Public Meeting for new Economic Development Zone

A proposal for a new economic development zone for northwestern Ontario will be up for review this week.

A public information session will be taking place in Kenora tomorrow.

A joint task force has developed a plan to enhance economic development opportunties in the region and is looking for feedback.

The session will take place at the Day's Inn from 1:00 to 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Public weighs in on Lakewood's Future

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it could make a decision on the future of Lakewood School in the next month or so.

A final public meeting was held last night, and not much concern was raised about possibly closing the elementary school and changing it into an adult education center.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says he's not too surprised there wasn't more of a backlast over the possible closure of the school.

The school board recently conducted an on-line survey which showed 70 percent of local residents support changing Lakewood into an post-secondary institution.

Trustees are expected to make their final decision at their April 10th board meeting.

Mayoralty confusion in Ignace

A political drama is brewing in Ignace.

Council will hold a special meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss what to do with the Mayor's seat.

Lee Kennard submitted a resignation letter to the municipal clerk on January 27th but he decided to withdraw that letter 5-days later.

Council declared the office of the Mayor vacant on February 6th, sparking a debate on whether Kennard should return as Mayor.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing says Council handled the situation correctly.

Several options now lie on the table including holding a by-election, appointing a councilor as Mayor or appointing Lee Kennard as Mayor.

Local Student heads to Queen's Park

A Vermilion Bay elementary student is heading to Toronto.

Grade 7 Lilian Berg student Emma Lang has been selected to serve as a Legislative Page at Queen's Park.

Lang will serve as a messenger on the floor of the chamber, meet key parliamentry figures and learn about Ontario's parliamentry system.

She must study and learn the faces, names and locations of the 107 MPP's before arriving at Queen's Park for her first day.

Welfare Caseload down in the Kenora District

Some encouraging signs that the economy may be slowly starting to turn around in the Kenora District.

The Services Board says Ontario Works caseloads have dropped 78-cases over 2010 numbers.

Benefit cases have dropped the past 3-years but still remain above pre-recession figures.

Kenora saw the largest decline in 62-cases, while Dryden saw a drop of 30-cases.

Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout and Pickle Lake saw modest increases.

Habitat For Humanity Plans more Fundraising this Spring

The local Habitat for Humanity Committee says its getting closer to its goal to be able to build a home in Kenora.

A build is scheduled to begin in May.

Andrea Lundy is a spokesperson for the local Habitat Committee and says they already have a number of their skilled trades lined up.

Lundy says they have raised about 25 thousand dollars in cash, and will be launching their shingle campaign once again in the spring.

New Northern Committee Proposed at Queen's Park

John Vanthof says the NDP is not out to give Southern Ontario less of a voice, he's out to give Northern Ontario a stronger voice.

The Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP has table Legislation to create a new Legislative Committee made up of Northern MPP's.

Vanthof says the Committee would have the power to examine legislation and make recommendations to the Government.

The motion will be debated and voted upon on March 1st.

Police Lay Charges in Weekend Collision

A 51 year old Kenora man faces charges following an accident in the north end of town.

The OPP say they were called to a collision at the intersection of Matheson Street and Second Street North around 9:30 Saturday morning.

Police say a 60 year old woman had to be taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Charges of failing to yeild to traffic have been laid.

Sioux Lookout cruises through NorWOSSA Playdowns

The Warriors were the teams to beat at the NorWOSSA curling championships at the Kenora Curling Club.

Both the Queen Elizabeth boys and girls squads claimed first place in their respective pools after two days of round-robin play at the Kenora Curling Club.

Both Sioux Lookout teams went undefeated and will head into the NWOSSA championships next week as the teams to beat.