LU New Research Program

Lakehead University is embarking on a new research project aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal Nurses in Ontario.  The results of the study will be given to employers to help recruit and retain aboriginal nurses.  The study will be finished by March 2013.

Nominations Open For Clean, Green & Beautiful

The City is calling for nominations for the fifth annual Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards. The nomination deadline is October 17th. The awards celebrate businesses or organizations that are improving the physical environment and the quality of life in our city. Awards will be presented in Council Chambers at City Hall on November 26th.

RBC & Robbi Weldon Donate Cash

Thunder Bay's Royal Bank is donating money to the George Jeffrey Children's Centre.  Paralympic Gold Medalist Robbi Weldon made the donation at a welcome home ceremony Wednesday night at the centre. Weldon was able to make the donation on behalf of the bank as she is their RBC Hometown Champion.

Assocation Outraged Over First Nations Action

There's outrage coming from the Thunder Bay Police Association. President Greg Stephenson says it's over the move by the Aboriginal community to take legal action over a bogus news release which some consider to be offensive. Stephenson believes the move isn't necessary but it will not affect they way police do their job.

Brandon VS Evergreen

Evergreen's United Neighbourhood group is holding a fundraiser for the Disaster Relief Committee. Brandon Walker is behind the charity basketball game called "Brandon vs Evergreen".  Walker says he wanted to give back. The Disaster Relief Committee will be at Minnesota Park on October 5th accepting donations.  You can check out the event on Facebook by looking up Brandon vs Evergreen.

Stats Can Says Young Adults Living With Folks

More and more young adults in Thunder Bay are living at home with their parents.  Census information from last year shows that it's been an increasing trend according to Jane Badets of Statistics Canada says our city is ranked 9th out of about 30 cities in Canada when it comes to young adults living at home.

OPP Warn About Water Scam

OPP want you to be on the lookout for a scam making the rounds of Northwestern Ontario.  Conmee and O'Connor Township residents have been receiving phone calls from someone asking to obtain a water sample from that person's home.  OPP say once a sample is taken, the caller attempts to sell the resident a very expensive water filtration system.  Police are advising the public to be wary of these types of scams and to know that the Townships are not soliciting for water samples in the Thunder Bay area.

LUSU Weighs In On OSAP Extension

The President of the Lakehead University Student Union is panning the latest step by the McGuinty Government to improve the finances of students.  Post-secondary graduates who take their first job in the not for profit sector will have their OSAP loan grace period extended.  The OSAP grace period will go from six months to one year for grads who work with a registered charity for at least 30 hours per week.   LUSU President Emma Brightwell says students can't afford to work at not for profit organizations.

Deadline Today For Residential School Survivors

Today is the last day for aboriginals who suffered physical or sexual abuse in residential schools to apply for federal compensation.  After the deadline at midnight tonight, the only way anyone can file a new claim is through court action.  Residential schools operated during much of the 19th and 20th centuries as part of federal policy aimed at forcing the assimilation of young aboriginal people into European-Canadian society.

Humane Society Gets Cash

Pedigree is making a 5-thousand dollar donation to Thunder Bay's Humane Society.  It's part of the company's adoption drive campaign.  Spokesperson Eric Shelson says they're happy to help.  Humane Society Executive Director Maryanne Kleynendorst says they will most likely use the money to help offset their spay and neutering costs.

The Hack Is Back

The "Iceman" is taking his curling knowledge to the United States. Former World Champion Al Hackner has accepted a coaching position with the U.S. High Performance Curling Program. The Nipigon native who now resides in Thunder Bay says he got a call from the head of the program two weeks ago. Hackner says there is the possibility of heading to the next Olympics in Russia as a coach for either the men's or women's U.S. teams.

Marriage On The Decline In T.Bay Region

Marriage is on the decline in the Thunder Bay Region according to Statistics Canada's new census data.  That isn't stopping Shelby Ch'ng from opening up a new bridal boutique.  Ch'ng feels there's room for more wedding stores in the City.  Wedding Planner Bethanie Kramer adds she too is seeing an increase in business but attributes that to the fact that wedding planning is new to the City.  According to Stats Canada married couples make up 67.6 percent of families in Thunder Bay and common law families make up 13.7 percent.

Thunderwolves Set For Exhibition Play

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team takes to the ice this Friday and Saturday night in Non-Conference play at the Gardens. They'll host the Carleton Ravens at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. Meanwhile, the men's basketball team announced two new home games for the upcoming exhibition season. The Winnipeg Wesmen will take on L.U. on October 4th and 5th at 7:00 o'clock at the Thunderdome.

T.Bay Mining Ready

Thunder Bay's Mining Readiness Strategy is gathering attention from other Northwestern Ontario communities.  Marathon's Economic Development Officer Bob Hancherow was in town Tuesday night to take in a public information session on the strategy.  Hancherow says the key to a good plan is working with all stakeholders in the region.  Others at the open house said they hope Thunder Bay's residents will embrace the strategy.

Chief Discouraged By NAN Move

Police Chief J.P. Levesque says he's discouraged the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is complaining to the Human Rights Tribunal about a mock police news release earlier this month. The release stated The Fresh Breath Killer had been captured. Chief Levesque is surprised by the move to go take the legal route. He says that he had spoken to NAN leaders and was left with the impression that it could have been settled in another way. Levesque says he's sending the results of an internal investigation on the matter to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

Grease Hits The Fire Over Police E-Mail

A news release that was sent by city police over the Labour Day long weekend is still causing concern for the First Nations community.   The Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a Human Rights complaint has now been filed over the issue.    The e-mail was sent by accident to all news outlets in the city and stated that The Fresh Breath Killer had been captured.   NAN is also upset with comments by the Police Chief, Deputy Chief and Mayor saying the email wasn't racist.

LRCA Gets Cash From Union Gas

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is on the receiving end of a donation from Union Gas. The company is putting 3 thousand 500 dollars towards the LRCA's Lakehead Children's Water Festival.  The money was announced Tuesday.

Road Work On Thursday

Parts of Memorial and Central Avenue are going to be closed Thursday while crews repave the road.  Work is expected to start at 6 am sharp and lane closures and reduced traffic movement can be expected.  Motorists are asked to take alternative routes around this area of town.

Coaches On The Lookout For Signs Of Suicide

Thunder Bay's Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force wants hockey coaches to be able to spot when young people are upset and troubled.  Program Spokesperson Sheila Hansen says they're training activity leaders and coaches this fall.  Coaches, teachers and activity leaders will receive a tip sheet and DVD about youth suicide and how to get students help.  The campaign is being funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

T.Bay To Become More Walkable

Thunder Bay is going to take part in a Canada Walks pilot project this fall.  The goal of the project is to make the City more walkable and pedestrian friendly.  The City will be given an assessment tool that will show the positive and negative aspects of the City when it comes to walking.