Tuesday, June 26, 2012

NAN Presents Invoice to Province

The provionce of Ontario is getting a bill today from Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.

The invoice is for 127-million dollars.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy is in Toronto today to present the invoice saying it's for benfits derived from resource development for the past 100 years in the far north.

OPP Recover Stolen Vehicle

A routine traffic stop has netted the OPP a stolen vehicle.

Officers says they stopped a 2008 Toyota Tundra on Veteran's Drive around 1:00 this morning in the area of Lakewood School.

After speaking with the occupants it was discovered the pick-up had been taken from a home in the 3rd Avenue South area.

Police say the culprits broke into the home and located the keys to the vehicle.

18 year old Randel Beacham from Rat Portage has been charged with break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime.

He's scheduled to appear in Kenora Court in August to face the charges.

Energy Minister Meets with NOMA

Municipal and First Nations leaders have the latest update from the provincial government on the energy situation in the Northwest.

Energy Minister Chris Bentley had a chance to sit down yesterday to talk about the opportunities available and what he would like to see happen in this region.

In the Meantime, Bentley says the Atikokan Generating Station is still online to convert to biomass.

Reward Offered to Find dog poisoner

A local paralegal is working with CrimeStoppers to find the culprits of a sick case of animal cruelty.

Four dogs in the Wainwright Township near Dryden were poisioned, and two of them died as a result.

Ritchie Noel of Sunset Country Law Firm has personally offered 300 dollars along side Crime Stopper's reward for any tips that will lead to the arrest of those involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP police or Crime stoppers.

Public School Board Gets Funding For Kindergarten programs

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is getting some capital funding from the province for its full-day kindergarten programs.

The Ministry of Education has promised 1.1 million dollars to add classroom space at Valleyview and King George.

The public school board says it will be building an addition to Valleyview, which should be ready by the 2013/2014 school year.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says the extra space will help with their planning as they get ready to launch a French Immersion program at Valleyview as well.

The money will also help refurbish classroom space at King George.

Catholic School Board Passes Workwell Audit

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has seen a big improvement in its most recent Workwell Audit.

The audit is conducted by the WSIB and evaluates health and safety practices of local businesses.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says improved from 22.5 percent up to 86.6 percent in the most recent audit conducted last month.

Most other local agencies also saw a big improvement the second time around in the Workwell Audit.

The City of Kenora went from 35 percent to 85 percent, while the hospital topped out at 97.9 percent.

Eviction Notices Sent Out in Ring of Fire

Evacuation preperations for the Ring of Fire are in full-swing.

Six Northern Ontario first nations are in the final stages of issuing a 30 day notice to all mining companies in the area.

This is in preperation for a new mining developement in the Ring, which is exceedingly rich in chromite.

However the first nations are concerned that by the way the project is going so far, it could damage the land, river systems and change their way of life forever.

OPP Investigate Weekend Break-Ins

The local OPP continue to investigate a rash of mischief complaints in the Kenora area.

Over the weekend, police responded to a number of incidents, including a break-in at Beaver Brae Secondary School.

On Saturday, the OPP responded to an alarm at the school, and found the culprit still inside by the time they arrived at the scene.

A 22 year old man has been charged with Break and Enter, Mischief and Possession of property obtained by crime.

In another incident a 14 year old youth was arrested while going through vehicles in the 7th Avenue South area.

He has been charged with mischief and breach of probation.

Sharks Excel at Grand Forks Swim Meet

A dominating performance by the Kenora Sharks Swim Club at a swim meet in North Dakota over the weekend.

The Sharks collected a number of first, second and third place finishes at the pool in Grand Forks.

Bryce Jones had a strong meet placing first in all eight of his races.

Emilia Mastromateo was competing in the 8 and under girls division and brought home four gold medals, while Rhianna Price also collected four firsts in the 9/10 girls division.

Winnie Boucha also collected five golds in the girls 11/12 division.

The Sharks Girls relay team also collected three gold medals.