Police Block Valley Drive as Fire Crews Battle Blaze

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department has been hopping dealing with brush fires.

For the third time in three days, crews had to deal with a blaze in the Valley Drive area of town.

The fire broke out just before noon, but crews managed to bring it under control fairly quickly.

A small section of Valley Drive was actually blocked off this afternoon to protect a hose that was connected to a fire hydrant on the other side of the road.

OPP Release Name of Keewatin Fatality

The OPP have released the name of a 22 year old Kenora man who died in Keewatin over the Weekend.

He's been identified as Justen Kroeker.

Kroeker's body was found near the C.P. Train tracks Sunday morning.

Police are still waiting for the results of a post-mortem exam conducted on Monday.

Foul play is not suspected.

Visitor Traffic Up early in 2012

The closure of the Tourist Information Center at the Ontario/Manitoba Boundary is partly being credited for an increase in visitor numbers in Kenora.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission says there has been a 74 percent increase in traffic in the first three months of the year.

Don Denver is a member of the commission and says special events also play a role in increased tourist numbers.

The commission presented its first quarter report to city council this week.

More Fire Activity in the Kenora District

(File Photo)

Things are starting to heat up for local fire ranger crews.

Another five wild fires were reported in the northwest region yesterday, four of those in the Kenora District.

The MNR says all of the new blazes were the result of lightning strikes, but were fairly small in size and have all been extinguished.

Currently there are 15 forest fires that are considered active in the region.

Property and Planning Approves Outdoor Patios

Outdoor eating could be a growth industry in Kenora this summer.

The Property and Planning Committee has paved the way for more outdoor patios, by approving a new policy.

Councillor Ron Lunny says they will be allowing local bars and restaurants to set up outdoor patios on municipal property and hopes local businesses take advantage.

A detailed application form should be available as early as next week, if city council adopts the new Outdoor Patio Policy.

NAPS Investigate Death of an 18 month old Pikangikum toddler

A 33 year year old woman has been charged in the death of an 18 month old child from the Pikangikum First Nation.

The Nishinabe-Aski Police say they were called in to investigate the death of Isaac Keeper last week on the Poplar Hill First Nation.

His caregiver, Shannon Moose has been charged with aggravated assault.

She's currently in custody and is due to appear in Kenora Court on Friday.

Harborfest Concert Line-up Finalized

(Buckcherry)

Harborfest has finalized its nightly entertainment for this August Long weekend.

The Saturday night show will feature Treble Charger and Buckcherry.

Director of Entertainment, Dave Blake admits they are targeting a younger crowd with their Saturday night concert.

Tickets for the Saturday night show will go on sale this Friday.