Public School Board Looks At School Safety

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it will have to review safety measures in place at its elementary schools in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticutt shootings.

Last week, premier Dalton McGuinty says he wants to spend 10 million dollars to improve security systems.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says they are willing to work with the province to improve school safety.

McMaster says some of their newer schools already have things like security cameras in place, but some older schools might need upgrades.

Canfield looks forward to the New Year

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's bullish on the city's economy heading into the new year.

Canfield believes the city has the infrastructure in place to take advantage of some exciting new initiatives.

Canfield says Weyerhaeuser is also talking about expanding its Trus-Joist operations to five days a week, which is also exciting news.

City of Dryden Trying to Trim Tax Increase

There's more talks of service cuts in the City of Dryden.

The first draft of the 2013 operating and capital budget was presented to council last week, which outlines a tax increase of as much as seven percent.

However, Mayor Craig Nuttall says he and council are going to look at other options instead of increasing taxes by that amount.

Nuttall adds that a tax increase that keeps pace with the cost of living of 2 or 3 percent seems to be do-able.

Ice Candle Festival To Light Up Cemetary

Lake of the Woods Cemetary will be shining brightly tonight.

Over five thousand ice candles are expected to be placed at gravesites this afternoon in the annual festival of lights.

Barb Manson is one of the organizers and says they will have a special ceremony this afternoon to kick things off.

Manson says the ice candles will stay lit for about three days.

Midget Thistles Extend Winning Streak

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles will go into the Christmas break on a four game winning streak.

The Thistles won back to back games at home over the weekend against the Interlake Lightning.

Saturday night, the Thistles got by the Lightning 5-3 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The same result Friday night as the Thistles scored four unanswered goals in the third period to come back for a 5-3 victory.

The Kenora midgets will have almost two weeks off before their next game.

They had to Thompson for a pair of games against the Norman North Stars starting January 4th.

Local Drum Ceremony Supports Theresa Spence

Local support is growing for a Northern Ontario chief on a hunger strike.

Local Aboriginal groups gathered today outside market square and held a drum ceremony to commemorate Attiwapiskat chief Theresa Spence.

Spence has been on a hunger strike in Ottawa for 9 days with demands to meet with Prime Minister and the Governor General to discuss the level of poverty in aboriginal communities.

Spence says nothing has been done to improve the poor living conditions on the Attwapiskat first nation after declaring a state of emergency over a year ago.

Rainy River Resources Pulls Back From Pickle Lake Project

Rainy River Resources had decided not to take controlling interest of an exploration project north of Pickle Lake.

The company had been in partnership with Northern Superior Resources for the past two years in the  

Ti-pa-haa-kaa-ning project with an option to assume 51 per cent.

President Raymond Threlkeld says while drilling identified good potential in the project, they've decided to focus efforts and resources in developing its gold project south of Kenora.

Idle No More and Save ELA Hold Rally

Greg Rickford seems to be followed by protesters where ever he goes these days.

Yesterday, the Kenora M.P. held an open house at his constituency office in Kenora, but there were more people outside his office than inside.

A couple of different groups held rallies in support of different causes.

Peter Kirby with the coalition to save the ELA says they are continuing their battle to keep the outdoor laboratory open.

Similar protests have taken place in Red Lake and Dryden this week.

First Canada to Take over Kenora's Transit Service

The City's Transit Service has become a million dollar business.

Starting in the new year, First Canada will take over the municipal transit contract at a cost of 1.1 million dollars over five years.

The city's fleet manager Mike Mostow says the contract could increase or decrease depending on the cost of fuel.

First Canada currently operates school buses in the Kenora area and will take over the transit service from Excel Coach Lines.

911 Costs Going Up

9-1-1 phone service is going to cost the City of Kenora a little bit more in 2013.

City council has approved a contract extention with the Ontario Provincial Police to handle the emergency phone system.

It will cost 86 hundred dollars next year.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the contract is based on population size, and in the last census, Kenora's population grew.

The new five year deal will take effect starting February 17th.

Hospital Looking At Patient Advocate Program

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is researching a new pilot program for patient advocacy.

The idea came about from a presentation seen by board chair Fred Richardson about a program in Kingston.

Hospital CEO Mark Balcaen says the program would benefit patients who need help understanding the health system.

Balcaen adds that the hospital is going to do research on if the program would work on a voluntary basis.

Thunder Bay Storm makes Top 10 List

Thunder Bay has the dubious distinction of making it to the top 10 list of weather events in Canada for 2012.

Meteorologist Geoff Coulson of Environment Canada says they are calling this year, the year of the flood.

Back on May 28th, a severe thunderstorm flooding dozens of basements and overwhelmed the

city's water treatment plant.

Coulson notes the event shattered weather records and was one of a kind.

Thomas Aquinas Boys Hockey Team Wins Again

The Thomas Aquinas Saints boys hockey team will head into the Christmas break on a bit of a winning streak.

The Saints upended the Fort Frances Canadians last night 6-2 in an exhibition game.

Rory Keith led the scoring attack with a hat trick.

The Saints finish the first half of the season with a record of 10 wins, four losses and a tie.

T.A. is preparing to head to New Mexico for a tournament on January 1st.

Snowmobile Goes Through Laurenson's Creek

A not so subtle reminder to check the ice conditions before you venture out on local lakes and rivers.

This morning, a snowmachine when through the ice on Laurenson's Creek in the area of the 8th Avenue Bridge.

Constable Dave Cain says the recent warm weather has created variable ice conditions.

Cain says fortunately the snowmobiler managed to get himself out of the water to safety

New Paramedics to be Hired in Kenora

The Kenora District Services Board is beefing up staff at the new land ambulence base in Kenora.

The DSAB is doing away with an on-call paramedic crew.

Director of EMS Andrew Tickner says instead, the board has approved 4 new positions to create a second on-site overnight crew.

In addition to the positions in Kenora the KDSB is adding 1 new overnight position in Sioux Lookout.

The KDSB hopes to have everything in place by the end of January.

New Zoning By-Law for Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Nestor Falls residents are going to have to get used to a few more rules and regulations.

This week, the Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls approved a new Zoning By-Law.

This is the first time Nestor Falls has ever had zoning regulations.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he's been trying to explain to residents the benefits of the new by-law.

Another key componant of the by-law restricts how close property owners can build to the lake.

School Flags Remain At Half Mast

The Kenora Catholic District School Board says flags at its schools will remain at half mast this week.

The separate School Board says its in remembrance of the 20 children and six women who were killed at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre says the tragic loss of life has impacted all communities, including local schools.

She adds that their board takes these rare incidents seriously and has crisis support teams in place in each school and lockdown procedures to ensure student safety.

Firefly and Health Unit Compile Snapshots of our Children

A series of "snapshots" are hoping to reveal strengths and weaknesses in children and families in the area.

CEO of Firefly Karen Ingebrigtson says they are intended to be a resource for service providers to address needs and issues within surrounding communities.

The snapshots include extensive data about children under the age of four in the Kenora District. 

A link to the snapshots is available on both Firefly's and the Northwest Health Unit's websites.

NAN Supports Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pressuring the Federal Government to release files on the residential schools.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is appalled that the federal government has refused to release millions of documents currently held by 23 federal departments.

He feels it's making it impossible for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to do its job.

Thistles Down Selects

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles continue to have the Eastman Selects number.

The Thistles upended the Selects 5-2 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Nick Prouty led the way with a pair of goals.

The Thistles are back in action Friday night with a home game against the Interlake Lightning.

Salvation Army Delivers Holiday Hampers

The Salvation Army is playing to role of Santa Clause today.

Captain Roy Bladen says volunteers are in the process of delivering this years Christmas hampers to area families.

Bladen says even with a week left in fundraising that the donations have have gone beyond his wildest dreams.  

He adds the people in the Kenora area have donated around 50 thousand dollars worth of food, toys, and money.

Council Approves Street Vendors Again

Street vendors will be back on the Kenora Harborfront and the Discovery Center once again next summer.

Kenora City council has given approval to continue the street vendor program.

Last year there were three approved for the Harborfront area and two for the Discovery Center.

Next year, only one will be given a permit to set up at the tourist information center on Lakeview Drive.

Minaki on the River Moving Forword

Its taken a couple of years, but the owners of the former Minaki Lodge have outlined their plans for the property.

Minaki on the River will consist of a 56-unit apartment-style condominium  and 96 lots to be sold as seasonal cottage lots.

Bob Banman is one of the people behind the development and says they tried to blend into their current surroundings.

The project is currently in front of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing awaiting approval.

The developers hope to secure the approvals in early 2013, with infrastructure work to commence sometime next year.

Catholic Board and Teachers Union Disagree on Contract

The Kenora Catholic District School Board and its teachers aren't exactly singing from the same song book.

The separate school board has wrapped up local bargaining with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.

The talks failed to produce a new agreement, so the current contract will remain in place.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says the deal with ensure at least two more years of labor peace.

However, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association says is disappointed with the current position of the Kenora Catholic District School Board.

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.