Bastone Back as School Board Chair

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is staying the course.

Frank Bastone is back for another term as chair of the separate school board.

Bastone was re-elected at last night's inaugural board meeting.

Long time trustee Paul Landry was elected as the board's vice-chair.

Kenora Hydro Unhappy with New Report

A recent all-party report on Ontario's electrical distribution system isn't sitting well with Kenora Hydro.

The report suggests amalgamating a number of the municipal hydro utilities would save millions of dollars.

President and CEO of Kenora Hydro Dave Sinclair says the report doesn't recognize some of the realities here in northwestern Ontario.

Sinclair says while it might make sense to amalgamate hydro utilities in southern Ontario, it's a little more difficult in our region.

Aboriginal Protest on Highway 71 This Morning

Motorists travelling along Highway 71 may encounter a brief delay this morning.

Members of Onigaming First Nation near Nestor Falls intend to protest measures contained in the federal government's omnibus bill they say effects the environment and First Nation Treaties.

Chief Norman Copenance says the protest will be peaceful.

The protest to begin at around 10 this morning.

Red Lake OPP Officer Cleared by SIU

The Province's police watchdog is clearing a Red Lake O.P.P. officer of any wrong-doing in the death of a 35 year old man last month.

Ian Scott of the province's Special Investigations Unit says, “There are no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the death.

The S.I.U.’s investigation leads to only one reasonable conclusion: the decedent took his own life by means of a single bullet discharged from a rifle at close range.

There was no police involvement in his unfortunate death.”

The S.I.U. also concluded that at no time did police have any contact with the man who perished sometime between November 4th ad 5th.

Cabbie Assaulted

A 35 year old Kenora man faces charges as a result of an assault on a local taxi driver.

The OPP say they received a complaint Saturday morning around 8:00, that a cabbie had been attacked by a passenger while travelling along the Redditt Road.

A male suspect was arrested at the scene.

Patrick Achneepineskum has been charged with assault.

He's due to appear in Kenora Court at the end of January to answer to the charge.

Saints Win Exhibition Hockey Game

The Thomas Aquinas Boys hockey teams is trying to stay sharp, despite the curtailment of the NorWOSSA hockey season.

Last night, the Saints traveled to Dryden to take on the Paper Kings.

The Saints earned a 3-2 shootout victory, getting goals from Jackson Fregeau and Tyler Caron.

John Percy had the shootout winner.

The Saints will be traveling to New Mexico for a tournament during the Christmas holidays.

Orihel Recieves Diamond Jubilee Medal

A Diamond Jubilee Medal has been awarded to the founder of the Coalition to Save the Experimental Lakes Area.

The M.P. for Winnipeg Center Pat Martin says that it recongises Diane Orihel's determination to raise awareness about the ELA and indepent sceiene and research.

Orihel is the leading voice of the coalition, calling on the federal government to continue to operate the research facility.

Good Financial News for Catholic School Board

Some good news on the financial front for the Kenora Catholic District School Board.

The separate school board's audited financial statements from last year shows a 1.2 million dollar increase in its suplus.

On the budget front, Superintendent of Administrative Services Judy Green says they will also see a slight reduction in their projected deficit for 2012/2013 despite some increased costs.

Green says they were able to reduce their deficit this year thanks to a slight increase in enrolment.

There are about 11 more students than their budget projections.

District Services Board Finalizes Budget

Depending on where you live, you could pay more or less for social services this year.

The Kenora District Services Board approved its 2013 budget, and CAO Dan Mcneill says the tax levy varies by municiplaity.

He says the overall increase is 1.1 percent, but Kenora will be hit with a 5 percent hike.

Red Lake has the largest increase at 9 percent.

The biggest decline is in Ignace at 4 percent.

Some Provincial Parks May Escape Closure

There may be life after all for at least three of the 10 provincial parks slated for closure in northern Ontario.

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities has been meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources to try and reverse the decision.

Al Spacek is the president of FONOM and says initially they were trying to keep at least five of the parks open.

Spacek says they are working on a pilot project to keep Fushimi Park near Hearst, Ivanoe near Chapleau and Rene Brunelle near Kapuskasing open this summer.

Sewer and Water Rates to Increase in the New Year

Kenora homeowners can expect another big increase in their sewer and water bills in 2013.

City council held its final open meeting of 2012 last night, and approved a 10 percent increase in sewer and water rates.

Council actually approved the rate increase in the budget process last year, which will see rates increase by 10 percent a year for at least the next five years.

The rate increase is due to come into effect as of January 1st.

Campbell Outlines Changes to Travel Grant

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is clarifying statements she made recently about the Northern Ontario Travel Grant.

Campbell had expressed concern about the doubling of the distance requirement, only later to learn it was a change made several years ago.

But Campbell says there is a change for the accommodation portion of the grant., which now requires a reciept. 

The province had beefed up the travel grant a hundred dollars for travel a few year ago.

O.P.P Charge Two Men for Weekend Death and House Fire

Two men are facing charges of second degree murder and arson after police discovered a deceased male at a house fire over the weekend.

21-year old Langford Ogemah of Kenora was found dead inside a Lakeside area house when emergency crews arrived after reports of a fire.

A post mortem was conducted on Sunday and found that foul play was the cause of death.

20-year old Peter Fisher and 22-year old Ringo Carpenter were charged in relation to the incident and appeared in Kenora Court on Monday for bail hearings.

Penny Back as KPDS Board Chair

Almost a decade and counting.

Dave Penny is back for another year as chair of the Keewatin-Patricia
District School Board.

He was acclaimed for the position for the ninth time in board elections held week.

Kenora trustee Cecile Marcino is also back for another year as vice-chair
of the public school Board. 

Apartment Rents on the Rise

It costs a little more to rent an apartment in Kenora.

The latest figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
shows the average price for a two bedroom unit was 785 dollars last year.

That's up from 757 dollars last year.

Kenora's far from the most expensive city to rent a apartment.

Sudbury tops the list this year at 915 dollars a month. 

OPP's Northwest Crime Unit Investigating Weekend Fatality

The OPP is continuing its investigation of a fatality over the
weekend in the Lakeside area.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Department was called out around
4:30 Saturday morning to a home in the 6th Street South area.

Police say the blaze was small and caused only minimal damage.

However, the body of a deceased male was found inside the house.

The fatality is being called suspicious, but so far the name of the deceased
has not been released. 

Rickford Promises Infrastructure Funding

Call it a belated Christmas present.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the federal government plans to announce
funding for a number of municipalities and first nations in the new year.

He says its part of an infrastructure program announced in this year's budget.

Rickford hints the City of Kenora will be one of the recipients of the funding.

Northern Electricity Rebate Program Extended

The Provincial Government is extending it's Northern Industrial Electricity Rate.

The program will now be available for another three years and will provide a lower costing electricity rate to mining and forest industry companies.

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Spokesperson Larry Hebert says many believe this rate saved the two industries.

The province is putting 360 million dollars into the three year program.

Elementary Teachers in Rainy River to Strike Today

Elementary teachers and support staff within the Rainy-River District School Board are staging a one-day strike today.

That will impact schools in Fort Frances, Atikokan and Rainy River. 

Last week, elementary staff in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board held their one-day strike as part of a province-wide protest against Bill 115.

The legislation imposes contacts on elementary and secondary school teaches in the public school system.

Storm Win K-Town Classic

A good weekend for local girls hockey teams.

Kenora teams took gold and bronze at the K-Town Classic
Under 19 hockey tournament at the Rec. Center.

The K-Town Storm won the tournament edging the Northwest Warriors
from Fort Frances 3-2 in the A-side final.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas Saints edged the Kelvin Clippers from
Winnipeg 4-3 in the bronze medal game. 

Midget and Senior Thistles Split Weekend Games

Both of Kenora's Triple "A" hockey teams split their games over the weekend.

The Senior Thistles made the 10 hour bus ride to Williston, North Dakota.

Yesterday, the Thistles needed overtime to get by the Williston State Tetons
3-2.

Saturday, the Kenora senior squad were edged 6-5 by the Tetons.

At the Kenora Rec. Center, the Kenora Midgets got by the Yellowhead Chiefs
5-3 Saturday night.

The Thistles rebounded from a 4-3 loss to the Chiefs on Friday night.

One Man Killed In Lakeside Blaze

On Saturday December 15, 2012 at 4:30 am, members of Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Kenora Fire Department responded to a fire inside a residence on Sixth Street South in the City of Kenora.

 Minimal damage was caused by the fire.

But one male was located deceased inside the residence.

Members of the OPP Regional Crime unit are assisting with the investigation into the death. Identity of the deceased will not be released until notification of the next of kin can be completed.

The investigation is continuing and further information will be released as it becomes available

New Family Physicians Practicing in Kenora

Two new physicians in Kenora will be taking new patients in the new year.

Randy Belair from the Paterson Medical Centre says they are setup at the Clinic but there are some changes slowing down how physicians can accept new patients.

Belair wants to remind anyone without a family physician to register with healthcare connect online at  http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/healthcareconnect/public/

Senior Thistles back in Action this Weekend

The Kenora Triple "a" Senior Thistles will see their first action in almost a month.

The Thistles are in Williston, North Dakota for a pair of games this weekend.

Thistles head coach, John Tressor says they are trying to pick up more games in the new year.

The Thistles will play the Williston State Tetons tomorrow night and then again on Sunday afternoon.

NOTO Executive Cites Tough Times for Resignation

The executive director of Nature and Outdoor Tourism in Ontario is stepping down.

Doug Reynolds says that the outdoor tourism industry is taking quite a hit, and that NOTO is going through a restructuring process.

Reynolds adds that times are tough.

Reynolds will remain as director until the end of January.

Health Unit Issues Holiday Safety Tips

The Northwestern Health Unit has some safety reminders this holiday season.

Health Promoter Jessica Kivell says that when purchasing toys for children, pay attention to the age guidelines.

She adds that they are based on safety, not the intelligence or skill level of a child.

Other reminders include keeping candles away from children, and only have soft, unbreakable decorations low on the Christmas tree.

Funds Being Sought for Legion Repairs

A northwestern Ontario MP wants to give Royal Canadian Legion easier access to funds for repairs to their buildings.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty is proposing the federal government set up an infrastructure renewal fund that would match what ever dollars Legion's can raise for upgrades.

Rafferty make his request in a motion put forward in the House of Commons earlier this week.

Girls Hockey Tournament This Weekend

Girls hockey is once again center stage this weekend.

The K-Town Classic features seven teams with players under the age of 19.

The tournament began last night with the K-Town Storm blanking the Thomas Aquinas Saints 2-0.

Maddie Trudeau and Eve Charlebois scored for the Storm, while Aryn Puls earned the shutout.

The tournament continues today at the Kenora Rec. Center and will wrap up Sunday afternoon with the championship game.

Kenora Vacancy Rate Increases

The vacancy rate in Kenora has gone up.
The rate has increased to 5.5 percent in the annual report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Warren Philip is a market analyst and says the numbers suggest people are moving out of rental units.

Philip adds that this years increase of half a percent will benefit people looking for rent in the city.

Kenora Transit Looks to Purchase New Buses

Kenora's Transit system could be boasting a couple of new buses next year.

The city is in the market for one bus for the conventional transit system, and another for Handi-Transit.

The city's fleet manager, Mike Mostow says the good news is federal gas tax funding should cover most of the cost of purchasing the new vehicles.

Mostow says it will take almost a year to take delivery of the new buses if council approves the purchase at next week's open meeting of council.

Quebec Man Faces Charges in West Highway Accident

A 34 year old Quebec man faces charges in connection to a multiple-vehicle accident on Highway 17 west of Kenora.

The accident took place yesterday morning near Inglis Lake closed the Trans-Canada Highway down for more than three hours.

The OPP say a westbound semi swerved into the eastbound lane to avoid a collision with another westbound transport.

Police say the tractor trailor unit ended up colliding with a couple of passenger vehicles in the eastbound lane and before crashing into traffic in the westbound lane.

A total of three people had to be transported to Lake of the Woods District hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the westbound transport has been charged with careless driving.

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.