Guilty Verdict Delivered at Murder Trial

The verdict has been delivered in the 2nd degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall.

The jury found that Ivall was guilty in the beating death of Ed Wilson in the early morning hours of March 21, 2009.

Defense Lawyer Chris Watkins says they accept the verdict as the the jury has done a professional job during the over 6 week trial.

Watkins is advising Ivall to appeal the decision, which he says is a standard procedure in a case of this caliber.

Justice Terrence Platana will hand down his sentencing on June 14th after a pre-sentencing report is completed.

Ivall faces life in prison.

Jury continues to Deliberate in Ivall Trial

The jury in the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall will resume their
deliberations this morning.

The jury was sequested yesterday afternoon after hearing a long series of closing instructions from Justice Terrance Platana.

He spent almost three and a half hours going over the charge.

Justice Platana told the jury they have three options when it comes to
a verdict for Ken Ivall.

He can be either found guilty or not guilty of second degree murder, and
he also offered up the option of a guilty verdict of manslaughter.

He also says if the crown did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
Ken Ivall killed Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009,
they would have to find him not guilty.

Justice Platana did indicate that the jury would have to be unanimous in
its decision.

Murray Supportive of Funding for Kenora's Bridges

It's starting to look like the city of Kenora will get some provincial help to repair the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

New Infrastructure and Transportation minister Glen Murray says the city has presented a very good argument for funding.

The city made their presentations this week at the Ontario Good Roads Conference in Toronto.

Murray says he also engaged in very positive meetings with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association about aging bridges and the twinning of Highway 17.

OFIA Paints Rosy Picture of Forest Industry

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is feeling bullish heading into
its annual general meeting.

The OFIA will be introducing three new members today, all from northwestern
Ontario.

Jamie Lim is president of the OFIA and says things are really starting to
look up for the forest sector.

Kenora Forest Products, Manitou Forest Products and AV Terrace Bay are
the newest members of the OFIA.

Lim adds that they are also looking forward to meeting with the new Natural Resources
Minister David Orazietti.

Campbell Looking for Budget Goodies

The N-D-P are looking to keep the government alive in hopes of having their demands met in the provincial budget.

Kenora MPP Sarah Campbell says one important demand is youth employment.

Other demands include a 5 day home care guarantee, and changes to Ontario Works and Disability program.


Campbell says their demands come out of consultations with constituents across the province.

More Complaints about Snow Clearing

Complaints about winter road maintenance of northern Ontario highways have reached Queen's Park.

NDP critic Gilles Bisson told the legislature yesterday the condition of many roads is atrocious.


 Progressive Conservative Vic Fedeli, a former mayor of North Bay, says he's worried highway clearing standards are not being met.


Transportation Minister Glen Murray says the province's standards for clearing snow off highways have not changed and are being met.

Saints Tie Muskies in Game One of Northland Cup

The Northland Cup boys hockey final has become a one game showdown.

Last night the Thomas Aquinas Saints played to a 4-4 draw against Fort Frances in game one of the two game total goal championships series.

Justis Kennedy scored the game winner with less than a minute on the
clock.  Dan Thomson added a pair of goals for the Saints.

That sets up a second and deciding game Friday night in Fort Frances.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae Girls hockey team will travel to Fort Frances tonight
to face the Muskies in game one of their Northland Cup final.

The Muskies advanced by beating Dryden Monday night.