Wednesday, April 3, 2013

TBDHU Concerned About Strep Outbreak

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is looking into a death at Lakehead Manor retirement home following an outbreak of group A strep. Health Unit spokesperson Darlene Binette reminds people to help stop the spread of disease. Binette says Lakehead Manor is the only facility in the city to be affected by group A strep.


New Online Mining Directory In The City

Thunder Bay is launching it's new interactive online Mining Sector Goods and Services directory. Mining Services Manager John Mason says they've already got 400 companies listed on the site. Mason says the directory is easier to navigate and can be found on the Community Economic Development Commission's website.

Aboriginal Liason Strategy Anniversary Being Celebrated

The City is celebrating the anniversary of it's Aboriginal Liason Strategy. Clerk John Hannam says the plan outlines four roles for the City and he feels they've come along way since its inception. Hannam says the relationship between the City and area First Nations has greatly improved since the plan was put in place.

Former AIDS T.Bay E.D. Serving Time

Former AIDS Thunder Bay Executive Director Lawrence Korhonen is serving 90 days in jail after being sentenced March 14th in Ontario Court.  Korhonen was found guilty of invitation to sexual touching stemming from an incident in a restroom at the Grandview Mall last year.  Officials say when Korhonen is released he won't be able to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.  AIDS Thunder Bay released a statement saying he is no longer employed with them.

LU Hands Out Honorary Degrees

Lakehead University is handing out honorary degrees to some prominent Canadians. Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is one of four people receiving honourary degrees from LU. Thunder Bay's Mining Development Manager John Mason also received a degree.


Clement Fires Back At Mulcair

FedNor Minister Tony Clement is striking back at NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.  Clement says the leader of the Opposition is purposely misleading Northerners about cuts made to FedNor's budget.  Clement's statement comes after Mulcair's visit to Thunder Bay yesterday.

Lakehead Introduces New Hockey Coach

Bill McDonald is being introduced as the new coach of Lakehead University Men's Hockey team today. McDonald says he's trying to get a feel for his new team. McDonald says he will be implementing a gritty style of hockey for the upcoming season.

Mauro Happy Consultation Happening

Thunder Bay is playing host to a pre-budget consultation today. The Provincial Standing Committee on Finance is listening to the public's comments on the budget at the Airlane Hotel. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says its the second time they've spoken with local groups this year. The consultation session is scheduled from 9 until 5.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Toronto Man Found Dead In Kenora Named

Kenora OPP have named a Toronto man who died in Kenora on Sunday. Officials say 36-year-old Michael Sylborne was found dead on the street under a broken fourth floor window at the Best Western Lakeside Inn. Police had been called to the hotel to respond to a disturbance around 3:45 in the morning on Sunday. Police added Sylborne had been in Kenora while working on a construction project in the area.

Arrest Made In Connection With Robbery

Thunder Bay Police have made an arrest in connection with a March 28th robbery from the May Street Mac's. Officials say an off duty officer noticed the suspect on Victoria Avenue and notified police. Police say 28-year-old Blake Nicholas Kowalchuk was arrested without incident.

Charity Donation Jar Stolen

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a theft from Robin's Donuts on Thursday. Officials say a man stole a "Change for Autism" charity donation jar from the Robins on Frederica Street. Police are describing the man as a Caucasian male with scruffy facial hair, wearing a striped toque and a green hoodie.

Foul Play Not Suspected In Death Of Dryden Man

Ontario Provincial Police are looking into the death of a Dryden man. Police say the man was trapping animals on Jumping Lake, and that his body was found in the snow near his cabin. Officials have identified the man as 43-year-old Derrick Lancaster.

Vickers Arson

A fire that occurred at a vacant Donald Street house is being investigated as a case of arson. Spokesperson Eric Nordlund says there were signs of forced entry and all signs pointed towards someone starting the fire. Nordlund says Sunday's fire started in the basement.

First Foreign Ship To Load At Port

Thunder Bay's Port has welcomed the first foreign flagged vessel to its Port.  Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says the Isadora was the first international ship to pull into Thunder Bay this morning.  Other international ships making their way into the port today include Makagawa and the Federal Hunter.

Tom Mulcair In The City Today

A stop in Northwestern Ontario for the leader of the Opposition Party. Tom Mulcair is in Thunder Bay today to tour the Bombardier Plant, as well as meet with Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Harvey Yesno and the Port Authority. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell and Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty will join Mulcair in his visits.

Accurassy Opens New Facility

Thunder Bay is now home to a one of a kind mineral assessment facility. Accurassay is opening its new sample crushing facility. The facility was made possible through funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Kenora Hotel Victim From Southern Ontario


OPP have identified the victim of a death at a Kenora hotel as a man from Toronto. The incident at the Best Western Lakeside Inn took place around 3:45 on Sunday morning where it appears a man fell from a room on the 4th floor. The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

Credit Union Amalgamation Gets Regulatory Approval


Regulatory approval is paving the way for Kenora's Copperfin Credit Union and Thunder Bay's Superior Credit Union amalgamation to proceed.  Member and Shareholder voting will take place April 9th in Kenora, and April 11th in Thunder Bay.

Crimestoppers Video Challenge

Thunder Bay's Crimestoppers is pleased with the seven entries they received for their first Safe Schools Video Challenge.  They asked local schools to create video public service announcements.  Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School won first place for their "Hate Hurts" video.  Second place went to Westgate for their "Deadly Bullying" video.

Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Days

Yellow flowers will be blooming across the city over the next week as the Canadian Cancer launches their annual Daffodil Days fundraiser. Spokesperson Maria Cabrel says this is the last year they are selling live flowers and hopes to sell every last one.  Bunches of the flowers will be sold across the city over the next week to raise money for cancer research.