Restricted Fire Zone Lifted

Just in time for the weekend, the Ministry of Natural Resources has lifted the Restricted Fire Zone in northwestern Ontario.

The RFZ was put in place last Friday, but was lifted as of noon today due to the wet conditions the region is currently experiencing.

The forecast calls for more rain and cool conditions over the next couple of days and that's expected to reduce the fire hazard right across the northwest.

The MNR says campfires will be allowed for cooking and warmth now that the RFZ has been lifted.

Whitedog Man charged with 2nd Degree Murder

Treaty Three Police have released the name of a 25 year old man killed on the Wabaseemoong First Nation earlier this week.

Kelvin Fraser was the victim of a stabbing incident early Monday morning.

Police say they have arrested and charged a 32 year old man with Second Degree Murder.

Justin Fraser from Whitedog was due to appear in Kenora Court this morning on the charges.

A post-mortem exam was carried out on Tuesday at Lake of the WoodsDistrict Hospital, but the cause of death still has not been released.

OTF Report on First Nations

One out of five people in Northwestern Ontario are Aboriginal.

That data is from the Ontario Trillium Foundation's report on First Nations communities.

Spokesperson Alexis Mantell says the report will be put to good use.

The report shows that the younger generations are better educated than their parents, but most have not completed school.

Unemployment levels for first nations are also nearly double that of the overall population.

Restricted Fire Zone

Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Crews will be keeping their eyes on the sky over the next couple of days.

The region is expected to receive quite a bit of rain over the next couple of days.

Fire Information Officer, Debbie McLean says if there is enough precipitation they may be able to lift the Restricted Fire Zone.

Despite the Restricted Fire Zone, there has been a number of new wild fires in northwestern Ontario this week, including four new starts Wednesday.


Photo courtesy of Ministry of Natural Resources webpage

KPDSB Program Change

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is adjusting its primary language instruction for all elementary schools.

Ojibwe and French language instruction will begin in Grade 4, instead of Grade 1.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says the board wanted to direct more attention on literacy learning.

The change will be implemented in time for next school year.