Judge frees Hernandez on bail

Thunder Bay's Christian Hernandez is now free on bail.   In bail court on Wednesday Justice Bernard Caron allowed the 26 year old out of jail on several conditions.  They include not drinking any alcohol, staying at his girlfriend's mother's home and he's also prohibited from driving a vehicle.   As well, because he's a Mexican national he was forced to surrender his passport.   Hernandez is charged with impaired driving causing death following a traffic accident just days before Christmas which killed 45 year old  Richard Carmichael.  The case comes to court again in February. 

Airport breaks records

Thunder Bay's Airport continues to set new records for annual passenger traffic.  Over 689 thousand passengers arrived and departed through the local airport.  That's a 5.6 percent increase over 2009 passenger volumes.  President Scott McFadden attributes the continued growth to the strengthened local economy.

Commisso talks law suit

The Horizon Wind lawsuit will be the hot topic at Monday night's City Council meeting.  The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently rejected the City's request to hold off on the 126 million dollar lawsuit in favour of arbitration.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they still hope to find a solution.  Commisso says they're formulating a plan and will take their time before making any final moves.

More drugs seized

Two Attawapiskat First Nation residents face charges following a Nishnawbe-Aski Police investigation.  Police were tipped off about drugs being transported by airplane to the Fort Albany Reserve.  Officers found 33-thousand dollars worth of marijuana and 9-hundred dollars worth of oxycodone pills.  A 29-year-old and a 20-year-old face possession charges.

Ronald Mitchell moved from Thunder Bay

A man charged with second degree murder is no longer in Thunder Bay.   The 26 year old was returned to Sault Ste. Marie last night and will appear in bail court today.  26 year old Ronald Mitchell is charged in connection to a decapitation.  Police still do not have the results of an autopsy exam of the victim.

Federal Government invests in FedNor

Businesses will have more access to capital investment courtesy the Federal Government. Industry Minister Tony Clement announced today the Harper Government will be giving 1.1 million dollars to FedNor. Clement says the money will flow to businesses through Community Futures Programs like Thunder Bay Ventures. He says the funds will help grow business in Thunder Bay and across the northwest by providing easier access to loans. The announcement was made at Thunder Bay Hydraulics because the business has benefited from support from Thunder Bay Ventures.

Foreign Affairs Minister responds to Mexico rape allegations

The Foreign Affairs Department is looking for an inquiry after a Lakehead University student claimed she was raped by Mexican police. Lawrence Cannon says Ottawa wants to get to the bottom of the issue quickly and is taking the allegations very seriously.  Rebecca Rutland, says she was raped New Year's Eve after her Fiance got into an argument with officers.

Gravelle runs again

MPP Michael is officially running in this year's election.  He accepted the nomination at a meeting last night.  He will be seeking his 5th term as MPP for Thunder Bay Superior North.

Another armed robbery

Another armed robbery has Thunder Bay Police looking for a suspect.  Just after 5 yesterday afternoon a man armed with what police say was either a knife or a syringe robbed the Victoria Park Variety.  No one was injured and the suspect fled in a baby blue car.

Horizon lawsuit back on track

The 126 million dollar Horizon Wind lawsuit against the city can now proceed unhindered.   The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has rejected the City of Thunder Bay's attempt to put Horizon’s legal action on hold in favour of an arbitration.   As a result of its failed effort, The City of Thunder Bay has been ordered to pay 15-thousand dollars in legal costs to Horizon. Horizon's suit came after city council voted to move 4 of the company's planned wind turbines for the Nor'wester Escarpment.

Harding back as Chair

Maria Harding is back as the Health Unit's board chair.  Superior North EMS Chief Norm Gale is also back as vice chair.  The elections took place at a board meeting recently.

"Baby Doc's" return puzzles poli-sci prof

The return of Jean-Claude Duvalier to Haiti is stumping a lot of people including a Lakehead University political science professor. Lore Paquette says it was a surprise to her. She adds that his arrest by the Haitian government is also interesting. She advises to watch for how long he stays in custody and if there will be restrictions on his movement if he is released. Paquette suspects if that happens, Duvalier will go to his country home and keep a low profile.

Snowmobile Safety Week

Five people have died in Ontario this winter in snowmobile related collisions. This is Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week. OPP Sergeant Michael Price says most fatalities and injuries are preventable. Price says don't drink or drive, wear the proper safety equipment and don't drive aggressively.

AbitibiBowater still looking to sell hydro assets

AbitibiBowater is still considering a sale of its hydro assets in Ontario.  The hydro dam at Fort Frances, is among those that have long been targeted for sale.  Executive vice-president William Harvey says proceeds from any sale will go towards reducing the companies debt.  Harvey says any sale, though, will be done without impacting mill operations.

NAN ready's for summit

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is preparing for its first economic summit. Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit says a variety of government officials will be taking part. The summitt runs for three days in February with one day set aside specifically for the Ring of Fire.

Hyer wants you to think about summer jobs

It may seem like summer is in the distant future, but the Federal Government is already preparing for the season.  Applications for the summer jobs program are available from February 1st to 26th.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says last year the riding received over 290 thousand dollars in funding for student jobs.

Fednor Minister coming to Thunder Bay

Fednor Minister Tony Clement is paying a visit to Thunder Bay on Wednesday.  Clement will be making an announcement at Thunder Bay Hydraulics.

Board launches Apple iPad/Laptop project

The Catholic school board is trying out laptops and iPads in three of it's elementary schools. Spokesperson Joan Powell says 50 students in each of the schools will be given the portable computers. Powell says she wants to duplicate a program she saw in Maine recently where every student in grade 7 to 12 has their own laptop.  Apple Canada is partnering in the project.

LU prof predicts Tunisia will settle

A political science professor at Lakehead University predicts the political strife in Tunisia will settle down. Residents there forced the prime minister out of office. Lore Paquette believes the unrest in the North African country is temporary and that a national unity government will be created.   She says the problems began soon after WikiLeaks exposed government corruption in Tunisia.

Smith is Shuniah Police Board Chair

Don Smith is back as the Shuniah Police Service Board's Chair.  Smith says his goal for 2011 is presenting the budget. The budget is expected to be ready by their next monthly meeting. Smith adds the community received over 39 thousand dollars in funding for six months of policing from the OPP.