Lakehead Welcomes New Department Dean

Lakehead University's Faculty of Engineering has found its new dean. Dr. David Barnett was brought to the city from St. Louis Missouri to take over one of the top-ranked engineering programs in the country. Barnett was a Professor and the Chair of the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He will step into his new role on August 7th.

Cycling Cross Canada

Tis the season for Cross Canada charity bike rides. Thunder Bay will welcome heart attack survivor Mike Jones on Monday. He began his journey in the Yukon and is travelling to Windsor. Jones' goal is to raise money and awareness of the dangers of heart disease.

Thunder Bay Hydro Helps Flood Victims

Thunder Bay Hydro has a plan in place to help flood victims financially. The city came through with a water bill rebate, but many homeowners had to use fans and dehumidifiers 24-hours a day during the clean-up, causing their hydro bill to spike.Vice-President of Customer Service, Tim Wilson says only 130 people have called to identify themselves as a flood victim. Wilson says by calling 343-1111, you can start the reporting process than can be filed as part of your flood claim.

Angus Slams Government

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus is slamming the recent federal cabinet shuffle. Julian Fantino is the new Minister for International Co-Operation. Angus says the shuffle should have been a lot bigger if Harper really wanted to signal a cleanup. Bev Oda resigned Tuesday after a large public outcry and internal Tory caucus dissent over her lavish spending habits.

Ticks May Head North

Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer says people in the North shouldn’t be too complacent about ticks that carry Lyme disease. Dr. Arlene King says that even though these black legged ticks are more prevalent in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, they also could be anywhere in the province. King says that means wearing pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellent with deet.

Man With Machete

Thunder Bay Police have one man in custody following an incident on the south side of the city. Police say a 24-year-old man was carrying a machete and approached another man who was riding his bike on Edward Street. The man is charged with weapons dangerous to public peace, carrying a concealed weapon and breach of probation.

Ringing the Bell

Delegates from Gifu, Japan will be taking part in the ringing of the peace bell today. City Clerk John Hannam says they moved the celebration up since the Mayor from our Sister City is visiting the City this weekend. Area churches have also been asked to ring their bells starting at 11 this morning.

Free Fishing Starts Today

An upcoming fishing event is targeting everyone. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters announced the annual Free Family Fishing Week. The event runs from July 7-15, which allows everyone, even those without a licence, to fish in Ontario waters. Conservation Outreach Program Coordinator Alesha Caldwell says dock fishing is usually a hot spot. For more information log onto www.ofah.org

Busy Weekend on the Waterfront

Bluesfest and Thunder Bay Transit are teaming up to offer concert goers free Transit. The City hopes the move will ease traffic congestion and parking, and eliminate drinking and driving. The weekend event is also offering Park N' Ride opportunities at the Community Auditorium and the Waterfront Parkade.

Police Search For Missing Girl

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing girl. They say 11-year-old Trinity Payash was last seen on July 3rd on the South Side of the city. She is described as a Native Canadian, around 5'1 and 110 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

PSA Hearing For Three Officers

A police services act hearing for three local officers is being held this week. It kicks off Tuesday morning at nine at the Valhalla Inn. Four days are set aside for the hearing. The three officers are each facing one count of Misconduct relating to a complaint by a 44 year old Thunder Bay man who was involved in a drug investigation.

Province Strikes Deal With Union

The Provincial Government has struck a deal with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.  It's a two-year deal with no salary increase.  President Kevin O'Dwyer says the two local school unions in Thunder Bay will be able to bargain with their employers on local issues this fall.  O'Dwyer says the local negotiations could go into September but expects they'll go smoothly.

Waterloo Street Crash Update

The elderly driver of a car involved in a collision on Waterloo Street yesterday is still in critical condition.  Police say he's been sent from the Regional Health Sciences Centre to another hospital.  The investigation is still being conducted and there's no word on charges as of yet.

Bisson on Terrace Bay Mill Deal

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is wary of a recent deal to reopen the Terrace Bay mill.  Bisson says he wants the Government to ensure the company maintains it's promise of jobs and stays open well into the future.  Bisson says he doesn't want a repeat of the former owner Buchanan Forest Products.

Oliver Paipoonge Gets Agri-Plex

Oliver Paipoonge is looking for ideas on what to do with their newly acquired Agri-Plex.  The board for the horse showing building disbanded last month and told Mayor Lucy Klusterhuis they can have the building and land.  Council will be meeting to talk about their new acquisition in August.

Source Protection Gives Province Plan

With more than 100-thousand people in the Thunder Bay area relying on Lake Superior for drinking water, the Source Water Committee is the first to go the province with a plan to protect it.  Chair Bob Hartley for the Lakehead Region says the report still has to undergo a Provincial revue process.  Hartley is hoping the plan can serve as a model for the rest of the province in response to the Walkerton tragedy that killed 7 people because of e-coli.

T.Bay Woman On Canadian Paralympic Team

Canadian Blind Sports is nominating a Thunder Bay woman to the National women's goalball team for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  Whitney Bogart made the team today.

SIU Clears Police Office Of Wrong Doing

The Special Investigations Unit is clearing a Thunder Bay Police Officer of any wrong doing in the death of a 67 year old man on Northern Avenue over the May long weekend.  A police officer was following a reported stolen vehicle and a short distance later that vehicle crashed into Martin John Amos' car.  SIU Spokesperson Monica Hudon says the police officer was following the stolen car but didn't use his lights or sirens to try and get the vehicle to pull over.  Hudon says the driver of the stolen car lost control of it while trying to get away from the police.

Lakehead Drinking Water Protection Plan Announced

The Lakehead Source Protection Committee is the first to come forward with a plan to protect drinking water. Lake Superior provides drinking water for over 100,000 people in the Thunder Bay area. Two groundwater wells serve 30 homes in Rosslyn Village. M.P.P. Michael Gravelle says "Ensuring that residents have access to clean sources of drinking water is vital to our quality of life." 36 other provincial source areas are trying to develop their own plans as a response to the Walkerton tragedy. 

Six New Forest Fires Reported

Ministry of Natural Resources Fire officials are on high alert heading into the weekend. The warm weather has pushed the forest fire hazard to "High" in most areas and is expected to move to "Extreme." 6 new fires have been reported in the last two days after thunderstorms moved through the region. 5 of those fires were lightning caused, one of them was human-caused and is being investigated. The M.N.R. is reminding everyone to use caution around ignition sources.