Snowmobile Trail Markers Stolen

The OPP says they are trying to find the culprits responsible for damaging
and removing snowmobile trails markers and signs.

Police say they have received mischief complaints from the Sunset
Trail Riders in recent days.

Things like directional or warning signs have gone missing.

The OPP say they are worried that people using the trails could get
lost or travel in areas that may not have safe ice condition.

Police say some of these acts of mischief can be considered a criminal
offense.

Job Actions To Close Elementary School This Friday

Elementary teachers in the Keewatin Patricia District School board will be participating in a one day political protest this Friday.

Director of Education Jack Mcmaster says all elementary schools will be closed as a result.

McMaster says buses will be operating on the same schedule for
high school and catholic schools

Classes will resume on Monday, January 14.

More Idle No More Protests in the Works

Another Idle No More protest will be taking place in Kenora tomorrow.

This time, protesters will be gathering at Husky the Musky in the afternoon.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says a lack of Federal Government consultation has lead to Idle No More protests popping up across the country.

Rafferty says First Nation residents aren't the only people who feel like the Harper Government isn't listening to their concerns.

Area First Nations under the Idle No More banner are protesting the Federal Government's decision to pass the omnibus budget legislation known as Bill C-45.

Seven Generations Begins Planning for Lakewood

Seven Generations Education Institute is hoping to release more details about
its plans for Lakewood School in the next few months.

The agency is due to take over Lakewood at the end of July.

Delbert Horton is the executive director and says they would like to
start offering classes in the school by the fall.

He adds that they are hoping to work with other educational partners
on the Lakewood project.

Health Unit Releases Year End Review

The Northwestern Health Unit says its continuing to test water quality
in the region.

In a year-end review of its programs, the Health Unit says enforcement teams
assessed over 900 small drinking water systems in the Kenora and Rainy
River Districts.

It says it has also issued directives to operators to reduce the risk of water
borne illness.

The Health Unit says it also began a new pilot project last year, bringing its
mobile dental office to four first nation communitites.

Market and Craft Shows Resume this Weekend

If you missed out on local vendors during summer events don't worry.

Mark Duggan is the special events coordinator and says this Saturday is the first of three chances to check out vendors at the Matiowski’s Market & Craft shows.

The Market will take place this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Discovery Center.

The Market and Craft shows will also take place on Febuary 9th, and March 2nd.

Teachers Unions to Meet Today

Members of local teacher unions are meeting in Toronto today.

They'll be getting an update from their leadership about what their
next steps are in their battle with the provincial government.

Anne Saltel is the local president of the Elementary Teachers Federation
of Ontario and says they don't even know right now when they will be
able to vote on the contract imposed on them by the provincial government
last week.

She's hoping they have more details after today's meeting.

Two Thistles Named to Eastern All-Star Squad

Just two members of the Kenora Thistles will be heading
to Dauphin this weekend for the annual Manitoba Midget Hockey League
All-Star Game.

Forwards Davis Ross and Mikko Keski-Pukkila have been selected for
the East Division All-Star squad.

The All-Star game will take place this Saturday.

Tonight, the Thistles hit the road for a game against the Winnipeg Wild.