Thunder Bay's First Baby of 2013

It's a new life for the New Year. Veronica Rojik and Joe Aiken are happy to start  2013 with the latest addition to their family. Rojick gave birth to Thunder Bay's first baby of the year early this morning. Brandon Aiken was born at 1:00 a.m. at a healthy 7 pounds and 2 ounces. Brandon is Rojik's fifth child. She is currently resting at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Police Investigate Sexual Assault and Abduction

Thunder Bay police are investigating an abduction and sexual assault. A 36 year old woman was transported to hospital and later released following an incident on Thursday night. It is alleged that two Caucasian males in their mid 30s abducted the woman near Blucher Avenue after 9pm. The woman says she was forced into a green 2 door vehicle, taken to a rural location in the north side of the city where she was sexually assaulted. Police are also investigating this incident as a possible hate crime as the victim reported a number of racially motivated remarks made by the assailants. Anyone with information is asked to call the police or Crime Stoppers.

Thunder Bay MP Hyer Reflects on 2012

2012 was the year Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer left the NDP Party. Independent Hyer says he thought long and hard over his decision to leave the party in April. Hyer says there were many reasons for his decision, but a move by leader Thomas Mulcair on the gun registry sealed the deal because it would have forced him to vote against the party line again. Hyer hopes for some parliamentary change in 2013 so MPs can better reflect their constituents' wishes.

OSSTF Considers One Day Protest

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is considering a one day protest of the Provincial Government's bill 115. The union recently voted in favour of conducting a one day strike but no date has been selected as of yet. Lakehead Public School Board Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says she hopes the labour issues will be resolved soon. Earlier this month the Elementary Teachers Federation took part in rotating one day strikes across the province.

Fort William NYE Family Frolic

Fort William Historical Park is once again hosting it's New Years Eve "Family Frolic" tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they'll have entertainment for young and old. The new observatory won't be open on New Years Eve but there will be telescopes set up for star gazers taking part in the family frolic.

Know Your Limit

The Coordinator of the City's Drug Strategy says the holiday season can often bring with it binge drinking. Cynthia Olson says beyond regular festive party drinking, there are financial pressures around Christmas and New Years and that often leads to unhealthy drinking. Olson says its important to know your limit.

Police Investigate 6th Homicide

City police continue to investigate Thunder Bay's 6th homicide of 2012. Police were called to a Villa Street home on Saturday night to find a 25 year old with no vital signs and a 23 year old unconcious.
Both were rushed to hospital where the 25 year old was pronounced dead, while the 23 year remains in critical condition. Police say the two men were known to eachother but not related and that alcohol was a factor. No names have been released.

Aggravated Assault Charge

A man who was allegedly assaulted by his girlfriend remains in critical condition at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police were called to the Brant Street area on Saturday night and arrested the woman. She will next appear in court on January 2nd facing three charges including aggravated assault.

Marathon O.P.P. Make 3 Drug Seizures

Marathon O.P.P. are doing their part in keeping drugs off the street. Three traffic stops in three consecutive days dating back to last Thursday have resulted in the seizure of various amounts of cannabis marijuana. The first was for 8 grams. A Toronto Man faces charges of possession of a controlled susbstance. The second saw police seize 2.2 kilograms of marijuana worth an estimated street value of $44,000. Two men from Yorkton, Saskatchewan are now facing trafficking charges. The third stop saw police arrest a man and a woman from Quebec after they spotted marijuana and 186 ecstacy pills worth an estimated $4,600.

Thunderwolves Capture Tournament Title

The Lakehead University men's basketball team are tournament champions. They captured the 46th annual Winnipeg Wesmen Classic with an 84-67 win over the host team in the final. Ryan Thomson led the way with 22 points. Centre Yoosrie Salhia scored 12 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in the final to be named tournament M.V.P. Menawhile the L.U. women's team closed out the Thunder Selects tournament in Halifax losing 82-55 to the #4 ranked St. Mary's Huskies. Conference play for both teams resumes this weekend on the road with a pair against the Waterloo Warriors.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay and District Crimestoppers are looking for your help in solving an arson investigation. Fires were set in the laneway between Empire Avenue and Piper Avenue. Sometime between May 14th and June 12th, a series of fires were set, usually after 3:00 a.m. and before 6:00 a.m. Sheds and garages suffered structural damage and in one instance a vehicle suffered severe damage. Police say in these fires, an aerosol can along with flammable materials were used as an accellerant. Crimestoppers is looking for any information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for these arsons. Call Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS or 623-8477.

Police Probe Murder And Serious Assault

Thunder Bay police are searching for any information on a murder and serious assault in the city. They say that two people were found unconscious in a house at 245 Villa Street Saturday night. They say one of them, a 25 year old man, was later pronounced dead in the hospital, the cause of his death has not been determined. The second person, a 23 year old man is in critical condition. Police say the people were known to the homeowner, who made the discovery, and that alcohol was a factor in the incident.

MNR Warns Against Feeding Animals

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to remind the public to not feed wild animals. Communications specialist Kathryn Lyzun says feeding them not only takes a toll on the animal, but also spreads disease. Lyzun says that beyond dependency and disease issues, feeding animals near roads increases the opportunity of them being hit by a passing vehicle. She adds that it's important to appreciate wildlife from a distance.

Gravelle's Year in Review

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is looking back on the year that was. He feels his biggest achievement in 2012 was the first section of highway 17 getting four lanes and he thinks that Northwestern Ontario's economy is going to take off in 2013. Gravelle says he's proud of many accomplishments throughout the year but notes it is also the year he received a diagnosis of cancer. Gravelle says he's received lots of wonderful support from his family and constituents.

Robbi Weldon Prepares for 2016

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is remembering  a gold medal year as 2012 winds down. Weldon won gold in the Paralympic Road Race at the London Games this past Summer. She says it was a huge thrill and she now has a new goal of representing Canada at the next Paralympic Games in Brazil in 2016. Weldon will will begin training with a new pilot next year as her old pilot, Lynne Bissette, is now retired.

NOMA Looking Ahead

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is vowing to keep working towards improving the region's economy. Ron Nelson says they'll be plugging away at a number of ongoing issues in 2013. Nelson says one of their biggest achievements in 2012 was seeing the Northern Policy Institute come to fruition.

KPDSB On Labour Talks

The fate of extracurricular activities could be decided early this week.  School boards are expecting an update from the Ministry of Education before school starts up again.  Jack McMaster is the Director of Education of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and remains optimistic that a solution can be had.  The cancellation of extracurricular activities has also put NorWOSSA sports Leagues on hold. 

Mauro Talks 2013

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro has big plans for 2013.  He hopes to make several major infrastructure announcements in the New Year but is keeping mum.  Mauro says he will also continue to work towards ensuring the Mission Island Power Plant stays open.

Rafferty Talks New Years Resolutions

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is setting some New Years Resolutions.  Rafferty says his goal for 2013 is to get support for his private members bills.  Meanwhile, Rafferty calls 2012 frustrating and hopes the parties will be able to better work with eachother in the New Year.

OPP Satisfaction Survey

The Ontario Provincial Police have released their annual community satisfaction survey.  The survey revealed that over 95.8 percent of Ontarians feel 'safe' or 'very safe' in their communities.  Staff Sergeant Hazel O'Brien says that there is a common issue throughout the province, including Northwestern Ontario.  O'Brien adds that a major issue in the region is the use of alcohol and drugs.