OPP RIDE Program Results

Northwestern Ontario was one of the few areas that saw a decreased number of impaired drivers this holiday season.  From November 24 till January 2, police charged 46 people with having a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08.  This is in comparison with 57 people during the 2011 RIDE season.  Officers also issued 14 warning range suspensions to drivers with with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08, which is up from 11 in 2011.

PM Says Yes To Meeting

The Prime Minister has agreed to sit down with a delegation of First Nation leaders next week. The news came from a statement from Stephen Harper that says he and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will take part in a meeting on January 11th to discuss treaty relationships and aboriginal rights. Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has been on a hunger strike for over three weeks as away to garner the attention of the Prime Minister and ensure a meeting between First Nations and the PM.

Jobless Rate Goes Down

Thunder Bay's unemployment rate is going down. Statistics Canada released it's latest jobless rate figures that show the City went from 5.6 percent in November to an even 5 percent in December. The national unemployment rate was 7.1 percent last month.

Solid Start For N.D.C.

A pair of National Team Development Club team members will represent Canada during an international cross-coutnry ski event next month in the Czech Republic. 21 year old Andy Shields from Kitchener was first in his age category during yesterday's skiathlon at the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre. Lakehead University star and fellow N.D.C. team member Andrea Lee, from Black Creek, B.C., topped her age group during the women's skiathlon. Both will represent Canada in the Czech Republic next month. Races continue this morning with the Ontario Cup Sprints.

Mac's Store Robbery Probed

City police are looking for a man who reportedly robbed a Mac's convenience store using a knife early this morning. Just prior to 4:00 a.m. Thunder Bay Police Service responded to Mac's Mart on the 7-hundred block of Simpson Street regarding a robbery. Police say a man entered the store with his face covered, armed with a knife and then subsequently fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. The man was last seen heading into the East End on foot. No injuries are reported in this incident.

Timbers Restaurant Closed Following Fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is being called in to help determine the cause of a fire overnight at Timbers restaurant at the Valhalla Inn. 5 trucks and 22 personell were called to a fire that apparently originated in the ceiling of the restaurant just after 1:00 o'clock this morning. Timbers will be closed until further notice pending the results of the investigation and repairs. Damage is said to be extensive but the rest of the hotel at the Valhalla Inn is open.

L.U. Teams Back In Action

A new year brings with it the start of the second half for Lakehead University sports teams. The men's hockey team is at home this weekend for a pair of divisional games against the Guelph Gryphons. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Fort william Gardens. The women's volleyball team begins their second half at home as well tonight as they take on the visiting Waterloo Warriors in game one of a two game series. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 o'clock at the L.U. Thunderdome. Meanwhile the men's and women's basketball teams begin second-half divisional play on the road tonight in Waterloo against the Warriors.

OPP Probe Local Police

The OPP are looking into an allegation by a 19 year old First Nation man against Thunder Bay Police Service. It's alleged that a Thunder Bay Police Service officer transported the 19 year old male to a location outside of the city limits. The man reported that he was dropped off and left to walk back to his residence in Thunder Bay. The incident is said to have occurred in the evening hours of December 2nd. The Thunder Bay Police Service is cooperating with the Ontario Provincial Police in their investigation.

Chicago Tourism Show Eyed

Thunder Bay is going to be represented at a major tourism show in Chicago later this month. City Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says we will be promoted as a stepping off point for the tourism camps in the region. Pepe says part of the plan is also to help promote the United Airlines link the city will soon have with Chicago. He adds, the trip will be paid for with provincial tourism dollars, not the city's.

No School Board Amalgamations Planned

School Boards in northwestern Ontario have dodged a bullet.  The Ministry of Education has sent a letter out indicating it will not be going ahead with any School Board amalgamations.  Phylis Eikre is the director of education with the Kenora Catholic District School board and says they weren't in favour of merging with another board. There had been talk the Kenora Catholic and the Northwest Catholic School Boards might have to amalgamate.

New Years Resolutions

Starting off the new year on the right path.  Julie Slack is a dietician with the Northwestern Health Unit, and says that a big reason why people give up on their new-years resolutions is because they are setting the bar too high.  Slack says it's important to start off small, and work your way to the top. Slack adds it's a good idea to find a friend who has the same goals.

Thunder Bay Is 43

Mayor Keith Hobbs wants the City to come together after 43 years of amalgamation.  Thunder Bay's Birthday is officially New Years Day and Hobbs says it's about time we act like it.  Hobbs is also calling on residents to drop the Fort William/Port Arthur mentality and just refer to the two sides by their ward names.  Hobbs thinks there will be an official celebration on the 50th Birthday. 

OPP Looking For New Recruits

The Ontario Provincial Police is looking for the best and brightest. The Thunder Bay Detachment is hosting an information session on January 30th.  Constable Erin Huckell says they are looking for those interested in the auxiliary program. Huckell adds that there will also be information about constable positions.

Officials To Address Assef Court Concerns

District housing officials are planning to meet with residents of Assef Court about their concerns. It follows news that some tenants are afraid for their safety and that neither police nor housing officials are listening. Bill Bradica of the District Social Services Administration Board says many of the concerns are news to him.  Bradica says tenants will be reminded of the steps they should take to make complaints.

Former ELA Director Gets Award

The former director of the Experimental Lakes Area has received a top honor.  Dr. Ray Hesslein is 8th person from the ELA to receive the Frank H. Rigler Award.  In addition, Hesslein stresses the important the research facility has not only on the country, but all of North America.

ETFO On Imposed Contracts

The local President of the Elementary Teachers Federation isn't surprised the Provincial Government is imposing new contracts on tens of thousands of teachers and education workers in the public schools.  Ellen Chambers says she's devastated.  Education Minister Laurel Broten is using Bill 115 to impose the new collective agreements on elementary and high school teachers, to freeze wages and stop strikes.

Ranger Camp Rally Set For Queen's Park

A campaign to save the Ontario Ranger Camp program is underway. The program, which operated several camps, including one at Quetico Provincial Park, was halted by the province last fall. Former Sleeping Giant Camp Coordinator Emily Kirton with the group Friends of the Ranger Program, says it brought youth in from elsewhere in the province. Former campers and workers intend to rally at Queen's Park tomorrow.

Influenza "A" On The Rise

The number of influenza "A" cases here in the city, the region and in the province are higher this Winter compared to last year. Medical Officer of Health with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Dr. David Williams says the they've had 39 lab confirmed cases of inlfuenza "A". Williams says last year less than 20 confirmed cases were reported to the T.B.D.H.U. but he adds they started keeping track of cases much earlier this year.

Madder Predicts College Growth

Jim Madder predicts 2013 will bring growth for Confederation College.   In a new year's interview the college president says we should expect to see the college expand learning opportunities for students and will soon announce another partnership that involves all 6 northern colleges.  It will include sharing curriculum,  programming and delivery methods. While Madder doesn't foresee expanding any satellite campuses he hopes to expand technology to the current sites.

Idle No More Candle Light

Thunder Bay's Idle No More movement is standing behind a local woman who was allegedly abducted and attacked recently.  Spokesperson Joyce Hunter says she's worried another violent incident will happen against a First Nations person.  A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night in honour of the alleged victim at the Fort William First Nation.

A Game Of Cat And Mouse

Twitter is becoming the new reality for city police as they run their RIDE program. Over the holiday period there were 25 people charged with impaired driving. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says though, they had to move their checkpoints from place to place to outwit people on the social network who were Tweeting the locations. ....like a game of cat and mouse.

DMTS Sale Finalized

The sale of DMTS landline and internet services to Bell Alliant has officially been completed.  Dryden City Council granted final authorization on October 3rd, and the transition to new ownership has been on going.  It will be business as usual, and if there is any changes required, customers will be notified.

It's Alzheimer Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer Awareness month and this year's theme is "See Me, Not My Illness." Executive Director Alison Denton says they want to erase the stigma attached to a diagnosis of dementia. A flag raising ceremony was held this morning at City Hall marking the awareness campaign and Alzheimer Society volunteer Bill Heibein says thankfully his friends and family treated him the same after his diagnosis 13 years ago.

6th Murder of 2012 Victim Identified

Thunder Bay Police are releasing the name of the 25 year old man who was found dead on December 29th at a Villa Street residence.  Desmond Dennis Mathews was found at the home with no vital signs and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.  Results from the post mortem exam are being withheld since they are an important element of the murder investigation.  The second man found at the home remains in critical condition in hospital.

Sexual Assault Probe Continues

Thunder Bay Police are still trying to piece together clues in connection with a reported sexual assault they are investigating as possible hate crime. A First Nations woman told police she was forced into a vehicle on Blucher Avenue by two men in their 20's and taken to a wooded area and assaulted. The woman originally told police that there were racial remarks made by the assailants. Spokesperson Chris Adams says they are still trying to build a case with the woman's help and fill in some gaps when she is available.

Lappe To Host Major Ski Races

Thunder Bay and the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre will be hosting the World Junior and Under-23 cross country ski championships starting tomorrow. Spokesperson Amanda Holdsworth says events will be held daily with a variety of race formats on the card until Sunday. Holdsworth says members of the National Team development Centre and Lakehead University will be taking part. Some 300 athletes are said to be taking part in the 4 day event.

Robichaud Looks Back

The CEO of the Thunder Bay Hospital is reflecting on 2012. Andree Robichaud says they saw many accolades last year including moving up in the rankings of research hospitals. Robichaud says in 2013 they'll strive to free up beds in the hospital.

Campbell New Years Resolutions

The MPP of the Kenora-Rainy River riding is looking forward to the new year for a particular reason. Sarah Campbell says she wants to see who will fill the spot of Ontario premier and leader of the Liberal party. Campbell hopes that whoever the person may be, that they will have a fresh perspective and work with all of the parties.

NWO Man Appointed To Order Of Canada

A true honor for Garnet Angeconeb of Sioux Lookout. He is one of the 91 people appointed to the Order of Canada, and is recognised for his contributions to his community, building relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people and promoting the Anishenabek culture. A ceremony honoring all of the recipients will be held at a future date.

Webber Sentencing Underway

Sentencing proceedings are taking place today at the Camelot Street courthouse for a city man who pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter last year.   19 year old Nicholas Webber also pleaded guilty to break in and robbery charges in connection with the 2011 death of 54 year old Robert Topping.  Today defence and prosecution lawyers will give their recommendations to the judge.  The actual sentence will not likely come down for another month or so. 

Abduction And Sexual Assault Investigated

Police continue to look for two men in their 30's who are reported to have abducted and sexually assaulted a 36 year old woman. Investigators say the victim was taken from Blucher Avenue into a green two door vehicle on December 27th and taken to a remote location on the city's North side. Police are also investigating this incident as a possible hate crime as the victim, a First Nations person, reported a number of racially motivated remarks made by the assailants. Anyone with information on this incident should contact police or Crimestoppers.

Two Men Still In Critical Condition

There is still no upgrade on two men transported to hospital in critical condition. A 23 year old was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries on Saturday night. The man was found in a Villa street residence where another man was found with no vital signs and later died because of his injuries. Another man was taken to hospital from the Brant Street area after his girlfriend allegedly assaulted him. She will be in court later today.

Minnesota Peat

A Canadian company is expressing interest in extracting a high quality of peat from northeastern Minnesota. The County has one of the largest deposits of Sphagnum peat in the U.S. Outgoing Commissioner Mike Hanson says the problem is where it lies. Hanson says the County intends to discuss with its legislators in the new year on how it can be accessed.

K.I. Walk To Parliament Hill

K.I. community member, Mark Anderson will walk from Queens Park to Parliament Hill starting at 8 a.m. today to say 'no' to continued treaty violations by the federal government. Anderson, who will be joined by members of the K.I. leadership and youth, has reactivated his walking team to pick up from his 2100 km walk to Queen’s Park in 2006 to say no to mining. K.I. is walking in solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence’s call for a commitment to a path of recognition and implementation of the treaty commitments and forging a new First Nations–Crown relationship.

Thunder Bay's First Baby of 2013

It's a new life for the New Year. Veronica Rojik and Joe Aiken are happy to start  2013 with the latest addition to their family. Rojick gave birth to Thunder Bay's first baby of the year early this morning. Brandon Aiken was born at 1:00 a.m. at a healthy 7 pounds and 2 ounces. Brandon is Rojik's fifth child. She is currently resting at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Police Investigate Sexual Assault and Abduction

Thunder Bay police are investigating an abduction and sexual assault. A 36 year old woman was transported to hospital and later released following an incident on Thursday night. It is alleged that two Caucasian males in their mid 30s abducted the woman near Blucher Avenue after 9pm. The woman says she was forced into a green 2 door vehicle, taken to a rural location in the north side of the city where she was sexually assaulted. Police are also investigating this incident as a possible hate crime as the victim reported a number of racially motivated remarks made by the assailants. Anyone with information is asked to call the police or Crime Stoppers.

Thunder Bay MP Hyer Reflects on 2012

2012 was the year Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer left the NDP Party. Independent Hyer says he thought long and hard over his decision to leave the party in April. Hyer says there were many reasons for his decision, but a move by leader Thomas Mulcair on the gun registry sealed the deal because it would have forced him to vote against the party line again. Hyer hopes for some parliamentary change in 2013 so MPs can better reflect their constituents' wishes.

OSSTF Considers One Day Protest

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is considering a one day protest of the Provincial Government's bill 115. The union recently voted in favour of conducting a one day strike but no date has been selected as of yet. Lakehead Public School Board Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says she hopes the labour issues will be resolved soon. Earlier this month the Elementary Teachers Federation took part in rotating one day strikes across the province.

Fort William NYE Family Frolic

Fort William Historical Park is once again hosting it's New Years Eve "Family Frolic" tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they'll have entertainment for young and old. The new observatory won't be open on New Years Eve but there will be telescopes set up for star gazers taking part in the family frolic.

Know Your Limit

The Coordinator of the City's Drug Strategy says the holiday season can often bring with it binge drinking. Cynthia Olson says beyond regular festive party drinking, there are financial pressures around Christmas and New Years and that often leads to unhealthy drinking. Olson says its important to know your limit.

Police Investigate 6th Homicide

City police continue to investigate Thunder Bay's 6th homicide of 2012. Police were called to a Villa Street home on Saturday night to find a 25 year old with no vital signs and a 23 year old unconcious.
Both were rushed to hospital where the 25 year old was pronounced dead, while the 23 year remains in critical condition. Police say the two men were known to eachother but not related and that alcohol was a factor. No names have been released.

Aggravated Assault Charge

A man who was allegedly assaulted by his girlfriend remains in critical condition at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police were called to the Brant Street area on Saturday night and arrested the woman. She will next appear in court on January 2nd facing three charges including aggravated assault.

Marathon O.P.P. Make 3 Drug Seizures

Marathon O.P.P. are doing their part in keeping drugs off the street. Three traffic stops in three consecutive days dating back to last Thursday have resulted in the seizure of various amounts of cannabis marijuana. The first was for 8 grams. A Toronto Man faces charges of possession of a controlled susbstance. The second saw police seize 2.2 kilograms of marijuana worth an estimated street value of $44,000. Two men from Yorkton, Saskatchewan are now facing trafficking charges. The third stop saw police arrest a man and a woman from Quebec after they spotted marijuana and 186 ecstacy pills worth an estimated $4,600.

Thunderwolves Capture Tournament Title

The Lakehead University men's basketball team are tournament champions. They captured the 46th annual Winnipeg Wesmen Classic with an 84-67 win over the host team in the final. Ryan Thomson led the way with 22 points. Centre Yoosrie Salhia scored 12 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in the final to be named tournament M.V.P. Menawhile the L.U. women's team closed out the Thunder Selects tournament in Halifax losing 82-55 to the #4 ranked St. Mary's Huskies. Conference play for both teams resumes this weekend on the road with a pair against the Waterloo Warriors.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay and District Crimestoppers are looking for your help in solving an arson investigation. Fires were set in the laneway between Empire Avenue and Piper Avenue. Sometime between May 14th and June 12th, a series of fires were set, usually after 3:00 a.m. and before 6:00 a.m. Sheds and garages suffered structural damage and in one instance a vehicle suffered severe damage. Police say in these fires, an aerosol can along with flammable materials were used as an accellerant. Crimestoppers is looking for any information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for these arsons. Call Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS or 623-8477.

Police Probe Murder And Serious Assault

Thunder Bay police are searching for any information on a murder and serious assault in the city. They say that two people were found unconscious in a house at 245 Villa Street Saturday night. They say one of them, a 25 year old man, was later pronounced dead in the hospital, the cause of his death has not been determined. The second person, a 23 year old man is in critical condition. Police say the people were known to the homeowner, who made the discovery, and that alcohol was a factor in the incident.

MNR Warns Against Feeding Animals

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to remind the public to not feed wild animals. Communications specialist Kathryn Lyzun says feeding them not only takes a toll on the animal, but also spreads disease. Lyzun says that beyond dependency and disease issues, feeding animals near roads increases the opportunity of them being hit by a passing vehicle. She adds that it's important to appreciate wildlife from a distance.

Gravelle's Year in Review

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is looking back on the year that was. He feels his biggest achievement in 2012 was the first section of highway 17 getting four lanes and he thinks that Northwestern Ontario's economy is going to take off in 2013. Gravelle says he's proud of many accomplishments throughout the year but notes it is also the year he received a diagnosis of cancer. Gravelle says he's received lots of wonderful support from his family and constituents.

Robbi Weldon Prepares for 2016

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is remembering  a gold medal year as 2012 winds down. Weldon won gold in the Paralympic Road Race at the London Games this past Summer. She says it was a huge thrill and she now has a new goal of representing Canada at the next Paralympic Games in Brazil in 2016. Weldon will will begin training with a new pilot next year as her old pilot, Lynne Bissette, is now retired.

NOMA Looking Ahead

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is vowing to keep working towards improving the region's economy. Ron Nelson says they'll be plugging away at a number of ongoing issues in 2013. Nelson says one of their biggest achievements in 2012 was seeing the Northern Policy Institute come to fruition.