No Evidence of Foul Play in Hotel Death

Kenora O.P.P have released more details regarding the death of 36 year Michael Sylborne last weekend at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Police say a post mortem was conducted at the Lake of the Woods Districts Hospital and that their is no evidence of foul play.

Sylborne, from Toronto, died at the hospital on Sunday March 31st after police responded to the Best Western for a disturbance and found him lying on the sidewalk below a broken window on the fourth floor.

Midget Thistles Lose Game 1 of Western Playdowns

A not so good start to the Telus Western Regionals for the Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles

The Thistles started strong before dropping a 3-2 decision to the Winnipeg Wild in their 1st round robin game.

Nolan Ross scored twice for Kenora who had the game tied midway through the 3rd before the Wild were able to score the winner with around 8 minutes left.

Ross says puck control is going to be key for the Thistles tonight against the Saskatoon Contacts.

The Contacts also lost their first game last night 4-3 to the Thunder Bay Kings.

Game time for tonight's game is 8:00.

Dryden Teen Missing

Dryden Police continue to search for a missing teen.

15-year-old Kariya Taylor was reported missing on March 31st, and police believe that she may have left the Dryden area.

Police have been following up with several leads, adding that social media was proving to be useful until Taylor's Facebook account was deactivated.

Taylor is known to police for prior incidents, but they stress she is not in any trouble with the law.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.

North West LHIN Fighting Diabetes

The number of people living with diabetes in Northwestern Ontario is among the highest in the province.

To combat that, the Northwest Local Health Integration Network continues to provide more coordinated diabetes care.

Susan Pilatzke is the Senior Director of Health System Transformation, and says they are looking at how they can improve patient care.

In 2012, the LHIN's took over the role for diabetes services from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

KDSB Looks to Dispose of Housing Units

Underutilized social housing units in the area may be on the chopping block.

The Kenora District Services Board is asking permission from the province for the possible elimination of units in Ear Falls, Dinorwic, Hudson and Minaki.

CAO Dan McNeil stresses this is fist step in a long process to possibly dispose of the units.

He notes any decision would require provincial and board approval.

Ear Falls Councilor Vic Robinson is concerned of future need for the spaces in his community if mining and forestry activity take off.

Goldcorp to Build Transmission line to Northern Communities

Goldcorp is teaming up with 13 First Nations to provide more efficient power to the remote North.

An agreement was signed today, allowing a new company to develop a transmission line that will connect
communities powered by diesel generation.

Manager of Aboriginal Affairs with Goldcorp Adele Faubert says phase one of the project will run through Pickle Lake.

Faubert says phase one should be finished by the end of 2015, and is expected to create 12-hundred construction jobs.

18th Annual Rotary Auction on Now

Going once, Going twice, and Sold.

The 18th annual Kenora Rotary auction is underway right now and there are over 150 prizes available.

Keith Nelson from the Rotary says you gotta act fast.

Nelson says the money raised will go towards projects in the community and around the world.

You can bid online at www.KenoraRotary.ca.

NORWOSSA Badminton Results

The Junior and Senior Beaver Brae Broncos Badminton teams have advanced to the NWOSSA championship.

Both teams competed in the NORWOSSA finals yesterday and had a great results.

The senior team finished 2nd behind Atikokan while the junior team finished tied for 1st with Atikokan.

The junior team captured 3 gold medals with Boe Rodgers and Alex Smith in boys doubles, Logan Ginn in boys singles, and Jordan Carlson and Coel Forsyth in mixed doubles.

There was also 1 gold in seniors play with Jodi Melillo and Maddie Trudeau earning the medal in girls doubles.

The NWOSSA championship begins April 17th.

Telus Cup Western Regional Play-downs Begin Tonight

The Telus Cup Western Region play-downs take to the ice at the Thistle Arena tonight.

The Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles are playing host to the Thunder Bay Kings, Winnipeg Wild and Saskatoon Contacts as they compete for a berth in the Telus Cup.

Every team will play each other in the round robin with the top 2 teams facing off for the title on Sunday afternoon.

Action gets underway at 5:00 tonight when Saskatoon battles with Thunder Bay.

The first game for the Thistles follows at 8:00 when they take on the Wild.

The cost to attend is 7 dollars a game of 40 dollars for a 7 game pass.

ETFO says Contract Talks Haven't Done Any Harm

The union representing public elementary teachers says it's close to a deal with the government that could make changes to current contracts.

The move comes after the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario told its members last week that it was O-K to return to extracurricular activities.

Asked if the proposed changes were worth the harm done to students, president Sam Hammond had this to say.

Hammond says he can't say when an agreement may be finalized.

Dryden Mayor Supports Road Tolls for NWO

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall believes road tolls on Northern Ontario highways are a smart idea.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has floated the idea to help cover the repair costs of aging infrastructure.

Nuttall says sure people won't be too happy with it, but it will pay off.

Nuttall says the benefit to the tolls would be more money coming into the municipalities, if it's done that way.

Busy Year Ahead for Treasury Metals

It's going to be a busy year for Treasury Metals as they work to develop the Goliath Gold Project, east of Dryden.

Environmental Technician Mac Potter says a big focus this year is the creation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

Potter says the report will contain information about environmental
 factors such as wildlife, groundwater, weather and vegetation.

Alzheimer Society Launches 2nd Annual Penny Drive

A great way to do away with your extra pennies.

The 2nd annual penny challenge is on at the Alzheimer Society of the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt they are looking surpass last years total of $6.000.

Moffatt says they will have a bi-weekly weigh in until the challenge ends on June 30th.

Call 468-1516 for information.

LOWDPOA and FOCA Voice Support for ELA

Fresh water impacts every-ones daily lives.

That's a message from the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association and Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association regarding the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area.

Susan McLeod with the Property Owners Association says the research is important to everyone.

McLeod says they continue to push the importance of the facility through discussions with MP's and letter writing campaigns.

Hotel Incident Victims Name Released by OPP

Kenora OPP have named the Toronto man who died in the city on Sunday.

Officials say 36-year-old Michael Sylborne was found dead on the street under a broken fourth floor window at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Police had been called to the hotel to respond to a disturbance around 3:45 in the morning on Sunday.

Police added Sylborne had been in Kenora while working on a construction project in the area.

Randy Nickle to Speak at Pre-budget Meeting

A local PC candidate will represent Northwestern Ontario at a provincial pre-budget consultation meeting.

Randy Nickle will make a presentation today in Thunder Bay on his two main topics of concern, the twinning of highway 17 from Kenora to the Manitoba boarder and tourism in the region.

Nickle says tourism centers play a vital role in the region.

Nickle says it's unfair that Southern Ontario centers can govern the way centers in the North operate.

Campbell Speaks Out For Libraries

Public libraries are getting support in the Ontario Legislature.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is calling on the government to come up with a new funding program to help libraries thrive.

Campbell says libraries are more important now than ever before as they serve to fill the role left by cuts to Service Ontario and Travel Centres.

Campbell says with many municipalities facing budget cuts that some libraries in Northern Ontario are facing closure.

Hockey for Health Faces Off This Month

The 5th Annual Hockey for Health Tournament is just a few weeks away.

Organizer Dean Caron says they have teams competing from all around the city and region.

The tournament runs April 18th to 21st and is in support of the Lake of the Wood District Hospital Foundation, twinning the rink at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

You can get involved by purchasing raffles tickets throughout the city with up to 7-thousand dollars in prizes, or watching the games in your best Don Cherry jacket.

the fundraising goal for this years tournament is $55,000.

Update on Death at Best Western

OPP have identified the victim of a death at a Kenora hotel as a man from Toronto.

The incident took place at the Best Western Lakeside Inn on Sunday morning around 3:45 after police were called about a disturbance inside a hotel room.

Constable Dave Cain says that upon arrival officers found a man lying on the sidewalk underneath a broken window in the 4th floor.

The victim was transported to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Study on Patient Transfers Expected Soon

The Kenora District Services Board says it is continuing to charge hospitals for non-urgent land ambulance patient transfers.

CAO Dan McNeil says some hospitals are co-operating and some aren't.

McNeil notes a study involving area hospitals, ORNGE and the Rainy River District Social Services Area Board is expected to be finalized this month and shed some light on the problem.

Under provincial law the request to respond to a cardiac call is 6-minutes and McNeil notes that's impossible with their ambulances are tied up with a non-urgent transfer.

Youth for Water Walk Through Kenora

A number of aboriginal youth from Manitoba are speaking out to save the water.

The group of 9 teenagers arrived in Kenora yesterday afternoon during their walk from the Manitoba Legislature to Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Ben Raven says they are doing the walk to make sure water is safe for everyone.

Between marches inside Manitoba and now to Ottawa, the group has walked over 900 kilometers.

Mines and Minerals Symposioum in Thunder Bay

It's that time again.

The Ontario Prospectors Association will be holding their 2013 Mines and Minerals Symposium which begins today and runs through tomorrow in Thunder Bay.

Executive Director Garry Clark says this year's theme is "Advancing Towards Production".

Clark says over a hundred booths will be set up and they have 32-speakers over the two days.

MNR Asks Public Not to Feed Deer

The Ministry of Natural Resources is advising people to not the deer.

Kathyrn Lyzun with the MNR says although feeding them is a well intended gesture it has negative impacts on the animals including digestive problems, more natural predators entering the area, and more deer attempting to cross roadways.

you can find out more by visiting www.ontario.ca/feeding wildlife.

Senior Thistles Win Renwick Cup

The Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles are heading back to the Allan Cup Championships.

The Thistles earned a 5-1 victory Saturday night to win the Renwick Cup Over the Brantford Blast in 2 straight games.

Captain Sean Hughes says a big difference in the series was the level of energy by his team.

Kyle Turgeon started the scoring in the first, before Mike Ruberto tried the game in the second period.

After that it was all Thistles with goals by Ryan Pearson, Sean McAslan, Tom Biondich, and Mike Garrow.

The Allan Cup begins on April 15th in Red Deer, Alberta.

OPA Offers Program for First Nations Communities

A first of its kind in the province.

The Ontario Power Authority and First Nations Engineering Services have announced the launch of the "saveONenergy Aboriginal Conservation Program".

Director of First Nations and Métis Relations with the OPA Hilary Thatcher explains the purpose.

Thatcher encourages First Nations all over Northwestern Ontario to apply for the program.

visit www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp for more information.

MNR Prepared for Forest Fire Season

It's hard to believe but the forest fire season is officially underway.

Debbie Maclean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says there are no fires that are burning in the province right now because there's too much snow on the ground.

Last year at this time there were 14 fires recorded before the season even started.

Alzheimer Society Hands Out Touch Quilts

A large undertaking is underway at the Alzheimer Society of the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says they are using their touch quilt project to give out over 250 quilts to dementia patients.

Moffat says they just handed 42 quilts to patients at the Birchwood Terrace, but are still in need of over 200 more.

She adds the quilts are used to help ease anxiety and can help with sensory stimulation.

You can find out more information about the touch quilt project by calling the Alzheimer Society at 468-1516.

Police Confirm Death at Best Western

The Kenora O.P.P have confirmed the death of a male at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Police were called about a disturbance around 3:45 this morning, and upon arrival found a male lying on the sidewalk below a broken window on the 4th floor of the hotel.

The victim was transported to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The Police remain on the scene and are with holding the victims identity until next of kin can be notified.

Police on Scene at Best Western Lakeside Inn

Kenora OPP are on the scene of an accident at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Reports are that a death has occurred although police have not confirmed anything at this time

Police remain on the scene as the front sidewalk facing 1st Avenue South remains taped off.

We have calls in with the Kenora OPP detachment and will have updates as soon as more information is made available.

Mutual Respect Heading Into Renwick Cup

There is a lot of mutual respect between the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles and the Brantford Blast heading into the Renwick Cup Finals.

Even though they have never played each other neither team is taking the other lightly.

Thistles team captain Sean Hughes says he expects some very talented competition.

Meanwhile, Kenora head coach John Tressor says that offense is Brantford's specialty.

The same level of respect towards the Thistles is being offered by Chad Spurr who is captain of the Blast, and played with a number of Kenora players while in Junior.

The Renwick Cup gets underway at the Thistles Arena tomorrow night at 7:00.

Games 2 and 3 are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday

The winner will advance to the national championship Allan Cup.

Council Selects Tedner for Bridge Project

The Company to repair the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge has been selected.

At yesterday's special sitting of city council the tender by Innovative Civil Constructors was selected with a price tag of just over 4 million dollars.

Mayor Dave Canfield said it was good timing to select the company as they are working in the region on other projects and that has lowered the projected cost of 6 million.

Canfield says the city is taking a risk as they finalize funding by the province.

Canfield adds the funding they are applying for would cover up to 2 million dollars of the project and that they are working to receive more funding through other ministries.

KPDSB Happy With Extracurricular Announcement

It looks like kids in public elementary schools might be getting their extracurricular activities back.

Jack McMaster is the Director or Education at the Keewatin Patricia District School Board, and says their is no end to the benefit kids get from the activities.

However, McMaster does add that the choice to participate in the extracurricular activities, remains that of the individual teachers.

Record Prices on Canadian Fur's

Canada's fur industry is experiencing something it hasn't seen in a long time.

Furs are being sold off, in some cases, at record-breaking prices.

President of the Rainy River Fur Trappers Council Brian Love says that can only bode well for their future.

Love says increased interest in Canadian furs from the Pacific Rim countries is partly responsible for the high prices.

Minor Accident on Highway 71

Highway 71 near Nestor Falls is currently blocked following a minor single vehicle accident.

Constable Dave Cain with the Kenora O.P.P confirmed that a chip truck flipped over and is blocking traffic.

Cain says there are no injuries and that the scene should be cleared up to traffic by the end of the day.

O.P.P Charge Winnipeg Man for Tobacco

Kenora O.P.P have taken possession of over 4000 unmarked cigarettes and 6000 grams of tobacco.

Police say they pulled a vehicle over on Sunday evening on highway 17A where they found a man transporting the products.

As a result 48-year old Robert Parker from Winnipeg has been charged with possession of unmarked cigarettes and possession for the purpose of sale contrary to the Tobacco Taxes Act.

He will appear in Kenora Court on June 13th to answer to the charges.

ETFO Lifts Ban on Extracurriculars

The union representing Ontario's public elementary school teachers has joined the high school teachers' union in lifting a ban on voluntary or extracurricular activities.

Sam Hammond, the president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, announced late last night that he's lifting the ban in light of progress in ongoing labour talks with the government.

Premier Kathleen Wynne hopes teachers and support staff will return quickly to running after school activities and programs.

Dryden Receives Final DMTS Sale Price Tag

Not the numbers Dryden City Council wants to hear.

It was revealed last night that the city got just over 4-million dollars for the sale of Dryden Mobility.

Financial Advisor Paul Heayn says that's in comparison to the 12-million they LOST last year.

Heayn says the city received about 4.3 million dollars for DMTS, and that they made about 388-thousand dollars last year from it.

Baird says Federal Budget Benefits the North

Regional Minister John Baird is defending his government's budget and says its good news for the North.

The Foreign Affairs Minister says they'll be providing skilled trades training that will benefit the region's economy.

Baird is downplaying FedNor's budget being cut by 10 percent.

O.P.P ID Body Found at Norman Dam

Kenora O.P.P have identified the body that was found at the intake to the Norman Dam earlier this month.

Constable Dave Cain says they identified the victim with DNA evidence and a missing person report from Vancouver.

Cain says it was a collaborative effort by O.P.P and the Vancouver City Police in order to identify the body.

Foul play was not suspected in the death after the post-mortem was conducted at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Brantford Ready to Face Senior Thistles

With the Renwick Cup finals this weekend the Brantford Blast a looking to keep on a roll against the hometown Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles.

Blast team captain Chad Spurr says his team has hit there stride during the playoffs and are getting scoring from all 3 lines.

Spurr says he played a few players from the Thistles while in junior and is expecting a very hard fought series.

Game one goes Friday night at 7:00 inside the Thistle Arena

City to Award Tender on Bridge Revitalization

Kenora City Council has called a special council meeting for tomorrow afternoon.

The purpose of the meeting is to select a tender for repair work on the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

The city has been lobbying the provincial government for a number of months to help fund the project, and says they had positive talks with Infrastructure Minister Glen Murray at the Good Roads Conference last month.

The cost estimates for the work are in the range of 6 million dollars.

Pre-Budget Meetings Coming to Thunder Bay

There will be pre-budget consultations held in northwestern Ontario, with a session recently announced for Thunder Bay April 3rd.

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says it was crucial for the north to have a chance to voice their thoughts on the upcoming budget.

The Liberals say they are considering holding video or tele-conferences so that area communities can also take part.

Kenora O.P.P offer Facebook Advice to Parents

Protecting your children by learning the uses of Facebook.

That is a goal of Constable Dave Cain and tonight's information session of the social media site being held by the Kenora O.P.P.

Constable Cain is asking anyone interested come down to the free information session with any questions they have.

The session is tonight between 7:00 and 8:30 at the public library.

New Program at Confederation College

A new program is being offered at regional Confederation College campuses.

The Tourism, Travel and Eco-Adventure program will begin this fall.

Program Coordinator Giannina Veltri says they will accept roughly 35-students for the 2-year program.

An information session is being at St. Thomas Aquinas High School today at 3:30.

Renwick Cup Finals Set

The Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles now know who is coming to town for the Renwick Cup Finals.

On Friday the Brantford Blast defeated the Dundas Real McCoys to win the Robertson Cup and earn their berth to the Renwick Cup Finals.

The Blast needed 6 games to take out the Real McCoys, who missed a 5th straight berth into the Renwick Cup.

The Thistles who are hosting the 3 game Renwick Cup Finals welcome Brantford to the Thistle Arena for game one on Friday night at 7:00.

Minnesota Man Charged for Impaired Driving

A man from Minnesota is facing an impaired driving charge in the city.

Kenora O.P.P say on Saturday evening they pulled a vehicle over on highway 17 inside city limits.

Police say the driver, 28-year old Matthew Lehto, failed a roadside test administered by the officer.

Lehto will appear in Kenora court on April 25th to answer to the charge of exceeding the legal limit.

Also, the Kenora O.P.P are reminding the public about illegal parking in handicapped spaces.

Any vehicle caught parking in a designated spot without a permit will receive a $300 ticket.

Mayor Supports Federal Budget

Mayor Dave Canfield sees the federal budget as a good thing for the city and the region.

Canfield says that with the forestry and mining sectors taking off they are ready to train new workers.

Canfield adds he is also excited about the increased funding for infrastructure as the city prepares to begin phase 3 of the downtown revitalization project.

He adds is also very excited about the gas tax changes, and having more money available for affordable housing.

Save ELA Changes Tactics

With funding for the Experimental Lakes Area, East of Kenora, set to expire at the end of the month, the group Save ELA continues to fight.

Peter Kirby says they are now looking to gain more support by the Ontario government as they have more negotiating power.

Kirby says right now the Ontario government is not willing to take on the risk of cleaning up the lakes if it takes over the facility but feels they can work out a partnership with the federal government.

Mardi Gras Weekend a Success for Mt.Evergreen

Another Successful Mardi Gras Celebration for Mount Evergreen.

Blair McCallum says it was a great weekend for everyone.

He says the slush pit again was the main attraction.

This years pit was 50 feet long and 20 feet wide.

McCallum adds the volunteers that made the weekend happen have stepped up to open the hill for one more day this coming Saturday.

visit www.skikenora.com for more information.

LWGMH results from St. Boniface Stars Cup

A successful weekend for Lake of the Woods Girls Minor Hockey at the St. Boniface Stars Cup in Winnipeg.

Novice A2 Division:

L.O.W Blue Jays Silver ( lost to Dryden Flames 2-1 in final) L.O.W. Red Devils Bronze 5-1 win over L.O.W Snow Leopards

Atom A2 Division:

L.O.W. Purple Pirates Silver (lost 7-0 in Final to Springfield Icehawks) L.O.W. Stingers and Dynamite 4th and 5th respectively.

PeeWee A2 Division:

L.O.W. Avengers Silver (lost 4-1 to  Woodhaven Bruins)

PeeWee AA

L.O.W. Canucks 4th ( lost in Bronze game 5-2 to Regina Rebels)

Bantam A2:

L.O.W. Dyn-o-mite 3.0 Gold (2-1 win) L.O.W. Dark Knights Silver