Development Commission Supports Sale of Lakewood

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is pleased to see the proposal for an adult education center at Lakewood School is moving forward.

Earlier this week, the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board approved the sale of the school property to Seven Generations.

Geordie McEwen has been involved in the project from the beginning and says having more post-secondary opportunities in the city is a big bonus.

McEwen adds the commission is also looking to assist the ownership group to create a new student housing complex on the Lakewood property.

Winnipeg Reconsiders Resale of Shoal Lake Water

The International Joint Commission is putting the kibosh on a plan by the City of Winnipeg to sell water it takes from Shoal Lake.

Winnipeg had planned to sell the water to a couple of nearby communities.

But the IJC the plan is inconsistant with its century old agreement.

Chief of Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Erwin Redsky says they warned the City over a year ago that they did not have the right to use their land or the water for profit.

He says they will oppose any further application by the City of Winnipeg to the IJC.

Council Debates the Merits of New Logo

Some debate about whether the City of Kenora should embrace a new logo unveiled by the Brand Leadership Team.

A report to council this week suggests all old city logos should be phased out in favour of the new boating logo.

Mike Mostow is the city's fleet manager and says its not going to be cheap to change all the city-owned vehicles over to the new logo.

Council has agreed to a very slow, phase-in of the new logo, implementing it only when current supplies and vehicles need replacing.

This is the city's third logo in the past 12 years.

Winnipeg Woman Arrested on Trafficking Charges

A Winnipeg woman is in custody after police seized 10 thousand dollars worth of morphine pills.

Last Thursday, members of the Dryden Provincial Police, Sioux Lookout Provincial Police and Dryden Police Drug Action team arrested 22-year-old Destiny Bluecoat of Winnipeg for posession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police says she remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Report Concerned About Aboriginal Health Care

A report released by the Health Council of Canada says many Aboriginal people aren't seeking mainstream health care.

The report highlights some of the reasons why, and key points that are working towards positive change.

C.E.O. John Abbott says racisim and stereotypes play a major part in why people aren't seeking the medical attention they need.

Abott says it will take the healthcare leadership such as ministers and CEO's to make sure the message is consistent.

New Graduates for the Nishinabe Aski Police

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is welcoming five new officers.

Chief Claude Chum will be presenting badges at a ceremony on Friday.

The graduating officers are Trent Abernot, Graham Cotter, Aaron Dodge, Evan Polini and Peter Schoenfeld.

Tree of Life Celebrates 25 Years

The Hospital's Tree of Lights hits a major milestone this year.

The fundraiser for the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation turns 25 this year.

Jess Rheault is the managing director of the Foundation and says this year they are selling special 25 dollar light bulbs for the tree.

Last year, the Tree of Life raised more than 50 thousand dollars for the Hospital Foundation.

O.P.P Re-open Highway 17 West of Kenroa

O.P.P have re-opened Highway 17 West of Kenora.

The highway was closed just before 12:00 do to multiple accidents int he area.

Constable Dave Cain is advising drivers to avoid highway travel if possible and to use caution on all area roads.

Fort Frances Looks at Town's Economic Future

The mayor of Fort Frances says his town is working diligently to minimize the impact felt by the indefinite idling of the kraft mill and a paper machine at Resolute Forest Products.

Roy Avis says it includes forming a council sub-committee that look at the town's economic future under his direction.

Avis says council's also had talks already with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle; Northern Development Parliamentary Assistant Bill Mauro and company officials.

12 Days of Fire Safety

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department is counting down the 12 days of Christmas.

A new safety campaign is being launched, reminding local residents to be fire smart.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says each day of the campaign they will have a new safety tip.

Brinkman says a house fire last week in the Lakeside area is a good reminder to have your chimney inspected, and ensure its clear of any hazards like creosote build-up.

School Board Approves Lakewood Sale

The dream of turning Lakewood School into an adult education center is still alive.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board approved the sale of the elementary school to Seven Generations at last night's inaugural board meeting for 1.4 million dollars.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says he's glad the sale is finally going through.

With the sale of Lakewood, the public school board officially rescinded the closure of Evergreen School.

Instead, Lakewood will close as an elementary school at the end of this school year.

One Day Walk-out by Elementary Teachers Over

Things should almost return back to normal today at local elementary schools.

Members of the EFTO within the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board gathered yesterday at the Government Building in Dryden to protest bill 115, which allows the government to impose a contract.

Local union president Anne Saltel says their message is loud and clear.

A number of students from the Dryden High School skipped class and  were also at the government building supporting the teachers.

Harbortown Biz Ice Rink Officially Opens

The Harbortown Biz Ice Rink recieved the approval of local residents today.

The rink was opened with an official snow spray of memebers of the development committee.

Councillor Sharon Smith laced up her skates and said "the rink is in great shape and brings back memories from her childhood."

The rink is now open 24/7 throughout the winter months.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Seeks Zoning Change

The beer could be flowing in the old Kenora Fire Hall in three months or less.

The owner of the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is seeking a zoning change to allow brewing in the heritage building.

Taras Manzies updated city council on his plans this morning and says the good news is they don't need a permit from the Ministry of the Environment.

Manzies says his brewing equipment will be shipped from South Korea tomorrow and is expected to be in Kenora by the end of the month.

OPP Lay Trafficking Charges

A 50 year old Kenora man faces drug charges after being arrested in the downtown area.

The OPP say they noticed a man engaged in suspicious activity yesterday afternoon in Hennepen Lane.

He was taken to the Kenora Detachment and officers seized about 120 dollars in cash as well as eight morphine pills.

Kevin Billard has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

School Buses Operating Today

All school buses will be running as usual this morning despite the one-day walkout by elementary teachers.

The buses will be picking up secondary school students and also students who attend the catholic schools.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says that bus schedules and timing may fluctuate due to the reduced numbers of riders, however drivers will do their best to maintain the regular schedule.

EFTO Holds One Day Strike In Kenora Today

Lights will remain off in elementary schools operated by the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board today.

A one-day strike is taking place today by members of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.

Local Union president, Ann Saltel says their members will be gathering in Dryden today for a mass rally.

The one-day strike is against Bill 115, which imposes contracts on the teachers, and is supposed to take away their right to strike.

The rally will take place from 11 till 2:00 this afternoon.

Canfield Optimistic Funding Coming For Bridge Repairs

A glimpse of daylight in the battle to get funding for Kenora's crumbling bridges.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is optimistic a new 51 million dollar fund will be able to help the city pay for repairs to the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

Canfield says there is funding set aside for emergency situations.

Canfield says the city is also applying for funding to begin Phase Three work on the Downtown Revitalization Project, which includes sewer and water replacement along 2nd Street South.

Liberal Leadership Hopefuls Gathering Support

Liberal leadership hopefuls have been picking up some support in northwestern Ontario.

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is throwing his support behind Sandra Pupatello.

Gravelle believes she will be a dynamic leader of the Liberals if elected.

Meanwhile, former Liberal leader Lyn McLeod has given her endorsement to Kathleen Wynne, who is also seen as a front-runner in the race to become Ontario's next Premier.

First Nations Rally in Protest of Bill C-45

Aboriginals across Northwestern Ontario rallied today against Bill C-45.

Rallies were held in Kenora outside MP Greg Rickfords office and in Dryden outside the Government buildings.

Onigaming Chief Norman Copenance spoke during the rally in Kenora, and says its time for chiefs to come together and stand up for their self governance.

While Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister says the government did not speak with First Nations about possible changes affecting their communities.

The Rallies were held in part of a national day of action names "Idle No More!"

Sioux Lookout Man Arrested on Prostitution Charges

A Sioux Lookout man has been charged with two counts of juvenile prostitution.

Last month, Provincial Police went to a home after receiving information that there illegal activities going on inside.

Police confirmed that prostitution was taking place, and all of the victims involved were under 18 years old.

Police say the accused is 30 year old Steven Robertson.

He remains in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

Kenora's First Electric Car Charging Station

Kenora now has it's first ever electric car charging station.

The station has been set up at the Best Western Lakeside Inn by Sun Country Highway.

Vice President Chris Misch says the project came together pretty quick.

Misch adds over 80 charging stations are being set up coast to coast along the Trans-Canada Highway to commemorate the highways 50th anniversary and create the world longest green highway.

Both OSSTF and EFTO Begin Job Actions This Week

Both elementary and secondary school teachers will begin their job action today.

Elementary teachers within the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board will be staging a one day strike tomorrow.

As a result, all elementary schools within the board will be closed.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says that it was a unanimous decision.

Elementary Schools will re-open on Wednesday.

Teachers Job Action to Affect NorWOSSA Leagues

The job action at the public school board is creating some confusion for parents at Kenora Catholic District School board.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says it will be business as usual at all their schools this week.

But she admits the job action is having an impact on their sports teams.

Eikre says the job actions will affect their high school sports teams, because the NorWOSSA season has been put on hold due to the withdrawal of the Secondary School Teachers from extra curricular activities.

Eikre adds that school buses will be running tomorrow, even though all elementary schools will be closed.

Rickford Impatient for Highway Twinning to Begin

The Ministry of Transportation is taking some heat for failing start work to twin the Trans-Canada highway west of Kenora.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the project was ready to roll over a year ago.

He blames the province's inability to negotiate a deal with area first nations.

Rickford says the federal government is still committed to the project but he wants the province to confirm funding for twinning the entire length of highway from the Manitoba Border right to the City of Kenora.

Ontario Liberals Debate Northern Autonomy

Ontario's Liberal leadership hopefuls don't all agree on whether northern Ontario needs its own regional government.

Glen Murray wants full autonomy for the north so it can forge its own path. Speaking at the leadership debate in Thunder Bay, Murray says the north should make its own decisions.

But not everyone agrees. Kathleen Wynne is warning that it sounds like separation, and that's not where she wants to go.

Meanwhile, Gerard Kennedy told the audience more needs to be done for Aboriginal students.

Other topics of discussion included the Ring of Fire and Economic Development in Northern Ontario.

Hospitals to Study Non-Emergency Transfers

Area hospitals are going to study the management of non-emergency patient transfers.

Lake of the Woods District Hospital CEO Mark Balcaen says hospitals and services boards West of Thunder Bay are taking part in the study.

Belcaen adds the goal of the study is to find financial solutions for payment of the transfers after the Kenora District Services Board announced it will no longer fund the program.

Youth Faces Charges for Taking Replica Gun to School

A youth who brought a replica handgun to the Fort Frances high school last week is facing charges.

Provincial Police have charged the youth with two counts of assault with a weapon, posession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failure to comply with an order.

The accused remains in custody and is expected to appear in court today.

A Good Weekend for PeeWee and Midget Thistles

The Kenora double "a" PeeWee Thistles skated to the B-Side title at their own tournament over the weekend at the Rec. Center.

The Thistles doubled up the St. James Canadians 4-2 in their final game of the tournament on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, the Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles earned a split of their weekend series against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Yesterday, the Wheat Kings earned a 3-2 in in a shootout at the Rec. Center.

Saturday the Thistles had a solid defensive effort in a 1-0 win.

Scott Parsons earned the shutout for the Kenora Midgets making 35 saves.

Saints Win Manitoba Hockey Tournament

A good weekend for the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team.

The Saints were in Killarny, Manitoba and walked away with the gold medal from a high school tournament there.

T.A. went through the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record including a 5-4 win over Deloraine in the A-side final.

Jackson Fregeau led the way with three goals in the final.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's girls team spent the weekend on the road.

The Broncos attended a tournament in Portage La Prairie, and lost the gold medal game to the
NorWOSSA rivals from Fort Frances 3-2.

Yesterday, Beaver Brae was back on the road in Sioux Lookout and skated to a 7-0 win over the Warriors.

The Broncos had seven different goal scorers in that contest.

Harbourtown Biz Ice Rink opens this Saturday

The much awaited skating rink under the whitecap pavillion opens tomorrow.

Special Events Coordinator Mark Duggan says the Harbourtown Bic Ice Rink the will open at 9:00 tomorrow morning.

Duggan also wants to remind the public that rink will be for skating only.

Fort Frances High School Locked Down

The presence of what turned out to be a replica firearm put the Fort Frances High School into a lookdown situation yesterday.

OPP Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says the measure was necessary to secure the area while police searched for the person seen carrying it.

The lockdown was lifted about an hour later after a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody without incident off school property.

Elementary Teachers to Hold One Day Strike

Job actions by public school teachers are starting to hit close to home.

The Elementary School Teachers Federation says it will be staging a one day strike on December 11th.

All local elementary schools will be closed as the teachers head to Dryden to hold a rally there.

Yesterday, Education Minister Laurel Broten indicated she would not stop the one day strikes.

Local elementary school teachers are in a legal strike position as of this Monday.

Public School Board Suspends Extracurricular Activities

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has also announced that it will be suspending all extracurricular activities at their high schools because of the teachers job action.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation says it will not be participating in after school programs starting on Monday.

As a result all NorWOSSA League play is being suspended until further notice.

Jack McMaster says he regrets having to make that decision.

McMaster says the suspension of extracurricular activities will also affect drama productions, arts and travel clubs and any noon hour activities that require teacher supervision or coaching.

Theory of a Deadman to Headline Harborfest

Harborfest is still eight months away, but the entertainment for the summer festival is starting to come together.

Theory of a Dead Man and Faberdrive have been confirmed for the Saturday night concert.

Entertainment Director Dave Blake says they are now working to fill the Friday night and Sunday night shows.

Blake says they are hoping to confirm more acts before Christmas.

Tickets will go on sale for the Saturday show tomorrow morning.

Fire Crews Battle Chimney Blaze

A fire in a chimney is being blamed for a blaze at a home in the Lakeside area.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department was called out last night.

While no-one was hurt, damage is said to be extensive, expecially in the attic area.

Fire crews were finally able to leave the scene around 9:00 last night.

NOMA Wants More Autonomy for Northwestern Ontario

Queens Park doesn't understand the needs of the North.

That's the message from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Assoication, which is asking for more regional authority to enchance economic development in the region.

Vice President David Canfield says that policies that are developed in Queens Park do nothing for Northwestern Ontario.

NOMA will be working with all provincial parties and local party canidates to bring this issue to the forefront, in preparation for a possible 2013 election.

Conservatives Planning to Take a Run at the Kenora-Rainy River Riding

Progressive Conservatives intend to focus a lot of attention on the Kenora-Rainy River riding in the next election.

The riding has been an NDP stronghold for many years, but MPP Garfield Dunlop believes there's enough support out there for the Tories to grab.

Dunlop was in the Fort Frances area to talk to area leaders about ways to get more young people interested in the trades.

Craft Market Making a Winter Comeback

A summer staple is making a winter come back.

The Matiowski Craft and Market show will be expanded in the new year.

Special Events Coordinator Mark Duggan says they will be holding the Craft Markets in the Discovery Center three times in the new year.

Duggan adds the idea was spiked by the vendors who normally participate in summer events.

The dates for the shows are January 12th, Febuary 9th, and March 2nd.

Broncos Beat Up on the Rams

It might be the last regular season high school game for several weeks.

And Beaver Brae's boys hockey team made it count.

The Broncos defeated the Red Lake Rams 14-2 in yesterday afternoon's matinee at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The Broncos started off quickly and didn't take the pressure off the Rams until late in the game.

Trillium Foundation Hands Out Grants

The Trillium Foundation has announced yesterday that 16 non profit groups in northwestern Ontario will be getting funding.

The only local group to receive funding is the Rat Portage First Nation which is getting over 14 thousand dollars to purchase chairs, tables, and outdoor sound equipment for the youth and elder centre in the community.

A total of 16 groups across northwestern Ontario received funding.

Government Will Allow One Day Teacher Strikes

The Ontario government will not block planned one-day walkouts by public elementary teachers starting next week.

Education Minister Laurel Broten says she won't use a new law to stop the strikes, because the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is giving parents three-days notice of the walkouts.

So long as the strikes last only one day, she says she's prepared to let it go.

Broten says if the strikes moves beyond one day, the government will immediately reassess the situation and has already prepared the necessary legal documents to end it.

Broten says she knows it will be an inconvenience to parents, but it's a decision that strikes the right balance.

The teachers' union said the walkout is in protest of Bill 115, which gives the government the power to stop strikes and impose a collective agreement if it doesn't like what the union and local boards negotiate.

ETFO To Take Job Action Next Week

Local members of the Elementary School Teachers Federation will be stepping up their job action next week.

The teachers will be in a legal strike position starting December 10th.

Anne Saltel is the local union president and says there is also the possibility of a one day walkout before Christmas.

Saltel says initially their job action will include withdrawal from all extra-curricular activities and refusal to do any administrative duties.

MNR Getting Feedback on Winnipeg River Fishery

Maintaining quality fishing on the Winnipeg River.

Thats the goal of the Ministry of Natural of Resources, which is using public feedback to change regulations on the water system.

Leo Heyens with the Ministry says a number of species will have new regulations.

Heyens also says they are working on changes to walleye, bass, and pike aimed at promoting fishing tourism for years to come.

He adds that an advisory committee is still getting public feedback and the regulations won't be made official until 2014.

School Buses Cancelled Today, Schools Still Open

Slick road conditions caused by freezing rain over night has resulted in a number of school bus cancellations this morning.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says all school buses in the Kenora area as well as Sioux Narrows have been cancelled.

The freezing rain has created fairly treacherous road conditions on local highways.

Local schools will remain open today for students who either walk to school or who can get a ride from their parent or guardian.

Rat Portage also says its school bus will not be running today. 

Northwestern Ontario Has Longest Wait Times for Long Term Care Beds

A new report is critical of the way the provincial government is funding health care.

The Ontario Health Coalition says northwestern Ontario has the longest wait times for long term care beds in the province.

Coalition director Natalie Mehra says the problem could be eased with more home care, but there just isn't enough funding available.

The Ontario Health Coalition says a zero per cent budget increase for hospitals has forced service cuts across the province.

A good Turn Out for the CP Holiday Train

Holiday spirit was rolling through town today.

The CP Holiday Train stopped in Kenora in support of the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Campaign.

Along with donations collected from local residents, CP representatives also donated to the local cause, presenting a cheque for 25 hundred dollars. 

The train also entertained the huge crowd with performances by Miss Emily and The Brothers Dube.

Ice Candle Festival Celebrates 14 years

A big honor for Kenora's ice candle festival.

The event has just been listed by the province as one of the top festival of lights in Ontario.

Barb Manson says they place thousands of ice candles in the Lake of the Woods Ceremony just before Christmas each year.

Manson says she'd like to see as many as six thousand ice candles this year.

This year will mark the 14th annual ice candle festival.

Saints Hockey Teams Split their Games

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has improved to 3-1 on the season thanks to a 7-1 win last night at the Kenora Rec. Center over the Red Lake Rams.

Tanner Kapera led the way with two goals and an assist while Daniel Thomson also had a pair of goals.

The Saints are on the road this weekend for a tournament in Killarny, Manitoba.

The T.A. girls weren't as fortunate.

They were shutout 7-0 last night by the Muskies in Fort Frances.

Broncos Begin Second Court Sport Season

Beaver Brae's court sport teams picked up just one win in four games to open their second season.

The lone win on the day came from the Broncos junior boys basketball team, which came back from six points down heading into the fourth quarter and beat Fort Frances 57-43.

Jackson Penner led the offense with 21 points.

It was a high scoring affair in the senior boys contest, with the Muskies earning a 98-69 victory over the Broncos.

In girls volleyball, Beaver Brae's senior squad lost three sets to one to Fort Frances, while the junior team lost in three straight sets to the Muskies.

Over at Thomas Aquinas, the Saints had an easy time with Red Lake, sweeping both the junior and senior games three sets to none.