THUNDER BAY - From news about lockdowns, re-openings, to the arrest of a controversial anti-mask protester in Thunder Bay, COVID-19 once again dominated local headlines as the pandemic evolved throughout 2021.
Of the top 10 most read stories on TBNewswatch.com in 2021, six stories were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while others included an uplifting viral music video, as well as a tragic story of a teen who was the victim of a homicide and a plane crash at the Thunder Bay International Airport that claimed a man’s life.
Here are the top 10 stories of the year:
1. After a year into the COVID-19 pandemic that included prolonged lockdowns and restrictions, the spring of 2021 started to show some signs of hope with the provincial government announcing on May 14 the easing of restrictions for seasonal businesses such as marinas, golf courses, and campgrounds, which was part of the first phase of its three-stage plan for reopening that unfolded throughout the summer.
The anticipation of restrictions easing after a devastating surge of COVID-19 cases earlier in the year made this the most read story on TBNewswatch.com in 2021.
2. The second most read story on TBNewswatch involved two sisters in Fort Frances who made headlines and captivated listeners around the world with an Easter version of Leonard Cohen’s song Hallelujah.
Cassandra and Callahan Star originally recorded the song for their grandmother, who was in hospital, but when it was shared on social media, it quickly went viral. It received more than eight million views on Facebook and the YouTube video has more than six million views, and the song is also now available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify.
3. In keeping with the COVID-19 pandemic coverage, readers were interested to learn that in April 2021, Health Canada removed graphene masks from market due to concerns over potential health risks related to graphene.
Distributors, importers, and manufacturers were directed to stop selling the productsand people were advised not to use them. The masks were most widely distributed in the province of Quebec.
Health Canada has requested data from manufacturers to assess potential health risks, including from the local company ZEN Graphene Solutions, which supplied graphene-based coating for masks and filters made by Collingwood-based Trebor Rx.
4. Controversial anti-mask protestor Chris Saccoccia, also known as Chris Sky, was arrested in Thunder Bay after speaking to a crowd of more than 100 people at Hillcrest Park during an anti-lockdown rally. Sky had been travelling across the country throughout the year spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and measures enacted by various levels of government.
Sky was charged with breach of undertaking and he was also charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, while local event organizers were charged under the provinces Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
5. While the easing of restrictions was the most read story in 2021, the year got off to a very difficult start, and the fifth most read story on TBNewswatch.com shows just how quickly things can change. On Feb. 26, 2021, the provincial government announced the Thunder Bay District would move into a Grey Lockdown as part of its colour-coded COVID-19 response framework.
The lockdown was in response to the district experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with more than 340 active cases at the time as the result of several outbreaks, including in two correctional institutions and in segments of the vulnerable populations.
6. Anticipation of further re-openings in the late spring of 2021 had readers eagerly awaiting news from the provincial government on the rollout of its three-stage plan. On May 20, the Ford government announced it would reveal its reopening plans later that week.
7. Conversely, a sharp rise in case numbers across the province in April 2021, resulted in the province announcing a four-week stay-at-home order, requiring the closure of all non-essential businesses across the province in an effort to curb the spread of the new Delta variant.
8. In the early morning hours of June 29, 2021, the Thunder Bay Police Service responded to reports of two injured males near the James Street underpass. A 17-year-old male was transported to hospital with serious injuries, while a 16-year-old, later identified as Kody Furioso, died as a result of his injuries, marking the second homicide in the city in 2021.
Dustin Moffat, 31, was later arrested by Thunder Bay Police and charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The tragic loss of Kody brought the community together and several vigils were held in the Westfort area and across the city to honour Kody’s life and all victims of violence.
9. An aircraft that was helping to fight the ongoing forest fires burning throughout the region in the summer of 2021 crashed during takeoff at the Thunder Bay International Airport, claiming the life of the pilot, who was the sole occupant. The pilot was later identified as former Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron Peter Balodis. He was 30-years-old.
The Rockwell Aero Commander 690B aircraft was contracted by the Aviation, Forest Fires and Emergency Services agency to be used as a bird dog, assisting water bombers with aerial observations of forest fires. The Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the cause of the crash that is still ongoing.
10. A Noelville, Ont. couple got some life-changing news in March 2021, after learning they won the Lotto Max Jackpot worth $70 million.
Marc and Dorothy-Ann Meilleur said even after learning they had purchased the winning ticket, they still could not believe they had won. The ticket was purchased at a gas station in the town 80 kilometres south of Sudbury.
