Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Judge frees Hernandez on bail

Thunder Bay's Christian Hernandez is now free on bail.   In bail court on Wednesday Justice Bernard Caron allowed the 26 year old out of jail on several conditions.  They include not drinking any alcohol, staying at his girlfriend's mother's home and he's also prohibited from driving a vehicle.   As well, because he's a Mexican national he was forced to surrender his passport.   Hernandez is charged with impaired driving causing death following a traffic accident just days before Christmas which killed 45 year old  Richard Carmichael.  The case comes to court again in February. 

Airport breaks records

Thunder Bay's Airport continues to set new records for annual passenger traffic.  Over 689 thousand passengers arrived and departed through the local airport.  That's a 5.6 percent increase over 2009 passenger volumes.  President Scott McFadden attributes the continued growth to the strengthened local economy.

Commisso talks law suit

The Horizon Wind lawsuit will be the hot topic at Monday night's City Council meeting.  The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently rejected the City's request to hold off on the 126 million dollar lawsuit in favour of arbitration.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they still hope to find a solution.  Commisso says they're formulating a plan and will take their time before making any final moves.

More drugs seized

Two Attawapiskat First Nation residents face charges following a Nishnawbe-Aski Police investigation.  Police were tipped off about drugs being transported by airplane to the Fort Albany Reserve.  Officers found 33-thousand dollars worth of marijuana and 9-hundred dollars worth of oxycodone pills.  A 29-year-old and a 20-year-old face possession charges.

Ronald Mitchell moved from Thunder Bay

A man charged with second degree murder is no longer in Thunder Bay.   The 26 year old was returned to Sault Ste. Marie last night and will appear in bail court today.  26 year old Ronald Mitchell is charged in connection to a decapitation.  Police still do not have the results of an autopsy exam of the victim.

Federal Government invests in FedNor

Businesses will have more access to capital investment courtesy the Federal Government. Industry Minister Tony Clement announced today the Harper Government will be giving 1.1 million dollars to FedNor. Clement says the money will flow to businesses through Community Futures Programs like Thunder Bay Ventures. He says the funds will help grow business in Thunder Bay and across the northwest by providing easier access to loans. The announcement was made at Thunder Bay Hydraulics because the business has benefited from support from Thunder Bay Ventures.

Foreign Affairs Minister responds to Mexico rape allegations

The Foreign Affairs Department is looking for an inquiry after a Lakehead University student claimed she was raped by Mexican police. Lawrence Cannon says Ottawa wants to get to the bottom of the issue quickly and is taking the allegations very seriously.  Rebecca Rutland, says she was raped New Year's Eve after her Fiance got into an argument with officers.

Gravelle runs again

MPP Michael is officially running in this year's election.  He accepted the nomination at a meeting last night.  He will be seeking his 5th term as MPP for Thunder Bay Superior North.

Another armed robbery

Another armed robbery has Thunder Bay Police looking for a suspect.  Just after 5 yesterday afternoon a man armed with what police say was either a knife or a syringe robbed the Victoria Park Variety.  No one was injured and the suspect fled in a baby blue car.