Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Chief makes plea over gun registry

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is pleading with the city's two MP's not to vote in favour of scrapping the long gun registry. Bob Herman calls the registry an effective tool to battle crime. He asks John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer, to consider the safety of his officers and the citizens of the city when voting on the issue.

Participants needed for study

St. Joseph's Care Group is looking for people willing to take part in a study on brain injuries. Scientific Director Michel Bedard says it's to examine some new treatment options that appear to be effective. The 10 week study is being done along with hospitals in Toronto and Ottawa.

Hunting season upon us

With the fall weather comes the start of hunting season. Grouse hunting season opens across most of northwestern Ontario next Wednesday. Don't forget to brush up on your hunting rules and regulations. To do so you can consult the 2010 Hunting Regulations handbook through the Ministry of Natural Resources' website. The daily limit for ruffed grouse and spruce grouse is a combined total of five.

Port achieves another first

Another first for the Port of Thunder Bay. This time it's a ship that came with one load of cargo and left with another unrelated load. CEO Tim Heney says it arrived from Germany with a load of 50 wind turbines and left with a load of flax for Belgium.  Heney says it's two way service they hope will continue.

Accident sends two to hospital

Highway 61 to the U.S border is open again after being closed for a short time today  because of an accident. OPP say it was a 3 vehicle mishap that took place around quarter to 10 this morning just south of Highway 130. They say all three vehicles sustained major damage and two of the drivers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Road Closure Thursday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing down Lakeshore Drive on Thursday.  The roadway from Hodder Avenue to Spruce River road will be closed from 8:30 until 4 Thursday.  Crews will be repairing a watermain.

Riverfest 2010 this weekend

Fort William will be hopping this weekend. A number of festivals will be taking place in the south core including Elkfest, Doors Open Ontario, the Fort William street festival and Riverfest. Street Festival Chair Laury Alexander says downtown Fort William is thriving. The Kam River Heritage Park will also play host to a variety of local musicians, food vendors and a youth fishing derby. For more information log onto www.thunderbay.ca/riverfest

Municipal nomination deadline

Friday is the last chance for would be politicians to file their nomination papers.  The deadline for nominations in the upcoming municipal election is September 10th at 2pm.  The latest person to throw his hat into the ring is John Radl who will be taking on incumbant Joe Virdiramo in the Westfort riding.

MPP's head back to work on Monday

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work they go. MPP's will open up the Ontario legislature's fall session this Monday. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the fall schedule will be released in the next couple of days. Mauro adds they'll be defending the local health integration networks after the PC's spent the summer slamming them.

Sally Ann needs toys

The Salvation Army is back with it's Ride for Toys fundraiser. Major Mervyn Halvorsen says a toy will be the entry fee for a motorcycle ride on September 18. He says the toys are given to needy children all year long. Donated toys can also be dropped off at any motorcycle shop in Thunder Bay.

Foundation taking grant requests

The Thunder Bay Foundation is accepting funding request applications. Executive Director Paul Wolfe says the organization has about 3 million dollars of money to grant to local charitable groups. He says there are very few restrictions on which groups can apply. The deadline for grant applications is October 11th