Festive RIDE Program

The Festive RIDE Program came to a disappointing end. Spokesperson

Shelley Garr says 47 impaired charges were handed out in the Northwest and a new issues is people tweeting RIDE location.

 Garr says although tweeting the locations is not illegal it is generally frowned upon. Garr commented its disappointing to still see people drinking and driving.

Municipal employees: Fort Frances

Municipal employees in Fort Frances have started 2012 with new contracts.


Separate four-year-deals for unionized workers and managers and non-unionized staff were agreed to just before the Christmas break.

The deals include wage hikes of two per cent in each year.

One with the Canadian Union of Public Employees impacts 67 full and part time workers, along with eighteen unionized positions.

The other covers about 40 managers and non-unionized staff, along with another 28 students.

Kenora Winter Carnival Charity Challenge

It's a tight race for the Kenora Winter Carnival Charity Challenge.

Tourism Development Officer, Heather Patterson says “so far so good”.

The Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation and It’s a Dog’s Life are tied for a close first having sold just over 400 winter carnival buttons.






Other charities selling buttons include:

Kenora Scouts
Habitat for Humanity
The Canadian Cancer Society
Alzheimer’s Society
Special Olympics
Triple P.L.A.Y

Winter Carnival Buttons" are $2.00 each and are available at The Discovery Center, City Hall or online at http://www.kenorawintercarnival.ca/

The Kenora Winter Carnival is March 2-March 4th 2012.

Fibrek

Quebec pulp producer Fibrek is urging its shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Resolute Forest Products.



Resolute is offering 130-million dollars for the company that has pulp mills in Quebec, West Virginia and Michigan.


In a letter to shareholders, Fibrek says the bid deprives them of the opportunity to participate in the upside of the pulp business and other earnings streams.

Driven to Quit Challenge

Quit smoking and you could win a car.


The Canadian Cancer Society has launched its seventh annual “Driven to Quit Challenge”

The Challenge itself is funded annually by the Ontario government and is open
to anyone over the age of 19-who used tobacco for at least 10 months in
2011.

Those who stay smoke-free for the month of March could win their
choice of a new Ford Fusion hybrid or Ford Edge.

Click here to register!

Alzheimer Awareness month

There's a delay in Canadians seeking diagnosis for dementia according to a new Alzheimer Society survey.


It finds that people are delaying diagnosis because they believe their symptoms are part of old age.

January is Alzheimer Awareness month.

Cash Draw

What a difference $20,000 would make.

The Kenora Swimming Sharks CASH DRAW takes place at the Kenora Recreation Centre on January 19th.

Just under 2,500 tickets will be sold for $20 each and are available at many businesses around Kenora including Sunset Strip Husky

Freedom of Information Legislation

Most Ontario hospitals are expected to post their executive contracts online today now that they're subject to freedom of information legislation.

The N-D-P want to cap the salaries of hospital C-E-O's at 418-thousand dollars a year but Tom Closson of the Ontario Hospital Association says this is the wrong time to limit pay for hospital administrators.

Closson adds that being more transparent will boost the public's confidence in what he says is the most efficient hospital system in Canada.

Kenora Youth Council

Want to make a difference in the community?


If you're between the ages of 14-21, attending high school or an educational institute: why not join the Kenora Youth Council?

Interested volunteers have until Friday, January 6th 2012 to submit their application to:

Joanne McMillin
City Hall
One Main Street South
                                                Kenora, ON
                                                P9N 3X2
                                                Phone: (807) 467-2000
                                                Fax: (807) 467-2009
                                                E-Mail: jmcmillin@kenora.ca

Application forms and terms of reference are available at City Hall or by visiting www.kenora.ca

2012 in Fort Frances

The Mayor of Fort Frances says the lack of a municipal election in 2010 proved to be beneficial for his community.


Roy Avis says with everyone back, council was able to plot strategies right away in 2011.

Avis says with Resolute Forest Products still facing economic challenges, and the mill seeking a reduction in taxes, 2012 could be a challenge.

Sarah Campbell

2011 wasn't as productive at Queen's Park as Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell would have liked.


Campbell, who took over for Howard Hampton in October's election, says she would have liked to see more come out of her first session.

Campbell says the inability to form parliamentary committees in the last session prevented many proposed bills from moving forward.

Equipment Donation

Youth at four area First Nations around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls are benefiting from a large donation of sports equipment from residents of Ottawa.

The U-Hall truck load of equipment was distributed to children at Whitefish Bay, Northwest Angle #33 and #37 and Onigaming yesterday.

Peter White, an elder at Whitefish Bay, says it's a great gift.

Former Metis Nation of Ontario president, Tony Belcourt, who lives in Ottawa, helped organize the drive.

Immunization

The Northwestern Health Unit is encouraging area residents to get immunized against pertussis or whooping cough.


The respiratory infection comes with severe spells of coughing followed a whoop sound before the next breath.

The Health Unit says its noticed a slight increase in the number of cases, effecting both young infants to adults.

Ontario Budget

MPP's head back to work in a months time.

Michael Gravelle says they'll start straight in on the province's budget.

“We know that we’re going to be facing a daunting year in terms of the fiscal situation in the province of Ontario. We’re all conscious that the upcoming spring budget will be a very important one in terms of the decisions that are made by our government”


The Ontario legislature resumes in February.

REACH Health Facility

Confederation College's Dean of Health and Community Services says they'll be reaching out to the regional campuses in 2012.


Kathleen Lynch says they're going to hit the ground running in the New Year.

"We'll be full steam ahead with all of our new equipment and our ability to do simulation, adding more of that to the curriculum so it’s very exciting for us”

Lynch also adds that they look forward to using their video conferencing capabilities to touch base with those who are using distance education.

The REACH building in Thunder Bay welcomed students in September.

NDP Leadership Debate

Issues pertaining to Northern Ontario will get all the attention of the federal NDP leadership hopefuls.


All eight candidates will be duking it out in Sudbury for an all candidates debate early next year.

Organizer Richard Eberhardt says they want to hear from each candidate on their position for Northern Ontario.

The event is scheduled for February 5th 2012.

CJRL's Sister Changes

There's a fresh new look and name for CFOB-FM, better known as B-93 - CJRL's sister station in Fort Frances.


93-1, The Border, took to the airwaves in Fort Frances and the Rainy River district this week.

Station Manager Leo Melanson says there's also a fresh new sound for area listeners.

Melanson says 93.1 The Border will continue to build on its reputation of community involvement and complete local news coverage.

2011: Bill Mauro

2012 should be an interesting one at Queens Park as the McGuinty government tries to work in a minority situation. Looking ahead MPP Bill Mauro says the upcoming budget will be one to watch.
As for 2011, Mauro says it was a year of growth and investment in the northwest by the McGuinty government

Rainy River Strategic Plan

Municipal reps are aiming to have a memorandum of understanding in place next spring that helps pave the way toward a strategic plan for the Rainy River district.

Rainy River town councillor Gord Armstrong there have been talks about the plan this year.

He says getting municipalities to formally agree to the concept keeps progress moving.

He's hoping more concrete plans will be in place by the end of 2012.

Impaired Driving

If your having a few drinks this holiday season, don't get behind the wheel.


Constable Dave Cain says despite our best efforts impaired driving number in Kenora are still on the rise.

"We had 66 total impaired drivers charged in 2010 and this year we're at 81, it's really not a good statistic to be bragging about”

The Northwest Region of Ontario had the highest number of impaired drivers convicted, 9 of which came from Kenora.

If you suspect someone to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol:  call 9-1-1

Donor Clinic

It takes less then an hour of your time and in the process you can help save a life.

Canadian Blood Services will be back at St. Thomas Aquinas on January 16th and 17th and they're looking to book over 140 appointments.

Adrienne Silver, Communications Specialist for Northwestern Ontario says blood units from Kenora alone would be enough to help 28 cancer patients or 2 people seriously injured in a collision.

The basic criteria to donate is simple: if your over 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs and your in general good health your good to go

For more information or to book your appointment visit www.blood.ca

Thunder Bay Murder

A northwestern Ontario man faces a second-degree murder charge after initially being accused of aggravated assault.

Thunder Bay Police upgraded the charge four days after 53-year-old Barney Beaver of Webequie First Nation died of his injuries in hospital.

Police say Beaver was found unconscious in his room at Thunder Bay's Victoria Inn December 17th by cleaning staff.

Thirty-three-year-old Summer Beaver First Nation resident Kelsey Lance Charles Jacob is in custody and will appear in Thunder Bay court on January 5th.

A memorial service for Beaver is to take place at Webequie today

John Rafferty 2011-2012

MP John Rafferty says 2012 looks to be a struggle for the NDP. Looking to the new year, Rafferty says that the Harper majority will be hard to crack, if not impossible.

2011 will go down as an interesting one for MP John Rafferty.  He and his fellow NPRer Bruce Hyer were sanctioned for voting against their party on the Long Gun Registry

Rafferty says 2011 proved to be full of highs and lows for the NDP

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Even without any major tax hikes, Canadians' take-home pay will get a little lighter starting Jan.1.


The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says premium hikes for employment insurance and the Canada Pension Plan will take about $306 out of the pockets of both workers and employers in 2012.

The maximum pensionable earnings rise to $50,100 from $48,300.

That will take about $142 from employees who qualify for the maximum over the year.

The hit on employers is slightly more, $164.

Border Travel

The U-S Customs and Border Protection is offering some tips to travellers planning visits across the border during the holiday season.


If bringing presents across the border, ensure that any festive wrappings do not obstruct inspection of the items.

Most fresh fruits and vegetables grown outside of the U.S. or Canada are prohibited.

And because this is usually a busy time at the border, travellers may want to consider avoid peak crossing times.

Thin ice on Lake of the Woods

A conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has escaped injury after breaking through thin ice on Lake of the Woods over the weekend.


The officer was checking fishing north of Warroad Saturday when his ATV broke through and sank to the bottom of the lake.

He was able to swim to the edge of the ice and pull himself out of the water to safety with ice picks.

He then used his radio to call a state trooper for a ride

Greg Rickford 2011-2012

2012 is going to be the year the Harper government will be wrestling with the nations debt according to MP Greg Rickford.

Looking ahead to the new year Rickford says there will also be a committment to helping out the infrastructure needs of the country


2011 helped put Rickford in the national spotlight as the Attawapiskat crisis was exposed.

New Year's Eve in Kenora

The Kenora Rec. Center will be a hopping place once again this New Year's Eve.


The Kenora Rotary Club will be holding its 3rd annual Family night.

There will be free skating and swimming from 4:00 until 7:00 for everyone.

There will also be free sleigh rides from 4:00 until 6:00 outside the Rec. Center.

Kenora Lions Club

$67,000, that’s what this year’s annual Lions Club Christmas draw brought in.


Don Brown of the Lions Club says the tickets have been sold out for the last 5 consecutive years and he hopes 2012 will be no different.

Winners for the 2011 season include:

1st prize: Robert Gray (Dodge Journey or $28,000)

2nd prize: Murray MacDonald ($500 gift card to Safeway)

3rd prize: Dianne Little ($500 gift card for Canadian Tire)

The draw was held on Christmas day.

Healthy Smiles

There are plenty of Healthy Smiles in the Rainy River district.

Northwestern Health Unit has concluded a lengthy visit to the district of its mobile dental office.

The Health Unit's Dental Health Program Manager Dawn Sauve says its aimed at bring dental services to children in need.

Funding for the van came from the Ministry of Health.

Legislative Agenda

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he's proud of his government's track record this fall.

Rickford says while the opposition spent a lot of time talking about the conditions on the Attiwapiskatt First Nation, the government stayed focused on its legislative agenda.

Rickford says a couple of important bills were passed including Electoral Reform and the Safe Streets and Communities act.

2012 in Kenora

A positive outlook for 2012 in Kenora.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield believes the city is due for better times.

He says its important to put out the welcome mat for business.

Canfield says a lot of money has been spent on improving the city's infrastructure over the past few years and he feels that will pay dividends in the months ahead.

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

There are a dozen awards up for grabs this year including: entrepreneur of the year, manager of the year, customer service excellence, hospitality, and new business of the year.


Nominations can be submitted online to the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.

January 6th is the last day to submit nominations.

Recycle Your Electronics

If you're looking for a New Years Resolution how about this: Recycle your old electronics.

The Ontario Electronic Stewardship says they've seen a big increase in the amount of old cell phones, computers and televisions being recycled in northwestern Ontario.

But executive director, Carol Hochu suggests we can do better.

In Kenora, you can recycle your old electronics at the Waste Transfer Station on Barsky's Hill.

Ice Candle Festival Starts Tomorrow

Lake of the Woods Cemetary will be aglow with ice candles once again this Christmas

Volunteers will begin lighting the candles tomorrow.

Barb Manson organizers the annual event and says this year the funds will go towards completing a park in the Lakeside area.

A special ceremony will take place at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon at the cemetary with a special choral presentation from the Sideways Singers.

Bill to Abolish the Long Gun Registry Delayed until the New Year

The abolition of the federal long gun registry has now been put off until the new year.

Parliament rose last week, without third reading of the bill.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford expects it will be one of the first items of business when the House of Commons resumes sitting in February.

Rickford had hoped the bill would pass before Christmas, but says a very busy legislative agenda prevent it from getting third and final reading.

A mild Christmas in the Forecast

Santa isn't going to have to put on his warm, thermal underwear when he visits Kenora this Christmas.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says its going to remain unusually warm until at least early next week.

The forecast for Christmas calls for plus one and plus two for Boxing Day.

Local Business Survey Launched

What do local businesses need to survive and to thrive?

That's the question being asked by the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission.

Thelma Wilkins-Page says volunteers are contacting local business owners getting their feedback.

Wilkins-Page says they recently completed their survey of the automotive sector and will continue with their business poll in the new year.

IJC Report on Lake of the Woods Delayed

A report on the Lake of the Woods Watershed by the International Joint Commission is going to be delayed.

A Task Force set up by the IJC submitted its recommendations back in July, and the Commission was to present its findings to the government's of Canada and the United States by December 17th.

However, it now appears the final report won't be ready until the end of January.

Commission spokesperson Bernard Beckhoff says they are in the process of  finalizing the report and says additional time is needed to complete it.

NAN calls for Action on FASD

There's an accusation that the McGuinty Government isn't doing enough about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says the Province needs to get serious about the problem because his people can't do it on their own.

Waboose says a countless number of children with the disorder are falling through the cracks.

Habitat For Humanity Committee Making Progress

Habitat for Humanity is confident it will be able to meet its fundraising target to build its first home in Kenora.

The local committee is hoping to raise 125 thousand dollars before the spring.

Ralph Page is one of the local members and says he's pleased with their progress to date.

Page says they have about 18 thousand dollars in cash donations and even more promised with "in kind" donations of labor and materials.

Catholic Board approves revised budget

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has approved its revised budget estimates for the current fiscal year.

Because enrolment is up, the separate school board is getting more funding from the Ministry of Education.

However, Finance manager Erica Baily, they still expect to add to their deficit this year, due to the extra student population.

Bailey says they have about 25.5 more students enrolled in the Catholic Board right now that they have projected back in June when they finalalized their budget.

Broncos split in Fort Frances

Beaver Brae's junior boys basketball team is going into the Christmas Break with a two game winning streak.

The Broncos edged the Fort Frances Muskies 27-26 yesterday in the Fort.

Beaver Brae opened the season on Tuesday with a win over Dryden.

The Broncos senior boys are still a work in progress. They were hammered 56-19 by the Muskies yesterday.

In girls volleyball action, the Beaver Brae senior girls picked up their first win of the season, downing the Muskies three sets to one.

The Broncos junior girls lost in three straight to Fort Frances.

Shoal Lake #39 Threatening to take Winnipeg to Court

The Shoal Lake #39 First Nation says its prepared to take legal action against the City of Winnipeg over the issue of water.

The band has given Winnipeg a deadline of January 20th to open negotiations.

Earlier this year, Chief Eli Mandamin indicated they were seeking 124 million dollars a year for the water Winnipeg uses.

The band claims the city is taking the water illegally.

Shoal Lake says the ball is now in Winnipeg's court.

Rickford supports adult training center

Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission is getting some high level support for its concept of a Adult Training Center in Kenora.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says developing training opportunities is key to the economic future of the community.

Rickford goes on to say he supports the concept.

The Commission briefed city council on the proposal for an adult training center at Lakewood School.

A final business plan is expected to outline some of the potential sources of funding for the project.

Atikokan not happy with Comparisons to Attiwapiskatt

The Mayor of Atikokan says he's not sure why his community is being used as a comparison with the financial spending of troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

A published report notes Atikokan's operating budget to be a third of the remote Northern community.

Dennis Brown says location may play a factor.

Brown says it's also difficult to compare budgets since Atikokan doesn't have all of the same financial responsibilities as Attawapiskat.

Trout Forest Lands funding

A big catch for organizers of the Trout Forest Music Festival.

The Federal Government has handed the Ear Falls Festival 50-thousand dollars to help it through 2013 and 2014.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the event is a great venue to showcase local and national talent.

Trout Forest Executive Director David Hoey says the funding will make it easier for planning and will allow organizers to showcase the top talent in Canada.

Grassy rejects Long Term Plan for Whiskey Jack Forest

The Grassy Narrows First Nation is rejecting a long term forest management plan for the Whiskey Jack Forest.

The plan was released last week, but Grassy Chief Simon Fobister says it still would allow for clear cut logging in their traditional land use territory.

Fobister says the document was developed without their participation or consent.

He's now asking for a meeting with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle asking the government to work with them.

So far Fobister says he hasn't heard back from Gravelle's office.

Just Say No to Chainsaws

City council is being asked to toughen up Kenora's noise by-law.

Charles King made a deputation to council this week complaining that chainsaws were not included in the current by-law.

King says one of his neighbors used a chainsaw constantly this summer and it was an irritant not only to him but other in his Lakeside neighborhood.

Habitat for Humanity Choses family for its first Kenora Build

Its a Christmas wish come true.

A single woman and her girl will be the first family in Kenora to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity.

Ashley Neniska says she's very thankful to the Habitat committee selecting her.

Habitat For Humanity is hoping to start construction on its first Kenora home in May.