Snowmobile Goes Through Laurenson's Creek

A not so subtle reminder to check the ice conditions before you venture out on local lakes and rivers.

This morning, a snowmachine when through the ice on Laurenson's Creek in the area of the 8th Avenue Bridge.

Constable Dave Cain says the recent warm weather has created variable ice conditions.

Cain says fortunately the snowmobiler managed to get himself out of the water to safety

New Paramedics to be Hired in Kenora

The Kenora District Services Board is beefing up staff at the new land ambulence base in Kenora.

The DSAB is doing away with an on-call paramedic crew.

Director of EMS Andrew Tickner says instead, the board has approved 4 new positions to create a second on-site overnight crew.

In addition to the positions in Kenora the KDSB is adding 1 new overnight position in Sioux Lookout.

The KDSB hopes to have everything in place by the end of January.

New Zoning By-Law for Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Nestor Falls residents are going to have to get used to a few more rules and regulations.

This week, the Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls approved a new Zoning By-Law.

This is the first time Nestor Falls has ever had zoning regulations.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he's been trying to explain to residents the benefits of the new by-law.

Another key componant of the by-law restricts how close property owners can build to the lake.

School Flags Remain At Half Mast

The Kenora Catholic District School Board says flags at its schools will remain at half mast this week.

The separate School Board says its in remembrance of the 20 children and six women who were killed at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre says the tragic loss of life has impacted all communities, including local schools.

She adds that their board takes these rare incidents seriously and has crisis support teams in place in each school and lockdown procedures to ensure student safety.

Firefly and Health Unit Compile Snapshots of our Children

A series of "snapshots" are hoping to reveal strengths and weaknesses in children and families in the area.

CEO of Firefly Karen Ingebrigtson says they are intended to be a resource for service providers to address needs and issues within surrounding communities.

The snapshots include extensive data about children under the age of four in the Kenora District. 

A link to the snapshots is available on both Firefly's and the Northwest Health Unit's websites.

NAN Supports Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pressuring the Federal Government to release files on the residential schools.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is appalled that the federal government has refused to release millions of documents currently held by 23 federal departments.

He feels it's making it impossible for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to do its job.

Thistles Down Selects

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles continue to have the Eastman Selects number.

The Thistles upended the Selects 5-2 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Nick Prouty led the way with a pair of goals.

The Thistles are back in action Friday night with a home game against the Interlake Lightning.