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.