Path of the Paddle being Promoted

A water route linking Dryden and Kenora is now looking at involving the Rainy River district as part of the Trans Canada Trail.

The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River.

Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing industry.

The route spans roughly 900-kilometres.

An open house on the canoe route will be held at the Discovery Center on July 10th. 

Iowa Man Fined for illegal Cabin

Setting up camp in the Ear Falls area has cost an Iowa man 2-thousand dollars.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says Dan Hupfer of Cedar Rapids has pleaded guilty to illegally constructing a cabin on Crown land without a permit.

He has been ordered to remove the structure.

He neglected to contact the proper authorities before starting construction near the English River, about 20-kilometres east of Ear Falls.

Hupfer is a part owner of the property.

City Passes most recent Work Well Audit

The City of Kenora is getting a passing grade on its most recent Workwell Audit.

The audit is conducted by the WSIB and evaluates the health and safety procedures of municipalities, hospitals and school boards across the province.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says the city received a mark of 85 percent, which he feels was well-earned.

In comparison, Lake of the Woods District Hospital says it received a mark of 97.9 percent on its most recent Workwell Audit.

Lake Levels on the Rise

Water levels are starting to rise on Lake of the Woods.

Heavy rains over the past few days has pushed lake levels up four inches in the past week.

Rick Cousins from the Lake of the Woods Control Board says it isn't unusual to see water levels rise at this time of year.

Cousins was outflow from the Norman Dam was increase twice last week, but isn't saying if more increases are expected in the days ahead.

Youth Council Reports to City Council

The Kenora Youth Council is reflecting on its first six months of work.

The Youth Counci presented a brief update to city council yesterday.

Jarod McLean says right now they want to set the stage for the next group that will be taking over in the fall.

McLean says they also plan to hold a charity barbeque later this month as a way of saying thanks to the community.

Bartolucci Defends Provincial Budget

The budget fight continues at Queen's Park.

The NDP and Conservatives teamed up at commitee yesterday to remove another key portion from the Government's budget.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci says enough is enough!

Bartolucci says he's hoping the voices of reason with the NDP come to the forefront.

Talk of a summer election has now cooled but the Liberals will be watching intently today for additional cuts.

OPP Investigate Airport Road Break-In

The OPP are investigating a break-in to a business on the Airport Road.

Police say the owners discovered the break and enter after arriving home around 3:00 Sunday morning.

The culprits managed to locate the cash box and made off with an unknown amount of money.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Grow Me Instead Guide Released

There's a goup of concerned people who want you to make sure you plant native plants in your gardens and flower beds.

The Federation of Anglers and Hunters teamed up with the Invasive Plant Council to offer the Northern Ontario Grow Me Instead guide.

Spokesperson Hailey Powell says they want to stop invasive species from getting into the region.

The guides can be found at most local Greenhouses.

Union Gas Extending Service to Red Lake

Welcome news for those living in Red Lake, Balmertown, Cochenour and Chukuni River!

Union Gas says construction is now underway on the second phase of an Union Gas pipeline.

Spokesperson Andrea Stass says the project will be a boost to the local economy.

Community open houses on the project will be held at the Cochenour Arena on June 27th and 28th as well as July 11th and 12th.

Weather Co-coperates for Track and Field Meet

The weather man has been co-operating with the annual Kenora elementary schools track and field meet at Lakewood.

A number of races took place this morning including the 60 meter dash, the 200 meter and 400 meter.

Students from grade four to grade six also competed in high jump and long jump during the one day competition.

Tomorrow, the junior divison track and field meet is scheduled to take place. 

Local Runners Compete in the Manitoba Marathon

A number of local runners made their annual trek to Winnipeg for the annual Manitoba Marathon on Father's Day.

Ben Gustafson recorded the only top 50 finish placing 46th in the full marathon in a time of three hours and 13 minutes and one second.

Diane Hanson was the top local female finisher placing 181st, in a time of three hours and 46 minutes.

A local team called the Boxer Puppies placed 15th in the Marathon team relay.

Museum Enters i-pad generation

Lake of the Woods Museum: There's an app for that!

The musuem has developed a mobile tour which will feature the use of i-pads.

Museum curator, Lori Nelson says the mobile tour can provide much more in depth information for their patrons.

The museum officially launched its i-pad tour over the weekend.

A total of 12 i-pads will be available at any given time for patrons to take

their tour. 

Flotilla Flash Mob for Fellowship Center

Kenora's first Main Street Flash mob was so popular, another flash mob is being planned on the water.

A flash flotilla is being planned for next weekend.

Nikki Spencer says the flotilla is going to be used as a fundraiser for the Fellowship Center.

Spencer says they have sponsorship forms available at the Fellowship Center on Water Street.

Rain Dampens Fire Hazard

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 10 active fires in northwestern Ontario.

They say it was a quiet weekend with no new fires to report.

All 10 fires did receive rain on the weekend and aren't showing any signs of spreading.

The fire hazard remains low for the entire region.

So far this year, 197 fires have started, burning just over 14-hundred hectares.

Campbell Heads Back to Queen's Park this Week

M.P.P.'s are almost ready for their summer break, but there's still one item of business to clear up first.

The vote on the omnibus budget bill will take place on Wednesday.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell is defending some of the amendments the NDP have made to the budget at the committee level.

Premier Dalton McGuinty seems to have backed away on his hardline stance on the budget saying he would call and election if the opposition parties didn't drop some of their amendments.

McGuinty apparently sent an olive branch to NDP Leader Andrea Horwath yesterday, in the form of a letter, saying some of the budget items could be taken out and delayed until the fall for a vote.

Rabbit Lake Trail Officially Opens

Kenora's first fully accessible walking trail has been expanded.

The Rabbit Lake Trail was officially opened Friday and now extends from Garrow Park all the way to Nairn Avenue.

Councillor Sharon Smith sits on the Urban Trails Committee and says she like the idea behind the paved walkway.

Paving the Rabbit Lake Trail was made possible in part by the Trillium Foundation which provided over 70 thousand dollars towards the project.

Students from Thomas Aquinas also helped construct the trail bed.

Man Found Dead In Wabigoon

Provincial Police have released the name of the man found dead in Wabigoon.

Police have identified the victim as 51-year-old Stanley Shabaquay.

His body was found on the shore of Wabigoon Lake Thursday morning.

Police are investigating the cause.

Police Shut Down Atikokan Grow-Op

Three people have been arrested after OPP discovered a marijuana grow operation in a home in Atikokan last week.

Thursday's search of the Poplar Avenue residence led police to seizing over one hundred plants, a variety of equipment, over 500 grams of marijuana shake and other drug paraphernalia.

Another 218 grams of marijuana was found at second home.

Two men and a woman will appear on trafficking and production charges in Atikokan court next month.

Con College Planning to offer Mining Course

Confederation College is going to sign a memorandum with Northern College.

The partnership will allow Con College to start providing the necessary course training for people interested in the mining sector.

College President Jim Madder says the partnership makes sense.

The partnership agreement will be signed over the Summer.

Prism Added to Harborfest's Sunday night Concert

It won't be Armaggedon, but it will be A Night to Remember.

The Harborfest Committee has been forced to make some last minute changes to its Sunday night concert, after the Queen City Kids were forced to cancel their tour.

Instead, the Canadian band Prism will fill the void.

Entertainment Director Dave Blake says ticket sales have been brisk.

Blake adds that they've also shuffled their Friday night line-up, with April Wine moving up to the second slot behind Tom Cochrane, with Saga opening the evening's entertainment.

Kelly Seeking Leadership of AFN

The former Grand Chief of Treaty 3 is in the running for the top post with the Assembly of First Nations.

Diane Kelly has officially announced her candidacy for the Grand Chief position.

Kelly says it will now be a busy time on the road.

Kelly says there hasn't been a strong treaty voice over the past 4-years and notes she's ready to challenge the majority Government.

The vote will take place July 18th.

A total of eight names will be on the ballot, including incumbant Grand Chief, Shawn Atleo. 

Campbell Goes to Bat for the ELA

The Provincial government says its not prepared to see the

Experimental Lakes Area east of Kenora closed down without a fight.

In the Ontario Legislature today, Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell asked the Environment Minister to join the lobby effort to keep the outdoor laboratory open.

Environment Minister Jim Bradley says he's already joined with his provincial counterpart in Manitoba and written a letter urging the federal government to keep the ELA open.

Public School Board Expects Record Number of Retirements

A major overhaul at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

The Board has recognized 36 staff who are retiring this year.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says they are losing a lot of knowledge.

McMaster also attributes the on-going dispute with teachers and the Province and possible changes to pensions.

Mixed Results at local schools for OSSLT

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is crowing about the results from the latest Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test for grade 10 students.

The separate school board had 87 percent of its students complete the test compared to the provincial average of 82 percent.

The results are encouraging for the Catholic School Board, which is featured in the EQAO's profiles of success stories.

Results were much lower at the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board with a completion rate of just 69 percent.

Share the Road this Sunday

If you're looking for something to do with your dad on father's day, how about a bike ride.

Safe Communities Kenora is officially launching Kenora's new bike lanes on Sunday.

Maria Bagdonis says its part of their campaign called "Share the Road".

The bike ride will begin at noon on Sunday from the Discovery Center and will make its way down to the new Harborfront Tent.

Northern Rendez Vous Starts Tonight

Some pretty sporty vehicles will be driving around town today.

The Northern Rendezvous will be making its ever appearance in Kenora starting this evening.

Tom Struthers is one of the organizers and says they will be featuring mainly British sports cars.

Struthers expects more than 100 vehicles will be in town for the Northern Rendez Vous with the feature being the MG.

Struthers says 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the classic British roadster. 

Public School Board Approves 2012-2013 Budget

Just a slight increase in spending this year for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

Trustees approved an 85.2 million dollar budget this week, which is an increase of about 500 thousand dollars from the year before.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says the good news is that they expect their enrolments to start stabilizing after years of fairly significant declines.

The school board's funding is largely based on Student enrolment, and Carrie says their numbers will drop this year by about 60 students.

Council debates Harborfront Tent Capacity

A new document called the Harborfront Tent Users Guide is generating quite a bit of discussion at the council table.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says he drafted the policy after getting repeated questions about how many people the new tent can hold.

Mayor Dave Canfield suggests the new policy adds more red tape for people who want to rent the new tent.

But Brinkman says the information is based on the Ontario Fire Code and says if alcohol is

being served, no more than 1240 people should be under the tent.

He suggests that the standing room capacity is closer to 35 hundred, if no alcohol is being

served.

NOMA Applauds new Electricity Rate

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is giving its thumbs up to a new industrial electricity rate announced by the province this week.

The new rate will amount to about 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

Dave Canfield is the vice-president of NOMA and says that's a good start.

The new rate will take effect new year for large industries that plan to expand or to re-locate in Ontario.

Fire Fighter Recalls Sandy Lake Airplane Fire

A harrowing tale from a Sandy Lake firefighter involved in yesterday's blaze at the community airport.

Ringo Fiddler says a Wasaya Airways plane was destroyed.

Fiddler says flames were shooting as high as 40-feet into the air and full fuel tanks were about 25-feet away.

He says firefighters had to fight the flames about 50-feet away from the blaze.

Ivan the Eye Van Returns for a 40th year

An anniversary for the CNIB's Eye Van.

The medical mobile eye care unit is back on the road for its 40th year.

Executive Director Monique Pilkington says it's brought much needed services to northern Ontario.

The Eye Van reaches Kenora at the end of July and the first part of August.

13TH Triple Play Take A Kids Fishing Day this Saturday

Wanted: a couple of good anglers to take a kid fishing.

Triple Play will hold its 13th annual Take A Kid Fishing day this weekend.

Debbie Novak from Triple Play says they are still looking for some volunteers to help out.

A total of 16 kids between the ages of 8 and 15 have signed up for this years day of fishing.

It will take place Saturday starting at 11:00 at Anicinabe Park.

TSB to Looking Sandy Lake Airplane Fire

Details are emerging after a Wasaya Airways plane that was destroyed by a fire yesterday.

The Hawker was off-loading fuel at the Sandy Lake Airport when something went wrong and the plane caught on fire.

Regional Manager of the Transportation Safety Board Peter Hildebrand says they are trying to find out what exactly went wrong.

Hildebrand says he hopes to speak with the two crew members in the next day or so and get more information on what possibly caused the fire.

The TSB is also talking with Wasaya officials.

Meantime, a Sandy Lake First Nations firefighter says yesterday's fire could have been a lot worse.

Ringo Fiddler says firefighters received the call just before 2 o'clock in the afternoon and it took about 5-minutes for crews to arrive.

Fiddler says flames were shooting as high as 40-feet into the air and full fuel tanks were about 25-feet away.

He says firefighters had to fight the fire about 50-feet away from the blaze.

Fiddler says the fire started near the fuel tank.

No one was injured in the incident.

Lake of the Woods Control Board to Hold Open House tonight

Water levels continue to rise on Lake of the Woods.

The lake level went up about three inches this past week and are expected to go up a similar amount in the next seven days.

Due to all the rain, the Control Board has increased outflow at the Norman Dam by about 50 cubic meters per second, with a second increase scheduled for tomorrow.

In the meantime, the Lake of the Woods Control Board will be holding its annual Open House in Kenora this evening for anyone who has questions or concerns about waters levels on the lake.

The Open House will run from 7:30 to 9:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Council to Approve Outdoor Patio Policy

City council will once again try to pass regulations to allow outdoor patios on municipal property.

The Property and Planning met yesterday and approved changes, which would allow businesses to take out permits to expand or create patio areas on local sidewalks.

The proposed by-law was withdrawn last month for some more work and review by municipal solicitor.

The by-law would allow local businesses to set up outdoor eating areas for an annual lease of about 350 dollars.

Council is expected to approve the new by-law at its next open meeting next Monday.

Public School Board Promises a Computer for almost Every Student

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is getting into computers in a big way.

Starting this fall, every student from grade four to grade 12 will get their very own netbook or laptop.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says the trustees were really the driving force behind their 21st Century Learning plan.

The total cost of the computer project will be 2.3 million dollars this year, which will come from the boards reserves.

The public school board is also planning to purchase another 335 i-pads for students in Kindergarten to grade 3.

Longboating for Head Safety

With summer around the corner, it's prime time for helmet safety.

Mike Harris and Jeff Abbot are making a difference by long boarding across the country to raise funds for the Canadian Brain Injury Association and to promote helmet use in sports.

However Abbott and Harris weren't so lucky before. Both have had numerous concusions that almost cost them their life.

They left Vancouver on May 1st and currently are near Vermillion Bay.

Hydro Re-Stored to Thousands of Hydro One Customers

Hundreds of residents living between Emo to Kenora were in the dark for several hours yesterday.

The outage began just before 4:00 yesterday afternoon.

No reasons have been immediately given.

More than 45 hundred of Hydro One customers were effected.

Power was fully restored by 2:00 this morning.

Public School Board approves French Immersion

Trustees with the public school board have approved a couple of significant changes to the schooling landscape in Kenora.

Beaver Brae will become a school for students from grades 7 to 12 starting in the fall of 2013.

Superintendant of Education Sean Monteith says they will spend the next year on the transition.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board will also begin rolling out a french immersion program at Valleyview in the fall of 2013, but trustees were adamant that there had to be at least 16 students enrolled before the program would be allowed to proceed.

Big Fines for Fort Frances Hunting Guide

A Fort Frances guide is in hot water for his hunting practices.

Grant Gustafson has been fined 40-thousand dollars for charges relating to his deer hunting business.

He was convicted on several charges including killing a moose without a licence, unlawfully hunting wolves, using an illegal firearm and making a false statement to a conservation officer.

He is banned from hunting for the next 10 years and from guiding for the next 2 years.

Two of his employees and 5 of his clients were also fined a combined total of 15 thousand 500 dollars and 26 years of hunting suspensions.

Province Promises Cheaper Industrial Electricity Rates

The Provincial Government is providing new and existing businesses with cheaper electricity rates.

Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle says the only catch is the company must promise to create jobs in order to get the rebates.

The cheaper electricity rates will be provided to existing companies who are expanding or new ones that are willing to relocate to Ontario.

Wasaya Plane Destroyed by fire

Only one wing is left after a Wasaya Airways plane was completely destroyed in a fire yesterday afternoon.

The company says the aircraft was doing a routine fuel trip and received operations in Sandy Lake First Nation.

Reports indicate that the hose connection leaked and sprayed fuel on the still hot engine.

Ministry of Natural Resources helicopters were called to help extinguish the blaze and the main ramp at the airport and the terminal had to be closed.

No one was on board and the two crew members weren't injured in the mishap.

Con College Holds Spring Convocation

Confederation College's class of 2012 has collected their diplomas.

A total of 32 students graduated yesterday morning from the Lake of the Woods Campus during their convocation.

Jim Madder is president of the college and says he sees a bright future for the grads and our region.

The largest class this year was the Personal Support Worker course, which graduated 14 students.

OPP Investigate Stolen Boating Gear

The OPP are investigating the theft of some items from a boat in Minaki.

Police say last night, someone stopped by a Front Street residence and stole several pieces of boating gear.

Stolen items included a Minnkota trolling motor, three Troll master batteries and the Wave Wacker splash guards from the rear of the boat.

Anyone with information about the theft can call the Kenora OPP or Crimestoppers.

City Council Looking at Expanded Bow Hunt for Deer

The City of Kenora continues to grapple with our expanding deer population.

Council has agreed to expand the time period for a bow hunt in city limits this fall.

Councillor Sharon Smith says that's about the only thing the city can do to try and curb our deer numbers.

The bow hunt within city limits will be expanded by a full month this year to the end of deer hunting season on December 15th.

Smaller parcels of land will also be eligible for the hunt, going from 5 hectares down to 4.

Councils Asked to Support ELA Resolutions

Opposition to a Federal Government decision to close the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora continues to ramp up.

Jill Wilkenson is calling on local municipal councils to pass a resolution denouncing the move.

She says the ELA is important to our community.

She says the ELA is the world's top fresh water research facility and is something we should fight to keep.

Sod Turning for Habitat for Humanity

All systems are go for the Habitat For Humanity build in Kenora.

A sod-turning ceremony took place on the property located just off Main Street Rideout.

Thelma Wilkens-Page is a one of the Habitat members and says they have raised about 75 percent of the money they need.

Meanwhile, Ashley Neniska will be the recipient of the new Habitat home.

She and her daughter are looking forward to finally moving in.

Actual construction will begin next Monday, when the site is excavated and work begins on the foundation.

M.P.'s Summer Holiday's Delayed

It could be a few more weeks before M.P.'s get back to their ridings for the summer.

The Federal budget Omnibus bill has been delayed by back to work legislation for CP rail workers, and now hundreds of budget amendments from the Opposition.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says at this point he's not sure when the current sitting will actually end.

M.P.'s are now preparing for what's could top 24 hours of voting on more than 800 proposed amendments to the Tory government's massive budget-implementation bill.

CUPE Protests Provincial Budget Bill

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is warning about what it sees as possible adverse consequences of a new bill moving through provincial legislature.

Jules Tupker of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, believes that a section of Bill 55 will lead to mass privatization of public services.

CUPE held a protest out side the offices of Natural Resources minister Michael Gravelle yesterday.

Operation Corridor this Week

A 24-hour crackdown on transport drivers is coming to Northwestern Ontario.

"Operation Cooridor" starts Thursday evening.

The 24-hour initiative targets commercial vehicle speeding and aggresive drivers.

Sergeant Shelley Garr is asking all motorists to slow down and be safe.