Crown Wraps Up Its Case in Second Degree Murder Trial

After more than five weeks and dozens of witnesses, the crown has finally
wrapped up its case in the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall.

The final witness was detective sergeant Daniel Cook, who interviewed
Ivall over 12 hours after Ed Wilson was killed on March 21st, 2009.

A video of the statement was played for the jury yesterday.

In it Ivall repeatedly states that he doesn't know what happened to that
fellow.

He does remember being punched by Ed Wilson outside the
Tower Motel.

Ivall at one point says "I'm almost 40 years old. I got knocked out in front of
the bar.  That didn't help my pride at all."

Ivall's lawyer Chris Watkins hasn't indicated yet if he will be presenting any
witnesses today for the defense.

PARO Gets FedNor Funding

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is on the receiving end of FedNor funding.

They are using 1.5 million dollars to offer workshops, training, coaching and mentoring activities to women entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario.

The training will be provided to women across the region via video conferencing and traveling.

Gravelle gives Throne Speak Thumbs Up

Yesterday's Speech from the Throne received support from the Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Michael Gravelle says there was something for everyone in the speech from the throne and hopes the opposition parties will support it.

In her first throne speech yesterday, Premier Kathleen Wynne promised they would give local residents more say in whether they get a wind farm, gas plant or casino.

Gravelle is also pleased the premier has made mention of the importance of the Ring of Fire to the region.

Wynne Vows to Work with Opposition

 The Ontario government is promising to work with the opposition,
the private sector and others to help improve the economy, create
jobs and slay the huge provincial deficit.
 
It's all in yesterday's throne speech marking the start of the new legislative session.
   
But Premier Kathleen Wynne will have to convince at least one of the opposition parties to support the speech to avoid triggering an election.
   
The province plans to tighten corporate tax compliance, work with
public sector workers on wage talks, and give local residents more
say in whether they'll get a wind farm, gas plant or casino.

And along with paying down the deficit, the speech says the
government will push job creation and building a fair society.

Canfield Speaks out on Changes to ESA

Environmental groups are attacking proposed regulation changes in the Endangered Species Act.

They are asking for additional terms and rules, something the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says isn't needed.

Vice-President Dave Canfield says the proposed changes strike a balance between helping the forest industry and protecting species at risk.

He calls the push back from environmental groups "complete non-sense".

Rec. Center Usage Rises

The Kenora Rec. Center continues to be a popular place.

Numbers released by the Recreational Services Department show
and increase of about five thousand visits in 2012.

Manager, Colleen Neil says the numbers are exact, but offer a pretty
good picture where people are spending their time.

Neil says the Fitness Center continues to be the biggest draw with almost
54 thousand visits in 2012, followed by the Walking track.

Hyer Continues to Lobby for ELA in Parliament

Make the fiscally sound decision.

Thats the message from Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer who has come out against the closing of the Experimental Lakes Area.

Hyer says the cost of operating the facility is substantially less then closing it.

Hyer says the government should look for a new owner if they won't change their minds on the decision and offer 3 years of bridge financing to build a strong business model.

Hyer will be speaking in Kenora at an ELA forum in March.

He was supposed to be in town on Monday, for the ELA supper, but that event was cancelled due
to the snowstorm.