Villa Street Man Still In Critical Condition

A 23 year old man is still listed in critical condition as a result of injuries sustained at a Villa Street residence last month.  Acting Detective Inspector Don Lewis says the home is still being held by police as they continue to investigate the death of 25 year old Desmond Mathews who was also found inside the residence.  Lewis says they still have not had a chance to speak with the 23 year old man who remains in hsopital.

T.Bay Lawyer Taking Part In Kenora Murder Trial

Kenora's first murder trial in several years starts this week.  43 year old Ed Wilson was found dismembered on the CPR train tracks in the community back in the spring of 2009.  39 year old Kenneth Ivall and 23 year old Angela Duchesne are charged with second degree murder in connection to the slaying.  Thunder Bay lawyer Chris Watkins is in Kenora for the next 8 weeks to represent Ivall.

Update On Aggravated Assault Victim

Investigators are still monitoring the condition of a man who was hospitalized on December 29th in the Brant Street area.   Inspector Detective Don Lewis says there has been no upgrade to his medical condition. The man's girlfriend is facing charges of aggravated assault.

Rafferty Talks EI Changes

Changes to Employment Insurance are now in effect.  The Federal Government announced their plans in the spring budget.  MP John Rafferty says people will be forced to take minimum wage jobs.  Rafferty is also concerned fewer people will be able to access the fund.

Oxycodone Seized

A Fort Hope First Nation man is being charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking after Nishnawbe-Aski police seized a number of Oxycodone pills. Police seized approximately almost $3,000 dollars worth of 5 milligram Oxycodone prescription pills and six hundred dollars worth of alcohol. The man is scheduled to appear in court on March 21st in Fort Hope.

New 20's Posing Problems

Vending machine operators are expressing frustration over the government's new 20 dollar bills. The polymer note is not being accepted by vending machines and President of R and B Vending, Vic Renouf says they're constantly having to upgrade their equipment just to stay in business. One local grocery store chain is also having difficulty with the new 20's not working in their self-checkout lanes.

Thunderwolves Weekend

All in all it was a positive weekend for Lakehead University sports teams. The men's and women's basketball teams swept Waterloo on the road while the women's volleyball team won both their games at home against the Warriors. The men's hockey team split a pair of games against the Gueph Gryphons.

Crime Of The Week

Crimestoppers is looking for your help in identifying the people responsible for a robbery of a youth on the McVicar Creek pathway near Algoma Street. On March 23rd of this year a 13 year old boy was walking home from his friend's house when he was approached by three other male youths. They took his Nike hoodie and his size 9 Nike shoes. The culprits continued to walk towards the HMCS Griffin. The three robbers are said to be native Canadian males. One was wearing a white sweatshirt and a backpack. Another was wearing a black sweatshirt and the third is described being heavier set with a grey sweatshirt and mustache. Crimestoppers is asking for your help in solving this robbery. If you have any information you can call 623-TIPS.

Teen Found Safe

City police say that a teen they had reported missing is now back home.  They say that 15 year old Andrea Suganaqueb returned to her resident safe.  No information is available.

Break and Enter on Shuniah Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a break and enter. Police responded to a call early this morning at the Beaver Gas Bar on Shuniah Street. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cigarettes before police arrived . They drove away in a dark coloured pick up truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing 15 Year Old

Police are asking the public for assistance in finding a missing 15 year old. Andrea Suganaqueb was last seen on Thursday evening leaving her home. She is approximately 5 foot 3 and 175 pounds. She was wearing blue jeans, white runners, a black t-shirt and jacket, a black purse and her hair was in a pony tail. Anyone with information is asked to call the Police.

Robbery at Grandview Mall Shoppers Drug Mart

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a robbery at the Shoppers Drug Mart at Grandview Mall that happened early yesterday evening. A man armed with a knife entered the store, demanded narcotics and fled with an undisclosed amount. No one was injured. The man is described as 5 foot 8 or 5 foot 9, thin build, and Caucasian, wearing a light coloured baseball hat and sunglasses, a tan coloured coat, black gloves and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Idle No More Reacts To Meeting News

Thunder Bay's Idle No More is pleased Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be meeting with First Nation leaders on January 11th.  Spokesperson Joyce Hunter says she hopes something comes from the meeting.  Hunter says she's cautiously optimistic that the meeting will be a sincere approach to dealing with First Nation issues.

Make Way For The Gichigami Express

The mushers will be out in force in Grand Portage as Sunday marks the start of the inaugural Gichigami Express sled dog race.  Organizer Jack Stone says the race is a three day affair which will follow a route within Cook County that will include Grand Portage, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais.    It will follow the trail routes that were used by the fur traders in the settlement years.  The race will begin at 10 o'clock Sunday morning.

Detours Planned Tuesday

There will be some detours in your drive on Tuesday.  The City is installing a new water service connection in the 1200 block of Mountain Road.  Mountain Road will be closed from Chippewa Road to 15th Side Road.  Detours and advanced warning signs will be posted advising motorists to take an alternate route.

Local Man Offering Reward

A local stand up comedian is asking for donations from the public to help offer a reward to find the men who allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted a First Nation's woman last month.  Ron Kanutski's posted a 5-hundred dollar reward for what he calls solid information forwarded to the police for the names and arrest of the two men who are believed to be involved in the crime. Several people have already vowed to donate to the cause on Kanutski's Facebook page.

OPP RIDE Program Results

Northwestern Ontario was one of the few areas that saw a decreased number of impaired drivers this holiday season.  From November 24 till January 2, police charged 46 people with having a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08.  This is in comparison with 57 people during the 2011 RIDE season.  Officers also issued 14 warning range suspensions to drivers with with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08, which is up from 11 in 2011.

PM Says Yes To Meeting

The Prime Minister has agreed to sit down with a delegation of First Nation leaders next week. The news came from a statement from Stephen Harper that says he and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will take part in a meeting on January 11th to discuss treaty relationships and aboriginal rights. Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks as away to garner the attention of the Prime Minister and ensure a meeting between First Nations and the PM.

Jobless Rate Goes Down

Thunder Bay's unemployment rate is going down. Statistics Canada released it's latest jobless rate figures that show the City went from 5.6 percent in November to an even 5 percent in December. The national unemployment rate was 7.1 percent last month.

Solid Start For N.D.C.

A pair of National Team Development Club team members will represent Canada during an international cross-coutnry ski event next month in the Czech Republic. 21 year old Andy Shields from Kitchener was first in his age category during yesterday's skiathlon at the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre. Lakehead University star and fellow N.D.C. team member Andrea Lee, from Black Creek, B.C., topped her age group during the women's skiathlon. Both will represent Canada in the Czech Republic next month. Races continue this morning with the Ontario Cup Sprints.

Mac's Store Robbery Probed

City police are looking for a man who reportedly robbed a Mac's convenience store using a knife early this morning. Just prior to 4:00 a.m. Thunder Bay Police Service responded to Mac's Mart on the 7-hundred block of Simpson Street regarding a robbery. Police say a man entered the store with his face covered, armed with a knife and then subsequently fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. The man was last seen heading into the East End on foot. No injuries are reported in this incident.

Timbers Restaurant Closed Following Fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is being called in to help determine the cause of a fire overnight at Timbers restaurant at the Valhalla Inn. 5 trucks and 22 personell were called to a fire that apparently originated in the ceiling of the restaurant just after 1:00 o'clock this morning. Timbers will be closed until further notice pending the results of the investigation and repairs. Damage is said to be extensive but the rest of the hotel at the Valhalla Inn is open.

L.U. Teams Back In Action

A new year brings with it the start of the second half for Lakehead University sports teams. The men's hockey team is at home this weekend for a pair of divisional games against the Guelph Gryphons. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Fort william Gardens. The women's volleyball team begins their second half at home as well tonight as they take on the visiting Waterloo Warriors in game one of a two game series. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 o'clock at the L.U. Thunderdome. Meanwhile the men's and women's basketball teams begin second-half divisional play on the road tonight in Waterloo against the Warriors.

OPP Probe Local Police

The OPP are looking into an allegation by a 19 year old First Nation man against Thunder Bay Police Service. It's alleged that a Thunder Bay Police Service officer transported the 19 year old male to a location outside of the city limits. The man reported that he was dropped off and left to walk back to his residence in Thunder Bay. The incident is said to have occurred in the evening hours of December 2nd. The Thunder Bay Police Service is cooperating with the Ontario Provincial Police in their investigation.

Chicago Tourism Show Eyed

Thunder Bay is going to be represented at a major tourism show in Chicago later this month. City Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says we will be promoted as a stepping off point for the tourism camps in the region. Pepe says part of the plan is also to help promote the United Airlines link the city will soon have with Chicago. He adds, the trip will be paid for with provincial tourism dollars, not the city's.

No School Board Amalgamations Planned

School Boards in northwestern Ontario have dodged a bullet.  The Ministry of Education has sent a letter out indicating it will not be going ahead with any School Board amalgamations.  Phylis Eikre is the director of education with the Kenora Catholic District School board and says they weren't in favour of merging with another board. There had been talk the Kenora Catholic and the Northwest Catholic School Boards might have to amalgamate.

New Years Resolutions

Starting off the new year on the right path.  Julie Slack is a dietician with the Northwestern Health Unit, and says that a big reason why people give up on their new-years resolutions is because they are setting the bar too high.  Slack says it's important to start off small, and work your way to the top. Slack adds it's a good idea to find a friend who has the same goals.

Thunder Bay Is 43

Mayor Keith Hobbs wants the City to come together after 43 years of amalgamation.  Thunder Bay's Birthday is officially New Years Day and Hobbs says it's about time we act like it.  Hobbs is also calling on residents to drop the Fort William/Port Arthur mentality and just refer to the two sides by their ward names.  Hobbs thinks there will be an official celebration on the 50th Birthday. 

OPP Looking For New Recruits

The Ontario Provincial Police is looking for the best and brightest. The Thunder Bay Detachment is hosting an information session on January 30th.  Constable Erin Huckell says they are looking for those interested in the auxiliary program. Huckell adds that there will also be information about constable positions.

Officials To Address Assef Court Concerns

District housing officials are planning to meet with residents of Assef Court about their concerns. It follows news that some tenants are afraid for their safety and that neither police nor housing officials are listening. Bill Bradica of the District Social Services Administration Board says many of the concerns are news to him.  Bradica says tenants will be reminded of the steps they should take to make complaints.

Former ELA Director Gets Award

The former director of the Experimental Lakes Area has received a top honor.  Dr. Ray Hesslein is 8th person from the ELA to receive the Frank H. Rigler Award.  In addition, Hesslein stresses the important the research facility has not only on the country, but all of North America.

ETFO On Imposed Contracts

The local President of the Elementary Teachers Federation isn't surprised the Provincial Government is imposing new contracts on tens of thousands of teachers and education workers in the public schools.  Ellen Chambers says she's devastated.  Education Minister Laurel Broten is using Bill 115 to impose the new collective agreements on elementary and high school teachers, to freeze wages and stop strikes.

Ranger Camp Rally Set For Queen's Park

A campaign to save the Ontario Ranger Camp program is underway. The program, which operated several camps, including one at Quetico Provincial Park, was halted by the province last fall. Former Sleeping Giant Camp Coordinator Emily Kirton with the group Friends of the Ranger Program, says it brought youth in from elsewhere in the province. Former campers and workers intend to rally at Queen's Park tomorrow.

Influenza "A" On The Rise

The number of influenza "A" cases here in the city, the region and in the province are higher this Winter compared to last year. Medical Officer of Health with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Dr. David Williams says the they've had 39 lab confirmed cases of inlfuenza "A". Williams says last year less than 20 confirmed cases were reported to the T.B.D.H.U. but he adds they started keeping track of cases much earlier this year.

Madder Predicts College Growth

Jim Madder predicts 2013 will bring growth for Confederation College.   In a new year's interview the college president says we should expect to see the college expand learning opportunities for students and will soon announce another partnership that involves all 6 northern colleges.  It will include sharing curriculum,  programming and delivery methods. While Madder doesn't foresee expanding any satellite campuses he hopes to expand technology to the current sites.

Idle No More Candle Light

Thunder Bay's Idle No More movement is standing behind a local woman who was allegedly abducted and attacked recently.  Spokesperson Joyce Hunter says she's worried another violent incident will happen against a First Nations person.  A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night in honour of the alleged victim at the Fort William First Nation.

A Game Of Cat And Mouse

Twitter is becoming the new reality for city police as they run their RIDE program. Over the holiday period there were 25 people charged with impaired driving. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says though, they had to move their checkpoints from place to place to outwit people on the social network who were Tweeting the locations. ....like a game of cat and mouse.

DMTS Sale Finalized

The sale of DMTS landline and internet services to Bell Alliant has officially been completed.  Dryden City Council granted final authorization on October 3rd, and the transition to new ownership has been on going.  It will be business as usual, and if there is any changes required, customers will be notified.

It's Alzheimer Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer Awareness month and this year's theme is "See Me, Not My Illness." Executive Director Alison Denton says they want to erase the stigma attached to a diagnosis of dementia. A flag raising ceremony was held this morning at City Hall marking the awareness campaign and Alzheimer Society volunteer Bill Heibein says thankfully his friends and family treated him the same after his diagnosis 13 years ago.

6th Murder of 2012 Victim Identified

Thunder Bay Police are releasing the name of the 25 year old man who was found dead on December 29th at a Villa Street residence.  Desmond Dennis Mathews was found at the home with no vital signs and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.  Results from the post mortem exam are being withheld since they are an important element of the murder investigation.  The second man found at the home remains in critical condition in hospital.

Sexual Assault Probe Continues

Thunder Bay Police are still trying to piece together clues in connection with a reported sexual assault they are investigating as possible hate crime. A First Nations woman told police she was forced into a vehicle on Blucher Avenue by two men in their 20's and taken to a wooded area and assaulted. The woman originally told police that there were racial remarks made by the assailants. Spokesperson Chris Adams says they are still trying to build a case with the woman's help and fill in some gaps when she is available.

Lappe To Host Major Ski Races

Thunder Bay and the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre will be hosting the World Junior and Under-23 cross country ski championships starting tomorrow. Spokesperson Amanda Holdsworth says events will be held daily with a variety of race formats on the card until Sunday. Holdsworth says members of the National Team development Centre and Lakehead University will be taking part. Some 300 athletes are said to be taking part in the 4 day event.

Robichaud Looks Back

The CEO of the Thunder Bay Hospital is reflecting on 2012. Andree Robichaud says they saw many accolades last year including moving up in the rankings of research hospitals. Robichaud says in 2013 they'll strive to free up beds in the hospital.

Campbell New Years Resolutions

The MPP of the Kenora-Rainy River riding is looking forward to the new year for a particular reason. Sarah Campbell says she wants to see who will fill the spot of Ontario premier and leader of the Liberal party. Campbell hopes that whoever the person may be, that they will have a fresh perspective and work with all of the parties.

NWO Man Appointed To Order Of Canada

A true honor for Garnet Angeconeb of Sioux Lookout. He is one of the 91 people appointed to the Order of Canada, and is recognised for his contributions to his community, building relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people and promoting the Anishenabek culture. A ceremony honoring all of the recipients will be held at a future date.

Webber Sentencing Underway

Sentencing proceedings are taking place today at the Camelot Street courthouse for a city man who pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter last year.   19 year old Nicholas Webber also pleaded guilty to break in and robbery charges in connection with the 2011 death of 54 year old Robert Topping.  Today defence and prosecution lawyers will give their recommendations to the judge.  The actual sentence will not likely come down for another month or so. 

Abduction And Sexual Assault Investigated

Police continue to look for two men in their 30's who are reported to have abducted and sexually assaulted a 36 year old woman. Investigators say the victim was taken from Blucher Avenue into a green two door vehicle on December 27th and taken to a remote location on the city's North side. Police are also investigating this incident as a possible hate crime as the victim, a First Nations person, reported a number of racially motivated remarks made by the assailants. Anyone with information on this incident should contact police or Crimestoppers.

Two Men Still In Critical Condition

There is still no upgrade on two men transported to hospital in critical condition. A 23 year old was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries on Saturday night. The man was found in a Villa street residence where another man was found with no vital signs and later died because of his injuries. Another man was taken to hospital from the Brant Street area after his girlfriend allegedly assaulted him. She will be in court later today.

Minnesota Peat

A Canadian company is expressing interest in extracting a high quality of peat from northeastern Minnesota. The County has one of the largest deposits of Sphagnum peat in the U.S. Outgoing Commissioner Mike Hanson says the problem is where it lies. Hanson says the County intends to discuss with its legislators in the new year on how it can be accessed.

K.I. Walk To Parliament Hill

K.I. community member, Mark Anderson will walk from Queens Park to Parliament Hill starting at 8 a.m. today to say 'no' to continued treaty violations by the federal government. Anderson, who will be joined by members of the K.I. leadership and youth, has reactivated his walking team to pick up from his 2100 km walk to Queen’s Park in 2006 to say no to mining. K.I. is walking in solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence’s call for a commitment to a path of recognition and implementation of the treaty commitments and forging a new First Nations–Crown relationship.