Target to buy up Zeller's

Will Kenora soon be the home of Target?

That's to early say. The US retailer is purchasing over 200 Zellers stores for 1.83 billion dollars.

Spokesperson Amy Riley says the company is really excited about coming to Canada.

Riley says once that process is complete the company will begin evaluating possible locations with the goal of opening as many as 150 locations by 2013.

Busy Day in NorWOSSA Court Sports

It wasn't a great day on the courts for Beaver Brae.


The Broncos managed just one win in four games against Dryden yesterday.

The Beaver Brae senior boys basketball team had the lone win, a 47-43 decision
over the Eagles.

The Bronco junior boys dropped a 47-36 decision to Dryden.

In girls volleyball action, both Beaver Brae's junior and senior teams lost in
three straight sets to the Eagles.

Over at Thomas Aquinas, it was a different story, where the Saints took three of four
games played against Red Lake.

The T.A. junior and senior girls volleyball teams won in three straight sets, while,
the Saints junior boys basketball team cruised to a 65-34 decision.

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys basketball team suffered the lone loss of the day,
falling 73-43 to the Rams.

More snow on the way

Be prepared to do some shovelling over the next couple of days.

The Kenora area is going to get a steady dose of snow.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the only good news is
the fact the snow will be spread out over a couple of days.

In all, the Kenora area is expected to get about 7 centimeters of
snow over the next couple of days.

Habitat for Humanity looking for Council Support

Habitat for Humanity is trying to convince the City of Kenora to donate some land
for a non-profit housing project.

Ralph Page is one of the people spear-heading the project and met with council
this week.

Page says talks are still in the early stages right now.

Page says even though the Kenora chapter of Habitat for Humanity is just starting up,
their goal is to have at least one new home built either this year or next.

Arthurs no longer Acting Medical Officer of Health

Ontario's Health Minister has finally signed off on Dr. James Arthurs credentials, 2-years after the Northwestern Health Unit hired him.

It means the Health Unit's Chief Medical Officer of Health no longer has to carry the label "acting" in front of his title.

Arthurs says the label really had no impact on how he's been able to perform his duties as medical
officer of health. 

Council request review of District Services Board

Kenora City Council plans to ask the provincial government to conduct a review of the
services provided by the Kenora District Services Board.
Former chair of the Services Board, Rory McMillan made the recommendation to
council this week.

McMillan says the Services Board is ten years old and thinks the government needs
to look at its mandate.

He suggests that some things, like land ambulence service, don't really belong on
the municipal tax roll.

He says the request for a review isn't a slight against the board, he just feels its time
to revisit its direction and mandate.

Black Sturgeon Water Quality Study Completed

A two year study of Black Sturgeon Lake shows water quality is actually pretty good.

Ryan Haines was contracted by the city to conduct the study and says they set up three
check points on the lake to test for phosphorous, Chlorophyl A, water temperatures and
oxygen levels.

Haines says says overall, the lake is still in pretty good shape.

The last edition of city council requested the water quality study to decide how much
more development the lake could take.

There are as many as 135 available lots on the lake that could be developed.

Thistles upset the Wild

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles may have played their best game of

the year.

The Thistles upset the Winnipeg Wild 3-0 last night a the Kenora Rec. Center.

Jordan Davidson scored all three goals for the Thistles, while Matt Benson turned aside 28 shots for the shutout.

The Wild are the top team in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League, while the Thistles are tied for last in the East Divsion.

Kenora Skiiers medal at NorWOSSA Cross Country Championships

Some good results from Kenora cross-country skiiers at the NorWOSSA ski Championships
in Dryden.

Sami Burkhart from Thomas Aquinas placed first in the Junior girls 3.5 kilometer event,
while Maya Boivin, also from T.A. was second.

In the senior girls six kilometer race, Manon Magnon of Beaver Brae won gold followed by Kaitie
Dennis from Thomas Aquinas.

In the girls grade 7/8 4 kilometer event, Rowan Schott of T.A. claimed the gold while Karley Lockhart finished second.

Work on New OPP Forensics Lab expected to start this year

Work is expected to begin sooner, rather than later on a new OPP forensics labratory out by the

Kenora By-Pass.

The city's planning department says it has received the proposed building plans for
the facility and has been asked to provide any comments it might have.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says the lab will be located just east of the
existing detachment office.

The province still hasn't indicated when construction on the lab might begin.

Public School Board defends Evergreen Closure

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it followed its own procedures
when it decided to close Evergreen School.

The public school board has responded to a letter from the Evergreen Parents
who have sent a petition to the Ministry of Education, complaining about the
accommodation review process.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says they have responded in writing to the
parents concerns.

Carrie says the Ministry of Education now has 30 days to decide whether to assign
a facilitator to decide whether the school board did follow its policies properly in making
the decision to close Evergreen at the end of this school year.

Montague released from Thunder Bay Jail

Former Dryden Gunsmith Bruce Montague is out of jail and has returned home.


Montague is embroiled in a fight over the Federal long gun registry.

His wife, Donna says they'll be facing a civil forefeiture trial over the May long weekend.

Bruce Montague was released from jail yesterday afternoon after spending four months in the district facility in Thunder Bay.

Council unsure how to finance new fire hall

Kenora City Council says it wants a more thorough discussion about its financing

options for the new Kenora Fire Hall.

Administration is suggesting the city take out a five million dollar loan with the
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to cover the cost of the project.

But chair of the finance committee, Ron Lunny says he'd rather see the city
borrow from its own reserves to cover the cost.

Mayor Dave Canfield, whatever way you slice it, city taxpayers are going to be
on the hook for the cost of the project.

kenora hockey teams split against Fort and Dryden

The Kenora Senior Thistles had a tough night on the road.

The Allan Cup hosts were in Fort Frances last night and were doubled up

10-5 by the Thunder Hawks.

The Senior Thistles are back in action this weekend with a game at home
against a team of all-stars from eastern Manitoba.

Also in Fort Frances last night, a better story for the Thomas Aquinas girls hockey team.

The Saints re-bounded from a three goal deficit in the first period and came back

for a 5-4 win.

The victory improves T.A. to 4-2 on the season.

It was a split for Beaver Brae's hockey teams last night.

The Bronco girls got back on the winning track with a 4-1 decision over

Dryden.

At the Kenora Rec. Center, the Beaver Brae boys dropped a 3-2 decision to

the Eagles in a shootout.

Status of Women Committee Visits NWO

A federal committee focusing on violence against aboriginal women will be paying a visit to northwestern
Ontario this week.

The Status of Women committee is traveling across Canada, and B.C. MP Cathy McLeod says they want to hear about community solutions to violence against women.

McLeod says they will be releasing a report with recommendations to the Federal Government in the Spring.

The committee will be stopping in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.

OPP investigate Snowmobile Accident

OPP are once again asking outdoor enthusiasts to take it easy when hitting the trails.


Kenora OPP say an 11-year-old girl is in Hospital in Winnipeg after falling from a snow machine and being struck by a machine following behind.

The girl is in stable condition.

Police are asking young riders to ensure they are properly trained to drive machines in a safe and fun manner.

Hospital Bed Shortage Easing

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says its seen a slight easing of its bed shortage.


Chief Executive Officer, Marc Belcaen says at the end of December that had 24
alternate level of care patients in the hospital.

That's down from 26 the month previous.

He adds that only 10 of those patients were actually waiting for a long term care bed
to open up.

That's down from 13 in November.

Belcaen says the number is still high, but suggests the situation isn't as critical
as it had been earlier this fall.

Northern Harbor seeking support for expansion

A local businessman is looking for support from city council for his plans to expand
Northern Harbor.

Gary Hall is looking to add 400 docking spaces over the next 30 years, and add an R.V.
park and an arts park.

Alex Clark is working with Hall on the project and told council that there is support in
the community for the expansion.

Clark says they are having a difficult time convincing the MNR that the project should
proceed, and they are looking for support from as many groups as possible as they
go to the next level and start talking to government ministers.

Thistle Pavillion due for renovations

The Thistle Pavillion is due for some much needed renovations.


City council is being asked to support the work, which includes
replacing the roof, and refurbishing the wash rooms.

Councillor Sharon Smith says there is already money set aside for
the work.

The total project will cost over 150 thousand dollars.

Smith say they also want to increase storage down at the pavillion
so its easier to set up for special events on the Harborfront.

New Fire Hall ready to move into

It looks like Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department will be moving into the new fire hall on Barsky's Hill a few days ahead of schedule.

Last week, fire chief Warren Brinkman indicated they wanted to have the move complete by the middle of the month.

Yesterday, Brinkman indicated that the move into their new building is substantially complete and should be done by today or tomorrow at the latest.

He says the final items to make the move are some fire hoses, fire trucks and some
files.

Hospital ready to comply with new legislation

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says its nearly 70 percent compliant with new patient care legislation drafted by the provincial government.

The Excellence in Care for All Act goes into effect as of April 1st.

Under the act, the Hospital has to create a Quality Control Committee that will report directly to the board of directors.

The Hospital also have to have a Quality Improvement plan in place by April 1st.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says they have tight timelines, but should
be able to meet them.

Just over 50 percent of hospital workers have flu shot

Concern has been raised about the number of employees at Lake of the Woods District

Hospital who have received a flu shot this year.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen estimates that only 55 percent of staff at the hospital have had their flu shot this year.

He adds that administration and medical staff try to lead by example, and almost 100 percent

of doctors have had their vaccinations.

He adds that they can't force employees to get a flu shot, but they make it as convenient

as possible.

So far this year, the hospital has held 20 clinics for staff, including some during evening shifts.

Gas Prices Up

Higher oil prices have pushed up the price at the pump.


Over the weekend, the price of a liter of unleaded gas went up four cents to
116.9 at most outlets across the city.

The average price in Ontario is 112 a liter.

Kenora is by no means the most expensive place in northern Ontario to fill up.

In Thunder Bay, gas is selling for 1.24 cents a liter at many service stations.

Thistles lose two on the road

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles managed to pick up two points on a western road trip over the weekend, despite a pair of losses.

The Thistles were edged 5-4 by the Yellowhead Chiefs yesterday in a shootout.

It was the same scenario Saturday night in Brandon as the Kenora Midgets were shaded 7-6 by the Wheat Kings, also in a shootout.

Kenora Hydro Expansion

Kenora Hydro will be expanding its workforce this year.

The municipal utility will be hiring a conservation expert.

Hydro president and CEO Dave Sinclair says the position is mandated by the provincial government.

Kenora Hydro is just finishing a 350 thousand dollar renovation to its building on Mellick Avenue to increase office space.

Saints win gold in weekend tournament

 The Thomas Aquinas Saints senior Girls volleyball team capped a perfect weekend with a gold medal.

The Saints were the co-hosts of the Winter Smash tournament, and didn't drop a set in the
round robin or the play-offs.

T.A. faced their NorWOSSA rivals from Dryden in the A-side final, and beat the Eagles two sets to none.

In Winkler, Manitoba Beaver Brae's boys hockey team had to settle for a silver medal.

The Broncos were blanked by the Dryden Eagles 1-0 in a shootout in the tournament final.

Beaver Brae was unbeaten in the round-robin.

Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, the Beaver Brae Girls hockey team skated away with a silver medal from the Piper Classic.

The Broncos faced the St. Mary's Flames in the final, and dropped a 2-1 decision.

Hospital still in the black

Lake of the Woods District Hospital still expects to break even on its operations this year.

After the first eight months of this fiscal year, the hospital is running a surplus of about 388 thousand dollars.

Finance Manager, Cindy Gasparini points out the surplus will likely shrink during the winter months, because they have higher utility costs.

She adds there will also be some added expenditures, including equipment maintainance contracts.

She says they are still in good shape financially and barring any unforseen expenses they should be in the black once again this year.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted at Hospital

Some good news for anyone with a loved one at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Administration has lifted visitor restrictions that have been in place since before Christmas.

Leslie Brown is the head of patient care and says they decided to lift the visitor ban yesterday
afternoon because they've seen a decrease in the number of people with the flu.

Brown says anyone who has a cough, a runny nose, has a fever or any symptoms of vomiting or
diarrhea should avoid visiting patients at the hospital.

Quiet year for RIDE Campaign

The message of not drinking and driving seems to finally be sinking in.

The OPP wrapped up its seasonal RIDE program over the weekend and just two people were pulled off the road for impaired driving.

In all, officers stopped over 63 hundred vehicles during the five week seasonal campaign.

Two license suspensions were also issued along with 21 other criminal code and liquor license violations.

NOHFC funds three new local businesses

Six local entrepreneurs are getting funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to

start up new businesses in the region.

Taiga Property Services of Kenora has been promised just over 35 thousand dollars to
purchase a back-hoe loader to provide earth-moving services to local cottagers.

Comfort Table Bakery of Vermillion Bay is also getting over 92 thousand dollars to purchase a

building so it can produce fresh baked goods, such as bread, cinnamon buns and pastries.

Another Kenora business, North West Doors, will get 25 thousand dollars under the Young

Entrepreur Program to purchase a trailor, a scissor lift and other tools to repair and install

garage doors.

NDP promise to take HST off Home Heating Bills

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath continues to attack the McGuinty Government's failure to remove the HST from hydro, and home heating bills.

Horwath says Northerners are struggling and need a break.

Horvath says if her party is elected she would remove the HST from home heating oil and natural gas.

New Fishing Regs available

There are no major changes to the fishing regulations in the 2011 Ontario Recreational Fishing Summary for lakes in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

The booklets are now available and MNR Biologist Amy Godwin says some clarifications were made to the northern pike season at Eagle Lake near Dryden.

Godwin says the MNR is currently reviewing fisheries management plans for this area which could lead to regulation changes in the future.

Saints win on the Court, lose on the Ice

Thomas Aquinas court sport teams haven't missed a beat after being idle for the Christmas Holidays.

The Saints won all three games played yesterday in Ignace against the Falcons.

The T.A. junior boys basketball team cruised to a 59-33 victory.

Jarrod Sundmark led all scorers with 19 points.

In girls volleyball action, both the Saints junior and senior girls won in three straight sets.

Both girls teams will be back in action today as Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae are hosting the 30 team Winter Smash tournament.

Action begins at noon at both gyms.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team lost its first game of the NorWOSSA Single "a"

season.

The Saints were in Sioux Lookout last night and lost 6-5 in a shootout to the Warriors.

STR getting local snowmobile trails ready

The Sunset Trail Riders Snowmobile Club is hoping to have more of its trails in the Kenora area open soon.

So far, just two trails are officially listed as open.

Shaun Clifford is a spokesperson for STR and says they are working hard to get lake trails ready.

Clifford says crews will be out again this weekend signing trails and hopes they will be able to open a few more once that work is complete.

Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament back in 2011

The Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament will be back for another year in 2011.

Organizers announced that the second annual fundraiser will take place on July 14th

at the Kenora Golf and Country Club.

Last year, the Charity Golf tournament attracted 180 golfers, guests and sponsors and raised over 11 thousand dollars, which was shared evenly between the Cancer Society and the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

In a news release, Richards says he's looking forward on building on last year's success and making this year even better.

Last years event sold out quickly.

Ring of Fire Office to open in 2011

An office for the Ring of Fire should be open by February or March.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says they are moving forward on the initiative and will have an office in Thunder Bay. 

He adds that the government will also be creating an advisory council.

The aboriginial consultation stakeholder director will be announced in February or March as well.

Alzheimer Society Targets Baby Boomers

A new survey shows that almost a quarter of baby boomer's can't name any of the early sign's of Alzheimer's Disease.

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora and Rainy River is trying to raise awareness of the disease this month.

Lynn Moffatt is the executive director of the local Alzheimer's chapter and says the risk of getting the disease increases the older you get.

Moffatt says they have a couple of events planned this month, including a virtual dementia tour, which will take place in Kenora at the end of January.

New Years Baby born

Kenora's new years baby waited just six hours to be born in 2011.

Christine Wiebe was born early Saturday morning at Lake of the Woods

District Hospital to Lyndsay Wiebe and Brendan Orosi.

The baby girl was born at 6:07 A.M. on January 1st.

New Fire Hall almost ready to move into

The count down has begun for Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Fire fighters are expected to move into the new fire hall on Barsky's Hill by the middle of this month.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says they are just putting the finishing touches on the building.

Brinkman says one of the issues that delayed their move was the need to re-paint the floor of the garage.

2010 wetter and milder than normal

2010 will go into the books as a wet and mild year.

Figures compiled by Environment Canada show that the average temperature in Kenora last  year was 4.6 degrees, which was almost two degrees warmer than normal.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says overall it was much warmer than usual.

Last year was also wetter than normal with 909.1 millimeters of precipitation.

That's about 250 millimeters more than normal.

Greyhound Passengers Furious after being stranded in NWO

Greyhound Bus passengers are furious at their treatment after being stranded for 15 hours in White River over the weekend.

Paul Hitchin says they felt simply abandoned by the driver and got no help from the company.

Some passengers are considering a lawsuit.

Greyhound is now apologizing, blaming weather for the delay, and says it is reviewing its protocols.

Passengers say Highway 17 to Thunder Bay was re-opened at 6:00 Sunday morning, but Greyhound
didn't have a driver available until 4:00 in the afternoon. 

Tough Start for the Broncos in 2011

Beaver Brae's girls hockey team has the first blemish on its record in

NorWOSSA league play.

The Broncos lost their first game of the year yesterday afternoon at the
Kenora Rec. Center, after being shut out 2-0 by the Dryden Eagles.

Beaver Brae now has an 8-1 record.

Meanwhile, things weren't any better on the court for Beaver Brae.

The Broncos just managed on win on the road in their first action of 2011.

Beaver Brae's senior boys basekball team held on for a 41-38 decision over the Eagles.

The Broncos junor boys were edged 40-37, while Beaver Brae's junior and senior girls volleyball teams lost in three straight sets to Dryden.

Fighter fighers busy over New Years

The New Year's long weekend proved to be pretty eventful for Kenora's

Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Fire crews had five calls over three days, including a fire to a trailor home

on New Year's Eve.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the blaze broke out in the crawl space of

the trailor, but crews were responded quickly.

At least one person had to be treated for smoke inhallation, but no other

injuries were reported.

Crews also responded to a multiple vehicle accident on Matheson Street,

and a carbon monoxide alarm at a local home.

Treaty Three Police Set to Open new Detachment

The Treaty Three Police Service is hoping to have a new detachment up and running in the Fort Frances area sometime in the next month or so.

Chief of the aboriginal police service, Conrad Delaronde says they are just putting the finishing touches on a new detachment office on the Couchiching First Nation.

Delaronde says they also want to expand their drug unit and enhance their administrative services in the new year.

More Family Doctors Expected in 2011

Kenora should see some new family doctors in the new year.

The Paterson Medical Clinic is hoping to attract some new recruits in 2011.

Dr. Buzz Pedersen says they are hoping to land one or two family doctors from the first graduating class of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Pedersen says having the students work in Kenora during the course of their schooling is probably one of the best ways of recruiting new doctors to the community.

Five Kenora Skiiers Heading to Canada Winter Games

Five Kenora cross country skiiers will be heading to Halifax next month for the Canada Winter Games.

Eric Lockhart was selected to be part of Manitoba's Bi-Athlon team.

Meanwhile, Amy Matthews, Sammy Burkhart, Jenny Hissa and Maya Boivin will be part of
Manitoba's Cross-country Ski squad.

The Canada Winter Games will take place from February 11 to 27th.

Midget Thistles Win First game of 2011

A good start to the new year for the Kenora Triple A midget Thistles.

The Thistles were in Steinbach on Sunday and edged the Eastman Selects

2-1 in their first game of 2011.

Bowen Alcock and Dustin Taylor scored in the third period to lead the Kenora midgets to victory.

Their next game is this Saturday on the road in Brandon.

Post-Christmas Break-In foiled

The OPP say some observant neighbors managed to spoil a post-Christmas break-in attempt.

Last Tuesday, a 3rd Street South resident contacted police about a

male suspect who had entered a nearby home.

Police were able to locate the would-be thief and after a brief chase,

they managed to arrest him.

26 year old Ryan Parker has been charged with break and enter and

failing to abide the terms of an undertaking.

Suit against Nault dismissed

A lawsuit against former Indian Affairs Minister Bob Nault has been dismissed by
an Ontario Court Judge.

The Pikangikum First Nation brought the suit forward after a third party manager
was imposed on the community back on 2001.

Justice John Wright says Nault didn't actually ask for a third party manager,
instead he had lobbied his own department to discuss a co-management sitution.

The band argued that the imposition of a third party manager held up millions of
dollars worth of projects on Pikangikum, but Justice Wright says dismissed the bands
claims.

He says despite Nault's opposition to a third party manager, the decision to impose
one was appropriate.

Snowfall Warning Issued for Kenora

It looks like Kenora is going to ring in the new year with a big dump of snow.
A snowfall warning has been issued for the area, with as much as 20 centimeters
expected to fall in the next day or so.

Alicia Young is a meteorologist with Environment Canada and says Colorado Low is
heading our way.

Snowfall is expected to start this evening and continue until at least tomorrow morning.

Gravelle supports replacing NWO Emergency Field Officer

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle is backing calls in support of the emergency field officer in northwestern Ontario.


Gravelle says he's against his government's plan not to replace the current officer who retires soon.

Gravelle says he's lobbying Community Safety Minister Jim Bradley to have the decision reversed.

A number of communities across the region, including Kenora has passed resolutions demanding
the government fill the vacancy.

Canfield wants to kick-stat Common Ground Talks

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's eager to the see the Common Ground

Initiative on Tunnel Island get back on track in 2011.

The City of Kenora, Treaty Three and three area first nations are the main partners
in Common Ground, but development of a management plan has been on hold
for the past year and a half.

Canfield says its time for all the parties to sit down and get the process moving
again.

Negotiations over a management plan broke down over whether to include a
dispute resolution mechanism or not.

Kakegamic murder Conviction upheld

A man who was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting and strangling a teenage girl in Kenora has had an appeal quashed.

James Kakegamic was convicted in 2005 of the first-degree murder
of 16-year-old Jocelyn McDonald in 2000.

Kakegamic, who was 22 at the time of the killing and is now serving a sentence of life with no chance of parole for 25 years, appealed his conviction.

He argued that the trial judge's private conversations during jury selection with potential jurors to discuss their personal reasons for not being able to serve meant he was improperly excluded from his own trial.

The Court of Appeal for Ontario agrees he was improperly excluded, but in dismissing the appeal, the court says Kakegamic suffered no prejudice because of that.

McDonald was last seen at a party in Kakegamic's apartment in
Kenora in October 2000 and her remains were discovered March 2001 near the apartment complex.

Still no Visitors are allowed in the Hospital

Hospital officials are still not letting Visitors into the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

That announcement wqas made before Christmas, and there still has been no changes made to that statement.

The only way any visitors are being let in is if you are going to visit someone who is in Palative Care or if someone is giving birth.

Northwest Local Health Intergration Network is taking a step towards electronic health records.

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is taking the first step towards creating electronic health records.

A pilot project called "Doorways" will mean information will follow mental health and addiction patients.

Spokesperson Dan Muraw says it's a vast improvement from the old system.

The project will include agencies in Thunder Bay before being expanded elsewhere.

MPP Howard Hampton says don't be Fooled by Deficit Plan

Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says the public shouldn't be fooled by the province's plan reduce the deficit.

The plan, announced last week, included eliminating some government agencies.

Hampton says it's nothing more than window dressing.

Hampton says none of the agencies targeted for closures will have any impact on the public.

Year End in Politics not so Productive

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty says he was hoping the past session of Parliament would have been a little more productive than it was.

Rafferty says too many pieces of legislation are being slowed from becoming law.


Rafferty says an affordable housing bill and his own private members bill on workers pensions are among two pieces of legislation he would have like dealt with quicker.

AGING AT HOME-FUNDING

Three long term care facilities in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts will be getting funding

to expand home-care services.


The Northwest Local Health Integration Network has promised 420 thousan dollars to extend

their Aging At Home initiative.


Laura Kokochinsi is CEO of the LHIN's and says the service is badly needed in the region.

The Pinecrest Home for the Aged will be getting 240 thousand dollars to provide home support

services for 20 people.


Kevin Queen is CAO of Pinecrest and says the money should ease the demand for beds in the

long term care facility.


Patricia Region Senior Services will be getting 60 thousand dollars under the program, while

Northwest Independant Services will receive 120 thousand dollars for a program in Rainy River.

Keeping Track of Santa Clause

NORAD will once again be tracking Santa's Progress for his Christmas Journey.

Both the Canadian and U.S. military defence oraganization will be teaming up with Google to keep an eye on Jolly Old Saint Nick.

To keep Santa safe NORAD will be using 4 CF-18 fighters to escort Santa into North American Airspace.

You can currently track Santa's progress at www.noradsanta.org as well as google earth.

Lighting of the Candles

A Christmas eve tradition will take place once again this afternoon.
Thousands of ice candles at Lake of the Woods Cemetary will be lit up.

Barb Manson is the city's parks supervisor and says before they begin lighting

the candles, local residents can drop by the cemetary for a special ceremony.
Manson says in addition to the hundreds of ice candles local residents purchased

at the cemetary,just as many will be placed by local residents who made their own.

OPP Hwy Tips

The OPP are reminding the motoring public to take it easy on area highways this winter.
Constable Carol Michtics says has these safety tips.
Michtics recommends calling for road conditions before heading out on the road.
The MTO's road conditions hotline is 1-800-268-4686.

Thistles End Their First Half of Season with Another Loss

The AAA Midget Thistles have lost their 15th game of the season.
They took to the ice last night after two alumni games last night at the Thistle arena.
The Thistles were down 3-0 going to the third period scoring two in an effort to make a late comeback, against the Eastman Selects.
Bowen Alcock scored a Power Play goal then potted another with 38 seconds left in the third.
The Eastman Selects scored another with one second to go to win 4-2.
The Thistles go into the Christmas break with a record of  11-15-0-2 for a total of 24 points.

Kenora sees Building Boom in 2010

The City of Kenora has seen a bit of a building boom this year, but it won't set any records.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says through the month of November there was over 28 million
dollars in building permits taken out.

Canfield says while it was an impressive year for construction, he suggests next year will be a little
quieter.

Some of the projects undertaken this year include the new fire hall, the Discovery Center in
Norman, the Headwaters Condo project and phase two of Downtown Revitalization.

Gas prices going up

You might get a bit of a surprise if you plan to fill up your car today.


Gas prices have jumped by six cents a liter in the past day.

Most service stations are now selling a liter of unleaded at 112.9 cents.

That's up from a dollar six yesterday.

The average price of gas across Canada today is a 109.2 cents a liter.

Kenora Midget's Alumni Reunion

Some familiar faces will be in the line-up today as the Kenora Triple "A" midget program

celebrates 25 years as a hockey club.

A pair of alumni games are scheduled this afternoon at the Kenora Rec. Center, prior to the
the Thistles game this evening.

Exhibition games featuring alumni midget players will take place at 4:00 and 5:30.

The Midget Thistles will take to the ice at 7:30 for their final league game of 2010, when they
take on the Eastman Selects.

Confederation College Expanding

Confederation College is expanding.

Starting next year it's regional campus network is going to include Red Lake and Wawa.

President Pat Lang says the expansion shows a commitment to the region


As of February, both campuses will offer full time programs in Office Administration along with construction and mining .

Wanted: President for NOMA

Dennis Brown says he's willing to stay on as the president of the
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association if no-one else wants
the job.

The Atikokan mayor was appointed to the position on an interim basis
last month.

Brown says the NOMA executive will meet next month elect a new board
of directors.

Brown took over as president of NOMA last month after Anne Krassilowski was
defeated for the mayor's chair in Dryden.

Natural Gas Rates dropping in the new year

Finally some good news for cash-strapped homeowners in northwestern Ontario.


Union Gas says the cost of natural gas will be decreasing slightly to start the new year.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a 2.3 cent per cubic meter drop in the
price consumers pay for natural gas.

Union Gas says for the average homeowner, the price to heat your home next year will
drop by about nine dollars.

Beach Boys Concert almost sold out

Less than two weeks after they went on sale, over 14 hundred

tickets for a Beach Boys concert next spring have been sold.

Kenora's Tourism Development Officer, Heather Paterson says as of

yesterday, they had just 87 tickets left.

The tickets for the June 15th concert on the Harborfront went on sale

December 10th.

Despite a computer glitch that prevented the Tourism Office from processing

ticket sales on-line, local residents have been clamouring for the ducats.

Just 15 hundred tickets were printed for the concert.

Hospital Imposes Visitor Restrictions

Some visitor restrictions have been put in place at Lake of the Woods District
Hospital.

Adminstration at the Hospital says an increase in the flu and respirator illness in
Kenora has forced them to restrict visitor access.

Effective yesterday only immediate family of terminal patient, the spouse of a
woman in labor, the parent of a child or immediate family of a critically ill
patient will be allowed to visit.

The hospital says the measures will be in place until further notice.

Kenora M.P. Ready for Spring Election

The M.P. for the Kenora Riding doesn't think there's any big need for an election
yet.

But Greg Rickford says he'll be ready to hit the campaign trail in the new
year if necessary.

Rickford says while an election is on the mind of the opposition parties, its not a sure
thing just yet.

There's been widespread speculation the election could come as soon as this spring,
after the government delivers its annual budget.

RCMP release more details on Dryden Firearms Seizure

Two Dryden men have been arrested following the seizure of 100-firearms and 50-prohibited knives from the Brandon Gun and Hobby Show on December 12th.


Rob Duttchen is a Detective with the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and he provides details of the investigation.

Duttchen says the licenced dealer is 71-year-old Robert MacGillvary and Police say they have been investigating the sale of the prohibited weapons since the start of Fall.

The arrest led to the search warrant of MacGillvary's home on December 13th, which led to 11-charges against the accused.

The two men were held in custody and were released within 24-hours.

The name of the second man has not been released.

Officers seized several spring-loaded knives.

Another Scary incident on Greyhound Bus

A Greyhound Canada driver is being praised after fighting off a passenger who grabbed the steering wheel of a moving bus en route to Kenora from Winnigeg.


The incident happend last Friday night near Falcon Lake.

At about 10:15 p.m., the bus began swerving alarmingly from side to side on
the Trans-Canada Highway.

A passenger, who apparently wanted off the bus grabbed at the steering wheel.

Police say the driver was able to calmly kick the man away and keep control of the moving bus.

Two passengers then stepped in to grab him and hold the man.

RCMP were called to the roadside where a 24-year-old Alberta man was taken into custody.

No charges have been laid.

Police said the passenger was taken to a hospital to be checked out.

New Gateway Signage in Kenora Officially Unveiled

The rehabilitation of Highway 17 east and west of Kenora has officially been completed.

A ceremony to unveil the new gateway signage took place yesterday.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says funding for the project was included in the roughly eight  million dollars spent to fix up the east and west accesses into the city.

The signage cost about 50 thousand dollars to build and included work from a number of local contractors.

The final design was created by Mike Newton.

Roussin Appointed to KDSB

Councillor Louis Roussin will be the city's next representitive on the

Kenora District Services Board.

Council approved Roussin's nomination to the board at a special meeting Friday in council chambers.

Roussin will take over from Rory McMillan, who had been chair of the

District Services Board over the past couple of years.

Council also agreed to appoint mayor Dave Canfield as Roussin's alternate if he can't attend the board meetings.

Multiple Vehicle Accident closes Trans-Canada for five hours

Steady snow this weekend made for some slick road conditions in the Kenora area.

At one point, Highway 17 west of Kenora near the Ontario/Manitoba border was closed down Saturday night due to a multi-vehicle collision.

The OPP say four or five vehicles were involved in the accident near the intersection of the Shoal Lake Road.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about five hours while the wreckage was cleared.

There are reports that traffic was backed up all the way to Falcon Lake at one point.

The highway was finally re-opened around 1:30 Sunday morning.

Proposal for Norman Accessibility Park

Norman Park seems to be the next area of development for the City of Kenora.

City Council has approved a lenghty report which could make the park more accessible for peole with physical handicaps.

Councillor Sharon Smith its a worthwhile project that will not only enhance tourism, but benefit local residents.

The proposal calls for a low grade walking trail from Norman Park to the new Discover Center at Cameron Bay and along Lakeview Drive to the Dairy Queen, a splash pad and also new accessible washrooms.

The exact cost of the project won't be determined until tenders come back.

Food Costs increase in region

The Northwestern Health Unit says the cost for families in the Kenora-Rainy River district to eat healthy, nutritious food each month has risen 11 per cent over the past year.

Nutritionist Julie Slack says their healthy food basket survey shows it now costs 916 dollars.

She says unfortunately the increasing cost of food is forcing many to make unhealthy choices so they have money for other expenses.

Slack says while food prices continue to rise, incomes have not kept up at the same pace.

Midget Thistles win pair of home games

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles have won three of four games on their current five game home stand.

The Thistles took a pair from the Norman North Stars over the weekend.

Saturday night, the Thistles cruised to a 5-1 victory.

Friday night, the Kenora Midgets came back from a 2-0 deficit

and rallied for a 3-2 win over Norman.

The Thistles have one more game at home before the Christmas Break.

The Eastman Selects are in town Wednesday night.

Police Board Rules on Found Money

It turns out that there is such a thing as finders keepers in Kenora after all.

The Kenora Police Services Board has had a change of heart and will
be returning some money to a woman who found some cash in the city this past summer.

Initially, members of the police board talked about donating the money to a charity.

Mayor Dave Canfield says there is no incentive to turn in lost items, if the city is
just going to turn around and give it to someone else.

Its believed a woman found about four hundred dollars in cash on June 28th.

Since the money hadn't been claimed with in three months, the Police Board was asked
to decide what to do with it.

Tourist Resorts get NOHFC Funding

Three area businesses have received funding to make energy efficient changes.

Motlong's Camp in Sioux Narrows has been given a grant to convert to bio-diesel for use in its diesel vehicles.

Anishinabi Lodge in Vermilion Bay will install a self-contained solar electrical system as well as a wind

turbine.

The move will eliminate the reliance on the existing gasoline-powered generator.

Camp Lake St. Joseph in Pickle Lake will upgrade its current solar energy system to increase its power generation to 860-watts.

The money is from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Allan Cup to get more TV exposure

The 2011 Allan Cup in Kenora will get twice as much national exposure on television than previous national senior hockey championships.

Judy Bain is one of the members of the Allen Cup Committee and says they have received word from TSN that it plans to produce not only the final, but one other game during the week-long tournament.

Bain adds that the games will also be broadcast in High Definition.

The Allan Cup will take place April 11th to 16th.

City sets Recycling Targets

The City of Kenora is hoping to get closer to the provincial government's target for recycling

in the next couple of years.

Local residents currently recycle about 33 percent of their household waste.

Thats less than the provincial target of 60 percent, but still better than the average across Ontario of just 25 percent.

The Solid Waste Department's Waste Management Promotion and Education Plan was approved by Kenora City Council on Friday.

Solid Waste manager Mike Mostow says the plan sets out targets for increasing the amount of material being recycled locally.

Mostow adds that they will be meeting with officials from Waste Diversion Ontario in the new year to talk about Kenora's Recycling program.

He says currently, Waste Diversion Ontario provides about one third of the funding for their blue box programs, while the municipality picks up the rest.

The reports can be found on the Kenora re-use website.