Rec. Center Open Family Day

The Kenora Rec Centre is the place to be this Family Day holiday.

Megan Derouard with the Rec. Center says all the facilities will be open between 8:00 and 3:30.

Deroaurd says there are some free incentives including free hot dogs for the first 100 people through the door.

Deroaurd says there is also a free skate from 12:30 to 2:00 and a free swim from 1:00 to 2:30 sponsored
by Royal LePage

Thistles Open Play-Offs at Home

Excitement is building for the Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles.

The Thistles host the Eastman Selects tonight to start the playoffs.

It's game one of their best-of-three preliminary round series.

Coach Doug Novak says it's a nice luxury to have home ice advantage in the
first round.

The Midget look to build of a season that saw them earn 56 points.

Face off is scheduled for 7:30 tonight at the Thistle Rink.

High School Hockey Regular Season Wraps Up

The Thomas Aquinas boys have won round two of the battle of Kenora.

The Saints doubled up Beaver Brae 4-2 last night at the Kenora Rec. Center in
the final regular season game for both teams.

The victory avenges a 3-2 loss two weeks ago at the hands of the Broncos.

Goal scorers for the Saints were Mac Alcock, Dan Bishop, Tanner Kapera and Jackson Fregeau.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's girls hockey team also finished the regular season on
a winning note.

The Broncos edged Fort Frances 3-2 yesterday afternoon at the Keewatin Arena.

Captain Haley Moncrief led the way with a pair of goals including the game winner.


The play-offs in high school hockey are scheduled to begin next week.

Chamber Hands Out Annual Business Awards

A glittering gala for Kenora's Business Community.

A total of eight awards were handed out in the annual Kenora and District
Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet.

Laura Moore was a double winner, picking up the Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Improvement Awards.

Other winners last night were the Royal Bank for Customer Service Excellence for
a large business, the Bijou Restaurant for best new business, and Bareheart Boutique
for Innovative Small Business.


Restaurante Pizzaria Italia won the Tourism Hospitality award, while
Bruce Anderson Carpentry too the Customer Service Excellence award for
a small company, while Haily Yanshishyn was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Pathologist Presents Findings at Murder Trial

Some rather gruesome evidence has been presented at the second degree
murder trial of Kenneth Ivall.

Dr. Michael Pollanen is Ontario's Chief Forensic Pathologist and he presented
some of the photographs from Ed Wilson's autopsy yesterday.

Wilson's face was very badly beaten and Pollanen says he found numerous
lacerations, abrasions and bruises on his face.

Dr. Pollanen says blunt force trauma to Wilson's face and head caused extensive bleeding and that led him to choke on his own blood.

Crown Attorney Mary-Ann Mousseau asked the pathologist whether there was a single fatal blow that caused his death.

Pollanen answered that would have been a simplification of this case.

Ed Wilson died as a result of the multiple injuries he sustained.

He did confirm that Wilson was dead before he was run over by a train.

He adds that if he had received proper medical attention, there is no reason
why he should have died from his injuries.

Valleyview to get a Makeover

Valleyview Public School is expanding.

The Keewatin Patricia District School Board announced plans including 4 new classrooms, an expansion to the gymnasium, and a new playground area.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says it's a great announcement.

Work on the new classroms will begin this spring with work on the gymnasium starting in the fall.

Canfield Likes Look of New Cabinet

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's excited about the prospects of
working with some of the ministers in Kathleen Wynne's new cabinet.

Canfield says in particular he's glad to see Michael Gravelle re-assigned as the Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

He's also pleased that Glen Murray has been named the new minister for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Canfield says Murray's knowledge of the Kenora area will really help in any future funding discussions for roads and bridges with the province.

Valley Throws Support Behind Justin Trudeau

The President of the Federal Liberal Association in the Kenora riding has joined the Justin Trudeau team as an organizer.

Roger Valley says he strongly believes that Trudeau will become the next party leader and the next Prime Minister.

Valley says it's nice to be part of something new and exciting.

Valley is hoping that Trudeau will make an appearance in our riding.

He has confirmed that Bob Rae will meet with supporters in Dryden on March 12th.

Red Lake Cab Driver Charged with Drunk Driving

A taxi driver in Red Lake has been charged with impaired driving.

Provincial Police say last week, a taxi was exiting the Ice Road at the Government Docks when it hit a snow bank.

An officer stopped to check on the driver, and noticed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

As a result, police have charged 56-year-old Michael Desmeules.

JM Judo Club Claims Five Medals in Winnipeg

Three gold medals for the Jaffray Melick Judo club at the recent Winnipeg
Inter-City Championships.

Kerwin Klywak won his 30-kg under 13 age group, while Noah Sullivan placed first in the 46kg Under 18 division, while Luke Hetherington was tops in the 73-kg Under 21 division.

Heatherington also claimed the silver medal in the senior men's 73 kilo event.

The tournament drew 200 competitors from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba
and northwestern Ontario.

OPP Charge Driver of Mini-Excavator

Charges have been laid following an incident last week including a mini-excavator.

The charges stem from an incident last Thursday on Darlington Drive where several vehicles were damaged by a mini-excavator operated by 64 year old John Contini.

Kenora OPP have charged Contini with mischief under $5000, mischief endangering life, unauthorized possession of a weapon, and knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon.

Contini will appear in Kenora Court on February 27th.

McMaster Announces Resignation

After more then 20-years with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, Jack McMaster says he will retire on July 31.

McMaster is the Director of Education with the school board, and says that he knows the board will be in good hands in the future.

McMaster says he hopes to still stay involved with the schools.

There's no word yet on a replacement.

Duchesne Takes the Stand at Murder Trial

A key prosecution witness is on the stand at the Second Degree Murder Trial of Kenneth Ivall.

Angela Duchesne took the witness stand yesterday.

Duchesne says she had met Ed Wilson previously when she was just
16 years old.

She says she sold him crack cocaine.

She says they drove in his truck and at one point he began pawing at her, but she managed
to fight him off.

She adds that she described Wilson to Kenneth Ivall as a creep and stalker-type guy.

In the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009, she says she saw
Wilson again outside the Tower Motel.

She remembers Wilson striking Ken Ivall, and then hitting her.

She also witnessed Wilson being assaulted by a group of people.

Later she found him lying in the middle of A Street West and slapped and
kicked him.

She says she and Ivall dragged his body to a nearby trail that leads up to
the train tracks, where she say Ivall repeatedly stomp Wilson on the head.

She admits to frequent black-outs that night and doesn't remember moving Wilson's body onto the train tracks.

Today, a pathologist will be on the stand.

Prosperity Trust Fund Comes Up Short

Yet another financial challenge for the City of Kenora.

Figures released for 2012 show the return on investment on the
KMTS Citizen's Prosperity Fund was way down.

Councillor Ron Lunny says instead of averaging a five percent return, like
they've done in the past, last year, the figure was 1.7 percent.

He says that means there will be less money to help offset taxes this year.

Lunny says over the past couple of years the city had set a target of 1.1 million
dollars from the KMTS Prosperity Fund to be used to offset taxes.

Local Bishop Reacts to Pope's Resignation

The Catholic Bishop that represents northwestern Ontario, Bishop Fred Colli says he is surprised that the Pope is resigning.  

Colli  calls it a courageous move from a man who has done something no other pontiff has done for 600 years and will be missed.

Colli hopes the resignation sets an example to other leaders in the church about when to call it quits.

Gravelle Pleased with New Cabinet Post

Michael Gravelle can barely contain his excitement in being named to the new Kathleen Wynne cabinet.

Gravelle says to be back as Minister of Northern Development and Mines is what he had hoped for.

He says that he will be devoting a lot of attention to the Ring of Fire  which the premier has made a priority.

Gravelle was shuffled out of the Natural Resources porfolio earlier this week.

Student Summer Jobs Grants Now Available

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is encouraging employers to apply for funding to help create student jobs.

Funding is available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses.

People between 15-30 years-old who are full time students and intend on returning to school the following year qualify for these job opportunities.

Rickford says this opportunity allows area businesses to provide meaningful jobs for students, and strengthen the local economy.

Officer Charged with Impaired Driving

A Treaty Three Police officer has been suspended from active duty for
for impaired driving.

Treaty Three Police say they were contacted on Saturday afternoon about one of their vehicles which was parked on an ice road on Lake of the Woods, about 1.6 kilometers from the Sabaskong First Nation.

Police say they found the occupant of the vehicle to be intoxicated.

He was arrested and taken to the Kenora Detachment of the OPP for a
breath test.

49 year old Constable Garland Kejick has been charged with impaired driving.

He is due to appear in Kenora Court on March 7th.

Campbell Receives Special Valentine's

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has a present for Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Campbell received dozens of paper valentine hearts yesterday during a rally held by the union representing the children aid society in Kenora-Rainy River.

Campbell says Kenora-Rainy River Child and Youth Services is severely underfunded.

The province has slashed 67-million dollars from Child Welfare agencies and Campbell will hand over the valentines to the Premier.

NAPS Continue to Crackdown on Drugs

The fight against drug trafficking in the far north continues.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have seized 67-hundred dollars worth of marijhuana and oxycodone from an Attawapiskat home.

Officers also found a debt list, a small amount of cash and drug paraphernalia.

Police say 33-year-old Pauline Edwards and 42-year-old Dennes Iahtail both face charges.

Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Tonight

Tickets are still available for tonight's Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and awards banquet.

Manager Carol Leduc says it will be a great evening for all attending, with guest speaker Michael Hlinka.

Leduc says they are also presenting eight awards that recognize customer service, new business, and entrepreneurs.

Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office for 75 dollars.

Saints Beat Eagles

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has bounced back from a pair
of losses in league play.

The Saints doubled up the Dryden Eagles last night 4-2.

Tanner Kapera, Daniel Thomson, Justis Kennedy and David Snyder each
scored for the Saints.

Their last regular season game is tomorrow night against their cross-town rivals from Beaver Brae.

Broncos Girls lose in a Shootout

A rare loss for Beaver Brae's girls hockey team.

The Broncos dropped a 3-2 decision to Dryden last night in a
shootout.

Ainsly Lindquist and Kaitlyn Sparkman both scored for the Broncos.

Beaver Brae is back in action tomorrow at 1:30 in Keewatin against Fort Frances.

DNA Evidence Presented in Murder Trial

Week five of the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall started yesterday with more
testimony from forensic experts.

Forensic Biologist Sandra Lindell was the first person to take the stand.

She produced seven reports looking evidence collected by police during
the investigation of Edward Wilson's death.

The reports deal with DNA and blood testing done on clothing, shoes and
swabs sent to the Northern Forensics Lab in Sault Ste. Marie.

Lindell says they found Wilson's DNA on a number of items, including
a black leather jacket, a blue ribbed sweater, a pair of jeans, a black hoodie and a pair of
black platform shoes collected from an apartment on Norman Drive.

Lindell says the tests indicate a 1/ 14 trillionth chance that DNA did not
belong to Wilson.

The crown is expected to present more forensic today and tomorrow.

City Council Supports Shoal Lake #40

Kenora City council is stepping to the plate to help the Shoal Lake #40 First Nation.

Council members met with chief and council of Shoal Lake #40 recently.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they've agreed to write a letter to the International Joint Commission about Winnipeg's decision to try and sell water from Shoal Lake to other communities in southern Manitoba.

Kenora City Council says it wants the IJC to honor a 100 year old agreement
between the City of Winnipeg and Shoal Lake.

Council Raises Concern About Effectiveness of Deer Hunt

An expanded deer hunt in city limits doesn't seem to be having much of an impact on the deer population in Kenora.

Figures from nine surveys gathered this past fall show just 14 deer were
killed.

Councillor Sharon Smith says she'd really like to see more surveys turned in so they can have better information about the local hunt.

The City started the expanded deer hunt last year to try and curb the local deer population, but councillor Louis Roussin says its not doing anything to the deer that live in downtown Kenora.

Campbell Expresses Mixed Feelings about New Cabinet

Getting back to business in Queens Park.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she's excited that Premier Wynne has selected her new cabinet and that work can once again get started.

Campbell says it is good to see the North being represented in Wynne's cabinet with Michael Gravelle taking over Northern Development and Mines.

She does have some concerns though about the appointment of David Orazietti as Natural Resources
minister, describing him as a partisan MPP.

Local Girls Hockey Teams Dominate in Fort Frances

(Slurpies' Ava Baird takes a shot on Blue Jays net minder Zoe Edwards)

Teams from the Lake of the Woods girls minor hockey league dominated the Chicks with Sticks tournament in Fort Frances this weekend.

In the Novice playoffs the Purple Slurpies took the top spot defeating the Blue Jays 9-3.

The Red Devils captured 3rd place with a 3-2 win over the Snow Leopards.

In Atom play the all Kenora final was won by the Atom Dynamite 3-2 over the Purple Pirates.

The Stingers claimed 3rd with a 6-3 win over the Calder Legal Eagles.

211 Service Celebrates Milestone

It's like a non-emergency 9-1-1.

Yesterday marked the five-year anniversary of 2-1-1 North, which offers 24/7 access to government, health, community and social services.

Spokesperson Marie Klassen says the website also has a lot of information, with more than eight thousand records of non-profit organizations and government services for all of Northern Ontario.

Klassen says it's a great resource to find out about any service in your community.

CUPE Rally in Dryden Tomorrow

The union representing 293 front line staff at the newly merged Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Youth Services says the province is starving child welfare agencies.

A rally is planned at MPP Sarah Campbell's constituency office in Dryden tomorrow afternoon at 12:30.

CUPE 2332 President Don Pearson says they will be dropping off valentine hearts.

Pearson says a lack of funding has put vulnerable children at-risk in northwestern Ontario.

Electricity Shortage a Concern in NWO

The mining industry is bright in northwestern Ontario but one major hurdle remains; a lack of electricity.

Delegates attending the annual Kenora District Municipal Association Conference warned of a crisis situation looming.

Stats released at the Conference show 16 mines currently in exploration, evaluation or development; Rubicon and Goldcorp expecting to be on-line in 2014.

However, critics say the provincial government is dragging its feet on the construction of a transmission line and these projects could be either delayed or even scrapped.

They say that will cost the regional economy and the province millions of dollars.

Million Dollar Cottage Goes Up in Flames

Damages from a fire in the Clearwater Bay area could top a million dollars.

A cottage in the Sugar Bay area went up in flames Friday afternoon shortly after 2:00.

By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, the building was fully engulfed.

While there were no injuries, but multi-story camp was completely destroyed.

The camp was recently listed for sale at 2.45 million dollars.

Mining Still the Bright Light for the Kenora District

Patience is the key for mining development in the Kenora district.

That's the message being delivered by Craig Ravnass, geologist with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Ravnass says most mining companies are still in the exploration stage.

Ravnass stresses the future looks bright for possible production in the future.

He was a member of the mining panel at the Kenora District Municipal Association Confernce in Dryden over the weekend.

Energy A Concern For Mining Industry in NWO

The mining industry is bright in northwestern Ontario but one major hurdle remains; a lack of electricity.

Delegates attending the annual Kenora District Municipal Association Conference warned of a crisis situation looming.

Stats released at the Conference show 16 mines currently in exploration, evaluation or development; Rubicon and Goldcorp expecting to be on-line in 2014.

However, critics say the provincial government is dragging its feet on the construction of a transmission line and these projects could be either delayed or even scrapped.

They say that will cost the regional economy and the province millions of dollars.

McKay Sees More Challenges Ahead for Forestry

The forestry industry is indeed on the up-and-up but officials stress we are not out of the woods yet.

There’s been considerable optimism with recent announcements in Atikokan, Hudson and Kenora..

Rod McKay is the Manager of Kenora Forest Products and he addressed delegates attending the Kenora District Municipal Association.

McKay says a number of challenges remain including a changing pulp and paper industry, concern for future sawmills and a major shortage in skilled workers.

He notes high energy costs are still an issue.

McKay says he’s frustrated to hear from the province that there are plans to address the energy issue, but there continues to be no action.

Gravelle Expected Back in Northern Development

It appears an old face will be back to oversee the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Sources say Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle will back to the cabinet position he held between 2007 and 2011.

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Oriazetti is also being tagged as the new Minister for Natural Resources.

Campbell Says Good Bye to Bartolucci

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River isn't surprised with an announcment that Northern Development and
Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci is leaving his cabinet post.

Sarah Campbell says she didn't always get along with the Sudbury area MPP.

Campbell did take time to thank Bartolucci for his years of service.

She was speaking at the Kenora District Municipal Association Conference in Dryden this morning.

Hospital Working to Meet the Needs of Local First Nations

Better serving the health needs of aboriginal communities in the area.

That's one benefit the Lake of the Woods District Hospital says is coming out of meetings with the Kenora Chiefs Advisory.

Hospital CEO Mark Balcaen says they are learning about what patients need after leaving the hospital.

Balcaen says there are more meetings planned that include visiting all the KCA communities.

Senior Thistles Continue to Roll

The Kenora Triple "a" senior Thistles have a five game winning streak in the new year.

The Thistles got by the Manitoba Selects on Saturday 5-3 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The Senior squad is back in action in two weekends against the defending Allen Cup champs, the Southeast Prairie Thunder.

Midget Thistles Split on the Road

The Kenora Midget Thistles are enjoying their best ever season in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

The Thistles have 56 points following the end of the regular season.

Over the weekend, the Kenora Midgets split against the Parkland Rangers, winning 2-1 Friday night, but dropping a 3-1 decision Saturday night to the Rangers.

The Thistles were supposed to wrap up the regular season yesterday in Brandon, but the game was cancelled due to illness.

The Kenora Midgets are scheduled to open the opening round of the play-offs at home on Wednesday.

Stage One of Northland Cup Results

A tough start to the Northland Cup series for both the Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae boys basketball teams.

The Saints won one of two games played Saturday, upending Sioux Lookout 43-35.

That followed up from a 50-35 loss to Red Lake in the morning.

Beaver Brae meanwhile is 0-2 after round one of the Northland Cup.

The Broncos were beaten 74-34 by Dryden Saturday morning and then the Muskies
romped to a 76-38 win in the afternoon.

Bizarre Incident Leads to Arrest on Darlington Drive

Kenora Provincial Police arrested a man after a bizarre incident on Darlington Drive around 7:00 last night.

O.P.P received a report of a man damaging several vehicles with a mini-excavator.

Officers arrived and noticed a man operating the machinery in an erratic manner, causing a number of passenger vehicles to stop on the roadway.

Police asked the man to stop but he continued to push into vehicles on the road.

Officers needed to use a taser to subdue the accused and he was arrested.

Midget and Senior Thistles on the Ice This Weekend

The Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles wrap up their strong regular season with a 3 game road trip to Western Manitoba.

The Thistles start things off tonight in Dauphin for a pair of games against the Parkland Rangers.

The Kenora Midgets then head to Brandon on Sunday for a match up with the West Division leading Brandon Wheat Kings.

Meanwhile, the Kenora Senior Thistles continue their home stand this weekend.


The Seniors are welcoming the Manitoba Selects to the Thistle Rink tomorrow.

Game time is 7:00.

Northwest LHIN's Releases New Strat Plan

A blueprint towards susataining healtchcare in Northwestern Ontario.

That's a goal of the Northwest Local Health Intregration Network's 3 year strategic plan.

CEO Laura Kokocinski says having a strong blueprint is important for the future of healthcare.

Kokocinski adds the plan also includes integrating E-health networks, improving access to care, and the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Week Four of Murder Trial to Wrap Up Today

More testimony from forensic experts today at the second degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall.

Blood splatter expert Scott Hlady took the stand this morning.

He says he examined a number of areas where there was a red, blood-like substance in front of the Tower Motel and A Street West.

Hlady says he also checked out the women's washroom at the Tim Horton's on Lakeview Drive, where police officers say the also noticed some blood-like substance.

He says the blood was diluted, but he was able to conclude that it did not belong to the
victim, Ed Wilson.

Hlady also confirmed blood on a pair of women's shoes located in an Angela Duchesne's and Kenneth Ivall's apartment on Norman Drive.

He says the black shoes, not only has an area where blood had been transferred, but
also showed that there was blood spatter on the back end of the shoe.

Week four of testimony is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow morning.

OFAH Upset Over new Gun Regulations

A new rule is in place for firearm owners who compete in recreational sport shooting.

The Chief Firearms Office says very person who visits a range that isn't their home club must receive a letter of invitation from the range, before transporting their firearm.

Spokesperson Greg Ferrant with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says it's just extra work, because these people already take the required steps.

Ferrant says they will be writing a letter to the CFO asking what the purpose is for this new regulation.

DeBeers Blockade Lifted

De Beers Canada says the blockade at its winter road near the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario has ended.

The company says residents from the reserve ended the blockade

Thursday evening and the first convoy reached the site of its Victor diamond mine at 9 p.m.

De Beers says it has agreed to review items in the impact benefit agreement and to look at employment and training.

The mine, about 90 kilometres from the reserve, relies on the winter road for a bulk of it's resupply program.
   

Northern Communities to Battle MPAC

The fight against the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is just starting to heat up.

Dryden is planning to form a coalition with Fort Frances, Espanola and Thunder Bay; communities who have all been hit hard due to a dramatic drop in their mill assessment.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says area communities have been left reeling.

Nuttall says M-PAC is not doing the job that we are paying them to do and the coalition is hoping to secure a meeting with the incoming Premier.

Bartolucci Calls it Quits

A new minister for Northern Development and Mines is going to be sworn in on Monday.

Rick Bartolucci announced he is resigning from cabinet and will not run in the next provincial election.

Bartolucci represents Sudbury and says he will stay on as an MPP until
the next election.

He was first elected to Queen's Park in 1995 and spent 18 years in provincial
politics.