Beware of Changing Ice Conditions

The OPP are warning local residents to check ice conditions before
they head out on local lakes and rivers.

Recent warm weather has created variable ice conditions.

Police say you should be cautious when heading out on snowmobile
trails or ice roads over the next few days, as temperatures continue to
yo-yo.

Oxycontin replacement blamed for death in NWO

One Oxycontin user in Northwestern Ontario is dead as the result of a possible overdose of a replacement prescription drug.

Regional Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says the man was prescribed a higher dose of the substitute drug than he should have received.

Dr. Wilson wouldn't say where in the region the incident occured.

Alzheimer Society looking for new Volunteers

The Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River is looking to add to its volunteer base.

The organization is recruting for various positions including fundraising and raising pubilc awareness.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt outlines how you can get involved.

Moffatt says they work one-on-one with volunteers to ensure they are matched with an enjoyable and appropriate position.

Domestic Violence Conference underway

Domestic violence agency workers from across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts are learning new skills this week on how to treat female trauma victims.

The 3-day Conference is taking place in Dryden.

Lori Beyer is a trauma specialist from Washington, D.C. and she says workers need to use positive renforcement to help victims move on.

Beyer says the key is helping those impacted by domestic violence take the initiative to make accurate judgments and decisions.

Dewar picks up support in Kenora

Paul Dewar has a vision for Northwestern Ontario.

The Federal NDP leadership hopeful says that vision includes affordable power and job training.

Speaking in Kenora Tuesday afternoon, Dewar outline one other priority for the North.

Dewar has received the endorsement of Kenora NDP candidate Tania Cameron.

Hospital Continues to wait for future planning approvals

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is still waiting from the Ministry of Health to find out if they will support their plans of building a new health care facility in Kenora.

The Hospital has submitted an application for funding to begin planning for a new hospital.

CEO Marc Belcaen says they know the Ministry of Health has looked at their application because they've had a few calls asking for clarification on some points.

Belcaen is hoping they make the Ministry's short-list so they can resume the long process of planning for a new hospital.

New School For Attawapiskat

Finally some good news for the troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

The Federal Government has awarded the construction tender for a new school on the Northern reserve to Penn-Co Construction.

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence says area children and parents are rejoicing with the announcement.

Spence says it proves that you should never give up, calling it a great accomplishment for the First Nation.

Attawapiskat First Nation was forced to close its elementary school in May 2000 and since that time students have been receiving their elementary education in a series of portables.

The Feds promised action to resolve the problem in 2000.

Saints bow out at OFSAA

It wasn't a good day on the courts for Thomas Aquinas teams at the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints senior girls are heading home from the OFSAA volleyball finals without a medal.

T.A. advanced to the quarter-final round yesterday, but were upended by the fourth ranked team in the tournament, Ridley College from St. Catharines, three sets to one.

The loss eliminated the Saints from any further play.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior boys basketball team lost its third straight game at the OFSAA championships in St. Catharines.

Last night, T.A. was beaten 66-54 by Runnymede in quarter-final action on the consolation side of the draw.

Patrick Van Bellingham led the Saints in scoring with 22 points.