Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Full Ban On Flavoured Tobacco Products Sought

A coalition of Ontario health agencies are calling for a complete ban on flavoured tobacco products.

New data shows 57-thousand young people in the province admit to using them despite legislation banning certain products.

Director of Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco Michael Perley says the number is concerning.

Perley says companies have found loopholes in current legislation allowing their products to stay on the market and only a complete ban will lower the number of young users.

Falls Resumes Bidding Process

International Falls will again seek bids for certain work on land intended for a multi-modal facility.

The city had agreed to seek bids in May, but councillors learned Monday night Mayor Bob Anderson had asked the process be put on hold because of concerns he had with the project.

Councillor Gail Rogenrud feels the Mayor overstepped his bounds by not coming to council first.

Anderson says no harm was done by his request because there's no one committed to paper for the area.

Pennies For Play Returns

Another playground in International Falls is the target of an improvement campaign.

Backus Community Centre is spearheading the Pennies for Play initiative for new equipment at Green Acres Park.

Spokesperson Robin Bjorkquist says they're hoping to raise $20-thousand.

A similar campaign two years ago raised nearly $18-thousand for equipment at Kerry Park.

Woman Charged In Police Chase

A 25-year-old Thunder Bay woman is in custody following a vehicle chase early Sunday morning which started  in Dryden and ended in Ignace.

One police cruiser almost ended up in the ditch in the ordeal that ended with OPP using a spike belt to help stop the vehicle.

The woman faces several charges including impaired driving, dangerous driving, and assaulting police with a weapon.

Little Growth Expected Among Small Businesses

There could be little growth among Ontario's small businesses next year.

A new study finds 75 per cent of Ontario's small business owners state they have no plans to hire next year while 90 per cent do not expect to expand their business.

52 per cent admit to having no business plans for next year.

NOVA Awards Seek Nominees

Calling all community leaders who are under 40.

A Thunder Bay-based young professionals network is looking to recognize you as part of the 2014 Visionary Awards.

Organizer Keith Anderson says the purpose of the NOVA Awards is to create a top 20 list for northwestern Ontario.

The deadline for nominations is November 15.

No Extra Tags Available

For the first time since surplus deer-hunting permits were made available six years ago, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says no permits will be available for this year's hunt.

It says every permit area received applications for at least 100 percent of the permits available.

The firearms season in most areas opens November 9.