As the local health unit prepares to administer this season's flu shots, the agency that promotes health protection in Ontario says hand-washing is still the best method in preventing the sread of the flu.
Doctor Michael Gardam of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion says while no specific studies it will reduces the transmission of flu, handwashing is effective.
Gardam says the use of hand-sanitizers is also an effective tool especially for health care workers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Regional Hospitals
The number of people visiting Hospital emergency rooms continues to rise, prompting officials to take precautions.Staff in Dryden and Sioux Lookout are asking the public to not visit.
There are some exceptions and in that case visitors will be screened and will be required to wear masks.
In Sioux Lookout, if you do have to go to the Hospital, access will be limited to one entrance at each site.
Staff movement between Hospitals is now restricted and all staff and physicians must be immunized with the H1N1 vaccine.
Officials say they have 1-confirmed case of the H1N1 virus to date.Dryden officials are reported no confirmed cases and note staff and volunteers will get their H1N1 shot starting tomorrow.
There are some exceptions and in that case visitors will be screened and will be required to wear masks.
In Sioux Lookout, if you do have to go to the Hospital, access will be limited to one entrance at each site.
Staff movement between Hospitals is now restricted and all staff and physicians must be immunized with the H1N1 vaccine.
Officials say they have 1-confirmed case of the H1N1 virus to date.Dryden officials are reported no confirmed cases and note staff and volunteers will get their H1N1 shot starting tomorrow.
Abitibi Accident Fort Frances
Authorities now say two people were involved in an incident at the AbitibiBowater mill in Fort Frances Sunday that left a 15-year-old girl with serious injuries, including burns to her body.
Ministry of Labour says the two scaled a fence late Sunday evening and one made contact with a source of electricity.
When emergency personnel arrived on scene, the 15-year-old was found in a fenced off area near a power transformer.
The Electrical Safety Authority is also assisting O-P-P in the investigation.
Ministry of Labour says the two scaled a fence late Sunday evening and one made contact with a source of electricity.
When emergency personnel arrived on scene, the 15-year-old was found in a fenced off area near a power transformer.
The Electrical Safety Authority is also assisting O-P-P in the investigation.
NWHU Flu Hotline
The Northwestern Health Unit has set up a hotline to deal with inquiries about the latest flue shot clinics.
The H1N1 clinics began this morning and will run until 4:00 this afternoon at the Kenora Rec. Center.
Another clinic will take place at the Norman Community Club on Friday.
The hotline will operate 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Its a toll-free call at 1-866-468-2240.
The H1N1 clinics began this morning and will run until 4:00 this afternoon at the Kenora Rec. Center.
Another clinic will take place at the Norman Community Club on Friday.
The hotline will operate 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Its a toll-free call at 1-866-468-2240.
Tim Horton's Camp
The Manitoba government has cancelled a plan to build a Tim Hortons kids camp on a lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Manitoba Conservation and the Tim Horton Children's Foundation unveiled a plan earlier this year to build a $10-million camp for up to 260 kids on Meditation Lake just west of the Ontario/Manitoba border.
However, the province announced last week the camp will not be built there because there some water-quality concerns related to high levels of blue-green algae.
The decision was also partly due to some backlash at public meetings.
The Tim Horton Children's Foundation runs five camps in Canada and a sixth in Kentucky, all for
kids from underprivileged backgrounds.
Manitoba Conservation and the Tim Horton Children's Foundation unveiled a plan earlier this year to build a $10-million camp for up to 260 kids on Meditation Lake just west of the Ontario/Manitoba border.
However, the province announced last week the camp will not be built there because there some water-quality concerns related to high levels of blue-green algae.
The decision was also partly due to some backlash at public meetings.
The Tim Horton Children's Foundation runs five camps in Canada and a sixth in Kentucky, all for
kids from underprivileged backgrounds.
Halloween Decorating Safety Tips
The Kenora Fire Department wants to see Jack O'Lanterns lit up by battery operated candles or flash lights.
Fire and Emergency Services is reminding the public to be fire safe when decorating for Halloween.
Spokesperson Fred Ralko says lighting the Jack O'Lantern is a tradition that can be dangerous.
Ralko notes kids costumes should be covered in reflective tape and use a flash light when travelling on the dark streets.
Fire and Emergency Services is reminding the public to be fire safe when decorating for Halloween.
Spokesperson Fred Ralko says lighting the Jack O'Lantern is a tradition that can be dangerous.
Ralko notes kids costumes should be covered in reflective tape and use a flash light when travelling on the dark streets.
KPDSB Flu Plan
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board is bracing for its first cases of H1N1.
The public board recently reviewed its pandemic plan, and discussed what actions they're taking to prevent the spread of swine flu.
Spokesperson Jocelyn Bullock says hand sanitizers are being placed in school offices only.
Bullock notes they don't want to promote using hand sanitizers over good old fashion hand washing.
The public board recently reviewed its pandemic plan, and discussed what actions they're taking to prevent the spread of swine flu.
Spokesperson Jocelyn Bullock says hand sanitizers are being placed in school offices only.
Bullock notes they don't want to promote using hand sanitizers over good old fashion hand washing.
Whitefeather Project
The Pikangikum First Nation is planning to set aside more than 430 thouand hectare of forest land as a protected area.
The provincial government signed terms of reference with the remote community for forestry planning in the Whitefeather Forest.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield was in Pikangikum this week to sign the agreement and says she's been encouraged by the progress so far.
Under the terms of reference a forestry plan for the Whitefeather Forest will be ready by 2012.
36 percent of the forest has been designated for protection.
The provincial government signed terms of reference with the remote community for forestry planning in the Whitefeather Forest.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield was in Pikangikum this week to sign the agreement and says she's been encouraged by the progress so far.
Under the terms of reference a forestry plan for the Whitefeather Forest will be ready by 2012.
36 percent of the forest has been designated for protection.
All Day Kindergarten
The provincial government hasn't indicated what schools will be able to offer all-day kindergarten program next fall.
Premier Dalton McGuinty announced funding for the 1.5 billion dollar initiative yesterday.
Northern Development and Mines Minister, Michael Gravelle says theywill be working with both school boards and municipalities on phase one of the program.
Gravelle says there won't be any money for renovations during the first phaseof the all-day kindergarten program, so school boards will have to have existing space for the classes.
Premier Dalton McGuinty announced funding for the 1.5 billion dollar initiative yesterday.
Northern Development and Mines Minister, Michael Gravelle says theywill be working with both school boards and municipalities on phase one of the program.
Gravelle says there won't be any money for renovations during the first phaseof the all-day kindergarten program, so school boards will have to have existing space for the classes.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
J and M Judo Club
The J and M Judo Club wrapped up October with four members traveling to compete in the annual Brandon OPEN Judo Championships last weekend.
Daniel Gordon, Blaine Vanderkrabben & Luke Heatherington won gold.
Currin Mcleod picked up a Silver.
Vanderkrabben & Heatherington added to the medal total picking up a silver and bronze respectively in their second divisions.
Daniel Gordon, Blaine Vanderkrabben & Luke Heatherington won gold.
Currin Mcleod picked up a Silver.
Vanderkrabben & Heatherington added to the medal total picking up a silver and bronze respectively in their second divisions.
Operation Christmas Child
The Calvary Church is getting into the holiday spirit by holding Operation Christmas Child.
Empty shoeboxes are available to anyone who wants to fill them with gifts for children in need.
Spokesperson Joyce Yorkland says its a great project for community groups.
Anyone interested in sending their package can do so during the week of November 16th to 21st.
For more information call the Calvary Church at 548-2000.
Empty shoeboxes are available to anyone who wants to fill them with gifts for children in need.
Spokesperson Joyce Yorkland says its a great project for community groups.
Anyone interested in sending their package can do so during the week of November 16th to 21st.
For more information call the Calvary Church at 548-2000.
Catholic School Boards
Catholic school boards in northwestern Ontario want the province to address a number of issues impacting their systems.
The northern members of the English Catholic Council of Directors of Education outlined six areas during a recent meeting with the province deputy minister of Education.
Director of the Northwest Catholic District Board, Mary-Catherine Kelly, who presented the brief says one area of concern is the move towards a full-day kindergarten program.
Kelly says the board also outlined their concerns about rising transportation costs and how the province would compensate boards who took in smaller systems earlier this year.
The northern members of the English Catholic Council of Directors of Education outlined six areas during a recent meeting with the province deputy minister of Education.
Director of the Northwest Catholic District Board, Mary-Catherine Kelly, who presented the brief says one area of concern is the move towards a full-day kindergarten program.
Kelly says the board also outlined their concerns about rising transportation costs and how the province would compensate boards who took in smaller systems earlier this year.
Forestry Motion
The Bloc Quebecois has introduced a motion asking for more funding for the forest industry.
The NDP and Bloc are asking for funding amounts similar to the auto sector.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford says Rafferty isn't explaining the motion properly to his riding.
Rickford stands by his party and notes the Economic Action Plan is also providing $40 million to develop and diversify markets for Canadian wood products and to expand the North American lumber market.
The NDP and Bloc are asking for funding amounts similar to the auto sector.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford says Rafferty isn't explaining the motion properly to his riding.
Rickford stands by his party and notes the Economic Action Plan is also providing $40 million to develop and diversify markets for Canadian wood products and to expand the North American lumber market.
Monday, October 26, 2009
H1N1 Flu Clinics to start this week
The Northwestern Health Unit says it will begin its high risk H1N1 flu shot clinics this week.
The first group to get the shot will be those at high-risk --people 65 and under with chronic health conditions, and healthy kids between six months and five years old.
Director of Health Protection Arlene Lesenke says other people who should be first up for the
flu shot are health care workers, anyone who lives in a remote or isolated community and anyone in a household, or a care provider of someone who is considered high risk.
The first clinic will take place at the Kenora Rec. Center today from 10 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
A clinic will also take place at the Norman Community Club on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The first group to get the shot will be those at high-risk --people 65 and under with chronic health conditions, and healthy kids between six months and five years old.
Director of Health Protection Arlene Lesenke says other people who should be first up for the
flu shot are health care workers, anyone who lives in a remote or isolated community and anyone in a household, or a care provider of someone who is considered high risk.
The first clinic will take place at the Kenora Rec. Center today from 10 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
A clinic will also take place at the Norman Community Club on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beaver Brae Bronco's Football
A disappointing end to the season for Beaver Brae's football team.
The Broncos lost a 50-13 decision to the Vincent Massey Trojans from Winnipeg Friday afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.
Despite the loss, head coach Chris Penner doesn't feel his team playeda bad game.
Jeff Trudeau kicked two field goals for Beaver Brae, and MarkGramenz scored the Broncos only touchdown on a 24 yard reception inthe end zone.
Beaver Brae needed a Fort Frances victory over Portage La Prairie onthe final day of the season in order to make the play-offs.
The Broncos lost a 50-13 decision to the Vincent Massey Trojans from Winnipeg Friday afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.
Despite the loss, head coach Chris Penner doesn't feel his team playeda bad game.
Jeff Trudeau kicked two field goals for Beaver Brae, and MarkGramenz scored the Broncos only touchdown on a 24 yard reception inthe end zone.
Beaver Brae needed a Fort Frances victory over Portage La Prairie onthe final day of the season in order to make the play-offs.
Shop Local Kenora
The Kenora Downtown Business Improvement Zone will be able to go ahead with a shop local event next month.
Kenora City Council has given its blessing to the November 12th festival, which will see Main Street South between 1st and 2nd Streets shut down.
The street closure will take effect at 5:00 in the afternoon and run until 9:00.
The only conditions council put on the event was for BIZ to put up and remove any signage, and that burning barrels would not be used.
The intent of the event is to encourage local residents to stay in town to do their Christmas shopping this year.
Kenora City Council has given its blessing to the November 12th festival, which will see Main Street South between 1st and 2nd Streets shut down.
The street closure will take effect at 5:00 in the afternoon and run until 9:00.
The only conditions council put on the event was for BIZ to put up and remove any signage, and that burning barrels would not be used.
The intent of the event is to encourage local residents to stay in town to do their Christmas shopping this year.
Native Children's Aid Societies
The Chief of Ontario is being cautious about the government's plans to review the children's aid system in the province.
The native organization is concerned about the impact a 4-million dollar cut in funding will have on the First Nations agencies ability to deliver services.
The Chiefs' child welfare portfolio holder Grand Chief Randall Phillips says native agencies are limited to what they can do to deal with the shortfall.
Phillips says the federal government must also step forward as its also responsible for ensuring native agencies have the funding necessary.
The native organization is concerned about the impact a 4-million dollar cut in funding will have on the First Nations agencies ability to deliver services.
The Chiefs' child welfare portfolio holder Grand Chief Randall Phillips says native agencies are limited to what they can do to deal with the shortfall.
Phillips says the federal government must also step forward as its also responsible for ensuring native agencies have the funding necessary.
Treaty Three Grassroots Citizens Coalition
The Treaty 3 Grassroots citizens coalition is fighting to provide more accountability to treaty leaders and council.
Spokesperson Calvin Chicago Bouchay says they want to show support to Kenora's homeless population and demand accountability.
The Treaty Three Grassroots citizens coalition held a fish fry fundraiser yesterday afternoonto raise money for the cause.
Spokesperson Calvin Chicago Bouchay says they want to show support to Kenora's homeless population and demand accountability.
The Treaty Three Grassroots citizens coalition held a fish fry fundraiser yesterday afternoonto raise money for the cause.
Kenora Woman Fined
An Ontario woman has been fined five thousand dollars for trying to sneak her American boyfriend across the Canadian border.
53 year old Loris Letain of Kenora, pleaded guilty in June to aiding and abetting a foreign national.
RCMP officers caught her in March 2008 trying to bring her boyfriend, Robert Eugene Crump, into Canada through the Northwest Angle, a remote crossing near the Manitoba/Minnesota border along the western shore of Lake of The Woods.
Lisa White of the Canada Border Services Agency says he departed from Minnesota and went to the crossing where she picked him up.
Crump, who has a criminal record and had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Canada three times before, was sent back to Minnesota that day, and Letain was charged.
53 year old Loris Letain of Kenora, pleaded guilty in June to aiding and abetting a foreign national.
RCMP officers caught her in March 2008 trying to bring her boyfriend, Robert Eugene Crump, into Canada through the Northwest Angle, a remote crossing near the Manitoba/Minnesota border along the western shore of Lake of The Woods.
Lisa White of the Canada Border Services Agency says he departed from Minnesota and went to the crossing where she picked him up.
Crump, who has a criminal record and had unsuccessfully attempted to enter Canada three times before, was sent back to Minnesota that day, and Letain was charged.
Dirty Rainy River
An environmental group is expressing concern with what says is a high quantity of toxic chemicals being dumped into the Rainy River.
Environment Minnesota says a review of most recent data from the U-S Environmental Protection Agency shows Minnesota companies dumped more than 26-thousand pounds of chemical into the river.
Spokesperson Samatha Chadwick say it brings attention to the need for more protection of the state's waterways.
The group says of the chemical dumped into the Rainy, about 20 per cent are cancer causing.
Rainy River flows into Lake of the Woods.
Environment Minnesota says a review of most recent data from the U-S Environmental Protection Agency shows Minnesota companies dumped more than 26-thousand pounds of chemical into the river.
Spokesperson Samatha Chadwick say it brings attention to the need for more protection of the state's waterways.
The group says of the chemical dumped into the Rainy, about 20 per cent are cancer causing.
Rainy River flows into Lake of the Woods.
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