First Day of Spring Brings Sun and Snow

Spring may be arriving in northwestern Ontario in a couple of hours, but
Old Man Winter isn't ready to give up his grip just yet.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says we can expect some more
snow starting tonight.

Laidlaw estimates we could see as much as seven centimeters of snow by
the time the system blows through tomorrow night.

City Embarks on New Strategic Plan

Good response so far to the City of Kenora's Stategic Plan survey.

Councillor Rory McMillan says they have almost 12 hundred responses to their on-line survey and are getting between 65 and 70 replies each day.

He says so far about two thirds of their responses have come through social media, with the rest coming through the city's web site.

He expects they will also receive a number of hard copy responses.

The City is currently at work on it's next five year Stategic Plan with the survey providing some much-needed input from the community.

Northwest M.P.'s Offer Mixed Response to Rickford's Promotion

Not everyone is pleased with Rickford's new duties.

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says he's both surprised and concerned by the appointment.

Hyer says he's concerned because Rickford didn't fight hard enough to save the Experimental Lakes Area, which is in his own riding.

Hyer says while Rickford has the intelligence for the job, he wonders where his priorities lie.

Meanwhile, Thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty was more conciliatory.

He's wishing Greg Rickford well.

Rafferty says while the appointment did surprise him, it's good to have a person from Northern Ontario in the position.

Rafferty says he looks forward to working with the Kenora MP.

Justin Trudeau Skypes In

Bringing federal politics to young minds in northwestern ontario.

That was Justin Trudeau's aim yesterday as he Skyped in with grade
five students at New Prospect School in Dryden.

Teacher Mary Trist says the students may not have known who the Liberal Leader was at first but after a mock parliment they clued in.

Every student got to ask Trudeau a question and the skype session lasted a half hour.

Tories Pushing For Spring Election

Pushing for action.

Opposition leader Tim Hudak put a confidence motion before the legislature to force a jobs plan and budget announcement by the Liberal government.

Kenora Rainy River PC Candidate Rainy River says it was a needed step.

No date has been set to release the provincial budget.

SMB Retro-fitting Daycare

Some more changes are taking place at Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys.

The Separate School board says along with the 6 classroom expansion the daycare is getting retro-fitted.

Director of Education Phyllis Eikre says the changes will happen within the current layout.

The change is needed as 4 and 5 year olds move into full day kindergarten classes.

Stroke Forum Updates New Protocols for ER's

The Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Forum is taking place this week in Thunder Bay.

Local health care providers will be learning from stroke neurologists about the latest practice recommendations.

Regional Stroke Educator Elaine Edwards says they'll be unveilling a new process for local Emergency  rooms.

Edwards notes that people should make themselves familiar with the signs of a stroke.

Plans for Relay for Life in the Works

Celebrate, Remember, Fight back.

That's the message as the Relay for Life committee prepares for the 2014 event.

Darell Plummer is the co-chair and says they are moving back to the Whitecap Pavilion.

Plummer says teams can now register for the annual event which take place in June.

This year's goal is $74,000.

More details and registration information can be found here.