Winter Storm Warning for Kenora

Environment Canada has put a winter storm warning in effect for Kenora and surrounding areas.

Periods of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain are expected to begin tonight and last through Saturday.

Environment Canada is predicting 10 centimeters of snow on Friday with an additional 10-15 centimeters on Friday Night.

Respiratory Illness on the Rise

A respiratory illness is said to be on the rise in the area according to the Northwestern Health Unit.

The illness is caused by virus' such as Influenza and include symptoms of couching, sore throat, fevers, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

Donna Stanley is the Manager for Infectious Diseases at the health unit and says most symptoms will go away with within a week but the cough can last around 2 weeks.

To reduce the strain on local hospitals Stanley is asking people to contact Telehealth Ontario at  (1-866-797-0000) to decide if a trip to the hospital is needed.

Crash on Highway 17 near Ignace

A 48-year-old transport driver from Manitoba has received minor injuries following a single vehicle crash on Highway 17 between Ignace and Upsala.

Police say the accident occurred around 12:30 this morning when an eastbound transport lost control after his trailer got caught in some snow on the shoulder  and went into the ditch.

O.P.P say the driver was trying to avoid a westbound transport who was passing another tractor trailer unit.

Idle No More Protest at Mcleod Park

Grassy Narrows First Nation is making their voices heard in the Idle No More Movement.

Amy McKenzie organized the rally today at McLeod Park and says First Nations want their voices heard on decisions that directly effect them.

McKenzie adds they held the rally to keep the Idle No More movement fresh in peoples minds before tomorrows meeting between Pime Minister Harper and first nations leaders.

There will be another Idle No More gathering Friday morning at 10:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Crown Begins Prosecution in Kenora Murder Case

The crown will begin presenting its case this morning at the second degree
murder trial of Kenneth Ivall and Angela Duchesne.

The prosecution made its opening arguments yesterday after the jury
was finalized.

Ivall and Duchesne have been charged with second degree murder in the
death of Ed Wilson.

He died on the CP rail tracks in Norman in March of 2009.

The trial is taking place at the Kenora Court House with Justice Terrance
Platana presiding.

MNO Applauds Court Ruling

A new opportunity for Metis people to get access to health care.

That's one of the potential benefits of a federal court ruling this week according to the president of the Metis Nation of Ontario.

Gary Lipinsky says many Metis risk their lives because they can't afford proper medications.

Lipinsky says the ruling puts the Metis population under federal jurisdiction and that opens up new channels of funding for health care.

Fort Frances Town Councillor Passes Away

A sad day in the Town of Fort Frances.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs has died.

The long-time councillor had recently taken a leave of absence and had been in hospital for undisclosed health reasons.

Tibbs had been a member of council on and off since 1993 and appointed the town's deputy mayor in six years ago.

Flags at the Fort Frances Civic Centre are being lowered to half-staff in her honour.

Thistles Pick up Point in OT Loss

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles have lost for the first time in 2013.

The Thistles lost 5-4 to the Winnipeg Wild last night in a shootout.

The Kenora Midgets held a one goal lead until late in the game, but the
Wild scored with just 37 seconds left to force overtime.

The Thistles pick up a single point in the shootout loss, but drop 11 points
back of the Wild in the East Division standings.