Quality Market Closing

The Stzenko brothers who own the Quality Market stores in town are keeping mum on why they decided to close the local grocery.  After serving the Lakehead for 24 years the new store at Golf Links Road, and the other at Centennial Square are set to close soon.  All stock is being marked down immediately.  The owners are declining to comment on how many people will be affected or when the stores will close.

Chamber Doesn't Like Golf Decision

The head of the Chamber of Commerce is upset the city has decided to keep Municipal Golf Course open for one more year. Council decided in the spring to close Municipal but at Monday night's meeting delayed the closure until the end of 2013. Chamber President Harold Wilson is concerned about the impact this decision will have on the development and delivery of the City's core business review.

OPP Looking For Suspect

The OPP are continuing to look for a man wanted in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation from last week. Nipigon police tried to stop a stolen vehicle on Highway 17 when the driver fled. Recently, officers were notified about a break and enter to a camp on Nipigon Bay Road. They believe it's the same person and are looking for a man between the ages of 30 and 50 years old with dark curly hair.

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite

The Social Services Board is taking complaints of bed bugs at the Royal Edward Arms seriously. Spokesperson Terry Flaherty says they've dealt with five confirmed cases this month alone. Terry Flaherty says any future cases of bed bugs should be reported immediatly and they will deal with it as soon as possible.

A Cautious Response From Virdiramo

The chair of the city's Police Service's Board says he supports the mayor's decision to step down from the board. Keith Hobbs says he's too restricted in what he can say and do sitting as a board member. Chair Joe Virdiramo was cautious in his reaction to the news and would only add that he looks forward to working with the new member. The new city council representative for the board is going to be chosen October 22nd.

Mauro Credits McGuinty For North's Progress

Premier McGuinty's decision to step down as liberal leader is a surprise to Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro who says McGuinty has been good to the north.  Mauro says we have made great strides in this part of the province, and it couldn't have happened without McGuinty.  Mauro says he respects McGuinty's decision and says he personally thanked the premier for the support he has shown to him and his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan

Gravelle Saddened By Premier's Decision

Premier Dalton McGuinty's decision to resign is stirring up the passions in some of his most loyal supporters including Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle. He says McGuinty will be missed  and calls him an extraordinary supporter of Northern Ontario, a great man and the best premier the province has ever had. 

Hobbs Stepping Down From Police Board

Mayor Keith Hobbs is resigning from the city's Police Services Board.   Hobbs says his past policing career has frequently created situations where he's had to declare a conflict of interest.  He says the move will help him to freely comment on community safety issues.  A new city council representative will be chosen on October 22nd. 

Hobbs On McGuinty

Mayor Keith Hobbs isn't surprised by the Premier's decision to step down.  Hobbs says he was tipped off by Liberal insiders.  The Mayor says Thunder Bay will be fine during the transition to the new Leader.  Hobbs says the City has met most of the important players in the McGuinty cabinet.  Hobbs says they've met most of the possible replacements.

Golf Course Saved

Municipal Golf Course is going to stay open for another year. The City is letting the course operate for just one more year while a group looks at making it more affordable.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson was one of several to vote against the course. Johnson says she can't support keeping a course open when people are having a hard time paying their taxes.

Regen Med Gets Cash

City Council is giving Regen Med 150 thousand dollars.  Council decided to provide the not for profit bone and tissue bank an interest free loan.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga has concerns over giving out more money to that group.  The money gives the organization an almost 3 month window to complete a business plan for the Provincial Government.

Youth Centre Is A Go

The City is spending 122-thousand dollars towards setting up a youth centre in the Victoriaville mall.  They approved the spending for the 18 month pilot project at last night's meeting.  Youth Centre Spokesperson Colleen Peters says they're thrilled.  The group hopes to have the youth centre open by November 1st.

Consultants Report Received

City Council is one step closer to voting on building a multi-plex on the newly redeveloped waterfront.  Council received the consultant's study at last night's meeting.  Council will vote on whether to proceed with the 106 million dollar project at it's November 26th meeting.  A public meeting on the project is set for November 21st at the Community Auditorium.

McGuinty Resigning

Premier Dalton McGuinty is stepping down as Liberal leader.  He dropped that bombshell at an emergency meeting of his MPP's this evening.   No reason was given for the move except to say it's time for a change.   He says the party heirarchy has been asked to get the wheels in motion for a leadership convention to be held as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he was surprised by the announcement but respects the Premiers decision.

CEP CAW Merger Vote

Canada now has its biggest private-sector union.  The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada has approved a merger with the Canadian Auto Workers.  Thunder Bay's CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says it's a big move for the two unions.  A union official says more than 90 per cent of delegates at Monday's C-E-P national convention in Quebec City endorsed the merger.

Border Cats New Manager

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are hiring a new field manager for the 2013 season.  Dan Holcomb becomes the tenth manager in Border Cats history.  Holcomb is currently the pitching coach at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

City Ring Of Fire Project Up For Award

Thunder Bay is nominated for a strategic project of the year award.  The award is being put on by the City's North American colleagues.  The city's Ring of Fire project is being considered for the award.   The winners will be announced Tuesday afternoon.

Car Goes Through TD Store Front

A 79 year old woman isn't hurt after crashing her vehicle through the Dawson Road TD Bank. Police were called to the scene of the collision just after 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. The woman was parking at the front of the TD Bank when her vehicle sped up and over the curb and continued into the glass window. The vehicle came to a rest inside the bank. No charges are being laid because it happened on private property.

Flu Clinics Open

It's time to consider getting your yearly flu shot. Clinics have started in the city today organized by the District Health Unit. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says it's important to get vaccinated because there are some new flu strains about. The vaccine will help protect you from A-California, A-Victoria and A-Wisconsin strains. The free clinics run until the middle of November.

Football Blowout Defended

A lopsided victory in a weekend senior high school football game has one official wondering what can be done to prevent such a blowout in the future. David Pineau, the head of school sports programs in the city, says Churchill's 79-0 victory over Superior is something that will likely come up with officials of the SSSAA when they meet next. He says there is no mercy rule in the system.  Pineau says he spoke with both coaches and is confident there was no intention to run up the score.