Teenagers Sentenced For Manslaughter

Two teenage girls will have to spend the next three years in custody after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the city death of a 16 year old Sachigo Lake First Nations girl. Defence Lawyer Chris Watkins says that in her judgement, Justice Baig was specific that his client's behavior was the result of outside forces.  Watkins says that included a history of an alcohol fueled family life and a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   The sentence will only involve one year of secured custody.

 

UNESCO Recognizes Local Program

A city police program is being recognized by a United Nations organization.  The Diversity In Policing Program is getting props from UNESCO for how it's helping develop bias free policing according to Cathy Woodbeck, the Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association.  Woodbeck believes the program is successful because it involves so many different local groups

Boulevard Yes, Chippewa No

The Health Unit says it's safe to swim at Boulevard Lake but not at Chippewa Park.  Officials have lifted the swimming advisory at Sandy Cove at Boulevard while it remains in place the Chippewa's Main Beach.   It's due to unacceptable levels of e-coli.

Motorcyclist Crashes Not Wearing A Helmet

A 24 year old motorcyclist is in hospital in Winnipeg with serious injuries. Rainy River O.P.P. are investigating the crash that saw the driver of the motorcyle from Edson, Alberta, lose control half a kilometre from Highway 11 in Dawson Township. Provincial Police say the driver was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash at 8:30 on Sunday night. He needed to be airlifted to hospital in Winnipeg.

Campbell Frustrated With Province

There's a new reason why the Liberals have shutdown the region's tourism centres. Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says she's been told its because of an increased use of GPS units that are helping tourists find what they're looking for. Campbell admits she's been frustrated with the Province in trying to get a legitimate reason. Campbell says her use of GPS in the area often fails to show any landmarks that help travellers.

Dryden Families Fraud Victims

In the region, two Dryden families are out a chunk of money after falling victim to fraudsters. Dryden Police say one couple is out more then one-thousand dollars after the money was removed from their account and transfered to a prepaid Mastercard through online banking. In the second incident, an individual obtained a debit card using personal information, and then took out money from a bank in Montreal.

Duluth Flood Caused $20 Million In Damages

Duluth officials say June's devastating floods caused about $20 million damage to the city's parks. Flooding affected about two-thirds of Duluth's 30 parks. City officials say it's okay for people to continue using the parks while work is under way, but park-goers are urged to be careful.

6 Forest Fires Declared "Out"

Some good news on the forest fire front. Six fires in the Kenora, Red Lake and Nipigon districts were declared "out" yesterday. Officials with the Ministry of Natural Resources say three new fires were reported yesterday and seven the day before. Most of the new fires continue to be reported in the Red Lake District. The fire hazard remains "Low" across southern portions of the region and "Moderate" in northern areas.

Girls Sentenced Today For Manslaughter

The two teenage girls who plead guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 16 year old Sachigo Lake First Nation girl, are scheduled to appear in court today for sentencing. The girls had just met the victim who was later found dead on a trail behind the Landmark Inn near Wentworth Crescent.

Kenora Man Charged After Boating Incident

A man has been charged after a boat collision on Lake of the
Woods in Northwestern Ontario. Police say a four-metre power boat sank and had its occupants thrown into the water after a colliding with a second vessel around 4 a.m Sunday. O.P.P. have charged a Kenora man with two counts of impaired operation causing bodily harm.

Border Cats Win Streak At 7

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are officially Hot. They won their 7th game in a row last night, thanks to a pair of wins in a double-header against Mankato. Scores were 8-4 and 5-4. The series concludes tonight at Subway field with Thunder Bay now just 2 games back of Willmar for top spot in the North Division.

Councillors Approve Drainage Study

The ripple effects of the May 28th flooding are still being felt.  The disaster has forced the city to have study done of the storm drainage system in the areas affected by the flooding, a study which Engineering Manager Pat Mauro hopes can be expanded in the near future. The cost of the study is expected to run about 300 thousand dollars.

City Now Hosting 550 Evacuees

Thunder Bay is getting set to accept another 250 evacuees from the Sandy Lake First Nation. Mayor Keith Hobbs says that's in addition to the 300 we have already agreed to give shelter to because of a forest fire that's causing a blanket of smoke over their community.  The next group of evacuees will be airlifted here today.

Tuscany Drive Subdivision Approved

A developer in the city is getting his wish. City Council is allowing Robert Zanette to develop about 60 single lots in a subdivision just off of Hilldale Road. Councillor Andrew Foulds was one of the lone voices to vote against the plan because he says it's a reduction from what was originally proposed years ago.  The proposed subdivision is located on Tuscany Drive.

Horizon Road Deal Renewed

The city is renewing an agreement with the Ontario Realty Corporation which gives Horizon Wind road access to its planned Nor' Wester Wind Farm. City lawyer Nadia Koltun says this approval by city council simply follows through with what has been promised by the city to the developer.  While there were objectors in the audience to the road access agreement, councillors did not allow them to speak.