Police publish robbery pics

Thunder Bay police are releasing surveillance photos of a robbery last week. They are hoping to keep the case in the public eye by publishing the images of a masked and seemingly armed man. He is seen entering the Northern Lights Credit Union Friday afternoon. He got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Watermain break causes road closure

A watermain break at the corner of Algoma and Dufferin is now fixed.   City crews worked on the problem after it was reported Sunday night.   A number of residents in the area were without water while it was repaired.   It also forced the closure of Algoma between Dufferin and Bay for a number of hours. 

Inquest Postponed

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man is being postponed. Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP. The inquest was to take place on January 17th, but has yet to rescheduled.

Pullia returns to City Hall tonight

Former City Councillor Frank Pullia is making a return to council chambers.  Pullia is presenting a report tonight on the city's strategic planning process.  Tonight's council meeting is solely dedicated to the strategic planning process.  Pullia's presentation is part of his Lakehead University MBA Group Study.

Cancer Centre needs millions more $

Millions of dollars will be going into the Regional Cancer Centre over the next 4 years. It's to help the facility comply with Ontario Cancer Care's strategic plan.  Thunder Bay CEO Michael Power says the funding will require an extra 15 million dollars  for new equipment to fight cancer.

Brentwood Mall broken into

Thunder Bay police are still looking for someone or some people who broke into two stores in the Brentwood Mall.   Officer say just before 4 o'clock yesterday morning officers discovered two glass doors smashed open.  Police haven't made any arrests at this time.

Gravelle on Wood Allocation Process

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says he understands Atikokan Renewable Fuel's disappointment.  The company had hoped to receive it's wood allocation rights already, but instead had to lay off employees because of a lack of wood.  Gravelle says he's working towards getting word out soon.  Gravelle says he met with Forestry officials in Toronto and he hopes to make more wood allocation announcements in the near future.

Credit Union Robbed

The Northern Lights Credit Union on Red River Road was robbed Friday afternoon.  Just after 1:30 a man armed with a gun demanded money from a teller.  He made off with an unknown amount of cash and fled in a tan coloured SUV.  The suspect is described as a six foot tall man with dark hair and facial hair.

Status of Women Committee visiting TBAY

Violence against aboriginal women will be discussed in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay this week. The Status of Women committee is traveling across Canada, and B.C. MP Cathy McLeod says they want to hear from community members.  McLeod says they realize that the issue is prevelant across the country and they want to hear about community based solutions.  McLeod says they will be releasing a report with recommendations to the Federal Government in the Spring.

No Playing Favourites

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is clearing the air.  The Thunder Bay Superior North MPP says he's not playing favourites when it comes to the future site of a Ring of Fire processing plant.  Gravelle is reacting to the Mayor's recent comments saying the MPP should heavily promote Thunder Bay.  Keith Hobbs stated recently that Gravelle should push for his riding rather than the entire North.

Two charged with robbery

Two people are facing charges after the Memorial Avenue Shoppers Drug Mart was robbed on January 4th. Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says officers arrested a 24 year old woman last night and a 26 year old man this morning.  A large quantity of pills was seized as well.  The two are charged with a variety of offences including robbery with threats and possession of a controlled substance.  Adams says officers are still investigating the robberies of Jansen's Pharmacy and the Red River Shopper's Drug Mart and have released a picture of the suspect of the Red River Suspect.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels waits

A partner in the company Atikokan Renewable Fuels says they were forced to lay off most of their employees. The company is still waiting for a wood allocation from the Province so they can make pellets for the OPG plant. Ed Fukishima says the process is flawed and he's disappointed. Fukishima says time is working against them and they continue to wait to hear word on the allocation.

Meetings streamed online well received

75 people have tuned into the first four City Council meetings broadcast online. City Clerk John Hannam says they're tracking unique visits to the live streaming site. Hannam says the next step will be to narrow down where the viewers are from.

TBAY Medical Hostel proposed

A member of the Atikokan General Hospital board feels there's a need for an affordable place to stay in Thunder Bay for regional patients and their families traveling for medical purposes.  Marlene Davidson says a medical hostel could be an alternative to those who can't afford the 75 to 100 dollar a night hotels.  Davidson envisions the hostel being similar to one in Thunder Bay set up for aboriginal patients.

Horwath makes election promise

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath continues to attack the McGuinty Government's failure to remove the HST from hydro, and home heating bills.  Horwath says Northerners are struggling and need a break.  Horvath says if her party is elected she would remove the HST from home heating oil and natural gas.

Air Bravo Thunder Airlines deal falls through

A deal between Air Bravo to purchase Thunder Airlines has fallen through.  President Ken Bittle says Air Bravo was unable to meet the deadlines and stipulations set out in the contract.  The two companies announced the deal in November. Bittle says it will be business as usual.

Accused teens in court

The two teenage girls who are accused of second degree murder will be back in court next month.  The 14 and 15 year old were lead into court in hand cuffs Thursday morning.  The accused were remanded into custody until their next court date.  The charges stem from the death of a 16 year old Sachigo Lake First Nation girl.

Another attempted robbery at a local drug store

No one was hurt after a third armed robbery of a drug store.  Police say a woman tried to rob the Shoppers Drug Mart on Red River at about 7 o'clock last night. The woman was armed with a syringe and when she was denied pills she fled on foot.  At this time police are not connecting this with a similar robbery that happened Tuesday night on Memorial.

Ndrangheta expert sheds more light on the organization

Thunder Bay's cocaine trade could be on the rise. Italian Author Antonio Nicaso has written several books on Ndrangheta and in an exclusive interview with our newsroom says this organization is one of the biggest cocaine traffickers in the world and view Canada as a great place to invest money and as a conduit to the US cocaine market.  Nicaso says Thunder Bay's port could be very attractive to Ndrangheta because laws and regulations in Canadian Ports are Lax in comparison to the US.

Charlton case ends

The trial of a Thunder Bay driver involved in a fatal car accident has come to a close. Thomas Charlton is charged with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.  The charges stem from an accident that claimed the life of a 14 year old boy two years ago.  Judge Helen Pierce will make her verdict on February 14th.

Tainted Turkey cause of illness at Slovak Legion

It was tainted turkey that caused many holiday goers to become ill after dining at the Slovak Legion.  The Thunder Bay Health Unit found bacteria in the samples collected earlier in the month.  34 people came down with stomach flu like symptoms after eating a Christmas dinner on December 14th.

NAN Grand Chief in New Zealand

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is traveling to New Zealand next week. He'll be taking part in a conference that will look at environmental issues. He'll be one of the panel speakers representing First Nations living in the boreal forest.

Bombardiers LTR favoured in report

A national think-tank is favouring Bombardier's light rail transit over extending Toronto's subway line. The Pembina Institute compared costs and benefits of the proposed subway with the LRT plan in a recent report. Author Cherise Burda says she hopes Mayor Rob Ford will take heed and see the LRT plan provides better service for less money. The report says the four L-R-T projects would deliver more than twice as much service for every dollar invested than the proposed subway extension.

Council updated on pricey lawsuit

The Horizon Wind lawsuit was the main topic of a closed door session of city council Tuesday night.  City administration provided an update on the 126 million dollar claim.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the meeting dealt with the legal processes available to the City.  Meanwhile, Boshcoff says they are looking at ways of letting people know what their closed door sessions are about.  An arbitration hearing in Toronto will be held next Wednesday.

Another armed robbery at local drug store

No one was hurt in another armed robbery of a drug store.  Police say a woman armed with a syringe made off with some pills after holding up the Memorial Street Shoppers last night just before 6 o'clock.  The robbery followed a similar one December 28 involving a man at the Janzen's Pharmacy in Westfort.

Passengers stranded in White River for 14 hours

Greyhound passengers are upset with the company after being stranded in White River for over 14 hours on Sunday.  Thunder Bay resident and passenger Elaine Legarde describes the situation as abuse.  She says they didn't receive any information from Greyhound itself, and notes she received updates by chasing down OPP officers and talking to locals.  Some passengers are considering a lawsuit.   Greyhound is vowing to review its protocols.

Gravelle provides update

A Thunder Bay office for the Ring of Fire should be open by February or March.  Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle provided the update on Tuesday.  Gravelle adds he'll be creating an advisory council that will include aboriginal stakeholders, the mining industry and post secondary institutions.  The aboriginal consultation stakeholder Director will be announced in February or March as well.

Charlton in court

Three days have been set aside for the Superior Court Case of a Thunder Bay man.  Thomas Charlton is charged with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.  The charges stem from an accident two years ago that claimed the life of a 14 year old boy.

Ramped up Festive RIDE program comes to an end

The Festive RIDE campaign has come to an end and almost 24 thousand vehicles were stopped in the Thunder Bay area. OPP Sergeant Dave Bell says its disappointing to see people still drinking and driving.  Bell says between the OPP and Thunder Bay police 17 people were charged with impaired driving. 

School Bus Accident update

Charges have been laid in connection with yesterday's bus accident.  Thunder Bay Police Traffic Sergeant Glen Porter says one man was charged. The incident involved a stopped bus at the intersection of River and Algoma.  Porter says the driver of the vehicle which rear ended the bus is charged with careless driving.

Busy RIDE program

It was a busy holiday season for Thunder Bay police.  Over 17-thousand vehicles were checked with 10 people being charged with impaired driving.  6 people received 3 day licence suspensions and one person was nabbed for driving under the influence of a drug.  More people were checked and charged in 2010 than the previous year.

Cold weather with us for a while

2010's weather turned out to be mild compared to normals for the region. Thunder Bay's average temperature for the year was the warmest it's been in 10 years.  Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says unfortunately the New Year isn't going to be warm.  The wind chill will make temperatures around minus 30.

RCMP charge Dryden men

The RCMP have charged 2-Dryden men in relation to last month's weapons seizure.  RCMP say 71-year-old Robert McGillivray faces a total of 66-charges including unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and possessing a prohibited weapon for the purpose of trafficking.  70-year-old Roger Nordlund faces 1-count of possessing a prohibited weapon for the purpose of trafficking.  The two were arrested at a gun show in Brandon, Manitoba, where police seized several illegal and improperly registered knives and guns.  Dryden Police laid 11-charges against McGillivray in an investigation and search of a Park Crescent home.  A total of 150-weapons were seized in Dryden and Brandon.

Baby Boomers at risk of getting Alzheimers

Baby boomers turn 65 this year, and according to the Alzheimer Society they're not ready to fight against the disease.  Alzheimer's Society Spokesperson Jason Rasevych says over half of Thunder Bay's population is at risk.  Rasevych encourages people to visit their office or website for information on the early warning signs of the disease.

Ring of Fire update on the way

We'll know more about a local office for the Ring of Fire later today.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is in town today to provide an update on the mining project.  In early December it was announced that an office was to be opened and staffed starting this month.

Stolen vehicle lands 4 in jail

Thunder Bay police arrested 4 people this morning after a short car chase.  Officers spotted a car just before 3 o'clock and found that it had been reported stolen.  Officers signaled the car to pull over but the driver kept driving.  After following the car for a few blocks the car stopped and the driver fled on foot.  Officers managed to arrest the 36 year old Thunder Bay man and also arrested 3 women who were in the vehicle.  The driver is charged with possession of stolen property and driving while disqualified.  

School Bus Accident

There was a traffic accident this morning at 8 am involving a school bus. The school bus struck another vehicle at the intersection of Algoma and River. Thankfully no injuries were reported. The school bus had to be towed off the scene, and police are advising motorists to stay clear of the scene until cleanup is completed. The Giant news room will have more on this story as it develops.

Accident on Dawson Road

There was an accident last night on Dawson Road involving a small car and a transport truck which was reportedly carrying explosives. 3 pumper units and 1 hazmat unit were called for assistance. The fuel tank of the transport had been ruptured. Approximately 25 gallons of fuel was spilled and no injuries were sustained. The fuel leak was controlled with sand dikes and no fire occurred. Dawson road was closed until clean up was complete and damaged vehicles were removed.

A Happy New Year for Union Gas Customers

Union Gas customers in northwestern Ontario will see a slight decrease in their bills starting January 1st. Spokesperson Kerry Dudley Tatsu says it's good news especially during the cold winter months. Customers in Northern area should see a decrease of about a dollar per year on their average gas bill. The Ontario Energy Board approved a decrease in the cost of natural gas of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre.

New Years Day Tradition

On this first day of 2011, many brave Canadians will take part in a New Year's Day tradition. They'll be jumping into frigid rivers, lakes, and oceans for Polar Bear Swims to raise money for charity. But conditions will be warmer than usual in Ontario and Quebec, where today's predicted high in many centres is plus 10 Celsius. It's so warm that skating on Ottawa's Rideau Canal is banned until the ice thickens.

Seat belt law turns 35

Ontario's seat belt law is turning 35. The law went into effect January 1st, 1976. Ontario was the first province to make it mandatory to buckle up and since then it's estimated seat belt use has saved more than 8,000 lives. OPP Traffic Sergeant Ken Mantey says fastening your seat belt is the most important thing you can do when you get into a motor vehicle. Nearly 93% of all Ontarians use seat belts; that's up from just 17% when the law came into effect. Mantey says he's perplexed by those who still don't take the simple precaution.

Police beefing up New Year's patrols

City police will be out in force this New Year's Eve.   32 extra officers are being deployed this evening.  There's also additional support staff to handle extra files and other administrative work.   Plans are to heavily patrol both downtown cores. 

Cabbies set for busy New Year's

If you are out partying Friday night  and plan to get a cab ride home, call well head of when you plan to leave. Dennis LeBeau of Roach's Taxi says New Year's is always busy.   He says the wait times for a cab will be about an hour.   LeBeau says they'll have all 42 taxi's on the street New Year's Eve.

Food delivery prepares for rush

New Years Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for the food delivery business. Local eateries are gearing up by getting huge quantities of ingredients ready and calling in extra staff. Papa Piccolino's Pizza owner David Falvo says it's a good idea to order early and that he's expecting about double the normal business. Golden Bakery owner Angelo Perna also suggests planning ahead and ordering much earlier in the day if you know you'll want food at a certain time.

Snow rings in 2011

It's going to be a snowy start to the new year. Meteorologist Alyssa Young says a second Colorado low is about to bear down on us.  She says depending on how intense the ice pellets are, we could get 10 to 15 cm by New Years Day.   Meantime to our west Atikokan, Fort Frances and Dryden have been getting hit with up to 15 cm and up to 20 cm more is expected.

Police save drunk from himself

A city snowplow operator has a story to tell today. Police say he was working overnight on Court Street near John when a man walked in front of his machine and wouldn't let him pass. They say the man was drunk and wanted to be run over. The man spent the night in police custody

Wind farm debate tops local news

2010 was another busy news year in Thunder Bay.  There was no escaping the wind farm debate at city council. The proposal to build wind turbines on the Nor' Wester escarpment caused a major stir and was felt by our newsroom to be the top story in Thunder Bay for this year. Keith Hobbs victory in the mayors race came in second.

Hoad says it's about time for new warning labels

A local health official says he is relieved warning labels on cigarette packages will finally be bigger and more graphic. The Health Unit's Simon Hoad says the government's decision to change the warnings should have been done sooner.  Hoad says the newer images are necessary because the older ones aren't as effective anymore.

Adam Leon's legal saga continues

A law enforcement official in Thunder Bay says Adam Leon could be returning here soon.   Thunder Bay RCMP Detachment Commander Norman Roy says Leon will be released from federal jail today in the States and will next appear in U-S immigration court. At that time he says a judge will determine whether he should be deported to Canada or not. As well there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Thunder Bay. Leon is the Confederation College student who took a Cessna from the college flying school and flew it illegally in American airspace.