Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Polar Plunge Going Ahead

It's going to be truly a polar plunge in Fort Frances tomorrow.

The Voyageur Lions Club's annual New Year's Day dip into Rainy Lake is still going ahead as planned despite temperatures expected to hover well below the freezing mark on New Year's Day.

Club president Bill Michl says it shouldn't be much of a problem for the jumpers as they have a heated shack for them to go into prior and after their quick dip.

Michl advises spectators to bundle up as they 'll be forced to watch from shore or the La Place Rendez-Vous' dock to watch.

The large government dock can't be use as it was closed down by the town earlier this year because of safety issues with the structure.

Michl says at least 30 people are confirmed to participate with more likely to sign-up tomorrow.

Get Your Flu Shot

Health officials in northwestern Ontario are urging people to get a flu shot if they haven't already.

It comes in the wake of reports that a second person in the Thunder Bay district has now died due to the H1N1 virus.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit says both deaths involved people under the age of 65.

Mine Safety Review Planned

Ontario is launching a comprehensive mining safety review.

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says it's to improve the health and well-being of workers in the sector.

Gravelle says the details of the review will be revealed early in the new year.

Man Sentenced To Jail Time

A Cat Lake First Nation man is sentenced to eight years plus time serviced in connection to the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead.

The sentencing of Joseph Wesley came down in Superior Court in Thunder Bay yesterday. 

Wesley was charged after the body of Yellowhead was discovered in the city's Intercity area in August of 2012.

Pay Cheques To Shrink

Ontario residents will be keeping less of their paycheques in the new year.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Candice Malcolm says it's because of increased Employment Insurance and Canadian Pension Plan contributions that kick in January 1.

The maximum employee share of EI taxes will go up 23 dollars while employer's share increases 31 dollars.

Make Peace Your Resolution

A coalition of national and international groups wants you to make peace your new year's resolution.

They've launched a campaign called the 24 Hours of World Peace as part of tomorrow's World Day of Peace.

Spokesperson John O'Donnell says they're asking people to register on a website to receive inspirational emails, photos and videos and to help promote peace.

O'Donnell says given recent world events, the importance of peace has been as great as it's ever been.