Constance Lake First Nation renews call for water

Constance Lake First Nation is renewing it's call for more water. In November, Indian and Northern Affairs reduced the amount of bottled water being shipped into the community from four litres to 1.5 litres per person.

While there is a temporary work-around that has water coming into the community from a power plant, Chief Arthur Moore says that water is unsafe to drink and is only being used for things like bathing and laundry. Also, there has been a recent increase in rashes and fungal infections and many in the community feel that the water coming from the power plant may be the culprit.

The need for bottled water began this summer when an algae bloom covered the lake the community used as its main water supply and it's water treatment facility was unable to properly filter the water. The community is waiting on a new well that should be finished in the new year. Moore says the well is only a temporary fix and the only long term solution is more modern water treatment technology.

Armed robbery arrest

Police have a man is custody after an armed robbery. Dutchaks Recycle Inc. on Hammond Avenue was robbed by a man with a knife around 10 a.m. yesterday. After an investigation, police arrested a man in the East End. The suspect will appear in court today and is being charged with robbery.

Highway 17 closure

Highway 17 was closed west of Kenora last night because of an accident involving several vehicles. The pile up started when two tractor trailers collided. The OPP closed the highway when one of the big rigs started leaking fuel and was reopened after the cleanup was complete. There were no injuries.

Crash results in impaired driving arrest

Police responded to a two vehicle crash last night at the intersection of Dawson Road and Strand Avenue. One man was taken to the hospital with a broken arm, no other injuries were reported. Police arrested the driver of one of the vehicles for impaired driving; he'll appear in court this morning.

North end garage fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a burning garage on Court Street just before midnight. Firefighters quickly put the blaze out upon arriving; there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation.

Slovak Legion kitchen open again after food sickness

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is waiting on lab results to determine what caused 37 people to get sick from a meal at the Slovak Legion on Tuesday. The Health Unit has narrowed it down to one food, and is just waiting on the lab results for confirmation. The food in question has been removed from the kitchen. The Legion was fined as a result of the outbreak. Manager of Environmental Health Chris Beveridge says the Health Unit believes it was an isolated incident and adds that the Slovak Legion runs a clean kitchen. If anyone suspects they have been affected by food-borne illness, they are encouraged to contact the Health Unit.

More First Nations bound Oxy's seized

Oxycontin continues to be the drug of choice to smuggle on to First Nations communities in the northwest. Police say that they recently busted 2 women at the Thunder Bay airport with trying to smuggle 268 thousand dollars worth of Oxy's to the Weagamow First Nation. In an unrelated bust 3 people in the city are charged after a raid at a Hargrave Street home. They face drug and weapons related charges.

New officers sworn in

The city police now have five new officers. They've just completed their stint at Ontario Police College and are ready to go according to Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesques.  He says they'll begin in the new year at which time 5 more recruits will be sent to police college and will graduate in March.  He says this is the time to apply for the force since they are seeing a high rate of retirement.

KI to DeBeers-take a hike!

It's a no go for De Beers.  KI First Nation has sent the diamond company a letter saying they can't look for diamonds around their community.  Chief Donny Morris says they're just trying to organize themselves.  De Beers wants to look for diamonds around the community this summer, but Morris says the community won't be ready by that time.

LU hopes for dividends from invention

Researchers at Lakehead University have developed a concrete idea. It's an additive which makes cement stronger. It's partnered with a company called GreenCentre Canada to help get it to market. Spokesperson Rui Resendes says it's got the potential to revolutionize the cement industry.  The additive is now being taken to it's next stage of development in Southern Ontario.

Christmas Cheer nearing its goal

We're getting close but there still a little ways to go. Christmas Cheer Chair Linda Gambee says the community has made a tremendous push over the last few days and their food donation goal has been met. Gambee says as of this morning they were still 50 thousand dollars short of their 165 thousand dollar goal.

Burned toast results in fire call

Burned toast resulted in Fire and Emergency vehicles swarming a south end condo Friday A.M.   The apartment building across from City Hall had a false alarm triggering crews to respond.

More murder suicide details released

The situation surrounding Sunday's Murder Suicide continues to unfold this morning.  Reports say Joseph Lavoie was court ordered to stay away from Antoinette following an assault last August.  The court also seized Mr Lavoie's 5 firearms.  The weapon used in the murder was unregistered and at this point it isn't known where the gun came from.  Its also unknown why Antoinette was back living with Joseph prior to Sunday's tragedy.

Overnight stabbing leave two in hospital

A man and a woman are in hospital this morning after being stabbed.  City police were called to McGillivary Street around 11 o'clock last night with the reports of a stabbing.  Officers arrested a 29 year old man who will appear in court today.  The two victims received non life threatening injuries.

Crime Prevention Council meets

Representatives from all walks of life took part in the inaugral Crime Prevention Council meeting Thursday night. Mayor Keith Hobbs told the committee that police can't keep up with the crime in the City. Meanwhile, Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are no quick fixes. The committee is made up of 32 representatives ranging from education, aboriginals, police, and social planning organizations. The first task of the crime prevention council is to conduct an crime audit.

Man shoots black bear illegally

A Colorado man has been fined 25-hundred dollars for shooting a black bear without a valid licence near Fort Frances. Levi Larsen is banned from hunting in Ontario for a year after he was fined for unlawfully hunting a black bear, possessing a void licence and exporting the bear out of Ontario without a permit. Court heard that Larsen tried to purchase a non-resident hunting licence on a number of occassions, but was denied by the Ministry of Natural Resources. However, Larsen persisted and purchased a licence in another location and went on to shoot a bear.

Dryden police seize many guns

Dryden Police have released details surrounding the Monday firearms seizure at a Park Crescent home. Detective-Sergeant Anne Tkachyk says the investigation didn't originate from this area.  Brandon RCMP have scheduled a News Conference for 1 o'clock Monday afternoon in Winnipeg to unveil more details surrounding this investigation.  Officers seized long guns, handguns, switch-blade knives and high capacity magazines.

Outdoors licence changes on the way

The New Year will bring changes to the way we get our fishing and hunting licenses.  The Ministry of Natural Resources is moving the current paper system to an automated one.  Spokesperson Burton McClelland says the changes will benefit residents, Americans, and MNR staff.  The pilot part of the project will start this Summer, with all of the Province on the new system by the Fall.

Heroes recognized for lifesaving

Three TBayTel employees are now recognized for their lifesaving  efforts.   They helped pull some people from a  vehicle that later burst into flames following a traffic accident.  Joseph Miniachi credits the manditory courses they take.  St. John Ambulance presented awards to Miniachi, along with Peter Major and Ken Tallon.  

OPP car ruined

Upsala OPP are down a vehicle after responding to a transport that caught fire on Highway 17.  The officer was investigating, when two east bound tractor trailer units approached the scene.  The first transport pulled out and went around the police car, the second did not and struck the empty car.  The vehicle was totalled and the investigation continues.