OPP Nab Sledders in Fort Frances area

Three Fort Frances men will be making a court appearance after attempting to avoid police on snowmachine.

It happened while OPP were conducting snowmobile patrols on New Year's Eve on Rainy Lake in the area of Northwest Bay.

Police were attempting to stop a group of seven snowmobilers when three bolted.

Officers were able to identify the operators and later charge them with failing to stop for police.

More Suppport for Attawapiskat Chief

The support is pouring in for Attiwapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, who is continuing with her hunger strike.

About 50 people from the Shibogma First Nation Council communities near Sioux Lookout are in Ottawa to stand behind Spence.

They left on Friday, and a majority of them plan on staying until Tuesday.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will meet with a delegation of First Nation leaders this Friday, where they will discuss aboriginal and treaty issues and economic development.

Con College President looking forward to 2013

Jim Madder predicts 2013 will bring growth for Confederation College.  

In a new year's interview the college president says we should expect to see the college expand learning opportunies for students.

While Madder doesn't foresee expanding any satellite campuses he hopes to expand technology to the current sites.

Madder has been president of the college for about a year and a half says he's still on a learning curve

Alzheimer Awareness Month

A new year also means the start of Alzheimer's Awareness month.

It's aimed at raising awareness and helping people understand the signs of the disease.

Lynn Moffatt of the Alzheimer's Society for Kenora-Rainy River says over one thousand people in our region are now effected.

A new national campaign is also being launched in connection to Alzheimer Awareness Month.

Angeconeb in line for Order of Canada

A well-known man from Northwestern Ontario has been appointed an Order of Canada.

Garnet Angeconeb from Sioux Lookout is recognized for his contributions to his community, building relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people and promoting the Anishanabek culture.

Angeconeb is one of the 91 appointtees who will be honored at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

Local Girls Hockey Teams Win Weekend Medals

A big weekend for local girls hockey teams.

The Lake of the Woods Canuck Peewee squad was in Fargo, North Dakota for
an Under 12 tournament and took home the top honors.

The Canucks were a perfect 4-0 over the weekend, and skated to a 7-3 win over the Bismark Chill from North Dakota in the final.

Jamie Ricklefs and Katie Marcine each recorded a hat trick in that game.

Meanwhile, the Kenora Krush Midget girls advance to the final of their tournament
at the Kenora Rec. Center, but had to settle for a silver medal, after dropping
a 5-1 decision to Stonewall in the A-side Final.

In the bantam girls tournament, out of town teams dominated, with the Dryden Drillers blanking
the Fort Frances Wild  2-0 to win Gold.

In the Bronze game, Fort Frances M&M defeated the Kenora Dynomite 1-0 to win Bronze.

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team heads home this morning after a very successful
road trip to New Mexico.

The Saints played a total of seven games over the past four days and won every match.

Yesterday, the Saints skated to a 5-1 win over an all-star team from New Mexico.

They wrapped up the weekend with a inter-squad game with the host team from Taos.

The Saints will be given a police escort this morning as they leave for the long bus ride home.

Thistles Win Two Against Norman

The Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles started off the new year with a pair of wins.

The Thistles were in Thompson, Manitoba for two games against the Norman North Stars.

Saturday, the Thistles needed overtime to secure a 5-4 win over the North Stars.

Nick Prouty had a pair of goals including the game winner in OT.

Friday night, the Thistles doubled up Norman 6-3.

Dave Ross had the hot hand for the Thistles scoring four goals in that contest.

Thistles Open the New Year in Thompson

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles open the new year with a pair
of games in northern Manitoba.

The Thistles are on a long bus ride to Thompson to face the Norman North Stars.

The Kenora Midgets will play the North Stars tonight at 8:00 and again tomorrow night.

Norman sits 18 points back of the Thistles in the Eastern Division Standings.

ELA Scientist Wins Award

A scientist who worked in the Experimental Lakes Area is the recipient of an award.

Dr. Ray Hesslein is 8th person from the ELA to receieve the Frank H. Rigler Award.

The Frank Rigler Award is the highest honor given by the Society of Canadian Limnologists.

In accepting the award, Hesslein stressed the importance the research facility has not only on this country, but all of North America.

Rally to Save Ontario Ranger Camp Program Today

A campaign to save the Ontario Ranger Camp program is underway.


The program, which operated several camps, including one at Quetico Provincial Park, was halted by the province last fall.

Emily Kirton with the group Friends of the Ranger Program, says it brought youth in from elsewhere in the province.

Former campers and workers intend to rally at Queen's Park this afternoon.

Five Men Recovering From Explosion on Lake of the Woods

Five men have been injured, one seriously, after an explosion in an ice fishing camper at the south end of Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods County Sheriff Gary Fish says a propane furnace exploded and blew out the windows early Sunday morning on the shore of Zippel Bay.

All are recovering in hospital in Duluth.

The camper was located near Williams, Minnesota, west of Baudette.

Health Unit Recommends Realistic New Years Resolutions

Have you set a new years resolution?


Julie Slack is a dietitian with the Northwestern Health Unit, and says that weight loss is a main goal for many people.

She adds that the problem is that people set their hopes to high, and eventually give up.

Slack says it's a good idea to find a friend who has the same goals and can motivate you.

OPP Investigating Thunder Bay Incident

The OPP are looking into an allegation by a 19 year old First Nation man against Thunder Bay Police Service.

It's alleged that a Thunder Bay Police Service officer transported the man to a location outside of the city limits.

The man reported that he was dropped off and left to walk back to his residence in Thunder Bay.

The incident is said to have occurred in the evening hours of December 2nd.

The Thunder Bay Police Service is cooperating with the Ontario Provincial Police in their investigation.

Nominations Being Sought for NWO Innovation Awards

The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Center is honoring Northwestern Ontario businesses.

The 5th annual RBC Innovation Awards will be held February 21st.

Manager Judy Sander says they'll also honour those people who help get new businesses started.

The deadline to nominate a business or volunteer is February 4th.

wwww. http://www.nwoinnovation.ca/article/welcome-1.asp

Saints Skate to Exhibition Win in New Mexico

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team is enjoying some southern hospitality.

The Saints are in Taos, New Mexico for a hockey tournament.

Yesterday T.A. played an exhibition game against Los Alamos and skated to a 6-1 victory on an NHL-sized outdoor ice rink.

The Saints will play a pair of games today.

They kick of the tournament at 4:00 with a game against the host team from Taos.

They will also be back on the ice at 10:00 this evening

Kenora O.P.P Release 2012 Impared Driving Numbers

The Kenora O.P.P are happy that they charged fewer drivers with impared driving this holiday season.

Constable Dave Cain says they hope to see the numbers continue to go down in 2013.

This year saw an increase in impared driving from 82 to 85 but the festive ride campaign saw a decrease from 11 to 8.

  Cain adds that 73 percent of drivers charged were male.

Winter Carnival Charity Buttons Now Available

With the Winter Carnival just around the corner the time is now to purchase your charity buttons.

The 4 charities collecting the donations this year are It's a Dogs life, Special Olympics, the Hospital Foundation, and Triple Play.

Special Events Coordinator Mark Duggan says the buttons are now on sale for 2 dollars each and can be found at numerous locations throughout the city.

O.P.P Looking to Hire Officers in Northwestern Ontario

The Ontario Provincial Police are looking to hire people for it's constable and auxiliary program.

An information session is being held at the Dryden detachment on January 16, beginning at 7pm.

Constable Erin Huckell says there are positions open all over the province.

Huckell says all applicants must be at least 18-years-old, with a clean driving record and a Canadian citizen.

No School Board Mergers in Northwestern Ontario

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is breathing a sigh of relief.

The Ministry of Education has indicated that it will not be going ahead with any school board amalgamations after all.

Phylis Eikre is director of Education and says they are still willing to help find savings for the province.

There had been concern the Kenora Catholic and the Northwest Catholic District Schools Board's might be forced to merge.

Pepper Spray Incident at Dryden Mohawk

There was an attempted gas-and-dash in Dryden over the weekend, involving pepper spray.

On Sunday, Dryden Police were notified that a female cashier at the Mohawk had been sprayed in the face by an unknown man.

Police say that the man filled up his vehicle with gas, went inside and waited to the other customer to leave before attacking the cashier and leaving without paying for the gas.

Officers were able to track down the vehicle on highway 17 near the highway 71 junction, and learned that the vehicle was stolen from Alberta.

Police arrested 27-year-old Parry Clark for posession of stolen property, assault and theft under 5000 dollars.

Robbery charges are pending.

NOMA is committed to building the economy in Northwestern Ontario

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is vowing to keep working towards improving the region's economy.

Ron Nelson says they'll be plugging away at a number of ongoing issues such as the Rink of Fire in 2013.

Nelson says one of their biggest achievements in 2012 was seeing the Northern Policy Insitute come to fruition.

Public School Boards Work to Restore Extra-Curriculars

It's still too early to say whether extra-curricular activities will be restored for public school students.

Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, Jack McMaster says they will be having a meeting with the Ministry of Education later this week.

He's hoping things can return to normal in the new year.

McMaster says they will holding a teleconference with other directors of education tomorrow.

Idle No More Movement Boycotts Local Businesses

Ide No More protests continue in Northwestern Ontario.

Today First Nations people in Kenora will be holding a one-day business boycott.

Protest organizer Tania Cameron says they will be outside small and big box stores, such as the mall, providing information about bill C-45.

Cameron adds that their goal is to send a message to Ottawa to allow debate on the bill, to respect and honor treaty rights, and for Prime Minister Harper to meet with Attiwapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

Thomas Aquinas Boys Hockey Team Heads to New Mexico

The christmas break isn't stopping the TA boys hockey team from playing some competitive hockey.


Tomorrow the Saints are heading down to a tournament in New Mexico.

Head coach Travis Batters says he isn't setting a win loss goal for the tournament has they haved faced any of the teams in to cmpetition.

Batters adds that the tournament features the top teams from divisions throughout New Mexico.

4th Annual Snowflake Shake at Mount Evegreen

Mount Evergreen is hosting its annual Snowflake Shake tonight from 6-10

Blair McCallum says they have lots of events planned for a great family evening to round out the new year.

McCallum says Tickets for the evening are $25 for adults and $10 for kids.

Tickets include your lift pass for the night, a Prime Rib on a bun dinner, movies, music and Nintendo Wii for the kids, and a fireworks display at 10:30.

Contact Mount Evergreen for more information.

Rotary Club Hosts Family Day at Rec Centre

The Rotary Club in Kenora is hosting a free family fun day at the Kenora Rec Centre this afternoon.

Rod Riopel says many the hockey rink, swimming, and walking track will be open for the public between 4 and 7, and that sleigh rides will be running between

Riopel adds that everyone is invited to attend.

MPP Sarah Campbell Prepares for 2013

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has some plans for the new year.

Campbell says she hopes that the new premier for Ontario will have a fresh perspective and work with all of the parties.

Campbell adds that before Dalton McGuinty prorouged the legislation, she was hoping for some changes.

Campbell adds that Queens Park can be recalled anytime after the third week in February.

Contract Deadline Tonight for Ontario Teachers

The deadline for Ontario's teachers to reach agreements with their local school boards is tonight at one minute before midnight.

Education Minister Laurel Broten is urging those school boards and teachers who haven't yet reached deals to do so before tonight's deadline.

Broten hasn't said if she'll move to impose deals on January 1st -- only that she has the option to do so under Bill 115.

The legislation freezes the pay of most teachers, reduces their ability to bank sick days and limits their right to strike.

Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Concerned About Taxes

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls is worried taxes may have to go up once again in 2013.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they have been able to keep their millrate at near zero percent over the past couple of years.

But he says they don't have any control over the increase in property assessments.

Thompson says their bill for policing and the District Services Board continue to increase each year, and they have no control over those costs.

Christmas Day Fire in Dryden

It pays to have working smoke alarms.

On Christmas morning, the Dryden Fire Service responded to to a 4-unit apartment building on Clearwater Crescent.

Acting Fire Chief Ken Kurz says they found a fire burning in the furnace room.

Kurz says the fire could have been deadly as the smoke alarms were not working.

Charges against the owner and occupants are pending.

Ontarians Satisified with O.P.P

The Ontario Provincial Police have released their annual community satisfaction survey.

The survey revealed that over 95.8 percent of Ontarians feel 'safe' or 'very safe' in their communities.

Staff Sergeant Hazel O'Brien says that there is a common issue throughout the province, including Northwestern Ontario.

  O'Brien adds that a major issue in the region is the use of alcohol and drugs.

North Spirit Lake Man Charged for Assault in Red Lake

A 21-year-old man from North Spirit Lake has been charged following an incident in Red Lake earlier this month.


On December 16, Red Lake OPP responded to a report of an assault that took place at a residence, and upon arrival found a 47-year-old man with injuries.

Police say Clarence Ignace has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.

O.P.P Recover Body in Red Lake

Provincial Police have recovered a body from Deer Lake, near the community of Red Lake.
Last Friday, O.P.P were contacted by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service after a man who was operating a Bombardier groomer fell through the ice.
Police say the man has been identified as 56-year-old Henry Meekis.

New Doctors to Roster Patients in New Year

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is looking forward to some new doctors in the new year.

Two new doctors are getting ready to set up shop.

Marc Belcaen is the CEO of the Hospital and says the process has been held up by the province and the Ontario Medical Association.

Belcaen is urging any families in the community to register with Health Care Connect, which is a website set up to find patients a doctor.

Kenora O.P.P charge 2 men for Impared Driving

Some people don't seem to be getting the message about drinking and driving.

Kenora O.P.P confirm they charged 2 men this morning with impared driving.

At 3:30 police got a tip from a gas station and pulled a vehicle on Lakeview Drive, 36-year old Daniel Swaigen of Winnipeg was charged and will appear in Kenora Court on February 7th.

About an hour later O.P.P stopped a vehicle on 9th Street North where 24 year old Brodie Mahon of Greenstone was charged with exceeding the legal limit.

Update on Fatal Crash Near Ignace

The man who was killed in a two vehicle collision on Sunday East of Ignace has been identified.

Provincial Police say 32-year-old Blake Cheslock of Thunder Bay died when a westbound 2006 Ford pick up truck travelleled into the eastbound lane and collided with a 2007 Pontiac G6.

In addition, Cheslock's two-year-old daughter was transported to Winnipeg to be treated for injuries.

Police say the 79-year-old driver of the pick up and a 17-year-old passenger were transported to Dryden Hospital.

Police continue to investigate the collision.

Lions Club Car Draw Winners Announced

Thee lucky people have won prizes from the Lions Club car Raffle.

The Grand Prize winner is Gord Lund who takes home the brand new 2013 Ford Escape.

Second place went to Nancy Johansen of Kenora who won a 500 dollar gift card for Safeway.

And Steven Robertson took 3rd place winning a 500 dollar Canadian Tire gift card.

Alzheimer Society's Forget Me Not Dinner

The first major fundraiser of the new year for the Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River goes in Fort Frances

The Forget Me Not Charitable Dinner will take place January 12 at the La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says it's the 9th year for the event, formally known as the Chef's Dinner.

For tickets visit the Alzheimer Society's website at http://www.alzheimerkrr.com/ or call its Kenora office at (807) 468-1516.

Funding Application for Reddit Water Plant

Redditt residents are still waiting for their water project to be completed.

Jack Martin is president of the Local Services Board and says they need more funding to finish the water treatment plant.

Martin says they have applied for funding from a new infrastructure program announced by the province in the fall, which will pay up to 90 percent of any upgrades.

Kenora Hydro Rates

Kenora Hydro says it could be a few more months before it knows whether the rates it charges local consumers will be going up.

President and CEO of the municipal utility, Dave Sinclair says any increase would be fairly modest but it is to early to tell if there will be any change.

Sinclair says Kenora Hydro has filed its Interim Rate Order, but any increase would not take place until at least May 1st.

Crimestoppers Trying to Solve Theft of Snowmachines

Northwestern Ontario Crimestoppers is asking for the public's assistance to help locate a couple of snowmachines stolen in Fort Frances.

The two Arctic Cats were on a trailor located in a storage and display lot at the West end of Fort Frances and were stolen the night of December 8th.

One of the sleds was an Arctic Cat 2002 ZL 6 600 with black and orange coloring.

The other was an Arctic Cat 2006 SAB 700 Fire Cat.

Southern Ontario Hunter Charged for Killing Wolf

A southern Ontario man has been fined a thousand dollars for illegally hunting a wolf north of Kenora.

MNR Conservation officers say they came across a hunting camp on the Seguise Road back in October and noticed a wolf carcass behind the camp.

A hunter admitted he had shot the wolf earlier in the day, but did not have the proper game seal to affix to the animal.

He told the Conservation officers he was waiting for someone in his hunting party to put their game seal on the wolf.

The MNR says its illegal for hunting party's to kill wolves.

Neil Whitmore from Rockwood, Ontario has been fined a thousand dollars.

His rifle was also seized until the fine is paid.

Thunder Bay Man Killed in Accident near Ignace

One person is dead and three other people have been sent to hospital as a result of a two-vehicle collision near Ignace.

The OPP say the collision took place yesterday afternoon around 5:00 when a westbound Ford F-150 crossed into the eastbound lane and ran into a 2007 Pontiac G-6.

The driver of the Pontiac, a 32 year old man from Thunder Bay was killed and his two year old daughter was taken by air ambulence to Winnipeg for treatment of her injuries.

A 69 year old man who was driving the pick-up and his 17 year old passenger from Hawkstone, Ontario were taken by ambulence to hospital in Dryden.

The Trans-Canada was closed about 10 kilometers east of Ignace for about seven hours while the OPP conducted their investigation and the wreckage was removed from the highway.

OPP Re-Open Highway 17 near Ignace

Highway 17 10 kilometers east of Ignace is now open to both lanes of traffic after being closed most of the night due to a fatal motor vehicle collision.

The OPP say the highway was closed initially around 6:00 last night and wasn't opened to one lane for another six hours.

Police say the accident took place about 10 kilometer east of Ignace.

No other details are available at this time.

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.