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.

Flu Shot numbers in

Just over 10-thousand people in Thunder Bay took the time to get a flu shot. The health unit's Darlene Binette says the numbers have yet to be finalized. Binette says the H1N1 scare may have contributed to more people getting their flu shots last year. It's not too late to get a flu shot. You can still get one by appointment at the health unit office.

The Northern's are inching closer

Organizers of the Northern Ontario men's curling championship are trying to draw your attention to the event.  It's being held at the Fort William Curling Club in February.  Co-chair Kris Woznesensky hopes it'll rekindle an interest in curling in the city.   It's expected to also generate about 135 thousand dollars towards the local economy.  The winner of the event will represent Northern Ontario at the Brier in London in March.

Elizabeth Fry and John Howard share $

Thunder Bay's two prison reform organizations are benefiting from taxpayer funding through the Trillium Foundation. The John Howard Society is getting almost 100 thousand dollars to help out with a homelessness program they run. The Elizabeth Fry Society is getting 22 thousand to hire someone to fund raise.

Police are conducting an internal review after murder suicide

The head of a local women's shelter is calling for better police protocols dealing with domestic abuse.  The call comes from Debbie Zweep at Faye Peterson's Transition house after a murder suicide last week in Oliver Paipoonge.  Zweep says police officers released Joseph Lavoie after the first domestic assault occurred.  Zweep adds the first case wasn't handled as it normally is.  Meanwhile Thunder Bay Police say they will be conducting an internal review of how the first assault case was handled.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says police won't be commenting until after the review is completed which should take until early January.

Confederation College launches fundraising campaign

Confederation College students will soon be getting a state of the art learning facility. The College launched a fundraising campaign for the REACH building with a 250 thousand dollar contribution for a new Dental Clinic. President Pat Lang says the building will give students an edge with top of the line hands on learning.

Police nab two for impaired driving

City police are investigating a two for one impaired accident this morning.  Police at around 2:30 a pick up lost control at the corner of Rowand and Simpson street and hit a lamp post, decorative bell and a house.  Officers say the driver couldn't get the vehicle free so the passenger started driving the truck.  Officers arrested a man and woman and charged them with impaired driving.