Kirby Earns Provincial Recognition

Helping those in need has landed a Kenora District lawyer a major award.

Peter Kirby is the recipient of the Legal Aid Ontario Sidney B. Linden Award.

The honour is in recognition of his tireless advocacy for those in need.

Officials say Kirby dedicates his time to ensure access to justice for those who don't have a voice.

They add he has helped the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Kirby has practiced family and criminal law in the Kenora District for 34-years and was a driving force behind the development of the Kenora Community Legal Clinic.

Vandals hit the Kenora Golf Club

The OPP continue to investigate a rash of mischief complaints in Kenora.

The most recent incident took place at the Kenora Golf and Country Club.

Police were called out yesterday after a golf cart was stolen.

The OPP say the cart was used to rip up some of the greens and damage a number of pieces of equipment.

A total damage estimate still hasn't been determined.

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

Sioux Narrows Opens Sports Fishing Center

There was a big surge in visitor numbers in Sioux Narrows yesterday.

A couple of hundred people turned out for the grand opening of the Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center.

Jeff Port was one of the people who sat on a committe that helped program the new visitor center and says sports fishing really has become the community's brand.

The Sports Fishing Center cost 2.2 million dollars to build, with 900 thousand dollars in infrastructure funding from both the federal and provincial governments.

Hello Summer Fundraiser Returns

Its a busy week for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

After handing out 107 thousand dollars in grants on Wednesday, the Foundation will try to make some of that money back tomorrow night.

Executive Director Darlene MacGillivray says they will be holding their 5th Hello Summer fundraiser.

McGillvary says tickets are still available for tomorrow night's dinner and dance.

Campbell has mixed feelings about the Provincial Budget

Sarah Cambell says she has mixed feelings about the passage of the provincial budget this week.

The Ontario budget was passed Wednesday, and aims to eliminate the deficit by 2017-2018.

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP admits she's concerned how the budget will impact the riding, including the closure of three tourist information centers. 

On the other hand, she says 20 million dollar has been allocated for Northern and rural health care.

Rickford Announces Funding for Aboriginal Health Research

A 25-million dollar research program is being launched to improve the long term health of aboriginals.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs John Duncan and Kenora MP Greg Rickford made the announcement in Ottawa this morning.

Rickford says a couple of prominent doctors will tackle the best ways to combat suicide, tuberculosis, obesity and oral health.

Rickford also laid a wreath in Ottawa to honour the contributions aboriginal veterans made in the great wars that Canada has been involved in.

Thunder Bay Sued by Flood Victims

The City of Thunder Bay is being sued.

A class action suit has been filed in Superior Court alleging negligence on various levels in connection with the May 28th flood.

Those allegations still need to be proven in court.

Lawyer Sandy Zaitzeff says all his clients want is to get their lives back.

The suit, on behalf of flood victims, is asking for general and special damages in the amount of 300 million dollars.

The city says it will not comment on the lawsuit. 

OPP Investigate Cases of Animal Cruelty

Provincial Police are looking for answers after a case of animal cruelty.

OPP say 4-dogs were poisoned near Dryden in Wainwright Township.

Two of the dogs have died as a result.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Graduation Ceremonies tonight followed by Safe Grad

Its a big night for students at Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae.

Graduation ceremonies will be taking place this evening.

For the first time ever, Beaver Brae will be moving out of its gym and holding its grad under the new Harborfront Tent.

About 130 students are expected to don their caps and gowns this evening.

Meanwhile, over at Thomas Aquinas, as many as 90 students will graduate from grade 12.

Following the graduation ceremonies, the Safe Grad will start up at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Things are expected to get rolling around 11:00, and run till about 4:00 in the morning.

Community Foundation Hands out $107,000

(Circus Kids accept $1,000 cheque)

It was an expensive night for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

The Foundation handed out over 107 thousand dollars worth of grants to about two dozen local community groups.

The biggest share of the funding came from the Moffatt Family Foundation with over 42 thousand dollars handed out.

Randy Moffatt says it's been a great pleasure to be able to give back to the local community.

Triple Play was one of the big winners of the night, collecting a couple of cheques totalling over 12 thousand dollars, while the Minto Parent Child Resource Center collected over 11 thousand dollars in funding.

New Sioux Narrows Tourist Center Opens Today

A big celebration in Sioux Narrows today as the long-awaited opening of the Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center takes place.

The Center will act as the community's tourism center and the grand opening will take place this afternoon.

Mayor Bill Thompson believes people will be impressed.

Activities will be taking place all day today leading up to the official opening ceremonies at 2:00 this afternoon.

Changes in Store for Cigarette Packaging

New smoking packages may leave people thinking twice.

The new lables feature disturbing images of the effects of smoking.

Roberta Lappage at the Northwestern Health Unit says the messages are bigger and bolder then before.

A "quitline" and websites will also be featured on the packs to help people quit.

Provincial Budget Confirms Closing of Tourism Centers

Northernwestern Tourisim is taking quite a hit.

With the passing of Bill 55, the budget bill by the Liberal government, the McGuinty government says that tourism centers are outdated and there is no need for them anymore.

Conservative MPP from Nippissing Vic Fedeli says he's not happy with the outcome of yesterday's vote.

He says decisions for northern Ontario are being made by people who've never been to the region.

Fedeli is also upset with the lack of job promises in the new bill.

Council Approves Food Vendors for Discovery Center

More outdoor eating options for visitors and local residents.

Kenora City Council has agreed, after much discussion, to allow food vendors to set up shop at the Discovery Center and the Harborfront Tent area.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says while some members of council are opposed to the request for proposals, he thinks its a good idea.

Both Councillors Rod McKay and Louis Roussin voted against the request for proposal for two food vendors for the Discovery Center, arguing it would deter visitors from coming downtown and looking for restaurants to eat at.

Catholic School Board Expects Small Enrolment Increase

Student numbers are expected to grow slightly once again at the Kenora Catholic District School Board this coming fall.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says last year they saw a jump at the kindergarten level when they introduced all-day classes at Pope John Paul School.

Eikre says the good new this year is the provincial government will actually start getting partial funding for their all-day kindergarten classes this fall.

Last year the Catholic School Board had to dip into its reserves to help pay for its all-day kindergarten programs.

Fire Destroys local Garage

Fire has destroyed a garage on East Mellick Road.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department was called out yesterday morning morning to deal with the blaze.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says they called out all their units to ensure the flames didn't spread to other buildings on the property.

Crews managed to contain the fire, though the cause is still unknown at this point.

Damage has been pegged at anywhere from 50 to 75 thousand dollars.

OPP Urge Homeowners to protect their Property

The OPP say they plan to be more proactive this summer to help local residents protect their personal property.

Tuesday night, police say they received a number of complaints of minor mischiefs and thefts around the community.

In one incident, a vehicle on Mill Street in Keewatin sustained some damage as a result of mischief.

In another incident, a bike was stolen from a garage on 4th Street South and some cash was taken from another garage on Agur Street.

The OPP say they plan to go door to door over the next few months educating home owners about the importance of securing their property.

Catholic School Board Approves Budget

A bit of red ink for the Kenora Catholic District School Board this year.

Trustees approved a budget last night which will include a deficit of 184 thousand dollars.

Erica Baily is the superintendant of business and says this is the second year in a row they've post a deficit, but suggest last year's 350 thousand dollar shortfall has already been taken care of.

Baily says the main reason for the shortfall this year is because the board has agreed to borrow money from reserves to help develop an outdoor area for grade seven and eight students at Thomas Aquinas.

Matiowski Farmer's Market Opens Today

The annual farmer's market season kicks off today.

This year, the Farmer's market is being moved under the new Harborfront Tent.

Tourism Development officer, Heather Paterson says in addition to the Farmer's Market, they will be introducing a flea market once a month this summer.

The Matiowski farmer's market will run from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon.

Public School Board Holds Adult Education Graduation

Hard work really does pay off.

Especially for the 27 graduates of the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Adult Education Program.

The ceremony was held yesterday.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says it's a day of celebrating for everyone.

There are 524 students in adult learning programms in Dryden, Ignace, Kenora and Red Lake.

Torch of Life Relay Wraps up at Queen's Park

It touched a lot of us during a stop through Dryden and Kenora back in March and the crusade has come to an end for now.

The Torch of Life walk through 71 communities to highlight the needs for transplant organs ended yesterday at the Ontario

legislature with a rally and a plea for people to sign donor cards.

Double-lung recipient Helene Campbell of Ottawa, who has attained celebrity status with her campaign urging people to register as donors, carried the torch on the final leg.

The Torch Relay began in Kenora on March 2nd. 

Lakewood an Eco-Friendly School

Lakewood School in Kenora has acheived Eco-status.

The elementary school is one of five in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board being recognised for their commitment to the environment.

The four key areas are energy conservation, waste minimization, ecological literacy and school ground greening.

Kathy Boone is an environmental education teacher who says she hopes it will continue outside of school.

Other schools on the list are Crolancia Public School in Pickle Lake, Golden Learning Center in Balmertown, New Prospect and Open Roads in Dryden.

City Council Asks Federal Government to Keep ELA Open

The pressure to keep the Experimental Lake area open isn't letting up.

Kenora City Council has approved a motion calling on the Federal Government to reverse it's decision to close the research facility.

Mayor Dave Canfield says this isn't partisian politics, it's a matter of keeping an important service available in our area.

A similar resolution was also endorsed by Dryden City Council this week and is being sent to a number of officials including the Prime Minister.

OPP Crack Down on Bail Violations

The provincial government admitted this month it doesn't know how many people are out on bail, or have open custody conditions on them.

The Kenora OPP says that's an area they've actually tried to address in recent years.

Inspector Dave Lucas says they've tasked their Street Crimes Unit to keep track of people who have been released from custody.

Lucas presented his 2011 policing report to Kenora City Council this week.

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.