Drug Sweep At High School

Students at St. Ignatius School were held in their classrooms for about 15 minutes this afternoon.  The Catholic School board says it was at the request of the police who used a dog to sniff out possible drugs.   Nothing was found.

Police Release Statement On Video

Thunder Bay Police are aware of a social activist video on YouTube that makes verbal accusations at the local force. Police say they know about the statements posted on social media sites regarding the ongoing investigation into an abduction and sexual assault which was reported in late December in the city's north end. Spokesperson Chris Adams says anyone who has information about the case should come forward to law officials. Adams says police are limited in what they can comment on regarding the progress or nature of this investigation.  

ONWA Condemns Video Threat

A video threat against the Thunder Bay Police Service by the social activist group Anonymous News Canada is being condemned by the Ontario Native Women's Association.  Spokesperson Maryanne Matthews says in spite of the seriousness of the situation,  it's not something the association condones.
The haunting video challenges the police to show they are taking action to find the people responsible for the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nations woman December 27th.  It can be viewed on our news web page.

Clydesdales Out

The Duluth Clydesdales are now gone from the Superior International Junior Hockey League schedule.   President and Commissioner Ron Whitehead says the team will not finish the season because of a lack of players suiting up for the 3 year old franchise. Earlier this season the Sioux Lookout Flyers suspended operations leaving the struggling junior-"A" league with five teams. 

FedNor Money For Terrace Bay

Another day, another FedNor announcement.  This time aroumd, Terrace Bay is on the receiving end of almost 28-thousand dollars.  The money will be used to install an air conditioning system in Michael King Hall, a multi-use facility for community events.

MTO Wants New Vehicle Inspection Stop

The Ministry of Transportation wants to build a new commercial vehicle inspection facility along Highway 11/17 in Shuniah.  Spokesperson Anne Marie Piscopo says the MTO is currently looking for public input on the project and then it will be full speed ahead.  The 30 day review period ends on February 24th.

Good Year For Operation Red Nose

Diana Sustawenko & Darren Roberts

Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose says its increased the number of rides it provided over the 2012 holiday season.  Spokesperson Diana Sustawenko says it was a great success with more volunteers and more rides.  During the 14 night campaign, 238 volunteers provided 758 safe rides home.  Operation Red Nose raised 14-thousand dollars for St. John Ambulance.

Police Reviewing A.N.C. Video

A social activist group calling themselves "Anonymous News Canada" are challenging Thunder Bay Police to come out with more information regarding the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nation woman recently. The group has posted a video on YouTube and is specifically calling out the city's police department for inaction surrounding this particular case. When asked about the video, police were just reviewing it and they are expected to make a public statement later this afternoon. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay's Mayor is not putting any stock into the video. Hobbs says the only comment he has is " Anonymous says it all! I give no credence to individuals or groups that remain anonymous." The group's video calls on the local force to release more information on the case by January 28th or they will release what they are calling dirt on the police service.

Armstrong Display Up For Discussion

The local cancer centre is facing some criticism from a few of their patients over a Lance Armstrong display. Director Joanne Lacourciere says a handfull of people have complained about it after he admitted to cheating to win his seven Tour De France titles. Lacourciere says they're trying to make a decision on whether to celebrate his cancer survival or not. A meeting to discuss the issue is taking place tonight but Lacourciere says there is no timetable for a decision. 

NWO's First Mobile Library

Tbaytel and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre are partnering up to offer a mobile handset library.  Innovation Spokesperson Nick Kolobutin says this initiative should bring in the best and brightest in the technology field to the City. The library was launched this morning with 12 different mobile devices to be offered to companies who want to use them to create mobile software and apps.  Tbaytel is donating the unlocked phones and tablets for the library.

NOMA Upset With Government

The  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says its very disappointed the government chose to leave the organization out of the loop in planning the new Endangered Species Act.  NOMA President David Canfield believes they should have been given a seat on the government panel chosen to review the act.Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says it's the government's intention to have NOMA involved in the next steps of the process.

Tournament Centre Now Open

The Thunder Bay Tournament Centre  is open.  It was forced to close yesterday after an ammonia leak was found in the building.   Centre Manager Kevin Quinte  says everything is now under control.   He says the leak has been isolated and is now being fixed adding, it's only affecting one third of the Highway 61 facility.  Quinte says the problem turned out to be a faulty gasket.

Public Board To Offer Kindergarten In All Schools

Trustees of the Lakehead District School Board are approving a plan that will provide full-time Junior and Senior Kindergarten in all of its elementary schools beginning in September. The approval of the plan last night accelerates the system wide provision of the program by one year.

Mac's Store Robbed Tuesday Night

City police are expected to release more information later today about another Mac's convenience store being robbed last night on High Street. Police say someone threatened a clerk with an unknown weapon and did make off with some property just after 8 o'clock last night.

17 Year Old Boy Charged With Murder

Police are charging a 17 year old boy with second degree murder in connection with the death of a Grassy Narrows man. Treaty Three Police and the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of a 48 year old man. Police say he died on December 2nd, 2012 in a Winnipeg hospital, while being treated for injuries received during a previous incident.

McCarville Picks Up Win

Krista McCarville has her first win at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener-Waterloo. She beat Marlo Dahl, also of Thunder Bay 7-5 in the late draw to improve to 1-2. Dahl's rink is now 0-3. Both teams will play twice today.