Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Aerial Moose Survey Wrapping Up

The annual aerial moose survey is underway in Northwestern Ontario.

Ministry of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Brad Allison says they're trying to see if certain trends are continuing this year, which includes low numbers in the Kenora and Fort Frances areas.

In recent years, brainworm has killed off a number of moose in the local area.


Allison says it's been an ideal winter for the survey because of the early snow cover

TBSO celebrates 50th Anniversary in Kenora

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th birthday
this year.

The TBSO is in Kenora tonight for its annual concert.

Arthur Post is the new conductor and says he's looking forward
to his first tour with the musicians.

The Thunder Bay Symphony will be playing Knox United Church this
evening.

Public School Board Tackles Student Mental Health

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is taking a pro-active approach to dealing with student mental
health issues.

The public school board is working with a couple of local child care agencies to come
up with a Children's Mental Health Strategy.

Peter Harland is a retired pediatrician and says about a third of kids show signs of mental
health problems, such as anxiety, depression or worse.
The public school board is working with the Lake of the Woods Child Development Center
and the Patricia Center for Children and Youth on the Children's Mental Health Strategy.

Bed Shortage Continues at Lake of the Woods Hospital

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says it hasn't seen a lot of relief in the

use of its beds in the past few months.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says as of the end of January they still
had 25 so-called Alternate Level of Care Patients, eight of which were waiting
for a long term care bed to open up locally.

The other 17 patients are rehabilitiating, but Belcaen says its possible they will
also soon be on the waiting list for a long term care bed.

He adds they still haven't heard any word from the Northwest Local Health Integration
about opening up any new long term care beds in Kenora.

An announcement had been expected early in the new year.

New Board of Health In Place

The Northwestern Health Unit has sworn in a new Board of Directors.


The Board features 4-new appointees.

John Albanese has been acclaimed as Chair, while Julie Roy will continue to serve as Vice-Chair.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is one of the new appointees to the board of health.

Bill Thompson from the Township of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls will continue to
represent his community, while Mel Fisher is the representitive for Vermillion Bay and Dryden.

Hospital says its in compliance with new regulations on Consultants

Lake of the Woods District Hospital feels its in compliance with new

legislation being drafted by the provincial government regarding the
hiring of consultants.

The legislation is scheduled to go into effect as of April 1st, and will
make instititutions that recieve public funds more accountable how they
spend their money.

Chief Executive officer Marc Belcaen says they rarely use consulants,
and doesn't feel they will have any problem with the new regulations.

He adds they are still waiting for clarification about whether professions
such as lawyers and accountants who conduct audits are considered consultants
under the new bill.

KDMA adopts a couple of resolutions

Municipal leaders in the Kenora District have given their backing to an emergency
resolution calling on the federal and provincial governments to move ahead
as quickly as possible with the double-laning of the Trans-Canada Highway in
northestern Ontario.

Kenora City council brought the resolution forward over the weekend at the
KDMA annual conference in Red Lake.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says support for the resolution shows the
need for the city to continue to support the work of the KDMA.

One other resolution supported by KDMA called on the federal and provincial
levels of government to expand cellular phone service into smaller communities
such as Pickle Lake.

Dryden woman killed in weekend fire Identified

Dryden Police say foul play is not suspected in a fatal fire at a women's shelter early Sunday morning.

However, Police say the investigation into the cause has ruled out an accidentally caused fire.

50-year-old Darlene Chartrand died in Hospital from smoke inhalation.

Nine others were treated and released from Hospital.

The fire caused roughly 100-thousand dollars in damage.

The Van Horne Avenue apartment complex is for abused women and their families.

Saints Edge Fort

The Thomas Aquinas Girls hockey team seems to have Fort Frances' number.

The Saints edged the Muskies 4-3 last night at the Keewatin Arena.

Robin Houle had a pair of goals including the game winner for T.A.

Their next game is Friday in Dryden against the Eagles.

Saints soar past Falcons

The regular NorWOSSA court sport season is quickly winding down.


The Thomas Aquinas Saints have just two league games left before the play-offs begin next week.

Yesterday, the Saints swept the Ignace Falcons at home.

The T.A. junior boys basketball team cruised to a 56-30 victory.

Patrick Van Bellingham had 15 points to lead the Saints offense.

In girls volleyball action, both the Thomas Aquinas junior and senior girls beat Ignace three sets to none.

The final home game of the regular season is tomorrow against Whitefish Bay.