Cameron Won't Seek NDP Nomination Again

The NDP in the Kenora Riding will be seeking a new candidate for the
next federal election.

Tania Cameron announced last night that she doesn't not plan to seek
the New Democrats nomination.

Cameron cited family considerations and changes in her career path for
her decision not to run again.

Cameron has been the NDP candidate in each of the past two federal
elections and placed second behind Greg Rickford in 2011.

The next federal election is slated for October of 2015.

Gravelle Promises Action on Northern Transport

The provincial government insists it will listen closely to northerners in the development of a transportation policy for northern Ontario.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says its a priority for the Premier and for him, that they get the strategy right and know how important it is for the region's economy.

The Liberals identified plans to address the special transportation needs of the north in last week's Throne Speech

Campbell Demands Creation of Northern Committee

There are renewed calls to set up a Northern Committee at Queen's Park.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell responded to the throne speech today.

She says northern alienation is alive and well in her riding.

Campbell says premier Kathleen Wynne says all the right things in the throne speech
but doesn't give any concrete ideas on how to achieve them.

New Job Search Tool For Con College Students

Confederation College is now part of an online job bank called "Workbay".

Workbay Spokesperson Mary Hayes says they help match employers with future employees.

Hayes says it's taken a year to create the website with Northwest Employment Works and Confederation College.

Hayes describes the service as a dating site for jobs.

Muskies Beat Broncos In Northland Cup Opener

Fort Frances has drawn first blood in the Northland Cup girls hockey
championships.

The Muskies blanked Beaver Brae 1-0 last night in Fort Frances.

Game two of the home and home series moves to Kenora Sunday afternoon.

The Broncos will have to win by two or more goals in order to win the two-game
total goal series.

Former Saint Heads to CIS Men's Volleyball Finals

A former member of the Thomas Aquinas Senior Boys volleyball team
is making his second appearance at the Canadian University Championships
this weekend.

Dan Boutwell is a middle hitter for the top-ranked Brandon Bobcats.

He says the team seems to be peaking at just the right time.

The Bobcats won their first ever Can-West University title this past weekend.

The national championships start Friday at Laval in Quebec City.

Guilty Verdict Delivered at Murder Trial

The verdict has been delivered in the 2nd degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall.

The jury found that Ivall was guilty in the beating death of Ed Wilson in the early morning hours of March 21, 2009.

Defense Lawyer Chris Watkins says they accept the verdict as the the jury has done a professional job during the over 6 week trial.

Watkins is advising Ivall to appeal the decision, which he says is a standard procedure in a case of this caliber.

Justice Terrence Platana will hand down his sentencing on June 14th after a pre-sentencing report is completed.

Ivall faces life in prison.

Jury continues to Deliberate in Ivall Trial

The jury in the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall will resume their
deliberations this morning.

The jury was sequested yesterday afternoon after hearing a long series of closing instructions from Justice Terrance Platana.

He spent almost three and a half hours going over the charge.

Justice Platana told the jury they have three options when it comes to
a verdict for Ken Ivall.

He can be either found guilty or not guilty of second degree murder, and
he also offered up the option of a guilty verdict of manslaughter.

He also says if the crown did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
Ken Ivall killed Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009,
they would have to find him not guilty.

Justice Platana did indicate that the jury would have to be unanimous in
its decision.

Murray Supportive of Funding for Kenora's Bridges

It's starting to look like the city of Kenora will get some provincial help to repair the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

New Infrastructure and Transportation minister Glen Murray says the city has presented a very good argument for funding.

The city made their presentations this week at the Ontario Good Roads Conference in Toronto.

Murray says he also engaged in very positive meetings with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association about aging bridges and the twinning of Highway 17.

OFIA Paints Rosy Picture of Forest Industry

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is feeling bullish heading into
its annual general meeting.

The OFIA will be introducing three new members today, all from northwestern
Ontario.

Jamie Lim is president of the OFIA and says things are really starting to
look up for the forest sector.

Kenora Forest Products, Manitou Forest Products and AV Terrace Bay are
the newest members of the OFIA.

Lim adds that they are also looking forward to meeting with the new Natural Resources
Minister David Orazietti.

Campbell Looking for Budget Goodies

The N-D-P are looking to keep the government alive in hopes of having their demands met in the provincial budget.

Kenora MPP Sarah Campbell says one important demand is youth employment.

Other demands include a 5 day home care guarantee, and changes to Ontario Works and Disability program.


Campbell says their demands come out of consultations with constituents across the province.

More Complaints about Snow Clearing

Complaints about winter road maintenance of northern Ontario highways have reached Queen's Park.

NDP critic Gilles Bisson told the legislature yesterday the condition of many roads is atrocious.


 Progressive Conservative Vic Fedeli, a former mayor of North Bay, says he's worried highway clearing standards are not being met.


Transportation Minister Glen Murray says the province's standards for clearing snow off highways have not changed and are being met.

Saints Tie Muskies in Game One of Northland Cup

The Northland Cup boys hockey final has become a one game showdown.

Last night the Thomas Aquinas Saints played to a 4-4 draw against Fort Frances in game one of the two game total goal championships series.

Justis Kennedy scored the game winner with less than a minute on the
clock.  Dan Thomson added a pair of goals for the Saints.

That sets up a second and deciding game Friday night in Fort Frances.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae Girls hockey team will travel to Fort Frances tonight
to face the Muskies in game one of their Northland Cup final.

The Muskies advanced by beating Dryden Monday night.

Recommended Changes to Jury Rolls

A report on getting more First Nations involved in provincial juries is out.

Former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Frank Iacobucci released his report in Thunder Bay this morning.

Iacobucci says the first step is establishing an implementation committee with First Nation membership.

Other recommendations include considering a procedure where on-reserve residents could volunteer for jury duty and creating an Assistant Deputy Attorney General responsible for aboriginal issues such as implementing the recommendations in the report.

Boil Water Advisory in Place

The water is back on, but the city of Kenora says several businesses in
the downtown area shouldn't drink from the tap.

A boil water advisory has been issued for Shoppers Drug Mart, the Bannister Center and the Blue Heron.

The advisory was issued yesterday afternoon following a water main break on First Avenue South.

Water was finally restored shortly before 5:00 yesterday afternoon, but the boil water advisory is expected to remain in place for at least the next two days.

Second Degree Murder Trial Coming to and End

The second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall could come to an end
soon.

Today, the jury will begin its deliberations.

Justice Terrance Platana will be making his final charge to the jury this
morning.

He's been working on his final instructions for the past couple of days.

Ivall's trial has been going on for the past eight weeks at the Kenora Court
House.

He's been charged in connection to the beating death of Ed Wilson on
March 21st, 2009.

Ivall's co-accused, Angela Duchesne has already pled guilty to the lesser
charge of manslaughter.

Federal Ridings to Remain Status Quo in NWO

No changes to the federal ridings of Kenora and Thunder Bay-Rainy River are being recommended in the final report of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission.

The report was tabled in the House of Commons yesterday.

The Commission had proposed moving Lake of the Woods township from Thunder Bay-Rainy River to Kenora.

But its report, the Commission states that after public hearings, it's assumption the area had stronger ties to Kenora than Thunder Bay or Fort Frances was mistaken.

NOMA Pleased with Meetings At ROMA/OGRA

The president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is pleased with how the Good Roads Conference is going.

Ron Nelson, along with other officials in the region, are in Toronto to meet with the provincial government and discuss issues being faced in the North.

Nelson says they had the privilege to meet with Kathleen Wynne yesterday morning, and describes the meeting as very positive.

Nelson says they will be meeting with Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak yesterday afternoon and NDP Leader Andrea Horvath later today.

The conference goes until Wednesday.

OHA Concerned with Health Cuts

Hospitals in Northwestern Ontario are among many in the province that will be affected by recent cuts
The provincial government is cutting health spending by more than three-billion-dollars.

Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, Natalie Mehra, says the region will no doubt see changes.

Mehra says hospitals in northwestern Ontario have already seen a huge decrease in long term care beds.
To protest this action, the coalition has declared March 4th as a day of action.

Report on Jury Rolls to Be Released Today

A former Supreme Court of Canada justice today delivers a report on whether on-reserve aboriginals have been systematically excluded from Ontario's juries.

First Nations leaders hope Frank Iacobucci comes up with recommendations to fix a broken system.
   
Alvin Fiddler, Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, says aboriginals have known for years the problem needed to be dealt with.
 
Fiddler says native accused seldom see a member of their own
community on the jury.
 

Saints host Game One of Northland Cup Final

The finals of the Northland Cup high school hockey championships begin
tonight.

The Thomas Aquinas Saints will host the Fort Frances Muskies in a
home and home total goal series.

Game one is tonight at 7:30 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's girls team will play the winner of last night's
game between Dryden and Fort Frances.

Rock and Roll Beach Party a Success

The Rotary Club's Rock and Roll Beach Party has helped raise some much needed funds for polio.

The Beach Party was held at the Ballroom Blitz on Friday and raised about 240 dollars.

A spokesperson for Rotary says combined with matching contributions from the government, the money will allow over 100 polio vaccinations.

The fundraising will continue until the end of March.

2 People Charged for Drug Possession

Dryden O.P.P have charged two people following a search warrant at a home in Wainwright Township.

Provincial Police, along with members of the Kenora detachment and Dryden Police Service found drugs in the home, and have charged 22-year-old Kelsie Kelly and 24-year-old Derek Palermo.

The charges include unauthorized possession of a prohibited device and possession of marijuana, oxycodone and cocaine.

Police say the two have been released from custody on a Promise to Appear, and have a court date of March 25.

Boil Water Advisory on First Avenue South

Their is a boil water advisory in affect for the Blue Heron, the Banister Centre, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

The advisory was issued as a result of an early morning water main break on First Avenue South.

Anyone using water from these locations for consumption is advised to boil water for at least a minute.

Consumption includes brushing teeth, adding to food, washing fruits and vegetables, and making ice cubes.

The advisory will remain in affect until further notice.

Northern Ontario Cabinet Meeting Scheduled

The new Ontario government has selected Sault Ste. Marie to be the location of their cabinet meeting on March 1st.

Outlined in the Throne Speech, the government says they will discuss issues in Northern Ontario, including transportation needs for the Ring of Fire.

In addition, the government will focus on employment opportunities for young people and Aboriginal communities.

Water Main Break Closes Road

A water main break has forced a detour this morning for some
motorists.

About a foot of water has pooled in the middle of a section of
1st Avenue South this morning in front of the Bannister Center.

City work crews has blocked off the section of road from Consumer
Frosted Foods and the Safeway intersection.

No word as to when the street might be re-opened again.

Council Members in Toronto for Good Roads

Members of Kenora City Council are on the hunt for more funding to fix up our aging bridges this week.

Mayor Dave Canfield and a couple of councilors are in Toronto for the Ontario Good Roads Conference.

Canfield says while they have been told they can apply for two million dollars in infrastructure funding, it falls far short of what they need.

Canfield says the cost alone of fixing up the West Branch Bridge over the Winnipeg River has
been estimated at over six million dollars.

Extracurriculars expected Back in local High Schools

It appears the government is making headway with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

Last week the OSSTF began encouraging members to resume extra-curricular activities following an internal vote.

Director of Education with the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Jack McMaster is pleased the province and
the teachers have agreed to work together to resolve the issue.

Extracurriculars could start up later this week.

The OSSTF will hold a news conference later today.

Stunt Driving Charge Laid in Vermillion Bay

O.P.P. In Dryden are charging a 22 year old Manitoba man with stunt driving.

He was caught doing 50 kilometers an hour over the posted speed limit on Highway 17 in Machin Township.

The vehicle has been impounded for a mandatory seven days and the man is facing a court appearance in Dryden to answer to the charges.

Rickford Passed over for Promotion

Hiding his disappointment, Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's ready to work with the new Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

Bernard Valcourt, previously a secretary of state for the Francophonie, steps into the void left when John Duncan suddenly resigned last week.

Rickford says he will continue his work as Parliamentary Secretary to Aboriginal Affairs.

Rickford says he's a team player and will support the new Minister.

Bronco Girls Advance to League Final

Beaver Brae's girls hockey team has moved onto the final of the
Northland Cup.

The Broncos eked out a 4-3 win over the Red Lake Rams in sudden
death overtime last night a the Kenora Rec. Center.

Eve Charlebois scored the game winner at the 2:20 mark of OT.

It was her second goal of the game.

The Broncos now await the winner of tonight's other semi-final between
Dryden and Fort Frances tonight.

Midget Thistles Lose Two in Brandon

The Kenora Midget Thistles have dug themselves a big hold in their quarter-final play-off
series against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Thistles lost both games in Brandon over the weekend and trail their best-of five
series two games to none.

Yesterday, the Thistles were doubled up 4-2.

On Saturday, the Kenora midgets were blanked 5-0.

The Thistles face elimination when they play the Wheat Kings
in game three at home Friday night.

Senior Thistles Drop Two Against Southeast

Close but no cigar for the Kenora Senior Thistles.

They dropped a pair of one-goal losses to the Southeast Prairie Thunder
over the weekend at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Yesterday, the Thistles were edged 2-1 by the Thunder.

Ross Johnson scored the lone Kenora goal.

Saturday, Southeast scored with 10 seconds left in regulation to earn a 4-3 win over the Thistles.

Ficek Loses Final of Northern Wheelchair Playdowns

Home ice wasn't enough of an advantage for the Wayne Ficek foursome at the Northern Ontario Wheelchair Curling Playdowns.

Ficek lost out to Gino Sonego in yesterday's final at the Kenora Curling Club.

Sonego won the right to advance to the National Championships with a 9-7  victory.

Sonego and Ficek had split their games against eachother during the round robin and the play-offs.

Final Arguments Made in Murder Trial

The crown and the defense have painted very different pictures of what took place the night Ed Wilson died on March 21st, 2009 in Norman.

Final arguments were presented to the jury yesterday.

Crown Attorney Mary-Ann Mousseau rejects defense arguments that Kenneth Ivall was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She says he was enraged by the fact that Ed Wilson had struck him outside the Tower Motel.

She also says Ivall wanted to avenge a sexual assault that Wilson was alleged to have made against
Angela Duchesne when she was 16 year old girl.

The defense meanwhile suggests that Duchesne orchestrated many of the events that fateful night, including
the beating of Ed Wilson by a number of men outside the Tower Motel.

Defense lawyer Chris Watkins says Duchesne manipulated and lied to police and destroyed evidence
and suggested the jury should disregard any statements that she made during the trial.

Watkins says while his version of events may not match the crown's he says they fit the facts just as well.

Justice Terrance Platana has dismissed the jury until Tuesday morning, when he plans to make his final
instructions to them, before they begin their deliberations.

Campbell Urges Province to Help Save ELA

A last-ditch plea to save the Experimental Lakes Area.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell used her podium at
Queen's Park to appeal to the provincial government to take action
before its too late.

Campbell says to date, the province hasn't done done much to help cause.

The clock is counting on the closure of the ELA.

It's scheduled to close its doors in just over a month.

KDSB Ready to Tackle Homlessness

It's going to cost a few bucks but it's something that's needed in the Kenora District.

The Services Board has been told to come up with a long-term plan to address the homelesness and housing issues facing the region.

Chief Administrative Officer Dan McNeil says a number of groups will be involved.

The province has asked for the plan but has provided no funding.

A final report is due by January 1st, 2014.

Province Announces Funding for Addictions

The provincial government wants to improve access to addiction services for First Nations communities.

Ontario will provide 1.5 million dollars in ongoing annual funding to support five new Community Wellness

Development Teams, and to increase the use of tele-medicine equipment in treatment centers.

This will allow health care providers to conference with patients in remote communities to enhance addictions treatments.

Rainy River Resources Outlines New Gold Zone

Rainy River Resources continues to build on the potential of its gold mine south of Kenora.

It's out with the latest findings from a drill program conducted in an area identified as the Intrepid zone.

The company says the results continue to support the belief that the zone is similar to a main deposit found in the heart of its project.

It hopes to better define the size of the zone by the middle of this year.

Hope And the City Tickets On Sale this Weekend

Hope in the City is celebrating its third year in Kenora and
tickets for the much anticipated event go on sale tomorrow.

Ashley Hoffmeister is one of the organizers and says its chance
to women to dress up, go out on the town and have some fun.

Hope in the City is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Tickets for the May 11th gala go on sale tomorrow at 11:00 at the
Discovery Center.

Northern Ontario Wheelchair Curling Playdowns

A wheelchair curling team from Kenora is ready to go back to the National championships.

Kenora Skip Wayne Ficek says his team is ready for the Northern Ontario playdowns this weekend at the Kenora Curling Club.

Ficek says his team is ready to go after a rebuilding year in 2011.

The playdowns start this afternoon with the first draw at 1:30 with teams in action.

The finals will take place on Sunday.

Saints Advance To Northland Cup Final

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team is heading to the final of
the first ever Northland Cup.

The Saints edged the Dryden Eagles 4-3 last night at the Rec. Center to
win their one game semi-final.

Daniel Thomson scored the game winner in overtime.

T.A. will host game one of the Northland Cup Final Tuesday night against
either Beaver Brae or Fort Frances.

Their semi-final will be played tomorrow night in Fort Frances.

Report on Ontario Jury Rolls to be Released next Week

A long awaited report on the jury roll system in Ontario will be released
next week.

Former Ontario Superior Court judge, Frank Iacobucci was asked to
look at how to better get aboriginal representation on jury rolls.

His report will be released in Thunder Bay next Tuesday.

Iacobucci was asked by the Attorney General back in August of 2011 to look at ways of getting aboriginals living on reserve included on provincial jury rolls.

Scientists Speak Out for ELA

More high level support for the Experimental Lakes area.

The ELA was on the minds of the delegates at the annual meeting of the
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography in New Orleans yesterday.

A number of delegates showed up wearing t-shirts supporting the ELA.

In his opening address, president of the association,  Dr. James Elser suggested that almost every session will use pieces of science either derived or inspired by research at the ELA.

He calls the closure of the ELA a tragedy for the public good and scientific enterprise.

Defense Presents It's Case to the Jury

The second degree murder Trial of Kenneth Ivall is rapidly winding down.

Yesterday, defense lawyer Chris Watkins presented his case.

In a short opening statement to the jury, Watkins claimed that Angela Duchesne was the only person who seemed to have a motive to kill Ed Wilson.

He says Duchesne exhibited a lot of anger and animosity to the victim.

Watkins also presented just two witnesses to give evidence.

Both were both briefly cell-mates with Duchesne in the Kenora Jail.

Kimberly Skead says Duchesne told her that Wilson was a stalker and
a paedophile and he deserved what he got.

Both the crown and the defense will present their final arguments for the
jury beginning this morning.

Fraser Institute Rates Local Schools

A good news, bad news report card for elementary schools in Kenora.

Overall, Kenora schools received a mark of 5.3 out of ten from the Fraser
Institute, just below the provincial average of 6.0.

Peter Crowley is one of the authors of the annual Elementary Schools Report
Card and says it shows where there is room for improvement.

Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys led all schools with a rating of 8.4 out of ten, ahead of Valleyview
at 6.0, King George at 5.1 and Pope John Paul at 4.7.

Mixed Reviews for Throne Speech

The MPP for the Kenora-Rainy River Riding says the throne speech lacked in commitment to fix problems facing the province.

Sarah Campbell says she's interested to see what premier Kathleen Wynne does to keep her promises.

Campbell adds that the speech did include a lot of concerns facing the province but lack any plans for action.

Meanwhile,  Kenora mayor Dave Canfield  says no one promise in the throne speech caught his attention.

Canfield says he is happy to hear the province is promising to continue to work on infrastructure.

Canfield adds that he plans to continue talking to ministers at the Good Roads conference next week about work on the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

OPP Getting Ready for Crime Prevention Campaign

The Kenora O.P.P will be looking for some public feedback during Crime Prevention Campaign.

Constable Dave Cain says they are using the information to plan workshops throughout the year.

Cain says crime prevention is important because the O.P.P can't be everywhere at once.

He adds that community initiatives such as Neighborhood Watch are proving to be effective.

Memorial Bench Project Being Launched

The City of Kenora is giving people the chance to memorialize a loved one.

Councillor Sharon Smith says the city has a new memorial bench project in place.

Smith says anyone interested in donating a bench has a number of options to choose from.

She says the benches can be placed along any one of the city's urban trails.

You can get more information on the memorial bench project by calling the city's Operations or Parks department.

Saints Begin Hockey Play-offs Tonight

The High School hockey play-offs begin tonight in Kenora.

The Thomas Aquinas boys squad will face Dryden in game one of their semi-final series tonight at the Rec. Center.

The Saints finished the abbreviated regular season in second place, just behind Fort Frances, while the Eagles were third.

Game time tonight is 7:30.

The Broncos will take on the Muskies Saturday night in game one of their series.