DSAB Looking at Budget Increase in 2013

Another potential hit to the pocketbook of local taxpayers.

The Kenora District Services Board is recommending a 2.2 percent increase in its budget in 2013.

The finance committee met last week and is asking for an additional 331 thousand dollars next year.

That will put the municipal share of the budget at just over 15.3 million dollars.

Spending, which includes funding from the province will be almost 37 million dollars.

Health Unit Confirms Flu in the Region

The Northwestern Health Unit is suggesting that anyone who hasn't received their flu shot do so.

There has been evidence of the flu in the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Manger of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says that some people experience gastrointestinal problems, and think it's the flu shot that's causing them.

Flu shots are still available at the Northwestern Health Unit and through your family doctor.

Council Swears in Youth Representitive

Kenora City Council has a new member.

A youth councillor has been sworn in this week.

Jarrod McLean was a member of the original youth council created last year.

McLean will sit in on council meetings and act a liason for local youth.

Council decided it might be more effective if local youth had their own voice at the council table, instead of having a separate committee of their own.

OPP to Launch RIDE Program this Weekend

The O.P.P plan to ramp up their festive RIDE campaign on Saturday in an effort to take impaired drivers off roads between now and the new year.

Provincial police say 61 people have died in alcohol-related collisions within O-P-P jurisdiction so far this year, that's up from 52 at the same time last year.

Last year, O-P-P officers charged 682 motorists with impaired driving and issued a warn range suspension to 583 drivers during the festive RIDE program.

Police suggest, if you're going to drink, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi,  or stay overnight.

Sweetgrass Film Festival this Weekend

A world premiere film will be shown during the Sweetgrass Film Festival.

Harmony Redsky with Grand Council Treay 3 says one of the films will feature residents from Northwestern Ontario.

The festival runs from November 23rd to November 27th.

More information is available by calling 548-4214 or 468-9095.

Saints in Belleville for OFSAA Volleyball

The All-Ontario Single "a" boys volleyball championships open this morning in Belleville.

The Thomas Aquinas Saints will be playing four round robin games today.

Coach Bob Kowal feels this team has a chance to medal this year.

The Saints play their first game at 8:00 this morning against King's Christian from Halton.

Midget Thistles Lose on the Road

Close but no cigar.

The Kenora Triple "a" Midgets came up just short in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Wild last night.

Brent Aiken had a goal and an assist and Eric Sinclair added a pair of assists for the Thistles.

In the shoootout, the Wild scored on both their opportunities while the Thistles missed on both of theirs.

Despite the loss, the Kenora Midgets earned a single point to solidify their hold on third place in the Eastern Conference.

The Thistles are back home Friday night to take on the Eastman selects.

Randy Nickle Seeks Nomination for PC party in Kenora-Rainy River

The Provincial Conservative party might have a new face representing the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

Randy Nickle has declared his intentions to get nominated for the next provincial election.

Nickle says his motivation is past failures by the other parties, and the ability for Northwestern Ontario to take advantage of it's Natural Resources.

The PC nomination vote for the Kenora-Rainy River riding takes place December 1st.

Ontario NDP Leader Launched New Health Survey

The Ontario N.D.P. want to hear your concerns about the healthcare system.

The party has launched a new survey aimed at finding solutions to health care in the province.

Party Leader Andrea Horwath says it's a major issue moving forward.

Horwath says she and her MPP's will be hosting a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks across the province.

http://ontariondp.com/en/horwath-launches-consultation-on-improving-health-care-in-ontario

Resolute to Idle Fort Frances Mill

Resolute Forest Products says it intends to idle indefinitely the kraft mill and paper machine # 5 at its Fort Frances mill.

The company expects to curtail operations by the end of this month affecting nearly 240 employees.

Resolute blames the decision on market conditions, but is holding out the possibility of a restart at a later date.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis says company officials indicated they're studying potential uses of the number five paper machine that will take at least 12 to 18 months to complete.

Avis calls the news shocking and depressing.

Visitor Ban Expanded at Hospital

A visitor ban is being expanded at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Head of Patient Care Kathy Dawe says they've added the 3rd Flood ICU inpatient unit to the ban.

Earlier this week, the Second East Unit was closed to visitors due to a gastro-intestinal outbreak.

In the meantime, the Northwestern Health Unit says they have confirmed lab results that show the flu is now officially in the region.

While the community flu clinics have now wrapped up for the year, the Health Unit says you can still get the vaccine until the spring, but the earlier you get a flu shot the better.

Diabetes Workshop Today

The Northwestern Health Unit is celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month with a special Workshop this week.

The Diabetes Fair will take place today at the Jubilee Church.

Health Promoter, Megan Shewfelt says they want to give local residents some ideas on how to combat the disease.

The workshop is free of charge and will take place from 10 til 2:00 at the Jubilee Church on 1st Street South.

Gravelle Gets Support From Opposition

Michael Gravelle is getting some support in his battle against cancer from some unexpected quarters.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell has issued a statement wishing the Natural Resources Minister a speedy recovery.

Campbell says she's worked closely with Gravelle over the past year in her capacity as the NDP's Natural Resources Critic and hopes he can return to his cabinet duties quickly.

Gravelle announced yesterday that he was being treated for an agressive form of lymphoma.

NAN Raises Concerns About Generic Oxy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin.

NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

Festival of Trees Almost Ready

Christmas around the world.

That is the theme for this years annual festival of trees.

Linda Wideman is one of the organizers and says they have plenty of great events planned.

The Festival of Trees will run at the Lake of the Woods Museum from November 29th to December 1st

with Seniors Night next Thursday, followed by the Gala on November 30th, followed by family

day on Saturday. 

The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community

Foundation. 

Bronco Hockey Teams Split Against Fort Frances

A split for Beaver Brae's hockey teams.

The Bronco boys lost an 8-7 nail-biter to the Fort Frances Muskies last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Beaver Brae trailed 8-4 heading into the last period, but scored three unanswered goals in the final frame in a late come back attempt.

Easton Gauthier and Ryse Mandamin each had a pair of goals in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, the Bronco girls had an impressive outing on the Road, blanking Fort Frances 4-0 yesterday afternoon.

Becca Mahon earned the shutout for the Broncos.

It was an offensive showcase for the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team, as they romped to a 14-0 win over the Red Lake Rams.

Eric Davidson led all scorers with four goals, while Tanner Kapera recorded a hat trick.

Champion curlers offer clininc in Kenora

Two world class curlers are in Kenora today.

Reid Carruthers and Kaitlyn Lawes are at the Keewatin Curling Club offering curling clinics to registered curlers.

Carruthers said earlier in the day they had clinics with 15 curlers in grade 6 and the afternoon they hosted a clinic with 15 junior curlers.

Lawes mentioned that tonight they are also hosting an adult clinic this evening.

The pair were brought to Kenora as part of Curl Manitoba's Road Show.

Broncos and Saints Hockey Teams Back in Action

Both the Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas boys hockey teams are looking to continue their early winning ways tonight.

The Broncos play their first home game this evening when they take on the Fort Frances Muskies.

Game time is 7:30 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Meanwhile, the Saints boys hockey team is on the road tonight.

T.A. will travel to Red Lake to face the Rams.

Beaver Brae's girls team is also in action tonight.

 The Broncos head to Fort Frances to face the Muskies.

All three teams won their league openers last week. 

Kenora to Play Host to Renwick Cup

Kenora will be playing host to a couple of major regional hockey championships next spring.

The Telus Mid-West Regional Midget Championships will take place in early April and will be preceded by the Renwick Cup at the end of March.

Captain of the Kenora Senior Thistles, Sean Hughes says a victory in the Renwick Cup will send them back to the Allan Cup for the third straight year.

The organizing committee for the Renwick Cup is currently seeking corporate sponsors and has announced that REMR Roofing has come on as their title sponsor this year.

Blood Donor Clinic Looking for Better Turn Out Today

Canadian Blood Services is hoping for a better turn out on day two of its
blood donor clinic.

Yesterday, a total of 122 people showed up to give the gift of life, but that was
22 less than the goal of local organizers.

The Blood Donor Clinic is now open and will run until 12:30 this afternoon
and there are still 49 open appointment times available.

Thistle Banner Thieves Make Apology

A very public apology from the two culprits who stole the Stanley Cup banners from the White Cap Pavillion this past summer.

Adam Green and Jena Poschner read letters of apology to Kenora City Council last night.

Poschner says the timing of their actions couldn't have been worse.

The Stanley Cup banners were stolen from the Whitecap Pavillion just before Mike Richards was scheduled to bring the trophy home for a community celebration.

Taxi Company Requests Fare Increase

Co-ot taxi taxi is asking city council to approve a rate increase.

Eric Lovas made a deputation at last nights council meeting and says that a fare increase has not happened in a couple years.

Lovas adds that the fare increase would only amount to an average of a one dollar  on most fares and will help manage the cost of rising gas prices and the cost of insurance.

Loviss adds that the starting rate would increase to 4.95 and a kilometer rate would go up to2 dollars.

Visitor Restrictions in Place at Hospital

There's been an outbreak of a gastro-intestinal illness at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Head of Patient Care Kathy Dawe says the outbreak was confirmed Sunday in the Second East ward.

She says a small number of patients and staff began to show some symptoms and as a result, a visitor ban for the ward has gone into effect.

The Hospital adds that if you are experiencing any gastro-intestinal or respiratory illness, you should refrain from visiting the hospital.

Gravelle Battles Cancer

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says he's been diagnosed with a form of aggressive lymphoma, but intends to stay on the job while undergoing chemotherapy.

Gravelle, who represents Thunder Bay-Superior North, says he is heartened by the assessment of his oncologist that he has a treatable form of lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good.

The veteran Liberal says Premier Dalton McGuinty encouraged him to carry on with his ministerial duties and he is genuinely optimistic that he will fully recover from his battle with cancer.

Three More People Arrested for Drug Trafficking

A pair of drug busts on Highway 17 west of Kenora has netted the OPP more than 16 thousand dollars in illegal drugs over the past five days.

Three Fort Frances area residents face charges following a drug bust last week.

23 year old Joel Inkster, 29-year-old Dawn Jourdain and 21 year old Allan Mutz were arrested last week after OPP stopped a vehicle and found a pound of marijuana and 14 oxycocete pills inside.

All three will make a court appearance in Kenora December 20.

Another drug bust last Thursday netted police about six thousand dollars in cocaine.

Saints head to Belleville Today for OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team will be travelling to southern Ontario today to prepare for the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints will go into the OFSAA tournament as the second ranked team.

The Saints did not lose a set in regular season or post-season play this year and advanced to the provincial finals last week.

The top ranked team at OFSAA is the host team from Belleville, which is Quinte Christian.

Quinte is the defending provincial champion.

The OFSAA round-robin begin Thursday morning.

Northwest PeeWee All-Stars Finalize Roster

There are four local hockey players who will be playing for the Northwestern Ontario Peewee Triple "A" allstar team this season.

Carter Tresoor, Jared Neniska, Jayme Caron, and Jacob Parker were selected for the team after a selection camp that included over 60 players from across the Northwest.

Dan Reynard from Kenora is the teams head coach.

The team will play in All Ontario championships in Thunder Bay April 8th and the Tournament of Champions in Brandon on Febuary 7th.

Girls Atom REP Team Wins Gold in Brandon

The Lake of the Woods Girls Hhockey Atom REP won the gold medal at the the DULUX Paints Female Hockey Challenge this past weekend in Brandon, MB.

The team went undefeated in Round Robin play defeating teams from Estevan, Portage, and Brandon.

In the gold medal game on Sunday the team started quickly in a rematch against Estevan with 6 goals in the first period.

The team finished the game with a 9-1 victory.

Coach Jeff Fevreau says "it was a total team effort that won them the GOLD medal. The girls never gave up, never got discouraged, and were consistent all weekend. They rose to the challenge and worked hard to earn their wins.”

OPP Investigate Cottage Break-Ins

The OPP are investigating a rash of break-ins to camps on Lake of the Woods.

A cabin owner on Middle Island in the Hades area of the lake reported the initial break and enter yesterday and then discovered a number of other cottages had also been broken into.

Police say there was significant damage and are trying to contact all the campowners to determine what might have been stolen.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the Kenora Detachment of the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Boobie Nights Prepares for 4th Annual Fundraiser

Proudly Supporting Second Base.

That's going to be the theme of this year's annual Boobie Night's Fundraiser.

Angela Kuchma is one of the organizers of the event and says once again, all proceeds from the social will go towards the purchase of a new digital mammagraphy machine.

While, the Boobie Night's fundraiser won't take place until June 1st, tickets will start going on sale next month.

Diamond Jubilee Medals Presented

It was a night of recognition.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford presented local residents with a Diamond Jubliee Medal at a cermony Friday night at the Discovery Center.

Rickford says it recognises all of their hard work and contributions to the community.

Alice Jardine, Woody Linton, Ada Major, Catherine McLeod and Darlene Fish, Jarrod McLean, Dave Zroback and Constable Clinton

Fontaine were the recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medals.

Two Arrested in Highway 17 West Drug Bust

Two people face drug charges after the OPP stopped a vehicle on Highway 17 west of Kenora.

The OPP Organized Crime and Enforcement Bureau and their Drug Enforcement Unit pulled over a vehicle last Thursday and seized about six thousand dollars worth of cocaine.

21 year old Cody Clemente of Winnipeg, Manitoba has been charged with Trafficking.

He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

22 year old Steven Walson-Gerigs yrs old of Palmerston, Ontario has also been charged with Trafficking.

He's due to appear in Kenora Court on January 3rd.

Brand Leadership Team has Big Ideas

More than a dozen new festivals could be on the way to Kenora.

Randy Nickle is Chairman of the brand leadership team and says more festivals would create business and promote Kenora as North Americas premiere boating destination.

Nickle adds the leadership time currently has 20 priorities moving forward to rebuild tourism in Kenora.

Another idea they are looking at is an "app" promoting local events. 

Wynne Pledges better Support for Aboriginal Education

One Liberal leadership candidate wants to offer better education to aboriginal students.

MPP Kathleen Wynne says one way of correcting previous failures in aborignal students is working with the members of the community.

Aborignal education is one of the main goals in Wynnes Northern platform if elected premier.

Wynne adds her platform for Northern Ontario includes youth job creation, a Northern cabinet committee, and infastructure.

She met with party faithful in Kenora Friday afternoon. 

Three Arrested in Pikangikum Murder

Murder Charges have been laid against three people in connection to a fatality on the Pikangikum First Nation this past spring.

Red Lake OPP and the Pickangikum Police Serivce have charged two women and one man recently with the death of 32 year old Fitzgerald Owen.

He died in the remote community on April 12th of this year.

Police say 22 year old Sheline Turtle and 29 year old Florence Dunsford have been charged with second degree murder and aggravated assault and are expected to appear in Kenora Court in December.

In addition, police have charged 24 year old Morgan Benson Turtle with second degree murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

He is expected to appear in court in May 2013.

Blood Donor Clinic Today and Tomorrow

Calling all blood donors.

Canadian Blood Services is back in town today and tomorrow for its final blood donor clinics of 2012.

Harvey Heather says while most of the blood collected will stay in this region, the goal is to have enough supplies to help out across Canada.

Today's clinic will run from 4:00 to 9:00 at Thomas Aquinas School and against tomorrow from 9:30 to 12:30.

Good Weekend For Senior Thistles and PeeWee Canucks

The Kenora Senior Thistles are in mid-season form in just their first weekend of action.

The Thistles were in Botteneau, North Dakota to face a college team and skated to a pair of lop-sided victories.

Yesterday, the Kenora Senior Squad romped to a 10-3 win over the Lumberjacks.

That was on the heels of Saturday nights 10-2 victory.

The Senior Thistles are off for another month before they see their next action.

Meanwhile, the Lake of the Woods Girls Peewee girls traveling team was in Brandon over the weekend and took home a bronze medal.

The Canucks beat a Regina team yesterday 2-1 to claim a third place finish in the weekend tournament.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Still On Schedule

The brew pub being proposed for the old Kenora Fire Hall is still being targeted for a May long weekend opening.

Demolition work inside the Heritage Building is continuing and owner, Taras Manzie says they are still working on getting all the building and liquor licencing permits they need in order to move the project along.

Manzie says they will be keeping all the artifacts that have been designated, including the call box, the fire bell and most of the porcelain brickwork.

He adds that he has already hired a brew master from Victoria and is also working to staff some other key positions.

Sharks Host Annual Fall Meet

The first big test of the season for the Kenora Sharks Swim club.

The Sharks are hosting their annual Kenora Invitational Swim Meet this weekend.

Teams will be coming from across northwestern Ontario and Winnipeg.

The first heats will take place tomorrow morning and will wrap up Sunday afternoon.

Thistle Teams in North Dakota This Weekend

Both the Kenora Triple "a" Midget and Senior Thistles will be spending the weekend in North Dakota.

The Senior Thistles are in Bottineau for a pair of games against a college team.

Coach John Tressoor says this is still part of the team selection process.

The Senior Thistles have games Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Kenora Midgets will be taking the weekend off league play, for a tournament in Grand Forks.

The Thistles will play four games over the next three days.

Rec. Center looking for More Employees

The Kenora Rec. Center is hoping to increase its staffing complement.

Community Services manager Colleen Neil has put in a request to  city council to hire two more maintenance operators.

She says right now, their maintenance technicians just don't have time to get all their work done.

Neil says while the extra jobs will add another 48 thousand dollars to their budget, it will reduce the need for contracting out and the need for part-time workers.

New Logo for Tourism in Kenora

North America's Premiere Boating Destination.

Thats the new status the Brand Leadership Team feels they took a big step towards today with a new tourism logo for Kenora.

Team chairman Randy Nickle says the logo is just one step of the process and that community involvement will be key in expanding the brand.

Nickle adds that anyone intrested in using the new logo and helping to build the brand can visit kenoraboating.com.

Saints Sweep for NWOSSA Gold

The Thomas Aquinas Senior Boys Volleyball Team has its ticket booked for the All-Ontario Single "a" Championships.

The Saints swept the Manitouadge Wolverines in three straight sets this morning in the NWOSSA Final.

Saints head coach Bob Kowal feels they are still capable of playing better.

Thomas Aquinas will leave next Tuesday for Belleville, for the OFSAA championships.

The All-Ontario finals will start next Thursday. 

Hockey Northwest Raises Concerns About Minnesota

There's an issue developing between Hockey Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota Hockey.

H.N.O. says it is dispelling a rumour that they will not issue travel permits to teams wanting to compete in tournaments.

General Manager Trevor Hosanna says travel permits will be issued once an event is sanctioned properly and Minnesota Hockey seeks approval from U.S.A. Hockey late.

Hosanna says permits will be issued once Hockey Canada approves the event and so Hockey Northwestern Ontario is the last to know making it more difficult to approve a permit.

Free Daycare on Offer

A group called Community Caring for Community is offering a day of free child care.

The day care will be run at the Kenora Rec Centre next Saturday and will have a morning and an afternoon session.

Kelly Sipos is one of the organizers and says the goal of the free daycare is to shine a spotlight on an on-going concern in the community.

Yesterday was the last day to register, but Sipos says they still may have room for last minute registrations for the service.

Public School Board Releases Grad Results

A new report by the Keewatin Patricia District School Board shows that the graduation rates are higher for those who stay in school longer.

The four-year rate for all students 71%, the five year rate in 84% and the six year rate is 86 %.

Scott Urquart is the Student Success Leader and says they are particularly pleased with grad rates for special education students.

The rates are lower for Aboriginal students, with the four year rate at 45%, the five year rate at 67% and the six year rate at 71%.

Wynne Brings Northern Tour to Kenora

Liberal leadership candidate Kathleen Wynne will be rolling out her Northern Ontario platform today in Kenora.

Wynne was in Thunder Bay yesterday and will be in Kenora this afternoon to meet with party faithful.

One of her promises is the creation of a northern Ontario committee of cabinet.

Glen Murray is also on a tour of northern Ontario this week.

Saints Advance to NWOSSA Championship game

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is a win away from advancing to the All-Ontario Single Championships again.

The Saints will play in this morning's NWOSSA final against either Manitouadge or Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School from Thunder Bay.

Yesterday T.A. easily won both their round robin matches in three straight sets.

Neither game lasted longer than an hour.

The NWOSSA gold medal games goes at 10:00 this morning at the Thomas Aquinas gym.