Monday, May 12, 2014

Kenora Martial Artists Perform Well at International Event

Local martial arts competitors are showing off their medals from the World Sikaran-Arnis tournament in Winnipeg.

8 competitors took part in the tournament that included teams from the US, New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines.

Miguel De Costa and Jewel Henry both took a gold medals in the hands and weapons events.

Other first place finishes include Jaylen Green, Jay Green and Decara McDonald in sparring.

Local instructor Marianne King also won 2 gold medals at the event along with earning her 4th degree blackbelt.

The team returned home with 23 total medals.

Sudden Death Investigated in Kenora

The OPP are investigating a sudden death in the north end of town.

Police say they received a report of a deceased man around 7:00 this morning.

The Kenora Crime Unit and the Forensic Identification Unit are looking into the incident.

The OPP say they won't release his name until next of kin have been notified.

Red Lake Officer Arrested For Impaired Driving

A Red Lake OPP officer is in some hot water.

The OPP say they were conducting a RIDE Check stop Saturday night
on Highway 125 in the community.

They pulled over a vehicle and discovered the driver had been drinking.

She gave a breath sample to officers and registered a fail.

Constable Caitlyn Van Straalen, a six year member of the police force, was arrested.

The OPP say she will be restricted to non-operational duties until her first
court appearance on June 5th.

Good Response To Day of Action on Climate Change

The Energy East Pipeline dominated discussions during a day of action against climate change.

Event organizer says Teika Newton said the process does have it flaws.

Newton also noted the deadline to apply for a chanc
e to speak at the next OEB consultation is Thursday.

Guest Speaker Mark Calzavara recommended that apart from consultations people should continue to make the Energy East Pipeline a priority in the upcoming provincial election.

Slow Start Expected to Tourism Season

This summer could be a mixed bag for tourist outfitters across the region.

The Kenora District Camp Owners says the long winter and slow start to spring won't help visitor numbers.

President Jacqui Hawkness says over the past 15 years they've noticed a steady decline in the number of
American anglers heading north.

She hopes that a lower Canadian dollar might be enough to encourage more traffic north this summer.

Hawkness adds the Fort Frances border is doing a better job processing American visitors with prior minor convictions through but notes more needs to be done.

Kasechewan Evacuating Again

Flooding in Kaschewan First Nation has become a major problem once again.

A state of emergency is in effect and more than 600-people have been evacuated to Thunder Bay and Greenstone.

The remaining residents of the community of 2-thousand people are expected to be relocated today.

The Canadian Red Cross is working closely with provincial and municipal officials to support the needs of evacuees.

Volunteers are registering evacuees and providing for personal needs such as baby supplies and hygiene items.

Local Candidates Hit The Campaign Trail

Election signs are starting to pop up like blades of grass across the
Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

All four declared candidates have hit the campaign trail.

Incumbant NDP candidate Sarah Campbell says she's concerned about the rampant spending of the Kathleen Wynne Government.

Elsewhere, Conservative Candidate Randy Nickle says he will be opening his Kenora campaign office this Thursday at Central Community club.

Concern Raised About e-cigarettes

The Northwestern Health Unit recognizes that e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kit Young-Hoon says there is research that suggests it may be beneficial in helping people quit.

But she says that research is not conclusive.

She says there is concern that people may still be using cigarettes at home, while employing e-cigarettes at
work.

The e-cigarettes have already been banned in New York and Chicago.

Another Call For Inquiry Into Murdered and Missing Aboriginal Women

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is at Parliament Hill today.

The Council is in Ottawa to honour missing and murdered aboriginal women in a day long ceremony.

The ceremony started on Mother's Day and wraps up tonight.

Morwood Wins Mother's Day Road Race

A new name atop the leader board this year at the annual Mother's Day Road Race.

Dan Morwood took top honors in the 10k event finishing in a time of 37 minutes and 51 seconds.

Janet Findlay was the top female, finishing eight mintues back.

In the five kilometer race, Jason Bruce completed the race in 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

Charlotte Rosewarne was four minutes back, as the top female finisher.

A total of 216 people signed up for this year's road race along Lakeview Drive.