Two arrested for breaking into vehicles

For the second time in the last two days city police have arrested someone for breaking into vehicles.  Officers nabbed the 29 year old this morning after they saw him going from car to car.  A 45 year old man was arrested Wednesday after he was caught trying to break into cars near Fort William Gardens.

Angus voices concerns

The Chair of the District Social Services Board is satisfied after speaking with a provincial government commitee.  Iain Angus gave his two cents on the new Social Housing Act and says there are a couple of things they should change.  Angus says they want the Province to ensure the province doesn't download any more costs onto the DSSAB.  Angus made the presentation to the government committee on Thursday.

OPP charge officer with criminal offences

An OPP officer in Schreiber is in some hot water. Police say that Constable Gregory Sutton is charged after the Thunder Bay police contacted them back in December. OPP Sgt. Shelley Garr says it involved incidents between the accused and another person.   Garr says it's alleged that the accused made false statements against the victim and that he allegedy intercepted a private conversation.  The 41 year old Sutton is charged with intercepting private communications and two counts of public mischief.

Hyer reluctant for election

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP Bruce Hyer isn't looking forward to Friday afternoon's non-confidance motion. Hyer says he's received calls from residents saying they'll be mad at him if he helps cause an election. The NDP MP says he's also heard from residents who think we need a new Government. Hyer says if an election is called he will be ready to fight for his job.

Rickford thinks public may not want election

The clock is ticking on the Harper government. At 1:30 Friday afternoon a vote of non-confidence will be held in Ottawa, that's expected to bring it down and force an election. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the opposition may be making a mistake by forcing an election that the public may not want.  Regardless,  Rickford says he's prepared to take the governments record to the public

Science meets celebrity, Thunder Bay style

There's a new business in town selling the DNA of celebrities both living and dead. Celebrity Gene claims to have the DNA of such people as Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley as pendants and other forms. Company biologist Ryan Letho says they can even have something custom made for you, like having he DNA of Jimi Hendrix embedded into a guitar pick. He says there have been calls from publicists of some current Hollywood celebrities who are interested as well. Letho says more names will be revealed at an official launch next month

Compton stopped for drunk driving

The former mayor of Kenora , Len Compton, will appear in court in May on impaired driving charges. The OPP say they pulled over a vehicle in downtown Kenora at 2 o'clock this morning because it was being operated in what they called a suspicious manner. 

Boshcoff ready for spring time election

The Liberal candidate in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding is ready for a possible spring time election. M-P's will vote Friday afternoon on a Liberal non-confidence motion that would trigger an election. Federal candidate and City Councillor Ken Boshcoff says he hasn't set up campaign offices as of yet. When the election is called, Boshcoff says he will take a leave of absence from his council seat.

Possible spring election in place

It looks like we're headed for a spring time election this May. MP's vote Friday afternoon on a Liberal non-confidence motion that could trigger an election. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he's election ready and wants the public to be too. Rafferty says if the government loses the vote; the Prime Minister will probably ask the Governor General on Sunday to dissolve Parliment.

Name of Sioux Lookout girl released

Hypothermia is the cause of death for an 11 year old girl in Sioux Lookout.  Chloe Matthews of Big Trout Lake died Saturday and was found outside, near a school yard.

Coroner launches probe into jail death

The Regional Coroner's office is launching a full investigation into the death of Dwane Turk. The 55 year old Thunder Bay man was accused of second degree murder and died in police custody. Dr. Peter Clark says they've already started preliminary work. Turk was charged with the death of fellow Thunder Bay resident 32 year old Christopher Jean.

Icebreaker on it's way

There's been a delay, but the icebreaker Mobile Bay is still due to come in to port today. Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says it was supposed to have been here by now, but was delayed by some winds but should be here by 8 tonight.

Murder case takes gruesome turn

The Thunder Bay man accused of murdering another local man in the Elk Lake area is dead. 55 year old Dwayne Turk died in the North Bay District Jail. Police would not give the cause of death saying it's in the hands of the Regional Coroner's Office. Turk was charged with second degree murder of 32 year old Christoper Jean.

Hobbs gets racist reaction

Mayor Keith Hobbs' efforts to reach out to the Aboriginal community is bringing out the worst in some people.  Hobbs says he's received some letters and e-mails that indicate they aren't pleased with his stand.   It includes one from Edmonton which was checked out by police there, but no charges were laid.

Oxdrift man creates mobile ice hut

Roger Nordlund of Oxdrift is creating a YouTube buzz in Northwestern Ontario with this video of his mobile ice fishing hut.

Bisson not happy with Agent Orange panel

Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson's is expressing his displeasure to the McGuinty government. Bisson is not happy with the province's choice to name Dr. Leonard Ritter as the head of the Agent Orange investigation panel. Bisson says Dr. Ritter approved the use of Agent Orange in the past. Bisson raised the issue in the Legislature on Wednesday.

Election Budget Speculation

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer has decided he won't support the Federal budget as it stands.  Hyer says he's ready for a possible election.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's surprised Jack Layton moved as quick as he did in tossing out the budget.  Rickford believes the Conservative Government struck a perfect balance in the budget.

Baird talks budget

Members of the Conservative Government continue to sell their budget despite election talk in the air.  John Baird is the regional Minister of Northern Ontario and says the opposition is voting against the 4 million dollar Cyclotron. The Liberals plan to introduce a non-confidence motion.

LU bans sale of bottled water

It looks like the sale of bottled water will be banned on the campus at Lakehead University. A survey of 5 thousand students, faculty and staff shows almost 60 per cent think it's bad for the environment. The student union and administration will now meet to figure out a plan to eliminate the sale of botted water

Clue turns up in Wabasse search

There's another clue in the search for Jordan Wabasse. The 17 year old has been missing since February 7th and the search has been centred around the Kam River near the area of the James Street bridge. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says a running shoe has been found. He says there's a "high probability" the shoe belongs to the missing youth. Adams says as a result of the discover the area will remain the focal point of the search

Province rolls out cash

The Provincial Government has rolled out its share of cash to area communities.  Thunder Bay's share of funding for policing and social programs comes in at almost 650-thousand dollars.  Shuniah will see 97-thousand, and Neebing over 33-thousand.

Northern Ontario economy to be discussed

The Northern Ontario economy could recieve a big boost thanks to a new concept. The Northwestern Ontario Bio-Economy Corporation will be introducing a "Grassroots Approach". Spokesperson Natalie Hughs hopes the approach will help promote entrepreneurship. An annual "Grassroots" conference will be held Saturday at the Valhalla Inn.

Leon out on bail

Adam Leon is now free on bail.  The former Confederation College student made a court appearance this morning in Thunder Bay.  He was allowed out on 10 thousand dollars bail and will be back in court April 13th.   Leon is charged with theft in connection with an incident almost 2 years ago that caused an international sensation after a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States.

Missing teen found

The story of a missing teen in Thunder Bay has come to an end.  17 year old Soline Whitney Sakanee has turned up safe and sound in Sioux Lookout.  The teenager hadn't been seen since Friday.

Budget reaction wrap up

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer hasn't decided if he will support the budget yet. Hyer expects to have made up his mind by tonight. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty will not support the federal budget as it stands. Rafferty says that doesn't mean all hope is lost for the 4 million dollar Cyclotron. Both NDP members say there will be money for the project under new governments. The Liberal Candidate for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding is setting up his campaign headquarters. Yves Fricot says there's not much in that fiscal document for the riding.

Wilson likes budget

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce thinks there are a number of incentives in the Federal Budget that will help the economy.  President Harold Wilson says it's a steady as she goes budget, and doesn't think it warrants triggering an election.  The Opposition parties have said they won't support the budget.

Rydholm on budget

There's a lot hanging in the balance.  That's the feeling of City Councillor Linda Rydholm.  Opposition parties have said that they plan to vote down the Federal Budget and trigger an election unless changes are made to the fiscal document.  Rydholm says there's too much at stake for Thunder Bay.  The head of the Canadian Federation of Canadian Municipalities adds each MP will have to do what they think is best for their riding.  The budet includes 4 million dollars in funding to help bring a Cyclotron to the city's hospital.

NAPS weighs in on Fed. Budget

The federal budget lays out 30 million dollars for aboriginal policing. The money will be put towards two years of First Nations policing.  Nishnawbe Aski Police Chief Claude Chum says it's not much when you look at the bigger picture.  Chum says the first nations policing program has been running a defecit the last couple of years.  The budget also includes 22 million dollars over two years to help First Nations ensure fuel tanks that power their community services meet environmental safety standards.

Army Worm invasion two years away

It will be at least two more years until Northwestern Ontario is plagued with high numbers of Army Worms. Ministry of Natural Resources Expert Taylor Scarr says the insect has a 7 to 10 year outbreak cycle. The last outbreak started in 2001 and ended in the summer of 2004. Scarr says when the outbreak starts you will notice more moths gathering around traffic lights at night.

Blackhawks hopeful for Sharp's return

The Chicago Blackhawks have their fingers crossed that Patrick Sharp's knee injury is not season ending. Blackhawk's radio host Judd Sirott says that's the latest from the team coach. He says the team is hopeful he can be back by the end of the regular season. Sirott wouldn't speculate on whether the loss of Sharp will harm the teams chances of making the playoffs. They have 10 games remaining, three of them with the Detroit Red Wings.

Bearskin Airlines to expand

Flights from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg will be more frequent now thanks to an expansion at Bearskin Airlines. They will have a new 34 passenger plane arriving in May. Vice President Cliff Friesen says they will be able to carry more passengers. Friesen says they will make stops in Sioux Lookout and Red Lake as well.

Shipping season upon us

The new shipping season is just days away in the Port of Thunder Bay. Harbourmaster Guy Jarvis says with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway preparations will start this week. The U.S Coast Guard icebreaker Mobile Bay will be here on Thursday morning, with the locks at Sault Ste. Marie opening Friday.  He says the first ship of the season should arrive on the weekend. 

Herman backs call for suspension without pay

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is backing a call for the provincial government to open up the Police Act.  The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police wants the government to give them the option to suspend officers without pay.  Bob Herman is also the head of the OACP and says it's been an ongoing concern for them.  Herman says there is a lot of community support for it.  Here in Thunder Bay, Sgt. Jim Mauro has been suspended with pay until his police act hearing.

Council formed for disabled athletes

Physically disabled athletes in the city no longer have anything to worry about when it comes to being active. The Thunder Bay Accessible Sport Council will help give para-sport athletes more opportunities to get physically active. Council chair Tessa Soderberg says it will try to unite many different para-sports. The council benefits athletes by giving them resources, sharing practices and improving access to physical activity.

Police looking for missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public for help in locating a missing teen.  17 year old Soline Whitney Sakanee hasn't been seen since Friday.  She has been known to frequent both the North and South cores.

City's official plan to be amended

Thunder Bay City Council is asking administration to amend the Official plan so there can be an additional lot on Melbourne Road.  Owner Terri Rizzo says they want to subdivide the property so her son can build a house and operate the gravel pit that already exists on the property.  Council wants administration to write a resolution explaining why they would allow an additional lot on Melbourne.  Councillors will still have to vote on whether or not to allow the subdivision.

Cyclotron money rests with NDP

MP Greg Rickford says Thunder Bay's two NDP MP's may be about to put a kibosh on  4 million dollars of money towards a cyclotron for the Health Sciences Centre. The Conservative MP says the money is to be included in Tuesday's budget, but approval rests with the NDP.  Asks Rickford, "are they prepared to vote against probably one of the most significant medical advancements...in Thunder Bay in a long time?".  He says the money would be thrown into jeopardy as the result of an election call.

Hampton blames McGuinty Liberals for jury crisis

The blame for the jury selection crisis in the northwest lies with the McGuinty government according to NDP critic Howard Hampton. Jury trials are on hold until more First Nations are represented in the jury selection process. Hampton says this has been an issue since 2008.  He adds,  the government hasn't taken the problem seriously

Sharp's status unclear

The immediate future of Thunder Bay's Patrick Sharp remains uncertain today.   The talented Chicago Blackhawk suffered a knee injury in the first period of Sunday's game against Phoenix.  The team isn't saying anything right now only that the injury is being examined.   Sharp is having a career year with 34 goals and some are saying the severity of damage to his knee will determine the severity of damage to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup hopes

Autopsy held in Toronto underway

OPP continue to investigate the death of an 11 year old Big Trout Lake First Nation girl. The young girl was reported missing in Sioux Lookout on Friday night and was later found on the property of Sacred Heart School early Saturday morning. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronouced dead. A post mortem exam is scheduled for today in Toronto. The name of the deceased is not being released.

Adam Leon's legal saga not over yet

Thunder Bay's Adam Leon is back in Canada. He's the one time Confederation College student who caused an international sensation after being arrested for flying a Cessna into American airspace in 2009.   Police say the RCMP escorted him back after his time in a Missouri jail.  He will appear in court via video in Thunder Bay on Wednesday on theft charges.

LU expert says Gadhafi remains cunning

The pressure continues on Moammar Gadhafi. Coalition forces continue to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya. Lakehead University political science expert Laure Paquette says Ghadafi may be using his own people as human shields in the battle.  Paquette says we should watch how well the rebels take advantage of the protection they are getting.  She fears if  Ghadafi is brought down, there could be a complete collapse of civilian order

Two fires, no injuries

Some tense moments for tenants of an apartment building on South Archibald Street. They were startled by the sound of blaring smoke alarms just before 9 a.m.. Fire officials say no one was hurt and a quick response confined damage to only one unit. One tenant told our newsroom the door to the fire escape was bolted shut and he had to kick it down to get out. A fire official says if that's the case, then charges could be pending to the owner. The property manager of the building has not returned our call. At about the exact same time there was a garage fire in Current River. A fire official says it took place on Surrey Street and crews had it out quickly. No one was hurt.

Donations continue to flood in for Japan

Thunder Bay continues to show support for the people of Japan.  The Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association held a sushi fundraiser yesterday and managed to raise 5 thousand dollars for the Red Cross.  Officials at the Red Cross say so far around 40 thousand dollars has been handed in to their office and another 10-15 thousand through online donations.

Fed's back Cyclotron

This week's Federal Budget hasn't been released yet but according to reports will contain some help for Thunder Bay.  Reports say the budget contains 4 million dollars in funding to help bring a Cyclotron to Thunder Bay.  It would be part of a transitional research facility proposed for the hospital. 

Arrest made in Thunder Bay man's death

A suspect has been arrested in connection to the death of Thunder Bay man near Elk Lake.  The body of 32 year old Christopher Jean was found Thursday and police say Dwane Turk is charged with second degree murder.  The 55 year old Thunder Bay man worked with Jean.

Two more arrested in murder investigation

The other two suspects in Thunder Bay's 1st murder of the year have been arrested.  City Police took 18 year old Cody Thompson and 20 year old Christopher Hawk into custody last night in connection with the death of 54 year old Robert Francis Topping.  Police say Topping was assaulted when he walked into a break and enter in progress on Minnesota Street. 

Soldiers family visits Afghanistan

A group of Canadians recently made a trip to Afghanistan to honour love ones who paid the ultimate price in the war torn country.  Of the group, relatives of Corporal Anthony Boneca made the trip and took part in a memorial ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.

Police issue alert for wanted men

City police remain on the hunt for two men wanted in connection with the death of 54 year old Robert  Francis Topping early Saturday morning.    Police say it's the first murder of 2011.   They say both men are considered dangerous and should not be approached. The two are:  18 year old Cody Allister Thompson and 20 year old Christopher John Hawk.



Christopher Hawk

Cody Thompson

       



 

Thunder Bay Entrepreneurs

Thunder Bay auditions for the hit show Dragons Den were a success. Local entrepreneurs brought their ideas to the Prince Arthur Hotel for a shot at appearing on the show. Inventors will be notified within 3 weeks if they will advance to pitch their ideas to the real dragons on television in Toronto.

Missing Girl Pronounced Dead

Sioux Lookout detachment of the OPP were notified of a missing 11 year old girl. She was found yesterday morning and taken to Meno Yi Win Health care centre and was pronounced dead. OPP, Northwest region crime unit, and northwest identification unit are investigating the incident.