Thursday, December 6, 2012

No Other Flood Victim Complaints

The plight of one East End flood victim appears to be an isolated complaint. She says her Christmas is in tatters because her relief money will come too late. The chair of the city's Disaster Relief Committee, Wayne Fletcher, says the fundraising rules prevent an early payout, something they realized early on in the process and that's why they offered the early initial payments of 1 thousand dollars.  Fletcher says no other flood victims have had a similar beef.

Bombardier Workers Have Their Roofs & Walls


It's good news for the Thunder Bay Bombardier Plant.  Bombardier workers in Quebec have voted to accept a new collective agreement that ends a nearly five-week strike.  Local CAW President Dominic Pasqualino says it's just in time since they supply roofs and side walls to the local plant.  Pasqualino adds they're not sure whether or not Thunder Bay workers who were laid off last month will be able to return to work before Christmas as was expected.

Bight Open Today

The waterfront's new restaurant Bight Restaurant & Bar is now open. The eatery located in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing will be open 7 days a week. The concession service will open this weekend.

Fort Frances High Locked Down Today

A 16-year-old boy is in police custody following an incident that forced the Fort Frances High School into a lock downed position around the noon hour today.  Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says OPP were called after the boy was observed carrying what turned out to be a replica firearm.  Class resumed within about an hour after the lockdown was put in place.  No one was injured.

Drainage Program Comes In New Year

The City is offering homeowners who were impacted by the May 28th flooding a flood prevention rebate program. Spokesperson Kerri Marshall says they'll be helping pay the cost of three drainage initiatives. Council has approved 750-thousand dollars for the rebate program which could help up to 200 homeowners.

Salvation Army Christmas Meal Sunday


The Salvation Army is expecting up to 300 people for Christmas Dinner Sunday.  The dinner is being cooked and served by the staff of the Valhalla Inn.   Major Merv Halvorsen says they're providing a shuttle service from City Hall and Water Street Bus terminals at 11:45.  The Christmas meal will be served at noon Sunday at the Salvation Army Booth Centre on Cumberland Street North.

Easter Seals Snowarama A Go

Easter Seals is hoping to raise over 30 thousand dollars with it's upcoming Snowarama fundraiser. Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says money raised will stay local. The snowmachine event is taking place on February 2nd at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.

Missing Person

The family of a 19 year old Cherry Ridge Road resident, James McCormack is concerned about his welfare. McCormack was last seen by his father on the night of December 4th. James stated he was going out to the bars, but did not return home. This behaviour is considered out of character for James. Attempts by his family to contact him using social media have failed. McCormack is described as a Caucasian male who is 6'4", 180 pounds with a thin build. He has medium length, brown wavy hair and wears glasses when driving.

Gravelle Endorses Pupatello

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is throwing his support behind Sandra Pupatello.  Gravelle believes she will be a dynamic leader of the Liberals if elected.  Gravelle says he worked on a number of northern issues with Pupatello when he was Minister of Northern Development and Mines.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro also endorsed Pupatello.

Darren Smith Could Get Prize In January

A Thunder Bay man is one step closer to claiming his lottery win of 250-thousand dollars. Darren Smith won the cash in the Lottario draw on September 29th. Smith works at an OLG retail location and is considered an insider win. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission says he can claim his price after a 30 day waiting period and if there are no additional claims on the prize it will be paid to Smith on January 4th.

Thunder Bay Teachers In Classrooms Monday

Elementary teachers here in Thunder Bay will be in school classrooms on Monday. President of the local chapter of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Ellen Chambers says they're not in a legal strike position quite yet. Chambers says two school boards in the Toronto area will be staging a one day protest on Monday after teachers voted via the Internet on whether to walk off the job. Chambers says parents and the school boards are still set to receive a 72 hour notice should any labour actions be planned here in Thunder Bay.