Local Lawyers Lobby Against Criminal Code Changes

A group of Kenora lawyers is speaking out against proposed changes to the Criminal Code of Canada.

The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group is worried that the federal government's amendments could result in more aboriginal people being sent to jail.

The group says there are already too first nation residents represented in the Kenora Jail.

A recent survey found that 85 percent of the male inmates were of aboriginal descent and 100 percent of the women were from local first nations.

The Kenora lawyers says amendments to the Criminal Code will only make a bad situation worse.

Economic Development Commission Fights to Keep Business Center

The Northwest Business Center is caught in a bit of a power struggle.

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines recently sent a letter to the

Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission saying the Business Center should be reporting directly to the city's chief administrative officer.

Dennis Wallace is chair of the Commission and says it only makes sense to maintain the current relationship between the two agencies.

Wallace met with council yesterday to discuss the situation and is also seeking support from the city to maintain its current relationship with the Northwest Business Center.

CP Holiday Train Arrives this weekend

The Salavation Army's Christmas Cheer campaign will get another boost this week.

A week after the Miracle Marathon, the CP Holiday Train will be passing through town.

Melissa Murray is a spokesperson for CP and says the Holiday Train continues to be a popular destination for Canadians.

Valdy will highlight the Holiday Train's entertainment this year.

The Train will arrive in Kenora Saturday afternoon following stops in Ignace and Dryden.

Lac Seul Injects Cash into Community Infrastructure

Economic prosperity in Lac Seul.

That's what the First Nation is hoping now that's its invested over 16-million dollars of its own money into infrastructure and economic development projects.

Chief Clifford Bull says more than 6-million is being spent on fixing unsafe roads.

The other major project is the construction of a Regional Convention Centre.

Bull says the 8-million dollar initiative has the potential to become an economic development hub bringing together organizations from across the Province.

Bull notes other planned projects include a commercial rice farm, training facility, a log manufacturing plant, heritage centre and long-term care centre.

Time Running out for Trail Permit Discount

Local snowmobilers can save 50-dollars this week.

The price of a season permit goes up to 250-dollars at the end of the day Thursday.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Craig Nicholson says its important to support the local trail system.

The permit is required under Ontario law to use groomed snowmobile trails.

Richards continues to score for L.A.

Mike Richards kept up his torrid scoring pace in the LA Kings 2-0 win over San Jose.

Richards scored once and now has nine goals in the Kings last ten games and seven in as many

games.

He has 11 goals on the season and 20 points in 23 games so far this season.