Thomas Aquinas Boys Hockey Team Heads to New Mexico

The christmas break isn't stopping the TA boys hockey team from playing some competitive hockey.


Tomorrow the Saints are heading down to a tournament in New Mexico.

Head coach Travis Batters says he isn't setting a win loss goal for the tournament has they haved faced any of the teams in to cmpetition.

Batters adds that the tournament features the top teams from divisions throughout New Mexico.

4th Annual Snowflake Shake at Mount Evegreen

Mount Evergreen is hosting its annual Snowflake Shake tonight from 6-10

Blair McCallum says they have lots of events planned for a great family evening to round out the new year.

McCallum says Tickets for the evening are $25 for adults and $10 for kids.

Tickets include your lift pass for the night, a Prime Rib on a bun dinner, movies, music and Nintendo Wii for the kids, and a fireworks display at 10:30.

Contact Mount Evergreen for more information.

Rotary Club Hosts Family Day at Rec Centre

The Rotary Club in Kenora is hosting a free family fun day at the Kenora Rec Centre this afternoon.

Rod Riopel says many the hockey rink, swimming, and walking track will be open for the public between 4 and 7, and that sleigh rides will be running between

Riopel adds that everyone is invited to attend.

MPP Sarah Campbell Prepares for 2013

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has some plans for the new year.

Campbell says she hopes that the new premier for Ontario will have a fresh perspective and work with all of the parties.

Campbell adds that before Dalton McGuinty prorouged the legislation, she was hoping for some changes.

Campbell adds that Queens Park can be recalled anytime after the third week in February.

Contract Deadline Tonight for Ontario Teachers

The deadline for Ontario's teachers to reach agreements with their local school boards is tonight at one minute before midnight.

Education Minister Laurel Broten is urging those school boards and teachers who haven't yet reached deals to do so before tonight's deadline.

Broten hasn't said if she'll move to impose deals on January 1st -- only that she has the option to do so under Bill 115.

The legislation freezes the pay of most teachers, reduces their ability to bank sick days and limits their right to strike.

Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Concerned About Taxes

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls is worried taxes may have to go up once again in 2013.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they have been able to keep their millrate at near zero percent over the past couple of years.

But he says they don't have any control over the increase in property assessments.

Thompson says their bill for policing and the District Services Board continue to increase each year, and they have no control over those costs.

Christmas Day Fire in Dryden

It pays to have working smoke alarms.

On Christmas morning, the Dryden Fire Service responded to to a 4-unit apartment building on Clearwater Crescent.

Acting Fire Chief Ken Kurz says they found a fire burning in the furnace room.

Kurz says the fire could have been deadly as the smoke alarms were not working.

Charges against the owner and occupants are pending.

Ontarians Satisified with O.P.P

The Ontario Provincial Police have released their annual community satisfaction survey.

The survey revealed that over 95.8 percent of Ontarians feel 'safe' or 'very safe' in their communities.

Staff Sergeant Hazel O'Brien says that there is a common issue throughout the province, including Northwestern Ontario.

  O'Brien adds that a major issue in the region is the use of alcohol and drugs.

North Spirit Lake Man Charged for Assault in Red Lake

A 21-year-old man from North Spirit Lake has been charged following an incident in Red Lake earlier this month.


On December 16, Red Lake OPP responded to a report of an assault that took place at a residence, and upon arrival found a 47-year-old man with injuries.

Police say Clarence Ignace has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.

O.P.P Recover Body in Red Lake

Provincial Police have recovered a body from Deer Lake, near the community of Red Lake.
Last Friday, O.P.P were contacted by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service after a man who was operating a Bombardier groomer fell through the ice.
Police say the man has been identified as 56-year-old Henry Meekis.

New Doctors to Roster Patients in New Year

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is looking forward to some new doctors in the new year.

Two new doctors are getting ready to set up shop.

Marc Belcaen is the CEO of the Hospital and says the process has been held up by the province and the Ontario Medical Association.

Belcaen is urging any families in the community to register with Health Care Connect, which is a website set up to find patients a doctor.

Kenora O.P.P charge 2 men for Impared Driving

Some people don't seem to be getting the message about drinking and driving.

Kenora O.P.P confirm they charged 2 men this morning with impared driving.

At 3:30 police got a tip from a gas station and pulled a vehicle on Lakeview Drive, 36-year old Daniel Swaigen of Winnipeg was charged and will appear in Kenora Court on February 7th.

About an hour later O.P.P stopped a vehicle on 9th Street North where 24 year old Brodie Mahon of Greenstone was charged with exceeding the legal limit.

Update on Fatal Crash Near Ignace

The man who was killed in a two vehicle collision on Sunday East of Ignace has been identified.

Provincial Police say 32-year-old Blake Cheslock of Thunder Bay died when a westbound 2006 Ford pick up truck travelleled into the eastbound lane and collided with a 2007 Pontiac G6.

In addition, Cheslock's two-year-old daughter was transported to Winnipeg to be treated for injuries.

Police say the 79-year-old driver of the pick up and a 17-year-old passenger were transported to Dryden Hospital.

Police continue to investigate the collision.

Lions Club Car Draw Winners Announced

Thee lucky people have won prizes from the Lions Club car Raffle.

The Grand Prize winner is Gord Lund who takes home the brand new 2013 Ford Escape.

Second place went to Nancy Johansen of Kenora who won a 500 dollar gift card for Safeway.

And Steven Robertson took 3rd place winning a 500 dollar Canadian Tire gift card.

Alzheimer Society's Forget Me Not Dinner

The first major fundraiser of the new year for the Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River goes in Fort Frances

The Forget Me Not Charitable Dinner will take place January 12 at the La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says it's the 9th year for the event, formally known as the Chef's Dinner.

For tickets visit the Alzheimer Society's website at http://www.alzheimerkrr.com/ or call its Kenora office at (807) 468-1516.

Funding Application for Reddit Water Plant

Redditt residents are still waiting for their water project to be completed.

Jack Martin is president of the Local Services Board and says they need more funding to finish the water treatment plant.

Martin says they have applied for funding from a new infrastructure program announced by the province in the fall, which will pay up to 90 percent of any upgrades.

Kenora Hydro Rates

Kenora Hydro says it could be a few more months before it knows whether the rates it charges local consumers will be going up.

President and CEO of the municipal utility, Dave Sinclair says any increase would be fairly modest but it is to early to tell if there will be any change.

Sinclair says Kenora Hydro has filed its Interim Rate Order, but any increase would not take place until at least May 1st.

Crimestoppers Trying to Solve Theft of Snowmachines

Northwestern Ontario Crimestoppers is asking for the public's assistance to help locate a couple of snowmachines stolen in Fort Frances.

The two Arctic Cats were on a trailor located in a storage and display lot at the West end of Fort Frances and were stolen the night of December 8th.

One of the sleds was an Arctic Cat 2002 ZL 6 600 with black and orange coloring.

The other was an Arctic Cat 2006 SAB 700 Fire Cat.

Southern Ontario Hunter Charged for Killing Wolf

A southern Ontario man has been fined a thousand dollars for illegally hunting a wolf north of Kenora.

MNR Conservation officers say they came across a hunting camp on the Seguise Road back in October and noticed a wolf carcass behind the camp.

A hunter admitted he had shot the wolf earlier in the day, but did not have the proper game seal to affix to the animal.

He told the Conservation officers he was waiting for someone in his hunting party to put their game seal on the wolf.

The MNR says its illegal for hunting party's to kill wolves.

Neil Whitmore from Rockwood, Ontario has been fined a thousand dollars.

His rifle was also seized until the fine is paid.

Thunder Bay Man Killed in Accident near Ignace

One person is dead and three other people have been sent to hospital as a result of a two-vehicle collision near Ignace.

The OPP say the collision took place yesterday afternoon around 5:00 when a westbound Ford F-150 crossed into the eastbound lane and ran into a 2007 Pontiac G-6.

The driver of the Pontiac, a 32 year old man from Thunder Bay was killed and his two year old daughter was taken by air ambulence to Winnipeg for treatment of her injuries.

A 69 year old man who was driving the pick-up and his 17 year old passenger from Hawkstone, Ontario were taken by ambulence to hospital in Dryden.

The Trans-Canada was closed about 10 kilometers east of Ignace for about seven hours while the OPP conducted their investigation and the wreckage was removed from the highway.

OPP Re-Open Highway 17 near Ignace

Highway 17 10 kilometers east of Ignace is now open to both lanes of traffic after being closed most of the night due to a fatal motor vehicle collision.

The OPP say the highway was closed initially around 6:00 last night and wasn't opened to one lane for another six hours.

Police say the accident took place about 10 kilometer east of Ignace.

No other details are available at this time.

Public School Board Looks At School Safety

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it will have to review safety measures in place at its elementary schools in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticutt shootings.

Last week, premier Dalton McGuinty says he wants to spend 10 million dollars to improve security systems.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says they are willing to work with the province to improve school safety.

McMaster says some of their newer schools already have things like security cameras in place, but some older schools might need upgrades.

Canfield looks forward to the New Year

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's bullish on the city's economy heading into the new year.

Canfield believes the city has the infrastructure in place to take advantage of some exciting new initiatives.

Canfield says Weyerhaeuser is also talking about expanding its Trus-Joist operations to five days a week, which is also exciting news.

City of Dryden Trying to Trim Tax Increase

There's more talks of service cuts in the City of Dryden.

The first draft of the 2013 operating and capital budget was presented to council last week, which outlines a tax increase of as much as seven percent.

However, Mayor Craig Nuttall says he and council are going to look at other options instead of increasing taxes by that amount.

Nuttall adds that a tax increase that keeps pace with the cost of living of 2 or 3 percent seems to be do-able.

Ice Candle Festival To Light Up Cemetary

Lake of the Woods Cemetary will be shining brightly tonight.

Over five thousand ice candles are expected to be placed at gravesites this afternoon in the annual festival of lights.

Barb Manson is one of the organizers and says they will have a special ceremony this afternoon to kick things off.

Manson says the ice candles will stay lit for about three days.

Midget Thistles Extend Winning Streak

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles will go into the Christmas break on a four game winning streak.

The Thistles won back to back games at home over the weekend against the Interlake Lightning.

Saturday night, the Thistles got by the Lightning 5-3 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The same result Friday night as the Thistles scored four unanswered goals in the third period to come back for a 5-3 victory.

The Kenora midgets will have almost two weeks off before their next game.

They had to Thompson for a pair of games against the Norman North Stars starting January 4th.

Local Drum Ceremony Supports Theresa Spence

Local support is growing for a Northern Ontario chief on a hunger strike.

Local Aboriginal groups gathered today outside market square and held a drum ceremony to commemorate Attiwapiskat chief Theresa Spence.

Spence has been on a hunger strike in Ottawa for 9 days with demands to meet with Prime Minister and the Governor General to discuss the level of poverty in aboriginal communities.

Spence says nothing has been done to improve the poor living conditions on the Attwapiskat first nation after declaring a state of emergency over a year ago.

Rainy River Resources Pulls Back From Pickle Lake Project

Rainy River Resources had decided not to take controlling interest of an exploration project north of Pickle Lake.

The company had been in partnership with Northern Superior Resources for the past two years in the  

Ti-pa-haa-kaa-ning project with an option to assume 51 per cent.

President Raymond Threlkeld says while drilling identified good potential in the project, they've decided to focus efforts and resources in developing its gold project south of Kenora.

Idle No More and Save ELA Hold Rally

Greg Rickford seems to be followed by protesters where ever he goes these days.

Yesterday, the Kenora M.P. held an open house at his constituency office in Kenora, but there were more people outside his office than inside.

A couple of different groups held rallies in support of different causes.

Peter Kirby with the coalition to save the ELA says they are continuing their battle to keep the outdoor laboratory open.

Similar protests have taken place in Red Lake and Dryden this week.

First Canada to Take over Kenora's Transit Service

The City's Transit Service has become a million dollar business.

Starting in the new year, First Canada will take over the municipal transit contract at a cost of 1.1 million dollars over five years.

The city's fleet manager Mike Mostow says the contract could increase or decrease depending on the cost of fuel.

First Canada currently operates school buses in the Kenora area and will take over the transit service from Excel Coach Lines.

911 Costs Going Up

9-1-1 phone service is going to cost the City of Kenora a little bit more in 2013.

City council has approved a contract extention with the Ontario Provincial Police to handle the emergency phone system.

It will cost 86 hundred dollars next year.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the contract is based on population size, and in the last census, Kenora's population grew.

The new five year deal will take effect starting February 17th.

Hospital Looking At Patient Advocate Program

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is researching a new pilot program for patient advocacy.

The idea came about from a presentation seen by board chair Fred Richardson about a program in Kingston.

Hospital CEO Mark Balcaen says the program would benefit patients who need help understanding the health system.

Balcaen adds that the hospital is going to do research on if the program would work on a voluntary basis.

Thunder Bay Storm makes Top 10 List

Thunder Bay has the dubious distinction of making it to the top 10 list of weather events in Canada for 2012.

Meteorologist Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says they are calling this year, the year of the flood.

Back on May 28th, a severe thunderstorm flooding dozens of basements and overwhelmed the

city's water treatment plant.

Coulson notes the event shattered weather records and was one of a kind.

Thomas Aquinas Boys Hockey Team Wins Again

The Thomas Aquinas Saints boys hockey team will head into the Christmas break on a bit of a winning streak.

The Saints upended the Fort Frances Canadians last night 6-2 in an exhibition game.

Rory Keith led the scoring attack with a hat trick.

The Saints finish the first half of the season with a record of 10 wins, four losses and a tie.

T.A. is preparing to head to New Mexico for a tournament on January 1st.

Snowmobile Goes Through Laurenson's Creek

A not so subtle reminder to check the ice conditions before you venture out on local lakes and rivers.

This morning, a snowmachine when through the ice on Laurenson's Creek in the area of the 8th Avenue Bridge.

Constable Dave Cain says the recent warm weather has created variable ice conditions.

Cain says fortunately the snowmobiler managed to get himself out of the water to safety

New Paramedics to be Hired in Kenora

The Kenora District Services Board is beefing up staff at the new land ambulence base in Kenora.

The DSAB is doing away with an on-call paramedic crew.

Director of EMS Andrew Tickner says instead, the board has approved 4 new positions to create a second on-site overnight crew.

In addition to the positions in Kenora the KDSB is adding 1 new overnight position in Sioux Lookout.

The KDSB hopes to have everything in place by the end of January.

New Zoning By-Law for Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Nestor Falls residents are going to have to get used to a few more rules and regulations.

This week, the Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls approved a new Zoning By-Law.

This is the first time Nestor Falls has ever had zoning regulations.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he's been trying to explain to residents the benefits of the new by-law.

Another key componant of the by-law restricts how close property owners can build to the lake.

School Flags Remain At Half Mast

The Kenora Catholic District School Board says flags at its schools will remain at half mast this week.

The separate School Board says its in remembrance of the 20 children and six women who were killed at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre says the tragic loss of life has impacted all communities, including local schools.

She adds that their board takes these rare incidents seriously and has crisis support teams in place in each school and lockdown procedures to ensure student safety.

Firefly and Health Unit Compile Snapshots of our Children

A series of "snapshots" are hoping to reveal strengths and weaknesses in children and families in the area.

CEO of Firefly Karen Ingebrigtson says they are intended to be a resource for service providers to address needs and issues within surrounding communities.

The snapshots include extensive data about children under the age of four in the Kenora District. 

A link to the snapshots is available on both Firefly's and the Northwest Health Unit's websites.

NAN Supports Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pressuring the Federal Government to release files on the residential schools.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is appalled that the federal government has refused to release millions of documents currently held by 23 federal departments.

He feels it's making it impossible for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to do its job.

Thistles Down Selects

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles continue to have the Eastman Selects number.

The Thistles upended the Selects 5-2 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Nick Prouty led the way with a pair of goals.

The Thistles are back in action Friday night with a home game against the Interlake Lightning.

Salvation Army Delivers Holiday Hampers

The Salvation Army is playing to role of Santa Clause today.

Captain Roy Bladen says volunteers are in the process of delivering this years Christmas hampers to area families.

Bladen says even with a week left in fundraising that the donations have have gone beyond his wildest dreams.  

He adds the people in the Kenora area have donated around 50 thousand dollars worth of food, toys, and money.

Council Approves Street Vendors Again

Street vendors will be back on the Kenora Harborfront and the Discovery Center once again next summer.

Kenora City council has given approval to continue the street vendor program.

Last year there were three approved for the Harborfront area and two for the Discovery Center.

Next year, only one will be given a permit to set up at the tourist information center on Lakeview Drive.

Minaki on the River Moving Forword

Its taken a couple of years, but the owners of the former Minaki Lodge have outlined their plans for the property.

Minaki on the River will consist of a 56-unit apartment-style condominium  and 96 lots to be sold as seasonal cottage lots.

Bob Banman is one of the people behind the development and says they tried to blend into their current surroundings.

The project is currently in front of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing awaiting approval.

The developers hope to secure the approvals in early 2013, with infrastructure work to commence sometime next year.

Catholic Board and Teachers Union Disagree on Contract

The Kenora Catholic District School Board and its teachers aren't exactly singing from the same song book.

The separate school board has wrapped up local bargaining with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.

The talks failed to produce a new agreement, so the current contract will remain in place.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says the deal with ensure at least two more years of labor peace.

However, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association says is disappointed with the current position of the Kenora Catholic District School Board.

Bastone Back as School Board Chair

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is staying the course.

Frank Bastone is back for another term as chair of the separate school board.

Bastone was re-elected at last night's inaugural board meeting.

Long time trustee Paul Landry was elected as the board's vice-chair.

Kenora Hydro Unhappy with New Report

A recent all-party report on Ontario's electrical distribution system isn't sitting well with Kenora Hydro.

The report suggests amalgamating a number of the municipal hydro utilities would save millions of dollars.

President and CEO of Kenora Hydro Dave Sinclair says the report doesn't recognize some of the realities here in northwestern Ontario.

Sinclair says while it might make sense to amalgamate hydro utilities in southern Ontario, it's a little more difficult in our region.

Aboriginal Protest on Highway 71 This Morning

Motorists travelling along Highway 71 may encounter a brief delay this morning.

Members of Onigaming First Nation near Nestor Falls intend to protest measures contained in the federal government's omnibus bill they say effects the environment and First Nation Treaties.

Chief Norman Copenance says the protest will be peaceful.

The protest to begin at around 10 this morning.

Red Lake OPP Officer Cleared by SIU

The Province's police watchdog is clearing a Red Lake O.P.P. officer of any wrong-doing in the death of a 35 year old man last month.

Ian Scott of the province's Special Investigations Unit says, “There are no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the death.

The S.I.U.’s investigation leads to only one reasonable conclusion: the decedent took his own life by means of a single bullet discharged from a rifle at close range.

There was no police involvement in his unfortunate death.”

The S.I.U. also concluded that at no time did police have any contact with the man who perished sometime between November 4th ad 5th.

Cabbie Assaulted

A 35 year old Kenora man faces charges as a result of an assault on a local taxi driver.

The OPP say they received a complaint Saturday morning around 8:00, that a cabbie had been attacked by a passenger while travelling along the Redditt Road.

A male suspect was arrested at the scene.

Patrick Achneepineskum has been charged with assault.

He's due to appear in Kenora Court at the end of January to answer to the charge.