Police Probe Armed Robbery

No one is injured after the Shell gas bar on West Arthur Street was robbed late this afternoon.   They say it was an armed holdup and that one person is still at large.   They say a man displayed what appeared to be a handgun and was given an amount of money, police won't say how much.  

Council Request May Be Too Late

The regional health authority isn't saying much about city council's decision requesting the organization reverse the closure of the seniors care home on James Street. Susan Pilatzke,  a senior director with the Local Health Integration Network, says it's hard to stop something that's already underway.  She says there are only 7 patients remaining at the facility  and that it's scheduled to close at the end of the month. Pilatzke says there will be no comment on the council request until the entire board has a chance to review it.

Trail Users Asked For Input

The city wants your opinion of our trail system. A new survey is underway to help get your thoughts on four city trails according to Park Planning Coordinator Werner Schwar. He says it will gather data on who uses the system, how often and where the trail is used. Schwar says the survey information can be found on decals located along all four trails.

Tsekouras Out On Bail

A Thunder Bay man who is charged with being the director of a criminal organization and trafficking  in Cocaine and Marijuana, is out on bail.   Bail was granted in a city courtroom today to John Tsekouras by Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick. Tsekouras has been in custody ever since a police drug bust in June of last year which police called Project Dolphin.  The charges have not been proven in court.    

Suspect Vehicle Spotted?

City Police say they are looking into a possible sighting of  the vehicle whose driver is wanted in connection with a disturbing sexual assault case in Nova Scotia.   Police say someone told them they spotted a car matching the description given to the news media being driven on Oliver Road near the city limits in the early afternoon.   However police say that hasn't been confirmed.   The vehicle is believed to be driven by 31 year old Wayne Cunningham, whose partner David Leblanc, was arrested in Greenstone on Sunday night.

Red Cross Honours Volunteers\Donors

Mayor Keith Hobbs says Red Cross volunteers were crucial to helping victims of the May 28th flood in the city. Hobbs will be on hand tonight to honour those volunteers at the Valhalla Inn. Hobbs says from last year's forest fire evacuation to this year's flood, the Red Cross always steps to the plate. The evening is also a chance to thank donors to the flood relief cause.

Police Service Boards Meet In The Fort

Police services boards across Northwestern Ontario are being represented at a zone meeting of the Association of Ontario Police Services Boards in Fort Frances. Chair of the Fort Frances board John McTaggart says about 50 delegates will hear a number of presentations including one on municipal contract policing. The meeting concludes tomorrow.

RCMP Still Haven't Moved David Leblanc

47 year old David Leblanc is still in OPP custody in Greenstone.  He was captured Sunday night in connection with a forceible confinement and sexual assault case in Nova Scotia.  Nova Scotia RCMP Spokesperson Sgt. Alain Leblanc says they still have some things to work out before they transport Leblanc from Northern Ontario to the East Coast.  Leblanc says they haven't decided when they'll move the suspect.

Environmental Issues On The Table

A 3 day conference on environmental issues facing First Nations starts today at the Victoria Inn.  The conference will see delegates present new ideas on how to preserve the environment and traditional lifestyles of aboriginals. Day 2 and 3 of the conference will be held at the Fort William Historical Park.

City Supporting Saving LTC Beds

Thunder Bay Council is throwing its support behind a call to save 93 long term care beds at the Revera Interim LTC Home and the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.  They made their decision at last night's meeting after concerned stakeholders spoke up against the closures.  Revera's Interim LTC home is set to close at the end of October, and spots at the LPH will be gone by December.

Armed Robbery In Kakabeka Falls

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 39 year old man and a 21 woman with armed robbery after an incident Monday afternoon in Kakabeka Falls.  Police say a woman entered a gas station holding a syringe and demanded money and lottery tickets.  When she was turned down she ran to a waiting vehicle.  The duo will be in court later today and police say more charges may be added as the investigation continues.