26th Annual Tree of Life Underway

Lighting up the night sky.

The Lake of Woods District Hospital Foundation's Tree of Life campaign is back for the 26th year.

Managing director Jess Rheault says they are halfway to their goal of $50,000.

Rheault says since the inaugural tree of life campaign they have raised over $800,000 for the hospital.

She says the hospital is looking for funding for upwards of 3 million dollars in capital equipment needs.

To purchase a bulb for the tree visit http://www.lwdhf.com/fundraising/current-campaigns/

OPP Commissioner to Step Down

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Chris Lewis is retiring from the force after a 35-year career.

Lewis will be stepping down on March 28th.

He joined the provincial police in 1978, beginning his career as a provincial constable in Kapuskasing.

He was appointed commissioner in August 2010.

The provincial government announced Lewis’s retirement yesterday, saying he has served across the province in a variety of front-line, specialized and management positions.

Just this past August Lewis was in Kenora and indicated he planned to fullfill his new three year
contract extension.

Asset Management Plan to be Released Today

A controversial report on the city's aging infrastructure will come before
city council today.

The Asset Management Plan outlines every piece of road, sewer and water pipe or another piece of infrastructure owned by the city.

Councillor Ron Lunny suggests that council should increase property rates by at least 2.5 percent a year for ten years to pay for their eventual replacement.

Lunny says he doesn't see that happening.

While some members of council say they find the report alarming, Lunny says the information isn't new...they've always known they've had an infrastructure deficit.

The only question is the deciding on the best way to deal with it.

Sewer and Water Rates Set to Rise Again

Kenora residents can expect to pay more for their sewer and water again next year.

Kenora city council is expected to approve another 10 percent increase in rates
at it's open meeting this afternoon

Last year, councilors agreed to raise sewer and water rates at least ten percent a year
for the next five years.

City administration says it needs the increase to build up their reserves in order to repair
and replace aging infrastructure, such as sewer and water lines as well as lift stations and storm
sewers.

Some members of council say they are concerned about the ability of low income residents to
pay the higher rates.

OPP RIDE Programs Busy

OPP's stepped up enforcement on drug driving this month has resulted in seventeen motorists being charged with impaired driving.

Four impaired driving charges have been laid in the Kenora District
so far.

There have also been 13 license suspensions issued to drivers blowing in the "warn range."

Two  of those in our district.

This is the fourth week of the Festive RIDE program that concludes after New Years Day.

STR Working on Grooming Land Trails

The president of Sunset Trail Riders is wishing everyone a safe riding season.

Richard Wilkening says there are still areas with very thin ice.

He says they haven't been able to get the groomers on area lakes yet, but of either slush, or the face some have only just frozen over in the past couple of weeks.

He says groomers are out in full force getting the land areas ready for use.

Tourism Committee Looking To Build on City Brand

Hot on the campaign trail.

The Tourism committee is busy promoting the city's premiere boating destination brand.

Randy Nickle says that includes a change of heart regarding the Mid Canada boat show in Winnipeg.

He says they were able to attend this past year, and have decided to return again in 2014.

Nickle adds they also got great promotion when Breakfast Television dedicated 2 separate episodes on the city.

Health Smiles Program Expanding

More children in Ontario will be able to see a dentist free of charge.

The province is expanding the eligibility for its "Healthy Smiles Ontario" program.

The government says the program will help more than 70-thousand children and youth from low income families.

Beginning in April, families with one child must have a net income of 21-thousand, 5-hundred dollars or less to qualify.

The figure increases 15-hundred for each additional child.

Food Bank Use Up in Ontario

The demand for food banks is growing in Ontario.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks finds 375-thousand people now relying on food banks every month.

Executive Director Bill Laidlaw says there were 16-thousand new users identified this year.

Laidlaw says food bank use this year has been greatest in rural areas and communities hit hard by plant closures.

Province Reviewing LHIN's

Regional health authorities will be get a review in the new year.

A provincial legislative committee intends to hold public meetings in late January and February to review the Local Health System Integration Act.

It include a meeting in Thunder Bay on February 3rd.

The 7-year-old act led to the creation of 14 Local Health Integration Networks, including one for the Northwest, to oversee the planning, integration and funding of local health.

New Scam Circulating in NWO

Another phone scam in our area.

Provincial Police in Sioux Lookout say someone has been calling local residents, posing as a lawyer, advising that one of their family members had been arrested in Quebec, and money was needed to get them released from jail.

The caller then proceeded to give instructions on how to transfer the money using a Western Union money transfer.

OPP say the residents realized it was a scam after they had sent several thousands of dollars to the suspect.
It's not known how many people fell victim to the scam.

Police are investigating but warn that you should always ask relevant questions and verify all information before sending any money.

Busy Week for Thomas Aquinas Sports Teams

It's the week before Christmas and all through the schools, court
sport action is in high gear.

At Thomas Aquinas, the Saints are playing back to back games
against Sioux Lookout and Atikokan before the Christmas break.

Up first this morning are the Saints senior girls volleyball team.

They will be taking on the Warriors at 9:00.

T.A. is coming off a big tournament win in Thunder Bay over the weekend.

Meanwhile, both the Thomas Aquinas boys and girls hockey teams are
in action today.