Former Paramedic Raises Concerns About ORNGE

A former Ornge paramedic says no one would listen to his
complaints about the air ambulance service because of what he called its ``Mother Teresa'' image.

Trevor Kidd says he quit Ornge in 2009 after the death of a
teenager from northwestern Ontario.

Kidd told a legislature committee Ornge ``robbed'' her of any
chance of surviving by not properly staffing their aircraft or
sending them in a timely manner.

He says he raised red flags about Ornge with journalists and others, but to no avail.

More unlocked Vehicles Broken into

Its a simple message, but one many local residents are ignoring.

The OPP say they have been more reports of unlocked vehicles
being entered and personal property being stolen.

Last night, two homeowners in the Minto and Nairn Avenue area of
town complained their vehicles were entered.

The OPP say they have also had several recent reports of sheds,
garages and other outbuildings being entered. 

RCMP Investigating Assaults in West Hawk Lake

(Police Searching for identity of these suspects)

The RCMP are investigating an assault that took place in West Hawk Lake over the weekend.

Police say five men were walking to their rented cottage from the West Hawk Bar
when they were attacked by four people.

All five required medical attention and three had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

The RCMP says upon further investigation is was determined that all involved had been at the West Hawk Bar earlier in the evening, where minor altercations between the two groups broke out.

Anyone with information about the assaults is asked to contact Manitoba Crimestoppers or the Falcon Beach RCMP.

Another Good Year for the Hospital Foundation

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is 443 thousand dollars richer
thanks to the Hospital Foundation.

The Foundation held its 20th annual general meeting last night and announced the transfer.

Donna Wallace is the past chairperson of the board and says they had an extremely good fundraising year, topping last year's efforts by about 80 thousand dollars.

Wallace says the big push right now is the purchase of a digital mammography unit.

So far the Foundation has raised about 30 percent of the one million dollar price tag. 

Salvation Army Ramps Up efforts in Thunder Bay

The Red Cross is ramping up it's presence in Thunder Bay's East End.  

Spokesperson David St. Georges says they are starting to take over operations at St. Peter's Church and plan some expansion of their help

In other flood related news city officials want to get in touch with flood victims who have asked for help, but have disappeared.

Fatal Accident in Emo

Tragedy in Emo.

Provincial Police say a vehicle was struck by a CN freight train just before noon yesterday.

The crash occurred at a controlled railway crossing.

A lone male driver was pulled from the vehicle and transfered to Hospital.
He later succumbed to his injuries.
The name of the victim will be released pending notification of next of kin.
OPP and CN Railway Police are investigating but note that the lights at the crossing were working properly.

Fire Crews Returning from Northeastern Ontario

Seventy percent of our firefighters, equipment and aircraft are back home after spending several weeks fighting forest fires in Northeastern Ontario.

Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Debbie MacLean says the return of crews is a good thing because the fire hazard is starting to inch up locally.

She says the recent spell of warm weather is really starting to dry out our forests. 

MacLean says the hazard is high in the southwest portion of the region.

Scientists Oppose Closure of ELA

Scientists from around the world are sending an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper in which they protest Ottawa's decision to cut funding for the Experimental Lake Area

The unique open air laboratory is made up of 58 lakes just east of Kenora.

The Harper government has announced it will no longer fund the program and is trying to shift the research to universities or other groups.

Without further funding, the program is scheduled to shut down next March.

Impaired Driving Charges up In 2012

Two more people have been charged with drinking and driving in Kenora.

That brings the number of impaired driving charges to 34 so far this year, an increase from 27 during the same time period the year before.

Inspector Dave Lucas of the Kenora Detachment says that leaves them no choice but to increase enforcement.

The OPP say in one incident over the weekend, they pulled over a vehicle in the Park Street area because the car looked like it had been in an accident.

Saints Honor their Top Athletes

A big night for a grade 10 student from Thomas Aquinas.

Patrick Van Belleghem took home a number of awards from the annual Saints Sports Banquet, including senior male Athlete of the year.

Erica Lindquist and Emily Bernie shared the honors at Senior Female Athletes of the year.

Sandy Davidson Hunt was the male junior athlete of the year, while Jilly Derouard was named the top junior female athlete.

Ministry of Labor Called in to Investigate Boating Fatals

The Ministry of Labor has been called in to help investigate a fatal boating accident on Lake of the Woods.

Two American men died Saturday night in Ash Bay after the boat they were in ran into a rock face.

The anglers were staying at a local fishing resort and were fishing with a guide at the time.

The deceased have been identified as 71 year old Robert Foster of Frankfurt, Michigan and 71 year old James Saney of Sylvania, Ohio.

A 62 year old Kenora man remains in Winnipeg Hospital in stable condition.

Local School officials Asked to Cut costs

Local school officials say they are ready to work with the Ministry of Education to find cost savings.

Directors of Education and school board chairs took part in a conference call with Ministry officials last week.

Phylis Eikre is director of Education with the Kenora Catholic District School Board and says broader consultations will begin in the fall.

Eikre says no-where in the discussions did ministry officials talk about the need for forced amalgamations.

Three Summer Businesses Being Set up

The creative minds of three high school students has resulted in three new businesses popping up in the North West.

Jennifer Brown, Ryan Milne and Shawnee Morrisseau will soon be opening their own business through the provincial government's Summer Company Program.

Small business Advisor Stephanie Armstrong says they offer the program each summer.

They will be given up to three thousand dollars and business training to help them get going.

Effects of Mercury Poisoning Still being Felt

A report says two First Nations communities devastated by mercury poisoning nearly 50 years ago are still feeling its impact.

The report is from Masazumi Harada, a Japanese expert on the subject.

The communities of Grassy Narrows and White Dog were ravaged by mercury poisoning in the 1960s when the Dryden paper mill began dumping toxins into the English-Wabigoon River.

Harada has been to the communities several times since the mill stopped dumping mercury in 1970.

He says his most recent examinations in 2010 found 59 per cent of the people he assessed were still showing signs of poisoning.

Thunder Bay sets up Flood Fund

Thunder Bay City Council is moving a half-million dollars from their savings to a new flood relief fund.

Money in the fund will be used to cover cleaning up the homes of flood victims and covering their insurance claims.

City Manager Tim Commisso says no Provincial or Federal funds will flow until the Province declares Thunder Bay a disaster area.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Relief team came to the City yesterday to asses the flood and decide if it's a disaster area.

Alarmed For Life in the North End

Don't be alarmed it you see a couple of fire trucks cruising through your neighborhood tonight.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services is going door with its Alarmed for Life campaign in the north end of town.

Fire fighters will be visiting homes on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets north.

They be knocking on doors between 6:30 and 8:30 checking to make sure each home has a working fire alarm on every floor.

Boobie Nights Raises Record Amount

Organizers of Boobie Nights say they exceeded their own expectations this year.

The fundraiser generated 53 thousand dollars Saturday night, which will go to the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation.

Bill Scribilo from Century 21/Reynard Real Estate says they sold out early.

Boobie Nights this year raised about 20 thousand dollars more than last year, and proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new Digital Mammography Unit for the Hospital.

Richards a win away from Stanley Cup

The Los Angeles Kings are on the brink of their first Stanley Cup.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves, and Mike Richards had an assist as the Kings beat New Jersey 4-nothing, to take a 3-0 lead in the Stanley Cup final.

 

The Kings can cap the series with a win tomorrow night on home ice.

 

The Kenora Rec. Center will be broadcasting the game live on a big screen TV

starting at 7:00.

State of Emergency Updated in Thunder Bay

The Emergency Operations Control Group in Thunder Bay is updating the city's state of emergency. 

Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson says the flood situation has moved to the top of the agenda for tonight's council meeting where they will be asking for a half-million dollars in initial cash to help set-up the City of Thunder Bay District Relief Fund.

In other flood news, Manager of Infrastructure, Darrell Matson says he hopes one of the main pumps at the water treatment plant will be operational today.

Meanwhile Lakehead University announced 160 residence beds will open to those displaced by the flooding.

Currently there are more than 300 workers associated with the flood staying there.

Black Out, Speak Out Today

For the second time in three days local residents are speaking out against the federal government's Bill C-38.

The omnibus bill includes not only the federal budget but changes to the Environmental Protection Act.

Today is Black Out, Speak Out Day, and Ashley Bennett says she's trying to raise awareness of the impact of Bill C-38.

A number of environmental groups are blacking out their web sites and
Facebook pages in protest over changes to the Environmental Protection Act.

Transfield Takes Over Local Road Maintenance

There's a new tenant for the Abitibi lands on 9th Street North.

Transfield held a ribbon cutting for its operations in Kenora.

The company has signed a 12 year deal with the provincial government to provide road maintenance services in northwestern Ontario, with June 1st the takeover date.

Transfield is using a paved portion of the Abitibi property as a staging area for its road maintenance equipment.

Former Ohio Mayor killed on Lake of the Woods

A published report in the United States suggest one of the men killed near Kenora over the weekend on Lake of the Woods was a former mayor of the City of Sylvania, Ohio.

71 year old James Seney was on a week long fishing trip with some old high school friends.

The other man has been identified as Robert Foster.

They were killed when the boat they were in crashed into shore Saturday night near Ash Rapids.

A third person was injured in the collision, and is listed in stable condition.

Sylvania is a suburb of Toledo, Ohio.

Two Americans Die in Boating Accident

Three people are dead following to separate accidents in the Kenora over the weekend.

Saturday night, the OPP say two American Visitors were killed after the boat they were travelling in crashed into the shore near Ash Rapids.

A third person had to be taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment.

The identities of the decease have not been released, but reports from Ohio, say one of the men was the former mayor of the city of Sylvania.

Winnipeg Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident

A 58 year old Winnipeg man is dead following a  single vehicle accident near Clearwater Bay.

The OPP say a motorcycle went off the Trans-Canada Highway near Caribou Lake around 8:30 Saturday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Kari Valenius.

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Highway was closed for a couple of hours while officers took a close look the accident scene.

Kenora Rallies against Bill C-38

There was a noisy demonstration in downtown Kenora Saturday afternoon.

A couple of dozen people marched in opposition to federal budget cuts.

Jim Johnson says they are concerned about the impact Bill C-38 will have on local services.

Johnson says he also takes issue with the decision to close the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.

Ontario Health Council Speaks Out against Budget Cuts

There's concern how recent budget cuts are going to affect local services.

Not one, but two events were held Saturday to protest budget cuts at the federal and provincial level.

The Ontario Health Coalition spoke to a handful of people.

Natalie Mehra is a spokesperson for the group and says the government likes to talk about transforming the health care system, but its not putting the necessary resources into things like home care.

Mehra says some communities in northwestern Ontario simply don't have the supports in place to allow seniors to live at home.

Canadian Cancer Society Gets Boost

Its going to be a big week for the Canadian Cancer Society in northwestern Ontario.

Over the weekend, Relays for Life took place in Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake and so far 263 thousand dollars has been raised from those three events.

Cancer research and programs will also get a boost in Kenora this weekend when the Relay for Life takes place at Lakewood School.

Organizers are hoping to raise at least 100 thousand dollars from the 12 hour overnight walk.

Richards gets ready for Game Three

The Los Angeles Kings can put a strangle hold on the Stanley Cup Play-offs with a win on home ice.

Kenora's Mike Richards says they'll have to play well because the New Jersey Devil's aren't going to roll over and play dead.

Richards says he's still motivated by losing the Stanley Cup final two years ago to Chicago.

Game time is 7:00 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Boobie Nights A Sell Out

The 3rd annual Boobie Night's Fundraiser for the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation is a success even before it starts.

Tickets for the event have already sold out for tomorrow night's party under the Harborfront Tent.

Angela Kuchma is one of the organizers and says the money goes to a great cause.

Last year the event raised over 30 thousand dollars and this year the goal is 50 thousand dollars for the Hospital Foundation.

Ontario Health Coalition Visits Kenora

The future of Health Care in Ontario will be the focus of attention this weekend.

The Ontario Health Coalition is holding a town hall style meeting in Kenora this weekend.

The Health Coalition wants to get local feedback about how Ontario budget cuts are impacting local health care services.

The town hall meeting will take place at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Salvation Army Gets Support for Thunder Bay Flood Victims

The Salvation Army is swimming with cash after raising a quarter million dollars for disaster relief efforts in Thunder Bay.

Major Merv Halvorsen says that money will go to to help the flood victims who do not have insurance to cover their losses.

The donations included 50 thousand dollars from the Fort William Rotary Club.

Scientists Speak out against Closure of the ELA

Scientists around the world are starting to speak out against the closure of the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora.

A group of Israeli scientists have written to Canada's Ambassador complaining the Government is "stamping out the ability of the world scientific community to conduct research required to formulate sound environmental policies."

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford admits while much of the reaction has been negative, some residents living in the area are actually pleased with the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area.

The federal government is expected to save about two million dollars a year by closing the outdoor research facility.

Suspect Arrested In Fort Frances Gas Bar Robbery

Almost two months after the Canada Safeway Gas Bar in Fort Frances was robbed, the OPP finally have a suspect in custody.

Police say they arrested 22 year old Josh Enns last night shortly before 7:00.

The OPP say they were conducting a traffic stop at the time when Enns was arrested.

He has been charged with robbery with a firearm and appeared in Fort France court today on the charge.

Canfield attends FCM Conference

A couple of members of Kenora City Council are in Saskatoon this weekend.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield and Councillor Sharon Smith are taking in the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference.

Canfield says its been more than five years since they last attended and expects they gain some valuable information.

The city just rejoined the Federation this year.

The four day conference starts this morning.

Catholic Education Center Officially Opened

The final piece in the Catholic School Campus in the Pinecrest area of town if finally in place.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Catholic Education Center was held yesterday morning.

Director of Education Center Phylis Eikre says even though they've been using the facility for over a year, it took them a long time to get everything in place.

Eikre says they also wanted the Bishop of the Diosese of Thunder Bay Fred Colli to be on hand for their grand opening.

Thomas Aquinas Street Festival Today

The Thomas Aquinas parking lot is being transformed into a giant carnival today.

The second annual Street Festival is taking place from 11:00 to 2:00.

Darcy Ura is one of the organizers and says they are expecting a good turn-out.

A stage is also being set up on the steps of T.A. for live music during the Street Festival.

Inquest Called into Death of Aboriginal Students

Ontario's Chief Coroner is ordering a joint inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations young people in Thunder Bay. 

All seven died after leaving their home communities to come to the city to go to high school. 

The deaths happened between 2000 and 2011.  

The inquest jury could be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing anymore deaths in a similar way. 

No date has been set for the inquest.

Richards Credits Devil's Coach for NHL Success

Its another off day at the Stanley Cup.

Game two goes tomorrow night in New Jersey.

Kenora's Mike Richards says ironically, the coach of the Devil's likely had the biggest impact on his game, when Peter DeBoer coached him in junior with the Kitchener Rangers.

Richards says DeBoer taught him how to be a professional. 

The Kings lead the Stanley Cup final one game to none.

Thunder Bay Flood Fund Announced

The Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross are teaming up to offer a national appeal for funds for flood victims in Thunder Bay.

Salvation Army Major Merv Halvorsen says you can donate through several sources.

The Thunder Bay Flood Fund will help homeowners recoup some of the costs of dealing with this emergency.

To donate to the Thunder Bay Flood Fund call 1-807-725-2769.

White Elected Treaty Three Grand Chief

The Chief of the Whitefish Bay First Nation is taking on a bigger role in the region.

Warren White was elected as grand chief of Treaty Three yesterday.

White beat out incumbant Diane Kelly and Kelvin Morrison in a traditional vote yesterday on the Big Island First Nation south Kenora.

The election was held on the second day of Treaty Three's National Assembly.

The Assembly will wrap up today, with White presiding over the proceedings.

Rickford Defends Back to Work Legislation

Striking C.P. railworkers are expected to report back to work later today.

Back-to-work legislation is expected to be passed through the senate later today.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the bill and says it will allow for a 90 day arbitration process.

For the first time in a week, CP rail workers in Kenora were not on the picket line.

OPP Cracking Down on Property Crimes

The OPP say they expect to see a decrease in the number of break and enters, thefts and mischief incidents in Kenora this year.

Inspector Dave Lucas released his year end report for 2011 to the Police Service Board yesterday.

Lucas says there was a big jump in property crimes last year, but they have managed to solve most of them.

Lucas says their efforts are paying off because they've already seen a big drop in property crimes through the first four months of this year compared to last year.

He adds that the incidence of violent crimes was also lower last year. 

Campbell Wants Bear Wise Cuts Reversed

The province is being pressure to have the Ministry of Natural Resources continue trapping and relocating nuisance bears.

It's handing those responsibilities onto police and municipalities.

In the legislature, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says there's already been a number of close calls involving the public and bears since the announcement.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says Ministry staff will continue to work with local authorities in emergency situations.

Broncos Girls Win NorWOSSA Soccer Gold

Beaver Brae's girls are golden once again.

The Broncos girls soccer team blanked Dryden 4-0 last night in the NorWOSSA final in Fort Frances.

Beaver Brae now heads to the All-Ontario championships next week in St. Thomas.

This is the third year in a row Beaver Brae has advanced to the OFSAA Finals.

Meanwhile, another disappointing loss for the Bronco boys.

They lost a 3-1 decision to Dryden in the semi-finals.

Fort Frances won the gold medal beating the Eagles 1-0 in the final.

Kings win Game One of Stanley Cup Final

The Los Angeles Kings are three wins away from the first Stanley Cup in the team's 45-year history after taking Game 1 of the final.

Anze Kopitar scored on a breakaway 18:13 into overtime to give the Kings a 2-1 victory at New Jersey. Los

Angeles is 9-and-0 on the road in the post-season, and 3-and-0 when they skate in overtime.

Mike Richards was held off the scoresheet in a tight defensive contest. 

Two Hospitalized in Accident Near Clearwater Bay

Two people had to be taken to hospital last night following a single vehicle accident near Clearwater Bay.

The OPP say the collision took place around 9:00 after a vehicle hit the guide post near the intersection of Lindsay Road.

Police were helped out by Kenora Fire and Emergency Services, the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department, and ambulence personnel.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about an hour, while crews worked to extract the occupants.

The OPP say the vehicle was demolished in the accident.

Summer Jobs Funding Announced

The Kenora riding is getting 185-thousand dollars in Federal funding to hire 72 students.

The funding will enable students to gain the skills and experience they need to move on.

MP Greg Rickford made the announcement in Sioux Lookout and he stated the jobs that are created will help students gain valubale experience and a chance to earn money for the upcoming school year.

He adds it also strengthens local economies.

Thunder Bay Continues to Clean Up following Flooding

The provincial government is taking an active role in helping communities hit by this weeks flooding.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says a variety of ministry's are helping out all of the affected areas to make sure they can recover from the storm.

Gravelle says his ministry in particular is involved because of water monitoring.

In the meantime, Thunder Bay's Emergency Operations Control Group will meet once again to update the flood situation.

The Salvation Army will be a hub for a national appeal for financial donations and details will be provided later this morning.

The City has received numerous offers of help and there is an active Facebook page with 1,500 members to date with many of them talking about how to provide assistance.

The city is saying "The outpouring of community support is appreciated; however, a coordinated effort is required and that will be an ongoing priority for discussion over the next days."

Wray to Receive Ontario Fire Marshall's Award

A long time teacher at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and a student in Red Lake are going to be honoured by the Provincial Government.

Al Wray and Brody McCumber will receive Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall Awards at a ceremony in Toronto on June 26th.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says he's proud of the two individuals.

Macumber is a student at the Golden Learning Centre and he's credited with helping save the life of his family when a kitchen fire broke out in his family's home back last November.

Northern Road Projects Announced

Four major projects will dominate the Northern Highways program in this region this summer.

The provincial government says it will be re-surfacing 35 kilometers of Highway 17 between Kenora and Dryden over the next couple of months.

Work will also continue on the rehabilitation of the Nodin Causeway near Fort Frances.

The provincial government says it will also continue work to twin Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.

There is no mention about the doubling of Trans-Canada Highway starting at the Ontario/Manitoba Border.