Tuesday, April 27, 2010

ATV bylaw passes in Oliver-Paipoonge

Owners of All Terrain Vehicles in Oliver-Paipoonge can now legally do what they've been doing all along. Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they can ride their vehicles on the community roads after council voted in favour of a new bylaw on the practice. Kloosterhuis says the law also sets out rules that ATV owners must follow in the rural township.

Tuchenhagen ponders his political future

McKellar Ward residents may not see Robert Tuchenhagens' name on the election ballot in October. The city councillor is seriously considering not running for another term. He says he's not happy with the current council.   He thinks it's time for the community to have an opportunity to vote for new people who won't be preoccupied with their re-election bids and be able to get some substantive work done.  Tuchenhagen plans to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.

AP program growing in the city

More and more students in Thunder Bay are being convinced to join the Advanced Placement program. The Ontario Director Lynda Robinson is visiting the city and says the program is growing slowly here. However she can't compare our particpation rate with the rest of the province.  She says some schools have only one AP program while others have seven, adding it's like comparing apples and oranges. Under the AP program,  high school exam results are recognized by all universities in Ontario.

Cats sign four

The Thunder Bay Borders Cats are still not finished signing players for the 2010 Northwoods League season. Joining the club are second baseman Evan Mistich and outfielder Jay Laurienzo. As well pitchers Matt White and Freddy Lewis are also signed on. The first pitch at Port Arthur Stadium will be June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Raynard court case resolved

Jake Raynards' life isn't on hold anymore. The 30 year old gay man was severely beaten in Thunder Bay last October in what his family said was a hate crime. However in the course of the police investigation Raynard himself faced 3 assault and weapons related charges. Raynard says in court this week the issues were resolved.    He says the 2 weapons charges were withdrawn and he plead guilty to assault and was given an absolute discharge.   Raynard received community support after the attack which included a rally at Waverly Park.

OPP issue hitchhiker advisory

The OPP are warning drivers not to pick up hitchhikers in the Jellicoe area. They say there was a single car accident on Highway 11 this morning and the occupants of the vehicle walked away from it. They believe it's possible they may be trying to catch a ride with anyone they can flag down.

Fire Rangers battle brush fire on Mount McKay

Mount McKay was the site of another spring forest fire. Fire Ranger crews had trouble getting to the blaze and a helicopter with a Bambi bucket was called in until crews were able to get to it. One hectare was burned before the fire was put out.

Firefighter hurt in garage fire

A Thunder Bay Firefighter ended up in hospital after battling a garage fire yesterday. Crews responded to the blaze on Toms road just before 7 o'clock and found the garage engulfed in flames. 5 pumper trucks responded and the fire was quickly brought under control. The owner was checked for smoke inhalation and the garage was a complete loss.

Woman robbed at knife point

Thunder Bay police are on the lookout for two men wanted in connection with an armed robbery. Police say a woman was robbed at knife point last night just before midnight in the park by Lambton Place. The men made off with her purse and luckily she wasn't hurt.

Here's how councillors voted on e-voting

City councillors voted 8-5 against allowing the internet and phone voting in the next election...here's how the final count went Monday night.
Against-Mark Bentz, Joe Virdiramo, Trevor Giertuga, Linda Rydholm, Larry Hebert, Brian McKinnon, Frank Pullia and Lynn Peterson.
For-Iain Angus, Andrew Foulds, Robert Tuchenhagen, Aldo Ruberto and Rebecca Johnson,