PM hints registry may survive vote

The Prime Minister remains determined to have the long gun registry scrapped.  In Thunder Bay Stephen Harper hinted the registry might survive next weeks vote in the House of Commons,  but...the fight will not end.  Harper says his party will not rest until the day the registry is abolished.

PM promotes waterfront project

The Prime Minister thinks the new Thunder Bay waterfront will be a tourist magnet. Speaking in the city Stephen Harper says when the project at Prince Arthur's Landing is complete, it will change our city. Harper says it will be a project cherished for years to come.   He was in the city to tout his governments 14.6 million dollar contribution to the project. 

Harper pays tribute to Terry Fox

A whirlwind visit to Thunder Bay for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper's first stop on Friday was to the Terry Fox Monument where he paid tribute to the long distance runner. Harper called Fox ``a true Canadian hero.'' The 30th Terry Fox Run is taking place Sunday.

Two new doctors in Thunder Bay

Two medical experts are relocating to Thunder Bay.   Dr. Michael Wood has been appointed as the new Vice President of Research at the Health Sciences Centre and the Research Institute.  Wood says he's looking forward to advancing the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.  Dr. Margaret Sweet will be taking up the role of a clinical neurologist.

Field of Greens comes to a close

If you plant it they will come.  The Field of Greens Community Garden has come to a close with harvesting taking place this weekend.  Spokesperson Kevin Holloway says the food grown will be used in the Salvation Army's hostel and food bank.  The project was a partnership between Port Arthur Rotary Club and the Salvation Army.

Rafferty goes back to work Monday

It's back to work for Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty.  A vote on dismantling the long gun registry is scheduled for later in the week.  Rafferty says he's sticking by his original stance and voting to dismantle the legislation.  Rafferty is introducing a private members bill asking the government to create a national strategy on FASD.  The Northern Ontario NDP MP notes he will also maintain his original position on the long gun registry and vote to abolish it.

United Way kicks off fundraiser

United Way wants to help provide help to the community 24/7.  The group kicked off its 2010 fundraiser by announcing their goal for the year.  Campaign Chair Wayne Fletcher says they hope to raise 2 million 470-thousand dollars.  That amount is higher than the amount raised last year.  Thunder Bay's United Way supports 69 programs and services that help 1 in 3 in the community.  The services are provided by 28 local agencies.  Fletcher adds they feel strongly that Thunder Bay will be able to dig deep and come up with that money.  The campaign wraps up in December with the final numbers being announced in January.

A man on the most wanted list could be in the city

A man on the RCMP's most wanted list may be in the City. Police say Paul Gallagher was spotted in the city yesterday trying to cash a cheque. Gallagher is wanted on a Canada wide Warrant for Parole Violations. He has a history of Identity theft and a picture can be seen on our news blog.

Marathon man talks to students

Motivational speaker and marathon runner Dick Beardsley is in Thunder Bay.  He's here to help promote the Miles with the Giant Marathon and talk to local high school students with a positive message of living a drug free lifestyle.  He says he knows his message is getting across, because many come to thank him later. Beardsley is no stranger to the city, he's been here to speak before.

Debate brings up many election issues

It was standing room only at the mayoral candidates debate at the Lakehead Labour Centre last night.  250 people took part, and only one candidate didn't show Brian Kwasny.  Audience members brought up the proposed Multi-plex and questioned if they city can afford such a project.  Keith Hobbs says if he's elected Mayor big ticket items will go to the public for a vote. Meanwhile, incumbent Lynn Peterson says it's not a done deal they are just conducting a feasibility study. Frank Pullia says nothing is final since council will change in two months time. Collin Burridge says he would engage the public on major infrastructure projects.  Another hot topic was the city's tax rate.  Councillor Frank Pullia says the city can't raise taxes any higher or else people will be forced out of their homes.  Meanwhile, Collin Burridge says he would put the money used to pay off the Health Sciences Center towards lowering property taxes.  Lynn Peterson says they pay close attention to what is in the budget, balancing cutting items and providing critical services.  Keith Hobbs says he would put off projects that are not necessities such as the waterfront project.

Outbreaks at old age homes

There are a couple of outbreaks at local old age homes.  Officials at the health unit have declared a respiratory illness on Plaza One.  Meanwhile, there's an outbreak at Versa Care on the fifth and sixth floors only.  The health unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting those sites.

First Nations sign agreements

Marten Falls and Webequie First Nation signed a relationship protocol with each other.  The document deals with exploration of any Ring of Fire discoveries.  The two first nations also signed a protocol with the Ministry of Northern, Mines and Forestry and Natural Resources.

No transit deal yet

The transit dispute still isn't settled, but the buses will still be running Friday.   Conciliator Myrna Mann will be flying in from Toronto to help both sides come to an agreement.   Union boss Charlie Brown says for now, there will be no strike as long as the talks are continuing.  Brown also promises that he will give the public plenty of warning if there is a strike. 

Jordan Staal out for the start of the season

Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal is going to miss the first six weeks  of the NHL season.   The star forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins needs 5 to 6 weeks to recover from a foot infection that followed an operation.    The surgery necessary to repair a tendon injury Staal suffered during the playoffs. It's a bit of a blow for Staal since he has only missed one regular season game in his 4 year career

Waterfront the backdrop for PM visit

Final preparations are complete at the  site of the waterfront project   for Prime Minister Harper's visit to the city Friday.  A huge tent has been set up on the construction site and police and security have scoped the area.   Harper will be part of an event there during the noon hour.   At 6 o'clock Friday evening he'll be at the Victoria Inn to make a speech to Conservative party faithful.

LU prez calls tuition news shocking

There are tough words coming from the president of the Lakehead University Student Union.   Mike Snoddon  says Stats Canada figures that show Ontario has the highest average undergraduate tuition fee at 6 hundred dollars,  is shocking. Snoddon says even LU is getting up there after it broke the 5 thousand dollar barrier this year. He also accuses the McGuinty government of allowing it's own tuition increase guidelines to be broken.

Fundraiser receives boost

There are smiles all around at the local Alzheimer Society office. It follows a 5 thousand dollar donation towards the Coffee Break fundraiser. Director Alison Denton says it came from Bob Stewart of the Caribou Restaurant.   Denton says the money was raised at Stewart's 50 birthday party

Home owner is charged after not maintaining smoke alarms

The Owner of a house on Redwood Avenue is facing some fines after being caught without working smoke alarms.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a small fire Tuesday evening and found smoke in the home.  The fire was confined to an electronic air filter in the furnace.  The home did have two smoke alarms but were not working.  Officials are reminding people to make sure all their smoke alarms are working properly. 

Thunder Bay Marathon is just days away

Organizers are geared up for this weekends inaugural Miles with the Giant Marathon. President Barry Streib says runners will be able to pick up their kits at the Chamber of Commerce Superior Living health and wellness leisure expo Friday and Saturday.  The race starts at 8 o'clock Sunday morning on Red River Road.

Terrace Bay Pulp is out of creditor protection

Great news for Terrace Bay, the pulp mill is reopening. Yves Fricot says the facility pulled out of creditor protection late yesterday evening and is bringing employees back to the mill. There will be about 340 people employed at the mill and around the same amount working in woodlands operations.  Fricot says it will take about two weeks of prep work before the mill will be ready to produce pulp.