Tourism Kenora Seeks Local Photo's

Tourism Kenora wants to tell your story.

Heather Gropp is the tourism services officers and says their new spring promotion will feature how residents experience Lake of the Woods.

Gropp says they want local residents to submit photo's featuring how they enjoy and sue Lake of the Woods.

She says the idea is based on the belief that local residents have the best stories and experiences in the region.

Photos can be submitted at tourism@kenora.ca until March 31st.

Police Investigating Jewelry Thefts

The Kenora OPP are investigating multiple jewelry thefts in the city.

Police say a man on Thursday entered a business and was able to make off with two bracelets valued at $3,500.

On Saturday and Sunday 2 more thefts took place, this time a number of suspects stole three rings from a business valued at $9,500.

The OPP say the suspects are aboriginal and are in their early twenties, one with a very short brush cut style hair cut and one with short hair.

Anyone with information call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

White to Pick Up Top Principal Award Tonight

Thomas Aquinas principal Paul White gets his day in the sun today.

White is in Toronto for a ceremony recognizing the 40 top  principals in Canada.

White says the award is a reflection of his staff as much as his leadership skills.

The Learning Partnership will be presenting the awards this evening at a gala awards dinner at the Hilton Harborcastle.

New Scam Circulating in NWO

Be on the lookout for another on-line scam in our area.

This scam is timely as it is tax time.

An email is being sent from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

It advises folks of a refund that will go directly on to your Visa of Mastercard.

It asks for your credit card information to transfer the funds.

An agency representative says it doesn't issue refunds in this manner, especially if you haven't filled out your taxes yet.

Casino Plans Could be On Hold for Months

Still no indication when the provincial government intends to award a
casino contract for communities in northern Ontario.

The request for proposal for the Ontario North Gaming bundle closed almost a year ago.

Pat Brett from the Golden Eagle Charitable Casino says it could be a while before they find out who gets the contract.

He says the government was supposed to release a short list last April, but now, he's hearing
it could be the end of the year.

The Northern Gaming Bundle, includes new casinos for Kenora and North Bay, plus
the operation of existing casinos in Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

School Board Adopts Five Year Capital Plan

Trustees with the Kenora Catholic District School Board have approved a new five year capital plan.

Operations manager Andrew Poirier says previously they've they always limited their capital plans to just two years.

He adds that they have received a lot of input from specialists.

Poirier adds the other plan is based on input from school councils, principals and staff about how to improve the school environment.

Conservatives Critical Of Province's Handling of Mining

The Liberal government at Queens Park is getting criticized for the way it's handling mining in the province.  

In the legislature Vic Fedeli of the Progressive Conservatives noted that Ontario's credibility in mining has been taking a hit over the last decade.

Fedeli also notes that the Far North Act has cut off half of  northern Ontario from being explored,  causing many companies to move out of the province.

He's also worried the government will want to tax the chromite coming out of the Ring of Fire, deterring exploration.

Feather Of Hope Report Released

Ontario's Advocate for Children and Youth has released a special report by First Nations Youth.

Feather of Hope urges local, provincial, federal and First Nations leadership to partner with them in order to create safer and healthier First Nations communities.

Deputy Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Alvin Fiddler says the report will be fodder for future discussions.

Fiddler says, they are very committed to working with their youth on the report.

Broncos Girls Swept By Muskies

Beaver Brae's girls team ran out of gas in Fort Frances.

Playing their second game in less than 24 hours, the Broncos were beaten
8-2 by the Muskies yesterday in game two of their best-of-three semi-final.

The Muskies take that series in two games straight.

Fort Frances will play the winner of the series between Dryden and Red Lake.

Game two of that series goes tonight in Red Lake, with the Eagles leading one game
to none.

Broncos bust the Saints

The battle of Kenora goes to Beaver Brae.

The Broncos used the power play in the second period to vault them
to a 5-4 win over Thomas Aquinas in the third and deciding game of
their best-of-three semi-final.

Rhyse Mandamin scored the game winner in the third period on a penalty
shot.

The Broncos will now face Fort Frances in the NorWOSSA finals.

The Muskies trounced Dryden 10-3 last night to win that semi in two straight.

The NorWOSSA Final is expected to begin Thursday night in the Fort.