Thursday, February 14, 2013

Extra Detox Beds Finally Coming

It's a move that is expected to ease the pressure on the hospital's emergency room and on city police.  Approval has been given to a nearly 1 million dollar expansion of the Sibley Drive detox facility.  Regional health official Laura Kokocinski says the facility will be expanded from 7 to 22 beds.  The two year project will be evaluated every 6 months.

Wilson Resigns As Chamber Prez

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is heading in a new direction now that President Harold Wilson has resigned.   Wilson says in his 3 and a half years in the position his proudest achievement is increasing chamber membership to where is now is close to 11 hundred.  Wilson says he is exploring his options for the future and has some irons in the fire.

Thunder Bay Connects To "My Kind Of Town"

As of today, United Airlines is officially operating out of the Thunder Bay International Airport. Their first flight is scheduled to arrive this evening which will be followed by an official ceremony marking the occasion.   It will then turn around and head back to the the Windy City at 6 in the morning. Airport Manager Scott McFadden thinks it will be good for local businesses hoping to expand their markets.

United Way Wants Your Pennies

The United Way is running it's final penny collection promotion. Campaign Chair Walter Flasza  says the umbrella charity group is hoping to collect as many of the coins as possible now that the government has stopped circulating them.  The promotion usually nets the United Way about 20 thousand dollars.

Conservatory To Open Friday

The city's botanical conservatory is going to re-open tomorrow.  It will be open daily from 1 until 4.   It was temporarily closed last year after a report raised safety concerns about falling glass.   City lawmakers then approved money for netting to provide a temporary fix to the problem. 

Baseball Pitches Community Funds

Three baseball related organizations are sharing in 5 thousand dollars from the local Baseball association.  President Larry Hebert says 2 thousand dollars will go towards Lakehead University. Hebert says they're also donating money to the District 3 Little League, and the Umpire's Association.

Rollover Results In Charge

A 22 year old man is recovering from minor injuries but the hurt might come in court.  City Police, Fire and EMS were called to Arundel Street near Lyon Boulevard just after 5:00 o'clock yesterday after a vehicle had rolled over.  The driver had to be extricated using the jaws of life.  He was treated and released from hospital but has been charged with impaired driving and will appear in court in March.

Big Lottery Win For Local Woman

Thunder Bay resident Zoovart Wakewich is the city's most recent lottery winner. The 81 year old retiree won 100 thousand dollars in an instant scratch game. She plans to use the winnings to redo the shingles on her roof, buy a new vehicle and to help out her grandkids. The winning ticket was purchased at the OLG Casino on Cumberland Street.

Suspended Driver Caught Speeding

A Toronto man faces charges of speeding and driving with a suspended licence. O.P.P. in Upsala clocked the man driving 45 kilometres an hour over the posted speed limit and will now appear in court on February 27th.

Police Pull Old Vehicles Off The Road

Thunder Bay Police are keeping their eyes peeled for old vehicles that are driving past their prime on area roads.  A commercial vehicle round up was held yesterday at the Transit yard on Fort William Road, and officers were looking for vehicles that were either in obvious disrepair or didn't meet equipment standards.  Police pulled 8 vehicles out of service and laid 12 charges.

Thunderwolves Now Face Elimination

The Lakehead University men's hockey team will have their backs against the wall when they take to the ice in game two of their O.U.A. West Quarter-final playoff series with Waterloo. The Warriors scored 5 times in the second period and posted a 7-2 win over the Thunderwolves in game one and now lead the best-of-three series 1-0 with game two tomorrow night at the Gardens.