Everyday, for 12 days, tbnewswatch.com will be taking a look back at the news stories that had our attention throughout 2012. Here are some of the headlines that had our attention in February.
Claims of falling glass led city officials to temporarily close the Centennial Botanical Conservatory, a controversial move that prompted union officials to call foul. Administrators said the closure was in the name of public safety, adding it would give the city time to prepare a report on the future of the 45-year-old facility.
Andre Wareham was cleared of second-degree murder charges stemming from the 2009 death of William Atkins. Wareham fatally stabbed Atkins in January 2009, but claimed he had been attacked by the victim, with which the jury agreed.
Reaction to the release of the much anticipated Drummond Report was mixed in Thunder Bay. Chamber of Commerce president Harold Wilson said the ex-economist underestimated the economic impact of the Ring of Fire, while Lakehead Public Schools superintendent Cathi Siemieniuk said the province isn’t beholden to any of the recommended cuts. MPP Bill Mauro said the Liberals would look at all 362 recommendations, but not necessarily act on them.
Some Dawson Road residents rejoiced as council agreed to look at restricting truck traffic on the heavily travelled route. McIntyre Coun. Trevor Giertuga led the fight, saying the emphasis has to be on safety. According to figures provided to council, truckers comprise 10 per cent of traffic on Dawson Road, but 26 per cent of the accidents. The road is partially owned and maintained by the city, and partially by the province.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy called on the province to connect northern communities to Ontario’s power grid by 2018. Beardy made the request at a three-day First Nations energy conference held in Thunder Bay.
Global Sticks management announced plans to reopen the financially plagued plant in order to showcase product to potential investors. But the jubilation was short-lived and later in the year the company filed for bankruptcy.
Former Thunder Bay Mayor Dusty Miller died in hospital on Valentine’s Day. Miller was the first female mayor in the city’s history and served on council from 1974 to 1978 and from 1985 to 1991. Miller was a driving force behind the creation of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
The Thunder Bay District Social Services Administrative Board finally opened the doors of its new $13.5-million May Street headquarters, offering one-stop shopping for its growing clientele.
A snowstorm dropped up to 32 centimetres of snow on the city on Feb. 26, leaving Thunder Bay a winter wonderland as spring approached. Weather expert Graham Saunders called it the season’s biggest snowfall and led to the closure of rural schools.
Fort Hope’s William Oskineegish was sentenced to seven years in prison following the 2010 death of James Waswa. During court proceedings it was learned the two men fought in their home community, but the battle escalated and Oskineegish fatally stabbed the victim.
