Grassy Narrows gets Funding for Economic Development

Grassy Narrows has started the process of trying to expand its economic base.

The First Nation is identifying investment opportunities that will create new jobs and grow the local economy.

The community will promote itself on a new on-line community profile.

An extensive marketing strategy is also being developed.

The First Nation is being supported by the Provincial Northern Communities Investment Readiness program.

NorOnt Holds Hearings on Eagle's Nest Project

An update on the Eagle's Nest project in the Ring of Fire will be provided today in Ignace.

An open house is being held at the Ignace Silver Tops Seniors Centre from 3 until 7.

Officials from Noront Resources will be on hand to discuss the Mine project and the environmental assessment.

Plans include hauling concentrate to Savant Lake to be loaded on railway cars for transport to the underground mine in the Far North.

(For more information go to www.eaglesnestmine.com)

Ring of Fire projects being explored

The Federal Liberal Aboriginal Affairs critic says she has a better feel on the Ring of Fire project in Northern Ontario.

Dr. Carolyn Bennett met with various advisors from this region yesterday.

Bennett says a more regional approach is needed to move the Ring of Fire project forward.

Bennett adds there's also a lack of communication amongst the Federal Ministries.

School Board promotes Environmental Education

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is working to expand its environmental footprint.

Along with conservation programs, the public school board is working to extend the environmental curriculum.

Kathy Boone is the Environmental Education Co-ordinator and says instead of adding new courses they want to make students and teachers more aware of the resources available.

Boone says they have been able to expand the Conservation Camp in Dryden to include high school students from other area of the board and have been actively involved in the annual Envirothon.

Fire Marshall Investigates School Fire in Sandy Lake

The office of the Fire Marshall is expected to arrive in Sandy Lake First Nation today to survey the damage caused by a large fire at Thomas Fiddler Memorial School.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police received an anonymous report of a fire on Sunday afternoon.

The fire caused extensive fire, smoke and water damage.

No one was injured.

An initial investigation shows that the fire started in the storage and supply room area.

The school serves Sandy Lake students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Catholic School Board Hires Mental Health Leader

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has introduced its new Mental Health Leader.

Ashley Hendy was hired last month to work with the board and its teachers on mental health issues involving their students.

The separate school board was one of 15 across the province to receive funding to hire a Mental Health Leader.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board introduced Lisa Doerksen last week as its mental health lead.

OPP Investigate Sioux Narrows Break-Ins

The OPP are looking into a number of break-ins reported to camps in the Sioux Narrows area.

Yesterday, at least three camps were entered in the Mayburn subdivision.

Police say the culprits had time to search for property and alcohol.

At this point an exact list of the stolen items has not been compiled.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Sharks gain experience at Western Canadian Championships

No medals for the Kenora Sharks Swim Club at the Speedo Western Canada Championships this past weekend in Winnipeg.

Michelle Belcaen advance to two finals and finished 5th in the 50 meter butterfly.

Alex Olson, Kira Kuzemchuk and Bryce Jones were all competing in their first major meet against some of the top swimmers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C.