Thursday, September 13, 2012

Suspicious Cabin Fire

OPP are calling a remote cabin fire suspicious.  Lappe and East Gorham Fire Departments responded to the blaze on Hazelwood Drive.  The large log cabin owned by the Lakehead Conservation Authority, was totally destroyed by the fire.  If anyone has any information regarding this incident contact Crime Stoppers at 623-8477.

Auto Pedestrian Accident

A woman was sent to the hospital after an auto pedestrian accident at the corner of Algoma and Pearl.  There were minor injuries reported.

Crime Prevention Nominations Open

The City's Crime Prevention Awards are back for another year.  Nominations have opened and Mayor Keith Hobbs says they're looking for unique crime prevention initiatives.  7 awards will be handed out on November 5th.  Nominations will be accepted at City Hall up until October 4th.

Dolasinski To Be Sentenced Next Month

A Thunder Bay woman convicted of theft will be sentenced on October 31st.   Krystyna Dolasinski was found guilty in May of theft and falsifying records in connection with money that disappeared from the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Hall.  Her lawyer Chris Watkins is asking that she receive a 10 to 12 month conditional sentence.   The prosecution is looking for jail time.   Dolasinski addressed the court and says she was very sorry for everything that has happened and that she takes full responsibility for the jurys verdict.

Health Unit Reports Whooping Cough Cases

Thunder Bay's Health Unit says they've seen four cases of Whooping Cough in the District since August.  Infectious Disease Manager Darlene Binette says the infection is easily spread through coughing or sneezing.  Binette says adults who may have been immunized for the disease as children should get another shot to protect against the disease.

Federal Jobs Cut In Thunder Bay & Kenora

Thunder Bay and Kenora are losing 48 federal jobs in the latest round of cuts.  Local Public Service Alliance Union Spokesperson Judith Monteith-Farrell are in human resources and employment insurance processing.  Monteith-Farrell says Northwestern Ontario residents should question what the Federal Government is doing to our communities.  Monteith-Farrell says some of the jobs were moved to Southern Ontario and some were just eliminated.

Robbery Gone Wrong

Police have a crime scene set up on the city's south side after one person was taken to hospital after what police say was a robbery gone wrong.   They say it happened in a laneway behind Syndicate Avenue and Leith Street this afternoon over the noon hour.   Police say there was an assault involved but they won't go beyond that.  Police say the male is in critical condition.

ETFO Wants McGuinty Monday in Thunder Bay

Teachers in Thunder Bay are being urged by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario to take part in "McGuinty Monday's".  The union is leaning on their members to not take part in any meetings or extracurricular activities as a means of protesting the bill that freezes wages and cuts benefits.  President of the local E.T.F.O. Chapter, Ellen Chambers says rally is planned outside the offices of MPP's Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle tomorrow after school to voice their displeasure with the two who voted in favour of the bill.  The Ontario English Catholic Teaching Association is not withholding services.

Extracurricular Activities Up In The Air

Activities Director for both the Catholic and Public school boards, Dave Pineau is now facing a juggling act.  Teachers listening to their unions and refusing to participate in extracurricular activities will force Pineau to constantly adjust the schedules throughout the year, which he says will have a definite impact on students.

Still No Cause In Fatal Fire

There's still no indication as to what may have started a Monday night townhouse fire on Limbrick Street which killed a 30 year old man. Marty Patterson of the city Fire Service says the blaze originated in the living room of the townhouse unit, but he wouldn't say if it originated in the couch. Meantime Patterson credits recent renovations by Thunder Bay Housing to helping to keep the fire from spreading.

Forest Fire Forces School Closure

Ministry of Natural Resources officials say the forest fire rating in Northwestern Ontario is "Extremely High." Nine new fires were reported yesterday, including one very close to the water tower in Kenora. A nearby school had to be shut down because of its proximity. M.N.R. Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, the Municipal Fire Department and the O.P.P. were all used in fighting the fire which forced temporary road closures. Officials say fire fighting efforts will continue until this fire is brought under control and declared out.