Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Swim Advisories Round 2

Swimmers beware.  The Health Unit is issuing swimming advisories at two local beaches again.  This time around it's at Boulevard Lake's Sandy Cove Beach, and Chippewa Park-Main Beach.

MPAC says T.Bay Affordable

Thunder Bay is still one of the most affordable cities in Ontario to purchase a home.  The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation says Thunder Bay's fairly affordable despite the price of homes jumping 26 percent since 2008.  MPAC Spokesperson Larry Hummel says it's good news for the community's real estate market.

LU Extends Morrison Contract

Lakehead University is locking down its Men's basketball head coach Scott Morrison.  They've extended his contract through to June 2016.  The University made the announcement Tuesday.

Joint Investigation Media Conference Wednesday

Results from a joint forces investigation will be made public Wednesday at a media conference at the Valhalla Inn. OPP, City Police, the RCMP and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Police are all involved in the investigation looking at the connection with trafficking prescription medication and illegal drugs from southern Ontario to several communities in the north west.

Van Loan Talks ELA

The Federal Government continues to hold steadfast to their decision to close the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.  Peter Van Loan was in Thunder Bay on Friday and says he's heard area residents concerns over the move.  Dissaproval has come from across the world over the Federal Government's decision to cut the funding for the outdoor research lab.

MNR Gets Help

The Ministry of Natural Resources is receiving more outside help to deal with a rash of forest fires in Northwestern Ontario. 20-fire rangers from Saskatchewan and 20-from New Brunswick will join Ontario's crews on the fire lines. Water bombers from Quebec and Newfoundland have also been called in. 20-fire rangers from Minnesota arrived last week. Five new fires were reported yesterday, bringing the number of active fires up to 70.

Feds Announce Funds For S.L.

The Federal Government is helping the Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority establish a Child Advocacy Centre.  Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced 115-thousand dollars in funding yesterday and stated the centre will help young victims of violence or sexual abuse.  The money will be used to establish a needs assessment and feasibility study for the centre which will provide culturally sensitive services.

Rydholm Talks Infrastructure Fund

The Federal Funding for Municipal Infrastructure projects is going to expire in 2014. A round table meeting is being held in Kenora on Thursday. Councillor Linda Rydholm will be attending and says she'll be bringing up the issue of new waste water regulations that will tax area communities with extra costs.

Police Respond To John St. Accident

Thunder Bay Police say a three year old boy is in hospital this afternoon after being hit by a vehicle. Police responded to the accident just before 1:30 on John Street.  Officers say the child was playing in the parking lot of the building complex when he was struck by the vehicle that was backing out of a parking spot.

Stats Can Releases Crime Rates

Statistics Canada is ranking Thunder Bay 3rd in the Country for a city of our size for overall crime and violent crime. Police Chief JP Levesque says the stats are alarming but there is a bright side our homocide rate has dropped since 2010.

More Local Lottery Winners

A young Thunder Bay couple are 87 thousand dollar lottery winners.  Dale Pichlyk  and Shana Fillier won on the June 30th 6-49 draw.   They plan to use their windfall towards paying bills and they will bank the rest.  They bought the ticket in Sioux Lookout. 

Thunder Bay Teams Hot To Start Little League Tourney

The Ontario Senior Little League Championship is being played this week at baseball Central and both Thunder Bay teams are off to good starts. The All-Stars crushed Windsor East 23-3 in their opening game, while the Selects edged Orleans 7-6. Action continues today starting at 2:00 p.m. The All-Stars are back in action starting at 6:00 p.m. The winner of the 5team tournament advances to the Canadian Championships in Regina.

Two Border Cats Make All-Star Squad

Pitchers Jordan McCoy and Wes Parsons are the two all-stars representing the Thunder Bay Border Cats in tonight's all-star game in Madison, Wisconsin. The Border Cats remain 4 1/2 games back in the North division and are set to begin a 7 game homestand starting Thursday at Subway field.