NOMA Fights for More Doctors

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says the province isn't helping in physician recruitment efforts.

Vice-President Dave Canfield says several communities have lined up doctors to practice but stresses they are experiencing long delays in gaining provincial approval.

Canfield says the current model is based on population.

The Mayor of Kenora points to this community which has a size of 16-thousand people.

He notes the true number is 30-thousand when you factor in first nation communities and the unincorporated
areas.

Duchesne Wraps Up Testimony at Ivall Trial

The second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall is starting to wind down.

Week five wrapped up yesteray as the jury gets a well-deserved four day
weekend.

Yesterday, Angela Duchesne wrapped up her testimony.

She was cross examined by defense attorney Chris Watkins at some length.

He asked if Duchesne was actually the one responsible for the final assault
on Ed Wilson the morning of March 21st, 2009 and suggested it was she
who place his body on the train tracks.

Duchesne denied that accusation.

She did admit to washing Kenneth Ivall's clothes afterwards.

She claims she did it on her own accord because she didn't want the
bloody clothing in her house, and didn't do it to conceal evidence.

The Crown is planning to wrap up its case on next Tuesday.

Firefly expands Partnerships with local Schools

Firefly is continuing to build on its relationship with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

CEO Karen Ingebritson says they have a number of projects in the works that will eventually be implemented in local schools.

Other projects include walk-in counseling services and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder classrooms.

Ingebritson notes that they are still in the early stages of development.

New Executive for Chamber of Commerce

There's been a changing of the guard at the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.

Wes Romaniuk is taking over as president, replacing Andy Scribilo, who has been president for the past three years.

Romaniuk says he's excited about business prospects of the city in 2013.

Blair Hutchings has also moved into the vice-president's position, which
had been previously held by Romaniuk.

Rickford Looking for Budget Feedback

The MP for the Kenora Riding wants to hear from you.

It's budget time for the Federal Government and Greg Rickford says that it's important that Northwestern Ontario has a say in what matters to them.

Rickford says forestry and the mining industry are main priorities for him, and he's looking at creating a tax credit for mining exploration.

He adds that you can go on-line and leave comments at gregrickford.ca

Foul Play Ruled out in Kasabonika Fatality

The Ontario Provincial Police have completed their investigation into the death of a woman in Nishnawbe-Aski Police custody.

O.P.P determined that when the NAPS officer realized that 23-year-old Lena Anderson from Kasabonika Lake was unresponsive, he took her to the local nursing station.

Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says shortly after, Anderson was pronounced dead.

McCoy says the Regional Coroner's Office has confirmed that an inquest will be conducted regarding the incident.

Rec. Center Open Family Day

The Kenora Rec Centre is the place to be this Family Day holiday.

Megan Derouard with the Rec. Center says all the facilities will be open between 8:00 and 3:30.

Deroaurd says there are some free incentives including free hot dogs for the first 100 people through the door.

Deroaurd says there is also a free skate from 12:30 to 2:00 and a free swim from 1:00 to 2:30 sponsored
by Royal LePage

Thistles Open Play-Offs at Home

Excitement is building for the Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles.

The Thistles host the Eastman Selects tonight to start the playoffs.

It's game one of their best-of-three preliminary round series.

Coach Doug Novak says it's a nice luxury to have home ice advantage in the
first round.

The Midget look to build of a season that saw them earn 56 points.

Face off is scheduled for 7:30 tonight at the Thistle Rink.

High School Hockey Regular Season Wraps Up

The Thomas Aquinas boys have won round two of the battle of Kenora.

The Saints doubled up Beaver Brae 4-2 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center in
the final regular season game for both teams.

The victory avenges a 3-2 loss two weeks ago at the hands of the Broncos.

Goal scorers for the Saints were Mac Alcock, Dan Bishop, Tanner Kapera and Jackson Fregeau.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's girls hockey team also finished the regular season on
a winning note.

The Broncos edged Fort Frances 3-2 yesterday afternoon at the Keewatin Arena.

Captain Haley Moncrief led the way with a pair of goals including the game winner.


The play-offs in high school hockey are scheduled to begin next week.