THUNDER BAY -- Here are 10 of the top stories we covered in May 2024, as compiled by Dougall Media Director of News, Leith Dunick.
- Thunder Bay Police ruled the death of a 20-year-old Tyler Blouin was a homicide. The incident took place on May 4 in the area of Camelot and St. Paul streets. Twenty-three-year-old Brady Nugent was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
- NDP MPP and Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa made history when he addressed the Ontario Legislature in Anishininiimowin, known in English as Oji-Cree. Mamakwa told Queen’s Park he was speaking for those who couldn’t use their language growing up during the residential school era.
- Thunder Bay named John Collin as its new city manager, a 35-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran who retired with the rank of Major-General. Collin was hired to take over the role vacated by the retiring Norm Gale.
- City council voted 10-2 in favour of moving ahead with the indoor turf facility proposal, approving a plan to accept proposals from the private sector to build the controversial structure.
- The Chiefs of Ontario accused the Conservative MPP for Kenora of making threats of retribution, according to a court document. A spokesperson for Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Indigenous Services minister, said it would be inappropriate to comment on a matter before the courts. The filing alleges Rickford spoke in an angry tone during a Dec. 11. 2023 phone call to Regional Chief Glen Hare.
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh visited the city to deliver the message that neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would do anything to fight high prices for consumers, insisting only an NDP government would stand up to big business.
- Confederation College named Michelle Salo as its new president, taking over for the retiring Kathleen Lynch. Salo worked in manufacturing and started her education career at the college. Salo said she sees plenty of challenges facing the school, mostly centred around funding concerns.
- Former Thunder Bay Police Service officer Michael Dimini learned he will stand trial in 2025. Dimini faces three separate trials after he was charged by OPP with assault, obstruction of justice and breach of trust.
- The Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge saw nearly 400 people take a chilly dip into Lake Superior and more than $166,000 for local charities.
- Former longtime Chronicle-Journal publisher Colin Bruce passed away at the age of 73. Bruce was known for support of many charitable organizations, most notably the United Way of Thunder Bay.
