Accused is from Mexico

More is now known about a man charged in connection with a weekend traffic death. Christian Emhir Hernandez, who's charged with impaired driving causing death, has been living in Thunder Bay for 6 years. He was a Mexican citizen according to his lawyer Chris Watkins. Watkins says his client came to Canada to work as a structural engineer at Bombardier. Watkins couldn't confirm that the car involved in the weekend incident  may have had Mexican plates only to say it was insured in Mexico. The concern of prosecutors is that if Hernandez is released he'll escape to Mexico and because Canada has no extradition treaty with that country he could avoid a trial. However Watkins says he plans to fight that saying Hernadez has family and roots in Thunder Bay. Hernadez will be in court again on January 12th

Nice weather for Holidays

We can expect nice weather over the holiday weekend.  Giant News Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says temperatures will reach minus five and we'll have plenty of sunshine. Winds are expected to pick up on Boxing Day. Snowfall could come by Wednesday.

Terrace Bay Pulp Holiday Downtime

Terrace Bay's Buchanan Pulp Mill is taking some down time during the holiday season.  Spokesperson Yves Fricot says the mill is doing good, but notes there are some areas of improvement.  Fricot says in 2011 they hope to improve conditions in the mill's woodlands operation. Fricot notes both of the mill's lenders have paid a visit and they're happy with the operation.

Bill Mauro New Years Resolutions

Thunder Bay has weathered the economic storm.  That's the message of Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro.  Mauro says there will be plenty of financial activity in the New Year with plenty of construction work.  Mauro adds in 2011 he will start to push harder for a Northern Ontario Law School.

Wrapping paper not recyclable

After your done ripping into your presents today; don't forget to throw out the wrapping paper. City Spokesperson Jason Scherband says the colourful wrap isn't recyclable. Scherband notes garbage and recycling pick up will resume as normal on Monday because the holidays fell on the weekend.

Tree Chipping Sites open on Boxing Day

You can get rid of your Christmas Tree for free.  Ten chipping sites are open in the City starting Boxing Day.  City Spokesperson Jason Scherband says the trees must not have any tinsel or ornaments on them when you drop them off.  Drop off sites are as follows: Brent Park, Country Park Tennis Court, Grandview Arena, John Jumbo Gardens and the Strathcona Golf Course.  On the south side it's Delaney Arena, Kinsmen Northwood Centre, Lakehead Labour Centre and Westfort Playing Field.

Drunk driving victims remembered

The OPP are warning party goers to not drink and drive. On the anniversary of Debbie Dawe's death to a drunk driver, OPP held their memorial RIDE check in front of the MTO building on James Street. Sgt. Ken Mantey says the message is simple, they don't want any more victims of drinking and driving because it's 100 per cent preventable.  Both OPP and city police will be out in force this holiday weekend.

Hay looks into the future

There will be some unfinished business for Fire Chief John Hay in 2011. Hay hopes the year will finally see an end to the on-going contract hassles with the Firefighters Association. Hay says 2010 will go down as a benchmark year for the service because of their involvement with the G-8 summit

OPP remind public to drive carefully

The OPP are reminding the motoring public to take it easy on area highways this winter.  Constable Carol Michtics says people need to modify their driving habits to ensure you have additional time to arrive at your destination in case road and weather conditions make it hard to travel.  Michtics says you should ensure your gas tank is full, take time to clear your windows and lights, and carry warm clothing and boots in case of an emergency.  Michtics recommends calling for road conditions before heading out on the road.  The MTO's road conditions hotline is 1-800-268-4686.

Crimestoppers happy with tips received

Thunder Bay's Crimestoppers program is reporting another successful year. Constable Jerry Tabucci says they've received over 700 tips in 2010. Tabucci says even though tips declined from 2009 they're still pleased with the program. Almost 15 thousand dollars was spent on rewards.

New tix act called a facade

A Thunder Bay based tour producer calls the McGuinty governments new Ticket Speculation Act a facade. The law is designed to prevent the reselling of event ticket. However, Mark Zurevinsky says there is no way the province will be able stop that.  He says for the government to try to circumvent the sale of tickets is an impossible feat, he calls the act a facade.  Zurevinsky says the law of supply and demand will always rule the world of ticket scalping.

Airport's are bustling with traffic

 It's a busy time at the Thunder Bay Airport.  Manager Scott McFadden says people should arrive early to avoid a rushed feeling. McFadden adds wrapped presents packed in your suitcase might be opened during a search.

College to recruit foreign students

Confederation College's enrollment has jumped 10 percent in 2010. President Pat Lang says it's been a good year for the college. Lang adds they plan to recruit students from China and India in the New Year.  Lang adds in 2011 they will implement their new strategic plan.

Vinet heads KDMA

The Kenora District Municipal Association has appointed Phil Vinet as its new President. The Red Lake mayor replaces Gary Parkes, who was defeated in the Machin Municipal election this Fall.

Dryden Mayor lends a helping hand

A Dryden senior is praising the quick thinking of Dryden's Mayor.  After having a water metre installed at her home she noticed it was leaking water into her basement.  Martha Dunn says she didn't know who to call on the weekend so she called Craig Nuttall.  Nuttall called around and found someone from the company to fix the leak and then later stopped by to see how the situation worked out.  A private company is in the process of installing water metres throughout Dryden.

NW LHIN provides money for seniors

As many as 35 seniors in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts will be able to remain in their homes thanks to funding from the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.  The money is targeted at supportive housing services for seniors.  Laura Kokochinski is the CEO of the LHIN's and says its all part of their Aging at Home strategy.  Kevin Queen is the CAO of the Pinecrest Home for the Aged and says they will be getting

240 thousand dollars to expand their Home Support Services.

Con College gets cash

Confederation College is going to expand two of it's apprenticeship program. 10 students this fall in the Culinary management program will benefit from 185-thousand dollars in Provincial funding. The Instrumentation Engineering program will see 189-thousand dollars from the government.

Bombardier contract still hot topic

It's local politics.  That's the feeling of Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro when it comes to the Bombardier TTC contract.  Recently former cabinet minister David Caplan made comments in favour of scrapping the deal; but Mauro says as an MPP he's allowed to do that.  Mauro says Caplan is doing what he thinks is best for Toronto and it's no different from him standing up for Thunder Bay.  Mauro says he's going to continue to fight for the Bombardier contract.

Kakabeka Falls woman wins cash

Just in time for Christmas, a Kakabeka Falls woman is 250-thousand dollars richer.  The 36 year old mom of three won the cash by playing an instant win game.  Monique Dixon says she'll use the money to pay her bills.

Accused remains behind bars

A first appearance in court today for a city man charged in a weekend traffic death.   25 year old Christian Hernandez remains in custody following a video appearance in a Thunder Bay court room Wednesday morning.  Hernandez is charged with Impaired Driving Causing Death and Failing to Stop at the Scene of an Accident in connection with the weekend death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael.  He was struck by a vehicle on High Street.   Hernandez appears in court again on Friday.

Search for 14 year old called off

It will be a Merry Christmas for a Thunder Bay family.  Police have called off the search for a 14 year old boy.  Jordan Jeffrey Connell was reported missing yesterday and returned home.

Heney pumped about laker purchases

The top man in the Thunder Bay Port Authority says it proves the St. Lawrence Seaway is here to stay. Tim Heney says the decision by Algoma Central to buy 4 new lake freighters from China is a significant shot in the arm for the system. He calls it excellent news and shows the removal of the 25 per cent seaway duty is having an impact. He adds, the purchase shows a lot of faith in the seaway system.

Toys for Tots Campaign reaches its goal

It's another success for Thunder Bay Firefighters Toys for Tots Campaign. The Charity raised over 137 thousand dollars for the Christmas Cheer fund. Chair Bob Vander Ploeg says they raised about 5 thousand more than last year which was a big surprise. Vander Ploeg hopes people will now turn their attention to the other charities and help them reach their goals.

Another one rides the bus

The mayor and two city councillors took the city bus today. Keith Hobbs says it's his way of helping to boost ridership on city buses and not to suggest numbers are down. He says it's also his own personal way to find out how the transit system works since he hasn't ridden a bus in years. Hobbs was joined by Councillors Hebert and Virdiramo.

L-U prez ready for 2011

The new president of Lakehead University says 2010 brought no surprises. Summing up this year, Brian Stevenson says it was exciting to get his dream job, saying it's been something he's been trained to do.  Stevenson says he's got a number of goals that he'd like to see started including attracting more international students and reviving the law school proposal.

Rickford is election ready

The MP for Kenora doesn't think there's any need for an election yet.  But Greg Rickford says he'll be ready to hit the campaign trail in the new year if necessary. Rickford says while an election is on the mind of the opposition parties, its not a sure thing just yet.  There's been widespread speculation the election could come as soon as this spring, after the government delivers its annual budget.

Rafferty on the year that was

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking on 2010 with some regret. He says it was a tough year for many people in the riding.   The NDP member says his goal in 2011 will be to try and make life more affordable for those people.

Gravelle recaps 2010

Michael Gravelle is hoping 2011 won't be as rocky as some spots in 2010 were. The Northern Development and Forestry Minister had to help promote the new Forest Tenure system, one which doesn't have strong support within the industry.  Gravelle says the Ring of Fire development is what he plans to focus on in 2011, an election year.

Union gas bills going down

Good news for people who heat their home with natural gas.  Spokesperson Kerry Dudley Tatsu says the Ontario Energy Board approved a decrease of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre.  That means local union gas bills will be cut a dollar a year.

Port closes January 6th

Thunder Bay's shipping season is coming to a close in two weeks time.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says 2010 was a mix of good and bad.  Heney notes grain shipments were down while potash and coal shipments were up.  The Thunder Bay port will be closed on January 6th.

Hobbs looks to 2011

Thunder Bay's Mayor plans to attack a plethora of issues in the new year. Keith Hobbs says there will be plenty on his plate including resolving the wind farm lawsuit, the Bombardier TTC contract and the new Crime Prevention Council. Hobbs adds they hope to meet with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford about the TTC contract either in January or February.

Doctor Christmas reception

The city is once again taking advantage of the Christmas holiday season to lure doctors here. It's holding the annual reception for students in the health care field on December 29th.  Community Relations Co-ordinator Cheryl Armstrong says it gives the students a chance to see what we can offer them.  This is the 10th year for the reception.

Dew Drop Inn on Christmas Day

The Dew Drop Inn Soup Kitchen is expecting up to 350 people for Christmas Dinner. Volunteers will prepare the dinner two days before the actual feast on Saturday. Board President Paul Deighton says it's a lot of food. The holiday meal will be served from 2:30 to 4.

NOMA to elect new President in January

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is expected to elect a new President by the middle of January.  Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is filling the position on an interim basis.  Brown says he'd be willing to stay on if no-one else comes forward.  Brown took over the President's job last month after Anne Krassilowsky was defeated in the mayoralty race in Dryden.

2011 fishing regulations

Not many changes are in store for fishing regulations in Northwestern Ontario.  Just one is in the 2011 regs, and it's for the season opener for Pike on Eagle Lake.  Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Mark Sobchuk says the pike and walleye fishing seasons didn't allign.  Sobchuk says the week delay for pike impacted tourist outfitters in the Eagle Lake area.

Gravelle fights to save emergency position

Michael Gravelle says he's fighting to keep the province's emergency field officer in Thunder Bay.  The Northern Development Minister says he's doing everything he can behind the scenes keep the position here from being eliminated.  The current officer is due to retire at the end of January and the McGuinty government has no plans to replace him.

More Thunder Bay Mafia details have been released.

The former Mayor of Siderno Italy, Alessandro Figliomeni who visited Thunder Bay in 2004 as part of a Sister Cities tour has been arrested in Italy. News reports say he was arrested as part of an investigation into the Ndrangheta organization. Those same reports say investigators claim Figliomeni came here last year, to ease tensions between Thunder Bay's cell and leaders in Toronto. Siderno is no longer a Sister City of Thunder Bay. City officials say they lost communication a few years ago. 

Dryden police seize over 150 guns

Two Dryden men are facing charges following an inter-provincial investigation. Police say the men were trafficking spring-loaded knives at a Gun show in Brandon Manitoba earlier this month. RCMP Detective Rob Duttchen says over 150-firearms, knives, ammunition and cash were seized from the two men who had reserved tables at the show. The accused has been identified as 71-year-old Robert MacGillvray, who was arrested by Dryden Police following a subsequent investigation. His friend, a 70-year-old, has not been identified. RCMP hope to release a list of charges and names late this week.

No injuries in two armed robberies

Two armed robberies overnight.  Thunder Bay police were first called to a south side convenience store where a man armed with a knife was scared off by a bat wielding employee.  That happened just after 9:30 last night.  About an hour later a man again armed with a knife robbed the Village Market store on Hodder Ave.

Council supports EMO position

Thunder Bay City Council is throwing it's support behind a resolution asking the Province to ensure the region has its own Emergency Management Field Officer.  The province isn't going to replace Dale Smyk when he retires in January.  Councillor Ian Angus says the move would hurt the region's communities big and small.  Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Hay echoed Angus' comments and says the closest field officer is in Duberville.

Waterfront Contract runs over budget

The civil works contract for the waterfront development project is coming in over a million dollars more than expected.  Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says it's over budget because of design changes.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she can't understand how it can cost so much to complete fourty five changes.  Johnson says she's not happy the project ran over and that it's proving to be very expensive.  The civil works contact came in at over 3.9 million dollars.  Dugmore adds the sewer, water and storm water projects are expected to be complete in the Spring of 2011.

The Clap is on the rise

The District Health Unit says it's dealing with an unexpected increase in gonorrhea.    They say normally from September until December there are about 15 reported cases of gonorrhea in the district, but this year there have been 43 cases reported.   No reason has been given for the jump in cases. The Health Unit says it's investigating.

Scenic lookout project up for council approval

City council meets for the final time in 2010 tonight.   One of the highlights will be the approval of the Current River Scenic Lookout Project.   It's a development being sponsored by Hydro One in co-operation with the city.   As well councillors will be asked tonight to oppose the elimination of low key, but important civil service position in the city.  The McGuinty government is not going to fill the job of Emergency Management Field Officer for the region once the current officer, Dale Smyk, retires.   The province says it wants to run things from Southern Ontario.

Con College to include Red Lake and Wawa

Confederation College is expanding.    Starting next year it's regional campus network is going to include Red Lake and Wawa.  As of February, both campuses will offer full time programs in Office Administration along with Construction and Mining Techniques.   President Pat Lang says it shows the commitment the college has to the region. 

Johnson returns to the big leagues

Ryan Johnson is back in the NHL.  The veteran forward signed a one year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks Friday.  The Thunder Bay native made his way back to the NHL through the minors after signing a tryout contract with Chicago's AHL affiliate a couple of weeks ago.  Johnson was in Chicago's lineup Friday and Sunday.  The team won both games. 

Another Christmas Charity is falling behind

The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign is in danger of falling short of its goal.  Major Mervin Halverson says they are about 26 thousand dollars short of its 130 thousand dollar goal.  Halverson says they also have a few shifts open for people who want to volunteer to man the Kettles.

A Christmas tragedy for a Thunder Bay family

Richard Carmichael's family is facing a tragedy just days ahead of Christmas.  He was killed in a hit and run early yesterday morning.  City police arrested 25 year old Christian Hernandez in connection and charged him with failing to stay at the scene and impaired driving causing death.  Carmichael was hit on North High Street.  Hernandez will be back in court Wednesday.

Constance Lake First Nation renews call for water

Constance Lake First Nation is renewing it's call for more water.  In November, Indian and Northern Affairs reduced the amount of bottled water being shipped into the community from four litres to 1.5 litres per person.

While there is a temporary work-around that has water coming into the community from a power plant, Chief Arthur Moore says that water is unsafe to drink and is only being used for things like bathing and laundry.  Also, there has been a recent increase in rashes and fungal infections and many in the community feel that the water coming from the power plant may be the culprit.

The need for bottled water began this summer when an algae bloom covered the lake the community used as its main water supply and it's water treatment facility was unable to properly filter the water. The community is waiting on a new well that should be finished in the new year. Moore says the well is only a temporary fix and the only long term solution is more modern water treatment technology.

Armed robbery arrest

Police have a man is custody after an armed robbery. Dutchaks Recycle Inc. on Hammond Avenue was robbed by a man with a knife around 10 a.m. yesterday. After an investigation, police arrested a man in the East End. The suspect will appear in court today and is being charged with robbery.

Highway 17 closure

Highway 17 was closed west of Kenora last night because of an accident involving several vehicles. The pile up started when two tractor trailers collided. The OPP closed the highway when one of the big rigs started leaking fuel and was reopened after the cleanup was complete. There were no injuries.