New Land Ambulence Base Open

The new land ambulence base on Barsky's Hill is now open for business.

The base, which is located beside the new Kenora fire hall on 14th Street North, cost about 2.8 million dollars to build.

It opened its doors a couple of weeks ago, and replaces the aging base on Tunnel Island near the hospital.

The new land ambulence base is getting good reviews from paramedics, who are enjoying the additional space and amentities of the building.

A grand-opening date hasn't been announced yet.

Prescribed Burns Called a Success

The Ministry of Natural Resources says its completed a prescribed burn down Lake of the Woods.

Over the weekend five fires were deliberately set on islands near the Auleneau Peninsula.

Pat Harvey from the Kenora Fire Center says this is something they've been trying in recent years to encourage new forest growth.

Harvey says while the fires have burned themselves out, people in the area still may notice smoke coming from the prescribed burns over the next few days.

MNR Lends Air Support to Minnesota

Even though the fire season is starting to wind down in northwestern Ontario, MNR crews continue to lend assistance out-of-province.

Yesterday, two CL-415 water bombers and a bird dog aircraft were sent to northwestern Minnesota to battle a large wild fire that had crossed the border into Manitoba.

That fire has grown to about 600 hectares in size.

OPP Investigating Weekend Thefts

The OPP are investigating a number of thefts over the weekend.

In one instance, a kayak was stolen from a dock on Trout Lake northwest of Kenora last Friday night.

The boat is described as a lime-green Mysto ocean kayak.

Three other break-ins were reported in to businesses in the 9th Street North area.

Police say an unknown quantity of cash and some cell-phone products were stolen.

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

MNO Applauds Manitoba Metis Agreement

Manitoba Metis have signed a Harvesting Rights Agreement with the province.

It recognises rights for Metis harvesters without the legal requirements of purchasing a game tag.

MNO President Gary Lipinski says is similar to one signed in Ontario.

Lipinski says a lot of work still needs to be done to fully recognise Metis rights.

OPP Arrest Suspect in Nova Scotia Kidnapping

Police have arrested a man linked to an incident in Nova Scotia.

Officers arrested David James LeBlanc yesterday evening, who is wanted for the sexual assault and forcible confinement of a 16-year-old boy.

Acting Seargent with the Ontario Provincial Police Kelly Daniels-Griffis says police are still looking for William Cunningham.

Police say Cunningham is wanted for the same charges.

The OPP believe he is heading towards Calgary in a grey 2003 Hyundai Elantra.

MOE Cracks down on Resort

A resort on Lake of the Woods has been fined for illegally disposing of waste.

Big Narrows Resort pleaded guilty to one violation under the Environmental Protection Act for burning waste.

The MOE says an inspection found an incinerator containing plastic bags filled with garbage from the resort.

The site has been given approval to burn only clean wood, brush and cardboard.

The company has been fined 25 hundred dollars and a victim surcharge fee.

Special Teams Honor for Bronco kicker

A member of the Beaver Brae Broncos is being recognized for his strong play last week.

Braiden Leischow has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week in the Currie Division of the Winnipeg High School Football League.

The Broncos quarterback also doubles as the teams placekicker and punter and had six converts, one field goal and a 41 yard punting average in three games last week.

The Broncos finished the week with two wins and one loss.