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| Rhonda Crocker Ellacott |
A 46 year old City man is pleading guilty to 16 counts of uttering threats, Eric Wirkkala appeared in court Monday morning on the original 65 charges. It's in connection to threats that were made to police, businesses, media outlets, politicians and others since June of last year. He'll be back in court on January 17th at 10 am for sentencing.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford is being asked to take part in a one-on-one meeting to discuss the future of the Ring of Fire development in the Far North. Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle has made the request in an open letter to Rickford. Gravelle states in the letter that the Ontario Government has asked the Federal Government to step to the plate with support on the project but notes the call has gone unanswered. Gravelle says the province is prepared to make substantial investment in the project but notes they need the federal government to come to the table with matching funds.
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| Gordon Porter |
A 44 year old Thunder Bay man is being charged with impaired driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision. It comes after officers responded to a single vehicle crash 8 am Sunday morning near a home on east Arthur Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a silver Dodge Grand Caravan had skid off the roadway and into the front steps of a home. The driver attempted to flee with the vehicle, but when unsuccessful, abandoned it. Police located the man a short distance away and were able to arrest him for impaired driving.
Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man in connection to a robbery at the Memorial Avenue Boston Pizza on early Sunday morning. Officers were called to the restaurant at 1 in the morning Sunday after it was reported that a man approached the hostess counter and demanded money. The suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says Keystone Air Service has addressed several of their concerns. The TSB has wrapped up its investigation into a fatal plane crash at North Spirit Lake in 2012. A build-up of ice was a main factor in the fiery crash and Peter Hildebrand says the operator has made changes to address the issue. The North Spirit airport now has an approved instrument approach procedure which was missing at the time of the crash.
A petition with 300 signatures opposing a proposed youth centre partnership between the City and the Indian Friendship Centre is going to City Council tonight. Councillor Larry Hebert isn't sure how this might impact the proposed partnership. The Friendship Centre wants 2 and a half million dollars from the City to purchase and renovate the Prosvita Hall on High Street and an extra 300 thousand dollars a year for operating costs. Meanwhile, City Transit wants to rename its HAGI transit division "lift+". Councillor Larry Hebert isn't keen on the new name. Council will vote Monday night on whether or not to approve the new name.
It took until the final week of November for Thunder Bay to go through our first blast of winter. Environment Canada officially recorded 1.4 millimetres of snow in our area on Sunday. City Police reported a half a dozen traffic accidents, but there were no major injuries.
The arrival of winter has brought with it the opening of the Loch Lomond Ski Hill. Owner Ward Bond says the hill is nearing its full use. Bond says with upcoming forecasts they could open the north side of the hill this weekend.
One of the city's louder voices in mining feels Thunder Bay's economy could take a punch if Cliffs Natural Resources continues with their decision to pull out of the Ring of Fire mining project. Mining Services Manager John Mason describes the project as having world class potential. Mason feels that other major players pulling out of the project is unlikely.
City council is considering giving the Lakehead Social Planning Council thirty-five thousand dollars to implement the city's Poverty Reduction Strategy. If approved the money would be put aside in the next budget. Future councils would also have to consider putting money aside from both 2015 and 2016 budgets.
The Finnish based company Metso is looking to save on annual costs and that will mean fifteen jobs being cut in the city. Metso is currently leasing a Thunder Bay facility, work will continue until April 30th when the lease expires.
The Chief of the Fort William First Nation hopes to get answers December 5th from CN Rail about when the James Street Bridge will reopen to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Georjann Morriseau says with the main bridge to the community out of service since last month's fire, there is concern about getting emergency vehicles there in a timely manner. She says they might consider having emergency vehicles stationed in the community. Morriseau says there is also the option of having temporary traffic lights at Highway 61 and Chippewa Road because of increased traffic at that intersection as a result of the bridge closure.
The local Lions Club is giving $104,450 to the hospital's eye care program. The money will be used to help in the purchase of a new laser camera. Lions Spokesperson Robert Michels says the camera will make treatment more comfortable and speed up the process. Total cost for the camera is $185,000.
The Fort William Business District and Victoriaville Centre are kicking off the Christmas season tonight with the 19th annual tree lighting at Paterson Park. Fort William BIA Member JP Fraser says its a popular event. Meanwhile, a Taking Back Downtown Peace Walk will also take place at City Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ending at Paterson Park.
The trial of 28 year old Christian Hernandez will continue in two weeks time. The one time Thunder Bay resident is charged with impaired driving causing death in connection with a collision in December of 2010 that resulted in the death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael. Court met today to review what evidence will be allowed in the case before Justice Joyce Pelletier will make her verdict. Hernandez's blood alcohol level test results will be allowed into evidence as will the 911 call his then girlfriend made after the collision. The comments Hernandez made to the police officer who attended his home that night will not be allowed into evidence. The case will start back up again on December 10th.
News Team
Vic Krasowski – News Director
Sheri Leviski - Anchor / Reporter
Bryan Graham – Anchor / Reporter
Matt Pascuzzo - Anchor / Reporter
