Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay and District Crimestoppers are looking for your help in solving an arson investigation. Fires were set in the laneway between Empire Avenue and Piper Avenue. Sometime between May 14th and June 12th, a series of fires were set, usually after 3:00 a.m. and before 6:00 a.m. Sheds and garages suffered structural damage and in one instance a vehicle suffered severe damage. Police say in these fires, an aerosol can along with flammable materials were used as an accellerant. Crimestoppers is looking for any information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for these arsons. Call Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS or 623-8477.

Police Probe Murder and Serious Assault

Thunder Bay police are searching for any information on a murder and serious assault in the city.  They say that two people were found unconscious in a house  at 245 Villa Street Saturday night.   They say one of them, a 25 year old man, was later pronounced dead in the hospital, the cause of his death has not been determined.  The second person, a 23 year old man is in critical condition. Police say the people were known to the homeowner, who made the discovery, and that alcohol was a factor in the incident.

MNR Warns Against Feeding Animals

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to remind the public to not feed wild animals. Communications specialist Kathryn Lyzun says feeding them not only takes a toll on the animal, but also spreads disease. Lyzun says that beyond dependency and disease issues, feeding animals near roads increases the opportunity of them being hit by a passing vehicle. She adds that it's important to appreciate wildlife from a distance.

Gravelle's Year in Review

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is looking back on the year that was. He feels his biggest achievement in 2012 was the first section of highway 17 getting four lanes and he thinks that Northwestern Ontario's economy is going to take off in 2013. Gravelle says he's proud of many accomplishments throughout the year but notes it is also the year he received a diagnosis of cancer. Gravelle says he's received lots of wonderful support from his family and constituents.

Robbi Weldon Prepares for 2016

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is remembering  a gold medal year as 2012 winds down. Weldon won gold in the Paralympic Road Race at the London Games this past Summer. She says it was a huge thrill and she now has a new goal of representing Canada at the next Paralympic Games in Brazil in 2016. Weldon will will begin training with a new pilot next year as her old pilot, Lynne Bissette, is now retired.

NOMA Looking Ahead

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is vowing to keep working towards improving the region's economy. Ron Nelson says they'll be plugging away at a number of ongoing issues in 2013. Nelson says one of their biggest achievements in 2012 was seeing the Northern Policy Institute come to fruition.

KPDSB On Labour Talks

The fate of extracurricular activities could be decided early this week. School boards are expecting an update from the Ministry of Education before school starts up again. Jack McMaster is the Director of Education of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and remains optimistic that a solution can be had. The cancellation of extracurricular activities has also put NorWOSSA sports Leagues on hold.

Mauro Talks 2013

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro has big plans for 2013.  He hopes to make several major infrastructure announcements in the New Year but is keeping mum.  Mauro says he will also continue to work towards ensuring the Mission Island Power Plant stays open.

Rafferty Talks New Years Resolutions

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is setting some New Years Resolutions. Rafferty says his goal for 2013 is to get support for his private members bills. Meanwhile, Rafferty calls 2012 frustrating and hopes the parties will be able to better work with eachother in the New Year.

OPP Satisfaction Survey

The Ontario Provincial Police have released their annual community satisfaction survey.  The survey revealed that over 95.8 percent of Ontarians feel 'safe' or 'very safe' in their communities.  Staff Sergeant Hazel O'Brien says that there is a common issue throughout the province, including Northwestern Ontario.  O'Brien adds that a major issue in the region is the use of alcohol and drugs.

Illness Declared Over

A gostrointestinal illness at a local retirement home is now being declared over.  Officials with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit have lifted restrictions on visitors to Chartwell Select Retirement Home on Arundel Street.

Thunderwolves In Action

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team is back on home ice tonight. They play the defending national champion McGill Redmen in the first of two non-conference games tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The men's basketball team begins play at the Winnipeg Wesmen tournament today at 1:00 o'clock against the Northern B.C. Timberwolves. Meanwhile the women's basketball team is in Halifax for the Thunder Selects tournament. They'll take on the Dalhousie Tigers at 5:00 o'clock Eastern to open the tournament.

Floodway Project In 2013

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority wants to finish dredging the McIntyre Neebing floodway in 2013.  Chair Bill Bartley says the million dollar project depends on getting funding from the Province and the City.  Bartley says it's one of their biggest projects.

Law School Big Achievement In 2012

Lakehead University is most proud of getting the Northern Law School off the ground.  President Dr. Brian Stevenson says it was one of the big achievements of 2012.   Stevenson says in the New Year he hopes to complete their 5 year strategic plan.

2 From N.B. Arrested On Canada Wide Warrants

A man and a woman from Saint John are in trouble with the law in Northern Ontario. A 42 year old Woman and a 54 year old man were spotted speeding on a highway East of Thunder Bay on Christmas Eve. The black SUV sped away from police only to be stopped by a spike belt later after Ontario Provincial Police say they stole gas from a regional station. Police learned the vehicle was stolen and the occupants were wanted on Canada Wide arrest warrants stemming from an incident in Fredericton where the occupants allegedly tried to abduct a female at knife point and then stole her vehicle. The woman driver from Saint John, New Brunswick is now facing six charges including fleeing from police, being unlawfully at large and two counts of possession of stolen property. The 54 man, also from Saint John, New Brunswick is charged with possession of stolen property, theft under $5,000 and being unlawfully at large. Both were remanded into custody.

Break & Enter Boxing Day

A 28 year old man is charged with break and enter, and aggravated assault after a Boxing Day incident on Rankin Street.  Police were called to the home to deal with a man that had just broken in and assaulted a person with an axe.  A 35 year old man was struck in the back with the axe and was sent to the hospital.  Police say the accused was found a short time later at his home on Kensington Drive and was sent to the hospital with injuries that he received during the altercation on Rankin Street.  Both men are in hospital in good condition and the investigation is continuing.

Assault With A Weapon

A 51 year old man is facing charges of assault with a weapon after an early morning incident Christmas Day.  Police say a noise complaint turned violent on the 400 block of Prince Arthur Boulevard.  A man refused to answer his door and became uncooperative and began waiving a knife at police.  Police were able to arrest the man at gunpoint after pepper spray was used to get them man to relinquish the knife.

Weldon Earns Votes For Athlete Of The Year

Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is among Canada's top women athletes for 2012. Weldon earned 1 first place vote and 2 second place votes for the title of Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year after winning gold in a Paralympics road cycling race. Soccer player Christine Sinclair is a runaway winner of the 2012 Canadian Press Female athlete of the year. Sinclair won the golden boot award at this year's Summer Olympics after scoring a record 6 goals, including a hat trick in a 4-3 extra-time loss to the United States.

Ammonia Leak

City fire crews will be back at Nor'West Rec Centre today to help re-open the facility. 2 trucks and a Hazmat crew were called in to help Oliver-Paipoonge Fire Services yesterday after an ammonia leak was discovered. Fire officials had to help with the shut down of the refrigerating unit and conduct a walk through. Crews will be back at the recreation centre later today to ensure a replacement part is properly installed and that it is safe for the public to re-enter the building.

Boxing Day Shopping

Stores are open for boxing day and shoppers are out in full force.  Many, including Travis Setala, are just out to see if the shopping really is better. Setala was hoping to get a good deal on a camera but couldn't find the deal he was looking for. He says the crowds don't bother him: "I don't mind coming out. It's something to do after Christmas."  The post-Christmas shopping is attracting lots of people despite the cold weather.