Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Public School Trustees Disappointed with OSSLT results

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board didn't beat around the bush last night in stressing that last year's High School literacy test results are real cause for concern.

31-percent of the 530-students writing the test for the first time failed the exam, while roughly 61-percent of the 293-students writing for a second time couldn't get the job done.

While Trustees were upset to see those numbers, they were shocked to learn that 36-percent of first time and second time writers didn't bother to show up for the test.

The results have been showing a steady downward trend the past 5-years.

Trustees stated that the Board may have to revisit their game plan to see what needs to be done.

While the numbers are sobering, a few bright spots came out of the report, primarily that the 4-year graduation rate of 78-percent and 5-year rate of 89-percent is right on line with other Provincial Boards.

Thomas Aquinas Opens NorWOSSA Season

A good start to the NorWossa Boys Volleyball and girls basketball season for the Thomas

Aquinas Saints.

All four teams are on the road this week.

Yesterday, the Saints were in Atikokan and swept the Voyaguers in all four games played.

Both the T.A. Senior and junior Boys upended Atikokan three sets to one.

In girls basketball, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls cruised to a 57-24 win.
Zoe Yeomans led the offense with 15 points.

The Saints junior girls also prevailed, 23-13 over the Voyageurs. Sami Burkhart
had 8 points for T.A.

Today, Thomas Aquinas court teams are in Rainy River.

Nestor Falls Second in Ultimate Fishing Town contest

The community of Nestor Falls is appealing to residents across northwestern Ontario to help it become Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town.

Nestor's Falls is second in the World Fishing Television network's contest behind Port Alberni, British Columbia.

Maureen Hanson of Hanson's Hideaway Lodge says they're want the entire district to vote for their bid.

WFN is handing out 25-thousand dollars to the winning community.

McGuinty Defends Far North Act

 Premier Dalton McGuinty is defending his decision to move ahead with northern land development legislation over the objections of First Nations leaders.

He says there's been``extensive consultation'' over the Far North Act, which is slated for a final vote later this week.

N-D-P critic Gilles Bisson says the dispute over Bill 191 could jeopardize McGuinty's plans to develop the Ring of Fire chromite deposit near James Bay.

Several First Nations chiefs say McGuinty failed to keep his promise not to pass the legislation without their approval and are warning that they'll use ``any means necessary'' to protect their treaty rights.

Green Light expected soon for New Forensics Lab

Work on a new OPP forensics lab in Kenora is expected to begin sometime this fall.

The lab is one of 14 the Government of Ontario is planning to build across the province.

Councillor Dave McCann say the project has been fast-tracked.

McCann says they are expecting confirmation from the provincial government sometime in the next week when construction might begin.

Respite Care Program Offered in Kenora

Thunder Bay based Wesway is expanding into the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

The group has rolled out a Respite program that provides funding for caregivers who need a break from taking care of Seniors living at home.

Spokesperson Carol Neff says the program has been very successful over the past three years.

To find out more information call 1-888-623-2353.

OPP Investigate Break-Ins

The OPP are investigating a rash of break-ins that took place during the day on Monday.

A number of homes have been entered and searched.

Some cash and other miscelleaneous items were stolen.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.