Golf Course Vandalized

Officials at Emerald Greens Golf Course are still adding up the damage following a weekend vandalism spree. Manager Nancy Brewer says some golf carts were taken for a joyride around the course. Brewer says damage is estimated at 15 thousand dollars.

O.P.G. To Hold Info Session Thursday

Ontario Power Generation wants to hear from members of the public. They are holding a public information session tomorrow at the Labour Centre from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The local plant is in the process of switching from Coal to Natural Gas by the year 2014. Plant Manager Chris Fralick says he's genuinely excited about the move because it makes environmental sense but also helps keep the plant open here in Thunder Bay. Members from a project team will be at the session to answer any questions the public may have.

Port Officials Report Strong April

Officials with the Thunder Bay Port Authority are bragging that April was a strong month for the port.    Cargo shipments are up over a third from  last year at the same time mostly because more grain has moved through.  Officials say that a wide variety of cargo passed through the port including a shipment of wind turbines that were on board a Dutch vessel.

Input Requested On City Plan

The City's infrastructure plans are up for discussion tonight at an open house. Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern says they want to hear public concerns and passions about future infrastructure planning. Following tonight's meeting at the Waverley Library, the City will hold an RSVP only Workshop that will allow the public to help create city policies.

Local Veterans Affairs Office To Close

A local veterans advocate is reacting with shock to news that the Veterans Affairs office in Thunder Bay is closing. Moe Nelson says if that happens it will be a huge loss because so many local vets rely on the services provided. MP John Rafferty says the office is slated for closure in the next couple of years.  He hopes public pressure can change some minds in Ottawa.

Our Kids Count Kitchen Open

A local non-profit organization has opened up a community kitchen on the City's South side.  Our Kids Count Executive Director Gladys Berringer says after two years and a lot of fundraising they are able to renovate their new kitchen at 704 McKenzie Street.  The community kitchen will offer cooking and refrigeration facilities for area families.  Almost a half a million dollars in cash and in kind donations made the kitchen a reality.

The Dream Remains The Same

The Friends of Big Thunder are now pursuing government funding as part of their objective to get the former ski jumping facility reopened. Organizer Paul DeGiacomo says it's part of a five year plan the group has to prove that their goal is not just a pipe dream.  DeGiacomo hopes to put together a solid business plan for the facility.

Weather Swings Predicted

Thunder Bay residents can get excited for warmer than normal weather and very little rain. That's according to our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw who says we can expect temperamental weather that swings from extremes. He says Lake Superior will play a big roll as it keeps temperatures lower in Thunder Bay than they are in places like Kakabeka Falls and Rosslyn Village.  Laidlaw adds the rain will taper off by next week.

New Twist To Charity Fundraiser

There's a new element to this year's annual McHappy Day fundraiser at McDonald's Restaurants. Typically funds have helped Ronald McDonald House in Toronto, which provides a home-away-from-home for sick kids receiving medical attention.   Community Relations Officer Kathy Bukovy says 50-percent of the funds raised today will benefit the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Tourney A Confidence Booster

Thunder Bay Police are hoping to get 80 to 90 First Nation teens to take part in an upcoming hockey tournament. The Community Cup will be held this weekend at the Fort William First Nation Arena. Aboriginal Liaison Officer Constable Larry Baxter says the tourney helps boost confidence of the competitors. Baxter adds playing hockey side by side with the police will also help build positive relationship.