Sexual Charges Laid

City Police are charging a 27 year old man with a variety of sexual related offences.  It came after someone reported a Kijiji ad that called for young boy models between 6 and 13 years of age.  The investigation led detectives to communicate with the suspect via text messages. The man is charged with invitation to sexual touching, luring a child, breach of probation, and failing to comply with undertaking.

Highway Closures Updated

OPP are asking motorists travelling to call 5-11 for updated highway road conditions.  Highway 11 has been totally reopened at the Hwy 11/17 Junction in Nipigon to Hearst.  Meanwhile, west of Thunder Bay, Kenora OPP have reopened Highway 17 near the junction of Highway 71.  It was closed this morning because of a jack-knifed tractor trailer unit.

HWY 17 Is Open To One Lane

Highway 17  is now open to one lane at Tower Hill.  It was closed just east of Ignace due to a five vehicle motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailer units, one snow plow and two passenger vehicles. The eastbound lane of Highway 17 is open near Tower Hill.

Gas Leak Investigated At Victoriaville

Union Gas is confirming that they have not found anything out of the ordinary following a suspected gas leak at the Victoriaville Mall. District Manager Dave Sword says they did a thorough search but didn't find anything. Emergency Operations have ceased at the building however the Victoriaville mall will remain closed for the day.

Ride Check Nabs No One

The Canadian Women's hockey teams gold medal win at the Olympics yesterday caused celebrations across Canada.  As a result, Thunder Bay Police took precautions and held a RIDE check last night to ensure no one was drinking and driving from any celebrations. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says thankfully they didn't nab anyone with drinking and driving, and no one was in the penalty box.  Porter says with the cruddy weather today people should stay home if they can and watch the men's hockey team play the US.

Hwy 17 Open Near Upsala

Highway 17 is now open at Upsala.  It was closed after a transport pulling out of the gas station got stuck in the ditch.

Snow Makes Travel Difficult

City Parks Manager Werner Schwar decided to utilize the winter weather this morning and ski to work.  The dump of snow made it difficult for many residents to make it to work.

All Schools Closed

It is a full snow day for all students across the Thunder Bay area.  All Lakehead Public, and Thunder Bay Catholic Schools are closed as well as the Education Centres.  Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed. City Transit buses are running this morning.  All City of Thunder Bay run day care centres are also closed today.  

Cancer Care Consultant Speaks In Thunder Bay

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may be reducing the effectiveness of their treatments by smoking. This comes from Cancer Care Consultant Dr. Bill Evans who spoke in Thunder Bay yesterday. Evans adds that even some doctors need to be updated on the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

United Way Campaign Falls Short

The United Ways 2013 fundraising campaign fell just short of their goal set at 2.7-million dollars. Chair Walter Flasza says they are not disappointed with this years total of 2.5-million dollars. Flasza adds that they will analyse this years campaign to see where they can improve and why they couldn't raise the extra money.

Report Predicts Huge Economic Impact From ROF

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is out with a report that suggests the Ring of Fire mining project will generate benefits far beyond mining and the north. Charla Robinson of the Thunder Bay Chamber says the study will help sell the project to the provinces broader business community. The study shows that the Ring of Fire will create up to 9.4-billion dollars in economic activity in its first 10-years.