Friday, November 20, 2009

New Police Chief

Robin Jones is the new face of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.

Jones has been appointed Chief by the Police Services Board, replacing John Domm.

She as worked in several portfolios and was the Provincial Negotiator for First Nations Police Services throughout Ontario 2-years ago.

Jones will oversee a staff of 175-uniform and civilian officers in 35-Police Detachments.

Children's Aid Societies

Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services is denying reports that lay-offs are imminent.

There were reports this morning that the Children's Aid Society may have to lay off as many as 16 staff members due to a financial shortfall.

Executive Director, Bill Leonard says they did have some financial concerns but those have since been ironed out and its businessas usual for his agency.

A number of children's aid groups in the province have been reportingsizable deficits in recent months and have had to lay-off staff to cope with the funding shortfalls.

Ignatieff in Kenora

The Leader of Canada's official opposition isn't hinting if and when he might withdraw his support for the Harper Government.

Michael Ignatieff was in Kenora last night for a town hall style meeting.

He says its clear that Canadians weren't in the mood for a fall election, but isn't sure how long he will be willing to prop up the Conservative government.

Ignatieff says the key to getting northwestern Ontario out of its economic slump is more research and development in the forestry sector, to develop new products that can be marketed around the world.

Port Resigns

The City of Kenora is losing another one of its senior staff members.

Jeff Port, the municipal planner has submitted his resignation.

His last day on the job will be November 27th.

His resignation comes less than two weeks after the City's Chief Administrative Officer Bill
Presentanz announced heis going to be retiring next year.

Port could not be reached for comment.

New School Dryden

Construction work on a new elementary school in Dryden could begin in the spring if the Ministry of Education gives its blessing to the project.

Earlier this year, the board tendered the project, but it came in way over budget.

Superintentant of Business, Dean Carrie says they have been working with the contractor that provided the lowest bid to try and reduce costs.

Carrie says the new school would cost about 13 million dollars to build.

The board is expected to find out next month if they can go ahead with the project.

Food Bank Use High

Kenora's Salvation Army has seen an increase in monthly users of its food bank.

Captain Debby Goss says they've gone from 50 people using the food bank in a month to around 80.

Goss adds they've also seen a decrease in food donations.

Goss notes they are in need of canned fruit, vegetables and alphagetti and anyone who wishes to donate can drop off their goods at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.