Randy Nickle Seeks Nomination for PC party in Kenora-Rainy River

The Provincial Conservative party might have a new face representing the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

Randy Nickle has declared his intentions to get nominated for the next provincial election.

Nickle says his motivation is past failures by the other parties, and the ability for Northwestern Ontario to take advantage of it's Natural Resources.

The PC nomination vote for the Kenora-Rainy River riding takes place December 1st.

Ontario NDP Leader Launched New Health Survey

The Ontario N.D.P. want to hear your concerns about the healthcare system.

The party has launched a new survey aimed at finding solutions to health care in the province.

Party Leader Andrea Horwath says it's a major issue moving forward.

Horwath says she and her MPP's will be hosting a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks across the province.

http://ontariondp.com/en/horwath-launches-consultation-on-improving-health-care-in-ontario

Resolute to Idle Fort Frances Mill

Resolute Forest Products says it intends to idle indefinitely the kraft mill and paper machine # 5 at its Fort Frances mill.

The company expects to curtail operations by the end of this month affecting nearly 240 employees.

Resolute blames the decision on market conditions, but is holding out the possibility of a restart at a later date.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis says company officials indicated they're studying potential uses of the number five paper machine that will take at least 12 to 18 months to complete.

Avis calls the news shocking and depressing.

Visitor Ban Expanded at Hospital

A visitor ban is being expanded at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Head of Patient Care Kathy Dawe says they've added the 3rd Flood ICU inpatient unit to the ban.

Earlier this week, the Second East Unit was closed to visitors due to a gastro-intestinal outbreak.

In the meantime, the Northwestern Health Unit says they have confirmed lab results that show the flu is now officially in the region.

While the community flu clinics have now wrapped up for the year, the Health Unit says you can still get the vaccine until the spring, but the earlier you get a flu shot the better.

Diabetes Workshop Today

The Northwestern Health Unit is celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month with a special Workshop this week.

The Diabetes Fair will take place today at the Jubilee Church.

Health Promoter, Megan Shewfelt says they want to give local residents some ideas on how to combat the disease.

The workshop is free of charge and will take place from 10 til 2:00 at the Jubilee Church on 1st Street South.

Gravelle Gets Support From Opposition

Michael Gravelle is getting some support in his battle against cancer from some unexpected quarters.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell has issued a statement wishing the Natural Resources Minister a speedy recovery.

Campbell says she's worked closely with Gravelle over the past year in her capacity as the NDP's Natural Resources Critic and hopes he can return to his cabinet duties quickly.

Gravelle announced yesterday that he was being treated for an agressive form of lymphoma.

NAN Raises Concerns About Generic Oxy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin.

NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

Festival of Trees Almost Ready

Christmas around the world.

That is the theme for this years annual festival of trees.

Linda Wideman is one of the organizers and says they have plenty of great events planned.

The Festival of Trees will run at the Lake of the Woods Museum from November 29th to December 1st

with Seniors Night next Thursday, followed by the Gala on November 30th, followed by family

day on Saturday. 

The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community

Foundation. 

Bronco Hockey Teams Split Against Fort Frances

A split for Beaver Brae's hockey teams.

The Bronco boys lost an 8-7 nail-biter to the Fort Frances Muskies last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Beaver Brae trailed 8-4 heading into the last period, but scored three unanswered goals in the final frame in a late come back attempt.

Easton Gauthier and Ryse Mandamin each had a pair of goals in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, the Bronco girls had an impressive outing on the Road, blanking Fort Frances 4-0 yesterday afternoon.

Becca Mahon earned the shutout for the Broncos.

It was an offensive showcase for the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team, as they romped to a 14-0 win over the Red Lake Rams.

Eric Davidson led all scorers with four goals, while Tanner Kapera recorded a hat trick.