Winter Storm Warning for Kenora

Environment Canada has put a winter storm warning in effect for Kenora and surrounding areas.

Periods of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain are expected to begin tonight and last through Saturday.

Environment Canada is predicting 10 centimeters of snow on Friday with an additional 10-15 centimeters on Friday Night.

Respiratory Illness on the Rise

A respiratory illness is said to be on the rise in the area according to the Northwestern Health Unit.

The illness is caused by virus' such as Influenza and include symptoms of couching, sore throat, fevers, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

Donna Stanley is the Manager for Infectious Diseases at the health unit and says most symptoms will go away with within a week but the cough can last around 2 weeks.

To reduce the strain on local hospitals Stanley is asking people to contact Telehealth Ontario at  (1-866-797-0000) to decide if a trip to the hospital is needed.

Crash on Highway 17 near Ignace

A 48-year-old transport driver from Manitoba has received minor injuries following a single vehicle crash on Highway 17 between Ignace and Upsala.

Police say the accident occurred around 12:30 this morning when an eastbound transport lost control after his trailer got caught in some snow on the shoulder  and went into the ditch.

O.P.P say the driver was trying to avoid a westbound transport who was passing another tractor trailer unit.

Idle No More Protest at Mcleod Park

Grassy Narrows First Nation is making their voices heard in the Idle No More Movement.

Amy McKenzie organized the rally today at McLeod Park and says First Nations want their voices heard on decisions that directly effect them.

McKenzie adds they held the rally to keep the Idle No More movement fresh in peoples minds before tomorrows meeting between Pime Minister Harper and first nations leaders.

There will be another Idle No More gathering Friday morning at 10:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Crown Begins Prosecution in Kenora Murder Case

The crown will begin presenting its case this morning at the second degree
murder trial of Kenneth Ivall and Angela Duchesne.

The prosecution made its opening arguments yesterday after the jury
was finalized.

Ivall and Duchesne have been charged with second degree murder in the
death of Ed Wilson.

He died on the CP rail tracks in Norman in March of 2009.

The trial is taking place at the Kenora Court House with Justice Terrance
Platana presiding.

MNO Applauds Court Ruling

A new opportunity for Metis people to get access to health care.

That's one of the potential benefits of a federal court ruling this week according to the president of the Metis Nation of Ontario.

Gary Lipinsky says many Metis risk their lives because they can't afford proper medications.

Lipinsky says the ruling puts the Metis population under federal jurisdiction and that opens up new channels of funding for health care.

Fort Frances Town Councillor Passes Away

A sad day in the Town of Fort Frances.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs has died.

The long-time councillor had recently taken a leave of absence and had been in hospital for undisclosed health reasons.

Tibbs had been a member of council on and off since 1993 and appointed the town's deputy mayor in six years ago.

Flags at the Fort Frances Civic Centre are being lowered to half-staff in her honour.

Thistles Pick up Point in OT Loss

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles have lost for the first time in 2013.

The Thistles lost 5-4 to the Winnipeg Wild last night in a shootout.

The Kenora Midgets held a one goal lead until late in the game, but the
Wild scored with just 37 seconds left to force overtime.

The Thistles pick up a single point in the shootout loss, but drop 11 points
back of the Wild in the East Division standings.

Snowmobile Trail Markers Stolen

The OPP says they are trying to find the culprits responsible for damaging
and removing snowmobile trails markers and signs.

Police say they have received mischief complaints from the Sunset
Trail Riders in recent days.

Things like directional or warning signs have gone missing.

The OPP say they are worried that people using the trails could get
lost or travel in areas that may not have safe ice condition.

Police say some of these acts of mischief can be considered a criminal
offense.

Job Actions To Close Elementary School This Friday

Elementary teachers in the Keewatin Patricia District School board will be participating in a one day political protest this Friday.

Director of Education Jack Mcmaster says all elementary schools will be closed as a result.

McMaster says buses will be operating on the same schedule for
high school and catholic schools

Classes will resume on Monday, January 14.

More Idle No More Protests in the Works

Another Idle No More protest will be taking place in Kenora tomorrow.

This time, protesters will be gathering at Husky the Musky in the afternoon.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says a lack of Federal Government consultation has lead to Idle No More protests popping up across the country.

Rafferty says First Nation residents aren't the only people who feel like the Harper Government isn't listening to their concerns.

Area First Nations under the Idle No More banner are protesting the Federal Government's decision to pass the omnibus budget legislation known as Bill C-45.

Seven Generations Begins Planning for Lakewood

Seven Generations Education Institute is hoping to release more details about
its plans for Lakewood School in the next few months.

The agency is due to take over Lakewood at the end of July.

Delbert Horton is the executive director and says they would like to
start offering classes in the school by the fall.

He adds that they are hoping to work with other educational partners
on the Lakewood project.

Health Unit Releases Year End Review

The Northwestern Health Unit says its continuing to test water quality
in the region.

In a year-end review of its programs, the Health Unit says enforcement teams
assessed over 900 small drinking water systems in the Kenora and Rainy
River Districts.

It says it has also issued directives to operators to reduce the risk of water
borne illness.

The Health Unit says it also began a new pilot project last year, bringing its
mobile dental office to four first nation communitites.

Market and Craft Shows Resume this Weekend

If you missed out on local vendors during summer events don't worry.

Mark Duggan is the special events coordinator and says this Saturday is the first of three chances to check out vendors at the Matiowski’s Market & Craft shows.

The Market will take place this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Discovery Center.

The Market and Craft shows will also take place on Febuary 9th, and March 2nd.

Teachers Unions to Meet Today

Members of local teacher unions are meeting in Toronto today.

They'll be getting an update from their leadership about what their
next steps are in their battle with the provincial government.

Anne Saltel is the local president of the Elementary Teachers Federation
of Ontario and says they don't even know right now when they will be
able to vote on the contract imposed on them by the provincial government
last week.

She's hoping they have more details after today's meeting.

Two Thistles Named to Eastern All-Star Squad

Just two members of the Kenora Thistles will be heading
to Dauphin this weekend for the annual Manitoba Midget Hockey League
All-Star Game.

Forwards Davis Ross and Mikko Keski-Pukkila have been selected for
the East Division All-Star squad.

The All-Star game will take place this Saturday.

Tonight, the Thistles hit the road for a game against the Winnipeg Wild.

Government Will Review Court Ruling of Metis and Non-Status Indians

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the government will review a federal court ruling in favor of more than 600-thousand off-reserve Metis and non-status Indians.

The court has ruled they are indeed "Indians" under the Constitution Act and they fall under federal jurisdiction.

Rickford says it's too early to comment on the ruling.

Rickford adds that Aboriginal Affairs will take time to carefully review.

Visitor Restrictions at Dryden Regional Health Centre

The Dryden Regional Health Centre continues to take precautions, following a high number of patients with respiratory illness.

Anyone who enters the hospital is required to wear a mask, and wash their hands frequently.

Spokesperson Darlene Furlong says a number of people have complained of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness.

Furlong says visitor restrictions will most likely remain for the rest of the week.

Con College Brings Women's Hockey to Kenora

The Confederation College women's hockey team will be making its
first ever appearance in Kenora.

The Thunderhawks will be playing a pair of games this weekend at the
Kenora Rec. Center against the Assinaboine College Cougars from
Brandon.

The first game will take place Saturday night at 7:00 at the Kenora Rec.
Center, and will be followed up with another game Sunday
afternoon at 1:00.

This is the inaugural season for the Con College women's hockey program.

Fate of Extra-Curricular Activities Still Up in the Air

Talks continue with the local school board and public schools regarding the continuation of extra-curricular activities.

Director of Education for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Jack McMaster says that despite last weeks announcement by the education minister that contracts will be imposed on teachers, he hopes things can remain as close to normal.

McMaster says it's up to the unions if teachers will continue with voluntary activities.

McMaster says there will be another teleconference on Thursday to get a better idea of the situation.