Ontario Police Boards Discuss New Funding Model

Members of the Kenora Police Services Board are in Toronto this week for their annual conference.

One of the key issues is the new OPP costing formula.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says it's likely going to be a divisive issue.

While details of the new funding formula have been released, Canfield is worried that the results of the provincial election could derail implementation in 2015.

Machin Man Charged With Trafficking

A Vermillion Bay resident has been arrested for marijuana possession in Kenora.

28 year old Rob Gardner was arrested on Tuesday following a traffic stop on Highway 17-A.

Police found 200 grams on marijuana in the car valued at 36 hundred dollars.

Gardner has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of marijuana.

He will answer to the charges in Kenora court in July.

Economic Development Commission Delivers Q1 Report

Tourism and housing.

Those are a couple of key points for the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission
in 2014.

In his first quarter report to council, chair of the commission, Don Denver says they are currently
at work on a plan to attract more visitors.

He says the new five year plan should be complete by the end of June.

Denver adds they are also working on a housing report, looking for ways of increasing the
inventory of affordable homes in the community.

Green Party Requests Seat at Northern Leaders Debate

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner wants to take part in the upcoming Northern Ontario leaders debate on Monday in Thunder Bay.

Schreiner says they've written the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association expressing their interest in taking part.

Schreiner says if NOMA says they want him to take part he'll rejig his schedule and make it to the debate to face NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Premier Kathleen Wynne.

PC Leader Tim Hudak's people said scheduling conflicts are keeping him from taking part.

Youth In Philantropy Grants Handed Out

Youth In Philanthropy has presented grants to four local charities.

The grants were handed out yesterday by students from Beaver brae and Thomas Aquinas.

Maddy Gilfix from T.A. says it was tough to only select four organizations.

Thomas Aquinas gave one thousand dollars to both the Morningstar Detox Centre and the Minto Parent Resource Centre.

Beaver Brae also gave one thousand to the Kenora Fellowship Centre and the Cat Shelter.

Stranded Canoer Rescued in Quetico

A harrowing experience for a canoeist in Quetico Provincial Park.

OPP says the man's canoe had drifted away Monday afternoon after he stopped at an island on Kawnipi Lake, leaving him stranded.

He was able to sent a message back to a Minnesota tourist outfitter who notified authorities.

Poor weather delayed rescue efforts until Tuesday morning where the man was found safe and sound.

Officers also helped get the man's canoe back.

Marathon Woman Charged With Embezzling

A Marathon woman is facing charges for involvement in misappropriation of funds.

Police recieved reports in September that an excess of  $15,000 was missing from the Marathon Minor Hockey Association's bank account.

36 year old Trixie Gulliford is being charged with theft over $5000.

She is set to appear in court July 24th in Marathon.

Northwest Senior Games Next Month

The Northwest Senior Games will be held in Thunder Bay next month.

Organizer Ruth Racic says 12 events are scheduled throughout the City.

The winners from this year's events will advance to the Ontario Senior Games.

The games will be held from June 2nd to the 5th.

NorWOSSA Soccer Season Winding Down

A tough day on the pitch in Dryden for Beaver Brae's soccer teams.

The Broncos were 0-4 in both boys and girls games.

In boys play, the Beaver Brae boys lost 6-0 to the Eagles and 5-1 to Fort Frances.

On the girls side it was also a tough day with the Broncos losing 3-1 to Dryden and 2-0 to the Muskies.

Beaver Brae is back in action tomorrow at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex to finish
the regular season.

Meanwhile, a little better results for Thomas Aquinas in Sioux Lookout.

The Saints boys played to a 0-0 draw with Rainy River and started the day with
a 1-0 win over the Warriors.

The T.A. girls continue to dominate beating Sioux Lookout 3-0 and blanking
Rainy River 3-0.

The Saints play Rainy River again today to wrap up the regular season.