CUPE Rally in Dryden Tomorrow

The union representing 293 front line staff at the newly merged Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Youth Services says the province is starving child welfare agencies.

A rally is planned at MPP Sarah Campbell's constituency office in Dryden tomorrow afternoon at 12:30.

CUPE 2332 President Don Pearson says they will be dropping off valentine hearts.

Pearson says a lack of funding has put vulnerable children at-risk in northwestern Ontario.

Electricity Shortage a Concern in NWO

The mining industry is bright in northwestern Ontario but one major hurdle remains; a lack of electricity.

Delegates attending the annual Kenora District Municipal Association Conference warned of a crisis situation looming.

Stats released at the Conference show 16 mines currently in exploration, evaluation or development; Rubicon and Goldcorp expecting to be on-line in 2014.

However, critics say the provincial government is dragging its feet on the construction of a transmission line and these projects could be either delayed or even scrapped.

They say that will cost the regional economy and the province millions of dollars.

Million Dollar Cottage Goes Up in Flames

Damages from a fire in the Clearwater Bay area could top a million dollars.

A cottage in the Sugar Bay area went up in flames Friday afternoon shortly after 2:00.

By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, the building was fully engulfed.

While there were no injuries, but multi-story camp was completely destroyed.

The camp was recently listed for sale at 2.45 million dollars.

Mining Still the Bright Light for the Kenora District

Patience is the key for mining development in the Kenora district.

That's the message being delivered by Craig Ravnass, geologist with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Ravnass says most mining companies are still in the exploration stage.

Ravnass stresses the future looks bright for possible production in the future.

He was a member of the mining panel at the Kenora District Municipal Association Confernce in Dryden over the weekend.

Energy A Concern For Mining Industry in NWO

The mining industry is bright in northwestern Ontario but one major hurdle remains; a lack of electricity.

Delegates attending the annual Kenora District Municipal Association Conference warned of a crisis situation looming.

Stats released at the Conference show 16 mines currently in exploration, evaluation or development; Rubicon and Goldcorp expecting to be on-line in 2014.

However, critics say the provincial government is dragging its feet on the construction of a transmission line and these projects could be either delayed or even scrapped.

They say that will cost the regional economy and the province millions of dollars.

McKay Sees More Challenges Ahead for Forestry

The forestry industry is indeed on the up-and-up but officials stress we are not out of the woods yet.

There’s been considerable optimism with recent announcements in Atikokan, Hudson and Kenora..

Rod McKay is the Manager of Kenora Forest Products and he addressed delegates attending the Kenora District Municipal Association.

McKay says a number of challenges remain including a changing pulp and paper industry, concern for future sawmills and a major shortage in skilled workers.

He notes high energy costs are still an issue.

McKay says he’s frustrated to hear from the province that there are plans to address the energy issue, but there continues to be no action.

Gravelle Expected Back in Northern Development

It appears an old face will be back to oversee the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Sources say Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle will back to the cabinet position he held between 2007 and 2011.

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Oriazetti is also being tagged as the new Minister for Natural Resources.

Campbell Says Good Bye to Bartolucci

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River isn't surprised with an announcment that Northern Development and
Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci is leaving his cabinet post.

Sarah Campbell says she didn't always get along with the Sudbury area MPP.

Campbell did take time to thank Bartolucci for his years of service.

She was speaking at the Kenora District Municipal Association Conference in Dryden this morning.

Hospital Working to Meet the Needs of Local First Nations

Better serving the health needs of aboriginal communities in the area.

That's one benefit the Lake of the Woods District Hospital says is coming out of meetings with the Kenora Chiefs Advisory.

Hospital CEO Mark Balcaen says they are learning about what patients need after leaving the hospital.

Balcaen says there are more meetings planned that include visiting all the KCA communities.

Senior Thistles Continue to Roll

The Kenora Triple "a" senior Thistles have a five game winning streak in the new year.

The Thistles got by the Manitoba Selects on Saturday 5-3 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The Senior squad is back in action in two weekends against the defending Allen Cup champs, the Southeast Prairie Thunder.

Midget Thistles Split on the Road

The Kenora Midget Thistles are enjoying their best ever season in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

The Thistles have 56 points following the end of the regular season.

Over the weekend, the Kenora Midgets split against the Parkland Rangers, winning 2-1 Friday night, but dropping a 3-1 decision Saturday night to the Rangers.

The Thistles were supposed to wrap up the regular season yesterday in Brandon, but the game was cancelled due to illness.

The Kenora Midgets are scheduled to open the opening round of the play-offs at home on Wednesday.

Stage One of Northland Cup Results

A tough start to the Northland Cup series for both the Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae boys basketball teams.

The Saints won one of two games played Saturday, upending Sioux Lookout 43-35.

That followed up from a 50-35 loss to Red Lake in the morning.

Beaver Brae meanwhile is 0-2 after round one of the Northland Cup.

The Broncos were beaten 74-34 by Dryden Saturday morning and then the Muskies
romped to a 76-38 win in the afternoon.