Thunder Bay Flood Fund Announced

The Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross are teaming up to offer a national appeal for funds for flood victims in Thunder Bay.

Salvation Army Major Merv Halvorsen says you can donate through several sources.

The Thunder Bay Flood Fund will help homeowners recoup some of the costs of dealing with this emergency.

To donate to the Thunder Bay Flood Fund call 1-807-725-2769.

White Elected Treaty Three Grand Chief

The Chief of the Whitefish Bay First Nation is taking on a bigger role in the region.

Warren White was elected as grand chief of Treaty Three yesterday.

White beat out incumbant Diane Kelly and Kelvin Morrison in a traditional vote yesterday on the Big Island First Nation south Kenora.

The election was held on the second day of Treaty Three's National Assembly.

The Assembly will wrap up today, with White presiding over the proceedings.

Rickford Defends Back to Work Legislation

Striking C.P. railworkers are expected to report back to work later today.

Back-to-work legislation is expected to be passed through the senate later today.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the bill and says it will allow for a 90 day arbitration process.

For the first time in a week, CP rail workers in Kenora were not on the picket line.

OPP Cracking Down on Property Crimes

The OPP say they expect to see a decrease in the number of break and enters, thefts and mischief incidents in Kenora this year.

Inspector Dave Lucas released his year end report for 2011 to the Police Service Board yesterday.

Lucas says there was a big jump in property crimes last year, but they have managed to solve most of them.

Lucas says their efforts are paying off because they've already seen a big drop in property crimes through the first four months of this year compared to last year.

He adds that the incidence of violent crimes was also lower last year. 

Campbell Wants Bear Wise Cuts Reversed

The province is being pressure to have the Ministry of Natural Resources continue trapping and relocating nuisance bears.

It's handing those responsibilities onto police and municipalities.

In the legislature, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says there's already been a number of close calls involving the public and bears since the announcement.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says Ministry staff will continue to work with local authorities in emergency situations.

Broncos Girls Win NorWOSSA Soccer Gold

Beaver Brae's girls are golden once again.

The Broncos girls soccer team blanked Dryden 4-0 last night in the NorWOSSA final in Fort Frances.

Beaver Brae now heads to the All-Ontario championships next week in St. Thomas.

This is the third year in a row Beaver Brae has advanced to the OFSAA Finals.

Meanwhile, another disappointing loss for the Bronco boys.

They lost a 3-1 decision to Dryden in the semi-finals.

Fort Frances won the gold medal beating the Eagles 1-0 in the final.

Kings win Game One of Stanley Cup Final

The Los Angeles Kings are three wins away from the first Stanley Cup in the team's 45-year history after taking Game 1 of the final.

Anze Kopitar scored on a breakaway 18:13 into overtime to give the Kings a 2-1 victory at New Jersey. Los

Angeles is 9-and-0 on the road in the post-season, and 3-and-0 when they skate in overtime.

Mike Richards was held off the scoresheet in a tight defensive contest. 

Two Hospitalized in Accident Near Clearwater Bay

Two people had to be taken to hospital last night following a single vehicle accident near Clearwater Bay.

The OPP say the collision took place around 9:00 after a vehicle hit the guide post near the intersection of Lindsay Road.

Police were helped out by Kenora Fire and Emergency Services, the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department, and ambulence personnel.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about an hour, while crews worked to extract the occupants.

The OPP say the vehicle was demolished in the accident.

Summer Jobs Funding Announced

The Kenora riding is getting 185-thousand dollars in Federal funding to hire 72 students.

The funding will enable students to gain the skills and experience they need to move on.

MP Greg Rickford made the announcement in Sioux Lookout and he stated the jobs that are created will help students gain valubale experience and a chance to earn money for the upcoming school year.

He adds it also strengthens local economies.

Thunder Bay Continues to Clean Up following Flooding

The provincial government is taking an active role in helping communities hit by this weeks flooding.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says a variety of ministry's are helping out all of the affected areas to make sure they can recover from the storm.

Gravelle says his ministry in particular is involved because of water monitoring.

In the meantime, Thunder Bay's Emergency Operations Control Group will meet once again to update the flood situation.

The Salvation Army will be a hub for a national appeal for financial donations and details will be provided later this morning.

The City has received numerous offers of help and there is an active Facebook page with 1,500 members to date with many of them talking about how to provide assistance.

The city is saying "The outpouring of community support is appreciated; however, a coordinated effort is required and that will be an ongoing priority for discussion over the next days."

Wray to Receive Ontario Fire Marshall's Award

A long time teacher at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and a student in Red Lake are going to be honoured by the Provincial Government.

Al Wray and Brody McCumber will receive Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall Awards at a ceremony in Toronto on June 26th.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says he's proud of the two individuals.

Macumber is a student at the Golden Learning Centre and he's credited with helping save the life of his family when a kitchen fire broke out in his family's home back last November.

Northern Road Projects Announced

Four major projects will dominate the Northern Highways program in this region this summer.

The provincial government says it will be re-surfacing 35 kilometers of Highway 17 between Kenora and Dryden over the next couple of months.

Work will also continue on the rehabilitation of the Nodin Causeway near Fort Frances.

The provincial government says it will also continue work to twin Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.

There is no mention about the doubling of Trans-Canada Highway starting at the Ontario/Manitoba Border.

Fire Crews Continue to Battle Falcon Island Fire

The cool, damp weather over the past few days has allowed Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews to get the upper hand on a blaze burning on an Island on Lake of the Woods.

Kenora Fire #36 has been active for the past two weeks, but fire information officer, Debbie MacLean says they are making good progress on it now.

Crews are now working to put out any hot spots on Falcon Island and making sure the fire doesn't spread any further.

That's the only forest fire currently active in northwestern Ontario.

NorWOSSA AA Soccer Finals Today in Fort Frances

The NorWOSSA Double "a" soccer titles will be awarded today in Fort Frances.

The semi-finals and finals will take place today.

This morning, Beaver Brae's boys will be seeking their first win of the season when they take on Dryden in semi-final action.

The winner takes on Fort Frances in the gold medal game this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's girls team will await the winner of this morning's semi final between Fort Frances and Dryden.

The Broncos have the bye into the gold medal game with the best record during the regular season.

Kenora's Population is aging

Senior citizens now represent 17.2 per cent of the population of Kenora, a ratio higher than the national average, according to the latest census figures.

Newly released census information on age and sex makes it clear that Canadian society is getting older.

The census showed that just over 26 hundred people in Kenora were aged 65 or older.

Kenora's senior population of 17.2 per cent compares to a national average of 14.8 and a provincial average of 14.6 per cent.

Treaty Three National Assembly Starts Today

Members of Treaty Three are making their way to the Big Island First Nation today for their National Assembly.

The three day gathering will feature the traditional selection of the grand chief.

Diane Kelly, who is the first female grand chief of Treaty Three is expected to stand for election once again, and there may be at least one challenger.

The selection of the grand chief will take place tomorrow, while the National Assembly will wrap up on Thursday.

Northern Chiefs Bail on Student Housing Project

The Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says he will continue to work with northern chiefs and other First Nation organizations to ensure equal access to education for all students.

Jack McMaster is reacting to an announcement Friday by the chiefs that they have withdrawn from a project to renovate Pinewood School in Dryden and create a First Nations learning and housing facility.

McMaster says the Board will also go back to the drawing board in an effort to utilize the vacant Pinewood School.

City Seeking More Funding from the Province

The City of Kenora has its hand out for more money from the province.

Council has endorsed a resolution calling on the government to increase its payments in lieu from the government of Ontario.

Kenora gets just over 29 thousand dollars from the province for payment in lieu of taxes on the hospital, college and correctional institutions.

Councillor Rory McMillan says the last time that was increased was 1987.

He says based on inflation, the province should actually be paying more than 56 thousand dollars.

CP workers being Legislated Back to Work

Local CP rail workers are less than enthused about back-to-work legislation introduced by the federal government.

Lisa Raitt introduced the bill yesterday in the House of Commons.

Mike Wallace is a local union representitive and says their concerned that issues surrounding fatigue management and their pensions won't be addressed.

The government says it plans to limit debate on the back-to work legislation and will fast track the bill through the House of Commons.

Freight trains could be moving again by Thursday.

Police Forced to kill a wild dog

Wild dogs continue to pose a problem in the community.

Sunday evening, the OPP were contacted about a pack of wild dogs that brought down a fawn near Miikana Way.

Officers were able to locate the pack and managed to shoot and killone of the dogs.

The others managed to escape into the nearby bush.

Police say any dogs posing a risk to public safety may be killed if required.

Broncos Hand Out Sports Awards

Beaver Brae's top male and female athletes were honored last night at the Broncos annual Awards Banquet.

More than 60 awards were handed out by each of the sports teams at the high school.

The Male Athlete of the Year honors went to Andrew Marks, while Manon Magnon was selected as the top Female Athlete.

Shark Youngsters Excel in Thunder Bay

Some of the younger members of the Kenora Sharks Swim Club got to strut their stuff this past weekend in Thunder Bay.

 Natalie Peterson took top spot in the 10 and under 200 meter Individual Medley, while Gabe Mastromateo won the 10 and under 800 meter freestyle.

Amy Warner also won gold in the girls 12 and under 800 meter freestyle event.

The 10 and under boys relay team came 2nd in the 200 Medley Relay, while the girls 12 and under relay team placed first.

A number of the swimmers managed to secure themselves a place in the Man/Sask championships in Regina this July.

Ontario Mayor's Concered about the high cost of Policing

Municipal leaders are starting to raise the alarm bell about the high cost of Policing.

A new steering committee has been set up called the Mayors Coalition for Affordable, Sustainable and Accountable Policing.

Kenora City council has agreed to support the new group.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says policing costs in much of northern Ontario is much higher than southern Ontario and thinks the province should try levelling the playing field.

He says Kenora's costs are about one thousand dollars per capita, while some communities in the south are paying less than half that amount.

Fire Crews Battle Cabin Fire on Lake of the Woods

All the rain this weekend has helped keep the fire hazard low across

northwestern Ontario, but MNR Fire Crews were called out to help

battle a cabin fire on Lake of the Woods.

The fire broke out Saturday afternoon and gutted a cottage in the

Palisade Island area.

A helicopter with a bucket provided support to fire crews on the ground to try and prevent the flames from spreading into the nearby bush.

The OPP say foul play is not suspected in the fire.

Back to Work Legislation Could come Today for CP employees

Striking CP rail workers could find themselves back to work this week.

The Federal government is expected to table legislation sending the 48 hundred members of the Teamsters back to work.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says while he'd prefer to see a negotiated settlement, keeping the trains rolling is in the national interest.

Talks between the union and CP broke down over the weekend.

CP employees have been on strike for the past six days.

Rain to ease up by tomorrow

There is light at the end of this cloudy tunnel we've been in over the past week.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says there is sun in the forecast by Wednesday at the latest.

Yesterday, the Kenora area was deluged by 21 millimeters of rain.

Health Unit Launches Bedbug Awareness Campaign

They like to come out and bite at night and like to feed on the blood of humans.

We are not talking about a real-life Vampire story, we are talking about bed bugs.

Valdine McEwen is with the Northwestern Health Unit and she says the public show be aware that the tiny bugs can cause big problems.

The Health Unit has launched a public awareness campaign to help folks reduce the chances of bringing bed bugs into their home.

Joint Forces Drug Unit Seizes a large amount of pills

The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit is celebrating a huge drug bust in Thunder Bay.

They raided a hotel room and found more than 14-undred Oxycodone Pills worth an estimated 8-hundred and 41-thousand dollars on the street and more than 93-thousand dollars in cash.

The total value of the bust is just over 9-hundred and 34-thousand dollars, which police believe was headed to a northern first nation community.

A 22-year old woman from Weagamow First Nation has been charged and will appear in court on may 29th.

More MNR fire Crews Heading to Northeastern Ontario

More fire crews from northwestern Ontario are heading to Timmins to help battle a number of wild fires raging out of control.

The MNR says 16 more FireRangers, 15 Overhead staff and two Waterbombers were transferred over to the Northeastern Region yesterday.

Over 200 FireRangers, 90 Overhead staff and over 30 Aircraft from this region are now in northeastern Ontario.

Locally, there is only one active fire of note.

Kenora Fire #36 located on Falcon Island on Lake of the Woods is now listed as being held.

Local Companies get an power boost

A number of tourist camps in northwestern Ontario are going green.

The Northern Ontasrio Heritage Fund is providing grants to four businesses in the Kenora and Rainy River District to install new energy efficient systems.

Salisbury Cruises in Kenora is getting funding to install a solar energy system on a floating lodge on Lake of the Woods.

Kenora Fish Hawk Freightways is also getting money to upgrade an existing solar panel system.

Saints win NWOSSA Soccer Crown

The Thomas Aquinas boys soccer team is heading to the All-Ontario Single A championships next month.

The Saints won the best-of-three NWOSSA final in two straight games against Marathon.

Yesterday afternoon, T.A. cruised to a 2-0 victory.

Patrick Van Bellinghem scored both goals for the Saints.

He also had the lone goal in the first game yesterday, a 1-0 victory over Marathon.

 

Thomas Aquinas will now travel to Windsor June 7th for the OFSAA championships.

Saints Boys Soccer Team Wins Game 1 of NWOSSA Final

The Thomas Aquinas boys soccer team is a win away from advancing to All-Ontario Single A championships.

The Saints edged Marathon 1-0 in the first game of the best-of-three NWOSSA final up at Thomas Aquinas.

Patrick Van Bellingham scored the lone goal of the game early in the first half.

Game two will be played at 5:00 this afternoon.

A win will given T.A. a berth at the OFSAA finals in Windsor next month.

Name Change Requested for Black Sturgeon Island

An island on Black Sturgeon Lake could be in for a name change.

A local resident is asking the city for support to change the name of Island "A" to James Island.

The island would be named after the original trapper who first owned the island.

The resolution will be part of an application being prepared for Ontario's Geographic Names Board for the name change.

OPSEU Speaks out Against Cuts at MNR

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is sounding the alarm over the Province's plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

President Smokey Thomas says the government has already cut back the MNR so much that any more cuts will jeopardize our ability to respond to emergency situations like forest fires.

Thomas says the Provincial Government has left fire fighters alone but they've continued to cut their support staff.

Federal Budget Bill Moving Slowly

The Federal Government budget bill is moving forward slowly, but surely.

That's according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford.

Rickford says debates continue with the opposition and pieces of the Legislation are now being reviewed at the Committee level.

Rickfored is hoping for a mid-June implementation date.

IBC Speaks out Against NDP Insurance Bill

A variety of people are speaking out against an NDP private members bill that calls for changes to auto insurance.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Insurance Bureau of Canada have both come out against Bill 45.

IBC Vice President Ralph Palumbo is calling on Northern Ontario MPPs to speak out against the bill.

The bill is scheduled to come before the Ontario legislature for a second reading June 7th.

Spring Feast this Afternoon at NeChee

The weather may not be ideal, but its time for what's becoming an annual tradition in Kenora.

The Spring feast will take place today at the NeChee Friendship Center.

Last year the spring feast was held at the Kenora Rec. Center.

It will take place from noon til 2:00 at 1301 Railway Street.

Saints host NWOSSA Boys Soccer Finals

A trip to the All-Ontario Single A soccer championships is on the line this weekend for Thomas

Aquinas.

The Saints Boys will play the first two games of a best-of-three series against Marathon today.

Game one of the NWOSSA final will start at 11:00 this morning, followed by game two at 5:00.

Game three, if necessary will be played tomorrow morning at the Thomas Aquinas Field.

Harborfest Parking Approved

Parking in downtown Kenora will still be at a premium this August Long weekend during Harborfest.

The Harborfest Committee has requested and received approval from city council to close down the south parking lot starting the Friday night of the long weekend.

In the past, the parking lot has been closed because a large tent was set up on the site.

Now with the new Harborfront tent in place, Harborfest is hoping to use the south parking lot as a staging area for some of their events.

Black Sturgeon Lake Management Study to Continue

The City of Kenora says it plans to continue monitoring water quality on Black Sturegon Lake.

Council has agreed to include the Black Sturgeon Lake management Plan into its 2013 capital budget.

The city conducted a water study a couple of years ago, and had agreed to test the water every five years as part of its on-going study.

The Management Plan was created due to concerns about all the development which is taking place on the lake.

Tourism Numbers up over the long weekend

Local tourism officials are crowing about their most recent numbers.

Tourism Kenora had both the Discovery Center and the Thistle Pavillion open to the public and more than 540 visitors passed through their doors.

That's a huge increase over last year when only 36 people came into the old Tourist Information bureau on Highway 17 east.

The M.S. Kenora also reported its best opening weekend in nine years.

55 Plus Expo Tomorrow

Kenora's 55 Plus Expo is a growing concern.

This is the second year in a row, Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford's office has staged the event.

Patti Letourneau is one of the organizers and says they'll have lots of information available this year.

The 55 Plus Expos will take place at the Discovery Center tomorrow from 9:00 to 3:00.

AbitibitBowater Now Officially Resolute

It's now official.

AbitibiBowater will officially be known as Resolute Forest Products starting today.

The name change was approved at the company's annual general meeting yesterday.

A mill employee at the Fort Frances mill was one of two to suggest the name in a company wide contest held last year.

Habitat For Humanity Sets Date for Kenora Build

June 18th is circled on Habitat for Humanity's calendar.

That's the day construction on Kenora's first Habitat home is scheduled to start.

Before that, the local committee still has some fundraising to do.

Thelma Wilkens-Page says they will be collecting donations at the Operations Center for their Re-store day this Saturday.

The actual sod turning ceremony for the Habitat Home in Kenora will take place on June 11th.

Plans for Youth Center moving forward

Plans are starting to come together for a new youth Drop-In center in Kenora.

The Kenora Youth Council is working to put the Drop-In Center in Lakewood School.

Spokesperson, Jarod McLean they they are working with a number of community partners to make this work.

McLean is hoping the city will be able to help get a grant for the youth drop-in center to help staff it.

NAN asks for Ontario Coronor's Inquest

The pre-inquest into the death of 15 year old Reggie Bushie is over.

It was adjourned today after the Nishnawbe Aski Nation applied to have the case sent to Ontario's Chief Coroner.

Regional Coroner Spokesperson Derry Miller says the joint inquest would examine the deaths of Reggie Bushie as well as six other teens who died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.

Ontario's Chief Coroner Dr. Andrew McCallum will decide whether or not to hold an inquest into the deaths of the First Nation teens.

Busy Long Weekend for Traffic Police

A busy weekend for Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario during the Victoria Day long weekend.

Police charged 249 drivers for speeding, 21 for seatbelt infractions and seven with distracted driving.

Four careless charges were laid and one ticket was handed out for impaired driving.

The OPP laid roughly 8-thousand charges across the Province.

NorWOSSA Regular Season Wraps Up

Homefield didn't provide much of an advantage for Beaver Brae's Soccer teams.

The Broncos failed to win a game on the last day of the regular season yesterday at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex.

The Bronco boys started the day with a 1-0 loss to Dryden and followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Fort Frances.

The Beaver Brae girls started the day with a 1-1 tie against Dryden, then lost their second game 1-0 against Fort Frances.

The NorWOSSA Championships will take place next Wednesday in Fort Frances.

Three Arrested in Drug bust

Three people face drug charges after being stopped by the OPP in Kenora early this morning.

The Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and Drug Enforcement Unit helped out with the traffic stop.

Police say about 29 grams of cocaine was seized.

42 year old Arcland Beacham, 19 year old Franklin Major and 51 year old Claudette McLeod, all of Kenora have been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

All three are due to appear in Kenora Court July 5th to face the charges.