March 2010 is going down in history as the driest ever in the Kenora area.
Not a significant amount of snow was recorded for the first time ever.
And Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says combined with warmer than usual temperatures, snow levels diminished by the middle of the month.
The average temperature for the month came in at 0.6 Celsius, breaking a 10 year old record high by a full degree.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sioux Narrows lotto winner
A Sioux Narrows resident is happy he said 'yes' to Encore when he purchased his Lotto Max ticket back in February.
Because of this extra one-dollar decision for Encore, Tyler Cole Marquis won 100 thousand dollars.
The self-employed contractor and new father plans to pay off his mortgage.
Because of this extra one-dollar decision for Encore, Tyler Cole Marquis won 100 thousand dollars.
The self-employed contractor and new father plans to pay off his mortgage.
Busy fire season so far
It's the busiest times of the year for fire crews across Northern Ontario.
Fire information officer Debbie MacLean says 15 forest fires were reported in March alone.
Fire crews, aircrafts and water bombers are currently conducting spring training.
Fire information officer Debbie MacLean says 15 forest fires were reported in March alone.
Fire crews, aircrafts and water bombers are currently conducting spring training.
Deadline for forest land passes
The deadline to place bids for 11 million cubic metres of Ontario Forest has come and gone.
The forest allocation competition started last November and there were a number of proposals put forward.
Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says most of the bids came from companies in the North.
Gravelle says some of the bids came from smaller companies focused on the value added side of the industry.
The forest allocation competition started last November and there were a number of proposals put forward.
Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says most of the bids came from companies in the North.
Gravelle says some of the bids came from smaller companies focused on the value added side of the industry.
Brown looking forward to CAO's job
Kenora's next Chief Administrative Officer says she's looking forward to her new duties.
Karen Brown will be taking over from Bill Presentanz starting August 1st.
She says one of the big challenges is turning the city's financial situation around.
Brown says she'll start working with Presentanz starting June 1st to familiarize herself with the job, and start winding down her work in the finance department.
Karen Brown will be taking over from Bill Presentanz starting August 1st.
She says one of the big challenges is turning the city's financial situation around.
Brown says she'll start working with Presentanz starting June 1st to familiarize herself with the job, and start winding down her work in the finance department.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Grassy Narrows Protest at Queen's Park
Hundreds of demonstrators converged on the lawn of the Ontario legislature this afternoon, calling for action over mercury poisoning on the Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Members of the reserve north of Kenora, marched through the streets of Toronto carrying pieces of blue fabric to form a symbolic wild river and holding up paper fish on sticks.
Almost two dozen police officers on bicycles escorted the demonstrators to the legislature, where the protesters held banners reading ``Clean Water, Our Survival'' and ``Native Rights Now''.
A study out yesterday says residents of the reserve are still suffering health effects from mercury that was dumped into the Wabigoon River three decades ago.
Residents say babies are being born with health defects that they blame on the contamination.
Members of the reserve north of Kenora, marched through the streets of Toronto carrying pieces of blue fabric to form a symbolic wild river and holding up paper fish on sticks.
Almost two dozen police officers on bicycles escorted the demonstrators to the legislature, where the protesters held banners reading ``Clean Water, Our Survival'' and ``Native Rights Now''.
A study out yesterday says residents of the reserve are still suffering health effects from mercury that was dumped into the Wabigoon River three decades ago.
Residents say babies are being born with health defects that they blame on the contamination.
Fellowship Funding
A shot in the arm for the Kenora Fellowship Center.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation has come up with 150 thousanddollars over three years to help operate the emergency shelter.
Henry Hildebrand is one of the people who helps run theCenter and says the money will keep the shelteropen.
Hildebrand says the Shelter provides food and a place to stayfor up to a dozen people a night.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation has come up with 150 thousanddollars over three years to help operate the emergency shelter.
Henry Hildebrand is one of the people who helps run theCenter and says the money will keep the shelteropen.
Hildebrand says the Shelter provides food and a place to stayfor up to a dozen people a night.
Grassy Narrows First Nation Mercury Poison
An international expert says the health effects ofmercury poisoning on the Grassy Narrows First Nation are worse now than in the 1970s.
The environmental group Earthroots says between 1962 and 1970 apaper mill in Dryden dumped 20 thousand pounds of mercury into theWabigoon River.
Grassy Resident Chrissy Swain was part of a press conference yesterday inToronto to talk about the situation.
She says the effects of mercury polution are still being felt.
Harada first visited theGrassy Narrows reserve in 1975 and found people with mercury levels over three times the Health Canada limit.
Earthroots says when Harada returned in 2004 he found thateveryone who had mercury levels above the 1975 Health Canada guidelines had died.
The environmental group Earthroots says between 1962 and 1970 apaper mill in Dryden dumped 20 thousand pounds of mercury into theWabigoon River.
Grassy Resident Chrissy Swain was part of a press conference yesterday inToronto to talk about the situation.
She says the effects of mercury polution are still being felt.
Harada first visited theGrassy Narrows reserve in 1975 and found people with mercury levels over three times the Health Canada limit.
Earthroots says when Harada returned in 2004 he found thateveryone who had mercury levels above the 1975 Health Canada guidelines had died.
Molesti Update
There will be another court appearance for the man accused of trying to buy a 5 year old online.
56 year old Patrick Molesti will have a second detention review hearing today to see if he will still remain at the Thunder Bay detention centre.
Canada Border Services Spokesperson Kris Kealey says a seperate process is underway to see if he will be removed from Canada.
Molesti is facing several child pornography charges in the US.
56 year old Patrick Molesti will have a second detention review hearing today to see if he will still remain at the Thunder Bay detention centre.
Canada Border Services Spokesperson Kris Kealey says a seperate process is underway to see if he will be removed from Canada.
Molesti is facing several child pornography charges in the US.
Blood Donor Clinic
157 blood donors walked through the doors of St. Thomas Aquinas High School yesterday.
Canadian Blood Services says they collected 133 units of blood which was 23 over their target.
Spokesperson Harvey Heather adds people can still donate blood today.
Today's clinic runs until 12:30.
To make an appointment call 1-888-2-DONATE.
Canadian Blood Services says they collected 133 units of blood which was 23 over their target.
Spokesperson Harvey Heather adds people can still donate blood today.
Today's clinic runs until 12:30.
To make an appointment call 1-888-2-DONATE.
Monday, April 5, 2010
City Hires new CAO
The City of Kenora has decided to hire from within for its new Chief Administrative Officer.
Karen Brown has been hired to replace Bill Priesentanz, who will retire later this year.
Brown is currently the Finance Manager for the City and has been a municipal employees for the past 18 years.
She'll take over her new duties as of August 1st.
The City began the hiring process back in the fall after Priesentanz indicated that he was planning to retire sometime in 2010.
Karen Brown has been hired to replace Bill Priesentanz, who will retire later this year.
Brown is currently the Finance Manager for the City and has been a municipal employees for the past 18 years.
She'll take over her new duties as of August 1st.
The City began the hiring process back in the fall after Priesentanz indicated that he was planning to retire sometime in 2010.
Senior Thistles lose in Thunder Bay
The Kenora Triple "a" senior Thistles will have to wait another year to make an appearance at the Allan Cup.
The Thistles were eliminated in two straight games in their best-of-three series against the Dundas Real McCoys.
On Friday, Kenora dropped a 2-1 decision, and then lost 4-1 Saturday night.
The series was played in Thunder Bay and Dundas now advances to the Allan Cup Senior Canadian Championships in Fort St. John later this month.
Meanwhile, the Northwestern All-Stars Triple "a" hockey team is at the Ontario Championships in St. Mary's this week.
The All-Stars, made up of players from Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances and elsewhere across the region, play their first game this morning at 10:00 against the host Huron-Perth Lakers.
The Thistles were eliminated in two straight games in their best-of-three series against the Dundas Real McCoys.
On Friday, Kenora dropped a 2-1 decision, and then lost 4-1 Saturday night.
The series was played in Thunder Bay and Dundas now advances to the Allan Cup Senior Canadian Championships in Fort St. John later this month.
Meanwhile, the Northwestern All-Stars Triple "a" hockey team is at the Ontario Championships in St. Mary's this week.
The All-Stars, made up of players from Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances and elsewhere across the region, play their first game this morning at 10:00 against the host Huron-Perth Lakers.
OPP recruiting women
A special symposium targeted at women is going to be held by the OPP this spring.
The one day session is aimed at women interested in a career with the provincial police.
Constable Dave Cain says one of the main focuses ofthe symposiums is explaining the recruitment process.
Cain says space is limited to just 12 people, so anyone interested is asked to contact Sergeant Darryl Wilson as soon as possible.
The symposium will take place May 5th at the Kenora Detachment.
The one day session is aimed at women interested in a career with the provincial police.
Constable Dave Cain says one of the main focuses ofthe symposiums is explaining the recruitment process.
Cain says space is limited to just 12 people, so anyone interested is asked to contact Sergeant Darryl Wilson as soon as possible.
The symposium will take place May 5th at the Kenora Detachment.
NOMA on Provinicial Budget
Municipalities in the region are still digesting the figures contained in last week's provincial budget.
Anne Krassilowski is president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says the budget has some pretty good news for the north.
She does have some concerns with the premier's comment that municipalities should follow the province's lead and freeze employees salaries.
Krassilowski adds that increased funding for Ontario Works and the new industrial hydro rate for the north are boththings that will help out the region.
Anne Krassilowski is president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says the budget has some pretty good news for the north.
She does have some concerns with the premier's comment that municipalities should follow the province's lead and freeze employees salaries.
Krassilowski adds that increased funding for Ontario Works and the new industrial hydro rate for the north are boththings that will help out the region.
Another Snowmobile Fatal
Another person has died after falling through the ice in Northwestern Ontario.
The latest incident happened on Upper Jobrin Lake 4- kilometres north of Longlac.
A 48 year old Cochrane man died when a snowmobile fell through the ice yesterday.
Two others were rescued and one was airlifted to the Health Sciences Centre.
Warm weather has caused unsafe conditions and officials are urging people to stay off the ice.
The latest incident happened on Upper Jobrin Lake 4- kilometres north of Longlac.
A 48 year old Cochrane man died when a snowmobile fell through the ice yesterday.
Two others were rescued and one was airlifted to the Health Sciences Centre.
Warm weather has caused unsafe conditions and officials are urging people to stay off the ice.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Busy Hockey Weekend
A big weekend for hockey in Kenora.
The Annual North American First Nations Tournament of Champions gets underway tomorrow at the Kenora Rec. Center and Keewatin Arenas.
So far, 20 teams are signed up for the three day tournament, with 20 thousand dollars up for grabs.
Meanwhile, the Kenora Triple "a" Senior Thistles hit the road for the Renwick Cup, which will be played in Thunder Bay.
The Thistles will be taking on the Dundas Real McCoys in a best-of-three series to determine the Ontario senior hockey champions.
The winner will also advance to the Allan Cup which will take place inFort St. John, B.C.
The Annual North American First Nations Tournament of Champions gets underway tomorrow at the Kenora Rec. Center and Keewatin Arenas.
So far, 20 teams are signed up for the three day tournament, with 20 thousand dollars up for grabs.
Meanwhile, the Kenora Triple "a" Senior Thistles hit the road for the Renwick Cup, which will be played in Thunder Bay.
The Thistles will be taking on the Dundas Real McCoys in a best-of-three series to determine the Ontario senior hockey champions.
The winner will also advance to the Allan Cup which will take place inFort St. John, B.C.
Get Ready for Relay for Life
The 10th annual Relay for Life will be taking place in Kenora this June.
Organizers are trying to drum up interest for the event with a captain's meeting tonight.
Margret Saville is a spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society and says they are looking for anyone who has been involved in the Relay in the past, or who might be interested in taking part this year.
The captains meeting will start at 5:30 tonight at Casey's.
Relay for Life will be held at Lakewood School on June 11th this year.
Organizers are trying to drum up interest for the event with a captain's meeting tonight.
Margret Saville is a spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society and says they are looking for anyone who has been involved in the Relay in the past, or who might be interested in taking part this year.
The captains meeting will start at 5:30 tonight at Casey's.
Relay for Life will be held at Lakewood School on June 11th this year.
Fire Season officially begins today
It has the makings of a busy fire season for the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Today marks the official start to the fire season in northwestern Ontario,and already fire crews have been called into service to deal with brush fires.
Fire Information Officer, Debbie McLean says they are prepared for the worst right now.
The last two years have been amongst the quietest ever recorded in northwestern Ontario.
McLean says a warm, dry spring doesn't mean this year will be any better or worse than previous years.
Today marks the official start to the fire season in northwestern Ontario,and already fire crews have been called into service to deal with brush fires.
Fire Information Officer, Debbie McLean says they are prepared for the worst right now.
The last two years have been amongst the quietest ever recorded in northwestern Ontario.
McLean says a warm, dry spring doesn't mean this year will be any better or worse than previous years.
Pension Protection Bill Introduced
A private members bill aimed at securing the pensions of AbitibiBowater employees has been introduced in the House of Commons.
Thunder-Bay Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the bill would make changes to the Bankruptcy Act to giving pensions priority over other creditors.
Rafferty says he's hoping for all-party support for his bill.
Rafferty says his goal is to get the bill through the House of Commons before the end of the current sitting in June.
Thunder-Bay Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the bill would make changes to the Bankruptcy Act to giving pensions priority over other creditors.
Rafferty says he's hoping for all-party support for his bill.
Rafferty says his goal is to get the bill through the House of Commons before the end of the current sitting in June.
Kenora's Sunshine List
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has more employees earning morethan 100 thousand dollars a year than any other agency in the area.
The provincial government released its so-called sunshine list.
The public school board has 35 senior managers, principals and specialists making more than 100 grand.
Departed director of education, Larry Hope topped the salary listat 179 thousand dollars.
The highest paid employee at the Kenora Catholic District School Board was Phylis Aikre at 162 thousand.
Once again, Lake of the Woods District Hospital had the highest wage earners.
Chief Pathologist, Dr. Kerry McDonald was the best paid employeeat 315 thousand dollars per annum.
The provincial government released its so-called sunshine list.
The public school board has 35 senior managers, principals and specialists making more than 100 grand.
Departed director of education, Larry Hope topped the salary listat 179 thousand dollars.
The highest paid employee at the Kenora Catholic District School Board was Phylis Aikre at 162 thousand.
Once again, Lake of the Woods District Hospital had the highest wage earners.
Chief Pathologist, Dr. Kerry McDonald was the best paid employeeat 315 thousand dollars per annum.
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