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.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
NAN holds Conference on Energy
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting a three day conference on First Nation energy needs.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, January 30, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Broncos Girls win Gold in Pilot Mound
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.
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.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
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.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
Resolute meets with regional mayors
Few details are being leaked about a meeting this week betweenResolute 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrea Ronnebeck is Homan's coach and says the team can be tough to beat when they get on a roll.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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
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
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 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
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
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
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.