Cross Lake Wins NAFN Title

A changing of the guard at the North American First Nations Hockey Tournament.

Last night the Cross Lake Islanders won the title with a 5-3 win over Fisher River.

Captain Kajon McKay says its nice to end the OCN's championship streak.

McKays says the NAFN tournament is the best that he has played in all season.

Locals Liberals Ready to Select Candidate

The president of the Kenora-Rainy River provincial Liberal riding association is making plans to run in the next election.

Anthony Leek of Emo says by declaring early, it avoids some of the problems faced in an unsuccessful bid in 2011.

The Riding association will hold a nomination meeting in Fort Frances April 27.

Summer Job Opportunities

The Northwest Business Centre and the Ontario government is offering multiple programs to students in the region to start up their own business.

The Make Your Pitch Program is for high school students only.

More information is available at http://www.makeyourpitch.ca/

The Summer Company Program is being offered to students between 15 and 29.

More information is available at http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ye_summerco_en.jsp

Sportsplex Receives Funding

A sportsplex for all will be soon be running in Kenora.

The renovation to the Jaffray Melick Arena got a big boost by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Jess Rheault is the Vice Chair of the Kenora Soccer Association and says they received over 122-thousand dollars for the project.

Rheault says a lot of groups are interested in the facility including lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and the school boards.

Rheault adds they are currently working to get the turf installed.

Brewing Equipment Gets Installed

Gearing up for the summer.

Taras Manzies with the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company says work is coming along and they expect to be welcoming guests by the summer.

Manzies says the brewing equipment has started to arrive and installation is under way.

He adds that they have selected 3 styles of beer to brew once everything is operational.

The old brewery on Second Street South will also feature a retail store and restaurant.

New Evacuation Plan for Northern Ontario

The evacuations of First Nations communities in the Far North two years ago has prompted the provincial Government to make changes.

The Chief of Emergency Management Ontario says a new evacuation plan for forest fires has been developed for northern Ontario.

Allison Stuart says the strategy ensures everyone is on the same page.

Stuart says the plan outlines "what needs to be done" and not "this is how you do it".

Police Look for Distracted Drivers

Provincial police are gearing up for another distracted driving campaign next week.

Police are asking motorists to make a commitment to leave their handheld devices alone while behind the wheel.

They also want passengers to take matters into their own hands and tell drivers to put down their phones.

O-P-P say while texting is among the most dangerous activities to carry out while driving, distracted driving refers to any from talking on the phone, eating and drinking, personal grooming and tending to children in the backseat.

Senior Thistles Fundraiser Tonight

One last chance to support the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles before they head out for the Allan Cup.

Tracy Laffin from Casey's says they will be holding a fundraising dinner tonight.

Along with the dinner there will also be prizes, raffles, and the band Big Bugaloo will be playing live music.

NAFN Tournament Takes to the Ice in Kenora

The annual North American First Nation Hockey tournament begins tonight.

The tournament will be played at both the Keewatin Memorial Arena and the Kenora Rec Centre.

This year 10 teams, some from as far away as Alberta, will be competing

The OCN Penguins from Manitoba are returning to defend their title.

Weekend passes and individual game tickets are available.

Play gets underway tonight at 6:00 inside the Rec Centre.

Canucks Girls End Season With Bronze Medal

The Atom Rep Canucks Girls Hockey team are celebrating their bronze medal.

The Canucks wrapped up their season this past weekend in Winnipeg at the All Girls Spring Classic.

In the bronze medal game the Canucks faced off with the Manitoba Hurricanes and needed a strong 2 goal 3rd period to take the victory.

To cap off the year Coach Jeff Favreau says "the entire coaching staff is very proud of each and every one of them."

Membership Votes on Credit Union Merger

Copperfin and Superior Credit Union are expecting members to support their plans to amalgamate.

Dennis Alvestad is the CEO of Copperfin and says so far feedback has been great.

Alvestad says once this weeks vote passes it's on to the integration phase of the process.

Alvestad says that both credit unions already run the same banking system so the process should go fairly smoothly with no interruptions to services.

Event Centre Committee Wants Public Opinion

Public opinion is goal number one for the event centre committee.

Colleen Neil is the cities recreation manager and says they will give everyone an opening to offer strong opinions.

Neil says the committee is meeting upwards of 3 times a month.

The committee has not set a date yet, but will be holding an open house meeting this spring.

Safety Measures Before Starting Electrical Work

With spring around the corner many people are preparing to do some work around the house.

And Steve Smith with the Electrical Safety Authority, says if your preparing to do electrical work it's best to hire a trained professional.

Visit www.esasafe.ca for more information on certified electricians, risk rating tools, and information on certified electrical products.

High School Students Are Needed at the MNR

The options are endless for local high school students wanting to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Applications for the Youth Ranger Program are being accepted until this Friday.

Spokesperson Karen Boultbee says program is for eight weeks during the summer.

For more information on requirements and how to apply, visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en.

Social Media Highlights Day 1 of Response Forum

Social media has forced the provincial government to play the balancing act in terms of emergency management.

That message was delivered by Allison Stuart, the Chief of Emergency Management Ontario at the Northwest Response Forum in Dryden yesterday.

Stuart says they now need to ensure the correct information is getting out right away.

Stuart stresses government and emergency organizations can no longer ignore social media.

Severe Crimes Escalate in Treaty 3 Service Area

Financial pressure is hurting the Treaty 3 Police Service in their battle with high crime rates.

The treaty 3 Police service area currently has the worst crime severity index in the province.

Terry Armstrong is the Deputy Chief of Police in charge of operations, and says they are doing everything they can to lower the index.

Along with the Severity crime index Armstrong says the force has also seen a 41 percent increase in calls for service.

Treasury Metals Looks for Employees

The options are endless with Treasury Metals.

Vice President of Operations Norm Bush says work continues on the Goliath Gold Project, east of Dryden and that they are looking for the best and brightest workers.

Bush adds they will be looking for engineers, miners, and plant operators.

Bush notes the minimum education required is a high school diploma, with college level math and English.

A Sharing of our Stories

An opportunity to learn about the history of the region first hand.

Lori Nelson says that the event "a sharing of our stories" will give people a chance to share their knowledge of the region.

"A sharing of our stories" is on April 13th at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Tickets are now sold out

Province Funds Area Festivals

The snow can't clear soon enough for most of us as northerners are no doubt ready for summer weather.

And of course Summer means Festival season across the region.

5 major Festivals are receiving provincial funding this year, 3 of them in Kenora.

Harbourfest is getting $75,000, the Kenora Bass International $40,000, and The Look Up Way Up Festival is also receiving $40,000.

Thunder Bay is getting $40,000 for the Celtic Fair and $35,000 is going to the Red Rock Folk Festival.

Electricity Rate Increase

Homeowners in Northwestern Ontario will be paying more for electricity.

The Ontario Energy Board announced this week that new prices apply to most households and small businesses.

The price for off-peak electricity will go up to 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour from the current 6.3 cent rate, while mid-peak power will cost 10.4 cents, up from 9.9 cents.

Electricity used in the peak period, which is weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is also increasing to 12.4 cents per kwh, a 0.6 cent jump.

The board says the higher rates will add an additional $3.63 to the monthly bill of typical households, who use nearly two-thirds of their power in off-peak hours.

The change comes into effect May 1st.

Missing Teen Found Safe

A missing teen from Dryden has been found after a 9 day search.

Police in Manitoba found 15-year old Kariya Taylor yesterday afternoon on Sandy Bay First Nation.

The Dakota Ojibway Police Service say Taylor was brought into the custody of Manitoba Child and Family Services.

Taylor was first reported missing on March 31st.

Hospital Happy with Long Term Care Bed Situation

It seems the need for long term care beds in the city is getting easier to handle.

Hospital CEO mark Balcaen says there is currently only 3 patients waiting for long term care beds.

Balcaen says it's a case of patients waiting for the nursing home of their choice.

Balcaen says even with 10 temporary beds that were set up in Pinecrest set to be closed, that there are open beds in the community.

Dryden Continues to Fight MPAC Assessment

Dryden's City Manager believes the Domtar Mill is an important part of our region.

Staff continues to request a stay from the government, regarding the mill assessment by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Joe van Koeverden says it's ridiculous that arbitrators think the forestry sector is dying.

Van Koeverden says they have a video conference with MPAC on Friday.

Resolute Looks For Tax Break

Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay wants a big tax break.

It's appealing its property assessment from the province with a goal of getting a 60 per cent reduction.  

City Manager Tim Commisso says it would be a big hit on our taxes and so the city will fight it.

Commisso says to top it off, the company is asking for the reduction to be retroactive by four years.

Peewee All Stars Earn First Point

The Northwestern Ontario All-stars have earned their first point at the all-Ontario pee-wee hockey championship in Thunder Bay, tying the host Kings last night 1-1.

Jared Neniska of Kenora scored for the Stars while Matthew Booth of Fort Frances was between the pipes for the second straight game.

Stars open the tournament yesterday morning with an 8-nothing loss to Ottawa.

They face York-Simcoe this afternoon.

Search Continues for Missing Dryden Teen

Still no sign of a missing teen from Dryden.

Dryden Police Chief Rob Davis says the Winnipeg Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are assisting in the investigation to find 15-year-old Kariya Taylor.

Police say that it appears Taylor has run away and may be with 18-year-old Courtney Harper, who may be using the alias Courtney Thompson or Courtney Falk-Harper.

Anyone with information on Taylor's whereabouts is asked to contact police.

Hit and Run on the Jones Road

Provincial Police are seeking the driver of a hit and run accident Sunday afternoon on the Jones Road.

The O.P.P say a 15 year old girl was jogging on the West side of the road when she was hit by a dark blue van heading south.

The girl was taken to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information are asked to contact the Kenora O.P.P.

Bullying Ends Here at Beaver Brae High School

A strong message against bullying.

RCMP Constable Tad Milmine was in the city on Friday to speak to students at Beaver Brae High School.

Milmine says a young boy named Jamie Hubley is his motivation behind the Bullying Ends Here campaign.

He adds that he personalizes the message he gives to students to make it hit closer to home

Milmine also offers his own contact information for youth who are looking for someone to talk to.

More information is available at www.bullyingendshere.ca.

Treaty 3 Police Service Faces Tough Times

The Treaty 3 Police Service is caught in between a rock and a hard place.

Recently the Police Services Board made the decision to change conditions of employment for officers.

Deputy Chief of Police in charge of operations Terry Armstrong says the service doesn't have the means to raise taxes for funding.

The arbitration was to allow officers of 8 or more years to receive the same compensation as their O.P.P counterparts.

Armstrong also says that the force had to cut 7 officer positions from the officers recruit fund that was only funded for 5 years.

Nickle Speaks at pre-Budget Meeting

More local voices are speaking up about delays in the twinning of Highway 17 from Kenora to the Manitoba Border.

Kenora Tourism Committee Chair Randy Nickle says that the money seems to be ready but more communication is needed between governments.

Nickle says both the federal and provincial governments have said the funding is available but are waiting to here from each other for the go-ahead.

Blood Donor Clinic in City Today

It's time once again to roll up your sleeve and save a life.

Canadian Blood Services is holding a blood donor clinic at St. Thomas Aquinas High School today from 4-9 and tomorrow from 9:30-12:30.

Harvey heather says its a time of year when people don't think about donating.

Heather says they are looking for over 90-thousand new donors this year alone.

You can book an appointment online at blood.ca or by calling 1-888-2-donate.

Midget Thistles go Winless at Regionals

A successful season has ended in tough fashion to Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles.

After earning a team record 56 points in the regular season and earning the Branch Championship over the Thunder Bay Kings, the Thistles went 0-3 3 at the Telus Western Regionals.

The Thistles played host to the Kings, the Winnipeg Wild, and the Saskatoon Contacts all looking for a berth into the Telus Cup National Championship.

Kenora was never able to get it going and had to watch Thunder Bay and Saskatoon play for the final.

The Contacts took the championship game 2-0 and will represent the West Regional at the Telus Cup for the 2nd straight year in Sault Ste. Marie.

No Evidence of Foul Play in Hotel Death

Kenora O.P.P have released more details regarding the death of 36 year Michael Sylborne last weekend at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Police say a post mortem was conducted at the Lake of the Woods Districts Hospital and that their is no evidence of foul play.

Sylborne, from Toronto, died at the hospital on Sunday March 31st after police responded to the Best Western for a disturbance and found him lying on the sidewalk below a broken window on the fourth floor.

Midget Thistles Lose Game 1 of Western Playdowns

A not so good start to the Telus Western Regionals for the Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles

The Thistles started strong before dropping a 3-2 decision to the Winnipeg Wild in their 1st round robin game.

Nolan Ross scored twice for Kenora who had the game tied midway through the 3rd before the Wild were able to score the winner with around 8 minutes left.

Ross says puck control is going to be key for the Thistles tonight against the Saskatoon Contacts.

The Contacts also lost their first game last night 4-3 to the Thunder Bay Kings.

Game time for tonight's game is 8:00.

Dryden Teen Missing

Dryden Police continue to search for a missing teen.

15-year-old Kariya Taylor was reported missing on March 31st, and police believe that she may have left the Dryden area.

Police have been following up with several leads, adding that social media was proving to be useful until Taylor's Facebook account was deactivated.

Taylor is known to police for prior incidents, but they stress she is not in any trouble with the law.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.

North West LHIN Fighting Diabetes

The number of people living with diabetes in Northwestern Ontario is among the highest in the province.

To combat that, the Northwest Local Health Integration Network continues to provide more coordinated diabetes care.

Susan Pilatzke is the Senior Director of Health System Transformation, and says they are looking at how they can improve patient care.

In 2012, the LHIN's took over the role for diabetes services from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

KDSB Looks to Dispose of Housing Units

Underutilized social housing units in the area may be on the chopping block.

The Kenora District Services Board is asking permission from the province for the possible elimination of units in Ear Falls, Dinorwic, Hudson and Minaki.

CAO Dan McNeil stresses this is fist step in a long process to possibly dispose of the units.

He notes any decision would require provincial and board approval.

Ear Falls Councilor Vic Robinson is concerned of future need for the spaces in his community if mining and forestry activity take off.

Goldcorp to Build Transmission line to Northern Communities

Goldcorp is teaming up with 13 First Nations to provide more efficient power to the remote North.

An agreement was signed today, allowing a new company to develop a transmission line that will connect
communities powered by diesel generation.

Manager of Aboriginal Affairs with Goldcorp Adele Faubert says phase one of the project will run through Pickle Lake.

Faubert says phase one should be finished by the end of 2015, and is expected to create 12-hundred construction jobs.

18th Annual Rotary Auction on Now

Going once, Going twice, and Sold.

The 18th annual Kenora Rotary auction is underway right now and there are over 150 prizes available.

Keith Nelson from the Rotary says you gotta act fast.

Nelson says the money raised will go towards projects in the community and around the world.

You can bid online at www.KenoraRotary.ca.

NORWOSSA Badminton Results

The Junior and Senior Beaver Brae Broncos Badminton teams have advanced to the NWOSSA championship.

Both teams competed in the NORWOSSA finals yesterday and had a great results.

The senior team finished 2nd behind Atikokan while the junior team finished tied for 1st with Atikokan.

The junior team captured 3 gold medals with Boe Rodgers and Alex Smith in boys doubles, Logan Ginn in boys singles, and Jordan Carlson and Coel Forsyth in mixed doubles.

There was also 1 gold in seniors play with Jodi Melillo and Maddie Trudeau earning the medal in girls doubles.

The NWOSSA championship begins April 17th.

Telus Cup Western Regional Play-downs Begin Tonight

The Telus Cup Western Region play-downs take to the ice at the Thistle Arena tonight.

The Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles are playing host to the Thunder Bay Kings, Winnipeg Wild and Saskatoon Contacts as they compete for a berth in the Telus Cup.

Every team will play each other in the round robin with the top 2 teams facing off for the title on Sunday afternoon.

Action gets underway at 5:00 tonight when Saskatoon battles with Thunder Bay.

The first game for the Thistles follows at 8:00 when they take on the Wild.

The cost to attend is 7 dollars a game of 40 dollars for a 7 game pass.

ETFO says Contract Talks Haven't Done Any Harm

The union representing public elementary teachers says it's close to a deal with the government that could make changes to current contracts.

The move comes after the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario told its members last week that it was O-K to return to extracurricular activities.

Asked if the proposed changes were worth the harm done to students, president Sam Hammond had this to say.

Hammond says he can't say when an agreement may be finalized.

Dryden Mayor Supports Road Tolls for NWO

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall believes road tolls on Northern Ontario highways are a smart idea.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has floated the idea to help cover the repair costs of aging infrastructure.

Nuttall says sure people won't be too happy with it, but it will pay off.

Nuttall says the benefit to the tolls would be more money coming into the municipalities, if it's done that way.

Busy Year Ahead for Treasury Metals

It's going to be a busy year for Treasury Metals as they work to develop the Goliath Gold Project, east of Dryden.

Environmental Technician Mac Potter says a big focus this year is the creation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

Potter says the report will contain information about environmental
 factors such as wildlife, groundwater, weather and vegetation.

Alzheimer Society Launches 2nd Annual Penny Drive

A great way to do away with your extra pennies.

The 2nd annual penny challenge is on at the Alzheimer Society of the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt they are looking surpass last years total of $6.000.

Moffatt says they will have a bi-weekly weigh in until the challenge ends on June 30th.

Call 468-1516 for information.

LOWDPOA and FOCA Voice Support for ELA

Fresh water impacts every-ones daily lives.

That's a message from the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association and Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association regarding the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area.

Susan McLeod with the Property Owners Association says the research is important to everyone.

McLeod says they continue to push the importance of the facility through discussions with MP's and letter writing campaigns.

Hotel Incident Victims Name Released by OPP

Kenora OPP have named the Toronto man who died in the city on Sunday.

Officials say 36-year-old Michael Sylborne was found dead on the street under a broken fourth floor window at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Police had been called to the hotel to respond to a disturbance around 3:45 in the morning on Sunday.

Police added Sylborne had been in Kenora while working on a construction project in the area.

Randy Nickle to Speak at Pre-budget Meeting

A local PC candidate will represent Northwestern Ontario at a provincial pre-budget consultation meeting.

Randy Nickle will make a presentation today in Thunder Bay on his two main topics of concern, the twinning of highway 17 from Kenora to the Manitoba boarder and tourism in the region.

Nickle says tourism centers play a vital role in the region.

Nickle says it's unfair that Southern Ontario centers can govern the way centers in the North operate.

Campbell Speaks Out For Libraries

Public libraries are getting support in the Ontario Legislature.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is calling on the government to come up with a new funding program to help libraries thrive.

Campbell says libraries are more important now than ever before as they serve to fill the role left by cuts to Service Ontario and Travel Centres.

Campbell says with many municipalities facing budget cuts that some libraries in Northern Ontario are facing closure.

Hockey for Health Faces Off This Month

The 5th Annual Hockey for Health Tournament is just a few weeks away.

Organizer Dean Caron says they have teams competing from all around the city and region.

The tournament runs April 18th to 21st and is in support of the Lake of the Wood District Hospital Foundation, twinning the rink at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

You can get involved by purchasing raffles tickets throughout the city with up to 7-thousand dollars in prizes, or watching the games in your best Don Cherry jacket.

the fundraising goal for this years tournament is $55,000.