Traffic disruptions on Monday

Keep this in mind as you make your way to work on Monday. If your travelling in the area where John Street becomes Oliver Road you can expect some traffic disruptions. Thunder Bay Hydro is conducting work in that area around Algoma and High Street. Crews will be working on hydro lines which will impact traffic flow from Banning Street, Ontario, and Second Street as well as cross traffic from intercity and the surrounding residential areas. The closure will begin at 10 and continue through to 4 until the work is done.

Leon's Store taking shape

Work continues on the new Leon's store in Thunder Bay.  The building is taking shape, and crews are still working on the lot.  City Council will be asked on Monday night to give Leon's some leeway on it's store front sign.  It's requesting a variance to increase the size of it's wall sign.

Atikokan generating station gets green light to convert to Biofuels

The Atikokan Generating Station jumped a big hurdle in switching to Biofuels. The Ontario government has announced that the plant has recieved provincial approval for the switch. MPP Bill Mauro says the next step is creation of a power purchase aggreement and then construction will take about three years.  Mauro says he hopes that a wood pellet facility can be built in the Northwest to supply the station with fuel.

Late assignments could equal a zero for students this year

Students will have to keep track of due dates on their assignments a little more closely this year. The ministry of education has put new regulations in place allowing teachers to give zero's for late assignments. Superintendant of education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says the local school board still has to create their own policy. Teachers will use their own judgement on weather or not they give students a zero for handing in late assignments.

Alzheimer Society gets money

The Alzheimer Society is on the receiving end of a 25-thousand dollar donation. Doris Arnold provided the cash as a commitment as a Patron to the Society. Arnold first became a patron in 2007 in honour of her late husband who dies of Alzheimers.

Invasive Species in Thunder Bay

The Ministry of Natural Resources are on the look out for invasive species.  The rusty crayfish was recently spotted in Cloud Lake.  Rusty crayfish are highly aggressive and can consume twice as much food as native crayfish.  Anyone who spots the larger than normal crayfish is asked to contact the MNR.

Kokocinski appointed NW LHIN CEO

A new person is in charge of the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.  The Board has appointed Laura Kokocinski as Chief Executive Officer effective September first.  She has worked with the LHIN as the Senior Director, Planning, Integration and Community Engagement since January 2006 and was appointed Interim CEO back in February.  Kokocinski is from Northwestern Ontario and has extensive health care experience in various communities including Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.  She was selected from a large Canada-wide pool.

Former Thunder Bay Mayor not running

Former Thunder Bay Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff has made it official; he's not running for the Mayor's seat in Thunder Bay. Boshcoff says he doesn't have time to be mayor since his business advisory company has taken off. The former Thunder Bay Mayor released the statement on Friday because he wanted to quell the rumour mill and clarify his intentions.