Highway 17 Closed at Highway 71 Junction

O.P.P have closed sections of highway 17 east of Kenora due to a collision near Percy Lake.

Constable Ronni Grosenick says the Eastbound lane is closed at the Highway 71 Junction and the Westbound lane is closed from Vermillion Bay.

Grosenick adds that more closures may happen as a winter storm crosses the region tonight.

O.P.P are advising against travel on any area highway.

Highway 71 Re-opened

Highway 71 from the Highway 17 junction to Sioux Narrows was re-opened early this afternoon.

The highway had been closed due to slippery road conditions and 2 tractor trailer units getting stuck.

The semi trailers have since been cleared.

However O.P.P are advising against travelling on area highways as a winter storm rolls into the area bringing heavy snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain.

Rickford Looking Forward to Today's Meeting

Kenora MP Greg Rickord is looking forward to this afternoon's meeting between aboriginal leaders, the Prime Minister and other government officials.

Rickford says he continues to work closely with area First Nations on addressing their concerns.
and feels most communities are making some headway.


Rickford will be in attendance at the meeting along with Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan.

He says open dialogue continues to be key for the Federal Government.


The meeting comes at a time when tensions are starting to flare between the government and First Nations.

School Buses Cancelled This Morning

A long weekend for some students in the Kenora area today.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says its canceling all its
school buses this morning due to treacherous road conditions.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it has also closed its
elementary schools today in preparation for a planned protest by its
elementary teachers.


High schools and all schools operated by the Kenora Catholic District School
Board will be open today for anyone who walks or can get a ride to class.

Municipal transit service is operating as usual today.

Highway 71 Closed This Morning

There is one road closure this morning.

Highway 71 from the Junction of Highway 17 to almost
Sioux Narrows has been closed due to slippery road
conditions.

Police say two transports have become stuck and are blocking
the highway.

Weatherwise, the worst is still to come.

Rob Coon from the Ontario Storm Center says a classic Colorado Low is
on the way.

Coon says we can expect about 10 to 15 centimters of snow overnight
and another couple of centimeters tomorrow.

Liberal Delegates Selected this Weekend

Provincial Liberals can select their candidates for the leadership convention at the end of the month.

Leadership Candidate Charles Sousa wants to see a good turnout at the vote this weekend.

The selected delegates will vote at the Leadership convention to select the new Premier.

Delegate selection will take place at the Best Western in Dryden tomorrow.

Day One of Murder Trial in the Books

Testimony has started in the in second degree murder trial of 42 year old Kenneth Ivall and 24 year old
Angela Duchesne.

A number of people took the stand yesterday at the trial looking into the murder of Ed Wilson on March 21st, 2009.

His daughter and the two members of a CP rail crew gave testimony this morning.

Donald Gordon was the engineer of the locomotive and says they noticed a body lying on the train tracks
about 1.8 miles west of the Kenora train station.

He says he tried to stop the train, but it still ran over top of the body.

The conductor of the train, Burton Bastin says the body was severed at the shoulders.

The engineer went down to the Tim Horton's on Lakeview Drive, where he noticed police cars in attendance.

The trial is schedule to continue today.

Temperature Records Set

Its been a crazy 24 hours for weather in the Kenora area.

Yesterday smashed previous highs for January 10th, with the
thermometer topping out at 5.9 degrees.

The previous record was set last year, when the temperature hit
2.7 celcius.

The hot spot in the region was Fort Frances which hit 8.3 degrees
yesterday.

Saints Boys Win Again

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team continues to roll along.

Last night the Saints edged Sioux Lookout  2-1 in overtime.

Tanner Kapera had the game winner.

The Saints are now off for the next couple of weeks for the exam break.

Winter Storm Warning for Kenora

Environment Canada has put a winter storm warning in effect for Kenora and surrounding areas.

Periods of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain are expected to begin tonight and last through Saturday.

Environment Canada is predicting 10 centimeters of snow on Friday with an additional 10-15 centimeters on Friday Night.

Respiratory Illness on the Rise

A respiratory illness is said to be on the rise in the area according to the Northwestern Health Unit.

The illness is caused by virus' such as Influenza and include symptoms of couching, sore throat, fevers, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

Donna Stanley is the Manager for Infectious Diseases at the health unit and says most symptoms will go away with within a week but the cough can last around 2 weeks.

To reduce the strain on local hospitals Stanley is asking people to contact Telehealth Ontario at  (1-866-797-0000) to decide if a trip to the hospital is needed.

Crash on Highway 17 near Ignace

A 48-year-old transport driver from Manitoba has received minor injuries following a single vehicle crash on Highway 17 between Ignace and Upsala.

Police say the accident occurred around 12:30 this morning when an eastbound transport lost control after his trailer got caught in some snow on the shoulder  and went into the ditch.

O.P.P say the driver was trying to avoid a westbound transport who was passing another tractor trailer unit.

Idle No More Protest at Mcleod Park

Grassy Narrows First Nation is making their voices heard in the Idle No More Movement.

Amy McKenzie organized the rally today at McLeod Park and says First Nations want their voices heard on decisions that directly effect them.

McKenzie adds they held the rally to keep the Idle No More movement fresh in peoples minds before tomorrows meeting between Pime Minister Harper and first nations leaders.

There will be another Idle No More gathering Friday morning at 10:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Crown Begins Prosecution in Kenora Murder Case

The crown will begin presenting its case this morning at the second degree
murder trial of Kenneth Ivall and Angela Duchesne.

The prosecution made its opening arguments yesterday after the jury
was finalized.

Ivall and Duchesne have been charged with second degree murder in the
death of Ed Wilson.

He died on the CP rail tracks in Norman in March of 2009.

The trial is taking place at the Kenora Court House with Justice Terrance
Platana presiding.

MNO Applauds Court Ruling

A new opportunity for Metis people to get access to health care.

That's one of the potential benefits of a federal court ruling this week according to the president of the Metis Nation of Ontario.

Gary Lipinsky says many Metis risk their lives because they can't afford proper medications.

Lipinsky says the ruling puts the Metis population under federal jurisdiction and that opens up new channels of funding for health care.

Fort Frances Town Councillor Passes Away

A sad day in the Town of Fort Frances.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs has died.

The long-time councillor had recently taken a leave of absence and had been in hospital for undisclosed health reasons.

Tibbs had been a member of council on and off since 1993 and appointed the town's deputy mayor in six years ago.

Flags at the Fort Frances Civic Centre are being lowered to half-staff in her honour.

Thistles Pick up Point in OT Loss

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles have lost for the first time in 2013.

The Thistles lost 5-4 to the Winnipeg Wild last night in a shootout.

The Kenora Midgets held a one goal lead until late in the game, but the
Wild scored with just 37 seconds left to force overtime.

The Thistles pick up a single point in the shootout loss, but drop 11 points
back of the Wild in the East Division standings.

Snowmobile Trail Markers Stolen

The OPP says they are trying to find the culprits responsible for damaging
and removing snowmobile trails markers and signs.

Police say they have received mischief complaints from the Sunset
Trail Riders in recent days.

Things like directional or warning signs have gone missing.

The OPP say they are worried that people using the trails could get
lost or travel in areas that may not have safe ice condition.

Police say some of these acts of mischief can be considered a criminal
offense.

Job Actions To Close Elementary School This Friday

Elementary teachers in the Keewatin Patricia District School board will be participating in a one day political protest this Friday.

Director of Education Jack Mcmaster says all elementary schools will be closed as a result.

McMaster says buses will be operating on the same schedule for
high school and catholic schools

Classes will resume on Monday, January 14.

More Idle No More Protests in the Works

Another Idle No More protest will be taking place in Kenora tomorrow.

This time, protesters will be gathering at Husky the Musky in the afternoon.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says a lack of Federal Government consultation has lead to Idle No More protests popping up across the country.

Rafferty says First Nation residents aren't the only people who feel like the Harper Government isn't listening to their concerns.

Area First Nations under the Idle No More banner are protesting the Federal Government's decision to pass the omnibus budget legislation known as Bill C-45.

Seven Generations Begins Planning for Lakewood

Seven Generations Education Institute is hoping to release more details about
its plans for Lakewood School in the next few months.

The agency is due to take over Lakewood at the end of July.

Delbert Horton is the executive director and says they would like to
start offering classes in the school by the fall.

He adds that they are hoping to work with other educational partners
on the Lakewood project.

Health Unit Releases Year End Review

The Northwestern Health Unit says its continuing to test water quality
in the region.

In a year-end review of its programs, the Health Unit says enforcement teams
assessed over 900 small drinking water systems in the Kenora and Rainy
River Districts.

It says it has also issued directives to operators to reduce the risk of water
borne illness.

The Health Unit says it also began a new pilot project last year, bringing its
mobile dental office to four first nation communitites.

Market and Craft Shows Resume this Weekend

If you missed out on local vendors during summer events don't worry.

Mark Duggan is the special events coordinator and says this Saturday is the first of three chances to check out vendors at the Matiowski’s Market & Craft shows.

The Market will take place this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Discovery Center.

The Market and Craft shows will also take place on Febuary 9th, and March 2nd.

Teachers Unions to Meet Today

Members of local teacher unions are meeting in Toronto today.

They'll be getting an update from their leadership about what their
next steps are in their battle with the provincial government.

Anne Saltel is the local president of the Elementary Teachers Federation
of Ontario and says they don't even know right now when they will be
able to vote on the contract imposed on them by the provincial government
last week.

She's hoping they have more details after today's meeting.

Two Thistles Named to Eastern All-Star Squad

Just two members of the Kenora Thistles will be heading
to Dauphin this weekend for the annual Manitoba Midget Hockey League
All-Star Game.

Forwards Davis Ross and Mikko Keski-Pukkila have been selected for
the East Division All-Star squad.

The All-Star game will take place this Saturday.

Tonight, the Thistles hit the road for a game against the Winnipeg Wild.

Government Will Review Court Ruling of Metis and Non-Status Indians

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the government will review a federal court ruling in favor of more than 600-thousand off-reserve Metis and non-status Indians.

The court has ruled they are indeed "Indians" under the Constitution Act and they fall under federal jurisdiction.

Rickford says it's too early to comment on the ruling.

Rickford adds that Aboriginal Affairs will take time to carefully review.

Visitor Restrictions at Dryden Regional Health Centre

The Dryden Regional Health Centre continues to take precautions, following a high number of patients with respiratory illness.

Anyone who enters the hospital is required to wear a mask, and wash their hands frequently.

Spokesperson Darlene Furlong says a number of people have complained of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness.

Furlong says visitor restrictions will most likely remain for the rest of the week.

Con College Brings Women's Hockey to Kenora

The Confederation College women's hockey team will be making its
first ever appearance in Kenora.

The Thunderhawks will be playing a pair of games this weekend at the
Kenora Rec. Center against the Assinaboine College Cougars from
Brandon.

The first game will take place Saturday night at 7:00 at the Kenora Rec.
Center, and will be followed up with another game Sunday
afternoon at 1:00.

This is the inaugural season for the Con College women's hockey program.

Fate of Extra-Curricular Activities Still Up in the Air

Talks continue with the local school board and public schools regarding the continuation of extra-curricular activities.

Director of Education for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Jack McMaster says that despite last weeks announcement by the education minister that contracts will be imposed on teachers, he hopes things can remain as close to normal.

McMaster says it's up to the unions if teachers will continue with voluntary activities.

McMaster says there will be another teleconference on Thursday to get a better idea of the situation.

Kenora Man Dies While Grooming Trail

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have identified the man who fell through the ice near Poplar Hill First Nation.

Police recovered the body of 52-year-old Thomas McDonald of Kenora and a post-mortem was conducted yesterday, which revealed that the cause of death was drowning.

The incident happened on Saturday, when a snow grooming machine had gone through the ice, with the operator missing.

Fort Hope Man Charged with Trafficking

A Fort Hope First Nation man is being charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking after Nishnawbe-Aski police seized a number of Oxycodone pills.

Police seized approximately almost 3-thousand dollars worth of 5 milligram Oxycodone prescription pills and six hundred dollars worth of alcohol.

The man is scheduled to appear in court on March 21st in Fort Hope.

New EI Changes Now In Effect

Changes to Employment Insurance are now in effect.

The Federal Government announced their plans in the spring budget.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is worried people will be forced to take minimum wage jobs and could be forced to travel outside of their communities for work.

Rafferty is also concerned fewer people will be able to access the fund.

The new E.I. changes went into effect this past Sunday.

Murder Trial Begins This Week in Kenora Court

After almost four years, a trial looking into the death of Ed Wilson is about to begin.

Wilson was found dead on the CP train tracks in Norman in March of 2009.

39 year old Kenneth Ivall and 23 year old Angela Duchesne are facing second degree murder changes.

Chris Watkins is representing Ivall and say the eight week trial could pose some challenges in the jury selection process.

Jury selection is due to begin tomorrow morning at 11:00.

More Snow on the Way

Get ready to break out your snow shovel.

The first full week of January will be much milder than
normal, but it will bring with it a lot of snow.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the first
big dump will start tomorrow.

Laidlaw says more heavy snow is also expected by the end of the
week.

Sioux Narrows Debating OPP Service

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls is still grappling with how it
plans to police the community in 2013.

The tiny community had initially told the OPP it wanted to cancel its contract
and just have a call for service agreement.

Mayor Bill Thompson says the OPP has since agreed to lower its cost
of servicing the municipality.

Thompson says they are now balking at signing the contract, following
comments by Ontario's Auditor General, who was critical of the increased cost
of OPP service, despite declining crime rates.

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.

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