Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team is back at home tonight for the first of two against Ontario Tech. The Thunderwolves lead the Ridgebacks by 9 points in the West division standings. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The L.U. basketball teams are on the road in London this weekend for a pair of games against the Mustangs. Western is two points up on the Thunderwolves in the women's standings while the Western men's team has just one win on the season.

Bell Changes Tower Plans

A planned cell phone tower for 1360 John Street Road is now being proposed for 1376 Louis Street instead.  City planner Thora Cartlidge says Bell Mobility has changed its plans and city council will get a full update Monday.  She says that instead of holding a second meeting with John Street residents Bell opted to locate the tower in another nearby location. That too is expected to involve a public meeting.

Gravelle Says Its A Tight Race

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle thinks its going to be a tight race between his choice for Liberal Leader Sandra Pupatello and former Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.  The final vote for the leader of the Provincial Liberals comes down the weekend of January 25th.  Gravelle is pleased the majority of Thunder Bay Superior North delegates selected Sandra Pupatello in the first round of voting last weekend.

Bus Shelters To See Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says it's part of Transit's Master Plan.

Charges Laid In Villa Street Incident

Police are charging a 21 year old man with aggravated assault in the Villa Street incident last month.  An incident at the Villa Street home lead to the death of one man and sent a second to the hospital with life threatening injuries.  The young man was arrested at the Provincial Courthouse after being released on Breach of Probation charges from a previous incident.   The 23 year old victim of the assault remains in critical condition in a Toronto area hospital.

Meeting Over, No Immediate Solution

Hobbs, Bentley, Angus

 The City's Energy Task Force is vowing to continue to work with the Provincial Government and the Ontario Power Authority when it comes to the conversion of the Mission Island Power plant. No decision has been made on the possible closure of the local facility.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's hopeful after today's meeting with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  Both the Energy Minister and the Mayor have said they'll continue to talk about the future of the facility and what role it will play in the region's energy needs.

Bus Shelters In Line For Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements.

Flu VS. Common Cold

Influenza "A" is running rampant in the the city and is being blamed for 7 deaths already in seniors homes.   Darlene Binette with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says there are differences between a common cold and actually having having the flu. The most common differences between the common cold and the flu are the sudden on-set of symptoms which include high fever, muscle and joint pain along with a cough. Binette says if you have the flu, you should wait until you're healthier to get a flu shot. Otherwise she's encouraging everyone to get immunized through your local doctor, pharmacy or flu clinic.

Many Engines Dead

The cold weather today is wreaking havoc on engines. C.A.A. Field Coordinator Wayne Salatino says they are seeing an increase in the number of emergency calls to their office today.   Salatino says they could get up to 150 calls for emergency service today alone which is 3 times the number of calls received on an average day.  CAA has a couple of tips for motorists who want to avoid getting a boost. Make sure your vehicle is tuned-up, plugged in overnight and that the battery is relatively new.

Severe Cold Deadly To Animals

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is reminding pet owners they need to take care of their animals during these severe cold temperatures.  Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst says outdoor dogs should either be brought inside or proper draft free shelter should be provided to them.  It's also a good idea to beep your vehicle's horn before starting it since cats often curl up under vehicle hoods to stay warm.  Klynendorst says if you are worried about an animal please call the City's animal services and if the animal is in the outlying rural areas call the Humane Society and they will take care of them.

Health Unit Holds Board Elections

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is updating its board.  Board elections were held yesterday during their annual meeting.  Shunia Mayor Mariah Harding was re-elected as Chair, and Thunder Bay's Beatrice Metzler was elected as Vice Chair.

OPG Conversion Meeting Today

The future of the Mission Island power plant is up for discussion in Thunder Bay today as Energy Minister Chris Bentley meets with municipal officials in the region.   The conversion of the plant from coal to natural gas is on hold as the government studies claims that shutting the plant down could save 400 million dollars.

Sudbury Police Looking Into Alleged Incident In T.Bay

Thunder Bay's Police Chief JP Levesque is getting Sudbury Police to investigate a January 10th complaint made by a local parent regarding an alleged altercation involving an off duty Police Service officer.  It's alleged that the off duty officer became involved in an altercation with a parent and the parent's son at a youth hockey tournament.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says during the investigation means that officer will be pulled from his normal duties.  There were no injuries involved in the alleged incident.

Water Plan In Place

The Provincial Government is giving the go ahead to the Lakehead Source Protection Plan.  The Thunder Bay area is the first in the province with a comprehensive source-to-tap drinking water protection plan.  The plan was put together by municipal and community partners and is required under the Province's Clean Water Act.

Police Report Violent Assault

City police are reporting another violent incident.  They say the male victim claims he was attacked by four  males he doesn't know last night at the corner of Victoria and Brodie.   Police say he remains in serious condition and they are continuing to hunt down the people who may be responsible.

Brant Street Assault Victim Dies

Thunder Bay Police are reporting the victim of an assault on December 29th in the Brant Street area has died. They say 28 year old Moses Kakekagumick passed away from injuries sustained in an altercation on that day.  Kimberly Fox was originally charged with Aggravated Assault, Breach of Probation and Breach of Undertaking.  She has been in custody ever since and police are consulting with the Crown to determine the appropriate charges for the change in the status of the investigation.

Watermain Work Closes Road Friday

The City is closing Mountain Road from Chippewa Road to the 15th Side Road Friday. The closure is necessary to complete a water-main connection. Advanced warning signs will be posted alerting motorists to an alternate route. The closure is expected to take place from 8am until 8pm.

Breast Screening Program Changes

The Ontario Breast Screening Program out of Thunder Bay is teaming up with Sioux Lookout's Meno Ya Win Hospital.  The two will work on providing mammograms to First Nation women from remote fly in communities.  Spokesperson Alison McMullen says Sioux Lookout will have the ability to provide mammograms year round.  McMullen says the Sioux Lookout hospital should be accredited as a breast screening program partner by April.

Hwy Now Open

Greenstone OPP are reporting Highway 11 from Longlac to Hearst is now open.  The road was closed due to the poor weather conditions and multiple vehicles being in the ditch. 

Local Group Helps You See Jupiter

You can check out Jupiter, its moons and our moon Friday night at Hillcrest Park.  The local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be letting people look through their telescopes and binoculars.  Spokesperson Dave Gallant says they like to get people involved in astronomy.  The event starts at 6:30.

Former Biker Clubhouse "Reclaimed"

The south side community group Evergreen is getting its wish.  It's a 76 thousand dollar government grant which spokesperson Linda Bruins says will be used to renovate the old Hells Angels clubhouse on Heron Street. She says work will begin next week. The house will be turned into a neighbour hub that will provide a variety of programs for youth in the area.

MyCancerGuide Launched

Thunder Bay's Hospital is offering a new educational tool to cancer patients.  It's called "MyCancerGuide" and it will offer families and patients more information about their disease.  Cancer Survivor and Hospital Volunteer Kathy Forbes says the guide gives patients a sense of empowerment while living with cancer.  Forbes helped unveil the new website at a hospital function today. 

Businessman Pleads Guilty To Milk Assault

A Thunder Bay business man who plead guilty to assault will not have a criminal record. 36 year old Brian Hamilton was given an absolute discharge following an incident where he poured chocolate milk on anti-abortion protesters in the Bay and Algoma area last June. Hamilton did receive a scolding from Justice Baig in court but sighted his lack of a criminal record and the fact that he's taking counselling for her decision.

Special Weather Statement Issued

Slick roads and reduced visibility could hamper your morning commute. A sharp arctic cold front passing through the region is causing Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement this morning. A quick 2 to 4 centimetres of snow could fall inland of Thunder Bay this morning with flurries, heavy at time, reducing visibility to less than 500 metres in some cases. Caution is being urged as you make your way to your destination this morning.

Idle No More Movement Heads East

The Idle No More movement is holding a rally today East of Thunder Bay. First Nations residents are expected to start gathering at noon at the band office in Red Rock with a march scheduled for 1 o'clock across the bridge to the Highway 11-17 junction. The rally is in support of treaty rights they feel are being infringed upon by the government. Provincial police are warning motorists that traffic on the Nipigon bridge may be slowed during this event which runs until 3:30 this afternoon.

North Stars Win At Home

The Thunder Bay North Stars were led by Matt Kaarela's hat trick in their 5-2 victory ofer the Dryden Ice Dogs last night at the Fort William Gardens. The win brings the North Stars to within 6 points of the Ice Dogs for second place in the Superior International Junior Hockey League Standings.

Shipping Season Over

Thunder Bay's shipping season has come to a close.  It officially wrapped up with the MV Saginaw departing with the year's final grain shipment of 12-thousand tonnes of grain destined for the lower Great Lakes.  More than a million tonnes of grain were shipped from the port in the final month of the shipping season.

Canada's HMV Safe

Canada's HMV stores, including Thunder Bay's are safe according to the company's CEO.  The parent UK company is having financial troubles and is looking to close their last remaining store.  However, Nick Williams says that won't impact Canadian operations since the British company sold off its Canadian stores last year.  Williams adds they've also taken a different business model than the UK stores.

Child Porn Case In Court

A Shuniah Township man is going to be back in court on February 19th on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography and extortion.   29 year old Mark Lethonen appeared briefly in court and was released from custody on several conditions.   Those include no access to a computer and to stay away from areas where children under the age of 16 may gather.  The charges are in connection with a case involving nude photos of a young girl who complained to police last month..

Liberal Leadership Convention

The Kenora-Rainy River riding will be well represented at next week's provincial Liberal Leadership Convention in Toronto.  President of the Riding Association Anthony Leek says delegate selection was finalized on the weekend. Leek also attends as a vice-president of the Northern Ontario Executive Council.

B.C. Sexual Assault Case May Have T.Bay Link

A Prince George, B.C. sexual assault case may have a Thunder Bay connection.   Police there have charged 20 year old Mercedes Jewett along with 6 other people in what they call a "disturbing" attack in which the victims were targeted and lured to an apartment building where the assaults took place.  According to Facebook, a person identifying herself as Mercedes Jewett of Prince George, once lived in Thunder Bay.  Police say the incident took place on January 7th in which a teenaged victim was beaten and sexually assaulted before being found in a snowbank.

Chambers Meets With Union

Elementary school teachers across Ontario are still looking for ways to send a message to the provincial government expressing their outrage regarding the imposed new contracts. President of the local chapter of the Elementary Teachers of Ontario, Ellen Chambers held a meeting yesterday with her members to discuss volunteering for extracurricular activities. Chambers says many parents may not realize what constitutes a volunteer activity that is performed by a teacher.  

Urban Forest Plan Passes

The way the City prunes its trees is changing now that Council has approved the urban forest master plan.  Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says it will help improve the condition of area trees.  Fayrick says now that they've received council's approval its full steam ahead on implementing the document.

Safety Concerns Over Layoffs

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is concerned about the Harper government's plans to reduce the number of grain inspectors in the city.  Rafferty is worried the prime minister's penchant for budget cutting could result in safety issues as the job of inspections becomes the responsibility of the grain companies.   According to the union the budget cutbacks could result in about 50 jobs being lost.

Murder Trial Continues In Kenora

Police officers have been providing the bulk of the testimony so far at the 2nd degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall and Angela Duchesne.  Members of the OPP and former Kenora police were at the Tim Horton's Restaurant near the crime scene, the morning that Ed Wilson was killed.   Yesterday constable Miranda Duggan testified that she noticed several spots of a blood-like substance on the bathroom floor in the restaurant, and also by the sink.  Shortly after she was called out to an accident scene at the CP rail tracks, where the body of Ed Wilson was found.  Testimony will continue today at the Kenora Court House. 

Local Police Officer Back From Palestine

A Thunder Bay Police Inspector is back from a one year stint training Palestinian police officers.  Inspector Lorne Clifford left in September 2011 and returned this past fall.  He told board members this morning he has a better understanding of dangerous situations after having weapons pointed at him on a daily basis in the middle east.  Clifford says he was proud to help play a part in an international training program for Palestine.

NAN To Host Public Meeting

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is partnering with city police and the Ontario Provincial Police by hosting a Community Safety Forum tonight. The Forum is set to provide an opportunity for public education on police investigative procedures, to encourage dialogue on current concerns and conclude with a discussion regarding next steps aimed at ensuring safety. The meeting is scheduled to take place tonight starting at 6 o'clock at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The forum is open to students and their families, Leadership, First Nations and Aboriginal organizations, and city residents.

Weather Statement Issued For Wawa

Travelers headed East of Thunder Bay today will want to use caution when driving near Wawa and White River.  A special weather statement is being released by Environment Canada saying heavy lake effect flurries will affect regions to the east of Lake Superior today, tonight and into Wednesday.  Up to 15 centimetres of snow could fall by tomorrow afternoon.  The main issue will be very low visibility under the heaviest flurries as conditions may be near zero.

Shuniah Man Faces Child Porn Charges

Thunder Bay Police say an early childhood educator is charged in connection with a case involving nude photos of a young girl who complained to police last month.  Police searched a home and found child pornography images on a computer along with a large number of adult female undergarments. Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography and Extortion, is 29 year old Mark Lehtonen of Shuniah township.

Kusznier Anniversary Being Remembered

John Kusznier's hat

Tuesday marks the 35th anniversary of the death of city Police Constable John Kusznier,  the only city police officer to die in the line of duty.   His son Stephen Kusznier was 12 when the tragedy occurred and says he's pleased with the way the city has always remembered his father.  The flags in front of the police station on Balmoral will be lowered to half mast in remembrance of Kusznier. 

Gull Bay In Financial Crisis

Wilfred King is back as Chief of the Gull Bay First Nation near Armstrong, but he is coming into a financial crisis.   Chief King says the first sign something was wrong was last week when the previous band Chief and Council laid off all employees, presumably because there was no money in the bank account.  Chief King discovered this morning the band is in a very serious deficit situation right now and they have to find a way to maintain essential services.

Government Court Appeal Launched

The provincial government is launching its appeal today of an Ontario Superior Court ruling in favour of the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Last August, the court ruled the government does not have the right to unilaterally take away treaty rights and allow clear cut logging and mining activity in its traditional land use area. The province is arguing that it has exclusive jurisdiction over all public lands and forests.  The government of Canada and Resolute Forest Products are also appealing the decision, while Goldcorp and other First Nations have asked to  intervene.

Flu Associated With 7 Deaths

The District Health Unit is confirming there have been at least 7 deaths associated with the flu in the Thunder Bay District.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette they all happened as the flu was making it's way through many seniors homes and that all the victims were elderly.    Binette says that's why it's important for the most vulnerable people, seniors and infants, to get a flu shot. 

Mount Baldy Conditions

Mount Baldy Ski area is still boasting that 80 percent of their hill is good for skiing, despite the record breaking temperatures and rain that fell last week. Owner/Operator Craig Spiess says this Winter has been anything but ordinary. Spiess says he still expects a large snowfall in the coming weeks to boost conditions and hopes that will attract a larger number of recreational skiers to the hill. 

Idle No More Supporters Walking

The Idle No More moment in Thunder Bay is on the move.   Members of the organization are walking east on the Trans Canada Highway.  It began with a sunrise ceremony today at the Spirit Garden on the waterfront.   According to spokesperson Teresa Trudeau the walkers plan to be in Nipigon in time for this week's National Day of Action taking place on Wednesday.   That's when a rally will take place in the community starting at noon. 

Regional Road Conditions

The O.P.P. and Ministry of Transportation say all Highways are back open this morning following a Winter storm that moved through the region over the weekend. It took until early Sunday morning to re-open Highway 17 from Dryden to Sistonen's Corner because of poor weather conditions. Caution is still being urged for those travelling around the region with the M.T.O.'s website reporting a number of snow covered or partially snow covered roads with slushy and or icy conditions.

Thunderwolves Weekend

It was an up and down weekend for Lakehead University teams. The men's hockey team split a pair of games on the road against York. The Thunderwolves are tied with the Lions for 4th place in their division. The men's basketball team split against the Brock Badgers, while the women lost both to the #7 ranked team in the country. One team that is heating up is the women's volleyball team. They won their only match of the weekend 4-1 over Guelph and are now 6-8 and winners of five in a row.

Three Teams Advance To N. Ont. Tankard

Three Thunder Bay Rinks are now entered into the Northern Ontario Tankard to be held at the beginning of February in Nipigon. Trevor Bonot booked his spot by going 4-1 in the six team round robin tournament at the Port Arthur Curling Club. Bryan Burgess and Jeff Currie claimed the final two berths by posting records of 3-2. Rinks who are on the outside looking in will have one more chance to qualify in two weeks in Keewatin.

Robin's Tournament Wraps-up

The 22nd annual Robin's Donuts Minor Hockey Classic wrapped up Sunday with champions being crowned in 12 age divisions. 11 of the 12 divisions were won by Thunder Bay teams. A total of 146 teams were involved in the 4 day tournament which used 9 rinks across the city over the weekend. 

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking for any information about a robbery that occurred at the Shopper's Drug Mart located in Grandview Mall. On January 4th, 2013 at approximately 6:35 pm a lone man armed with a knife and with his face covered with a balaclava entered the Shoppers Drug Mart and demanded narcotics.  The man fled with an undisclosed amount of narcotics. The accused was last seen heading westbound from the store carrying a blue reusable grocery bag. He is described as a 5'8" Caucasian with a thin build, wearing a light coloured baseball hat with sunglasses, a tan coloured waist length coat, black gloves and blue jeans. Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking for anyone with information about this robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 623-TIPS or 623-8477.