The OPP says a stand-off on the Pikangikum First Nation has ended
peacefully.
Police were called out shortly after 1:00 Thursday morning after a shot was
fired inside a home on the community during a domestic dispute.
No-one was injured, but the OPP's Emergency Response Unit and a Crisis
negotiator were dispatched to the scene.
A perimeter was set up around the house and around 10:00 yesterday
a male suspect gave himself up to police.
The OPP say charges are still pending in the incident.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Traffic Moving On By-Pass After Being Closed all Night
Travel could be slow going this morning in the Kenora area.
Freezing rain last night created very slippery conditions on local roads,
and now blowing snow has resulted in very poor visibility.
The good news is that Highway 17-A has finally been re-opened to two-way
traffic.
The Kenora By-Pass was opened by the OPP around 5:00 this morning.
Highway 17-A had been closed around 10:00 last night, forcing drivers to
park their rigs along the side of the highway all night long.
Freezing rain last night created very slippery conditions on local roads,
and now blowing snow has resulted in very poor visibility.
The good news is that Highway 17-A has finally been re-opened to two-way
traffic.
The Kenora By-Pass was opened by the OPP around 5:00 this morning.
Highway 17-A had been closed around 10:00 last night, forcing drivers to
park their rigs along the side of the highway all night long.
School Buses Cancelled today
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board has cancelled all its
buses this morning due to the freezing rain and blowing snow.
The cancellation also affects the Kenora Catholic District School Board.
Roads are still very slippery in some sections, and the high winds have
resulted in very poor visibility on local highways.
Schools buses have also been cancelled in Red Lake, Ear Falls, Dryden,
Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Upsala.
The weather conditions have also forced the cancellation of the
NorWOSSA double "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball finals
up at Beaver Brae today.
buses this morning due to the freezing rain and blowing snow.
The cancellation also affects the Kenora Catholic District School Board.
Roads are still very slippery in some sections, and the high winds have
resulted in very poor visibility on local highways.
Schools buses have also been cancelled in Red Lake, Ear Falls, Dryden,
Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Upsala.
The weather conditions have also forced the cancellation of the
NorWOSSA double "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball finals
up at Beaver Brae today.
McGuinty Responds to Agent Orange Report
Premier Dalton McGuinty is trying to resassure retired government forestry workers.
It comes after a report that says they may have been exposed to the cancer causing chemical Agent Orange during their work years.
McGuinty says the government is interested in getting information on the situation.
Speaking in Thunder Bay Premier McGuinty says he was only recently made aware of the issue.
It comes after a report that says they may have been exposed to the cancer causing chemical Agent Orange during their work years.
McGuinty says the government is interested in getting information on the situation.
Speaking in Thunder Bay Premier McGuinty says he was only recently made aware of the issue.
Council refuses to endorse Northern Harbor Expansion
Kenora city council says its not willing to publically support a proposal to
expand Northern Harbor.
Because the Marina is not within city limits, council says it will defer any
decision about the expansion to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Council made the decision even though it admits the area could benefit
from increased docking facilities.
Northern Harbor is wants to add another 400 docking slips over the next
25 to 30 years and develop an R.V. Park on its property on Lake of the Woods.
expand Northern Harbor.
Because the Marina is not within city limits, council says it will defer any
decision about the expansion to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Council made the decision even though it admits the area could benefit
from increased docking facilities.
Northern Harbor is wants to add another 400 docking slips over the next
25 to 30 years and develop an R.V. Park on its property on Lake of the Woods.
New Lease for Rec. Center Concession
The City of Kenora has decided that it no longer wants to operate the
concession stand at the Kenora Rec. Center.
Council is expected to approve a lease with Kim Pries for the operation
of Food and Beverage Service at the Thistle Rink.
The lease is for 525 dollars a month.
The city had tried to lease out the concession stand last year, but felt the
tenders were too low.
At the time the Community Services Committee felt it could make more money
by operating the concession on its own.
The new lease will take effect as of March 1st and run for two years.
concession stand at the Kenora Rec. Center.
Council is expected to approve a lease with Kim Pries for the operation
of Food and Beverage Service at the Thistle Rink.
The lease is for 525 dollars a month.
The city had tried to lease out the concession stand last year, but felt the
tenders were too low.
At the time the Community Services Committee felt it could make more money
by operating the concession on its own.
The new lease will take effect as of March 1st and run for two years.
Saints lose out in the NorWOSSA Semis
The finals are all set for the NorWOSSA Single "a" boys basketball
and girls volleyball at Thomas Aquinas.
Yesterday, the Saints Senior Boys Basketball bowed out in the
semis, dropping a 57-36 decision to Sioux Lookout.
The Warriors take on Red Lake in the gold medal game at 9:00.
Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas junior girls volleyball team pushed
Sioux Lookout to a fifth set, but still lost 15-12 in the fifth and deciding
game.
In other match-ups today, the Thomas Aquinas junior boys basketball
team will face Red Lake in the final at 11:00 and the T.A. senior girls volleyball
squad will take on Rainy River in the other final at 1:00.
and girls volleyball at Thomas Aquinas.
Yesterday, the Saints Senior Boys Basketball bowed out in the
semis, dropping a 57-36 decision to Sioux Lookout.
The Warriors take on Red Lake in the gold medal game at 9:00.
Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas junior girls volleyball team pushed
Sioux Lookout to a fifth set, but still lost 15-12 in the fifth and deciding
game.
In other match-ups today, the Thomas Aquinas junior boys basketball
team will face Red Lake in the final at 11:00 and the T.A. senior girls volleyball
squad will take on Rainy River in the other final at 1:00.
Thistles Drop First Game of Play-offs
The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles are on the brink of elimination inthe Manitoba Midget Hockey League.
The Thistles were shutout 6-0 last night by the Eastman Selects in
Beausejour last night in game one of their best-of-three preliminary
round series.
The Kenora Midgets will try to stave off elimination Saturday night
at the Thistle Rink, when they host game two of the series.
Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's boys hockey team lost their final regular season
game.
The Broncos had a make up game last night in Dryden and droped a 6-4 decision to the Eagles.
The same two teams will meet up in the first round of the NorWOSSA play-offs next week.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Temperature Records Set in NWO
Enjoy the spring-like conditions while they last.
Three days of above normal temperatures will come to a crashing halt later today.
Yesterday was a record days for a number of communties across northwestern Ontario.
In Kenora, the thermometer at the airport topped out at 7.6 celcius, which broke the previous high for February 16th by almost two degrees.
The previous record was 5.9 back in 1981.
Kenora wasn't the hot spot in the region.
Atikokan hit a sizzling 15.1 celcius, breaking the previous high of 9.8 degrees.
Three days of above normal temperatures will come to a crashing halt later today.
Yesterday was a record days for a number of communties across northwestern Ontario.
In Kenora, the thermometer at the airport topped out at 7.6 celcius, which broke the previous high for February 16th by almost two degrees.
The previous record was 5.9 back in 1981.
Kenora wasn't the hot spot in the region.
Atikokan hit a sizzling 15.1 celcius, breaking the previous high of 9.8 degrees.
No Rebates for Local Municipalities from DSSAB
Local municipalities shouldn't expect to see any money returned back to them from the Kenora District Services Board this year.
Council says if the provincial government is paying the cost of more services, those savings should be passed back to towns and cities in the Kenora District.
Louis Roussin is the City representitive on the District Services board and says instead for returning money back to municalities, the extra money is being put into reserves.
He says the District Services Board then uses that money for capital expenditures, such as replacing ambulences.
Council says if the provincial government is paying the cost of more services, those savings should be passed back to towns and cities in the Kenora District.
Louis Roussin is the City representitive on the District Services board and says instead for returning money back to municalities, the extra money is being put into reserves.
He says the District Services Board then uses that money for capital expenditures, such as replacing ambulences.
Kasabonika Signs Mining Agreement
MacDonald Mines Exploration has signed a three-year agreement with a northwestern Ontario first nation that gives it unrestricted access to explore properties on band territory.
The value of the deal was not released, but the Toronto-based miner says it will issue shares to Kasabonika Lake First Nation, as well as make both a lump sum and ongoing payments.
MacDonald's property on the First Nation's territory has been reviewed by nickel experts, and diamond drilling will begin later this year.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is 575 kilometres northeast of Kenora and currently has a strategy to develop mineral exploration in the community.
The value of the deal was not released, but the Toronto-based miner says it will issue shares to Kasabonika Lake First Nation, as well as make both a lump sum and ongoing payments.
MacDonald's property on the First Nation's territory has been reviewed by nickel experts, and diamond drilling will begin later this year.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is 575 kilometres northeast of Kenora and currently has a strategy to develop mineral exploration in the community.
Community Clubs to get Grants
The four community clubs in Kenora will be getting much needed funding
to help make it through the winter.
Kenora City Council has approved grants of six thousand dollars each
for Pinecrest, Rideout, Central and Evergreen.
Recreational Services Manager Colleen Neil says the money is really to
help off-set the cost of utilities, such as water, which is needed to flood
the rinks during the winter month, and to heat the buildings.
She adds that Rideout Community Club was able to access a reserve fund
this year to help fix up the floor of the building.
to help make it through the winter.
Kenora City Council has approved grants of six thousand dollars each
for Pinecrest, Rideout, Central and Evergreen.
Recreational Services Manager Colleen Neil says the money is really to
help off-set the cost of utilities, such as water, which is needed to flood
the rinks during the winter month, and to heat the buildings.
She adds that Rideout Community Club was able to access a reserve fund
this year to help fix up the floor of the building.
Government Continues Negotiations over Ring of Fire
The Ontario government is confident that it will reach an agreement with First Nations communities over the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he is working closely with the Matawa First Nations, who have threatened to block access to the chromite deposit located on their lands.
Gravelle says the government will ensure that the Matawa First Nations will benefit from the project.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he is working closely with the Matawa First Nations, who have threatened to block access to the chromite deposit located on their lands.
Gravelle says the government will ensure that the Matawa First Nations will benefit from the project.
Tourist Outfitters want meeting with Minister of Natural Resources
Angry Northwestern Ontario tourist outfitters are hoping for action from the Natural Resources Minister.
They've fired off a letter to Linda Jeffery demanding that a 700 per cent increase in land fee permits be reversed.
Their point man is Paul Boucher of the Ogoki lodge who says the message to Jeffery is "talk to us".
Boucher says these are desperate times form outfitters and they don't need such a hefty increase.
They've fired off a letter to Linda Jeffery demanding that a 700 per cent increase in land fee permits be reversed.
Their point man is Paul Boucher of the Ogoki lodge who says the message to Jeffery is "talk to us".
Boucher says these are desperate times form outfitters and they don't need such a hefty increase.
Concerns Raised about the Sale of Abitibi Hydro Assets
The NDP says it wants the provincial government to take a close look at the sale of Abitibi's hydro
dams in Ontario.
MPP Gilles Bisson says any decision that allows Abitibibowater to sell hydro assets
must be carefully scrutinized and involve local community leaders.
Last week, Abitibi announced the sale of eight Hydro dams, including those in Iroquois Falls, Fort Frances and Kenora to an unnamed buyer.
The sale is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Historically the dams have provided low-cost electricity to mills in these communities.
dams in Ontario.
MPP Gilles Bisson says any decision that allows Abitibibowater to sell hydro assets
must be carefully scrutinized and involve local community leaders.
Last week, Abitibi announced the sale of eight Hydro dams, including those in Iroquois Falls, Fort Frances and Kenora to an unnamed buyer.
The sale is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Historically the dams have provided low-cost electricity to mills in these communities.
Federal Funding for Aboriginal Housing
A number of first nation communities in northwestern Ontario will benefitfrom a 14 million dollar housing program announced by the federal government.
Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford announced the infrastrucuture project at the Northern Housing Conference taking place in Thunder Bay.
The Rat Portage and Couchiching First Nations will get the largest share of the money in this region.
Both communities have been promised 400 thousand dollars.
Rickford says the money will be used for social housing projects and also to help repair aging homes in the communities.
NorWOSSA Court Sport Finals in Kenora starting today
Both Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae are hosting NorWOSSA play-offs
this week.
Action begins today up at T.A. were the semi-finals of the single "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball take place.
The finals are scheduled to start at 9:00 tomorrow morning.
The Double "a" semis and finals will take place tomorrow at Beaver Brae.
this week.
Action begins today up at T.A. were the semi-finals of the single "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball take place.
The finals are scheduled to start at 9:00 tomorrow morning.
The Double "a" semis and finals will take place tomorrow at Beaver Brae.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Second Career Program Deemed a Success
The McGuinty Government is celebrating the success of the Second Career program in the North.
Just over 32 hundred Northern Ontario workers have particapated in the program, which offers financial assistance to laid off workers to retrain for a second career.
A recent survey shows 74 percent of Second Career students have found employment in less than a year after completeing the program.
The Second Career program was launched in 2008 by Employment Ontario.
Just over 32 hundred Northern Ontario workers have particapated in the program, which offers financial assistance to laid off workers to retrain for a second career.
A recent survey shows 74 percent of Second Career students have found employment in less than a year after completeing the program.
The Second Career program was launched in 2008 by Employment Ontario.
Woman fined for Illegal Deer Hunting
A Terrace Bay woman found out shooting deer can be expensive.
She was fined one-thousand dollars after pleading guilty to
shooting a deer from a roadway near Kenora last October.
Donna Parise was met by conservation officers on the Villeneuve Road after
they'd received a report of a high powered rifle been discharged in the area.
Parise said she fired a single shot at a deer from the centre of the road but believed she had missed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds hunters it is illegal to shoot from, down or across a public road.
She was fined one-thousand dollars after pleading guilty to
shooting a deer from a roadway near Kenora last October.
Donna Parise was met by conservation officers on the Villeneuve Road after
they'd received a report of a high powered rifle been discharged in the area.
Parise said she fired a single shot at a deer from the centre of the road but believed she had missed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds hunters it is illegal to shoot from, down or across a public road.
New Electronic Billboard Proposed for Harborfront
Its a sign of the times.
A national advertising company wants to put an electronic billboard up on
the Kenora Harborfront along the C.P. right of way.
Pattison Signs made a pitch to city council to replace the five conventional
billboards along the harborfront, with one electronic one.
Rob Sedgewick is a spokesperson for the company and says the concept is
a good one for the Harbortown area.
The only fly in the ointment, is that Kenora's new sign by-law prohibit any
new billboards from being erected in the Harbortown area.
Council has decided to set up an ad-hoc committee to look at the issue to
decide whether to allow the electronic billboard or not.
A national advertising company wants to put an electronic billboard up on
the Kenora Harborfront along the C.P. right of way.
Pattison Signs made a pitch to city council to replace the five conventional
billboards along the harborfront, with one electronic one.
Rob Sedgewick is a spokesperson for the company and says the concept is
a good one for the Harbortown area.
The only fly in the ointment, is that Kenora's new sign by-law prohibit any
new billboards from being erected in the Harbortown area.
Council has decided to set up an ad-hoc committee to look at the issue to
decide whether to allow the electronic billboard or not.
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