Tuesday, June 14, 2011

24 year old charged with tree felling

A 24 year old local man is charged with the destruction of Boulevard Lake's "Dead Man's Tree."  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says they followed up on tips from the public.  The 24 year old is charged with mischief over five thousand dollars and will be in court on July 27th.

LU prof surprised by Canadian move

A political studies professor at Lakehead University says she is surprised by Canada's decision to recognize the Libyan rebels as the true government of the country. Laure Paquette thinks it might be premature given that the outcome of the civil conflict isn't clear enough. She believes that if somehow their leader, Colonel Gaddafi,  manages to make it out of this conflict, we can "kiss our Libyan oil good-bye"

Hepatitis C Treatment Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay has the second highest Hepatitis C infection rate in Ontario.  AIDS Thunder Bay is taking action and has launched a new treatment team program.  The treatment will work with a Hepatitis C Dr. and Nurse to provide treatments for people living with the disease.

Great Lakes Curling Tour announced

Curling teams in the region won't have to spend as much to travel to showcase their skills thanks to the Great Lakes Curling Tour. Spokesperson Pat Berezowski says the tour comes with the help of US curling. The tour is designed to make playing more convenient and less expensive.

PARO launches new site

You can check out PARO's services from the comfort of your own home. Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says they've launched a new website at www.enterprisingwomen.ca. The website offers business advice, resources and networking. The new site was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

NPI gets mandate

The Northern Policy Institute is taking shape.  The think tank will help create economic development initiatives for the region.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says they've created the mandate of the institute.  Gravelle adds the NPI's location should be announced by the end of the summer.

Wolves recruit two

The Thunderwolves have added some big time beef to their line up.  The Wolves have recruited 6'3'' forward Jason Grecica and 6'1'' defenceman Luke Maw for the upcoming season.  Grecica is coming from the WHL and Maw played in OJHL last season. 

Dorion Turbine parts will soon hit the road

The long job of shipping parts from Thunder Bay's port to Dorion's Wind Park is about to get underway.  Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says the prep work is almost done and once the trucks start rolling it'll take about 2 and a half months to complete.  Jarvis says the final ship load of parts should arrive next weekend. 

No Charges in fatal collision

OPP aren't laying any charges after a fatal collision near Upsala.  Staff Sergeant Dan Peters say the car carrying a young couple and their 11 month old baby crossed the centre line Sunday and collided with a transport truck.  Peters says the man was 20 years old and the woman was 18.  No names will be released until the bodies are identified.

Airline strike hits home

A Thunder Bay man caught in the middle of the Air Canada strike says it's caused him some headaches. Rob Montague says his trip from Toronto was delayed almost an hour at Pearson International and says it was a bit of a scene .   Being a frequent traveller Montague says the strike is a big inconvenience for him.

Slew of Provincial funds announced

The Provincial Government is rolling out a slew of funding for Northwestern Ontario.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says 8.6 million dollars is being used to offer training programs to First Nations.  16.6 million dollars will be used to improve cell service in the far north, and almost 5 million will go towards providing natural gas service to Red Lake, Balmertown and Cochenour.

Teen arrested for theft

A 17 year old teen is in police custody after leaving a house with some stolen property.  The teen was found in the Goldman Crescent area after police got a call about some thefts after a teen was at their house.  Officers picked up the teen in a backyard in the area and found the stolen items. 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Madder tours Confederation College

Confederation College's incoming President is getting ready for his first day on the job.  Jim Madder toured the Thunder Bay campus on Monday and spoke with its staff about what they expect from him.  He's fresh off his experience as the Vice President of Alberta's Red Deer College.  Madder says he has a number of goals that involve bettering the communities the college serves.  His first day of work is Canada Day.

Missing teen returns home

City Police say that a 15 year old boy reported missing over the weekend, is fine.  They say that Frankie Lachinette, who disappeared on May 29th, has returned home. 

Consultant advises due diligence over multi-plex

A former consultant for the City of Thunder Bay doesn't want to be drawn into a location debate for our proposed multi-plex arena. However, John Winter says a location in the downtown north core would have its advantages. It would be able to draw people to the downtown and be an advantage for many businesses. Winter advises our decision makers should weigh out the pros and cons of all locations carefully.

Hudak cancels visit to T.Bay

The leader of the Progressive Conservative Party isn't going to be speaking to party faithfuls on Friday.  Tim Hudak had been scheduled to speak this week but has since postponed his trip to the region.

Angler's body found

The OPP Marine Unit has located the body of a missing American angler. The body of 69-year-old Richard Hermann of Illinois was located on shore in the Morson area on Lake of the Woods on Sunday. Hermann and a second man went missing on May 23rd when they went out fishing in a 16-foot boat. The body of 73-year-old James Wealther was found on May 24th.

Mining forum Tuesday

Thunder Bay is hosting a mining forum Tuesday.  Co-Chair Michael Fox says it will bring together First Nations, companies and the Provincial Government.  A spokesperson for the Province will be providing an update on changes being made to mining act regulations.

CEDC appoints Mining Manager

The City's Economic Development Commission has appointed a Mining Services Project Manager.  John Mason has 36 years of service with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  Mason's first day on the job was Monday.

Thunder Bay looks good for an AHL franchise

Thunder Bay remains an attractive spot for a potential AHL team according to an NHL executive.  However, Craig Heisinger of the new Winnipeg franchise stopped short of saying we might be considered if the new St. John's team doesn't do well after 3 years.