Treaty Three Opens New Office in Whitefish Bay

The Treaty Three Police has officially opened its newest detachment.

A special ceremony was held yesterday afternoon on the Whitefish Bay First Nation, southeast of Kenora.

The federal government contributed 256 thousand dollars towards the project, while the province added another 237 thousand.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the investment has helped the local economy and will help to improve the safety  on Whitefish Bay.

Kenora Public Library to Conduct External Review

The Kenora Public Library is planning to carry out an external review this year to try to deal with its financial difficulties.

The Library is projecting a deficit of 52 thousand dollars this year.

Councillor Ron Lunny agrees the Library has to do something about its finances, but isn't sure an operational review is the route to go.

The Library says it will pay for the external review, which will look at issues such as governance, internal staff stucture, service levels, and a financial review.

OPP Investigating Assault on CP Pedestrian Bridge

The OPP is searching for two suspects in connection to an assault on the C.P. pedestrian overpass.

Police say a woman was walking over the bridge Monday night around 11:00 when she was  accosted by two men, who tried to hit her up for a cigarette.

An altercation ensured, and the woman sustained minor injuries, which did not require medical attention.

The OPP say they are looking for two aboriginal men, with dark hair.

One man had short hair, while the other had longer, unkempt hair.

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

City Insurance Premiums Going Up

The City of Kenora is going to have to pay a bit more for its insurance coverage this year.

Council approved a one year tender from the Standard for 317 thousand dollars for the period running from July 1st, 2011 to July 1st, 2012.

That's an increase of about 10 thousand dollars from last year.

The city's chief administrative officer, Karen Brown says the increased premiums are largely due to the number of new buildings the city has, incuding the new fire hall and the Discovery Center on Lakeview Drive.

She adds that there are some new vehicles up at the Waste Transfer Station which also pushed up their premiums this year.

Winnipeg Symphony in Town

The Winnipeg Symphony will kick off a very busy weekend in Kenora.

The Symphony will be playing under the big tent on the Harborfront this evening.

Musical Director, Alexander Micklethwaite says they look forward to hitting the road each summer.

While all the seats have been sold, there will still be space to set up your own chairs in the free section at the back of the tent.

The concert is scheduled to get underway at 7:30.

Snapping Turtles Seized

A Fort Frances man has been fined 17-hundred dollars for keeping live snapping turtles in his home.

Donald Cameron was charged back in February after Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers, acting on a public tip, found the reptiles hidden in the tank of a toilet.

Cameron had been convicted of a similar offence back in 2010.

Snapping turtles are a special concern species under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Kenora OPP present Crime Stats

The OPP says it saw a decrease in the amount of crime in the Kenora area last month.

There were just over 11 hundred calls for service, which was about 160 incidents less than in April.

Staff Sergeant Bryan McKillop says they saw a big drop in the number of break, enter and thefts during the month of May.

McKillop says there were more drug charges laid last month, but that's largely due to new pro-active investigations being carried out by local officers.

New Osnaburgh Residents Returning Home Tomorrow

Good news for residents of New Osnaburgh First Nation as they are being allowed to return home on Friday.

The decision was recommended by the Ministry of Natural Resources based on ongoing fire suppression efforts and forecasted weather.

The MNR is working with First Nation officials on organizing transportation as well as securing health services for the elderly and children.

Meanwhile, Fire Information Officer Debbie McLean says an Emergency Area Order remains in place until at least tomorrow morning.

McLean says firefighters continue to make excellent progress on the nearby fire.

Pat Lang Calls it a Career

The Pat Lang era at Confederation College is coming to a close today.

After 11 years as president of the college she is retiring without any regrets

Lang hopes she her legacy will be the people she met and helped during her presidency.

OPP Out in Force Canada Day Long Weekend

The O.P.P say it will be out in full force over the Canada Day long weekend, including on the water.

Cameron Taylor of Boatsmart Canada says one of the most important safety considerations is getting a Pleasure Craft Operator Card .

Taylor says whether alcohol is involved or not, the overwhelming majority of boating accidents are preventable and all people should wear a life jacket or personal flotation device.

Habitat for Humanity to get a boost this month

Kenora's fledgling Habitat For Humanity chapter will be getting a bit of a shot in the arm next month.

The annual Cycle of Hope begins this weekend, with funds raised going towards the Winnipeg chapter of Habitat.

Gord Taylor is a local cyclist and says some of the proceeds of his ride will go towards the Kenora housing project.

Taylor says Habitat hopes to start building its first home in Kenora by next Summer.