New Sawmill Announced in Atikokan

Resolute Forest Products plans spend 50-million dollars on building a new random-length sawmill in the Atikokan area.

The company expects to open the mill early next year, creating 90 jobs.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown says its great news for the entire region.

The company says its reviewing potential sites, but plans construction for later this spring.

Madsen Public School Re-Opened

The Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium has re-opened the Madsen Public School in Red Lake.

The school was closed this morning due to a scheduled black out in the area by Hydro One.

Classes are running their regular schedules this afternoon.

Boil Water Advisory for Hudson

A boil water advisory has been issued for Hudson, due to low pressure in the distribution sytem.

Residents are reminded that all tap water should be boiled for one minute if it's used for consumption.

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Wasacase Returns as Police Board Chair

No change this year for the Kenora Police Services Board.

Colin Wasacase was acclaimed to another one year term as
chairman.

Glenda McMillan will also stay on as vice-chair.

The police board held its first meeting of 2013 yesterday.

STR Working to Open Trails

Sunset Trails Riders are still working to set up all of their trails for the season.

Bruce McGregor with STR says they have been battling the conditions on some trails.

He says they haven't been able to get their groomer out on the lake trails because the ice still isn't
thick enough.

McGregor adds safety is the first priority in setting up the remaining trails and they hope to open them all up as soon as possible.

Infrastructure Funding for Small Communities Sought

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty wants to bring some financial help to municipalities trying to fix up aging infrastructure.

Rafferty says he plans to introduce a motion in the House of Commons sometime in February that address the needs of small communities.

Rafferty is hoping something can be put in place for next year's federal budget.

MNR Considering Year Round Fire Permits

The Ministry of Natural Resources is supporting a call for a year-round permitting system for open-air burning in northwestern Ontario.

Municipal leaders in the Rainy River district gave approval to the concept at their meeting on the weekend.

The idea arose after an early start to last year's forest fire season forced several municipalities to impose fire bans.

Currently, permits are only needed between April and October.

Marnie Brown of the MNR says extending permitting requirements allows for greater control on burning outside the normal burning season, especially in drought-like conditions.

Forestry Announcement Expected Today for Atikokan

Atikokan will get a visit by the president of Resolute Forest Products today.

Richard Garneau is scheduled to make an announcement that Mayor Dennis Brown says in an email will mean jobs and industry for his community.

The nature of the announcement has not been disclosed, but there's speculation in the community that Resolute plans to construct a new sawmill on the site of the former Buchanan own mill at nearby Sapawe.

Bariatric Surgery Soon to be offered in NWO

Weight loss surgery will soon be a procedure offered to patients in northwestern Ontario.

Health Minister Deb Matthews announced 300 thousand dollars for bariatric surgery at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Center.

Deb Matthews says the money will allow 100 patients with severe obesity to be treated.

Matthews also announced an undisclosed amount of money to the company Regen Med.

Classes Cancelled at Madsen Public School

There will be no school Thursday for students at the Red Lake Madsen Public School.

The school will be closed due to a planned power outage in the area.

Classes are set to resume on Friday.

School buses to other Red lake/Ear Falls schools will not be affected.

Kenora O.P.P See Increase in Overtime Hours

Figures released by the Kenora OPP shows there was almost 400 hours of overtime racked up by officers last month.

That was almost four times higher than the month of November.

Staff Sergeant Paul Van Belleghem says a murder investigation in Lakeside took up a huge amount of their resources.

Van Belleghem says the province picks up the cost for any specialist units that have to be brought in, but the municipality has to pay the rest.

Canfield Eager to Work With new Premier

Kathleen Wynne seems to have a number of cheer-leaders in northwestern Ontario.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says he's glad Wynne won the Liberal leadership over the weekend.

He says she's been very responsive to the concerns of municipal leaders in this region.

Canfield is hoping Wynne will make the trip to northwestern Ontario for the NOMA
annual conference in April.

Vehicle Impounded for Speeding

OPP are cracking down on speeders.

Last week an officer from the Upsala Detachment found a driver going west bound on Highway 17 at an excessive speed.

In the end the Police officer charged the driver for going 55 kilometres an hour over the already 90 kilometre speed limit.

The 44 year old man's vehicle was impounded for seven days, and he was charged with speeding.

Treaty Three Police Investigate Fatal Accident in Fort

A 61-year-old old woman has died following on the Couchiching First Nation.

Treaty 3 Police says the unnamed woman was struck by a truck in the area of the Health Access Centre.

She was taken to LaVerendrye Hospital where he succumbed to her injuries.

Treaty 3 Police continue to investigate.

Dryden to Host Northwest Response Forum

A three-day conference about disaster management and relief efforts will be taking place this spring.

The Northwest Responce Forum is being held at the Center from April 9-11 in Dryden.

Reagan Breeze is one of the organizers and says there will be a number of public speakers.

The event is open to emergency prepareness officers, first responders, businesses, educators and policy makers.

More FedNor Funding for the Region

More Fednor funding for Northwestern Ontario.

Minister Tony Clement has announced that over 379 thousand dollars will go to replacing aging water mains in the Town of Rainy River.

In addition, Lake of the Woods Township will have access to over 20 thousand dollars to make upgrades to its community hall.

Saints Extend Winning Streak

15 wins in a row and counting.

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team continues to roll.

T.A. upended the Fort Frances Muskies 5-3 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Tanner Kapera scored a pair for the Saints, who improved to 5-1 in league play.

Thomas Aquinas is back in action tomorrow night against Dryden and again
Friday night against Beaver Brae.

Warketin Returns as LHIN's Chair

No change at the top of the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

The Board of Directors has reappointed Joy Warkentin as Chair.

She was first appointed Chair in August 2011.

Warkentin says she looks forward in building on the successes of the LHIN.

She says it's a critical time for our health care system and she's commited to improve access to care and overall patient experience.

Awards Presented to Members of Treaty 3 Police Service

13 members of the Treaty 3 Police Service were honored today during a ceremony at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Diamond Jubilee Medals were presented to Constable Justin Booth, Constable Mitchell Boulette, Retired Chief of Police Brian Rupert, and Mr. Joe Red Thunderboy (posthumously).

Long Service Medals were presented to Constable Melvin Blackhawk, Constable Kenneth Gardner, Sergeant David Skead, Sergeant Joseph Pahpasay, Sergeant Fred Jack, and Staff Sergeant Richard Darling.

OPP Commissioner's Letter of Appreciation awards were presented to Constable Lana-Rae Ponton, Constable Patricia McKay, and Detective Constable Scott Phillips.

OPP Investigate Break-ins

The OPP is investigating a rash of break-ins to camps on
Lake of the Woods.

Over the weekend, police say they investigated several break and
enters in the Holmstrom's Marsh area.

The OPP says while the break-ins have been reported over the past few
days, it appears the incidents took place over the past few weeks.

At this point, police say they don't know what property might have been
stolen.

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

Rickford Heads back to Parliament Hill

It's time to get back to work.

The House of Commons returned from its Christmas break today, and the MP of the Kenora riding says they will begin to tackle a number of issues.

Greg Rickford says one of their priorities stems from talks between the Prime Minister and First Nations Leaders.

Rickford adds another big ticket item is the Ring of Fire.

Parts of Northwestern Ontario Get Blasted by Snow

Environment Canada has issued a weather statement for areas
in the eastern part of northwestern Ontario.

A snowfall warning remains in place in Ignace.

Up to 15 to 20 centimetres of snow may fall by lunch time.

Communities east of Ignace are in the middle of a winter storm.

Thunder Bay is expecting heavy wet snow mixed with ice pellets and travel on the Trans-Canada and other highways could be treacherous.

Kenora Resident New Head of Health Unit Board

A Fort Frances councillor is no longer chair of the Northwestern Health Unit Board of directors.

John Albanese has opted not to seek another term.

He's been the chair for the past eight years

Julie Roy of Kenora takes over the position.

Albanese remains as a board member.

Murder Trial Delayed for Another Week

The second degree murder trial of Angela Duchesne and Kenneth Ivall has
been delayed for another week.

The Jury was called yesterday morning and then quickly dismissed.

Justice Terrance Platana says the appointment of David Gibson as an
Ontario Court Judge continues to present some issues in the trial.

Gibson was Angela Duchesne's lawyer and she has since obtain new
legal counsel.

But Justice Platana says counsel will need a larger opportunity to examine
their position to ensure the trial will resume fairly.

He says the crown and the prosecution will continue to meet this week, working in the jury's absence.

The jury has been asked to return to the Kenora Court House next Monday
morning.

Local Liberals Pleased with Wynne's Selection

The president of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association says the selection of Kathleen Wynne as Ontario's next premier could bode well for northwestern Ontario.

Anthony Leek says Wynne took great interest in the riding even before the conference.

He supported her in her leadership bid as well.

Leek noted Wynne's interest in the northwest was well-documented with her mention of the Rainy River district in her weekend speeches.

Conference Board Predicts Big Things for Mining

A report by the Conference Board of Canada predicts mining production from Canada's North will nearly double by 2020.

However, the report says a lack of transportation, energy and other infrastructure are biggest obstacles to northern mining development.

The Conference Board forecasts mining output from the North will grow by 91 per cent from 2011 to 2020.
Northern Ontario's mining output will expand by 66-percent during that period.

An additional seven thousand northerners will be needed by 2020 to handle the increase in development.

Canfield Supports Beyak's Senate Appointment

It's time for the Federal government to listen to the concerns of Northwestern Ontario.

Especially now that Lynn Beyak, a resident of Dryden, is going to sit in the Senate of Canada.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield has never been a big fan of the senate, but suggests the appointment of a northwest residents should mean good things for the region.

Canfield says he is looking forward to contacting her on regional issues.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford Announces Funding

Kenora MP Greg Rickford presented city council with a funding proposal today.

The funding from FEDNOR is going towards replacing the roof of city hall and a wheelchair access ramp at the Kenora Rainy River District Child and Family Services group home.

Rickford says thet are offering 206 thousand dollars in funding.

City council held a special council meeting after the presentation to accept the funding proposal.

OPP Seeking Witnesses in Assault

The Kenora Detachment of the OPP is looking for witnesses of an
assault in the downtown area.

Police say the incident took place in the 200 block of Lakeview Drive
at around 6:30 last Thursday evening.

The OPP say two people were involved in the altercation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Campbell Expresses Reservations about new Premier

Kathleen Wynne has her work cut out for her.

Wynne was selected to lead the Ontario Liberal party over the
weekend and automatically becomes the province's next premier.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says its going to be important for
Wynne to reach out and work with the opposition at Queen's Park.


Campbell adds that Wynne has a lot of baggage from the McGuinty government as a
former cabinet minister and feels it will be hard to put a number of scandals that plagued the
party behind her.


Campbell is pleased that Wynne has agreed to bring the Legislature back
sooner than later.

The new session is slated to begin the third week of February.

Joe Morrison Receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

A fitting tribute to a Kenora elder.

Joseph Morrison, a former justice of the peace in Kenora, was presented a Diamond
Jubilee medal posthumously yesterday at the Lake of the Woods Museum.

Morrison's wife, Mary Alice Smith says it was special to be able to share the medal
with members of the family and friends.

During the ceremony, it was also announced that the Joseph Morrison Legacy fund had been
established through the Good Life For Young Peoples Foundation.

The Fund will be used to award and annual bursary to aboriginal students in the Kenora aarea.

Fishing Regs Changing for Border Waters

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking at a change to fishing regulations on its side of some lakes bordering Ontario.

Area Fisheries Supervisor Edie Everts says the proposal is to mirror them with the rules for their inland lakes.

Many of the lakes impacted border with Quetico Provincial Park.

Rainy Lake, which already has special regulations, is not effected.

Lynn Beyak Appointed to Senate

A Dryden resident has been appointed to the Canadian Senate.

On Friday Lynn Beyak was appointed as a senator of Canada to by the Prime Minister.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's a great thing for our region.

Beyak is the first Senator to respresent the Kenora Rainy River districts since 1985.

Midget Thistles score 3 of 4 Points

A strong weekend for the Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles.

The Thistles took three of a possible four points from the two top teams in the
league over the weekend.

Saturday afternoon, the Kenora Midgets dropped a 2-1 decision to the Winnipeg Wild in a shootout.

Friday night, the Thistles upended the Winnipeg Thrashers 4-2 at the Rec. Center.

The Thistles next game is against the Central Plains Capitals on February 2nd and 3rd at the Thistle Arena.

Senior Thistles Sweep Williston State

The Kenora Senior Thistles have put together a five game winning streak
as it prepares to host the Renwick Cup.

Over the weekend, the Thistles swept the Williston State Tetons in a pair of
games at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Yesterday, the Thistles doubled up the Tetons 4-2.

It was the same situation Saturday night at the Thistles got by Williston State
by the same 4-2 margin.

Extracurricular High School Sports Start Back Up

Extra-curricular activities resumed for local high school teams over the
weekend.

Beaver Brae hosted stage one of the Northland Cup for junior boys basketball.

Both the Broncos and Thomas Aquinas Saints registered a pair of wins.

Beaver Brae got by Atikokan 36-31, and then edged Fort Frances 29-21.

It was also a good outing for T.A. as the Saints beat Sioux Lookout 49-44 and
came back with a 44-31 win over Ignace.

Stage two of the Northland Cup will take place in Sioux Lookout.

Traffic Re-opens After Idle No More Flash Mob

The flash mob has dispensed and traffic is back to normal on Main street this afternoon.

Organizer of the flash mob Autumn Kakeway says she is happy with the turn out at the youth led Idle No More demonstration.

Kakeway adds that it's important for the younger generations to support the movement.

She says the Idle No More movement has to continue in order to protect the environment for all Canadians.

Local Liberal Says Anyone Can Win Leadership Convention

The president on the Kenora-Rainy River Riding Association is excited for the new premiere to be selected this weekend.

Anthony Leek is at the convention and says even though Sandra Pupatelo and Kathleen Wynne emerged as the pre-convention favorites at this point anyone can still win the delegate vote.

Leek says we will have a better idea of who the front runners after are the first round of voting.

Wynne Local Favorite in Liberal Leadership Race

One of the front-runners in the provincial Liberal leadership race is promising to resume the Legislation with weeks, if she wins this weekend.

Kathleen Wynne says she'll have MPP's back in their seats at Queen's Park February 19.

They've been off since the middle of October when Premier Dalton McGuinty prorogued the legislature.

In our on-line poll, Kathleen Wynne seems to have the most support locally.

56 percent of respondants believe she will Ontario's next premier, while
44 percent believe Sandra Pupatello will win tomorrow's Liberal Leadership vote.

Fate of Second Degree Murder Trial Could be Decided Today

We could find out later this morning if a second degree murder trial at the
Kenora Court House will be able to continue.

Yesterday, David Gibson, who is the lawyer for Angela Duchesne announced that he had been appointed as an Ontario Court Judge.

Justice Terrance Platana brought the proceedings to a halt saying
that Gibson can no longer continue on as the council for Duchesne.

Duchesne and Ivall have been charged in connection to the death of
Ed Wilson on March 21st, 2009.

Justice Platana will be meeting with council to decide the next steps this
morning.

Copperfin Aiming to Merge with Superior Credit Union

Staying competitive and offering better financial support.

That's the message Copperfin Credit Union is offering it's members as they prepare to merge to Superior Credit Union.

CEO Dennis Alvestad says meany services they offer will benefit as they grow the credit union.

Alvestad says some legal work needs to be done beofre the credit unions ask for their members support in April.

Idle No More Flash Mob to Close Section of Main Street

Area first nations youth are getting involved in the Idle No More movement.

Autumn Kakeway and Chevon Redsky have organzied a flash mob taking place tomorrow afternoon.

Redsky talks about the plans for the event.

The flash mob will close down Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Street South between 1:00 and 2:00.

Rainy River Resources Gets Funding for EA

Funding has become available for the Rainy River Gold Project.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is providing over 122 thousand dollars which will go to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment.

The proposed underground project will produce about 20,000 tonnes of ore per day.

The gold project is about 80 kilometers south of Kenora.

Senior Thistles back on the Ice this Weekend

The Kenora Senior Thistles continue their home series this weekend when they welcome the WiIliston State Tetons to town.

Coach Brian Olson says the Tetons have a strong team.

Olson adds the Thistles split their first series with the Tetons in December.

The first game of the series is Saturday Night at 7:30 and game two is Sunday afternoon at 1:20.

Strange Twist Halts Second Degree Murder Trial

A strange and bizarre twist has come to light involving one of the defense lawyers in the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall and Angela Duchesne.  

Thunder Bay Lawyer Chris Watkins, who is representing one of the accused, says lawyer David Gibson who represents the other defendant has been appointed as a judge.

The appointment has put an abrupt halt to the trial until the situation can be cleared up.  

Watkins says there is a possibility of the case being declared a mistrial.

Mount Evergreen Open for PD Day Tomorrow

Mount Evergreen is ready for PD day at local schools tomorrow.

The hill will be open during the day and is offering a pancake breakfast and movies at 8:00.

Blair McCallum says they have also sent out the ski coupons for students in grades 4,5, and 6.

With the coupon the student can receive a lift pass for $5, rentals for $5, and a lesson for $5 if booked in advance.

For more information on events taking place tomorrow at the ski hill visit their website at www.skikenora.com.

Teenagers Plan Flash Mob on Main Street Tommorrow

Traffic on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Street South will be closed tomorrow afternoon as a flash mob takes to the streets.

The flash mob was organized by local teenagers Autumn Kakeway and Chevon Redsky who felt there was more that youth could do to support the Idle No More movement.

Redsky says she felt that youth weren't doing enough to support the movement and felt the need to act once she heard about the idea.

The event will start at 1:00 and run for an hour, at that time OPP will close off traffic.

Exam Schedule Changes due to Bus Cancellations

The cancellation of school buses has resulted in the juggling of the
exam schedule at local high schools.

Beaver Brae says all exams have been cancelled today.

Instead they will be written on Monday, using the same schedule as
today.

The second term won't begin until Tuesday.

Over at Thomas Aquinas, it will be a regular exam day.

Any students who are unable to get to school today can write
the test tomorrow at 9 AM instead.

But because tomorrow is a PD day, no school buses will be operating and students will still have to find their own way to the school.

KDSB Outlines Homeless Funding Priorities

Supporting homeless shelters, victims of violence and those having trouble paying their hydro bills.

Three priorities set by the Kenora District Services Board this year following a provincial move to integrate services.

Director of Integrated Social Services Dianne Apland says another priority is creating a long term homelessness strategy for each community they serve.

Apland says currently there's no provincial funding attached to the 10-year plan.

EFTO Responds to Repeal of Bill 115

The local president of the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario is voicing her thoughts on the repealing of Bill 115.

Anne Saltel feels that the government knew all along that it was a flawed peice of legislation, and now that they've got what they want out of it, they will repeal it.

She adds she is still deeply angered by it.

Saltel says the union is still urging it's teachers not to participate in extra-curricular activites, but it's completely up to them.