Treaty 3 Has Big Crime Problem

Financial pressure is hurting the Treaty 3 Police Service in their battle with high crime rates. The Treaty 3 Police service area currently has the worst crime severity index in the province. Terry Armstrong is the Deputy Chief of Police in charge of operations, and says they are doing everything they can to lower the numbers.  Armstrong says the force has also seen a 41 percent increase in calls for service.

NWO Man Charged In Website Hacking

Dryden Police have charged an 18-year-old Ear Falls man after the website of a local business was hacked.The business contacted police in February, and told them that someone had targeted their website, causing it to crash, and threatened the employees and their family members. With the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Intelligence Unit and Red Lake O.P.P, police arrested the man. He is charged with Mischief to Data and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was released from custody, and is due in court next month.

New Strategy Gets FedNor $

The Harper government is helping the city and the Fort William First Nation with the newly minted Mining Readiness Strategy.   FedNor minister Tony Clement announcing a grant of 75 thousand dollars today in support of the strategy. 

Badanai's Hair Raiser For Camp Quality

A Thunder Bay business man hopes to raise 20-thousand dollars for Camp Quality.  George Badanai of Badanai Motors is going to auction off the rights to his hair to the highest bidder.  Badanai says he'll rock any hair style for a good cause.

OPP Charging 18 Year Old

OPP are charging an 18 year old man with a number of traffic act offences after a collision on the Harbour Expressway.  On Saturday, a Kia was south bound attempting to change lanes when the driver lost control and struck a north bound Ford Explorer.   Three people were transported to the hospital.  Both vehicles were badly damaged.

Two Stabbings This Past Weekend

Thunder Bay Police are reporting two separate stabbings and a close call with a knife this past weekend.  Just after 12:30 in the morning April 6th, Police investigated a fight involving 20 people on the bike  path behind Georgina Bay.  A 20 year old man was sent to the hospital in that incident.  At 2 in the morning Saturday, Police responded to a report of a stabbing at a Lawrence Avenue home.  The 21 year old man was a victim of a stabbing after a fight broke out with three unwanted party guests.  On Sunday, Police were called to a Manitou Street home for a call about someone using a knife as a weapon.  A 30 year old man is charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

Council Presentations

It's a night full of presentations. City Council will hear from former Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins. Collins will be providing a farewell speech. Council will also hear about Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation's Mining Readiness Strategy.

Fort William First Nations Election Results

We'll find out later today who the new Chief of Fort William First Nation is. Yesterday was Election Day in the community. Ballots will start to be counted at 9 am today and is expected to take several hours. 5 people were running for the top job, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat.

City Could Award 18 Million In Contracts

City Council could dole out tons of cash tonight.  Several road repair projects are up for debate.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's a historical night for spending with 18 million dollars on the table.  Almost 7-million dollars is expected to be spent on the first phase of improving Golf Links Road.

OTF Gives Money To Nordic Trails

Thunder Bay's Nordic Trails is 37 thousand dollars richer.  The group is on the receiving end of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.  The money will be used to provide better trails.

Spring MIA

We could get some relief from snow starting tomorrow afternoon.  Environment Canada Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we'll have to suffer through snowfall for the rest of today.  Coulson says we should have sunny days for the rest of the week starting Wednesday.

Slippery Roads Drive Slow

Thunder Bay Police are reminding the public to use common sense when driving this morning and slow down on slippery roads. Police say area roads are quite slippery today with the overnight snowfall.  Drivers are encouraged to drive carefully and to allow for extra time to get to work this morning.

Fort William First Nation Chief Election

Fort William First Nation residents go to the polls today. 5 people are vying for Chief, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat. Electoral Officer Paula Hyslop says they saw a decrease in the number of people running for council this year. Voting is open from 9 am until 8 tonight.

Bombardier Introducing Healthy Choices

Bombardier employees will have more healthy options in their cafeteria. The local plant is taking part in the health unit's Eat Smart, Workplace Cafeteria Program. Employees will dine on more whole grains, lower fat milk choices, and at least 3 out of the 4 food groups.

Mary Rose And AJ Jump In The Lake

Our Mary Rose Jensen and AJ Leite took the plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Superior on Saturday. Here's the video: 

Polar Plunge 2013

This year's Polar Bear Plunge is today. Spokesperson Warren Giertuga encourages people to come out to Prince Arthur's Landing and watch if they're not comfortable with taking the plunge themselves. The event is in support of the Special Olympics.

Rotary House Ready

The Rotary Club is back with it's annual house lottery. Spokesperson Gordie Garriock says the 415-thousand dollar home is located at 242 Sunflower Drive and will be open to the public this weekend. Part of the money raised from the raffle will go towards the Regional Hospital.

No Foul Play In Kenora Death

Police in Kenora say it appears a recent death in the city was a tragic accident.  They found the man lying on the street under a broken forth floor window.   He was identified as a  construction worker from Toronto.  Police say a post mortem shows there was no evidence the death was the result of foul play

PSAC Ponders Legal Route

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is looking into legal action against the Treaty 3 Police Service. Judith Monteith-Farrell from PSAC, who represents officers in the service, says changes to employment conditions were made without consultation. Monteith says they had no options but to look at legal action. Monteith says the changes affect officers salaries, parental leave benefits, and include the laying off of 7 officers. However, Chief of Police Operations Terry Armstrong says the force was forced to take these actions, due to a lack of provincial and federal funding.

Elderly Man Struck By Car

An 83 year old man is recovering in hospital after police say he was hit by a car on the city's north side this morning.  They say the man was crossing on a green light at Balmoral and Beverly when he was struck by a car making a right turn.  The car driver, a 74 year old woman, is charged with careless driving.