Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Shuniah Reeve seeks re-election

Maria Harding is seeking re-election as the Reeve of Shuniah. The reeve filed her nomination application last month. Harding says she wants to continue to maintain a position of balace and reason while making decisions for the community.

T-Wolves start training camp

Hockey training camp is underway for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. Coach Joel Scherban says there are over 25 players trying out including 19 returnees. Scherban hopes to pare down the roster rather quickly.   He says the earliest would be this Friday, but realistically it's likely to come by the end of next week.  Seven players will not be returning from last years team.

Katimavik helping in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is welcoming a Katimavik group of volunteers. 11 young Canadians will begin volunteering in the community starting this weekend.  Sarah Tamosetis is heading up the project and says they're looking forward to doing some good.  The Katmivak team is made up of 17 to 21 year olds.  The group of volunteers will be working with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the Salvation Army.

OPP lay additional charges

Further investigation has lead to Thunder Bay OPP laying additional charges in a drug and money seizure dating back to December.  Last year, police searched a Mapleward Road residence and seized 1.2 million dollars and 22-thousand dollars worth of drugs.  Marcel Breton is charged with possession of proceeds of crime and laundering proceeds of crime.  Breton will appear in court on October 22nd to answer the new charges.

Police looking for good samaritan

Thunder Bay's Criminal Investigations Branch is on the lookout for a good samaritan who helped two young men after they were assaulted.  Someone driving a pickup on Blucher Avenue in the early morning hours of August 27th stopped during the incident. Police would like to speak to the individual to further their investigation.

FASD Awareness Day

It's Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day. The NorWest Community Health Centre is holding a full day workshop on FASD at the Airlane Travelodge. FASD Coordinator Maureen Parkes says people living with FASD don't necessarily understand the consequences of their actions. Lawyer David Boulding will be discussing how to help FASD clients when they are involved in the legal system.

Mining program helps Aboriginals

Aboriginal students in Northwestern Ontario are learning the ropes of the mining industry. It comes in the form of a school program backed by the industry and Cambrian College. Jonathan Kakegemic is the Principal at Cromarty High School in the city and thinks it's exciting. He says it gives Aboriginal students an incentive to continue their education once they see the program is directed towards them. 175 students are enrolled in the program at the school.

Methane gas provides renewable energy

There's more green energy on tap in the city. It comes from Thunder Bay Hydro at it's generating station on Mapleward Road. President Rob Mace says it comes in the form of methane gas from the city dump. In partnership with the city, Hydro is buying the gas that the landfill produces and turning it into electricity. Mace says the amount of energy generated can power up to 3 thousand homes in the city.

Methane machines built for safety

The city is hoping to reap the benefits of renewable energy. Two new machines are capturing methane gas from the city dump and turning it into electricity. Bruce Baxter, of Toromont Energy, helped to design the machines and says safety is priority one. He says temperature and pressure are monitored on a regular basis and that if any thresholds are exceeded it will lead to a shutdown. Thunder Bay Hydro president Rob Mace says there is potential for a third machine to be built on the site.

Ontario introduces activity tax credit

The Ontario Government is making it a little easier for parents to get their children involved in after school activities.  The province is introducing legislation creating a tax credit for those activities.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says its going to help both the families and kids.  If the legislation is passed, parents will be able to claim up to 500 dollars of expenses per child.

Another Candidate for Councillor at large

Former CBC host Gerald Graham will be joining the fray for this year's municipal election. Graham retired in June after 25 years as a journalist in the city and will be up against 10 other candidates for councillor at large.

Thunder Bay Kayaker sets new record

Thunder Bay's own Joe O'Blenis is the new record holder for the fastest paddling around Vancouver Island. The Kayaker made the trip in 16 days and 12 hours which beat the previous record by half a day. O'Blenis could have done even better but ran into some equipment trouble during the one thousand 140 kilometre voyage.