Risley set to break the harbour ice

Watch for the icebreaker Samuel Risley in the harbour starting on Friday.  It will be plowing through the ice to get the port ready for the new shipping season. Andy Maillet of the Canadian Coast Guard says the Risley replaces the two American cutters that were supposed to come here.  He says after they reviewed the ice conditions in the port they felt that it would be better handled by the more powerful Samuel Risley.   The two American icebreakers will instead be smashing ice in Whitefish Bay.

Border Cats sign three

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have signed three players from the 2009 roster. Infielder A.J. Schugel and pitchers Garrett Yount and Drew Erwin will be returning to Thunder Bay for the upcoming Northwoods League season. The Border Cats open the season at Port Arthur Stadium June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Skateboard/BMX Plaza wins provincial award

The city's Skateboard/BMX Plaza at Marina Park is now an award winner. The facility has been given the Excellence in Design award from the Ontario government. Beverly Ball of the citys' Recreation and Cultural Division calls it a huge honour.  She says she's thrilled for the skateboarding community who have worked so hard to develop the park for young people.  The award will be presented next month at a conference in Niagara Falls.

Warm weather trend ending

All good things must come to an end. The great weather we've experienced over the last couple weeks ends Friday when the high temperature will only reach 3 degrees. Environment Canada's Jim Prime says that cooling trend will extend into next week. The cold spell ends a warming trend that saw a string of record temperatures that began on March 12th.

Grass fires on the rise

With the warm dry weather, Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue has had to deal with some grass fires in the city. Deputy Chief Greg Hankkio says since the beginning of March a number of fires have been started.   He says in some cases it's  kids setting the fires and in others it's private property owners burning grass, which is against the law.   Hankkio says any burning done in the city must be in compliance with a burning permit.

Proposals now being taken for the Atikokan GS

The Atikokan Generating Station is one step closer to getting itself a new lease on life. MPP Bill Mauro says a call has gone out for proposals to convert the coal fired plant to green fuel. Mauro calls it a positive economic step for the community, adding it will be the development of another industry creating employment in northwestern Ontario.  The call for proposals will close in mid-May

Leon's Furniture coming back to the city

The city is getting a new furniture store. City building supervisor Des Stolz says construction is now underway for a Leon's Furniture building and warehouse.   He says the 70 thousand square foot facility will be located at 799 Fort William Road. Total worth of the project is estimated at 8 million dollars. Stolz says an application was made to the city to construct the store about a month ago. No word on when it will be completed.

May Street Bridge in line for repairs

The May Street Bridge may be closed this spring and summer for repairs. That could create a major headache for city drivers. City engineering manager Pat Mauro says total closure of the bridge is being seriously considered for a couple of reasons. First, to speed up repairs and secondly,to avoid a traffic bottleneck if the construction were to take place in stages. The proposal goes to city council April 12th.

Keith Hobbs likely running for Mayor

After 33 years of service to Thunder Bay, Staff Sergeant Keith Hobbs has officially called it a career. Hobbs is officially retired from the Thunder Bay police and says his next step is running in this year's municipal election, most likely for mayor. Hobbs, who also headed the local police association, says he's confident he can make a quick transition from policing to public service.