OPP to resurrect 44 year old case

The OPP will be dusting off a cold case from the region Monday morning. Sgt. Shelley Garr says the unsolved 1966 murders of Doreen Hardy and Jane Bernard are being used as part of a news conference. However, Garr says police have nothing new to report about the investigation. She says the case will be used to help lauch a new investigative technique for the area. Family members of the two women will be attending the news conference as well. To learn more about the cold case itself go here

Cause of north side fire is undetermined

The cause of the overnight fire at 220 Clavet Street remains unknown. The blaze broke out in the attic of the one and a half storey home. Marty Patterson of the city Fire Service says they've completed their inspection of the fire scene. He says he examined the scene the best he could, but wasn't able to figure out exactly how the fire started and for that reason it's being listed as undetermined. No one was hurt in the fire.

Community Foundation hands out bursaries

Several local students are getting a big boost for their post secondary education thanks to the Thunder Bay Community Foundation. Cameron McKee and Tim Rappon were the top recipients getting 4 thousand dollars each. Other winners are: Joseph Tasone, David Tom, Marissa Belcamino, Joelle Fricot, Brittney Marshall, Jessica Rogers, Claudi Blier, Crystal Gingras, Kayla Kjellman, Victoria Mauro and Skylar Wielgosch. They were recipients of 23 hundred dollars each. Pictured: Joseph Tesone and Marissa Belcamino

Highschool grads get money for post secondary

It's the 10th anniversary of Justice Ronald B Lester Memorial Youth Foundation awards. This year's bursary winners were Marissa Belcamino of St. Igantius and Michelle Lauzon of Sir Winston Churchill high schools.
They'll each get 5 thousand dollars each for their post secondary education.
President Susan Lester says they're happy to provide the money to deserving students. Belcamino wants to go to school to become a pharmacist, while Lauzon will be pursuing a career as a pediatrician.

Contact North gets 3.5 million for upgrade

Thunder Bay's Contact North is upgrading it's facilities thanks to the provincial taxpayer. The distance education facility has been given 3 and a half million dollars from the McGuinty government to modernize it's video equipment. CEO Maxim Jean-Louis calls it an upgrade and enhancement. He says in some cases the improvements will see the leading edge technology used to make the students learning experience that much better. Jean-Louis says the government helps Contact North with upgrades on a regular basis.

Wisk Air opens new airport hanger

Thunder Bay's Wisk Air is in it's new home. The company's new hanger at the airport is officially opened. Owner Mark Wiskemann couldn't be prouder.   He says it's emotional for him because getting to this stage has taken a lot of work and effort.  Wiskemann credits his staff and customers and says for that he is both grateful and happy.   He says his company will provide active support to the mining exploration sector including the Ring of Fire cromite deposit in Northwestern Ontario.

Wear the gear-get some milk

The district health unit's "Wear the gear" bike helmet campaign is in its seventh year. City police and crossing guards are handing out coupons for free chocolate milk to those kids who are wearing the proper head gear. Public Health Nurse Marita Campbell says since the start of the program they've seen an increase in helmet use with 11 to 15 year olds. The milk tickets can be redeemed at any Mac Convenient Store locations in the city.

No one hurt in early morning house fire

Thunder Bay Fire and rescue had to deal with an early morning inferno in the North End of town. Crews responded to a report of smoke in the 200 Block of Clavet Street just after one this morning. By the time crews arrived flames had broken through the roof. Luckily no one was hurt and the blaze was put out. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Woman charged in murder case

A person is now charged in connection with the first murder of 2010. City police say that 28 year old Thea Debra Gliddy of Thunder Bay is facing a charge of second degree murder. The body of 39 year old Randy Lawrence Cromarty was discovered in a room of the Inntowner Hotel on Wednesday morning. Detective Sgt. Don Lewis says Gliddy was taken into custody that afternoon when she returned to the area.
Police say Gliddy and Cromarty knew each other. Lewis says that while Cromarty died of a vicious assault a firearm was not involved.  Giddy is due back in court June 23rd.

City e-mail working again

The city's e-mail server is back up and running after being down for about 40 hours this week. City Tech Manager Jean Suffak  says about 15 hundred city staff who use e-mail were affected from the Mayor's Office to those who work on Front Street. Suffak says the issues were solved with the help of contracted tech support. She says some overtime was required to fix the problem.

Westgate students team up with MADD

Students at Westgate Collegiate can't say they haven't been told. Their peers staged a noon hour demonstration to highlight the ripple effects of drinking and driving. Teacher Shannon McQuilter-Viau says it's no coincidence it took place just before graduation, typically a time when some students celebrate with alcohol.   The demonstration was done with the help of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Pictured: Student Rory Lalonde wears a pair of goggles meant to simulate the visual effects of being drunk.

Police probing hit and run

City police are asking for your help in locating a driver involved in a hit and run accident. Sgt. Glenn Porter says it took place at the corner of Albany and Egan Wednesday night at around 7:30.  He says a pick up truck was going north on Egan and failed to stop at the intersection and collided with an east bound car.  Porter says a passenger in the car was treated and released from hospital. They are looking for a blue Ford pick-up truck with some significant front end damage.

Horizon Wind announces release of environment report

The next phase of the proposed Nor'Wester View wind farm project is underway. Horizon Wind Inc. has announced the release of it's environmental report, and now there will be a 2 month period where the public can review the draft findings. The company's Nhung Nguyen  says they went over and above what was required in putting together the document.  As an example, she sited the noise study.  Nguyen says under the province's Green Energy Act they weren't required to include that, however because there was considerable public interest in that aspect, they did it anyway.  The first of two public meetings on the report takes place August 4th at the Blake Community Hall in the Municipality of Neebing.  The following day there will be a meeting at the Lakehead Labour Centre in Thunder Bay.  The entire 700 page report can be found by clicking here.

Employing the North's youth

Keeping our young people in the north.  That's the goal of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund's co-op and internship programs.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says employers find it beneficial to hire the region's youth.  The NOHFC provides money to businesses employing northern youth.  Over 300 Northern youth are getting on-site job experience through internship and co-op placements.

Thunder Bay now has bike lanes

The City of Thunder Bay now has a series of bike lanes for those people who want to cycle to their destination. A grand opening of the bike lane from Court Street to Boulevard Lake was held yesterday. Active Tranportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says the lanes will benefit the city's tourism industry, since outdoors enthusiasts can bike to various city sights. Bike lanes will also be marked on Walsh Street and parts of Syndicate.

Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit gets big time funding

The province is pumping almost half a million dollars into the Asset Forfeiture Unit. The OPP unit partners with forces across the province including Thunder Bay and focuses on identifying, seizing and managing the proceeds of crime. MPP Bill Mauro says funding this unit will help improve police services everywhere, because the money seized will be put back into the police services to help reduce and prevent crime. The funding totals 494, 162 dollars.

Deer tick tests positive for Lyme Disease

A first for Thunder Bay, as the District Health Unit is reporting a tick found recently has tested positive for Lyme Disease. They say it was found on a dog in the city limits. Medical Officer of Health, Henry Kurban, says it's the first positive test for the disease since the Unit started monitoring and testing ticks in 2005. He says it was submitted last week.  Kurban says with the warmer spring, the tick population in the district has appeared earlier that usual. He encourages people to prevent coming into contact with ticks to reduce the risk of a bite. That includes:
• Staying clear of areas with tall grass; they are common areas to find ticks.
• Wear light coloured clothing to make it easier to see ticks.
• Cover up by tucking pants into socks and wearing long sleeves.
• Check for ticks before going indoors; don’t forget your pets.
• Use insect repellants with DEET; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Police probe first homicide of 2010

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the first murder of the year in the city. Spokesperson Chris Adams says the body of 39 year old Randy Lawrence Cromarty of Thunder Bay was discovered at the Inntowner Motor Hotel. He says it was found at around 8:30 Wednesday morning by a family member. Police say he had been staying at the hotel. Adams says there is a forensic examination taking place at the scene of the crime and there are a number of interviews that are being conducted. He say a post mortem will take place on Friday to determine the cause of death.

Five local boys make Team North squad

Five Thunder Bay boys are going to the Canada Summer Games in Sudbury to play baseball. The five were chosen on the weekend in Sudbury to represent Team North at the games taking place in Sudbury in August.  Pictured:   From left to right, Brendan Toumisto, Amos Sharun, Owen Steele, Kallum Kennedy, Michael Moskalyk

Heart and Stroke Big Bike Ride

It's not too late to sign up for the Heart and Stroke's Big Bike ride.  The fundraiser is taking place throughout the week at the Victoria Inn.  Area Manager Tara Monteith says they still have room on the bike and interested people can show up the day of the ride with a fifty dollar donation.  This year's fundraising goal is 75 thousand dollars.

Snow Birds Demonstration and Community Fund

Northwestern Ontario's aboriginal students will now have access to a quarter million dollar endowment fund for post secondary education. The fund was created by Ontario's transport medicine group "ORNGE" and the aviation company AgustaWestland. The fund was created to help the growing aboriginal population take part in the emerging career field of medical transport. Confederation College President Pat Lang is happy first nation students will have the extra funds to take part in their aviation courses. The community endowment fund was announced at the College's Aviation Day and fly by demonstration of the Snow birds.

Your meds could get you into trouble

A Thunder Bay lawyer has a warning for people who may drive while on certain prescription drugs. Christopher Watkins says there are now tests available to detect whether a driver is on medication. Watkins says that could mean some innocent people could get in serious trouble.   He says there may be a lot of citizens who have suffered injuries and could be driving while on pain medications like oxycodone or percocets. Watkin says they may not be aware they could be in danger of facing an impaired driving charge.  Watkins says a conviction could result in the loss of a driver's licence.

Public School Board supports wind moratorium

The Lakehead public school board is supporting the Norwester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee's quest to get a moratorium on the Big Thunder Wind Park. The decision was made at last nights board meeting by a vote of 4 to 2. Trustee Karen Wilson moved the motion and says conflicting information from Ontario's Chief Medical officer concerns her the most. Wilson says Doctor Arlene King's information conflicts with the views of Health Canada and the World Health Organization. She says she wants to see an independent 3rd party study on the effects of wind turbines before development.

Health care groups join National Challenge

St. Joseph's Care Group and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre are teaming up to help the environment.  All staff at both health care locations are being asked to participate in the National Commuter Challenge next week.   They're being asked to take the bus, cycle, walk or car pool to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere.   St. Joe's CEO Tracy Buckler joined Health Sciences Centre President Ron Saddington to kick off the challenge

Hodder Tavern gets its liquor license suspended

The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission has handed a 35 day suspension to Hodder Tavern. The tavern's liquor license will be suspended from June 7th to July 12th. The suspension follows a few incidents that happened last year including one where a man was served alcohol and was later found dead in a near by lake.

Ontario Special Olympic Winter Games

The Special Olympics Ontario Winter games are just over 8 months away.  Thunder Bay is hosting the games this year, and Creator Dr. Frank Hayden paid a visit to the City today. Hayden says the games could have a million dollar impact on the City's economy.  The games will involve more than 300 athletes and 125 coaches from across the province.

Fire Service to check for working smoke alarms

The Thunder Bay Fire Service is starting it's door-to-door smoke alarm checks again. Chief John Hay says it's part of a 5 year plan to go to every home in the city and make sure there are working smoke alarms on every floor.   He says they'll go to homes and ask residents if they want a home inspection and to be educated on smoke detectors.   Those inspectors will then help residents who don't have any alarms help them be in compliance with the law.  Hay says no charges will be laid if inspectors are welcomed into the home

Two Mac's robberies remain unsolved

City police remain on the watch for a suspect or suspects in two Mac's store robberies on the weekend. They say that in both cases a man was involved in the robberies and the culprits had their faces covered. Police have not connected the two robberies. One took place at the Syndicate Avenue store early Saturday morning the other early Monday morning at the May and Dease location.

Snow birds fly by Wednesday

It's aviation day at Confederation College. The event will celebrate the growth and success of aviation in Northern Ontario. During the event, Helicopter Transport Medicine group "ORNGE" and the college will announce new opportunities for students in the health care field. A fly-by by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will take place at noon at the School of Aviation flight hangar.

Horizon Wind to release report this week

The next important step in the development of the proposed Nor' Wester Wind Farm takes place this week. On Thursday Horizon Wind will be releasing the environmental report regarding the wind turbines. At the same time company officials will also provide details about the next public open houses. The release of the report is significant because city councillors have said they would not make a decision on the location of the 18 turbines until after that report was made public.

Violence against women funding

18 not for profit groups in the Thunder Bay area will be sharing over 53 thousand dollars in provincial government funding. The money will be used to run violence against women programs and buy resources and equipment. The organizations receiving the money work in the Thunder Bay-Superior North and Thunder Bay-Atikokan ridings.

Thunder Bay new home activity will grow in 2010

It's going to be a great building season for Thunder Bay.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released it's Spring housing market report on Tuesday.  Thunder Bay's new home activity will increase by 27 percent in 2010.  The CMHC is also calling for existing home sales to grow and reach 1 thousand five hundred and fifty units this year. 

Robbery suspects remain in custody

Two Thunder Bay residents are due back in court next week in connection with a weekend armed robbery. Police say a man and a woman entered the Syndicate Avenue Mac's Store on Sunday morning armed with a knife. They ran off with some cash. The suspects were later caught and appeared in court Tuesday.   The 32 year old man and 27 year old woman were remanded in custody.

Woman opts for jury trial in fraud case

A Thunder Bay woman is asking for trial by judge and jury in connection with a fraud case involving the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Branch #19.   The lawyer for Krystyna Dolasinski says a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October.  Christopher Watkins says the hearing will help build his defence by continuing to explore the strength of the prosecution's case and concerns that centre around the strength of that case.  Alliance officials say they found about 100 thousand dollars was missing from their accounts over a two year period.  In court on Tuesday,  Assistant Crown Attorney Gil Maille said that charges of Breach of Trust and Misappropriation of Money were withdrawn.  He says however,  she still faces charges of  Fraud and Theft over 5 thousand dollars and Falsifying Documents

OPP long weekend activity

Not much activity on the long weekend for Thunder Bay OPP. Police did pull over one vehicle in the area of Highway 61 and Arthur Street this morning. When speaking with the driver, the officers noticed the 37 year old man was showing signs of impairment. He's charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and driving over 80 milograms; that's twice the legal limit. Police also issued 3-3 days licence suspensions over the May long weekend.

Leon's furniture protest

Thunder Bay's skilled labourers are protesting in front of the Leon's building. Glen Drews is the head of the electrical construction workers for the region and says they're dissapointed they didn't use local workers. Drews adds Leon's shouldn't expect locals to buy their furniture since they didn't employ anyone locally. Leon's Furniture store is presently being built down from Walmart on Fort William Road.

King's stereo building demolished

Demolition work is complete on the King's Stereo Building. Clean up has commenced and is expected to take several weeks. M Hashy and Sons Contracting Owner Michael Hashy hopes to have Syndicate and Miles Street open by this afternoon. The materials of the demolished building are being hauled to the City landfill.

Kenyan tops the 10 Mile

The winner of the 100th running of the 10 Mile Road Race is Gilbert Kiptoo of Kenya. While he didn't set the course record of 47 minutes he did have an impressive time of 49:51. In second place was Eric Hartmark of Duluth, Minnesota with a time of 49:57. For the first time this year there was a prize for the top finishers. Kiptoo walked away with 1 thousand dollars, Hartmark took 500 dollars. The fastest woman was Leslie Semler of Duluth who ran the course in 1:02:30. This was her first trip to compete in the Thunder Bay event and says she was extremely pleased with her time. There was a record field this year with over 1 thousand runners who registered. Organizer Mark Smith says he's pleased that the race is growing in popular support within the community.

PM comes to Dryden with big bucks

The Domtar mill in Dryden is getting some extensive work done to it.  The 22.7 million dollars worth of improvements were announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a visit to the community on Saturday.  It will allow the mill to produce it's own  renewable energy and reduce the amount of power it buys from more expensive sources.   Prior to the announcement Harper spent time at the Dryden Air Show which starred Canada's own aerobatic air team the Snowbirds.

Make way for the courthouse!

The old King's Stereo building on Syndicate Avenue is being demolished so a new courthouse can be built.  Crews began the process Saturday morning and expect to have the job completed by Victoria Day

Court hearing for Terrace Bay Pulp next week

The legal manoeuvering continues to get Terrace Bay Pulp back in operation. The mill is owned by Thunder Bay's Buchanan Forest Products and has been under court protection from creditors. Now the company lawyer, Yves Fricot, says they will be back in Ontario Superior Court May 26th.   He says at that time they will ask the court to set a date in June in which creditors can vote on the company proposal.  Fricot says if the creditor vote succeeds then Terrace Bay Pulp can exit court protection and is the key piece that will start the mill back into operations.

Fitter faster further

There's a new walking group in the city. The City of Thunder Bay's Older Adult Unit is hosting the "fitter faster further" walking club for women age 55 to 70. Organizer Nancy Angus says it's a great way to meet new walking buddies. Walking will take place ever Monday and Wednesday at 10 am at Thunder Bay's two McDonald's restaurants. The premier walk will take place Wednesday May 26th.

Marina Boat Launch closed to the public

Boaters in Thunder Bay have to take a detour if they want to launch their vessels.   The City of Thunder Bay says the the launch facilities and the parking lot at Marina Park are closed to the general public during the construction.  Only those who have paid to have their boats docked at the marina this year will have access to the launch.   Alternate launch sites in the area include:   The Current River Launch, the LRCA launches at Silver Harbour and Little Trout Bay Conservation Areas, the Nipigon Marina and the Red Rock Marina.

KI First Nation Creepy Creature

Big Trout Lake First Nation is receiving world wide attention for an unusual find.  A strange creature washed up on the shore of a creek recently.  Photos of the furry, bald-faced animal were posted on the official website of the Big Trout Lake community.  According to the website, two local nurses were hiking near the creek when they noticed their dog sniffing something in the water.  The dog pulled the 30-centimetre-long dead creature from the water and the two women snapped some photos of it.  Internet reports from around the world are speculating as to what it is, with some even linking it to the Ogopogo and the Lochness Monster.

PM in Dryden

The Prime Minister is paying another visit to Northwestern Ontario. Stephen Harper will make an announcement at the Domtar Mill in Dryden on Saturday. Harper will be joined by Kenora MP Greg Rickford at the opening ceremony of the Snowbirds Air Show.

Construction season underway for habitat

Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay has kicked off its 2010 construction season.  A ground breaking ceremony was held this morning for two houses being built on Mary Street East.  President Dianne Mitchell says families who will live in the houses must complete 500 volunteer hours.  Habitat is also renovating an existing house for a third family in the City.

We could see some rain this weekend

We could see some rain this long weekend but at least it'll be nice and hot. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says there could be some light shower activity Sunday and possible Monday but the temperatures will remain above normal with highs above 20 degrees. Coulson says the above average temperature should last well into next week as well.

Police out in full force for long weekend

OPP are gearing up for a very busy weekend. Spokesperson Diana Cole says officers will be out in full force looking for speeders, aggressive drivers and impaired drivers on all highways and even on the water. City Police are also going to be out this weekend although traffic Sergeant Glen Porter says the May Long is usually rather quiet in the city with most people heading out of town.