Plasma centre hours being tweaked

Canadian Blood Services is changing the hours of operation for its' Thunder Bay plasma centre. Spokesperson Michael Hyduk says it was the result of public demand. The clinic hours will be as follows: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon until 7:30 pm. Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am until 2 pm. On six select Saturdays 8 am until 11:30 am. Hyduk says the new hours take effect March 29th.

Stimulus cash for the outdoors

One provincial park and a camp in northwestern Ontario are getting a facelift thanks to your tax dollars. Neys Provincial Park near Terrace Bay and a Ranger camp near Sioux Lookout are getting 700 thousand dollars in federal and provincial cash. It will be used to make upgrades to both areas.

Police educate on elder abuse reporting

All this week city police are talking elder abuse. A series of forums are taking place to tell seniors and families that the type of home they choose will affect how elder abuse cases are handled and reported. Constable Diane MacLauren is organizing the forums. She says the difference between choosing a government regulated seniors home and and unregulated retirement home is important to know

So You Think You've Got Talent underway at Intercity

If you're looking for something to do for the March break and are good at something head down to the Intercity mall. Auditions are underway for So You Think You've Got Talent. Childrens of all ages and even Adults can show their stuff today until Wednesday. The winners of each age group will win a $300 Intercity gift card and $200 Bounce Productions Scholarship. Deadline to enter is tomorrow at 5pm.

International Days hits Lakehead University

International Students are taking centre stage at Lakehead university this week. Bagpipers, African Dancing and Aborginal singing were on display as part of the opening ceremonies for international days. Organizer Tanka Awosika says its important to recognized the around 100 international students at the school.  Awosike says different events will be happening throughout the week as part of International Days.

CAs lend their services to immigrants/less fortunate

For the 42nd  year, chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.   Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The free tax clincs will take place from 6 to 9 pm  both evenings at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association building on North Court Street.   The service is offered by appointment only.  The number to call is 345-0551

Thunder Bay police looking for missing man

Thunder Bay police are asking the public for help in finding a missing man. 49 year old Donald Potan has been missing since Thursday and requires daily heart medication. Potan is 6 foot one, and was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap, blue jeans, brown and black fleece and white runners.

Would be thief caught in the act

Thunder Bay Police caught a would be thief in the act this morning. At around 12:30 officers responded to an alarm at a bar on Cumberland and found the back door open. Inside the bar they found the culprits bag with his photo ID. The Canine Unit was called in and quickly located a 28 year old and arrested him.

Thunderwolves fall to McGill in Queens Cup

It was a disappointing end to the OUA season for the Thunderwolves who fell to McGill 3-1 in the Queens Cup Saturday. Kris Hogg scored the loan goal for the Wolves who fell behind early and couldn't find space to score the equalizer. Andrew Wright scored two goals for the Redmen to pace them to the win. The Wolves will get a chance for redemption in two weeks time at the Cavendish Cup.

Lakehead Men's basketball team advances to the nationals

For the first time in 33 years the Thunderwolves Men's Basketball team is off to the CIS nationals. They beat the Ottawa Gee Gees 78-73 to advance to the tournament being held in Ottawa this weekend. The Carleton Ravens beat Windsor over the weekend to win the OUA championship and will host the nationals.

Kick off for new cultural plan set for this month

The city is developing a cultural plan and very soon you'll have a chance to have your say. A community open house is planned later this month. It's being organized by Leah Bayly the supervisor of cultural services. She says the plan will be all encompassing and a final report will be presented to city council in January or February. The open house takes place March 29th at the Community Auditorium from 6:30-9 pm.

Dorion solar project gets approval

A hydro developer in Dorion is one of over 500 successful applicants in the province that have been given approval to go ahead with green energy projects . Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle says Neil Johanson, of Cyntech Corporation, will be allowed to build a solar facility to generate 250 kilowatts of electricity. Gravelle says the hydro produced will be sold back to the power grid.

Youth centre and outdoor pools on council agenda

One city councillor wants a new youth centre built in Thunder Bay. Joe Virdiramo says the centre could include detox and crisis beds. He's asking his fellow councillors Monday to support his idea to provide half a million dollars towards such a facility providing other funding is available. Virdiramo thinks such a facility would be money well spent because it would create a healthy environment. Also Monday, councillors will be asked to consider adding the Dease and Heath Park outdoor pools to the city's Heritage Register

Community leaders gather to talk children's mental health

There's optimism from a city child care executive following a gathering of local community leaders. Tom Walters of the Children's Centre, says Friday's round table discussion was designed to focus on the possible problems children's mental health could face if no action is taken. He says the board of directors have met with about 15 different groups over the past year giving an overview of the problems facing the sector. He says that includes a decrease in funding and an increase in wait lists. Walters says the Centre is trying to mobilize the community to speak up with a common voice on the issues.

Wind farm could reduce Shuniah taxes 8 per cent

A proposed wind farm for the Township of Shuniah could have some major tax benefits. Reeve Maria Harding says if the 40 turbines are built in the community, it could reduce taxes by about 8 per cent. However Harding can't say when the project will become a reality. She says it's been 6 years in the making and they are still waiting. The company proposing the wind farm, still needs to get provincial government approval for the project.

A renown author speaks to Ogden School students

Students at Ogden School heard from a renowned Metis Author this morning. David Bouchard spoke to students about the importance of reading as part of the schools Indigo Love of Reading Grant. Bouchard says reading is vital for future success because it gives you better communication skills and freedom to travel the world at anytime. Ogden school was given a grant of 150 thousand dollars to buy books and to host literacy programs over the last three years.

OPP pause for a minute out of respect for Vu Pham

OPP officers across the north west region paid their final respects Friday to Constable Vu Pham. He was gunned down this week in southern Ontario while on duty. Sgt. Shelley Garr says that as the funeral was taking place officers here paused on the job.   At  1:10 pm those who were working on the road pulled over to the shoulder and activated their lights as a show of support.   Meantime, the region was represented at the funeral in Wingham by Superintendent Ron van Straalen

Thunderwolves men's basketball team goes for a spot in the nationals

The Thunderwolves men's basketball team won't be taking home an OUA championship this weekend but they still have a chance to make it to the CIS championships. The Wolves visit Ottawa tomorrow to battle the Gee Gees with the winner earning a spot at the nationals. Lakehead lost in the OUA west final last week to Windsor but since the OUA gets three teams at the nationals, the T-Wolves have one more chance to advance.

Donald Street likely location for temporary south core bus terminal

Donald street is likely the new temporary location for a South Core Bus Terminal. Council will be given a recommendation to adopt a portion of Donald street for use as the south terminal effective March 30th.  The Brodie location will be permanently closed March 29th to make room for the new Consolidated court house. A permanent location will be chosen after the completion of a major study being done on the city's bus routes.

Thunderwolves host McGill for Queens Cup tomorrow night

One more day to go until the Thunderwolves faceoff against the McGill Redmen for the Queens Cup. The Wolves host the Redmen tomorrow night at the Gardens for the second time for the OUA championship. Its a rematch from the 2006 final were the Thunderwolves beat McGill 4-0. Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban says there are a lot of similarities between the two teams but says playing in front of the home crowd definitely is an advantage. Game time is 730 Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens.