Council Votes to Close Castle of Learning

Despite the pleadings of hundreds of parents, employees and even union leaders, Kenora City Council has decided to close the Castle of Learning Daycare center.

The issue was discussed at some length last nigh at City Hall.

Sue Devins is one of the parents affected by the decision and says the city has the resources to continue the program.

Council voted 4-2 in favour of closing the daycare with Rory McMillan and Sharon Smith voting against the closure.

Smith feels the city hasn't done its due diligence.

The union representing the 17 workers at the Castle of Learning says its looking to get a court injunction against the closure, claiming it violates their collective agreement.

Council Approves Indoor Soccer Complex

The Lake of the Woods Soccer Association now has the green light to proceed with plans to transform the Jaffray Melick Community Center into an indoor soccer complex.

Last night, council voted unanimously in favour of a three year agreement with the soccer association for the re-development of the arena.

Plans call for artificial turf to be installed for a year round indoor soccer and sports training facility.

The Soccer Association says its working on plans for the complex and isn't sure when it will be ready for use.

OPP Concerned about Increase in MVA's

The OPP say they are developing a new policy to inform motorists about lengthy highway closures.

Inspector Dave Lucas of the Kenora Detachment says they've notice a bit increase in the number of accidents on Highway 17 west, especially during the weekends.

Lucas says the accidents can cause significant delays for motorists.

Lucas says they will be using signage and asking officers to speak with motorists waiting in line,

keeping them informed about the length of the road closure.

MP Launches Campaign to save Katimavik

A young member of parliment is taking a stand for youth across Canada.

The Katimavik Program, which provides oppertunities for youth to volunteer and gain working experience in different organizations, was recently cut by the government.

MP for Terrebonne-Blainville Quebec Charmaine Borg says it is completley unfair.

Allison Wight attended the program in January, and is also very upset with the government's decision.

Borg has started a petition to keep the program, which already has over 7000 signatures.

Big Trout Chief Receives Honor

Chief Donny Morris of the Big Trout Lake First Nation stood up for what he believes in, and now he's been awarded a medal.

Morris was presented a diamond jubilee pin, honoring the work he's done for his community.

In March 2008, Morris and others were put in jail for standing up to the province.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell presented the medal, saying Morris has been a "true leader".

OPP Warn Motorists of Possible Scam

The Ontario Provincal Police want the public to be aware of a scam that's happening in Northwestern Ontario.

On Sunday there were two seperate incidents in the Nipigon area and Thunder Bay area on highway 11/17.

In the Nipigon area, a female flagged down a driver, saying she had ran out of gas and said she had a ring she would exchange for money.

In the same incident in Thunder Bay, a man flagged down a driver and made the same offer. The man offered the ring in exchange for money, which he said was worth 800 dollars.

Police say the ring was later found to be fake.

The man and woman appear to be of Turkish descent and were driving a dark coloured Audi.

Police want the public to be cautious with any offer that seems to good to be true.