OPP Investigate Sudden Death

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a sudden death in Vermilion Bay.

Dryden OPP say the death was reported around 5:00 on Christmas Day.

No foul play is suspected and a post mortem has been conducted at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

Kenora Mayor Undecided on Future With City

There could be some change to the political landscape across northwestern Ontario next year.

Municipal elections will take place in October.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's still undecided whether he'll run again.

Canfield says he still has one more year at the helm of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and that may be enough to convince him to run again.

Nomination papers will be available on January 2nd and the municipal election will take place in October.

New Fishing Regulations

Anglers face some new rules when they drop their lines in area lakes next year.

As of January first, catch limits for crappie and bass will be lower while a new size limit has been placed northern pike caught in lakes within the Ministry of Natural Resources zone 5.

Richard Boileau was part of a citizen committee that helped craft the new rules.

Boileau says the measures will help sustain the fisheries for generations to come.

Home Safety Tips for the Winter

Area residents planning to leave the snow and ice for warmer climates might want to think about getting their homes ready for vacation.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada's Pete Karageorges says simple things like draining water pipes and clearing vents can prevent the potential of a disaster.

Karageorges says also advises having someone check on your home regularly.

Campbell Protests Electricity Rates

The soaring cost of electricity continues to catch the attention of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

The NDP member says the province must do something to reign in electricity rates.

Campbell says northerners can no longer afford to pay their bill with many seniors saying they may have to move out of their homes as their pensions can;t keep up with the soaring rates.

Campbell says since 2007 the off-peak rate has risen 140-percent and the on-peak rate has jumped 48-percent.

Kenora MP Defends Senate

The Senate scandal is likely not going away in the new year as the opposition finished the Fall session hammering the Conservative government over the issue.

Minister of State and Kenora MP Greg Rickford believes the Senate still serves a useful purpose.

Rickford says he's always felt that the Senate should be more accountable to the public.

He notes a few people have ruined the image of the chamber and highlights Dryden's Lynn Beyak's work in the Senate.