Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Farmers Market

Over 75 vendors will be selling their wares under the big tent on the Kenora Harbourfront this Wednesday.

The community is welcoming back the Farmers Market.

The farmers market will open at 9am and close at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Sioux Narrows Fatality

A 23 year old St. Catharines man is dead after being reported missing onLake of the Woods last week.

The OPP says they were contacted by Totem Lodge after one of theiremployees failed to show up for work.

He could not be located and was reported as missing.

The OPP's Emergency Response Team was called in and began a search of the area.

The body of the 23 year old was found near the shore.

Body Found Sioux Narrows

A 23 year old St. Catharines man is dead after being reported missing onLake of the Woods last week.

The OPP says they were contacted by Totem Lodge after one of theiremployees failed to show up for work.

He could not be located and was reported as missing.

The OPP's Emergency Response Team was called in and began a search of the area.

The body of the 23 year old was found near the shore.

Recreation Centre Rates

Its going to cost more to rent ice, swim, work out, or rent rooms at theKenora Rec. Center starting this fall.

Kenora City council has tentatively approved a number of rate increases at the recreation facility.

Colleen Neil is the city's recreation manager and says many of the rateshave remained unchanged for years.

Neil adds that ice rental rates will go up about five percent across the board starting in September.

This is the first rate increase since 2007.

NOHFC Arts Money

A community-based arts project is getting a shot in the arm from theNorthern Ontario Heritage Fund.

The Community Arts and Heritage Education Project is getting a grant for 30 thousand dollars to support its efforts.

Northern Development and Mines Minister, Michael Gravelle says thefunding will help expand the work of the arts group.

Gravelle says the funding will bring workshops and seminars in artseducation into northern communities.

The Community ARts and Heritage Education Project currently haspartners across the region, including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances,Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout.

Thieves in Sioux Narrows

The OPP is investigating a rash of thefts in the Sioux Narrows area.

Police say in one instance, some money was stolen from the cashregister of a business in the town.

The provincial police say they have also received numerous complaintsof camps being broken into, but at this point, its unclear what might have been stolen.

The OPP say alcohol, electronic items and firearms are the usual targetsof thieves and cottage owners are reminded to take appropriate steps to protect their property.

No Free Passes

Kenora City Council is balking at giving medical students and internsfree passes to use the wellness center at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Councillor Rory McMillan raised the issue at a committee meeting thisweek.

He suggests the free passes are a good way of attracting medicalprofessionals to the community.

However, other councillors don't think the city should be footing thebill for the passes, especially since the Rec. Center is already operatingwith a sizable deficit.

In the end, council agreed that if other organizations, like the Economic Development Commission, want to pay the cost of the passes, that would be acceptible.

Recreation Centre Review

A Winnipeg company has been hired by the City of Kenora to review recreational services and facilities in the community.

Scatliff, Miller and Murray Incorporated had the only complete bidto do the work.

It will cost the city 50 thousand dollars for the study to be completed.

Recreation Manager Colleen Neil says the report will not only focus on the mechanical health of Rec. Center, but also the services provided in the facility.

Its expected the study will be complete by the fall.

Forest Fires Human Caused

Two new forest fires were reported in northwestern Ontario yesterday, both caused by people.

One of the human caused fires was in the Kenora District and has been put out.

Fire Information Officer Debbie McLean reminds the public to follow the rules when burning grass and brush.

The forest fire hazard is high across much of the Kenora District.

Kenora Swimming Sharks

14 swimmers from Kenora brought home 40 medals between them.

Paige Murphy: 2 gold, 5 silver, 1bronze
Michelle Balcaen: 2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze
Kaity Inookee: 1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze
Alex Olsen: 3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Ronan Cameron: 3 gold, 2 silver
Chetenne Cameron: 2 Gold, 2 bronze
Conor O'Flaherty: 1Gold
Sara Marcine: 1 bronze
Tasha Schabler: 1 Bronze
Winnie Boucha: 1 silver
Bryce Jones: 1 bronze