Event Centre Committee Happy With Survey Results

Kenora's Event Center Committee says its pleased with the response to its on-line survey.

The survey wrapped up on July 1st, with over 400 people taking time to fill it out.

Chris Van Wallenghem is co-chair of the committee and says the feedback was similar to what they received at a public meeting back in May.

Overall, Van Walleghem says local residents want to see the ice surface twinned at the Rec. Center, and the development of a multi-use auditorium with banquet facilities.

Kenora OPP Respond to Multiple Thefts

A 19 year old Kenora man has been arrested following a vehicle theft in the Lakeside area.

Police say Randel Beacham stole the vehicle on Friday evening and was found in a ditch on Autumnwood drive shortly after.

Beacham has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, impaired driving, driving while disqualified, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He appeared in Kenora court yesterday.

In the meantime, Kenora OPP are investigating a break and enter on Valley Drive yesterday.

Police say an unknown number of suspects broke into a house early in the afternoon and made off with several items of jewellery.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Rain Helps Reduce Fire Hazard

Today's rain should help reduce the fire hazard across the region.

Yesterday, there were just two new blazes reported.

One was located near Blindfold Lake, and grew to about a hectare
in size before being actioned by MNR fire rangers and air attack.

There were no property values located in the area.

There are currently 45 forest fires burning in the region, most in the Red Lake,
Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts.

Developer Sought For Industrial Park

Wanted:  someone to develop the industrial park on the Jones Road.

The city has set up a special committee to try and attract a developer.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says there is interest in the industrial park,
but they need some buildings out there first.

The industrial park property is located across the road from the iLevel Timberstrand Mill on the Jones Road.

Survey Being Done on Future of Sioux Narrows Park

Sioux Narrows Provincial Park has become a hot topic of discussion.

Rumours are starting to swirl about the future of the park since Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls town council sent out a public survey about the park.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he wants to park to stay open.

Thompson says council has contacted the MNR about transferring ownership of the land.

He says council will make a decision on the parks future in October.

MNR Conducting Lake Surveys

The Ministry of Natural Resources is taking a close look at 61 lakes in northwestern Ontario.

Spokesperson Kim Armstrong says lake surveys are underway.

Armstrong says they are also checking for invasive species.

Information gathered through the surveys will be used to make decisions on setting fishing seasons and size limits for anglers.

Cross-Border Data Collection Underway

The information you share at the border is now collected by both Canada and the U.S.

It's part of an initiative started as a pilot program last year and rolled out to all border crossings June 30th.

Program director Andrew Lawrence says in part, it help keeps track of people visiting.

Lawrence says it won't mean delays as the border as the information is obtained from documents from as a passport.

Fatal Accident Near Prawda

The RCMP are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident near Prawda.

Police say a 1999 Subaru rolled over at least once while heading west along the Trans-Canada
around 4:00 yesterday afternoon.

There were three males inside the vehicle at the time, and one was proncounced
dead at the scene.

The other two were taken to hospital for treatment.

The west lanes of Highway 1 were closed while the Mounties carried out their
investigation.