100 block of Marks Street. A 24 year old man was arrested and a number of firearms, drugs and almost 5 thousand dollars in cash was seized.

Early morning fire rips through Northside house

A house fire in the North side forced Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue to call in 5 pumpers. Crews responded to a two alarm blaze just before 5:00 this morning at a house on 100 Block of Fitzgerald Street. Officials says no one was home at the time.

Missing man located

Missing man Donald Potan has been found safe and sound. Thunder Bay police found the 49 year old on May Street last night. Potan had been missing since last Thursday.

Decision on temporary bus terminal put off for a week

It will be next week before city councillors decide on a temporary site for a south side bus terminal while a new courthouse is being constructed. Councillors voted Monday to send back the issue to administration for more information. There was concern about the preferred site on Donald Street from Archibald to Syndicate Avenues, which was selected by Transit. It followed a presentation by area residents who were concerned what such a terminal would have on their quality of living. Instead some councillors appeared to favour a temporary site at City Hall and wanted to hear back from administration on the pros and cons of that location.

Councillors say yes to giving pools heritage designation

Two city pools have now come under the umbrella of the citys' Heritage Advisory Committee.   The Dease and Heath pools have been given heritage designation.   Committee chair Andrew Cotter and member Gloria Cyr stressed that the designation doesn't mean that the pools are protected from being closed down.  Instead Cotter says it will simply allow for the sites to be recognized as significant.   If the pools are considered for closure the appropriate steps can be taken to give the sites their historical due.

Emergency plan gets thumbs up from local EMO head

The federal government now has a national emergency response plan aimed at making sure key decisions are made quickly when disaster strikes. The move is getting praise from the city's top emergency planner. John Coupland says it will have a trickle down effect. He says it will be now easier for the provinces to get disaster assistance, and in turn it will get to the municipalities faster. The new plan outlines the responsibilities departments and agencies have in national or provincial emergencies

Bus accident sends a few riders to hospital with minor injuries

No comment from Thunder Bay Transit following a collision between two of its's buses. Three city bus riders were taken to hospital on Monday afternoon with minor injuries. It took place around 2 pm on Algoma in front of the Italian Hall. A police spokesperson says one of the bus drivers was charged with an improper lane change.

Ross gives props to Canada for UN vote

A local handicapped spokesperson says it's about time. Ron Ross of the lobby group PUSH is happy Canada has now voted in favour of a United Nations agreement on the rights of the disabled. Ross calls the move great. He says signing the contract shows that Canada respects the legislation necessary to help those that are handicapped. Ross says the agreement is a historic moment for disability rights.

Plasma centre hours being tweaked

Canadian Blood Services is changing the hours of operation for its Thunder Bay plasma centre. Spokesperson Michael Hyduk says it was the result of public demand.  The clinic hours will be as follows:   Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon until 7:30 pm.   Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am until 2 pm.   On six select Saturdays 8 am until 11:30 am.  Hyduk says the new hours take effect March 29th.

Stimulus cash for the outdoors

One provincial park and a camp in northwestern Ontario are getting a facelift thanks to your tax dollars. Neys Provincial Park near Terrace Bay and a Ranger camp near Sioux Lookout are getting 700 thousand dollars in federal and provincial cash. It will be used to make upgrades to both areas.

So You Think You've Got Talen Auditions underway at Intercity

If you're looking for something to do for the March break and are good at something head down to the Intercity mall.  Auditions are underway for So You Think You've Got Talent.  Childrens of all ages and even Adults can show their stuff today until Wednesday.  The winners of each age group will win a $300 Intercity gift card and $200 Bounce Productions Scholarship.  Deadline to enter is tomorrow at 5pm.

International Days hit Lakehead University

International Students are taking centre stage at Lakehead university this week. Bagpipers, African Dancing and Aborginal singing were on display as part of the opening ceremonies for international days. Organizer Tanka Awosika says its important to recognized the around 100 international students at the school. Awosike says different events will be happening throughout the week as part of International Days.

CAs lend their services to immigrants/less fortunate

For the 42nd year, chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes. The free tax clincs will take place from 6 to 9 pm both evenings at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association building on North Court Street. The service is offered by appointment only. The number to call is 345-0551

Would be thief busted in the act this morning

Thunder Bay Police caught a would be thief in the act this morning. At around 12:30 officers responded to an alarm at a bar on Cumberland and found the back door open. Inside the bar they found the culprits bag with his photo ID. The Canine Unit was called in and quickly located a 28 year old and arrested him.