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.

City to ask Feds for Grain Centre

The City of Thunder Bay is going to ask the Federal Government if a National Grain Industry Activity Centre could be a National Historical Site.  Councillors are going to bring the idea to their intergovernmental affairs committee.  Councillor Mark Bentz says they support the Centre, they just don't have the funds to properly back the Friends of the Grain Elevator's project.  The move means the City will back the project in any way they can just not financially.  The Spokesperson for the Friends of the Grain Elevator says they're more than pleased with council's decision.

Special Olympics needs cash

The City of Thunder Bay is getting a report on funding the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games. The local committee is asking for over 13 thousand dollars. The money is to be used to offset the costs of transportation. The committee is responsible for the transportation of all coaches and athletes to all of the sport venues and activities. The money is for the use of 3 buses from Thunder Bay Transit. Council is going to make a decision on whether or not to approve the request in two weeks time.

It's Credit Education Week

The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is kicking off Credit Education Week with a public launch at the Intercity Mall Tuesday at noon.  The group hopes to educate consumers how to manage their money.  Counsellor Bev Dunnil made a presentation to City Council Monday night.  Dunnil says they want residents to make a budget and stick with it.  A series of free financial training programs and workshops will be provided this week.

Students help create dreams

Sir Winston Churchill Highschool Students will continue to help seniors realize their dreams.  The City of Thunder Bay's George Alexander says he will work with the organizers of the "Dreamweaver" program to help offset some of the costs associated with providing activities to seniors.  Peer Leadership Teacher Ryan McDonnell is asking for the city to provide 1 thousand 500 dollars and donations such as tickets to the Thunder Bay Auditorium and other city run venues.

Police deny chase was dangerous

City police say there was no danger posed during a short chase on Saturday evening near the supper hour.   A caller to our newsroom says a city police cruiser  chased a red car on Golf Links Road and went through a red light at James Street.    He says the vehicles reached speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, and he called it dangerous.   Police couldn't tell us what speeds were involved, but say that once the vehicle they were chasing went through the red light they stopped the pursuit so there was no danger.   They were trying stop the driver, who is wanted on a warrant.

Problems close Tournament Centre

An ice malfunction has forced the closure of the Thunder Bay Tournament Centre on Highway 61. Both rinks will not be open Monday night, but will be in use Tuesday.

Transit gives vets a free ride

Thunder Bay Transit is saying "thank you" to war veterans and their families. This Thursday, Remembrance Day, they will get to ride for free on the bus. Transit's Jon Hendel says it's the least they can do.  The free rides extend to cadets and all forces members.   All transit buses will stop at 11 am on Thursday to commemorate 2 minutes of silence.

Med School strike O-V-E-R

The strike at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is over.   The school's Board of Directors have voted to accept the new deal.  It's a 3 year deal that has a one time wage increase of 3 and a quarter per cent. A back to work date is still in the works.

School Board and city say yes to new plan

The McGuinty government is getting input on a new 10 year plan for funding road, sewer and building projects.  Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli believes it would be very valuable to people who manage our school boards, hospitals, colleges and universities.   Chiarelli was in Thunder Bay to get input on the proposal.  Both the Lakehead Public School Board and the City of Thunder Bay say the ten year plan is a valuable tool.

Hovorka takes top honours

Thunder Bay's Shy-Anne Hovorka is back in the spotlight. The singer was awarded female entertainer of the year at the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards on the weekend. She calls the award unexpected and is still floating on cloud 9