Thursday, March 27, 2014

Jacob Found Not Guilty

A Summer Beaver man can rest easy now that a jury in Thunder Bay has found him not guilty of manslaughter.   The aquittal of 35 year old Kesley Jacob comes after a nearly 2 week trial in connection to  the death of  53 year old Barney Beaver at the Victoria Inn in December of 2011.   His lawyer George Joseph says his client is too emotional for words.

Dryden Man Dies In Crash

OPP in Dryden are investigating a collision that killed 24-year old Taylor Gardiner of Dryden this morning on Highway 17. The accident involved a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle and took place just outside of Aaron Provincial Park around 7am.. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Mauro Appeals Exhausted


It's the end of the line for Jim Mauro and his legal battle with the city Police Service.   The former sergeant was given a temporary demotion to constable after being found guilty of discreditable conduct.   However police spokesperson Chris Adams says all of the officer's appeals have been unsuccessful. Mauro himself declined to comment to our newsroom on the issue which originated in 2009.

Man Fined Over Smoke Alarm

A 24 year old man is charged with arson and mischief in connection with a recent fire on West Frederica Street and is also being convicted of additional charges in Provincial Offences Court.  The fire department charged the man with two counts of disabling a smoke alarm and he was convicted recently on both counts.  He's been fined 2-thousand dollars.

Tbaytel Gives Cash

Tbaytel is giving money to a variety of sports groups in Northwestern Ontario.  The Fort Frances Border Skating Club is getting 5-thousand dollars to purchase a new sound system for the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre.  The Thunder Bay Synchro Club, local Diving Club, Chapleau Splash Pad, Rainy River Baseball Diamond, and Dryden's Soccer Park will also get 2-thousand dollars.

Chris Hadfield To Visit The City

One of Canada's most famous sons is coming to Thunder Bay.   Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield is going to speak at the Community Auditorium on June the 4th.    He will talk to school students during the day and will hold his main speech that evening.   Tickets for the evening event are 55 dollars each while school students will be asked to pay 8 dollars.

Missing Teenager Found

City police are calling off a search for a missing 13 year old boy.  They found Logan Stang sometime yesterday. Police are thanking the public for their help in finding him.

Some Concern For Pipeline

There is a sense of concern for the environment following public consultations in Thunder Bay for the proposed energy east pipeline. Several presentations were made Wednesday evening including one from Paul Berger who is with Citizens United for a Sustainable Planet. Berger says the group has a few objections. He adds that the current pipeline is not designed to see a conversion into carrying oil instead of gas which is included in the proposal.

Snowfall Warning In Place

Environment Canada's snowfall warning continues for the Thunder Bay area.  Overnight we received about 2-4 centimeters of snow and Meteorologist David Rogers says another 10 to 15 centimeters is on the way. Rogers adds we will have warmer weather on the weekend with a chance of rain or more snow on Sunday.

Icebreakers Expected Today


Spring icebreaking is expected to begin in Thunder Bay today. American icebreakers the Katmai Bay and Morro Bay will help with the harbour breakout into Friday. The Alder is expected to arrive on Saturday.

Winter Road Maintenance Raised Again


The provincial government is still refusing to say how much contractors have been fined for failing to meet winter road maintenance standards.  In the Ontario Legislature, NDP critic John Vantof asked the Transportation Minister who is at fault for the state of roads in the north this winter the ministry or the contractors.  Transportation Minister Glen Murray did says the government spent 10 million dollars more this year to put 50 additional snow plows on the road. There are renewed calls for the province to release the amount private contractors have been fined for failing to meet winter road maintenance standards.

Officer Faces Traffic Charge

A city police officer is charged with a red light violation after the marked cruiser he was driving collided with another vehicle Friday night.   The incident happened on Waterloo and Victoria.   Police say the cruiser was operating with its emergency lights flashing at the time and the driver is required to stop completely stop before proceeding.