JFK 50th Anniversary

Today marks the 50th anniversary of US President John Kennedy's assassination.  We spoke to several prominent figures in the City to see what they were doing 50 years ago today and how they were impacted by JFK's death. We spoke to Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle, Confederation College President Jim Madder, Mayor Keith Hobbs as well as City Councillors Iain Angus, Joe Virdiramo and Ken Boshcoff. Kennedy was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight

The Fort William Business District and Victoriaville Centre are kicking off the Christmas season tonight with the 19th annual tree lighting at Paterson Park.  Fort William BIA Member JP Fraser says its a popular event.  Meanwhile, a Taking Back Downtown Peace Walk will also take place at City Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ending at Paterson Park.

Hernandez Trial Back December 10th

The trial of 28 year old Christian Hernandez will continue in two weeks time.  The one time Thunder Bay resident is charged with impaired driving causing death in connection with a collision in December of 2010 that resulted in the death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael. Court met today to review what evidence will be allowed in the case before Justice Joyce Pelletier will make her verdict. Hernandez's blood alcohol level test results will be allowed into evidence as will the 911 call his then girlfriend made after the collision.  The comments Hernandez made to the police officer who attended his home that night will not be allowed into evidence.  The case will start back up again on December 10th.

Law School Tweaks Curriculum

It's the best of both worlds for students at Lakehead University's new law school.   Professor Lee Stuesser says we are the first law school in Canada to offer both in-class and off site learning as part of the curriculum which Stuesser says,  will get them into the working world in three years instead of four.

Police Bravery Honoured

Thunder Bay Constable Tom Armstrong is the recipient of an Ontario Medal for Police Bravery.  He was given the award Thursday, which is recognized as the province's highest honour for officers demonstrating outstanding courage on duty.  Armstrong was joined on the honour roll along with Dryden constables Denise Szachury, Jonathan Allen, and Terry Menard

NWMO Selects Nuke Communities

The Township of Ignace has been selected to move forward in a study to establish a host site for used nuclear fuel. Schreiber and Hornepayne are also on the list.   Nuclear Waste Management Organization Michael Krizanc says the next step for them  and the  other Canadian communities selected is to get into more in depth consultations with a wider range of communities including First Nations.  The NWMO is providing 400-thousand dollars to allow each community to continue in the study.

New Method For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is providing a 450-thousand dollar grant, spread over three years to help in the research of a new cancer imaging technique. Dr. Alla Reznik is a professor at Lakehead University and Senior Scientist with the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. Reznik will lead the research team in the development of the Portable Positron Emission Mammography device designed to detect tumors in younger women. The portable device would also be used for screening in remote communities.

Charges Laid In Cyclist's Death

A Texas man is facing careless driving charges from the O.P.P. Sixty-five year old Robert Booth and sixty-nine year old Irene Booth were taking part in a cross country tour with twenty-five other cyclists. While passing through Red Rock in July the two were hit by a pickup truck and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver is scheduled to appear in Nipigon Provincial Offence Court on March 24th.

Chamber Reacts To Cliffs Announcement

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is adding its voice to those who are disappointed by Cliffs Natural Resources decision to pull out of the Ring of Fire mining project.  Chamber president Charla Robinson is hoping for a continued dialogue between all those involved and adds we cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by.

NAN Wants In On Case

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is seeking to intervene in a landmark case as the Supreme Court of Canada will hear an appeal on the under representation of First Nation People on jury rolls.  The case R v. Kokopenace will see 9 judges consider the critical issues identified in a report on the lack of aboriginal people on Ontario juries.

T.Bay SongQuest Entry

A Thunder Bay man is entering the CBC SongQuest competition.  Jim Hamilton's entry is called "For the Love of Hockey".  Voting begins on November 23rd and the more plays a song gets the better chance it has making it to the final rounds.  To listen click here.

Red Cross Raffle Launched

The Canadian Red Cross Society is starting to sell its tickets for the Northern Raffle.  The organization hopes to sell over 4-thousand tickets.  Disaster Manager Coordinator Dave Wright says the fundraiser is vital to their operation. Tickets can be purchased at Halfway Motors and the Canadian Red Cross Office.