LRCA re-opens the Cascades

The cleanup is complete. The Cascades Conservation area is now re-opened to the public.  The recreation area at the end of Balsam Street was closed last month to allow the for the clean up of damage caused by a windstorm last September.

Police uncover city grow op

Three city residents are facing charges after a marijuana grow op bust. Police say they executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Rowand Street this week. 20 pot plants were seized with an estimated street value of 20 thousand dollars. Two women were arrested at the scene and a man surrendered to police later.

Chamber prez has concerns about EI premiums

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce says he has some concerns about the federal budget. Harold Wilson notes there is expected to be an increase in Employment Insurance premiums. He believes it can have a negative effect on job growth.   Wilson says he is pleased the feds will be looking at government spending practices

Handicapped group upset over accessible taxis

The handicapped community in Thunder Bay has had enough. They say there aren't enough accessible taxis in the city and went to the Police Services Board to get some satisfaction. Ron Ross is the head of the handicapped lobby group PUSH. He says the current situation is unacceptable especially for wait times. The Board has agreed to look into the problem, but in the meantime, Ron Bourett of the city will be meeting with PUSH officials to try to find some immediate solutions.

Herman says Community Police model outdated

Community policing in the city is undergoing changes. Police Chief Bob Herman presented an update on his three year business plan to the Police Services Board. Chief Herman says his forces' priorities have changed dramatically and the old neighbourhood model isn't effective anymore and is being modified. He says it's been replaced by the community response team, and that the beat officer program may be expanded because the public response to it has been tremendous. Chief Herman says the force is always looking at ways to make the best use of it's police officers and resources.

Long term care beds announced

The provincial government is redeveloping over 100 long term care beds in Thunder Bay. MPP Bill Mauro says its part of a larger plan that will see 35 thousand beds redeveloped across Ontario. He says the location of the beds hasn't been decided. Some of the redeveloped beds could be in the Bethammi Nursing home.

Taj Mahal headlines this years Blues Fest

The line-up is all set for this years Blues Festival. Organizer Trevor Hurtig says the headliner this year is Taj Mahal. In addition there will be Blues Traveler and Robert Randolph. Hurtig calls it incredible,exciting and the best line-up in the history of the event. This years festival takes place July 9th, 10th and 11th.

Award winning author visits city

An award winning Canadian author is calling his trip to Thunder Bay a rewarding experience. Nino Ricci is to give a reading and speak at the University tonight. He says it's his first time in the city adding he enjoys meeting those who read Canadian literature and make it meaningful for him to write his books. Ricci received the Governor Generals fiction award for his book The Origin of Species

Water issues pass the budget test

There is relief coming for Current River residents who have had trouble with their water pressure. Councillor Andrew Foulds says money have been set aside in the budget to take care of their problem. Foulds says then in 2011 and 2012 there will be a new watermain to improve fire safety for Claude Garton School and the Current River Rec Centre.

Thunderwolves ride the Alex Dupuis shoulders to a win over Western

The chants of Doooooo! were filling the Fort William Gardens last night as the home town crowd really got behind Thunderwolves rookie goalie sensation.  Dupuis made 34 saves in the 4-1 win over the Western Mustangs to lead the Wolves to 1-0 series lead in the OUA western final.  Head Coach Joel Scherban says Dupuis has really given the team the goaltending the team needs in the playoffs.  Game two goes Saturday night in London with game three if necessary going Sunday again in London. 

Thunder Bay's Tai Chi Chef faces the Dragons

Peng You's hopes of getting the backing of the Dragons was ended last night. Thunder Bay's Tai Chi Chef was on last night's episode of CBC's the Dragons Den and had his business idea of teaching chinese cooking with tai chi turned down. You says although its too bad his idea wasn't accepted it was a good experience all the same.