Festival of Trees Launches Tonight

A good chance to pick up your Christmas Tree this weekend.

The annual Festival of Trees kicks off tonight at Lake of the Woods Museum.

Linda Wideman is chair of the festival and says things get underway with their Seniors night.

The Festival of Trees wraps up on Saturday with family day.

The festival has become a major fundraiser for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

Healthy Food Basket Cost Continues to Rise

The cost to feed a family of four in northwestern Ontario is keeping pace with the inflation rate.

The Northwestern Health Unit says this year, their Healthy Food basket costs about 941 dollars a month.

That's up about 23 dollars from last year, or about 2.6 percent.

Public health nutitionist Julie Slack says that might not sound like a lot, but social assistance rates have only increased by five percent in the last 14 years.

She says the cost of eating healthy is outpacing the budgets of people on low incomes.

Elk Population Stable in NWO

The elk population in northwestern Ontario seems to be stabilizing.

Recent figures from the Ministry of Natural Resources suggest the elk population is between 35 and 45 animals.

Murray English is the co-chair of the elk restoration coalition and says the goal is to increase the population  and perhaps re-open a hunting season in a few years.

English says the calf survival rate appears to be improving and that's good news for the future of the species in this region.

Salvation Army Gets Ready to Launch Christmas Cheer

The Salvation Army says its looking for some volunteers to help out with its annual Christmas Cheer Campaign.

The Kettles will be out soon and Christmas hampers are also being put together.

Captain Roy Blaton from the Kenora office says the deadline to apply for the hampers is fast approaching.

He says they will be wrapping up their interviews by December 7th. 

The Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Campaign will get a big boost this weekend with the 22nd Annual Christ Miracle Marathon on CJRL.

OPP Investigate Another Fatality in Fort Frances

OPP are investigating another death in Fort Frances.

Police say the body of a man was discovered inside a residence at the Elizabeth Street Manor yesterday morning.

His identify and cause of death are still being determined.

A post mortem exam was conducted yesterday at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Meantime, police are still investigating the death of 45-year-old Leo Whitecrow, found dead inside a Fort Frances motel two weeks ago.

High School Teachers Begin Job Action

High school teachers with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board have started their job action.

That after talks between the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and the public school board broke off earlier this week.

Paul Elliott is a vice-president with the OSSTF and says even though they aren't allowed to strike, they can still exercise some of their labor rights.

Elliott says teachers are being urged to withdraw from their administrative duties, until a new contract can be negotiated.

Meanwhile, the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board feels contract talks with its high school teachers had been going well.

However, the OSSTF shut down all negotiations this week after the provincial government refused to approve a couple of contracts that had already been negotiated with school boards in southern Ontario.

Union negotiators are scheduled to meet on Monday to decide their next steps.

Save ELA Releases new Video

The Coalition to Save the Experimental Lakes Area has released an online video.

It features interviews with members of the coalition, scientists and researchers.

It calls on the Harper government to stop it's "war on science".

The video was launched yesterday at a special luncheon in Winnipeg.

The federal government is currently in the process of finding a buyer for the 58 lakes between Kenora and Vermillion Bay.

Provincial Policy Statement Panned

The provincial government has drawn the ire of some northern Ontario municialities with its latest planning review.

The Provincial Policy Statement looks are where future development will be able to take place.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says the revised policy basically allows unlimited development in southern Ontario, while putting shackles on the north.

Canfield says ideally, northern municipalities should have more say where development can take place, rather than bureaucrats from Toronto.

November 23rd was the final day to make comment on the Policy Statement and Canfield is

hopeful provincial bureaucrats will pay attention to their concerns.

STR Prepares for another Sled Season

Sunset Trail Riders will have their trails open as soon as mother nature will let them.

Director Bruce McGregor says they are hard at work to get people on the trails.

This year the early bird cost for a trail permit is 210 dollars.

If you purchase a trail permit after December 1st, it increases to 260 dollars.

You can visit sunsettrail riders.ca for more information on the trails and to purchase your snow mobile permits.

Copenace Appointed to LHIN's Board

There is now a voice for the Kenora area on the board of the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

Tina Copenace from the Dalles First Nation has been appointed to the LHIN's for a three year term.

Her appointment was confirmed recently by Health Minister Deb Matthews.

Copenace will take over from Gary Phillips, whose term expired last week.

Deadline to Renew Outdoor Cards Approaching

The provincial government is Ontario is reminding anglers and hunters to renew their Outdoors Cards.

An Outdoors Card, along with a hunting or fishing licence tag, allows hunting or fishing in the province.

The card is valid for three years and all cards expire on the same date at the end of the three-year term -- December 31st.

Outdoors Cards can be renewed online, or in person at a Service Ontario centre or private issuer at a cost $9.68 for three years.

Bronco Hockey Teams Win Tuesday Night

Both of Beaver Brae's hockey teams were victorious last night.

The Bronco Girls upended Red Lake 7-3 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Kait Sparkman had a pair of goals to lead the offense, while Eve Charlebois scored the game winner midway through the third period.

The Broncos next game is against their cross-town rivals from Thomas Aquinas on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the Beaver Brae boys needed overtime and a shootout, but the managed to eke out a 3-2 win over the Dryden Eagles.

Jed Rattai had a goal in regulation and also scored the game winner in the shootout.

It was the Broncos second win of the season.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas Boys Hockey team suffered its first loss of the season.

The Saints were in Fort Frances last night and dropped a 2-0 decision to the Muskies.

NorWOSSA court sports

The second season of NorWOSSA court sports saw Thomas Aquinas start off on the right foot.

T.A. hosted Whitefish Bay Tuesday afternoon in junior boys basketball along with junior and senior girls volleyball.

The junior boys basketball team cruised to a 62-9 victory.

The junior girls volleyball team swept their game in 3 straight sets.

The TA senior girls volleyball also won in three straight set. 

The season continues tomorrow with all four Saints teams facing Rainy River.

Beaver Brae starts the double "A" season against Fort Francis next Wednesday.

Whitecap Pavillion Skating Rink Starting to Take Shape

Crews are starting to build the Whitecap Pavillion skating rink.

The work began today with the installation of the boards and the liner the ice will sit on.

Special events coordinator Mark Duggan says that flooding will begin later this week and the target of opening in mid-december is right on schedule.

Catholic Board Wins Award

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is showing off some new hardware.

The separate school board has received the Bette Stephenson Award from the Education Quality and Accountability Office.

The award recognizes the work of the board in its EQAO test scores and use of the data to improve their results.

Staff from Thomas Aquinas School and board administration were presented the award earlier this month.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted at Hospital

Visitors are once again being allowed into a couple of wards on the second and third floors of Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The hospital yesterday lifted its visitor restrictions on the Second East Ward and the Third floor ICU inpatient Unit.

Some staff and patients had been experiencing a gastro-intestinal illness.

But vice-president of patient care Kathy Dawe says there haven't been any new outbreaks in the past five days.

Dryden Man Faces Luring Charges

A 19 year old Dryden man is facing charges after he tried to lure a minor online.

Dryden Police say that the investigation invovles incidents from 2010 and 2011, which were recently reported.

The man is charged with contacting a person under 14 years old with regards to luring, and one count of invitation to sexual touching.

Local Elementary Teachers Could Take Job Action

Elementary teachers with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board could start a new job action next month.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario met with a conciliator earlier this month and a no-board report was issued on November 19th.

That's means that they could take jobs action as early as December 10th.

While new provincial legislation prevents any teacher strikes, the union is looking at its options.

Local president Anne Saltel says they will be meeting with their stewards on Friday to decide what actions they might take.

Canfield Not Sympathetic with Toronto Mayor

Mayor Dave Canfield says Kenora City Councillors won't make the same mistakes that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has.

Ford was removed by a judge ruling over a conflict of interest case.

Canfield says city council is firm on following the rules.

Ford is appealing the decision that has removed him as Mayor and prevents him from running for 2 years.

Noront Committed to Ring of Fire Project

Noront Resources remains confident production of its Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario will begin on time.

President Wes Hanson says even though Cliffs Natural Resources has delayed the start up date for its own mining project by a year, Noront still has its sights set on starting production in 2016 or 2017.

While not mentioning a possible financial partner, Hanson said they're optimistic they can put together a package which will meet their start up target

Liberals to Hold One All-Candidates Forum in NWO

The Ontario Liberal Leadership debates will be making a stop in northwestern Ontario next month.

Thunder Bay Liberals will get their chance to ask questions to the candidates on Sunday, December 9th at 1 in the afternoon.

A location for the debate has yet to be selected.

NorWOSSA Second Season Begins Today

The second season in NorWOSSA Court sports begins today.

Thomas Aquinas will be playing host to Whitefish Bay today in junior boys basketball and junior and senior girls volleyball action.

Games begin at 11:00 this morning at the T.A. gym.

Tomorrow, Rainy River is in town and all four Saints teams will be playing.

The NorWOSSA Double A season begins next Wednesday with Beaver Brae playing host to Fort Frances.

Keewatin-Patricia DSB and OSSTF Hold Contract Talks

Two days of contract talks are scheduled this week between the public school board and its high school teachers.

Negotiators with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board are meeting today and tomorrow with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

Union vice-president, Paul Elliott says this round of talks will determine whether teachers will take any job action this week.

The OSSTF also represents local occasional teachers, educational support staff as well as clerical, office and library workers.

OPP Lay Two More Impaired Driving Charges

Another weekend, another couple of impaired driving charges in the Kenora area.

The OPP say they stopped two vehicles in the Lakeside area.

In once case, the driver, a 35 year old Rat Portage man was not only charged with impaired driving, but also Uttering Threats causing bodily harm.

The OPP began its Festive RIDE program over the weekend to try curb the incidence of impaired driving over the holiday season.

Three Charged in McMunn Break-In

Three Winnipeg men have been arrested following a break-in to a gas station at McMunn on Highway 1 in Manitoba.

Falcon Lake RCMP say they were called to investigate an alarm at the McMunn Motor Inn around 4:00 Friday morning.

With help from an RCMP Canine Unit, three suspects were located.

Police say the men were aged 33, 31 and 21 year old and face several charges in connection to the break-in.

Treaty Three Concerned with Generic Oxy

Another First Nation Organization is weighing in on the federal government's decision to allow production of generic Oxycontin.

Harmony Redsky is a Health Policy Analyst with Treaty # 3 and says this decision will undo the work they have been carrying out to fight addictions to prescription pills.

Redsky adds that Treaty #3 will be bringing up their concerns with other first nations organization to try change the federal's government mind about licencing the generic drug.

LOW Water Resources Center Working Group to Meet

A steering group will be meeting this week to keep the ball rolling for a water resource center for Lake of the Woods.

A workshop was held earlier this month to find out if there was any support for such a concept.

Kelly Saunders is spear-heading the initiative and says their job now is to see if they can make the dream a reality.

There's about a half dozen people involved in the working group, which will be looking at the possibility of establishing a Water Resource Center in Kenora.

Campbell Launches Regional Collection Drive

Some incentive to shop local and help those less fortunate from Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

Campbell is organizing a collection drive across her riding.

Campbell says those who bring in food items, clothes or toys will be entered into a draw for gift certificates from local businesses.

In Kenora donations can be dropped of at Campbell's office in the Royal Canadian Legion Building.

Police Investigating Fatal Fire near Pickle Lake

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fatal house fire on New Osnaburgh First Nation.

The Nishinabe Aski Police Service says human remains were found on the scene of the fire on Friday.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora. 

The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.

OPP Launches Seasonal RIDE Program

It's simple, don't drink and drive.

The Ontario Provincial Police began its annual seasonal RIDE program over the weekend.

Acting Sergeant with the Northwest Region Anne McCoy says it aims to catch drunk drivers in the act.

While the festive campaign runs until January 2, McCoy adds that RIDE checks are done year round.

Thistles Split Weekend Games

A split for the Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles over the weekend.

Yesterday, the Thistles dropped a 4-1 decision to the top team in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

Chris Varrin scored the lone goal for the Thistles in the game. 

League, the Winnipeg Thrashers. Friday night, the Kenora Midgets downed the Eastman Selects 5-2 at home.

Nick Prouty led the scoring attack with a pair of goals.

Saints Eliminated in OFSAA Quarter Finals

The Thomas Aquinas Senior boys volleyball team are heading home empty handed from the OFSAA championships.


The Saints were upset 3 sets to 1 in their quarter final today against Ecole Secondaire Publique Louis Reil.

Louis Reil won with scores of 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20.

The Saints were on a roll heading into todays quarter final having not dropped a set in yesterdays round robin.

Winter Storm Closes Highway 17 east of Ignace

Ontario Provincial Police say the Highway between Igance all the way through to Nipigon is closed this morning because of a Winter Storm that has made driving conditions very difficult this morning.

Sargeant John Haley with the O.P.P. says caution should be the word of the day for motorists.

Haley says they've expanded their Highway closure to include Highway 17 between Nipigon and Schreiber.

There is no timetable as to when the Highways can expect to be re-opened but O.P.P. are monitoring the situation.

In the Kenora area, all school buses are running this morning as we received only a dusting of snow overnight.

McKay Won't Seek Conservative Nomination Again

The Conservatives will have a new candidate to represent them in the next provincial election.

Kenora Councillor Rod McKay ran for the party two years ago, but says he won't be seeking the nomination this time around.

McKays says he has too much on his plate right now, including the possible re-opening of the Kenora Forest Products mill in the spring.

Randy Nickle is the only declared candidate for the nomination right now.

The Conservatives will chose their candidate on December 1st in Dryden.

Campbell Hopeful Resolute Will Re-Open Fort Mill

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is among who is still hopeful that operations in Fort Frances will get back to normal at a later date.

Campbell says she meet with Resolute representatives as early as yesterday, but indicated they weren't asking for any provincial assistance at this time.

Campbell says the company isn't marking a date as to when operations may resume, but says she did come away with a sense that it will happen.

Managed Alochol Program Being Explored

Local agencies are getting the low down about a new initiative to help people who live on the street.

Patty Hajdu from Shelter House in Thunder Bay has been explaining how their managed alcohol program works.

She says they have been operating a pilot project for the past six months with very good results.

Hajdu says people who enter their managed alcohol program are offered regular doses of wine every day and it works much like a methadone program for drug addicts.

Aboriginal Groups Opposed Generic Oxycontin

Native leaders across the region are upset the federal government is planning to licence a generic form of Oxycontin.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service and the Chief of Treaty Three have added their voices to those opposed the decision.

NAPS Deputy Chief Bob Herman says it affects their service by increasing enforcement.

He adds at the same time, the federal government has cut their funding, meaning it will be more

difficult to keep up with the dealers. 

Grand Chief of Treaty Three Warren White says he's shocked by the federal government's decision and describes it as a step backwards.

Northwest LHIN's Announces 3.7 million in Funding

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is delivering 3.7 million dollars to a variety of programs aimed at helping seniors, addicts and people living with chronic conditions.

St. Joseph's Care Group will be using 500 thousand dollars to provide a drug outreach program for pregnant and parenting moms in Thunder Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.

Spokesperson Nancy Black says it's a unique program for Northern women age 16 to 24.

The Region's Brain Injury Service will be using money to bring two people living with physical disabilities out of the hospital and into the community.

Two Arrested in Golf Course Break In

Two teenagers are facing charges after a break and enter at the Kenora Golf and Country Club.

Wednesday night police arrived and found two suspects running from the scene.

Both have been arrested and charged with break and enter.

The youth were 14 and 15 years old respectively.

CP Holiday Train Returns next Month

Another Holiday tradition will be returning to northwestern Ontario next month.

The CP Holiday Train will be making several stops across the region.

The train will be in Kenora on December 5th.

Salem Woodrow from CP says there all donations will go to a great cause.

Woodrow adds other stops for the train include Dryden and Vermillion Bay on December 5th.

This year Brothers Dube and Miss Emily are the musical groups that will be on tour with the Holiday Train in Kneora. 

Saints Perfect So Far at OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas Senior Boys volleyball team is perfect so far at the All-Ontario Single "a"

Championships in Belleville.

Yesterday, the Saints won all four of their round robin games, and didn't lose a set, recording wins ove Kings Christian High School, Woodland Christian, Chippewa Secondary School from North Bay and Toronto District Christian School. 

The Saints will finish first in their pool and now head to the quarter-finals this afternoon.

This is the tricky part of the schedule.

A win moves the Saints into the medal round, while a loss will send them home empty-handed.

The Saints will find out who they play later this morning.

The Quater-final will be played at 3:00.

Woman Survives Collision with Train

A close call for a 36 year old Kenora woman.

The OPP say two people were walking along the C.P. train
tracks last night around 7:00 near the intersection of
Railway Street and the 16th Avenue Rail Crossing.

One of the pedestrians was struck by a westbound train.

The woman was taken to Lake of the Woods District
Hospital with what police are describing as non-life
threatening injuries.

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.