T3P Board Breaks Silence

The Treaty Three Police Service board has finally broken its silence surrounding its decision to close down the aboriginal police department.

A week after announcing the closure, the board has issued a press release saying government underfunding and not financial mismanagement were responsible for the decision.

The board says a number of factors played into their decision, including an arbitration ruling which gave the Treaty Three officer wage parity with the OPP.

The Board says it had to lay off seven officers as a result and says if it continued to pay those rates, they would run up a deficit of 3.3 million dollars.

It adds that even though the federal and provincial governments have committed to continue funding the police service, there is no additional
money to cover the wage increases.

Ride For Memories Ready to Roll

Get your motor running and head on down the highway for the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River.

It's annual Ride for Memories and Poker Derby is get for August 24th.

The Society's Rossana Tomashowski says they hoping to raise 50-thousand dollars.

Registration can now be made by calling the Society's Kenora office or through its website.

Parts of Minaki Lodge Salvaged

The Old Minaki Lodge is getting a new chance at life.

After the fire at the lodge the redevelopers salvaged some granite bocks and timbers.

Doug Johnston says the Minaki on the River developers will be using the items in a special commemoration project.

Johnston says the Gazebo will be placed on a point between the Dockside Restaurant and the Powerhouse.

Merger of Non-Profit Housing Corporations Still On Hold

Both the non-profit housing corporations in Kenora and Keewatin are rejecting a request for proposals for management of their units.

Chair of the Keewatin Board Jack Peason told council this week that they can save 13 thousand dollars by going it alone.

Mayor Dave Canfield says at this point he's prepared to turn the whole matter over to the District Services Board.

Canfield says council will wait for a report from city administration in September before making any decision about amalgamating the non-profit housing services.

Council Approves Sewer and Water Upgrades

The McLeod Park washrooms are expected to be out of service for a while longer.

The water lines servicing the washrooms come through Safety Bay and are in need of repair.

Work won't begin until city council approves a tender for the work.

City council is expected to approve a bid for sewer and water upgrades at its next open meeting on Monday.

Titan Contactors had the lowest of three bids for the work at 973 thousand dollars.

Police Investigate Fatality on Onigaming

The OPP and Treaty Three Police are investigating a fatality on the Onigaming
First Nation near Nestor Falls.

On Wednesday, officers were called about a man in distress.

When they arrived at the scene police found a deceased male in an
apartment.

A woman was also at the scene and in need of medical treatment.

She's listed in serious, but stable condition.

The OPP's Northwest Crime Unit has been called in to help out with the
investigation.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

Police Release Name of Man Killed in crash near Ignace

The OPP have released the name of a man killed in an accident near
Ignace earlier this week.

53 year old Cordell Majcher from Winnipeg was killed when the pick-up  he was driving collided with a transport about 10 kilometers west of Ignace Wednesday morning.

A post-mortem exam will be conducted today at Lake of the Woods District
Hospital.

The OPP say they are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.

Local Aboriginals Rally to Save Treaty Three Police

Working to bring the people of Treaty #3 together.

Tania Cameron has been rallying support to save the Treaty #3 Police Service.

Cameron says one main goal she has is to make sure people know what is happening.

A meeting was held at Anicinabe Park last night to talk about the loss of the aboriginal police service.

Cameron says they are working on a plan to get a large audience with people from Treaty #3 communities to rally at the Police Services AGM in Kenora on July 23rd.

Kenora Student Starts Summer Business

A Kenora student has launched his own company with help from a provincial program aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship.

Coel Forsythe is launching the Tight Line Guide Service, after his business proposal was accepted by the Summer Company program.

It's just one of three in the Kenora and Rainy River districts to be accepted.

Forsythe receives a grant to start his business and an additional bursary if it proves to be successful.

EAC Issues Annual Report to Council

Kenora's Environmental Advisory Committee is raising some concerns about the city's landfill site.

Teika Newton presented the committee's annual report this week.

She says while there is still lots of life left in the Jones Road Landfill site, the dump isn't bottomless.

Newton says the landfill initially had a life span of 40 years, but that could be extended if more waste can be diverted.

Rates At Rec. Center Due to Increase

Its going to cost you a bit more to go to the Rec. Center this year.

A number of rate increases have been proposed for the fall.

Recreational Services Manager Colleen Neil says they are looking at about
a five percent increase across the board for pool and rink rental rates.

She says this is the first rate increase in almost four years.

She adds that the hike in user rates will help get them closer to the 65 percent cost recovery target set out by city council.

Smoke From Large Fire Blows into Red Lake

Smoke from an 11-thousand hectare forest fire continues to blow into Red Lake.

The fire poses no threat to the community but the Ministry of Natural Resources states that the smoke isn't expected to leave anytime soon.

Information Officer Heather Pridham says this fire is their number one priority.

Reports from Minnesota indicate that smoke from the fire is also blowing into several communities in that state.

Tourist Outfitter Fined

A man from Minnesota has been fined by the MNR.

Mark Zupancich, who run the Zup's Fishing Resort and Canoe Outfitters in Lac La Croix, was fined 2 thousand dollars for not submitting payment to the province for the sale of hunting and fishing licences during the 2011 season.

Zupancich plead guilty to the charge in court and repaid the province to full amount owing of almost 14 thousand dollars.

Highway 17 Re-opens near Ignace

Highway 17 is now open between Dryden and Ignace.

The Trans-Canada was closed yesterday due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.

Provincial Police are confirming one fatality.

Witnesses say the collision involved a half ton truck and a transport.

Trans-Canada Closed Near Dryden

Highway 17 is closed between Dryden and Ignace.

The Trans-Canada is closed due to a fatal collision.

Provincial Police are confirming one fatality.

No other details are known at this time.

There is no word on when the highway will reopen.

Library Releases Report on Operational Review

The Kenora Public Library says its committed to keeping the Keewatin
Branch open, at least for the next two years.

That's one of the recommendations contained in an operational review
conducted last year.

Marj Poirier is a spokesperson for the library board and says they will be
monitoring usage in Keewatin a little more closely.

The Operational Review was actually completed in January 2012, and the
library board has spent the past year and a half implementing a number of
the key recommendations.

Con. College Enrollment Up

Confederation College says early enrollment confirmation numbers are up 5 percent.

That's about an extra 100 students who say they'll be going to Con College in the fall.

President Jim Madder says there are a few courses that are already full, including many of their health care programs.

Madder adds other programs that could see an increase in applications are in the Trades and Technology courses.

Calgary Man Dies in Prawda Accident

The RCMP in Manitoba say a man killed in a single vehicle accident
near Prawda this week was from Calgary.

The 22 year old was killed after a 1999 Subaru rolled over while heading
west on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Police say they are not releasing the name of the deceased, but add they
are continuing their investigation.

The 25 year old driver of the vehicle, from Maple, Ontario has since been
released from hospital, but another passenger from Toronto continues to
be treated for his injuries.

Flavour Gone Campaign Expands

Folks in Northwestern Ontario can help "End the Flavour" of tobacco products.

Kiri Butter is a Community Programs Consultant with the Canadian Cancer Society and says they have a new video out, and one of their goals to bring awareness that these products are out there.

Butter says they are encouraging local residents to
write a letter to their MPP voicing their concerns.

For a link to the video, visit:  http://takeaction.cancer.ca/endtheflavour/#!

Ontario Trying to Save Honey Bees

 Beekeepers, farmers, scientists and government representatives are working together to save the honey bee.
   
The Ontario government is putting together a committee to find a solution to declining bee populations.
   
A pesticide called neonicotinoid, used for corn and soybeans has been attributed to the deaths of millions of bees in the province.
   
According to the Canadian Honey Council, over the last three years Canada's bee population has dropped by 35 per cent.

Event Centre Committee Happy With Survey Results

Kenora's Event Center Committee says its pleased with the response to its on-line survey.

The survey wrapped up on July 1st, with over 400 people taking time to fill it out.

Chris Van Wallenghem is co-chair of the committee and says the feedback was similar to what they received at a public meeting back in May.

Overall, Van Walleghem says local residents want to see the ice surface twinned at the Rec. Center, and the development of a multi-use auditorium with banquet facilities.

Kenora OPP Respond to Multiple Thefts

A 19 year old Kenora man has been arrested following a vehicle theft in the Lakeside area.

Police say Randel Beacham stole the vehicle on Friday evening and was found in a ditch on Autumnwood drive shortly after.

Beacham has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, impaired driving, driving while disqualified, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He appeared in Kenora court yesterday.

In the meantime, Kenora OPP are investigating a break and enter on Valley Drive yesterday.

Police say an unknown number of suspects broke into a house early in the afternoon and made off with several items of jewellery.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Rain Helps Reduce Fire Hazard

Today's rain should help reduce the fire hazard across the region.

Yesterday, there were just two new blazes reported.

One was located near Blindfold Lake, and grew to about a hectare
in size before being actioned by MNR fire rangers and air attack.

There were no property values located in the area.

There are currently 45 forest fires burning in the region, most in the Red Lake,
Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts.

Developer Sought For Industrial Park

Wanted:  someone to develop the industrial park on the Jones Road.

The city has set up a special committee to try and attract a developer.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says there is interest in the industrial park,
but they need some buildings out there first.

The industrial park property is located across the road from the iLevel Timberstrand Mill on the Jones Road.

Survey Being Done on Future of Sioux Narrows Park

Sioux Narrows Provincial Park has become a hot topic of discussion.

Rumours are starting to swirl about the future of the park since Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls town council sent out a public survey about the park.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he wants to park to stay open.

Thompson says council has contacted the MNR about transferring ownership of the land.

He says council will make a decision on the parks future in October.

MNR Conducting Lake Surveys

The Ministry of Natural Resources is taking a close look at 61 lakes in northwestern Ontario.

Spokesperson Kim Armstrong says lake surveys are underway.

Armstrong says they are also checking for invasive species.

Information gathered through the surveys will be used to make decisions on setting fishing seasons and size limits for anglers.

Cross-Border Data Collection Underway

The information you share at the border is now collected by both Canada and the U.S.

It's part of an initiative started as a pilot program last year and rolled out to all border crossings June 30th.

Program director Andrew Lawrence says in part, it help keeps track of people visiting.

Lawrence says it won't mean delays as the border as the information is obtained from documents from as a passport.

Fatal Accident Near Prawda

The RCMP are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident near Prawda.

Police say a 1999 Subaru rolled over at least once while heading west along the Trans-Canada
around 4:00 yesterday afternoon.

There were three males inside the vehicle at the time, and one was proncounced
dead at the scene.

The other two were taken to hospital for treatment.

The west lanes of Highway 1 were closed while the Mounties carried out their
investigation.

Robbery Suspect Arrested

A 33 year old Kenora faces robbery charges following an assault yesterday on the Kenora Harbourfront.

The OPP say a man had been socializing with three other people he had just met.

They assaulted him and stole his wallet and other personal property.

Early this morning, officers were able to identify one of the suspects based on the victim's description.

James Shingebis has been charged with robbery with violence and is due to appear in Kenora Court today.

Petitions and A Rally in Support of Treaty Three Police Service

Petitions have started up to try and save the Treaty Three Police Service.

Late last week, the board of the Treaty Three Police indicated it was going
to shut its doors due to a lack of funding.

Sharon DeSousa is the regional vice-president of the Public Service Employees of Canada and says they would still like to see the Police Services
numbers to see where the spending problems lie.

A rally is also being planned in Kenora for July 23rd to try and save the
aboriginal police service.

Blood Donor Clinic Starts Up Today

You can help save a life.

The Canadian Blood Services will be holding a donor clinic start this afternoon at Thomas Aquinas High School.

Community Development Coordinator Mike Choi says they still have a number of appointment times available.

The Blood Donor Clinic will take place from 4:00 to 9:00 this evening then
again from 9:30 to 12:30 tomorrow.

Firefly Sets Up Endowment Fund

Firefly has set up a 50 thousand dollar endowment fund with the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation.

Firefly board chair Jackie Mitchell says the fund will help support programs that they don't receive funding for.

Mitchell says the fund will hand out grants through the foundation but will be available to Firefly programs throughout the region.

Bimose Gets Language Funding

The Bimose Tribal Council is getting funding from the federal government to
do some language training in the Kenora area.

A grant of just over 67 thousand dollars will be used to hold seven, nine day
language camps.

Bimose says up to 84 adults will get to take part in the aboriginal language immersion
programs.

The camps will be video-recorded and be used for language resource materials.

The funding comes from the Aboriginal Languages Initiative.

Fire Crews Focus on Far North

The lack of forest fire activity in the Kenora district is allowing the Ministry of Natural Resources to move crews to where they're needed.

Crews from this region, along with Thunder Bay, Rainy River and Dryden areas have been deployed to support their counterparts further north.

Over 40 fires are burning, mostly in the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts.

Help is also arriving from the MNR's northeastern regions.

Fort Frances Stand Off Ends Peacefully

A Fort Frances man remains in police custody following a lengthy stand-off with OPP.

Police blocked off a section of First Street East, and evacuated residents in the area after the unnamed man barricaded himself inside a home early Saturday morning.

Members of the OPP's Emergency Response Team, their Tactics and Rescue Unit, a Provincial Liaison Team, and Explosives Disposal Unit were called to assist local officers.

The man surrendered almost 13 hours later without incident.

No one was injured.

KACL Hosts Summer Activities

Kids looking for something to do this summer, have another option.

The Kenora Association for Community Living is launching Youth
Activities Kenora next week.

Theresa Wilson is organizing the evening get togethers and says they
are planning a number of different activities.

The activities will take place each Monday evening through July and
part of August.

Morwood and Fisher Tops at Kenora Borealis Triathlon

A couple of familiar faces topped the leader board at the Kenora Borealis Multi-Sport
Triathlon at Garrow Park.

Dan Morwood topped the men's field in the olympic division, while Edie Fisher was tops in the women's competition.

This was Morwood's second win in as many weeks, after winning the Dryden Canada Day Triathlon last weekend.

He finished in a time of two hours and four minutes, about 20 minutes ahead of Fisher.

About 250 people took part in the various triathlon events held yesterday.

Treaty 3 Police Service Decides to Close Doors

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is shocked at the decision to close down the Treaty 3 Police Service.

Regional Vice-Prescient Sharon DeSousa says the union is still willing to work with the force.

DeSousa says closing the force is not the right way to move forward and that more work can be done to find a solution.

She says in reaction to the announcement the union will be meeting with the officers on how they want to proceed.

She adds that it's disappointing that the communities the force serves will have to suffer due to a lack of federal funding.

The force is preparing to shut down on August 19th.

Power Out Due to Morning Storm

This mornings brief, but violent thunder storm has knocked out power
to over 200 homes in the Kenora area.

Hydro One says high winds associated with the storm system knocked trees onto power lines, resulting in the outages.

The electricity is out this morning in several areas west of the city including the McKenzie Portage area, Washagamis Bay First Nation and parts of Keewatin.

Its unknown when power will be restored.

City Gets a Clean Audit

A pretty robust bottom line for the City of Kenora.

A draft of the 2012 audit has been released and it shows the city's surplus has increased by about a million dollars over last year.

On paper the city has a surplus of 208 million dollars, but chair of the
finance committee Ron Lunny says that figure is misleading because it includes items such as roads and bridges, things he says are actually liabilities instead of assets.

One of the reasons for the increased surplus is a reduction in OPP costs
last year.

Lunny says with an 8.5 percent wage increase due next year, he doesn't anticipate the surplus will be as large in the future.

Fire Crews Quickly Bring Minto Brush Fire Under Control

Quick work by Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services department has prevented a fire in the Minto area from getting out of control.

Yesterday afternoon fire crews responded to and contained a bush fire on the South shore or Rabbit Lake.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says he's frustrated that resources were tied up due to reckless behaviour.

Brinkman says the cause of the fire was an unattended camp fire.

Resolute Mill Ready to Recall Some Workers in Fort Frances

Good news for some laid off workers at the Resolute Forest Products Mill in Fort Frances.

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union reached an agreement that will allow the start up of paper machine number 7 for 2 to 3 months starting July 17th.

CEP National Rep Steven Boon says about 40 people will be back to work for that period of time.

Boon says they hope to get some feedback from Resolute on what the plans are for the long term.

Northern Policy Institute Ready to Hire First Ever President

The Northern Policy Institute is slowly starting to take shape.

There are reports that the province is ready to hire the first ever
president of the NPI.

Charles Cirtwill, who heads up the Atlantic Institute Market Studies,
has been tagged to head up the northern Ontario think tank.

The Northern Policy Institute has been set up by the provincial government to draft an economic blue print for the region.

Triathlon Ready to Go This Weekend

Organizers are gearing up for the annual Kenora Borealis Multi-Sport Triathlon.

Safety is a key concern for the participants.

Race organizer Kim Mann says they will have traffic detours set up to keep the race area clear from dangers.

Racing begins Sunday morning from Garrow Park, and includes a swim in Rabbit Lake, a bike ride and also a run.

More details are available at www.kenoraborealis.com.

Kenora Focuses on Aggressive Deer

Kenora City council will be looking at a number of possible solutions to reducing the deer population in urban areas.

Members of council, met with concerned members of the public and the MNR last week to discuss the issue.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they have identified a couple of areas to focus on including education.

Canfield says he'd also like to see the city sponsored bow hunt for deer coincide with the provincial bow hunt, which starts in September.

Acadia Broadcasting Looking to Purchase Another Radio Station

Acadia Broadcasting is moving to add another radio station to its stable.

The parent company of CJRL has filed an application with the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission to purchase CKNI-FM , News91.9 in Moncton from Rogers Broadcasting.

The Saint John based company currently owns ten stations in the Maritimes, and here Ontario.

Acadia Vice President Jim MacMullin says he looks forward to bringing our brand of community focused - quality local radio to Moncton.

The CRTC is expected to rule on the application later this year.

Trylight Theatre Prepared for Summer

There is something new taking place at Trylight Theatre.

Gord Day-Janz from Trylight says they are premiering a brand new play called Rats that focused on the era when the city's name was changed Rat Portage to Kenora.

Day-Janz says Trylight will also be starting their historic downtown walking tours on July 5th that focus on the history of Kenora.

Also new this year Water Stories will take place at the Trylight Stage at the First Baptist Church starting July 13th.

Visit www.trylight.ca for information on all the events planned by Trylight this summer.