Time Running out for Trail Permit Discount

Local snowmobilers can save 50-dollars this week.

The price of a season permit goes up to 250-dollars at the end of the day Thursday.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Craig Nicholson says its important to support the local trail system.

The permit is required under Ontario law to use groomed snowmobile trails.

Richards continues to score for L.A.

Mike Richards kept up his torrid scoring pace in the LA Kings 2-0 win over San Jose.

Richards scored once and now has nine goals in the Kings last ten games and seven in as many

games.

He has 11 goals on the season and 20 points in 23 games so far this season. 

Red Cross pledges support for Attiwapiskatt

The Canadian Red Cross is mobilizing to help the remote northern Ontario First Nations community of Attawapiskat with its housing crisis.

The Red Cross says it's working closely with public authorities and the community to identify and address urgent, short-term needs.

At the request of the community, the Red Cross says it is taking on a donation management role to support the community's needs.

Red Cross spokesman John Saunders says some of the needs currently identified include generators, heaters, insulated sleeping mats, blankets and winter clothing.

NAN stops short of endorsing Transparency Legislation

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski First Nation says NAN chiefs and councils are already open about their salaries.

The Harper government plans to introduce legisation to force First Nations to release officials salaries. Stan Beardy says NAN has always opened its books

Beardy stopped short of saying he supports the new legislation.

Miracle Marathon another big success

There's going to be a 30 percent increase in the need for Christmas hampers in the community this year.

That was the message delivered by the Salvation Army during the 21st annual CJRL Christmas Miracle Marathon.

Major Al Hoeft says the Marathon certainly goes a long ways towards filling the need.

Thousands of dollars in cash, toys and non-perishable food items were donated during the 21 hour broadcast.

A final tally won't be available for several more days.

Campell Stays Busy at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River's newly elected MPP admits she's still getting her feet wet.

Sarah Campbell has just finished her first week in the Ontario Legislature.

She says unfortunately she's had to spend a lot more time in Toronto than she'd like.

In the meantime, Campbell has been finalizing arrangements for her constituency offices in the Riding, moving her main office in Dryden over the weekend.

Kenora Figure Skaters win eight medals in Winnipeg

The Kenora Figure Skating club claimed eight medals at its first competition of the season.

Three skaters attended the Super Skate competition in Winnipeg over the weekend.

Julia Withers took home two gold and a silver, while Kelsey Scribilo earned one silver medal, a bronze and had one fourth place and Emily Whiting collected a silver, 2 Bronze & 1 Fourth place.

Saints fall short at OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team has failed to win a medal at the OFSAA single A championships for the first time in four years.

The Saints returned home over the weekend, after bowing out in the quarter-finals at the provincial champships in Manitoulin Island.

T.A. was beaten two sets to one by Woodland Christian High School.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is home after going 0-3 at the OFSAA championships in St. Catharines.

Thistles lose two at home

Close but no cigar.

The Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles managed just a single point from a pair of weekend home games against the Pembina Valley Hawks.

Saturday, the Thistles took the Hawks to overtime, but lost 3-2.

Sunday, another close game, but the Kenora midgets were downed 2-1 by Pembina Valley.

Meanwhile, a couple of girls rep teams from the Lake of the Woods Girls Minor Hockey Association travelled to Warroad, Minnesota over the weekend.

The Kenora Atoms won a silver medal after losing to Roseau in the final.

The Kenora PeeWee girls settled for a fifth place finish in their division.

Thomas Aquinas girls heading home from OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is heading home from the All-Ontario Single "a" championships without a win.

The Saints exited the tournament this afternoon after losing to Runneymede from Toronto 58-29.

T.A. lost all three games they played.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior Boys volleyball team is trying to advance to the semi-finals

of the OFSAA championships for the fourth year in a row.

The Saints are playing Woodland Christian from Kitchener this afternoon in quarter-final action.

The winner advances to the medal round, while the loser goes home.

T.A. finished the round robin with a 3-1 record, after beating Toronto Christian two sets to one to

wrap up the round-robin earlier this afternoon.

Aboriginal Affairs Mininister Defends Handling of KI Dispute

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Kathleen Wynne is defending Ontario's handling of First Nations land issues.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell asked the Minister yesterday why the Government has not played a more active role in resolving territorial land and exploration issues in the Far North.

Wynne says her party has done more to improve First Nations than any other party.

She adds the Government remains committed to respectful and on-going discussions with First Nation leaders.

Power and Sport Show this Weekend

The Harborfront Tent is going to be transformed into an outdoor showroom this weekend.

The first ever STR Power Sports show will start this evening.

Shaun Clifford is one of the organizers and says they will have a number of local exhibitors on site.

The Power Sports show will start at 5:00 this evening and will continue tomorrow as well.

OPP continues search for Missing Man north of Atikokan

Searchers plan to return to an area north of Atikokan this morning in the search of an missing Atikokan man.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says the search for 49-year-old Eric Natti began Wednesday.

McCoy says Natti has a trapper cabin in that area and a boat he normally has at the landing is missing.

SIU clears OPP officers of wrong-doing in Kakabecka Fatality

The Provinces Special Investigations Unit says there were no wrong doings by the OPP during an incident that left man dead at Kakabeka Falls last month.

SIU Spokesperson Monica Hudon says a intensive investigation was conducted following the incident.

Hudon says witnesses say 22 year old Kurtis McVittie jumped over the railling at a lookout platform and then fell to the bottom of the falls.

Saint Squads flound at OFSAA

Thomas Aquinas has lost its first game at the provincial championships in Manitolin Island.

The Saints senior boys volleyball team lost in two straight sets to the fifth ranked team from Smithville by scores of 25-17 and 25-21.

T.A. wraps up the round robin at noon today against Toronto District Christian High School.

The Saints need a win to guarantee themselves a place into the play-offs.

Meanwhile, points continue to be hard to come by for the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team.

T.A. were upended 52-12 by Rideau, the number one ranked team in the tournament.

The Saints are back in action at 2:30, and need a win to keep playing at the OFSAA finals.

Rickford support First Nation Transparency Legislation

The MP for Kenora believes a new bill that requires First Nations to publish the salaries of band leaders and councillors will benefit everyone in the end.

Greg Rickford says the Legislation will lead to better accountability and transparency and will help First Nations foster relations with the private sector.

Rickford notes this is the first step.

Rickford stresses the Feds continue to consult with native leaders.

CJRL Miracle Marathon Hits the Airwaves Tomorrow

A big weekend for the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Campaign in Kenora.

The 21st annual CJRL Miracle Marathon will be broadcast tomorrow and Saturday on 895 The Lake.

Major Al Hoeft says he's looking forward to his first Miracle Marathon.

The Miracle Marathon has averaged over 80 thousand dollars a year in donations of cash, non-perishable food items and toys for the Kenora

 Salavation Army.

Meeting on Sewer and Water Rates set for next Month

Local homeowners will get a chance to air their views on a proposed 10 percent increase in sewer and water rates next month.

The city is holding a meeting on the Water and Wastewater long range plan on December 5th.

The city says no decisions will be made at the meeting, but it will be a chance to exchange information with the public.

The meeting will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 in the Rotary Room at the Kenora Rec. Center

Main Street Christmas Tree Lights up tonight

The Kenora Business Improvement Zone is getting into the Christmas Spirit.

It will be celebrating the lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree this evening.

Chair of the B.I.Z., Kerik Funk says there will be lots of activities both before and after the actual lighting ceremony.

Carol singing will begin at 5:30, followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6:00.

Campbell Delivers Maiden Speech at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has given her maiden speech in the Ontario Legislature.

Campbell says she wants the Liberal government to improve its relations with First Nations communities.

She says a recent decision by the K-I band to walk away from talks with government over mining rights shows its current policies aren't working

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne says remain committed to a respective and ongoing dialogue with native communities

Saints open OFSAA championships with a pair of victories

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is two for two at the All-Ontario Single "a" championships taking place on Manitoulin Island.

The Saints shut down University of Toronto Schools this afternoon in two straight sets.

In their first match they got by the host team from Espanola two sets to one.

T.A. is back in action tomorrow morning at 7:30 against Smithville, before wrapping up the round robin with a game against Toronto District Christian High School.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas Senior Girls basketball team is in action at the OFSAA single A championships taking place in St. Catherines.

The 16th Ranked Saints are playing their first game against the 6th ranked team in the tournament, Jean Vanier from Welland.

Children's Mental Health Leader

A new position for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has been filled.

Lisa Doerksen has been hired as the Children's Mental Health Leader.

She will be in charge of coordinating services, identifying levels of need and developing a regional strategy.

Doerksen is currently the Director of Children's Mental Health Services for Firefly.

The Public Board was one of eight in Ontario to receive funding from the Province for the position.

Kenora Youth Council

A big thank-you is going out to Kenora City Council for creating the city's first youth council.


Mitch Frenette made a deputation to council this week showing his appreciation.

Frenette says its a new beginning for youth in the community.

The youth council will begin meeting in the new year and the city is currently seeking five people to help make up the new committee.

Thomas Aquinas Sports

Thomas Aquinas sports teams are gunning for medals at two separate provincial

championships today.

The Saints Senior Boys go into the OFSAA Single "a" volleyball championships
ranked second overall.

T.A. won silver last year, and open the tournament this morning at 7:30 against
one of the host teams from Espanola.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is in St. Catharines
for the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints are ranked 16th out of 16 teams in the competition and play their
first game at 3:00 this afternoon against Jean Vanier from Welland.

Resolute Forest Products

Resolute Forest Products is reducing its paper-making operations in Fort Frances for the rest of the
year.

The company cites poor market conditions for the five-week shutdown of its paper machines that starts next week.

About 100 employees will be impacted.

Operations at the kraft mill are not effected.

It's the third work stoppage at the paper mill this year

Treaty Three Launches a Lawsuit against the Feds

A group of 28 native communities across northwestern Ontario are suing the federal government for denying their children a right to equal education.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly, who represents Treaty 3 native bands, says aboriginals were promised a school on every reserve when they signed a treaty over 130 years ago.

But she says Ottawa hasn't upheld its part of the bargain.

The lawsuit was filed in Ontario court and is asking for 100 million dollars in damages.

RIDE

The holidays are almost upon us and that means the police will be ramping up their RIDE spot checks.

The O-P-P say impaired driving is a problem year-round, but it gets worse during the holiday party season.

The O-P-P says it will conduct its annual Festive RIDE campaign starting this Friday and ending January 1st.

During last year's Festive RIDE campaign , the O-P-P laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903
license suspensions

New Year's Eve in Kenora

The Kenora Rotary Club is giving local residents a New Year's Eve bonus once again this year.

The Thistle Rink and the pool at the Rec. Center will be open to the public on December 31st from
4:00 until 8:00.

The Rotary Club has agreed to pick up the cost of the facility rentals and cover the additional
staffing costs for the New Year's eve statutory holiday.

Legal Aid in Kenora

The province spends more money on legal aid in the north than in southern Ontario.

That's the finding of a new study conducted by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

It found that the province pays just over 31 dollars per capita in the Kenora District for legal aid, compared to less than 7 dollars in Ottawa.

The study also shows that a higher percentage of lawyers in Kenora do legal aid work than elsewhere in the province.

The report was commissioned to look into the legal needs of Ontarians.

Kenora City Council Salaries

Some members of city council are having a hard time stomaching a 30 percent pay raise.

Council voted 5-1 in favour of the increase this week.

Councillor Sharon Smith was the only one to vote against the motion and says she would prefer to see the issue deferred until the 2012 budget deliberations.

Smith had suggested the audit committee review councillor salaries, but no-one was willing to second her motion.

Drug Awareness Week

A reminder to check the expiry dates on the drugs in your medicine cabinet.

This is Drug Awareness Week and the Northwestern Health Unit is carrying out it's annual Medicine Cabinet Clean-out.

Spokesperson Judy Underwood says its a good practice to go through your medicine cabinet to look for outdate medication.

Underwood says any pharmacy will help dispose of your old, outdate medicine.

Chiefs and Band Councillors Salaries

The Federal Government is bringing in legislation to make hundreds of First Nations across Canada release the salaries of their Chiefs and band councillors.


The Winnipeg Free Press said in a report out of Ottawa that Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will speak to the details of the bill at a news conference today in Saskatoon.

The legislation brings back to life a bill from a Saskatchewan Tory backbencher that died when the election was called last March.

Kelly Block's bill required First Nations to include details of chief and councillors salaries and reimbursements for expenses in annual audited financial statements.

Council says no to Non-Profit Housing Request

A non-profit housing project in Kenora is getting the thumbs down from city council.

Aamikkowiish Non-Profit Housing is planning to build a number of homes in the community over the next couple of years.

Some of the housing units will be built on property donated by the city, while others are on property purchased by the agency.

Aamiikkowiish had asked the city for funding to extend a sewer and water line from a project its planning between 8th and 9th Streets North.

The projected cost will be 12 to 15 thousand dollars, so council has decided to take a pass on the request.

Ontario Nature warns local communities about nuclear waste storage

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste.

Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region.

Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Campbell Gets Ready for first session at Queen's Park

Almost a month after she was sworn at the Ontario Legislature, Sarah Campbell will be joining her colleagues for her first taste of politics at Queen's Park.

Campbell says her party's focus will be on getting legislation passed to take the HST off home bills.

She says even though the Liberals still control the legislative agenda, the opposition will be able to make its voice heard.

The Speech from the Throne will be read later today with the NDP slated to introduce their private members bill on the HST on Thursday.

Kenora sewer and water rates

Kenora City Council has agreed to proceed with a waste water financial plan even though it could result in a substantial increase in sewer and water rates.

Councillor Ron Lunny says the plan needs to be submitted to the province, or it could jeopardize the who operation of their system.

The city is planning to hold a public meeting on the long range financial plan for the water department sometime in December.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is reporting modest job growth in the city
in recent month.

Dennis Wallace presented his 3rd quarter report to council last night and says 61 jobs were created
during that period.

He say while there were 12 new business starts in the past three months, he thinks they can do better.

Wallace suggests provincial energy policies are hindering, rather than helping business expansion in the city.

AbitibiBowater

A multi-million dollar company is seeking a tax break from the City of Kenora.


AbitibiBowater hasn't had a presence in the city for years, but its still in a battle with city hall over property taxes.

Abitibi is asking council for a break on the few remaining building left on lands located on 9th Street North.

The company argues the buildings are damaged and substantially unusable.

Council rejected the claim last ngiht because one of the buildings is currently in use by Wincrief Forest Products.

The application for tax relief dates back to 2010, the last year Abitibi actually owned the property.

The company was encouraged to make a deputation to council to argue its case, but no-one from Abitibi attended last night's open meeting.

New Speaker Elected for Ontario Legislature

Dave Levac, a Liberal who represents the riding of Brant, has been elected Speaker of the Ontario legislature.

Three other Liberals were also vying for the job: Donna Cansfield, Kevin Flynn and David Zimmer.

Now that a Speaker has been chosen, the legislature can officially get back to business with a throne speech tomorrow.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says its too early to say how much premier Dalton McGuinty will be willing to work with the opposition in his minority goverment.

The first question period at Queen's Park will take place on Wednesday, with a fall economic update scheduled for Thursday.

Saints volleyballers ranked 2nd heading into OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is expected to be a force once again this year at the All-Ontario Single A championships.

The Saints go into the OFSAA tournament ranked second in the province.

That despite the fact, T.A. only has two returning players from last year.

A year ago, the Saints won the OFSAA silver medal, after winning gold the two years previous.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team will have a much tougher schedule this week at OFSAA.

The Saints are ranked 16th out of 16 teams entered in the Single A championships in St. Catharines.

Both OFSAA championships begin on Thursday.

Ontario Legislative Speaker

History could be made today at the Ontario Legislature, where M-P-Ps will gather to elect a new speaker.

Of the four candidates, the perceived front-runner is Liberal Donna Cansfield, who hopes to become the Legislature's first female speaker.


There are there other Liberals running for the job -- Dave Levac, Kevin Flynn and David Zimmer.
Whoever wins will preside over a minority house.

In the October 6th Ontario election, Premier Dalton McGuinty's

Liberals finished one seat short of forming their third straight majority government.

Treasury Metals

Wabigoon Lake First Nation has served notice of non-compliance of all operations by Treasury Metals.

Chief Ruben Cantin sayas the Company has been conducting exploration work in the area without free and prior consent.

He adds that Treasury has expressed an unwillingness to negotiate any agreements that support the First Nation.

He's ordered a halt on operations until a satisfactory deal is reached and he's asked Natural Resources Minister Rick Bartolucci to get involved.

Cantin adds Wabigoon Lake is prepared to take any and all necessary measures to proect their land and their rights.

Arie Hoogenboom

Sioux Lookout has a new interim CAO and you may recognize his name.


Council has agreed to appoint Arie Hoogenboom to the position, effective tomorrow.

Hoogenboom is the former Dryden City Manager and will serve as CAO for a 6-month term.

Mayor Dennis Leney says Hoogenboom knows the opportunities and challenges facing local communities.

Teen Pregnancy

After analysing four years of birth outcomes in Ontario, Code Red says more and more teens are starting families.

At Sandy Lake First Nation, 40 per cent of the mothers giving birth were teens .

In Pikangikum, 47 of the 144 mothers were between the ages of 15 and 19 and in 2009 there were 53 pregnancies for every thousand teens here in Kenora .

Harmonized Sales Tax

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is making good on her promise to remove the HST from our home heating bills. The NDP party is ready to introduce a private members bill that could save us a few bucks.


Campbell hopes the Conservatives will back her up on the motion to make life more affordable for families in Northwestern Ontario.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Free hot chocolate, apple cider and treats!


It’s all part of this years Christmas Tree Lighting along with free sleigh rides from beaver creek ranch.

It all starts at 5:30 on the corner of Main and Second Street this Thursday night.

15-year-old Boy Charged in Death of Young Girl

A Sandy Lake First Nation teen has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and criminal negligence causing death in relation to the death of a young Big Trout Lake girl.
The body of 11-year-old Chloe Matthews was discovered back in March on the Sacred Heart School property in Sioux Lookout.

The OPP say Matthews died from hypothermia.

Charges against the 15-year-old boy were laid Thursday.

The accused has a preliminary hearing set for March in Sioux Lookout.

His name can't be released.

"Lock it or Lose it!"

It's Midnight Madness in Kenora.

OPP are reminding folks to "Lock it or Lose it!"

Constable Dave Cain says you shouldn’t keep anything valuable in your vehicle.

With Christmas shopping underway keep your purchased items in the trunk, in the glove box, or store them out of sight from would be thieves.

Police say they will continue foot patrols to ensure everyone has a festive season.

Drive Safe this Winter

The winter weather has arrived and Police are urging motorists to take it easy.

Constable Dave Cain says motorists should take their time and slow down.

Cain says drivers should also keep a safe distance between vehicles

The OPP remind motorists to keep snow boots, winter coats and an extra tire in the vehicle in case it breaks down.

Bundle up!

CJRL Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says it might be time to unpack your winter guear!
Laidlaw says it looks like we're in for a so-called La Nina Winter.

Expect a cold winter with less snow.