Break and Enter at Old Market Square

Kenora OPP are investigating a break and enter of a business in Market Square.

Police say the break in took place over night and the suspects made of with a quantity of cash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Kenora OPP Search for Suspect in Sexual Assault

The Kenora OPP are on the lookout for a suspect of a reported sexual assault.

Police say a woman reported the assault on Monday evening.

The suspect is described as man standing 5 foot 7 with light skin, brown hair, and brown eyes.

He was driving a silver or grey van at the time of the assault.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Ivall Sentenced to 16 Years in Prision

Kenneth Ivall will serve at least 16 years in jail for the death of Ed Wilson.

Justice Terrance Platana sentenced Ivall this morning to 16 years in prison starting from the day he was arrested on March 21st, 2009.

The 43 year old Ivall was found guilty of second degree murder back in February.

Justice Platana described the beating of Ed Wilson as vicious and says the action of placing his body on the Railway tracks in Norman was an effort to cover up the crime.

Justice Platana also says he is concerned that Ivall has not taken any acceptance of the crime and has shown no remorse.

He is not eligible for parole until 2025.

KDSB Ready for Comment on Housing Plan

A long awaited housing and homelessness plan for the Kenora District is about to move forward.

Pubic meetings in communities the Services Board services are expected to begin next month.

KDSB Chair Barry Baltessen says determining the needs of area communities will be a team effort.

Baltesson says they have to submit their draft plan to the board by September.

He adds that t
here is no provincial funding attached to the 10-year strategy.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company Set to Open

Kenora's newest eating experience will be open in time for the Canada
day long weekend.

The Lake of the Woods Brew Pub will be opening its doors on Saturday.

Taras Manzies says the push is on to have everything ready in time.

Manzies says their first batch of beer may not be ready for the opening
weekend, but says they should be able to start selling it within the next
week or so.

Keewatin Plays Host to Canada Day Festivities

Keewatin will be a hub of activity this Canada Day long weekend.

Councillor Sharon Smith says they have events planned all weekend long for the Keewatin Summer Splash.

She says that includes a long list of activities,  such as a parade along
Ottawa Street on July 1st.

There will also be a fish fry tomorrow night at St. Andrew's United Church to kick things off.

Things will wrap up Monday night with the traditional fireworks display on the Harborfront starting
at 10:45.

Pinecrest Loses Administrator

Kenora's loss is Fort France's gain.

The Pinecrest Home of the Aged is losing its assistant administrator.

Darryl Galusha is moving to the Rainycrest Long Term Care home.

Galusha says there may be some things at the Kenora home he might be able to bring to his new job.

Galusha takes on the post July 15.

MNR Readies for Long Weekend

Another long weekend, another safety reminder from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Spokesperson Deb McLean says the fire hazard isn't super high right now, but folks can do their part to make sure it stays that way.

Recent lightning strikes across the region has the Ministry of Natural Resources keeping a close eye on the forest fire situation.

Lightning sparked a number of new fires in the far north, most of them burning in remote locations.

McLean says if you plan on having a campfire, always stay with it and put it out completely if you plan on leaving the area.

Lucky Ducky Race this Weekend

Time to get racing.

The annual Rotary Lucky Ducky race is taking place at McLeod Park on Canada Day.

Tickets are still available for the fundraiser for the Kenora Rotary Club.

Organizer Rod Riopel says there are multiple locations to get tickets throughout the city.

The Lucky Ducky race takes to McLeod Park on Canada day and has 20 cash prizes up for grabs including 15 hundred dollars for first place.

Tom Sawyer Fishing Derby this Weekend

No rods and reels can help you in this fishing derby.

The 3rd annual Tom Sawyer Fishing Derby is this Saturday and organizer Dave Cain from the OPP says kids will have to make their own fishing poles.

The event is free to attend and Triple Play will also be hosting a charity Bar-B-Que starting at 11.

All children who register will also get a voucher for a free lunch.

This year the fishing derby will take place on the Harborfront Docks.

Highway 17 East Closed Twice in Six Hours

Heavy rain may be responsible for at least one of two accidents on Highway 17 east.

A two vehicle collision closed the Trans-Canada down around 8:30 last night near Hertz's corner for about an hour.

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, a thunder storm had just rolled through the area prior to the collision.

Highway 17 was also closed just west of the Jones Road intersection yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours.

A pick-up truck went of the north side of the road and down an embankment.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services was called out to help get the two
occupants out.

They sustained only minor injuries.

Gold Project Moving Forward Despite Low Prices

Work continues on the Goliath Gold project in the Wabigoon area.

Treasury Metals is currently involved in an environment assessment.

Vice-President of the project Norm Bush says the project is moving forward despite slumping gold prices.

Gold prices dropped 7-percent last week and show no sign of turning around.

City Applauds New Recycling Initiatives

Changes to the Waste Reduction Act are getting two thumbs up from Kenora City Council.

Under the proposed changes, industry will have to pick up more of the cost of recycling programs.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says that's good news because the city ends up subsidizing recycling programs for not only local taxpayers for for residents in the unincorporated areas as well.

Canfield says currently the city pays 50 percent of the cost of blue box programs, but that's expected to change over the next couple of years with industry contributing more, based on the amount of packaging used
in their products.

Quiet Week For MNR Fire Crews

Not much in the way of forest fire activity this week for MNR fire crews.

Just one new blaze reported yesterday.

It was located at the south end of Lake of the Woods.

Fire crews are also looking into reports of a second blaze in the same area.

With all the rain and humidity this week, the fire hazard has dropped to the
low to moderate range across the region.

WSO Set To Perform Under the White Cap Pavillion

Another perk about living in Kenora.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be performing under the Whitecap Pavilion Friday night.

Len Mark with the Lake of the Woods Concert Group says we are lucky that we are so close to the WSO's home
.
The WSO will also be performing with the Ladies of the Lake from Kenora starting at 7:00 tomorrow night.

Admission is free, but there are reserved seats available for 25 dollars.

Highway Re-Opened

Highway 17 in Kenora was shut down for a couple of hours afternoon due to a single vehicle accident.

The accident took place in the area of the Jones Road around 2:00.

No-one was seriously injured and the OPP have since re-opened the highway to two-way traffic.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about two hours in that area.  

City Donates Clock to Retired Railroaders

Time is standing still at city hall these days.

Yesterday, council made a special presentation to the
Canadian Pacific Retired Railroaders Club.

The old CP station clock, which has been housed in council
chambers for several years, was presented to the Railroaders
group.

The clock will find a new home at the CP Railroad Museum in Norman.

The city is planning to order a replica clock, at a cost of about 700 dollars.

Camper Dies Overnight at Falcon Lake

One person is dead and another has been taken to hospital following a
bizarre incident at the Falcon Lake Campground in eastern Manitoba.

The RCMP say a 45 year old Quebec man was killed early this morning after a tree fell on a tent.

Corporal Miles Hiebert says severe weather is likely to blame.

The Mounties says a 44 year old woman has been taken to hospital for
treatment of minor injuries.

The name of the person who was killed is not going to be released by police.

Body of Missing Thunder Bay Man Found

Ontario Provincial Police say they have found the body of 26-year-old cliff diver Larry Larivee.

Police were called to the McKenzie River near Thunder Bay last night after someone said they found a body.

Larivee failed to resurface after jumping into the river a week ago today.

The cause of death at this time is unknown and a post mortem has been ordered.

LOWDPOA Gaining Ground in Campaign Against Flying Lanterns

Kenora city council has gotten more information about the dangers of flying lanterns.

Executive Director with the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association Susan McLeod gave another deputation this week and says they are more dangerous now despite previous attempts to ban them.

McLeod did say that a number of local stores have agreed to stop selling the lanterns.

She also wants to remind the public that they are responsible for any damage caused by lanterns that they release.

Rickford Welcomes new Baby to his Constituency

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford will have a larger entourage than usual as he tours the riding this summer.

Rickford and his wife had a baby this spring.

He says he hopes to do some touring with his new baby girl Abigail.

Rickford says despite his new parental responsibilities he plans to get to most parts of the riding this summer.

Dryden Loses Battle With MPAC

A major setback for Dryden.

The City has failed in its first attempt to overturn the property assessment of the Domtar Mill.

Mayor Craig Nuttall says they aren't giving up the fight and plan to go to the Ontario Divisional court to appeal.

The city will be joined by Espanola, which is also facing a similar situation.

Nuttall says the City can't afford to repay Domtar 5.4-million dollars and notes he wants to wait and see what happens with the appeal.

Temperatures Soar in Kenora

Yesterday was warm, but not hot enough to trigger an ice cream party.

The thermometer at the Kenora Airport topped out a 30.3 yesterday.

That was still a little less than the record high for June 25th, which was
33.3 celcius, set back in 1941.

89.5 The Lake plans to hand out ice cream sandwiches once the
temperature tops 32 celcius.

Sharks Post Good Results in Grand Forks

A pretty good showing for the Kenora Sharks Swim club in Grand Forks over
the weekend.

12 year old JC Drygasuk led the way with  six first place finishes and one 3rd.

Aly Stoliker was close behind with five firsts, a second and a third, while 14 year old
Hannah Stoliker brought home five firsts, and a second.

Other results:

9/10 year old girls:

Emilia Mastromateo (9), three 3rd's, one 2nd
Amelia Illman (9), one 3rd

11/12 year old girls:

Alex Illman (11), two 2nd's, one 3rd
Natalie Peterson (11), three 1st's, two 2nd's, two 3rd'sEmilie McDonald (12), two 3rd's
Breeze Boucha (12), one 2nd

11/12 year old boys:

Joe Morrison (12), two 1st's, four 3rd'sJacob Weedon (12), two 2nd's, two 3rd's

13/14 year old girls:

Claire Stefansson (13), one first, one 2nd, one 3rd
Winnie Boucha (13), two 1st's, two 2nd's, two 3rd's
Clara Rogers, (13), one first, one 2nd, two 3rd's

 15 and over girls:

Keely Mash (15), two 1st's
Alex Olsen, (15), two 1st's, one 2nd

15 and over boys:

Jarrett Weedon (15), five thirds

 Finally, the relay teams also did very well. Both the 12 and under Girls and Boys teams came in first in the 200 Free and 200 Medley Relays, while the 13/14 year old girls team grabbed a 1st in the 200 Free and 2nd in the 200 Medley.



A total of 22 members of the Sharks attended the Red River Valley 50 meter Challenge.

The next action for local swimmers is the Man/Sask championships the first weekend of
July.

King George and Beaver Brae Hockey Academy Join Forces

Grade 5 and 6 students at King George can now join the Beaver Brae hockey academy.

The students will be able to join the academy as part of the rec program at King George.

Coach Dave Tresoor says they will be able to teach kids of all skill levels.

Tresoor adds it made sense to expand the academy with the grade 7 and 8 students moving into Beaver Brae next year.

City Council Creates a Docking Committee

A change of heart by the Mayor of Kenora regarding a committee to review docking in the city.

Council passed a resolution today to create the committee.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the purpose will be to report on what the docking situation is in the city including what current marinas provide and what the city could do differently.

He says that the committee will only be used to make a report when the time arises.

Canfield adds a private developer is already looking at building a marina in Cameron Bay.

Outlive Yourself Cyclist Arrives in Kenora

Canada has one of the lowest rate of organ donors in the industrialized world.

Cayse Ruiter cycled into Kenora yesterday as part of his Outlive Yourself campaign to raise awareness around the issue of organ donations.

He says that only around 20% of Canadian are registered organ donors, and that over 4000 people are awaiting transplants in Canada every year.

Ruiter is continuing his journey today by cycling to Thunder Bay.

You can get updates on Cayse's ride at http://outliveyourselfcanada.wordpress.com/.

To register online to become an organ donor visit https://beadonor.ca/.

City Council To Look At Docking Issues

Kenora city council will vote today whether to set up a committee
to look at creating more docking.

The committee will be in charge of creating a request for proposals
from private sector partners.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield feels the creation of the committee is premature and suggests they should just let the private sector take the bull by the horns.

The shortage of docking was identified as one of the key issues last year
when the city adopted its new brand of being North America's premier Boating
Destination.

Air Show Line-Up Announced

Look up, way up.

The Kenora Air Show is coming to town on July 3rd and organizer John Gale is excited about the line up that is set to perform.

He says in addition to the Snowbirds, other acts include Super Dave Mathieson, and Air Racer Pete McLeod from Red Lake.

Gale says the static displays also include a Russian Albatross Attack Jet, an Ornge Air Ambulance, and others.

The Kenora Air Show is at the airport on July 3rd and tickets are on sale.

Gale adds that they will have a free bus shuttle to and from the show.

Red Cross Accepting Donations for Alberta Flood Victims

It's a chance for local residents to help the flood situation in Alberta.

Local Red Cross Manager Shana Hansson says they are looking for financial donations.

She adds it's the easiest way to help.

Hansson says the money goes to providing cots, blankets, hygiene kits as well as food and water.

She adds that donations are being accepted at any Red Cross office.

Police Looking into Another Railway Street Break-In

The OPP are investigating a break-in to a business along Railway Street.

Police say the culprits entered the premises sometime later Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

A quanity of cash was stolen.

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

Public School Board Prepares for New Academic Year

One school year may be over but the next is just around the corner.

Incoming Director of Education with the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Sean Monteith says they are hard at work planning for next year.

Monteith says he feels the board is heading down the right path.

Monteith also offered his thanks to outgoing director Jack McMaster for putting the board on the path to success.

Search Called Off for Missing Cliff Diver

The active search for 26 year old Larry Larivee of Thunder Bay is over for the moment.

Police say OPP divers were unable to find any sign of Larivee at the McKenzie River falls location where witnesses say he disappeared last week after he dove in off a cliff.

Police say some areas of the river are just too dangerous to search and will be reassessed once water levels are lower.

City Approves Demolition Permit at Old Abitibi Mill Site

Another landmark on the old Abitibi mill site on 9th Street North will soon be disappearing.

The Old TMP building is scheduled to be torn down over the next few
weeks.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the owners of the property were not just able to find a tenant for the building.

The city's economic development officer, Jennifer Findlay says City Hall has issued a demolition permit for the TMP plant on the former mill site and work is expected to begin shortly.

OPP Officer Finds Out Next Month Whether He'll Stand Trial

A Kenora OPP officer will find out next month whether he will have to
stand trial on a charge of dangerous driving causing death.

A three day preliminary hearing wrapped up at the Kenora Courthouse last
week for Constable Roy Bender.

He was charged by the Ontario Special Investigations Unit last fall in the
death of 42 year old Gloria Assin.

The Grassy Narrows resident was riding in the back of an OPP cruiser when it was involved in an collision with a transport at the intersection of the Kenora By-Pass and the Redditt Road.

Justice David Gibson is expected to decide if the matter should go to trial
on July 12th.

Taxi Companies Appeal for Rate Increase

Another plea to raise taxi rates in Kenora.

Co-Ot Taxi has made a second deputation to council asking
for the hike.

Eric Lovas from Co-Ot says taxi drivers are having a hard time making
ends meet thanks to increased gas prices and insurance premiums.

Mayor Dave Canfield says because they've already rejected a rate increase this year, they won't be able to deal with the issue again until next year.

SMB Expansion expected this Fall

A sod-turning ceremony for the new expansion at Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys is expected to take place in the fall.

Phylis Eikre is the director of Education with the Kenora Catholic District
School Board and says they are just finalizing the plans for the six classroom addition.

She says they are also working on some contingency plans for students
who might be affected by construction work.

Eikre says SMB might lose some of its play-ground area during construction so they will be working with Pope John Paul to ensure students have a place to go for recess.

OPP Advise on Life Jacket Use

OPP want to see people wearing their life jackets while on the waters this summer.

The laws currently only requires life jackets to be readily accessible on a vessel.

Constable Jim Davis says there have been three drownings in northwestern Ontario this month this should be reason enough to wear them.

The fine for not having a life jacket or personal flotation device is 200-dollars.

OPP Commissioner Ready for New 3 Year Term

OPP commissioner Chris Lewis says he's looking forward to another
three year term at the helm of the provincial police.

Lewis was re-appointed by premier Kathleen Wynn earlier this month.

Speaking in Kenora last week, Lewis says he's not ready to retire just yet.

Lewis has already completed one three year term as Commissioner of the
OPP.

UNESCO Defers Decision on Pimachiowin-Aki

The Manitoba and Ontario governments say they will keep going with their push for a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At its annual meeting in Cambodia, UNESCO's world heritage committee deferred a decision on the large stretch of Boreal forest along the inter-provincial boundary.

The committee has asked Canada to refine its submission.

UNESCO advisory groups have raised questions about whether the area is unique enough to warrant a world heritage site designation.

It will be at least another year before the committee makes a decision.

Province Assembles Committee To Look At Jury Rolls

A top Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal leader will co-chair a panel that will oversee tackling the crisis facing First Nations in Ontario's justice and jury system.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Alvin Fiddler will lead the committee.

Fiddler hopes that with his first hand experience he will be able to contribute significantly to the discussion.

Fiddler will head the committee along with Irwin Glasberg, an assistant deputy minister.

Lower Speed Limit for Railway Street On Hold

Some members of Kenora City Council are resistant to lowering the
speed limit on Railway Street.

A group of residents have signed a petition asking the city to approve
a reduction in the speed limit from 50 kilometers an hour down to 40.

They are concerned about the windy road and the fact there are no sidewalks.

But some council members, including mayor Dave Canfield feel the current
speed limit isn't unreasonable.

Council has agreed to put the matter on hold until their next meeting in July.

You can have your say by logging onto our new poll at 895 The Lake.ca

Kenora Non-Profit Housing Supports Merger with Keewatin

The Kenora Non-Profit Housing Corporation says its supports the concept of merging with their Keewatin counterparts.

Wendy Cuthbert is a member of the Kenora board and says there will be less duplication and therefore immediate cost savings.

However, Cuthbert says the Kenora Board does not support the city's decision to put out a request for proposal to operate an amalgamated service.

She says the city isn't familiar with the service they provide and doesn't trust them to make the right decision.

Kenora Jail Wins Amethyst Award

The Kenora Jail is celebrating it's one of a kind truth and reconciliation program.

Steve walkers is the Superintendent and says the jail was presented an Amethyst Award for the program.

Walker says it's has taken years of hard work.

The program allows the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to collect victim impact statements from inmates who have been affected by the residential school system.

More Graduation Ceremonies This Week

Demand for a regional adult education program continues to be high.

Over 600-students were enrolled in the joint Seven Generations Education Institute and Keewatin-Patricia District School Board program.

44-students walked the stage to get their diploma this year.

The program targets students who are 18-years of age or older and who have been out of high school for at least a year.

Next year, adult ed programs offered through Seven Generations will be moving into Lakewood School.

Operation Corridor Results In 26 Charges in NWO

Following a campaign targeting bad commercial truck drivers, Provincial Police says they are satisfied the message is out there.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says out of 300 commercial drivers charged in the province, 26 were in the northwest region.

Across the province, 35 percent of all charges were equipment related.

That's compared to 12 percent in the northwest.

Sharks Swim South for Grand Forks Meet

22 members of the Kenora Sharks are heading south this weekend for a
swim meet in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The Sharks will wrap up the spring session of their season at the 50 Meter Stroke Challenge, hosted by the Red River Wahoos.

The meet begins tomorrow and wraps up on Sunday.

City Finalizing Canada Day Plans

Canada Day plans are starting to come together in Kenora.

Once again, Keewatin will be the main hub for daytime activities on July 1st.

Joyce Murray is a member of the Keewatin Summer Splash Committee and says they have a number of events for the whole family.

Murray says once again, the Canada Fireworks will be back in K
enora on the Harbourfront.

City Increases Funding to Fix Up Downtown Businesses

Businesses in downtown Kenora will have access to a little bit more money to help fix up their buildings.

Kenora City Council has tentatively approved an additional 50 thousand dollars for the Harbourtown Community Improvement Fund.

Initially council had approved 100 thousand dollars in the 2013 budget, but a couple of major projects, including the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company ate up a lion's share of the money that was available this  year.

The CIP fund allows businesses or building owners to access money to fix up their facades or install  new signage.

City Insurance Cost Increase Slightly

The city will be spending a little bit more for its insurance coverage this year.

City council has approved a policy worth 329 thousand dollars, that's a 1.7 percent increase over last year.

The city's Health and Safety Officer Bruce Graham says they'd like to be able to find a cheaper rate, but there just isn't a lot of competition for their business.

Councillor Louis Roussin feels the city should be able to get a better rate by going to a request for proposal.