Keewatin-Patricia DSB and OSSTF Hold Contract Talks

Two days of contract talks are scheduled this week between the public school board and its high school teachers.

Negotiators with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board are meeting today and tomorrow with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

Union vice-president, Paul Elliott says this round of talks will determine whether teachers will take any job action this week.

The OSSTF also represents local occasional teachers, educational support staff as well as clerical, office and library workers.

OPP Lay Two More Impaired Driving Charges

Another weekend, another couple of impaired driving charges in the Kenora area.

The OPP say they stopped two vehicles in the Lakeside area.

In once case, the driver, a 35 year old Rat Portage man was not only charged with impaired driving, but also Uttering Threats causing bodily harm.

The OPP began its Festive RIDE program over the weekend to try curb the incidence of impaired driving over the holiday season.

Three Charged in McMunn Break-In

Three Winnipeg men have been arrested following a break-in to a gas station at McMunn on Highway 1 in Manitoba.

Falcon Lake RCMP say they were called to investigate an alarm at the McMunn Motor Inn around 4:00 Friday morning.

With help from an RCMP Canine Unit, three suspects were located.

Police say the men were aged 33, 31 and 21 year old and face several charges in connection to the break-in.

Treaty Three Concerned with Generic Oxy

Another First Nation Organization is weighing in on the federal government's decision to allow production of generic Oxycontin.

Harmony Redsky is a Health Policy Analyst with Treaty # 3 and says this decision will undo the work they have been carrying out to fight addictions to prescription pills.

Redsky adds that Treaty #3 will be bringing up their concerns with other first nations organization to try change the federal's government mind about licencing the generic drug.

LOW Water Resources Center Working Group to Meet

A steering group will be meeting this week to keep the ball rolling for a water resource center for Lake of the Woods.

A workshop was held earlier this month to find out if there was any support for such a concept.

Kelly Saunders is spear-heading the initiative and says their job now is to see if they can make the dream a reality.

There's about a half dozen people involved in the working group, which will be looking at the possibility of establishing a Water Resource Center in Kenora.

Campbell Launches Regional Collection Drive

Some incentive to shop local and help those less fortunate from Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

Campbell is organizing a collection drive across her riding.

Campbell says those who bring in food items, clothes or toys will be entered into a draw for gift certificates from local businesses.

In Kenora donations can be dropped of at Campbell's office in the Royal Canadian Legion Building.

Police Investigating Fatal Fire near Pickle Lake

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fatal house fire on New Osnaburgh First Nation.

The Nishinabe Aski Police Service says human remains were found on the scene of the fire on Friday.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora. 

The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.

OPP Launches Seasonal RIDE Program

It's simple, don't drink and drive.

The Ontario Provincial Police began its annual seasonal RIDE program over the weekend.

Acting Sergeant with the Northwest Region Anne McCoy says it aims to catch drunk drivers in the act.

While the festive campaign runs until January 2, McCoy adds that RIDE checks are done year round.

Thistles Split Weekend Games

A split for the Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles over the weekend.

Yesterday, the Thistles dropped a 4-1 decision to the top team in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

Chris Varrin scored the lone goal for the Thistles in the game. 

League, the Winnipeg Thrashers. Friday night, the Kenora Midgets downed the Eastman Selects 5-2 at home.

Nick Prouty led the scoring attack with a pair of goals.