Trial of Helen Proulx Begins

"Kill me Cop, Kill me Cop".

Those were reportedly the words 39 year old Helen Proulx spoke before being shot twice in downtown Kenora on June 7th of this year.

The Grassy Narrows resident is on trial this week on four charges, including assaulting a police officer.

Constable Kathrine Moyer told the court this morning that when she came across Proulx just after 8:00 in the evening, she was cutting at her wrists and forearm in a slicing motion.

Proulx then took her knife and jabbed it into abdomen.

Moyer says she told Proulx at least six time to drop the knife, and only fired her firearm when Proulx began to jab it in her direction.

Testimony is continuing at the Kenora Court House.

ILevel Timberstrand Mill to take Christmas Downtime

A spokesperson for Weyerhaeuser won't confirm a new round of lay-offs at the ILevel Timberstrand Mill on the Jones Road.

There has been word that as many as four managers have been axed.

Wayne Rosnowsky says he can't comment on any specifics about their operations, but does says some business related changes have been made.

Rosnowsky does says the Trus-Joist Mill will be shut down for the Christmas holiday for a
week starting December 24th.

Evergreen Parents Fight School Closure

Parents with kids at Evergreen haven't given up their battle to save their school.

A 95 name petition has been sent to the Ministry of Education outlining concerns about  process the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board used to closed the school.

Patty Letourneau is a spokesperson for the parents groups and says they have filed a four page complaint to the ministry.

Letourneau admits its a long shot to save the school but is hoping they get a response from the Ministry of Education in the new year.

Enhanced 911 Service Expanded along Highway 71

First Nation communities along Highway 71 as well the Big Grassy First Nation are now enjoying enhanced 9-1-1 emergency services.


It eliminates the need for residents to call different numbers to access police, fire and ambulance services in times of emergency.

The province's Rural Economic Development Program provided partial funding to get the service established.

Treaty Three Applauds Mining agreements

The Grand Chief of Treaty 3 says increased interest by mining companies striking agreements with area bands is exciting.

Kelly says the signing of a Resource Sharing agreement between Osisko and several area bands is something that should be shared by others.

Kelly also issued caution about having to much mining activity that could make their lands not sustainable for the future.

Policing Costs on the Rise

Debate over policing in Northwestern Ontario has always been a hot topic and now Fort Frances is getting involved.

Concerns are being raised about the rising costs the of OPP service in the border community.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the cost to contract police services has risen 19-percent over the past 4-years and could go higher with a recent wage settlement for officers.

The Kenora Detachment of the OPP is expected to present its 2011 budget forecast to the Police

Services Board this morning.