Ombudsman to Investigate Smart Meters

Smart Meters will be the next target of Ontario's Ombudsman.

Andre Marin is expected to announce that he is launching an investigation into Hydo One's billing practices related to the smart meters.

There are complaints that the devices are over-charging customers, especially in rural areas.

Currently about 90 percent of Hydro One customers have a smart meter
installed in their home.

Elementary Schools Get Mix Reviews

A bit of a down year for elementary schools in the Kenora area.

The Fraser Institute is out with it's annual report card.

Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys is once again the top rated school in the city, but
author of the report, Peter Cowley says SMB's marks tumbled a bit.

He says the french immersion school dropped from 8.4 last year to 6.0 this year.

Valleyview was next on the list at 5.5, followed by Pope John Paul at 4.9, and King George at 4.4.

Fellowship Center Prepares for New Housing Option

A new housing option is now available for people seeking shelter
in the City of Kenora.

The Kenora Fellowship Center says it's Room and Borders Residency Program is almost ready for occupancy.

The program provides apartment-type accommodations while teaching
people the skills they need to have their own place.

The Fellowship Center says it's still awaiting for a few more furnishings before
it can make the facility fully available.

As many as a dozen people will be able to be housed in the shelter, located
in the lower level of the Water Street building.

Domtar Upset By Dryden Tax Hike

Domtar says it's extremely disappointed with Dryden's decision to raise the large industrial tax rate by 134-percent.

Council made the decision after the mill assessment went from 41.8-million in 2013 to 15.4-million in 2014.

Domtar Spokesperson Bonnie Skene says the assessed value of the mill dropped significantly because about two-thirds of the operation was closed.

Skene says they continue to employ 330 people at the Mill and another 400 in the bush.

Fire Safety Tips for Winter

Lots of talk about fire safety in the wake of a a rash of house fires in Kenora over the past couple of months.

But fire isn't the only hazard for your in your house.

Bonnie Swanson with Kenora District Fire and Safety says gas detectors need to be on every level on a home.

Swanson also says it's important to have an escape route in the event of any emergency.

Lawsuit Over Morriseau Paintings

Two famous Canadians are going to court claiming they bought fake Norval Morrisseau paintings from a Toronto art dealer.  

Lawyer Jonathan Sommer represents musicians Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies and John McDermott and  who plans to prove the paintings were not done by the famous First Nations artist.

The Lawyer for the art dealer says the claims are false and the paintings are authentic.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.  

Saints Sweep Whitefish Bay

A clean sweep for Thomas Aquinas court sport teams against Whitefish Bay.

The Saints senior girls volleyball team blanked the Winterhawks in three straight games.

An offensive showcase for the Saints junior boys, who cruised to a 94-48 win.

A similar story in senior boys basketball, as T.A. topped Whitefish Bay 69-38.

Today the Saints court sport teams have a double header with stops in Pelican Falls and Sioux Lookout.