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.

Injuries in snow machine accident

One man is hurt following an early morning snowmobiling mishap in Shuniah Township Thursday. OPP say it was a collision between two snow machines on West Loon Lake. They say one of the victims may have sustained two broken legs.

Citizen's arrest attempt

A local man got more than he bargained for when he tried to make a citizen's arrest last night on East Empire Street. The 22 year old chased two people after he saw them break into his truck. He caught up to one of them--a teenage girl--but quickly backed off when her male accomplice pulled out a knife. The two suspects then ran into a laneway. The K-9 unit was called into to track the pair; no arrests have been made. Thunder Bay Police say making a citizens arrest can be risky and that it's often better to call 911 and just keep an eye on the suspects.

Operation Red Nose wraps up

Operation Red Nose has wrapped up for the year. While the exact numbers are still being calculated, Honourary Chair Ken Boschcoff calls this year's program a success. He says there was an increase in sponsorships, volunteers, kilometers traveled and rides given. Boshcoff says he hopes community groups consider partnering with the program next year to help offer more rides and expand the service. The program currently isn't able to run on New Year's Eve. However, Boshcoff says it's only the second year for the program and New Year's Eve service is something they'd like to offer in the future once more volunteer support is in place.

Future health pros looking to stay here

It appears local students studying in the health profession want to work in Thunder Bay. Many of them were at a city reception held  just for them.  A common theme appeared to be the desire of many students there to find work at home after their studies are complete.  It was the 10th annual affair

Hunt continues for robbery suspect

Police are still looking for  the person responsible for Tuesday's robbery at Jenzen's Pharmacy in Westfort.  They say A man wearing a mask and armed with a knife and syringe, entered the store and demanded oxy's and morphine.  He ran off and hasn't been seen since.

Surveillance cam follows drunk driver

City police have a man in the cells this morning who gave them a bit of a video show overnight.   They say the man was spotted on the Eye on the Street surveillance system getting out of a south side bar drunk and getting in his vehicle.  Officials followed him on video for about 5 minutes as he returned to the bar, relieved himself and was taken into custody.

Stevenson Getting Down to Business

2011 is going to be a pivotal year for Brian Stevenson. The new president of Lakehead University says he has a number personal goals. Developing an international strategy and establishing scholarships for aboriginal students are a few of Stevenson's goals he would like to see started by this time next year. Stevenson says there were no surprises when he arrived to take on the new position this year and that he is ready to make positive changes for the school and the community.

2010 Successful for Crime Stoppers

Thunder Bay's Crime Stoppers program is reporting another successful year. Constable Jerry Tabucci says they've received over 700 tips in 2010 with over 1400 dollars worth of awards for tips being given out. Tabucci says even though tips declined from 2009 they're still pleased with the program.

Boxing Day Madness

Thunder Bay experienced one of its busiest boxing days in recent years with hundreds of customers flocking to Future Shop, Wal-Mart and the Intercity area. The most popular of items being sold were electronics specifically big screen T.V's, but the most surprising item flying off the shelves were frying pans some that were price reduced up to 100 dollars. One associate store manager said this year it seems shoppers are taking advantage of the economic downturn and are buying more for themselves.

Christmas Tree Disposal

Christmas Tree chipping sites are open starting December 26. City Spokesperson Jason Scherband says there are five locations on both the North and South sides of Thunder Bay. Trees are brought from recycling locations to composting sites at which they are shredded up and turned into soil and compost that is offered back to residents in the spring. You must take all ornaments, tinsel and plastic tree bags off of the tree to have it chipped.

Kettles stuffed this year

The work put in by volunteers for the Thunder Bay Christmas Kettle Campaign is paying off. Over 147 thousand dollars was raised in this year's campaign: a new record. The Salvation Army's Major Mervyn Halverson says he's grateful for the generosity of city residents. The money will go towards the charity's food bank and other programs as well, such as mobile feeding and anti-bullying education.

Accused is from Mexico

More is now known about a man charged in connection with a weekend traffic death. Christian Emhir Hernandez, who's charged with impaired driving causing death, has been living in Thunder Bay for 6 years. He was a Mexican citizen according to his lawyer Chris Watkins. Watkins says his client came to Canada to work as a structural engineer at Bombardier. Watkins couldn't confirm that the car involved in the weekend incident may have had Mexican plates only to say it was insured in Mexico. The concern of prosecutors is that if Hernandez is released he'll escape to Mexico and because Canada has no extradition treaty with that country he could avoid a trial. However Watkins says he plans to fight that saying Hernadez has family and roots in Thunder Bay. Hernadez will be in court again on January 12th

Nice weather for the holidays

We can expect nice weather over the holiday weekend.  Giant News Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says temperatures will reach minus five and we'll have plenty of sunshine. Winds are expected to pick up on Boxing Day.  Snowfall will start on Wednesday.

Terrace Bay Pulp Holiday Downtime

Terrace Bay's Buchanan Pulp Mill is taking some down time during the holiday season.  Spokesperson Yves Fricot says the mill is doing good, but notes there are some areas of improvement.  Fricot says in 2011 they hope to improve conditions in the mill's woodlands operation. Fricot notes both of the mill's lenders have paid a visit and they're happy with the operation.

Bill Mauro New Years Resolutions

Thunder Bay has weathered the economic storm. That's the message of Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. Mauro says there will be plenty of financial activity in the New Year with plenty of construction work. Mauro adds in 2011 he will start to push harder for a Northern Ontario Law School.

Wrapping paper not recyclable

After your done ripping into your presents today; don't forget to throw out the wrapping paper.  City Spokesperson Jason Scherband says the colourful wrap isn't recyclable.  Scherband notes garbage and recycling pick up will resume as normal on Monday because the holidays fell on the weekend.

Tree Chipping Sites open Boxing Day

You can get rid of your Christmas Tree for free.  Ten chipping sites are open in the City starting Boxing Day.  City Spokesperson Jason Scherband says the trees must not have any tinsel or ornaments on them when you drop them off.  Drop off sites are as follows: Brent Park, Country Park Tennis Court, Grandview Arena, John Jumbo Gardens and the Strathcona Golf Course.  On the south side it's Delaney Arena, Kinsmen Northwood Centre, Lakehead Labour Centre and Westfort Playing Field.