OPP Investigate Break & Enter

The Kenora Provincial Police are investigating a break and enter at Wincrief Forest Products.

Police say the break in happened between Monday December 21st and December 30th.

An unknown number of suspects made off with a portable 12/24 volt battery charger  and a Miller Trailblazer Welder.

The total cost of the stolen products is over 12 thousand dollars.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 548-5534 or Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.

Fires Destroy 2 Properties in the Area

The number of house fires in the Kenora area continue to rise.

Yesterday the Kenora Fire and Emergency Services Department attended a fire on Easy Street north of the city.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the road to the cabin made it impossible for them the access the site resulting in a total loss.

Also last night the Longbow Lake Fire Department responded to a chimney fire on Boulton Road.

Chief Baker says the house was a total loss as well as cold weather kept freezing their pumps and hoses.

Brinkman and Baker confirm that no injuries were reported in either fire.

With the 2 blazes there have now been 6 in the area since October including 4 since December 11th.

Police Investigate Assault

The Kenora Provincial Police are seeking assistance in locating the suspect of an assault on December 20th.

The assault occured when a 41 year old man was attacked leaving a bar near second street south.

He was attack by 2-4 other men who knocked him unconscious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt Jeff DUGGAN of the Kenora Crime Unit at 807-548-5534 extension 3740.

Meanwhile, Impaired driving continues to be an issue in Kenora.

2 more drivers have been charged in the past week.

On the evening of the 27th police stopped 21 year old Tanner Lindstrom of Rat Portage First Nation on Golf Course Road.

Lindstrom was charged with impaired driving and driving without a licence and will answer to the charge next month.

Yesterday morning the OPP also stopped 42 year old mark Hignell of Kenora on Highway 17 East.

Hignell was also charged with impaired driving and answered to the charges yesterday.

New Year's Eve Events

 There are multiple ways to finish off 2013 tonight.

Mount Evergreen will be hosting the annual snowflake shake.

The night includes a prime rib dinner, music, skiing, and fireworks.

The club opens at 5 and runs until 9.

Also taking place tonight the Rotary Club is hosting their new years eve event at the kenora Rec Centre.

The evening includes free access to the skating rink, swimming pool, and fitness centre, and also includes hay rides.

The event runs from 4-7.

Rickford Speaks on First Nations Education Act

The Federal Government is encouraging First Nations to develop their own education framework.

So says Kenora MP Greg Rickford who is responding to the recent tension between the government and aboriginal groups over the First Nations Education Act.

Rickford notes it's important to work together.

He adds another priority is ensuring aboriginal children have a proper place to learn in.

Work Continues to Re-name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Staff at the municipal office in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls are starting the process of  finding a new name for the community.

Mayor Bill Thompson brought the issue up back in the fall and says they would like to get as much input on the new name as possible.

He says doing a plebiscite in the municipal elections next fall isn't an ideal solution.

Thompson says the name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls was chosen by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and they would like to find something shorter that better reflects their community.

Search for MOH Going Well at Health Unit

The Northwestern Health Unit is hoping to announce the hiring of a new medical officer of health early in the new year.

Dr. Jim Arthurs is retiring at the end of March after five years on the job.

He says the goal is have his replacement in place sooner rather than later.

The search for a new medical officer of health is going much more smoothly this time around.

Last time, it took a full year for the Health Unit to find a new MOH.

Difficult Time in Parliament for Thunder Bay MP

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he found it difficult dealing with the Harper government in 2013.

But Rafferty says he's not giving up his fight for pension protection, seniors and veterans.

Rafferty predicts the scandals that plagued the Senate and the Prime Minister office in 2013 won't be going away anytime soon.

Nishinawbe Aski Nation Reflects on 2013

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno is reflecting on what has been an important year for aboriginals in Ontario.

Yesno feels that there have been strong economic contributions from first nations communities and expects more in the new year.

Yesno adds that he would like to see both Federal and Provincial levels of government more engaged.

NWBIZ On Search For New Manager

The new year will bring some changes on top the Northwest Business Centre.

Manager Diane Schwartz-Williams will be moving on to other ventures at the end of January.

Applications for a new manager are currently being accepted.

The application information is posted below.


Manager

Northwest Business Centre

The Corporation of the City of Kenora is currently recruiting for the position of Manager, Northwest
Business Centre. The Northwest Business Centre is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade and Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry in
partnership with the City of Kenora.

Reporting to the Deputy Clerk the consultant is to undertake business development initiatives and
programming to support the growth and development of the new and existing small business within
the Kenora Rainy River District as outlined in the Small Business Enterprise Centre Letter of
Agreement between the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MDNM&F) and the
City of Kenora. To work with the municipality and community stakeholders to provide small business
counseling and advisory services, business training and seminars and provide a resource centre and
undertake development initiatives and programming to support the growth and expansion of the
existing economic environment.

Qualifications:
-Possess a degree or diploma in business administration, economics, marketing or a related
field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.

-Minimum three (3) years experience in small business or financial consulting including
developing a small business.

-Thorough knowledge of business plans, market analysis, financial planning and forecasting,
small business needs, business start-up procedures, and government and private sector
programs and services available to assist business.

-Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication and report-writing skills.

-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

-Ability to communicate effectively and respond to business enquiries regarding business
start-up opportunities.

-Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications including word processing,
spreadsheet, presentation, social media and internet.

-Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer
service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and
flexibility/adaptability.

-Must be extremely organized and capable of managing multiple tasks with no assistance.

-Manage and supervise others when required.

-District travel to regional communities is required.

-Ability to work outside regular business hours as required.

-Must understand and maintain strict confidentiality.

-Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package consisting of a cover
letter, resume and City application form found at:

www.kenora.ca or at City Hall by Noon January 3, 2014, to:

HR/Payroll Assistant – City of Kenora
1 Main Street South
Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X2
Fax 807.467.2150 E-mail jring@kenora.ca