MTO Stats show local roads are getting safer

Figures released by the Ministry of Transportation shows that the number of accidents in the Kenora area continues to climb, but the number of people being injured or killed has been substantially reduced.

The latest figures from the MTO show that there were 50 people injured in vehicle accidents in 2008, compared to 77 in 1996.

Tom Marinis is a spokesperson for the MTO and says there are a number of reasons for the decrease.

Marinis says alcohol continues to play a big factor in local accidents, with about 25 percent the result of impaired drivers.

Hospitals get capital funding from Northwest LHIN's

The North West Local Health Integration Network is providing a total of 3.6-million dollars to 13 Northern Hospitals for upgrades.

Lake of the Woods District Hospital has been promised about 250 thousand dollars in capital funding.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen points out that the funding was actually promised earlier this year, and they are only just getting the cheques now.

Local School Boards sign bussing agreement

An agreement on transportation has been reached by the  four area School Boards.

The new protocol will cover students from across the Region, with the same rules for each Board.

Judy Green is the Manager of the Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium and says more information is available on-line.

The site also outlines the new school bus eligibility distances.

Another Drug Bust on the By-Pass

A 24 year old Kenora man faces drug charges after being pulled over by police on the Kenora By-Pass.

The OPP says they stopped a vehicle on Highway 17-A Thursday afternoon around 5:30.

Officers noticed some open alcohol in the vehicle and conducted a search for more liquor licence violations.

During their search about 173 grams of marijuana was uncovered.

Stephen Beckworth has been charged with possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking.

He's due to appear in Kenora Court on July 14th.

Rafferty to Raise Border Crossing Issues

A meeting is being planned to discuss the issue of border access at the Fort Frances and International Falls points of entry.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty says he's hoping to meet with U-S Senator Al Franken in early July.

Rafferty is also trying to access information on the number of Americans turned back at the border compared with other locations.

Attiwapiskat Drug Bust

A major drug bust in Attawapiskat First Nation.

The Combine Forces Organized Crime Unit searched an Attapiskat home and seized nearly 14-thousand dollars worth of drugs.

Police seized 169-Oxycodone pills and nearly 5-thousand dollars worth of cocaine.

43-year-old Richard Edwards faces 2-counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and oxycodone.

Kenora Area Road Safety Committee re-focuses

The campaign to improve road safety in the Kenora area has been revived.

The Kenora Area Road Safety Committee is planning a number of initiatives to try and reduce accidents and injuries on local highways.

Maria Bagdonis is a spokesperson for the committee and says one of the biggest causes of accidents locally is distracted driving.

Bagdonis says Kars will also be holding a car seat clinic in June, to make sure children are being buckled up properly.

Saints Girls earn another trip to OFSAA Single A Soccer Championship

Both of Kenora's high school soccer teams are heading to southwestern Ontario this week for the All-Ontario Championships.

Thomas Aquinas booked its ticket by winning the NWOSSA crown over the weekend.

The Saints beat Terrace Bay in two straight games in the best-of-three final.

T.A. got by Terrace Bay by scores of 5-0 Friday night and 3-2 in overtime on Saturday.

Thomas Aquinas will now travel to London on Wednesday and take the bus to Chatham for the OFSAA championships, which start on Thursday.

Beaver Brae`s girls will head to Windsor for the Double A championships later this wee as well.