Impaired Driving

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:08:15

Kenora OPP have charged several people with impaired driving.

Over the weekend, police came across a vehicle and discovered the driver had been drinking. 

28 year old Mike Rogers failed a roadside test and was charged with drinking and driving.

On the west highway officers stopped a vehicle for excessive speed.

35 year old Wayne Henry of Dalles First Nation was charged with impaired driving.

Henry will appear in Kenora court on June 15th to answer the charge.

---

Spring Seatbelt Campaign

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:07:28

The OPP's Spring Seatbelt campaign has wrapped up and local police laid 30 seatbelt offences during the April blitz.

OPP charged 9 passengers for not buckling up and laid 1 charge relating to child restraints.

In 2008, a total of 24 seatbelt offences were laid as well as 2 child restraint charges.

---

New Cancer System

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:06:32

Regional Cancer Care has become the first cancer program in Ontario to implement an e-health strategy across the Northwest.

The record system sets the standard for other Local Health Integration Networks.

A total of 14 regional sites, including Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora, are now directly connected electronically.

The system allows nurses and physicians order treatments and access information in real-time.

Officials say orders transferred over the internet now arrive at home sites quickly and efficiently.

---

Northern Growth Rates

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:05:26

The labour force in all sectors grew at a lower rate in the Kenora District than Ontario as a whole between 2001 and 2006.

According to the 2009 Northwest Training and Adjustment Board report, our growth rate was only 2.8-percent, compared to the Provincial average of 8.2.

Mining, small bussines, management and utilities were various sectors that fared well locally.

The unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24-years in the Kenora District was also significantly higher; 17.3-percent compared to Ontario's 14.5-percent.

The report also indicates that 36.7-percent of those aged 15 to 64 in our area have less than a high school diploma.

The Provincial average is 18.7-percent.

---

Elementary Teachers Ratify

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:04:51

Elementary teachers with the Keewatin Patricia District School board have sealed the deal.

Members of the teachers union approved a new four year collective agreement on Tuesday evening.

The new deal will impact 240 public school teachers in the Northwest.

The contract includes wage and benefit improvements.

Their last contract expired on August 31st, 2008.

---

Red Lake Budget

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:04:05

Red Lake taxpayers will likely be pleased with the 2009 budget.

Mayor Phil Vinet says they were able to keep the tax rate down.

Vinet says Council has approved a 20-million dollar capital plan.

Work includes a significant paving program as well as water and sewer extension to a Highway Commercial project.

---

Health and Safety Association

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:03:04

The Head of the Municipal Health and Safety Association says Northern Ontario has been left out of the loop in terms of safety prevention and training.

Speaking in Dryden, Bill Blackborow announced changes to the system.

12 Ontario Safety Associations are being amalgamated; 4-different Associations will be formed, with one Association being positioned in Northern Ontario.

Blackborow adds the change will result in more money for training and services as well as additional jobs in the North.

---

National Day of Mourning

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:00:59

Northwestern Ontario marked the National Day of Mourning yesterday.

Ron Boucher with the Workers Health and Safety Centre spoke at the event and stressed fewer people are working and more workers are getting injured on the job.

92-fatalities occurred in Ontario in January and February alone.

The Day of Mourning also gave residents a chance to remember those who have lost their life on the job site.

---

NWHU Swine Flu

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

08:59:40

Due to the heightened concern of swine flu, the Northwestern Health Unit has released a list of proper hygiene tips.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Arthurs says a list of symptoms is also available on the health unit's website.

Arthurs expects cases of Swine flu to be reported in Northwestern Ontario, since people from around the world can come in contact with eachother within 24 hours time.

The health unit recently reviewed its pandemic plan and re-trained its employees.

---