NAN holds Conference on Energy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting a three day conference on First Nation energy needs.

Area Chiefs will talk about energy issues, and what needs to be done to improve the energy distribution.

Speakers at the conference will include reps from the Federal and Provincial Governments and First Nations.

Northwest LHINs ready fro expanded role

Ontario's Liberal government will give more power to local health agencies as it looks to overhaul the health system to lower costs.

Local health integration networks, or LHINs, will be given responsibility for family doctors.

Laura Kokocinski is CEO of the Northwest LHINs and says they are will to take on an

expanded role. 

Kokocinski, says the organization is prepared to make it work.

Relay for Life Town Hall Wednesday night

Wanted: volunteers for the annual Relay for Life in Kenora.

Tomorrow night a town hall style meeting will take place for anyone interested in helping out.

Lois Bailey is one of the co-chairs and says they have a number of positions that need to be filled.

The meeting will take place in the Kenora Rec. Center starting  tomorrow night at 6:30.

Comfort Inn re-opens following flood

The Comfort Inn in Kenora is getting an unexpected makeover.

The Sunset Strip motel sustained extensive water damage over the weekend after a water main broke causing extensive flooding.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department was called out around 5:00 Sunday morning to help deal with the situation.

In the meantime, crews have been called in to replace damaged drywall and carpeting.

The motel has since re-opened its doors. 

Kenora Residents Digging out from overnight snowfall

It took a while, but Old Man winter has finally hit northwestern Ontario.

The Kenora area has received about 10 centimeters of snow since last night.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the good news is the winter weather will be short-lived with warmer weather on the way. 

Local highways are described as snow-covered with some slippery sections.

Crews are out this morning clearing local roads and sanding.

Caution is still advised, especially on secondary roads and side streets which haven't been plowed yet.

Feds pull the Plug on the EcoEnergy Program

Environmental groups in northwestern Ontario say they are surprised that the Federal Government has cut short its registration period for the ecoEnergy for Houses program.

The program provides money to homeowners who make improvements to their home that will save energy.

Ellen Mortfield of EcoSuperior says the program was supposed to end in March.

People already signed up for the program have until June 30th to have their follow up home evaluation.

Tourism Kenora gets new sign

Tourism Kenora now has a little higher visibility outside the city.

A large sign was erected at the Ontario Tourism bureau at the Manitoba border last week advising motorists that they can get visitor information at the Discovery Center in Kenora.

The sign was jointly funded by Tourism Kenora and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership.

Its hoped the new sign will bring visitors into town, who would normally just stay on the by-pass and sell them on the local attractions.

New Federal Riding Boundaries Expected this year

New boundaries for federal ridings could be re-drawn later this year.

The federal government passed third reading of legislation to increase the number of ridings across Canada just before the Christmas break.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says its too early to say how the riding re-alignment will affect northwestern Ontario.

The Federal Riding Boundaries Commission is expected to begin the process of riding redistribution in February following the release of the Census.

Fort Club Wins Sunset Country Figure Skating Competition

A good weekend for local figure skaters.

Kenora hosted the Sunset Country Regional Interclub Figure Skating competition.

The host Kenora Skating Club won 14 individual gold medals, five silver, six bronze, while the Keewatin Figure Skating Club earned 9 gold medals, 14 silver, nine bronze.

The Border Figure Skating Club from Fort Frances won the high point total trophy.

Broncos and Saints in Action tonight

The Beaver Brae Girls hockey team will be looking to carry some momentum into their  game tonight against Dryden.

The Broncos beat the Eagles in a tournament final over the weekend.

It was the Eagles first loss this season.

The two teams will play at the Thistle rink starting at 7:30 this evening.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has a tall order tonight.

The Saints travel to Fort Frances to take on the league-leading Muskies.

 Game time is 7:00.

Broncos finish 2nd at Junior KIT

A silver medal for the Beaver Brae Junior boys basketball team at the Annual Junior K.I.T. over the weekend.

The Broncos finished with a 2-2 record after dropping a 56-23 decision to Kildonan East in the tournament final.

The Thomas Aquinas Saints placed fifth overall, losing all five of the games they played.

JM Judo Club wins five medals in Selkirk

Five medals for the Jaffray Melick Judo Club at the Selkirk Open.

Kerwin Klywak won gold in his U11, 29 kilo divison.

Lyndon Hensrud won the U13, 34 kilo division, while Thomas Hertz rounded out  the Gold medals winning the U15, 38 kilo pool.

Daniel Gordon and Luke Heatherington each brought back silver medals from the one-day competition.

Dennis injured in Belgium Competition

Kaitie Dennis was stymied in her battle for a medal at the Belgium Ladies Judo Open over the weekend.

Dennis opened with a win against a Swiss Judoka, but was injured in her second round match against a German fighter.

Dennis compiled a record of three wins and two losses this past week at two international judo completitions.

OPP investigates Break-ins on Treaty Island

The OPP is investigating a number of break-ins to camps on Treaty Island.

Scenes of crime officer were called out last Thursday and Friday after the break and enters were discovered.

Police are still compiling a list of items stolen, which includes a large screen T.V. and two all-terrain vehicles.

The OPP say the ATV's were later recovered after they had been abandoned.

Anyone who might have information about the break-ins is asked to contact the Kenora OPP or Crimestoppers.

Council getting ready to look at 2012 budget

Kenora city council is expected to sit down this week and start work on the 2012 budget.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says they want to keep any increase as low as possible.

Chair of the finance committee Ron Lunny expects council will be able to pass the budget in the next couple of weeks.

M.P's head back to work today

It's back to work for area Member's of Parliment.

thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the Government's first day back is going to be focused on the economy and changes to pensions.

The Finance Minister has stated he doesn't plan a ``slash and burn'' budget but adds some departments may be asked to find more savings than first thought.

Kenora Curling Club Bullish on Big Events

The Kenora Curling Club says its looking forward to doing some more high profile events in the future.

Over the weekend, the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts wrapped up.

Gord St. Dennis was one of the organizers and says the reviews were very positive.

St. Dennis says they'll look bidding on other curling events in the future, including the National Seniors.

Horgan heading to Red Deer for National Scotties

There's a new Ladies curling champion in Ontario.

Tracy Horgan's Sudbury foursome knocked off defending champion Rachel

Homan Sunday afternoon at the Kenora Curling Club in the final of the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Homan went into the game without a loss and had beaten Horgan twice during the week.

Horgan says they just wanted to keep it close.

Homan had the hammer and a one point lead heading into the 10th end, but was heavy on her final shot, allowing Horgan to steal two points.

Horgan now heads to the National Scotties Tournament of Hearts next month in Red Deer, Alberta.

Broncos Girls win Gold in Pilot Mound

Beaver Brae's girls hockey team is home with a gold medal from a tournament in Pilot Mound Manitoba.

The Broncos advanced to the A-Side Final on Sunday with a perfect 4-0 record.

In the gold medal game, Beaver Brae handed Dryden its first loss of the season, beating the Eagles 2-1.

Ainsley Lindquist was the tournament MVP, scoring in the final along with Hannah Rose.

Meanwhile, the Broncos boys hockey team continues to struggle against the Eagles.

On Friday, Beaver Brae lost its second in a row to Dryden, losing a 2-1 decision in a shootout.

Thomas Aquinas wins big in Red Lake

Tanner Kapera had a big night for the Thomas Aquinas Boys hockey team.

He scored four goals and added two assists as the Saints came back to beat the Red Lake Rams yesterday 7-4.

It was T.A.'s first game back after the two week exam break.

Thistles lose two on the road in Stonewall

The Kenora Triple A midget Thistles weren't able to make up any ground against the Interlake Lightning.

Yesterday, the Thistles dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime against the Lightning.

On Saturday it was the same result with Interlake edging the Kenora Midgets 2-1.

Horgan upsets Homan to win Ontario Scotties

A big upset at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Tracy Horgan from Sudbury toppled the previously unbeaten Rachel Homan foursome from Ottawa 7-6 in Sunday afternoon's final at the Kenora Curling Club.

Homan had the hammer in the 10th end, but was short on her final draw, allowing Horgan to steal two, and the surprise victory.

Homan went through the round robin with a perfect 9-0 record and beat Horgan the day before 5-3 in the 1 versus 2 page play-off game.

Horgan now advances to the 2012 National Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alberta

next month.

Fiecek Seeks to Defend Northern Wheelchair Curling Crown this weekend

The Wayne Fiecek rink is looking to book another berth to the National Wheelchair Curling championships.

Fiecek is in action at the Northern Ontario Wheelchair Curling playdowns in Sudbury.

He lost 10-1 this morning in the first draw to Rick Prudhomme from Sudbury, and plays again at 2:00 this afternoon.

Play continues tomorrow.

Resolute meets with regional mayors

Few details are being leaked about a meeting this week between

Resolute Forest Products and the mayors of four communties in northwestern Ontario.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield was joined by municipal leaders from Thunder Bay, Ignace and Fort Frances.

They met with company president Richard Garneau on Tuesday.

Canfield describes the discussion as very positive.

He says Resolute re-iterated its committment to its existing mills in this region.

However, the company also stressed the need to reduce costs.

Liberals Form New Riding Association

Provincial Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River riding are looking to increase its membership base.

A newly formed riding Association set its objectives following a recent meeting in Dryden.

It's president, Anthony Leek of Emo, says the main goal is to provide a link between the Riding and government.

Leek says the Association also wants to be better prepared for the next provincial election.

City Secures more Funding from Province

The City of Kenora's finances should become a little clearer over the next few weeks.

The province has announced funding towns and cities will receive from the Ontario Municipal Partnership fund.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says they will be getting just under 5.9 million dollars this year.

Canfield says the provincial government gave the city extra funding last year to help cover the disbandment costs of the Kenora Police Service.

Hudak Calls for More Trades training

Tim Hudak says skilled trades people need a better apprenticeship program.

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition was in Thunder Bay yesterday to talk with students at Confederation College and says we are still living in the 70's when it comes to the apprenticeship program.

Hudak says we could see around a million vacancies by 2021 if things don't change now.

Woman killed in Red Lake House Fire

One person is dead following a house fire in Red Lake.

OPP and the Red Lake Fire Department were dispatched yesterday morning to a blaze on Forestry Road.

The home was completely engulfed in flames and was destroyed.

Police 49-year-old Virginia Keesic of Red Lake died on scene.

The cause is still under investigation but OPP say the fire isn't suspicious.

Ice Conditions Variable

If you're planning to go out ice-fishing this weekend, you might want to check conditions on the lake first.

There have been reports of large ice ridges opening up on Lake of the Woods on the ice road.

One large ridge has been reported near St. Helena's by Holmstrom's Marsh.

The warmer weather in recent days has created some fairly changable conditions and caution is advised.

Drug Bust in Cat Lake

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have arrested an individual who has strong ties to the Native Syndicate gang.

Police executed a search warrant on a Cat Lake First Nation residence and officers found about 400-dollars worth of oxycodone and 18-hundred dollars cash.

Three firearms were also found at the scene, including one, which has been linked to an on-going investigation.

Police say Paul Mezzetay faces 3-counts of careless storage of a firearm, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime charges.

Sarah Mezzetay faces similar charges and Knobby Wesley has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Broncos and Saints in Action after Exam Break

Local high school hockey teams are back in action this weekend after a two week exam break.

The Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas girls hockey teams are heading to Pilot Mound, Manitoba today for a tournament.

Both teams are in action this afternoon at the Pembina Lady Tigers Tournament.

Meanwhile, the Bronco Boys start the stretch run in the NorWOSSA regular season on the road.

Beaver Brae is in Dryden tonight to face the Eagles.

Homan Continues to Roll at Ontario Scotties

The Rachel Homan Rink continues to lead the way at the 2012 Ontario Scotties at theKenora Curling Club.

Homan improved to 7-0 yesterday with wins over Sherry Middaugh and Cathy Auld.

Andrea Ronnebeck is Homan's coach and says the team can be tough to beat when they get on a roll.

Missisauga's Cathy Auld is tied with Tracy Horgan from Sudbury for second with a 5-2 record.

Middaugh improved to 4-3 and is tied with Krista McCarville from Thunder Bay.

Middaugh beat McCarvilled 7-5 in last night's late draw.

Today is the final day of the round robin with draws at 2:00 and 7:00.

Survivor of North Spirit Lake Plane Crash talks about Ordeal

The lone survivor of a deadly plane crash in northwestern Ontario says he tried in vain to pull fellow passengers from the wreckage and snuff the fire that eventually destroyed the small aircraft.

Brian Shead says the crash near the tiny native community of North Spirit Lake happened in a flash.

He says one second he was reading a book, and the next second he was on the ground fighting for his life.

He says the impact of the crash knocked him and the four other people on the plane out and when he came to everyone was still strapped in their seats.

With a crushed foot and a smashed face, he managed to get out of the plane and tried to put out a fire that was burning on a wing.

When her realized that wasn't working, he managed to free the pilot, but he didn't survive.

Public Consultations on Lakewood Next Month

The future of Lakewood School will be the subject of a couple of community consultation sessions next month.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School board will be seeking some feedback on the future use of the elementary school.

There is a proposal to turn Lakewood into an adult learning center.

The first consultation session will take place on February 6th, followed by one at the end of the month on the 27th.

Both will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 in the Lakewood cafeteria.

Kenora to Host Sunset Country Regional Figure Skaters

Hotel rooms will be at a premium this weekend in Kenora.

A couple of major sporting events are going on.

The Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts wraps on Sunday, while Kenora is getting ready to play host to the Sunset Country Regional Figure Skating Competition.

Roxanne Daigneault is the coach of the local club and says they are expecting a big turn-out.

Skating begins tomorrow at noon at the Thistle Rink and wraps up on Sunday afternoon.

Survivor of North Spirit Lake Plane Crash holds Press Conference

The lone survivor of a plane crash earlier this month in the northwestern Ontario First Nation of North Spirit Lake will speak to the media today in Winnipeg about his experience.

Thirty-six-year-old Winnipeg man Brian Shead was among five people on a Keystone Air Service plane that crashed while trying to land at North Spirit Lake January 10th.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.

Treaty Three Raises concerns about Ottawa Summit

Grand Council Treaty #3 says it has some reservations about this weeks summit between aboriginal leaders and the federal government.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly was in attendance, and says while she was encouraged by the prime minister's day long participation, she was less enthused by some of the comments by the Assembly of First Nations.

She says Treaty Three has distinct traditions and customs and a tradtional government that has existed longer than Canada.

She's worried that the Joint Action Plan between the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada could jeopardize that.

Mount Evergreen Opens for PD Day

A couple of options for kids this PD day.

Mount Evergreen Ski Club is opening up today to accomodate students looking for something to do.

The Chalet will open at 8:00 this morning for breakfast, while the tows will be open from 10 until 4:00 for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

The chalet will remain open until 5:00.

Albanese Re-Elected Chair of Health Unit Board

A Fort Frances councillor is back as the head of the Northwestern Health Unit Board of Directors.

John Albanese has been re-elected as chair.

Julie Roy was selected vice-chair

Fort Frances councillor Paul Ryan, Margaret Harland of Red Lake and former Emo Reeve Russ Fortier were also returned to the board.

OPP arrest one man following chase near Marathon

A 21 year old Saskatoon man faces a number of charges following a brief chase with police on the Trans-Canada Highway between Marathon and Terrace Bay.

Justin Joseph Chaisson was one of two people in a stolen vehicle that ended up in a ditch following a police pursuit.

He has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over five thousand dollars, breach of probation and fleeing police.

Highway 17 was closed for several hours while police searched for a second suspect.

The OPP says they are no longer actively searching for him, but the the Crime Unit has been brought in to continue their investigation.

Holman remains unbeaten at Scotties

The Rachel Homan foursome continues to lead the pack at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of  Hearts.

Homan won both of her games yesterday to improve to a perfect 5-0 record.

In last night's fifth draw, the Ottawa rink upended Tracy Horgan from Sudbury 9-3.

Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay and Cathy Auld of Missasauga a just behind in the standings at 4-1.

McCarville won both her games yesterday, including a 10-3 rout over Kathy Brown.

Auld also won both of her games on Wednesday, finishing the day with a 7-5 win over Jenn Hanna.

There are two more draws today at 2:00 at 7:00 at the Kenora Curling Club.

ORNGE Jobs Safe in NWO

There are no cuts being made to ORNGE posts in Northwestern Ontario.

18 jobs were cut at the Province's air ambulance headquarters in Mississauga.

The cuts are being made as a way to reduce costs.

The restructuring only affects office positions and not pilots or paramedics.

Homan off to a fast start at the Ontario Scotties

The Rachel Homan rink holds down top spot at the 2012 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts entering day three.

Homan has a 3-0 record, and is followed closely by five other teams at 2-1.

Homan says its important to get off to a good start.

Homan takes on the winless Alison Nimik Rink from St. Thomas in this afternoon's fourth draw.

Sherry Middaugh has a must-win game today as her 1-2 rink takes on another former Ontario champ, Jenn Hanna at 2-1.

Sunset Trail Riders

Snowmobile trails in the Kenora District are opened on a limited basis.


Shaun Clifford of the Sunset Trail Riders says although the trails are passable, extra caution is always advised no matter the time of year.

For updated trail reports or to track the groomers via GPS visit sunsetrailriders.ca

Softwood Lumber Agreement

The federal government has renewed the Softwood Lumber Agreement with the United States with hardly any opposition.

The deal was extended for two years until 2015.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the agreement does provide some market certainty for
producers.
Both the Ontario Forest Industries Association, the Council of the Quebec Forest Industry and
Forest Products Association of Canada have all endsorsed the two year extension.

Treasury Metals

A peaceful protest was held at the Treasury Metals site near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation this afternoon.


Wabigoon has attempted to seek a memorandum of understanding with the company for mining rights in the area.

Chief Ruben Cantin Senior says a deadline of last Thursday to receive a response from Treasury has passed with no response.
Cantin stresses they aren't against mining on traditional territory but adds that an agreement must be reached first.

ORNGE

ORNGE has reportedly slashed 18 jobs effective immediately.

According to media reports, the province's air ambulance service says it's an effort to reduce costs.

But it says the restructuring only affects office positions and not pilots or paramedics.

Emergency Room Staff

Kenora-Rainy River's MPP is trying to get Ontario's Health Minister to visit the riding.


Sarah Campbell says the ongoing struggles to keep the Rainy River Medical Centre's emergency room staffed was among reasons behind her request to Deb Matthews.

Campbell says one of the plans needed is a better strategy that helps communities, hospitals and clinic cope with their physicians leaving suddenly.