City Funds Debenture for Harborfront Tent

Kenora City Council will be dipping into the KMTS Citizan's Prosperity Trust once again to help pay for a major capital project.

Council says it will borrow just over 740 thousand dollars in order to finance the long term debt on the new Harborfront tent.

The city has also received 800 thousand dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund,
50 thousand from the Kenora BIZ and a five thousand dollar donation from a local businessman for the tent.

Councillor Ron Lunny says at three percent a year, the city is making good money on the loan, and paying itself at the same time, so its a win/win situation.

He adds this is the last major debenture the city will have to take out, after previously financing the new fire hall and the Discovery Center.

More Co-Operation Sought on Oxycontin

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit wants to see more discussion in dealing with the withdrawl of oxycontin.

Doctor James Arthur says it's an issue that simply one agency alone can't solve.

Arthur says placing blame for the reasons behind the drug's high use in Ontario does little to address the problem.

More Temperature Records Fall

A sign of things to come weather wise.

Four records were broken yesterday in Northwestern Ontario.

The hot spot was Fort Frances at 12.6-degrees.

The previous high was 12.5 set in 1995.

Thunder Bay reached 12.2-degrees, blowing away the previous high of 9.4.

Atikokan hit 11.4 and Ear Falls 11.1 degrees.

 

Kenora topped out at 10.2 yesterday, still a couple of degrees lower than

the previous high for March 13th.

Outdoor Patios Being Encouraged by City

Outdoor eating could soon be the rule rather than the exception in downtown Kenora.

Kenora City Council is looking at a policy that would encourage businesses to set up patios.

Councillor Ron Lunny supports the idea and wants to see council move the concept forward.

The City's Planning Department is hoping to come up with a policy, including costs and regulations for business owners by the middle of May.

Dufresne Furniture Extends Charity Challenge

Four Kenora groups could benefit thanks to a new Dufresne Furniture promotion.

The Winnipeg-based company has expanded it's 1-million dollar charity challenge and is now giving away a 5-thousand dollar bonus to one of 51 charities.

The Firefly Minto Resource Center, the Hospital Foundation, Triple Play and Aamiikowish Housing are in the running.

You are asked to go on Facebook and like Dufresne.

For there you will be able to pick which charity should be selected for the extra 5-grand.

Man Arrested Following Stand-off on North Spirit Lake

A 42 year old man faces charges following a stand-off with Police in North Spirit Lake.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police were notified by Band Council on Monday about a barricaded man and a second injured individual.

Officers made contact with the man and were able to reach the victim.

The man was airlifted to Hospital in Winnipeg with 4-stab wounds.

Provincial Police and Negoitators were called in and the accused turned himself in on Tuesday morning without incident.

Police say Robert Anthony Rae has been charged with aggravated assault, uttering threats and breach of probation.

He remains in custody.

OPP seeks Summer students for Marine Unit

The Ontario Provincial Police is looking for applications for a summer Marine Assistant position.

The salary position will start July 3rd and will run for about 7-weeks.

Constable Anne McCoy says the students will help officers conduct marine checks on recreational vessels as well as perform other duties.

Two positions are available this summer in Kenora, one in Fort Frances and one in Dryden. 

You must be over the age of 18 and have a Ontario G2 Driver's licence to apply.

OPP Investigate Cottage Break-Ins

A couple of camp owners got a unwelcome surprise this week.

The OPP say they were contacted Monday about break-ins to two camps on Lake of the Woods.

One was on Pine Island and the other on Gordon Island.

In both instances, the culprits broke a window the gain entry.

Once inside furniture, walls, doors and other personal property was damaged.

The damage estimate has been put at about three thousand dollars.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.