Friday, June 22, 2012

Bill Brings Jobs

Bill C-38 will bring new jobs and create a stable condition for the economy to survive the recession. That's according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford. Rickford says the budget bill brings new opportunities. He notes investment in forestry and mining will help bolster the Northern Ontario economy.

Leaders In Patient Care

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre is being honoured for being a leader in Patient and Family care. Vice President of Performance and Aboriginal Health Lori Marshall says they're the first and only hospital in Canada to win this award. Marshall adds they have patient advisors that provide suggestions on how the hospital can be more patient friendly.

A Day Of Caring

United Way's GenNext wants people to come out and show they care on Saturday June 23. People can spend their day building, painting, or landscaping to help those in need. The Day of Caring is a one day commitment that helps United way and its agencies. The day starts off with breakfast at the Victoria Inn.

Mining Companies Evicted

Six Northern Ontario First Nation Chiefs are preparing to issue eviction notices to all mining companies on their land. They feel the Province and the companies haven't properly consulted them on their planned Ring of Fire projects. Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon says they'll serve the companies next week.

The Forms Are Here

The forms are finally available for flood victims who want to make claims to the city. There are three types of forms available, one of which allows the applicant to apply for a cash advance.  City Clerk John Hannam says this shows the city is moving from emergency management to disaster relief.  They will be available at tomorrow's two public meetings.

Janzen's Suspect Caught And Charged

The suspect in this week's Janzen's Pharmacy robbery is in police custody.  They say he was arrested peacefully last night over the supper hour during a traffic stop on the city's south side.   The 32 year old is now charged with robbery with a weapon.

Woman Swept Away In Current River

A woman is very lucky to be alive. Members of the Thunder Bay Fire Department were called to the Current River yesterday to search for her after being swept away by the current. She was swimming with her boyfriend at the time and failed to appreciate the strength of the flow. The Fire Department eventually found the woman with a few cuts and bruises but essentially in good condition in Centennial Park. The woman was able to swim ashore under her own power and walk to safety.

4 Dogs Poisoned In Dryden

Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance with a case of dogs being poisoned near Dryden. O.P.P. say they responded to a call in Wainwright Township last Friday to find 4 dogs who had been poisoned. Two of the K-9's have died since then as a result. Police are asking for your help, if you have any information you're asked to call 1-888-222-8477 (TIPS).

Sidney Crosby Visits City For Staal's Wedding

The man who scored Canada's "Golden Goal" at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is visiting Thunder Bay. Sidney Crosby, a Stanley Cup Champion is in the city to take in the wedding of teammate Jordan Staal, who is set to get married to his Thunder Bay fiancee Heather today. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is also said to be in town for the nuptials.

Jordan Staal Turns Down 10 Year Deal

Reports indicate Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal has turned down a 10-year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jordan becames an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year. He scored 25 goals and added 25 assists in 62-games this year.

Cats Drop Opener To Bucks

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 3-0 to the Waterloo Bucks last night at Subway Field. It was supposed to be a "Twi-Night" double-header by officials ruled the field "unsafe" for the second game. The two teams will meet again for a "Twi-Night" double-header tonight starting at 6:05 p.m.

Thunderwolves Hockey Releases Schedule

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team released its 2012-13 schedule, and will open the season at home versus the University of Ottawa on September 21-22. The Wolves will also host the final four teams from last season’s OUA playoffs - McGill, Western Ontario, UQTR and Windsor.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

T.Bay Contractor Fined

A Thunder Bay Construction Supervisor is being fined 10 thousand dollars after being found in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Ministry of Labour Spokesperson Matt Blajer says Chad Shostal was in charge of a team of workers re-shingling a roof when one of the men fell off. Shostal was fined becuase he was supposed to provide the worker with safety equipment and didn't train the injured worker on how to use said equipment.

Police Release Photos Of Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are releasing pictures of the man they believe is responsible for a recent robbery of Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street.  Police are looking to identify the stocky man wearing black pants, t-shirt and runners with red laces.  He was also wearing a black baseball cap with a yellow emblem on the front.  Anyone with information about the identity of this male is asked to call Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-TIPS.

Rickford Aboriginal Day Funding

A 25-million dollar Federal investment on this National Aboriginal Day. Parliamentary Assistant for Aboriginal Affairs Greg Rickford says the money will launch a 10-year health research program. The Kenora MP adds the Goverment is also supporting 6-major projects to study the best ways for health providers to collaborate with First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Latest On Thunder Bay Flood

The city is slowly returning to normal after the May 28th flood.   Garbage pick-up is back on schedule and now spokesperson Darrell Matson says the dump is returning to schedule but they will still honour flood vouchers that were given out, voiding scale fees during regular business hours. Meanwhile, the city survived the rain scare this week. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Darrrell Matson says everything is okay following the 40-to-50 millimetres of precipitation that fell since Tuesday.  Matson says they did not have to use any of the strategic pumps that were in place at various locations throughout the city.

Aboriginal Day At Marina Park

Aboriginal Day ceremonies began in the city with a sunrise ceremony at the marina at 5:00 o'clock.  It kicked off a day of activities that will run until 8:00 o'clock this evening and is being put on by the city's National Aboriginal Day Committee.  Events will be held at Travelodge Airlane and The Health Sciences Centre to name just a few.

LRCA Lifts Flood Watch

The flood watch is now over.   The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says that in the last 2 days we've received up to 50 millimetres of rain and with no rain forecast for the next couple of days the Authority decided to lift the flood watch. 

St. Pat Students Decorate Uniforms

It's the last day of school for St. Patrick's High School Students in Thunder Bay and a Grade 12 prank left several students outside on the sidewalk.Valedictorian Jacob Luczak says they decided to decorate their St. Pat's t-shirts and have classmates sign them. Meanwhile, Vice Principal Mike Filipetti says students were told to change because the uniforms didn't cover their shoulders, and midriffs. Filipetti feels the incident could have gone differently. The school had also asked for Grade 12 students uniforms to be donated for future students who can't afford the formal attire.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Vice Principal Mike Filipetti

City Facing 300 Million Dollar Class Action

The city is being sued.   A class action suit has been filed in Superior Court alleging negligence on various levels in connection with the May 28th flood. Those allegations still need to be proven in court.  The suit, on behalf of flood victims, is asking for general and special damages in the amount of 300 million dollars.  The city is not commenting.