Monday, August 22, 2011

Rafferty remembers NDP Leader

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is shocked by the passing of NDP Leader Jack Layton. The 61 year old died this morning after battling a second round of cancer. Rafferty considers Layton a friend and one of the reasons he decided to enter politics. Rafferty is collecting messages from the riding for the Layton family. The MP's offices are closed today out of respect for the family.

Outdoor water ban over

The trunk watermain break at Marina Park is repaired. The ban on outdoor water use that came into effect last week is now over. The water distribution system is back to normal.

Vote for Port Arthur Stadium

With a click of the mouse you can help support Port Arthur Stadium in their quest to become Canada's Favourite Ballpark.  The final round of voting in the Baseball Canada competition starts Tuesday at noon. Voting continues for two weeks and wraps up on September 6th.  To vote click here.

Hobbs takes part in AMO conference

Thunder Bay will be joining discussions Tuesday in London about the heads and bed levy.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says they want to see an increase in the levy by 80 percent.  Municipalities receive the levy in lieu of property taxes for universities, colleges, hospitals and correctional facilities.  The discussion is part of the Association of Municipalities conference being held in London, Ontario this week.

OPP Bouncer Blitz

The OPP are releasing more information about their security guard and bouncer blitz. Detective Sgt. Rick LePage says in Thunder Bay 105 charges were laid. In Kakabeca Falls, nine charges were laid for failing to wear a uniform. LePage says they charged bouncers working at night clubs and businesses that sell the services of security guards.


PC's feel confident in NWO

The Ontario Progressive Conservatives are predicting they will do well in northern Ontario in the next provincial election.  Ken Zeise is president of the party and says they are very optimistic about making in-roads in this region.  Zeise says he's travelling across the north this week, meeting with party faithful, and gearing up for the October 6th election.

10-thousand towards Children's Wish

Thunder Bay's Children's Wish Foundation is 10 thousand dollars richer thanks to local Wendy's restaurants. Director George Badanai says all money raised goes directly towards fulfilling local kids wishes. The 25th  Children's Wish Charity Golf Tournament is on September 9th.

Conservatives nominate McKay

All the major parties in Kenora Rainy River have their candidates in place for the October 6th provincial election. The Conservatives are the latest party to select their candidate. Kenora City Councillor Rod McKay beat out Louis Roussin for the Tory nomination.

Bar owner ready to fight OPP Blitz

A Thunder Bay bar is getting ready to fight the results of an OPP bar blitz.  Co-owner of Shooters Tavern Paul Maybroda says officers charged some bouncers for not being licenced or for not wearing uniforms.  Maybroda says he will be helping his employees who were charged during their October 28th court date. 

No one hurt in fire

No one was hurt in a kitchen fire in an apartment building.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue are investigating the fire that happened yesterday afternoon just after 5 o'clock at 273 Pioneer Drive.  Crews managed to keep the damage to the kitchen of one of the units.

Libyan rebels have entered Tripoli

Rebels have stormed the capital of Libya and according to Lakehead University Political Science expert Laure Paquette its only a matter of time before the civil war ends.  Paquette says rebels are storming Moamar Gadhafi's compound and it'll likely be chaos until he is found and arrested or killed.