City to ask Feds for Grain Elevator Centre

The City of Thunder Bay is going to ask the Federal Government if a National Grain Industry Activity Centre could be a National Historical Site.  Councillors are going to bring the idea to their intergovernmental affairs committee.  Councillor Mark Bentz says they support the Centre, they just don't have the funds to properly back the Friends of the Grain Elevator's project.  The move means the City will back the project in any way they can just not financially. The Spokesperson for the Friends of the Grain Elevator says they're more than pleased with council's decision.

Special Olympics needs cash

The City of Thunder Bay is getting a report on funding the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games. The local committee is asking for over 13 thousand dollars. The money is to be used to offset the costs of transportation. The committee is responsible for the transportation of all coaches and athletes to all of the sport venues and activities. The money is for the use of 3 buses from Thunder Bay Transit. Council is going to make a decision on whether or not to approve the request in two weeks time.

It's Credit Education Week

The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is kicking off Credit Education Week with a public launch at the Intercity Mall Tuesday at noon.  The group hopes to educate consumers how to manage their money.  Counsellor Bev Dunnil made a presentation to City Council Monday night.  Dunnil says they want residents to make a budget and stick with it.  A series of free financial training programs and workshops will be provided this week.

Students help realize dreams

Sir Winston Churchill Highschool Students will continue to help seniors realize their dreams.  The City of Thunder Bay's George Alexander says he will work with the organizers of the "Dreamweaver" program to help offset some of the costs associated with providing activities to seniors.  Peer Leadership Teacher Ryan McDonnell is asking for the city to provide 1 thousand 500 dollars and donations such as tickets to the Thunder Bay Auditorium and other city run venues.

Police deny chase was dangerous

City police say there was no danger posed during a short chase on Saturday evening near the supper hour.   A caller to our newsroom says a city police cruiser  chased a red car on Golf Links Road and went through a red light at James Street.    He says the vehicles reached speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour, and he called it dangerous.   Police couldn't tell us what speeds were involved, but say that once the vehicle they were chasing went through the red light they stopped the pursuit so there was no danger.   They were trying stop the driver, who is wanted on a warrant.

Problems close Tournment Centre

An ice malfunction has forced the closure of the Thunder Bay Tournament Centre on Highway 61. Both rinks will not be open Monday night, but will be in use Tuesday.

Transit gives vets a free ride

Thunder Bay Transit is saying "thank you" to war veterans and their families. This Thursday, Remembrance Day, they will get to ride for free on the bus. Transit's Jon Hendel says it's the least they can do.  The free rides extend to cadets and all forces members.   All transit buses will stop at 11 am on Thursday to commemorate 2 minutes of silence.

Med School strike O-V-E-R

The strike at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is over.   The school's Board of Directors have voted to accept the new deal.  It's a 3 year deal that has a one time wage increase of 3 and a quarter per cent.  A back to work date is still in the works. 

City and School Board say yes to plan

The McGuinty government is getting input on a new 10 year plan for funding road, sewer and building projects.  Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli believes it would be very valuable to people who manage our school boards, hospitals, colleges and universities.   Chiarelli was in Thunder Bay to get input on the proposal.  Both the Lakehead Public School Board and the City of Thunder Bay say the ten year plan is a valuable tool.

Hovorka takes top honours

Thunder Bay's Shy-Anne Hovorka is back in the spotlight. The singer was awarded female entertainer of the year at the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards on the weekend. She calls the award unexpected and is still floating on cloud 9

Horwath talks with Hobbs

The province's NDP leader is pledging her support for our new mayor. Andrea Horwath says she met with Mayor-elect Keith Hobbs and promised him a voice at Queens Park if he finds he's not getting satisfaction from the McGuinty government.   Horwath says she now has a sense of what issues Hobbs is concerned about.

Police Chief Bob Herman Retiring

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is calling it quits.  Bob Herman announced today that he's planning on retiring effective July 7th next year.  Herman says he's been in discussions with the police services board since September and his decision has nothing to do with Keith Hobbs being elected as Mayor.  Hobbs has been highly critical of Herman's opinion on safety in the city.  In the press release Herman says he feels extremely privileged to have served the community over his 30 plus year career.  Meanwhile Hobbs wishes Herman the best and says he has been a very dynamic officer during his career.