Hobbs Hopes Wynee Wins

With Glen Murray gone from the Ontario Liberal leadership race, Mayor Keith Hobbs is putting his hopes behind Kathleen Wynne.  The Mayor says next to Murray, she has the best understanding of our needs here in northwestern Ontario.  He says that includes being to Thunder Bay on a number of occasions especially after the May 28th flood.  Hobbs believes Wynne has the pulse of the city.  

Arrest Made In Villa Street Murder

A 20 year old Thunder Bay man is charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of 25 year old Desmond Mathews.  Mitchell Suganaqueb was picked up by police at a bus stop on Academy Drive yesterday afternoon around 4:20.  The second injured male from the Villa Street incident remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Counseling Centre Likes Proposed Legislation

Thunder Bay's Counseling Centre is supporting proposed Provincial Government legislation that aims to regulate debt settlement companies to protect consumers from exaggerated claims and abusive practices.  Spokesperson Sheri Fata says often consumers don't fully understand the contracts they're signing with the company.  Ontario's proposed regulations would ban debt settlement companies from charging up-front fees, and require more transparent contracts.

Crown Presents Case In Kenora

The Crown will begin presenting its case in the second degree murder trial of 42 year old Kenneth Ivall and 24 year old Angela Duchesne.  Yesterday, the jury was selected and opening arguments were presented by the prosecution.  Ivall and Duchesne have been charged in connection to the death of 43 year old Ed Wilson in March of 2009.  The trial is expected to take up to eight weeks to complete at the Kenora Court House.

Early Morning Crash On Highway 17

An early morning crash on Highway 17 between Ignace and Upsala has sent one person to hospital in Dryden with minor injuries.  Provincial Police say an eastbound transport went into the ditch around 12:30 this morning.  Police say the 48-year-old driver from Manitoba lost control when his trailer got caught in some snow on the shoulder of the road.  Police say the driver was trying to avoid a westbound transport who was passing another tractor trailer unit.

Rickford Looking Forward To Friday's Meeting

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is looking forward to tomorrow's meeting with the Prime Minister and aboriginal leaders.  Rickford will be in attendance at the meeting.  He says open dialogue continues to be key for the Federal Government.  Rickford doesn't believe the recent release of a government appointed audit of Attawapiskat's finances will impact discussions.

Bad Weather On The Way

Environment Canada is issuing a special weather statement for the city of Thunder Bay and areas across Northwestern Ontario from Kenora to Wawa in advance of a pair of storm systems moving in from Texas and Colorado. Meteorologist Peter Kimbell says Thunder Bay will likely be saved from large snowfall amounts because of the mild weather but he does have a warning for anyone headed West over the next couple of days. Kimbell says 10 to 30 centimeters of snow could fall West of here on Friday into Saturday.

LHIN Continues To Meet With Hospital

Talks are continuing behind closed doors between local health officials and the regional health authority to try to solve the continuing overcrowding problem at the Regional Hospital.  MPP Bill Mauro says the root of the  problem, not enough bed space for ailing seniors, is not likely going to be resolved soon. The Local Health Integration Network is expected to make a statement on the issue Friday. 

OSSTF To Hold One Day Protest Wednesday

High school teachers will be hitting the pavement on Wednesday to protest the Provincial Government's decision to impose contracts on Ontario's teachers.  Paul Caccamo is with the local chapter of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and says this labour action is because of the Province's Bill 115.  Caccamo adds they haven't decided where they will be rallying just yet but suggests it will be at several sites in the City.

St. Martin's School Gets $$$

St. Martin's school is getting a 3.6 million dollar face lift thanks to the Ontario government.   Catholic School Board spokesperson Tom Mustapic says the money will be used to expand the gym and to build extra kindergarten space.   Construction is expected to start in August with completion by the summer of 2014.

Good Year For Airport

Thunder Bay's Airport is reporting record breaking passenger volumes in 2012.  Manager Scott McFadden says last year over 761-thousand passengers flew in and out of the City.  McFadden attributes the 5.8 percent increase in passengers to a number of things like a good winter charter program, and excellent service from Porter, WestJet and Air Canada. McFadden adds Wasaya expanded some of its regional flights and that too helped boost passenger numbers.

ETFO To Rally At QP

Over 300 elementary school teachers will be rallying at the Provincial Government buildings on James Street tomorrow.  Local Union President Ellen Chambers says the protest is aimed squarely at the Province and that's why they chose to picket Mini Queen's Park and not local schools.  Chambers is disappointed the Province views their one day protest as illegal strike activity.  The ETFO considers the labour action their democratic right.

Child Porn Charges Laid

Schreiber O.P.P. are charging a 19 year old man with possessing, publishing and distributing child pornography. The charges stem from an incident on January 6th at a Schreiber hotel, when the 16 year old victim was video recorded and that recording was subsequently uploaded to a social media website. The name of the accused is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim. The individual is scheduled to appear in court on April 25th. Police say they've done everything they can to ensure the material has been taken off the internet but are warning anyone that criminal charges can result from anyone viewing sexually explicit images and video of a young person who is under the age of 18.

Robin's Tournament Starts Today

Minor hockey players from around northwestern Ontario are gathering in Thunder Bay this weekend for the annual Robin's Donuts Minor Hockey Tournament. Chair Joe Rizzuto says the tournament has been around for 37 years and Robin's Donuts has sponsored it for 22 of those years.  Round robin play begins today with 146 teams taking part ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old. Championship games will be played on Sunday at various rinks around the city.

Highway 11 Traffic Disruption

OPP are letting motorists know that there are some traffic disruptions on highway 11 near Long Lake 58 First Nation.  An Idle No More protest is slowing the normal flow on traffic near Longlac.  The OPP has one lane of traffic open and they are allowing vehicles to pass through the demonstration slowly.

Flu Cause Of Illness At St. Joseph's Hospital

Influenza A is the cause of the respiratory outbreak declared last week at St. Joseph's Hospital.  As the Health Unit continues to receive reports of laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu in the community, public health officials advise the public to protect themselves and their families from the flu by getting a flu shot.

Insider Win Cleared...Lottario Prize Claimed

A Thunder Bay man is a quarter million dollars richer thanks to a lottery win.  Darren Smith is finally able to claim his prize after the Ontario Lottery Corporation completed its insider win investigation.  Smith works at an OLG retail location in the city and had to wait until the win was cleared.   

ETFO To Protest Friday

Ontario's elementary teachers's union says their members will stage a one-day political protest on Friday aimed at the Liberal government for imposing two-year contracts.  Local Union President Ellen Chambers says you can expect to see rallies at local schools.  Chambers will be advising her members tomorrow on which schools they'll rally at Friday.  Lakehead Public Schools elementary schools will be closed on Friday, however daycares located in elementary schools will remain open.  Secondary schools will be open for regular classes.

FWFN Chief Reacts To Court Ruling

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins is pleased with the Federal Court's ruling in favour of off-reserve non-status Indians and Metis.  The court ruled Tuesday that they are "Indians" under the Constitution Act and they fall under federal jurisdiction.  Collins says the move will impact many former Fort William residents.  Tuesday's ruling impacts more than 600-thousand Metis and non-status Indians.

Stabbing On George Street Last Night

Thunder Bay Police are looking into a stabbing on George Street that occurred last night just before 7:30.  When officers arrived they located a 31 year old man on the ground outside the Thunder Bay Shelter House who was bleeding from stab wounds.  A 34 year old man was found inside the Shelter House and was also bleeding. Police have charged the 34 year old with aggravated assault and breach of probation.  The 31 year old victim remains in hospital with minor injuries.  Police say the two were known to each other and alcohol was a factor in the incident.

MNR Open House In T.Bay Tomorrow

The Ministry of Natural Resources is hosting an open house tomorrow in Thunder Bay on proposed changes to Lake Superior's Black Bay.   The province is considering removing a Dam on the Black Sturgeon River, which flows into Black Bay as away to allow walleye, sturgeon and coaster brook trout to migrate to their historical spawning areas upstream.  They also are considering installing a new barrier 50 kilometers upstream from the current dam to block the flow of the invasive sea lamprey.  You can review and comment on the dam and barrier proposals tomorrow in Thunder Bay and on January 17th in Nipigon.

Housing Starts On The Rise

The number of single-detached homes being built in Thunder Bay is on the rise.  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports a slight increase in 2012 compared to the year before.  Analyst Warren Philp has the final numbers for December.  Philp notes the average cost to buy a home in Thunder Bay rose significantly by 15 percent last year with an average price of 194-thousand dollars.

Longlac Sexual Assault Investigation

A Longlac man is to appear in court today facing a charge of sexual assault.   O.P.P. say they were looking into a report of an overdue woman on Sunday of last week.  Officers located the woman shortly after receiving the call but learned through their investigation that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted that evening while receiving a taxi cab ride in the Longlac area.  Provincial Police are still asking for help from the public for more information.

Timbers Menu Offered Out Of Runway 25

The Vallhalla Inn is moving its Timbers menu to the Runway 25 restaurant starting Thursday.  The early morning fire last week badly damaged the Timbers eatery.  General Manager Mary McLellan says they don't have a date for when Timbers will be able to reopen but notes they're working on bringing the restaurant back into service.

Ambrose St. Apartment Fire

Investigators are saying the cause of an Ambrose Street apartment fire is accidental but it has left four people displaced. Firefighters were called to the 200 block of Ambrose Street last night at 8 o'clock to battle a fire in a second storey apartment. Officials deemed the apartment unsafe to return to and that heavy damage was sustained. Now four people are being looked after by the Red Cross.

North Star name Player Of The Month

Thunder Bay North Stars forward Matt Kaarela has been named Sportop performer of the month for December. In six games in the final month of 2012 the 20 year old Thunder Bay native registered points in all of them accumulating 16 in total on nine goals and seven assists. He currently leads all S.I.J.H.L. skaters in tallies with 27 while sitting tied for second in overall points at 43 in just 24 games played.

Three Rescued From Stuck Elevator

Three people are in good condition but a little shaken after being stuck in an elevator this afternoon.  It happened at the Elizabeth Court apartments on Madeline Street.  The people were taken out with the help of the Thunder Bay Fire Service.  For Karen Murray it was deja vu. She was in an elevator several years back, that dropped in a free-fall for three floors.   This ordeal, while not quite as harrowing, lasted less than 15 minutes.

Flood Committee Raises 1.2 Million & Counting

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is out with its latest fundraising figure.  So far just over 1.2 million dollars has been raised with more money expected to come in before the end of the month.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says it's a far cry from their original goal of 5 million dollars.  Money raised will go towards those people impacted by the May 28th flood with inadequate or no insurance.  A bottle drive is being held on January 26th and all proceeds will go towards the flood fund. 

Changes To Constitution Act

The MP for Kenora says it's too early to comment on a Federal Court ruling in favour of off-reserve Metis and non-status Indians.  The Court has ruled that they are indeed "Indians" under the Constitution Act and they fall under federal jurisdiction.  Greg Rickford offers his reaction.  Rickford says this a lower court decision that Aboriginal Affairs will take time to carefully review.

Omnibus Bill Straw That Broke The Camel's Back

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is weighing in on the Idle No More movement.  Area First Nations and aboriginals across the country are protesting the Federal Government's decision to pass the omnibus budget legislation known as Bill C-45.  Rafferty says it's the straw that broke the camel's back.  Rafferty says he has been in talks with Idle No More chapters in his riding.

Highway 11/17 Vehicle Collision

Thunder Bay OPP are charging a 24 year old man after a motor vehicle collision this morning at the intersection of Highway 11/17 and Vibert Road.  A south bound Dodge truck blew through the intersection at Vibert Road and struck an eastbound Volkswagen Jetta.  A 26 year old woman from Kakabeka Falls was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, her Jetta was badly damaged.  The Murillo man is charged with failing to yield to traffic on a highway.

Hospital Foundation Improves Patient Experience

The Health Sciences Foundation is providing the hospital with 65-thousand dollars. Foundation President Glenn Craig says it's a great example of how you can make a small donation to the hospital and really improve patient care. The money that was announced today at the hospital is being used to buy a new bench, DVD players, a blanket warmer, new chairs and a special wagon for kids in the pediatric wing.

Kijiji Ad Leads To Arrest

A 42 year old Thunder Bay man is charged after trying to sell some stolen Tragically Hip tickets to a couple of undercover cops.   Police were alerted after the victim of a break in saw the tickets for sale on the website Kijiji.   Police then conducted a sting operation at a North Court Street residence on Monday and made the arrest. 

Belated Christmas Gift For City Woman

A late Christmas gift for a city woman who had her car and gifts stolen last month while she left it idling.    Dave Allen from Gary's Towing says  his company has brought the car back from Edmonton where it was recovered by police, minus the gifts, at no cost to the woman.  Allen says he and his staff felt it was a good deed to do during the Christmas season.

Agate Bay Named One Of Top 7 Beaches

A travel website, Travel and Escape dot ca has named Northwestern Ontario's Agate Bay as one of the seven beaches in the world travellers need to visit in 2013. Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says the beach located in Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area was ranked fourth.  Pepe feels the mention might bring in more visitors to Northwestern Ontario.

Building Permits Almost At 220-Million

Thunder Bay's Chief Building Official says 2012 was a great year for selling building permits.  Almost 220 million dollars worth of building permits were taken out last year according to Desmond Stolz.  Stolz says the conversion of Zellers stores to Walmarts and the new court house helped boost their permit sales.  Stolz says this year we can expect another great year with the new waterfront hotel being built.

Fire Marshal Done At Valhalla

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is done it's on-site investigation of the Valhalla Inn restaurant fire.  The blaze last week damaged the Timbers restaurant and forced guests to be temporarily evacuated.  Fire Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says they're still waiting to find out the cause of the blaze. Stokaluk says the restaurant still needs to be repaired before it can reopen.

Record Breaking Warmth Possible

Get ready for some unseasonably warm weather this week. Meteorologist Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says we could even see some record breaking temperatures. He says Thursday's forecast high of 5 degrees would break a 60 year old record. Coulson says there is the possibility of some snow Tuesday night into Wednesday, but there isn't expected to be a large accumulation.

Police Nab Mac's Suspect

Facebook has helped local police nab a suspect in the January 4th robbery of a Mac's Convenience Store on Simpson Street.  Police followed up on information from a Facebook posting that said a 19 year old man had allegedly just committed a robbery at a Mac's store.  The investigation lead the officer's to get a search warrant for the suspects residence and seize some evidence.  Travis Loon turned himself in at the Thunder Bay Police Station just after 9:30 p.m. on January 6th and faces charges of robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon and breach of probation.

Hyer Has Tumour On His Tongue

MP Bruce Hyer says that he has cancer.  Hyer made the announcement yesterday afternoon that he has a tumour on his tongue and will have it removed this week in Ottawa. Hyer says the prognosis is good and he expects to be back to work as soon as possible.

T.Bay Lawyer Takes Part In Kenora Murder Trial

Kenora's first murder trial in several years starts this week.  43 year old Ed Wilson was found dismembered on the CPR train tracks in the community back in the spring of 2009.  39 year old Kenneth Ivall and 23 year old Angela Duchesne are charged with second degree murder in connection to the slaying.  Thunder Bay lawyer Chris Watkins is in Kenora for the next 8 weeks to represent Ivall.

Villa Street Man Still In Critical Condition

A 23 year old man is still listed in critical condition as a result of injuries sustained at a Villa Street residence last month.  Acting Detective Inspector Don Lewis says the home is still being held by police as they continue to investigate the death of 25 year old Desmond Mathews who was also found inside the residence.  Lewis says they still have not had a chance to speak with the 23 year old man who remains in hsopital.

Update On Aggravated Assault Victim

Investigators are still monitoring the condition of a man who was hospitalized on December 29th in the Brant Street area.   Inspector Detective Don Lewis says there has been no upgrade to his medical condition. The man's girlfriend is facing charges of aggravated assault.

Rafferty On EI Changes

Changes to Employment Insurance are now in effect.  The Federal Government announced their plans in the spring budget.  MP John Rafferty says people will be forced to take minimum wage jobs.  Rafferty is also concerned fewer people will be able to access the fund.

Oxycodone Seized

A Fort Hope First Nation man is being charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking after Nishnawbe-Aski police seized a number of Oxycodone pills. Police seized approximately almost $3,000 dollars worth of 5 milligram Oxycodone prescription pills and six hundred dollars worth of alcohol. The man is scheduled to appear in court on March 21st in Fort Hope.

New 20's Posing Problems

Vending machine operators are expressing frustration over the government's new 20 dollar bills. The polymer note is not being accepted by vending machines and President of R and B Vending, Vic Renouf says they're constantly having to upgrade their equipment just to stay in business. One local grocery store chain is also having difficulty with the new 20's not working in their self-checkout lanes.

Thunderwolves Weekend

All in all it was a positive weekend for Lakehead University sports teams. The men's and women's basketball teams swept Waterloo on the road while the women's volleyball team won both their games at home against the Warriors. The men's hockey team split a pair of games against the Gueph Gryphons.

Crime Of The Week

Crimestoppers is looking for your help in identifying the people responsible for a robbery of a youth on the McVicar Creek pathway near Algoma Street. On March 23rd of this year a 13 year old boy was walking home from his friend's house when he was approached by three other male youths. They took his Nike hoodie and his size 9 Nike shoes. The culprits continued to walk towards the HMCS Griffin. The three robbers are said to be native Canadian males. One was wearing a white sweatshirt and a backpack. Another was wearing a black sweatshirt and the third is described being heavier set with a grey sweatshirt and mustache. Crimestoppers is asking for your help in solving this robbery. If you have any information you can call 623-TIPS.

Teen Found Safe

City police say that a teen they had reported missing is now back home.   They say that 15 year old Andrea Suganaqueb returned to her residence safe.   No further information is available.

Break and Enter on Shuniah Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a break and enter. Police responded to a call early this morning at the Beaver Gas Bar on Shuniah Street. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cigarettes before police arrived . They drove away in a dark coloured pick up truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police or Crime Stoppers.