Monday, June 17, 2013

Local Runner Gets Hit By Truck, Finishes Race

A Thunder Bay runner who finished second in the Manitoba Half
Marathon on the weekend isn't taking it for granted.  Trevor Zimak  was hit by a truck while running, shook it off and still placed near the top. Zimak says he wasn't hurt, so he made the decision to finish the race, which was held in Winnipeg.

Train & Transport Collide

OPP are investigating a collision between a train and a transport.  The incident happened this morning on the Crib Road north east of Longlac.  Witnesses describe that there was heavy fog at the time of the collision.  The train had some damage to one car and currently all train traffic has been stopped in this area.  No injuries are reported and charges are pending for the transport driver.

Current River Lookout Unveiled

The City's Centennial Park has a new lookout.  Hydro One and the City unveiled the Current River lookout at a special ceremony this morning.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says it's a welcome addition to the park.  The lookout's plaque also honour's the City's title of Forest Capital of Canada 2000.

FWFN Open For Business

The Fort William First Nation is open for business.  The community is holding an open house at the Valhalla Inn tonight.  New Chief Georjann Morriseau and Fort William's Economic Development team will be discussing business opportunities.

Property Issues Up For Debate

City Council will be dealing with some property issues at tonight's meeting.  The owners of an apartment building on Melon Street want the City to allow more apartments or townhouses on the land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are people who are against the proposition.  Also up for discussion is a request from a Community Hall Road home owner who wants to build and sell cabinets out of his garage. Council will make a decision on those matters this evening.

Rickford Calling On Ont To Help Pay

Addressing the issue of funding for First Nations policing.  Kenora MP Rickford says the federal government has been doing their part, and they will be discussing it with the province.  Treaty Three Police Service will likley see massive cutbacks in wages, benefits and hours.

Policing Oliver Paipoonge

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in favour of renewing a policing contract with Oliver Paipoonge.  The contract sees the City Police force patrol the rural areas outside of Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs notes the policing model is beneficial even though it takes away officers patrolling in the City limits.

Less People On Welfare

The annual report from the District Social Services Board shows a drop in welfare clients in the region.   Board chair Bob Katajamaki says it could mean that more people are getting back on their feet again.  Meantime, Katajamaki says the goal is to provide more social housing by partnering with people in the private sector.

More Bike Lanes Proposed

More bike lanes are proposed for local streets.  Council will decide tonight on whether to approve lanes on High, Beverly, Leslie and Arundel Streets.  Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper doesn't expect much of a public uproar over the routes.  Bike lanes on High Street will connect Current River lanes to Red River.

Anti-Domestic Violence Day

Domestic violence groups are gathering today to mark Thunder Bay's first "No One Gets Hurt Here Today" day.  The six local agencies hope having a day will raise awareness about the issue.  A t-shirt designed by a victim of domestic violence will be unveiled later today.

Fatal Accident Near Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout OPP are reporting 5 people are dead after an single vehicle collision near Slate Falls.  The SUV left the roadway Saturday and entered Brokenmouth River. Police say the vehicle was recovered the next morning and 5-bodies were located inside.  Dead are 23 year old Kimberly Whiskeyjack, 55 year old Gordon Carpenter, 23 year old John Bighead, 26 year old Samantha Loon and 20 year old Claudia Loon.  Post mortems are scheduled to take place in Kenora.