Shoal Lake #39 Threatening to take Winnipeg to Court

The Shoal Lake #39 First Nation says its prepared to take legal action against the City of Winnipeg over the issue of water.

The band has given Winnipeg a deadline of January 20th to open negotiations.

Earlier this year, Chief Eli Mandamin indicated they were seeking 124 million dollars a year for the water Winnipeg uses.

The band claims the city is taking the water illegally.

Shoal Lake says the ball is now in Winnipeg's court.

Rickford supports adult training center

Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission is getting some high level support for its concept of a Adult Training Center in Kenora.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says developing training opportunities is key to the economic future of the community.

Rickford goes on to say he supports the concept.

The Commission briefed city council on the proposal for an adult training center at Lakewood School.

A final business plan is expected to outline some of the potential sources of funding for the project.

Atikokan not happy with Comparisons to Attiwapiskatt

The Mayor of Atikokan says he's not sure why his community is being used as a comparison with the financial spending of troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

A published report notes Atikokan's operating budget to be a third of the remote Northern community.

Dennis Brown says location may play a factor.

Brown says it's also difficult to compare budgets since Atikokan doesn't have all of the same financial responsibilities as Attawapiskat.

Trout Forest Lands funding

A big catch for organizers of the Trout Forest Music Festival.

The Federal Government has handed the Ear Falls Festival 50-thousand dollars to help it through 2013 and 2014.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the event is a great venue to showcase local and national talent.

Trout Forest Executive Director David Hoey says the funding will make it easier for planning and will allow organizers to showcase the top talent in Canada.

Grassy rejects Long Term Plan for Whiskey Jack Forest

The Grassy Narrows First Nation is rejecting a long term forest management plan for the Whiskey Jack Forest.

The plan was released last week, but Grassy Chief Simon Fobister says it still would allow for clear cut logging in their traditional land use territory.

Fobister says the document was developed without their participation or consent.

He's now asking for a meeting with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle asking the government to work with them.

So far Fobister says he hasn't heard back from Gravelle's office.

Just Say No to Chainsaws

City council is being asked to toughen up Kenora's noise by-law.

Charles King made a deputation to council this week complaining that chainsaws were not included in the current by-law.

King says one of his neighbors used a chainsaw constantly this summer and it was an irritant not only to him but other in his Lakeside neighborhood.

Habitat for Humanity Choses family for its first Kenora Build

Its a Christmas wish come true.

A single woman and her girl will be the first family in Kenora to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity.

Ashley Neniska says she's very thankful to the Habitat committee selecting her.

Habitat For Humanity is hoping to start construction on its first Kenora home in May.