Monday, March 18, 2013

Investigation Clears Local Police

An allegation against the local police force has turned out to be a lie.  An OPP investigation into a 19 year old's claim that Police dropped him off outside the city limits on December 2nd was untrue.  When questioned by investigators, he admitted that he fabricated the story about being given a ride out of town.  The young man has provided the Thunder Bay Police Service with a written apology.

Dryden Loses CAO

Dryden is losing its City Manager.  Joe Van Koeverden has said that he's leaving the community.  Van Koeverden has been named CAO of a township in central Ontario.  Van Koeverden was named City Manager in June 2011.

Respect Campaign Turns One Year Old Thursday

Thursday marks the one year anniversary of the City's Respect campaign.  Ann Magiskan is the Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee and says the initiative has sparked conversation in the community.  City officials raised the Respect flag Monday to demonstrate their commitment to bringing an end to racial discrimination.

Demolition At Superior House

Confederation College Students and Eco Superior are gutting a 1940's bungalow.  Spokesperson Raphael Shay says they plan to use Ontario Trillium Foundation money to renovate the home located next to Eco Superior's office.  Renovation work is expected to go on well into the summer.

Bus Fares Going Up April 1

The city is reminding bus riders that fares are going up a the beginning of next month.   Among the highlights, the exact cash fare goes up five cents, a 20 ride pass increases by five dollars and a row of 10 tickets will cost 4 dollars more. As well all the prices will be available to Handicapped Transit customers.

Local Biathletes Compete Nationally

Joseph Pascuzzo
A Thunder Bay biathlete has finished in the top ten at a national event in Whistler B.C.   Joseph Pascuzzo finished sixth out of thirty one.   Pascuzzo is competing with another local biathlete, Toby Quinn who was 24th.

More Snow On The Way

Thunder Bay is in for another snowstorm.  This one is expected to hit starting this afternoon according to Environment Canada weather expert Peter Kimbell. He expects the snow to begin in the Thunder Bay area around 2 o'clock in the afternoon with 2 to 4 centimetres expected initially then another 5 to 10 centimetres tonight and overnight. Kimbell says some areas could get up to 15 cm when all is said and done.

Assault Victim Leaves Hospital

A 31 year old man is now out of the hospital after police say he suffered serious head injuries in an assault.  They say the incident happened on May Street near Dease last night.  An 18 year old man is in police custody charged with aggravated assault and Assault with a Weapon.

Council Not Meeting Tonight

City Council is taking a night off.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says tonight's meeting was cancelled because there wasn't any city reports.  Johnson says there's always something council can talk about but most discussions revolve around issues coming from reports.

North Shore RAP Open House

An open house is being held tonight to talk about cleaning up Thunder Bay Harbour.  The North Shore Remedial Action Plan is hosting the event and Coordinator Jim Bailey says they'll be talking about what needs to be done in the future.  The open house is taking place from four until 8 at the Baggage Building on the waterfront.

Fraser Institute Releases High School Board

St. Ignatius, St. Pats and Hammarskjold High Schools are all ranked above the provincial average in the latest Fraser Institute Report Card.  Spokesperson Peter Cowley says there's always room for improvement.  Westgate was ranked 4.7 out of 10 on the right wing think tanks report card system.

Mac's Robbery Remains Unsolved

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers asking for your help in identifying a suspect involved in a Mac's store robbery on March the 4th.  It was at the 185 South Cumberland Street location.   Police say he entered at around 1:20 in the morning with his face covered by a scarf.   He said he had a knife and demanded money from the clerk.   He left without taking anything and there were no injuries.  The suspect is about 25 to 30 years old,  medium build with black pants and a black and white snowboarding jacket and hood.