Mixed Reaction to Rickford's Cabinet Appointment

The appointment of Kenora MP Greg Rickford to the Harper Cabinet is grabbing the attention of two Northwestern Ontario MPs.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty says it's good to have someone from the north taking care of FedNor.

Meanwhile, Independent MP Bruce Hyer says Rickford has been rewarded for being a "yes man" for the prime minister.

Rickford is taking on the Science and Technology portfolio, as well as FedNor and is also the federal government's frontman for the Ring of Fire

Campbell Appeals for Help for Treaty Three Police

Ontario's Community Safety Minister is being asked to do something to help prevent the closure of the Treaty Three Police Service.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has written a letter to the minister
asking for assistance to resolve the policing crisis.

Campbell says the officers are being given short shrift.

Campbell says she's heard from folks involved in discussions that the Provincial Government is willing to find a solution, but the Federal Government isn't providing any of the needed funds.

Report on Urban Deer Problem to be Released Today

More talk about the urban deer population in Kenora.

City council is expected to approve a report on Deer Management
in the city today.

Councillor Sharon Smith says the MNR may not support the idea of
a cull, but she says they have to do something to control the deer numbers.

Smith says the city was warned that deer behavior would change when they move into the urban areas, with the animals becoming more aggressive.

Three New Forest Fires in the Region

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting three new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.

One sparked in both Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, and the other one is in the Fort Frances District.

The Red Lake fire remains a priority and is believed to be lighting caused.

Fortunately no communities are threatened by fires at this time.

Con College Looking for Float Plane Base

Confederation College is looking for a new location for it's Float Plane Base.

It comes after Eva Lake Cottagers near Atikokan complained about planes flying over head this summer.

President Jim Madder says they're looking for a community that has a lot of room and very little air activity.

The next float plane program will start in June next year.

Mike Richards Golf Tournament boosts Community Foundation

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is
singing the praises of golf.

The annual Mike Richards Charity Golf tournament has generated over 45
thousand dollars for the community foundation over the past four years.

Darlene McGillvary says they had a great day on the links this year.

The proceeds of the golf tournament were split between the community
foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Parks Canada Offers Challenge to Motorists

If you plan on road tripping through Northwestern Ontario this summer, Parks Canada has a challenge for you!

They have launched their Hide'n'Seek GeoTour, which guides adventurers to locations to learn about people, places and events that helped shape Canada.

Communications Officer Nancy Saunders says there's a little prize at the end.

For more information you can log onto:  www.parkscanada.com/sault and click on Geocaching.