THUNDER BAY -- Here are 10 of the top stories we covered in February 2024, as compiled by Dougall Media Director of News, Leith Dunick.
- A lack of snow over the winter months managed to save city coffers about $1.4 million in expenses. Fueled by El Nino, the snow all but disappeared by the end of the month.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the city and promised $21 million for housing initiatives. He also paid tribute to former prime minister Brian Mulroney, who died on Feb. 29 while Trudeau was in Thunder Bay.
- Thunder Bay Police seized more than $3 million in a massive drug bust that also netted a cache of weapons, cash and other luxury items. Warrants for Project Marble were executed in Thunder Bay, Oliver Paipoonge and Toronto. It was the largest drug bust for Thunder Bay Police to date.
- City council approved a 5.47 per cent tax-levy increase, after growth is factored in, with at least one councillor saying the city may, have missed its mark and warned about future financial challenges.
- A 24-year-old Winnipeg hip-hop artist, Cayden Carfrae, was critically injured on Feb. 11 and later died of his injuries. Montreal’s Andrei Savu, 35, was initially charged with aggravated assault, but had the charge upgraded to manslaughter. It was the city’s first homicide of 2024.
- Residents at Paterson Court called for more security measures at the 10-storey North May Street complex, saying the building has been invaded by drug addicts.
- The Ontario Winter Games brought more than 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials to Thunder Bay, competing in a variety of disciplines, including hockey, fencing, futsol and biathlon.
- City council weighed in on the federal government’s decision to cap international students, calling on Ottawa to consider a measured approach to implementation, including consultation with post-secondary institutions in Northwestern Ontario.
- Shane Kruchak pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2021 stabbing death of 35-year-old Brian Jacob Wyer, who died in a laneway in the 200 block of South May Street.
- A local man won nearly US$8,000 on the Price is Right. Murray Ross and his wife, Pat, were in Los Angeles for a taping of the iconic show. The episode aired in February. In other game show news, Thunder Bay’s Dampiar family appeared on Family Feud Canada and former resident Ray Lalonde was back on Jeopardy for the Tournament of Champions.
