Police Aware Of A.N.C. Video

A social activist group calling themselves "Anonymous News Canada" are challenging Thunder Bay Police to come out with more information regarding the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nation woman recently. The group has posted a video on YouTube and is specifically calling out the city's police department for inaction surrounding this particular case.  When asked about the video, police were just reviewing it and they are expected to make a public statement later this afternoon. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay's Mayor is not putting any stock into the video. Hobbs says the only comment he has is " Anonymous says it all! I give no credence to individuals or groups that remain anonymous."  The group's video calls on the local force to release more information on the case by January 28th or they will release what they are calling dirt on the police service.

Armstrong Display Up For Discussion

The local cancer centre is facing some criticism from a few of their patients over a Lance Armstrong display. Director Joanne Lacourciere says a handfull of people have complained about it after he admitted to cheating to win his seven Tour De France titles. Lacourciere says they're trying to make a decision on whether to celebrate his cancer survival or not. A meeting to discuss the issue is taking place tonight but Lacourciere says there is no timetable for a decision.

NWO's First Mobile Library

Tbaytel and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre are partnering up to offer a mobile handset library.  Innovation Spokesperson Nick Kolobutin says this initiative should bring in the best and brightest in the technology field to the City. The library was launched this morning with 12 different mobile devices to be offered to companies who want to use them to create mobile software and apps.  Tbaytel is donating the unlocked phones and tablets for the library.

NOMA Upset With Government

The  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says its very disappointed the government chose to leave the organization out of the loop in planning the new Endangered Species Act.  NOMA President David Canfield believes they should have been given a seat on the government panel chosen to review the act.Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says it's the government's intention to have NOMA involved in the next steps of the process.

Tournament Centre Now Open

The Thunder Bay Tournament Centre  is open.  It was forced to close yesterday after an ammonia leak was found in the building.   Centre Manager Kevin Quinte  says everything is now under control.   He says the leak has been isolated and is now being fixed adding, it's only affecting one third of the Highway 61 facility.  Quinte says the problem turned out to be a faulty gasket.

Public Board To Offer Kindergarten In All Schools

Trustees of the Lakehead District School Board are approving a plan that will provide full-time Junior and Senior Kindergarten in all of its elementary schools beginning in September. The approval of the plan last night accelerates the system wide provision of the program by one year.

Mac's Store Robbed Tuesday Night

City police are expected to release more information later today about another Mac's convenience store being robbed last night on High Street. Police say someone threatened a clerk with an unknown weapon and did make off with some property just after 8 o'clock last night.

17 Year Old Charged With Murder

Police are charging a 17 year old boy with second degree murder in connection with the death of a Grassy Narrows man. Treaty Three Police and the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of a 48 year old man. Police say he died on December 2nd, 2012 in a Winnipeg hospital, while being treated for injuries received during a previous incident.

McCarville Picks Up Win

Krista McCarville has her first win at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener-Waterloo. She beat Marlo Dahl, also of Thunder Bay 7-5 in the late draw to improve to 1-2. Dahl's rink is now 0-3. Both teams will play twice today.

Geraldton Arena To Be Repaired

Greenstone is getting 125-thousand dollars from FedNor to help repair the Geraldton arena.  The community will replace existing ice pads at the arena and curling club with a single high efficiency system.  The money was announced by FedNor Minister Tony Clement on Tuesday.

Dragon's Den Does CG Labs Good

A Thunder Bay based DNA business is still beaming after their appearance on CBC's "Dragon's Den".  The company preserves the DNA of your loved ones and can be even stored in jewellery.  CG Labs Inc. President Neal Esau says it was a good experience.  Esau says they've had investors reach out to them after the show aired recently.

CAA Extra Busy With Severe Cold

C.A.A. is reporting another dramatic increase in the number of calls today for vehicles not starting because of the cold weather.  Field Coordinator Wayne Salatino says they've been inundated with calls for service.  For people who have car problems at home they can expect to wait 24 hours, anyone stranded on the side of the road should be seen in 30 minutes, and anyone near warm shelter within 3 hours.  Salatino is asking for patience during the cold snap we are experiencing.

Ammonia Leak Isolated

Thunder Bay's Fire department is still on the scene of an ammonia leak at the tournament center.  Platoon Chief John Mills says crews were called to the facility just before 9:00 o'clock this morning where they found a leak in a piece of equipment.  Crews from Winnipeg are on their way to the help repair the equipment.  There are no injuries and no one except for emergency responders are being allowed in the building.

Highway 11/17 Study This Summer

The Provincial Government is kicking off a study into upgrading Highway 11/17 through Thunder Bay.  Thunder Bay Atikokan M.P.P. Bill Mauro says they're looking at a 13 kilometer stretch of highway between Arthur Street and Balsam Street.  Potential improvements include widening the highway to four lanes and building new interchanges. The preliminary design study and environmental assessment are to start this Summer.

Expressway Accident Tuesday AM

O.P.P. are warning motorists about potential debris following a two-vehicle accident this morning between Red River Road and John Street Road. Police say there are no known injuries at this time and neither of the two trucks involved are blocking traffic. Motorists are being to advised to watch out for potential debris. 

OSSTF Not Impressed

The leader of the local Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation calls the Province's intention to repeal Bill 115, "Smoke and Mirrors".  Paul Caccamo says it's silly to scrap the legislation now since the Government used it to force contracts on teachers.  The Provincial Government is moving to remove the bill Wednesday.

15-Thousand Dollar Donation To Flood Relief

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is on the receiving end of a 15-thousand dollar donation. The money was provided by the Thunder Bay Plummers, Steamfitters and Welders Union.  Funds brought in will go towards victims of the May 28th flood.

Natural Gas Smell On Arthur

Union gas is looking into a number of reports of natural gas being smelled in the area of the Valhalla Inn and the Arthur Street area this morning.   District Manager Dave Sword says crews are on the ground trying to determine if there was indeed a leak.  Sword says sometimes valves may release in an effort to regulate the pressure and that may have been the cause of the odour but he can't confirm that actually happened.

New Sand Point F.N. Chief

Sand Point First Nation is getting a new Chief.  Laura Airns was recently elected to the top position with 83 votes.  Airns was a band councilor for the last 8 years and at 31 she is one of the youngest women to take on the position of Chief in Canada.

Murder Charge Upgrade

A Thunder Bay woman is now facing a murder charge.  She was originally charged with aggravated assault in relation to an incident in the Brant Street area last month.  Dead is 28 year old Moses Kakekagumick.  Kimberly Fox remains in custody and will make a court appearance February 19th.