Kirby Earns Provincial Recognition

Helping those in need has landed a Kenora District lawyer a major award.

Peter Kirby is the recipient of the Legal Aid Ontario Sidney B. Linden Award.

The honour is in recognition of his tireless advocacy for those in need.

Officials say Kirby dedicates his time to ensure access to justice for those who don't have a voice.

They add he has helped the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Kirby has practiced family and criminal law in the Kenora District for 34-years and was a driving force behind the development of the Kenora Community Legal Clinic.

Vandals hit the Kenora Golf Club

The OPP continue to investigate a rash of mischief complaints in Kenora.

The most recent incident took place at the Kenora Golf and Country Club.

Police were called out yesterday after a golf cart was stolen.

The OPP say the cart was used to rip up some of the greens and damage a number of pieces of equipment.

A total damage estimate still hasn't been determined.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Sioux Narrows Opens Sports Fishing Center

There was a big surge in visitor numbers in Sioux Narrows yesterday.

A couple of hundred people turned out for the grand opening of the Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center.

Jeff Port was one of the people who sat on a committe that helped program the new visitor center and says sports fishing really has become the community's brand.

The Sports Fishing Center cost 2.2 million dollars to build, with 900 thousand dollars in infrastructure funding from both the federal and provincial governments.

Hello Summer Fundraiser Returns

Its a busy week for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

After handing out 107 thousand dollars in grants on Wednesday, the Foundation will try to make some of that money back tomorrow night.

Executive Director Darlene MacGillivray says they will be holding their 5th Hello Summer fundraiser.

McGillvary says tickets are still available for tomorrow night's dinner and dance.

Campbell has mixed feelings about the Provincial Budget

Sarah Cambell says she has mixed feelings about the passage of the provincial budget this week.

The Ontario budget was passed Wednesday, and aims to eliminate the deficit by 2017-2018.

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP admits she's concerned how the budget will impact the riding, including the closure of three tourist information centers. 

On the other hand, she says 20 million dollar has been allocated for Northern and rural health care.

Rickford Announces Funding for Aboriginal Health Research

A 25-million dollar research program is being launched to improve the long term health of aboriginals.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs John Duncan and Kenora MP Greg Rickford made the announcement in Ottawa this morning.

Rickford says a couple of prominent doctors will tackle the best ways to combat suicide, tuberculosis, obesity and oral health.

Rickford also laid a wreath in Ottawa to honour the contributions aboriginal veterans made in the great wars that Canada has been involved in.

Thunder Bay Sued by Flood Victims

The City of Thunder Bay is being sued.

A class action suit has been filed in Superior Court alleging negligence on various levels in connection with the May 28th flood.

Those allegations still need to be proven in court.

Lawyer Sandy Zaitzeff says all his clients want is to get their lives back.

The suit, on behalf of flood victims, is asking for general and special damages in the amount of 300 million dollars.

The city says it will not comment on the lawsuit. 

OPP Investigate Cases of Animal Cruelty

Provincial Police are looking for answers after a case of animal cruelty.

OPP say 4-dogs were poisoned near Dryden in Wainwright Township.

Two of the dogs have died as a result.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers.