Tuesday, July 13, 2010

B.C. man travelling across Canada

A British Columbia man has embarked on a cross canada tour to raise money and awareness for Parkinsons disease.  Matthew Okell says he decided to ride his bike from Tofino, B.C. to St. John's, Newfoundland because his father is living with the disease.  Okell says he's proud of what he's achieved.  Okell was expected in Thunder Bay on Tuesday.  To donate or follow his journey log onto www.livelifeoutdoors.ca

Pedigree rewards Thunder Bay Humane Society

The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is being rewarded for their good work by Pedigree. The dog food company has provided five thousand dollars to the Thunder Bay Humane Society for vet costs. The money will also go towards training classes for dogs who need to work on their social skills before they can be adopted. Currently there are 18 dogs up for adoption.

George Fieber is new CNO President

Thunder Bay's George Fieber is the new president of the council of nurses. Fieber is also the Professional Practice Leader at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Fieber says he plans to bring up Northwestern Ontario issues to the Minister of Health. Fieber is the first man to be elected president of the CNO.

CLE Summer Fair a month away

It's been 120 years of fun at the fair.  The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition's summer fair starts once again August 11th.  Advance wrist bands for midway rides are available for 15 dollars at Metro Stores.  The price of the bands will be 30 dollars during the summer fair.

Genesis Genomics is now Mitomics

Thunder Bay's medical research company Genesis Genomics is changing its name. The company will now be known as Mitomics after its Prostate Core Mitomic test. CEO Bob Poulter says they want to reflect their clinical technology. Poulter notes they also added a new position within the company. Jason Dulude was hired on as the company's chief financial officer.

New members needed for TBMFA

The Thunder Bay Metal Fabricators Association is looking for new members.  Chairman John Jurcik says they want companies that want to service industrial companies working in the west.  Jurcik says the purpose of their organization is to be a one stop shop for firms looking for anything from nuts to engineers. An information meeting on the fabricators association is being held tomorrow at 3 at the Oliver Road Community Centre.

India and Ontario ink deal

India and Ontario have formed a partnership when it comes to mining. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the two party's mining ministries. Minister Michael Gravelle says the agreement will benefit companies in the Northwest. Gravelle notes Ontario has leading mining related technology to offer India. The agreement was signed recently with India's Mining Minister touring Ontario.

Science workshops on the road

Lakehead University has received 36 thousand dollars in grant money for its Biotrek Science workshops.  University students who major in science travel across the Northwest encouraging grade 7 to 12 students to pursue science.  The money will be rolled out over the next three years.  The program will start up again in the Fall. In the past the workshops have been held in Fort Frances, Dryden and Atikokan.

Teddy Bear's have their picnic at Vickers Park

Thunder Bay's 27th annual Teddy Bear Picnic was enjoyed by over a thousand people. Festival and Events Coordinator Melissa Wnuk says they combine fun in the sun with education. The Thunder Bay Health Unit was on hand to teach both parents and kids about sun safety. Wnuk adds its a great free event that brings families to the under used Vickers Park.

NHLers hit the ice at the tournament centre

The Annual Thunder Bay Kings Alumni game is set to drop the puck tonight. Eric, Marc and Jared Staal will joining Tom and Taylor Pyatt, Patrick Sharp and Ryan Johnson on the ice. Opening ceremonies kick off at 6 o'clock at the tournament centre.

Waterfront construction continues to roll on


Prince Arthur's landing is starting to take shape but it will still be a while before the public can enjoy the new upgrades. Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says crews are working on landscaping, the splash pad and the skating rink but they won't be ready until later next year. Dugmore says so far the project is on schedule and will make next year's deadline to receive federal funding.

Police seize stolen hand guns

Some illegal handguns have been taken off the streets by the Regional Integrated Gang Unit. Officers arrested two men after they allegedly tried to sell hand guns stolen from a North Syndicate Avenue Residence last week. Three handguns were seized in the arrests that took place over the weekend.

OPP investigating a death in Deer Lake

Police are investigating after a man was killed in Deer Lake over the weekend. 27 year old Joey Crowe was killed Saturday and police say they suspect foul play. Officers also say a 27 year old was taken to hospital and a 26 year old man has been arrested in connection to the incident.

Greenstone gets FedNor funding

The Greenstone is getting a helping hand from the Federal Government. FedNor is investing over 400 thousand dollars to support small business development and growth in the region. 335 thousand will go to the Greenstone Economic Development Corporation with the remainder being used to support local projects.