Hospital launches yuletide fundraiser

The Health Science's Centre Foundation is asking for your donation. President Glenn Craig says they're looking to raise money in the annual Christmas appeal. This year it's for Emergency Department services.The goal is 75 thousand dollars.

Hospital experience hotline

Northwestern Ontario seniors who have had bad experiences in area hospitals are being asked to share their stories.  Mary Cook is a spokesperson for the group that's hosting the health care hotline.  Cook says they'll be using the stories to pursuade the Provincial Government to boost health care spending in the upcoming budget.  The number is 1-888-599-0770.

News Conference on Hobbs today at 1

The Police Service Board is gathering today to discuss the conclusion of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigation of Mayor Keith Hobbs.  Chair Joe Virdiramo will be holding a news conference at 1:00 today at the Police Station on Balmoral Street.

Fort William North Stars host Dudley Hewitt Cup

The Fort William North Stars will be hosting the Dudley-Hewitt Cup this Spring.  The Central Canadian Junior A championships will be held at the Fort William Gardens this April.  Tickets area already being sold for the event.

Memorial Service for Joyce Ryan Thursday

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from any witnesses of an October second fatal motor vehicle accident. On October 2nd, 60 year old Joyce Ryan was a passenger in a car driven by her husband when a stolen pick up truck ran the stop sign at the intersection and hit the side of their car. Sgt. Glenn Porter says they are waiting the result of forensic evidence.  A memorial service is being held Thursday for Joyce Ryan.

More people getting flu shots

More people are taking advantage of the free flu shot clinics put on by the Health Unit.   Officials say that the numbers are up over last year.  Approximately 11 thousand people have already been immunized,  500 more than in 2010.  There are still 4 clinics remaining this month.
Mon. Dec. 12 - Vickers Heights Community Centre - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 13 - Gorham and Ware School - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 19 - Neebing Municipal Office - 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Tues. Dec. 20 - MacGregor Community Centre - 3:00 – 7: 00 pm

Lakehead School Board Chair re-elected

The Lakehead Public School Board is returning for another school year with Deborah Massaro as their Chair.  Massaro was elected for a fifth term as the head of the board.  Trustee Karen Wilson was also elected for a third term as Vice Chair.

Accident on Golf Links Road

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a motor vehicle accident on Golf Links Road.  Police say it's a minor accident and that one of the drivers is complaining of back pain.  Traffic is backing up in the area and take caution.

Radio Marathon for Christmas Cheer is a success

Christmas Cheer is almost 23 thousand dollars closer to its goal thanks to our 34 hour Radio Marathon.  Chair Linda Gambee says she was hoping for 10 thousand and is amazed how great it turned out.  Gambee says she doesn't have a hard number but thinks they've passed the 60 thousand dollar raised mark. 

Op Red Nose making its mark

There's two more weekends to go for Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose.  Organizer Toni Lightwood says so far it's been another successful season driving party goers home safely. So far volunteers have provided almost 180 rides.

The LU Thunderwolves are 7th in the country

The Lakehead Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team is up in this week's CIS Rankings.  The wolves went from 8th to 7th this week after a weekend sweep of the Calgary Dino's.  The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds remain first followed closely by the McGill Redmen. 

Local cancer care feted

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have something to brag about.   They've been given Quality and Innovation Awards for their work in cancer prevention.    The Research Institute got it for its work with HPV screening while the medical school received  it for running a quit smoking program with the Regional Hospital

CRTC approves Minneapolis signals

Shaw Cable customers in Thunder Bay will be getting their Minneapolis TV back.   The Canadian Radio and Television Commission has approved Shaw's application to switch from the Detroit stations currently being offered.   The company argued that Minneapolis signals offer programming that is more relevant to our region.   Spokesperson Chris Kucharski says the change will take place in the new year and will involve all the major American network stations out of the Twin Cities.

Wasaya Christmas Cheer

Wasaya Airways is getting into the holiday spirit and flying food and toys into the First Nation communities it serves.  Spokesperson Jennifer Mihalcin says they're delivering goodies all this week.  Christmas turkeys and goodie bags will be delivered to Cat Lake, Pikangikum, Bearskin, Fort Hope and Deer Lake First Nations.

Campbell on auditor general's report

NDP Natural Resources Critic Sarah Campbell is concerned with the findings of the Auditor General.  Campbell takes issue with the review of the government's renewable energy and forest management initiatives.  Campbell is calling on the McGuinty Government to put more money into staffing the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Hupka returns as board chair

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Bob Hupka is returning for another year as the Chair of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. With his 13 years behind him Hupka is the longest serving Trustee on the board. Tony Romeo is returning as the Vice-Chair.

Sudbury gets NDP Leadership debate

All nine NDP hopefuls vying for the top job with the Federal NDP will be duking it out in Sudbury for an all candidates debate.  The February debate is being organized by Richard Eberhardt who says they want to hear from each candidate about "northern issues".  The all candidates debate will take place February 5th.

Urban Bird in Thunder Bay

The City is showcasing it's young entrepreneurs.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took part in the grand opening of 27 year old Lauren Ischkin's new store "The Urban Bird." Ischkin says she couldn't do it alone and received support from the City and money from the Province.  Ischkin says it's great that she's able to operate a business in her home town.

ER troubles in Rainy River

Ontario's Health Minister says emergency room service at Rainy River Health Centre will be manned during the Christmas holidays.  Deb Matthews says interim help will be available from December 23rd to January 2nd to cover the communities only full time physician.  But Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says long-term solutions are needed.  A recruitment drive for another full-time physician is ongoing.

Man hit by car

Thunder Bay Police are trying to identify a man that was hit by a car at the intersection of Memorial and Isabel Street on Friday.  The driver who had hit the man picked him up and drove him from the Intercity Mall to Victoriaville.  Police are asking for any information about this incident or the identity of the man.