Thursday, June 28, 2012

Councillor Furious Over Tornado Shocker

One city councillor is furious over the news that Tornado Medical Systems has closed up its offices in Thunder Bay. The medical imaging company announced it was setting up shop in the city in 2009 and was given substantial taxpayers dollars to build new offices in the Whelan Building. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says "this warrants a full investigation by council into the process in giving generous grants." He says there were promises of up to 300 jobs , but they closed with under 10.

LU Partners With Georgian College

Lakehead University is teaming up with Georgian College to make it easier for students to move between the two.  It will now be easier for college students to transfer their credit towards completing a university degree.  The two schools signed a deal Thursday that will allow joint delivery of programs, fast track diplomas, and credit transfers.

Hobbs Wraps Up Week Long Conference

Thunder Bay's Mayor is coming back from a week long Great Lakes Seaway meeting in Quebec. Keith Hobbs says he met with other Mayors and they tackled a number of important issues including stopping invasive species. He also talked about our disaster and asked the Mayors to donate money to our relief fund. Thunder Bay was also honoured with the Green Award for leadership in Pollution Prevention.

T.Bay Tel Lowers Mobility Package Rates

T.Bay Tel is cutting the price for some of it's cell phone services.  Spokesperson Barry Streib says they found opportunities to lower some of their cell rates and decided to give back to their customers.  The change in rates will come into effect July 1st.

New Strat Plan For St. Joe's

St. Joseph's Care Group is rolling out it's new strategic plan.  CEO Tracey Buckler says it was introduced at the Annual General Meeting.  The plan is designed to lead the health organization into the next four years. Buckler also tells us they are continuing with construction plans to the tune of 150 million dollars.

John Street Cash Update

A 38 year old woman is being held in custody after a jeep rollover on John Street this morning.  She was released from the hospital with minor injuries and has been arrested on two outstanding warrants.  The 43 year old and 42 year old male passengers of the vehicle are still in the hospital in good condition.  John Street has been re-opened.

Tbaytel Expands 4G Service

Tbaytel is investing an extra 3.4 million dollars into it's 4G network in the northwest this year.   CEO  of the city run phone company, Don Campbell,  says they realized early on that the original 5.8 million would not be enough to take care of demands. The new investments include extra cell sites in Thunder Bay and increased coverage in Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden.

Habitat For Humanity Welcomes 50-Thousand Dollars

The mother of a one year old asthmatic is the latest recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home. The home being built on Home Avenue is part of Bombardier's 50 thousand dollar donation.  The company made the presentation today and will also use the cash to build another home in 2013.

Two Historic Designations Announced At Bombardier

Parks Canada has made the Thunder Bay Bombardier Plant a historical site.  The Federal Government unveiled two plaques recognizing the Canadian Car Foundry's 100 years in the community. Another plaque was presented to honor Elsie MacGill's contributions as a woman engineer in the Second World War.

Jeep Rollover Sends 3 To Hospital

Three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance this morning after a vehicle rollover on John Street Road between Community Hall Road and Lawrence Road. Emergency services responded to the incident just before 7:00 o'clock. Police say the driver of a Jeep lost control and rolled over into the side ditch. One person was ejected from the vehicle. All three occupants were taken to the Regional Health Sciences Center with undetermined injuries. John Street Road is currently closed between Community Hall Road and Lawrence Road for the Traffic Unit to conduct the investigation. John Street Road is expected to be closed for at least the next hour.

Cosmo Valente's Death Investigated As A Homicide

The RCMP in Manitoba are investigating the death of Thunder Bay's Cosmo Valente at Stony Mountain Penitentiary this month as a murder. Spokesperson Sgt. Line Karpish says their probe has discovered that Valente was stabbed. While there is no one charged in the death of the 69 year old, police say they are working with the institution on the case.

Fireworks Warning

The hot weather has the Ministry of Natural Resources on high alert for new forest fires this long weekend. The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association is also asking you to "use caution" if you intend to use fireworks. President Eric Nordlund is reminding you that it is illegal to set them off within city limits. Nordlund is suggesting you watch the fireworks display put on by the city at Marina Park on Canada Day at approximately 11:00 O'clock.

Bishop E.Q. Jennings School Closed Today

Bishop E.Q. Jennings is closed today. Officials will spend the day cleaning up blood left on the library floor. Police say a man and a woman broke into the school overnight and were found sleeping on the library floor. One of them was cut. They have been charged with one count of mischief each.

2 Possible New Forest Fires

M.N.R. officials say 2 new fires are being investigated by Fire Rangers from the Sioux Lookout Headquarters; however, neither fire has been confirmed yet by personnel. There continues to be 8 active fires in the region that are being monitored in the far north districts of Sioux Lookout and Nipigon. The forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario has climbed to "High" and is expected to climb into the "Extreme" by the weekend. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources urges the pubic to use caution with all outdoor fires.

Cats lose In Extra Inning

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 4-3 in an extra inning last night in the opener of a 3-game road series to Alexandria. The loss drops the Cats' record to 12-16 in the first half. They're back home on Saturday to start a 5-game seris against the Rochester Honkers.