Thursday, June 30, 2011

City Solicitor prepares report on lawsuit

The City Solicitor is preparing a report for City Council about a defamation suit against Mayor Hobbs.  Rosalie Evans says the city does have policies in place that covers employees who are accused during their time on the job.  Evans report will be presented at the July 18th council meeting.  Meanwhile, The City isn't releasing a formal statement about the allegations.  Police Chief Bob Herman is seeking 700 thousand dollars in damages centered around comments made by Hobbs during a press conference earlier this spring.

Mayor still to file defence against lawsuit

Mayor Keith Hobbs hasn't filed his statement of defence against a lawsuit issued by The Chief of Police.  Bob Herman filed the defamation suit last Friday, and Hobbs has 30 days to file his defence.  The lawsuit centres on remarks Hobbs made during a spring news conference.  Herman is seeking damages of 700 thousand dollars.  The claims have not been proven in court.  Hobbs declined to comment and Herman could not be reached.

2 Thunder Bay residents appointed to Order of Canada

This year's appointments to the Order of Canada have a Thunder Bay flavour. Lawyer and Adventurer David Shannon along with Doctor Ruth Kajander have been named to the order and will recieve their insignia's at a cermony in the near future.

Keg gives 25-thousand to charity

The Keg is giving a local charity 25 thousand dollars.  Our Kids Count will use the money to offer programs to families with kids under the age of six.

Thunder Bay teen charged with mischief

A poor choice for a hiding spot for a Thunder Bay teen. Dryden Police were called to a Government Street home early yesterday morning by the resident who said someone was trying to get into the home. Police got a description and the accused was found shortly after hiding under a tree at the Tourist Information Bureau. Police say 19-year-old Marella Meekis has been charged with public intoxication and mischief under 5-thousand dollars.

Mishkeegogamang residents heading home

Its good news today for evacuated residents of Mishkeegogamang, they'll soon be heading home.  MNR officials say smoke from a nearby forest fire has blown out of the area and residents will be able to go home tomorrow.  However officials say the area is still under high alert and if the wind shifts residents could be evacuated again. 

Fort Frances man keeps snapping turtles

A Fort Frances man has been fined 17-hundred dollars for keeping live snapping turtles in his home.  Donald Cameron was charged back in February after Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers, acting on a public tip, found the reptiles hidden in the tank of a toilet.  Cameron had been convicted of a similar offence back in 2010.  Snapping turtles are a special concern species under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Long weekend blitz

OPP and Thunder Bay Police will be out in full force this long weekend. They will target aggressive drivers who speed, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drive while distracted or fail to wear seatbelts. The OPP will also be checking on waterways to ensure boaters are wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices.