ELA Gets Big Boost by Province

The Experimental Lakes Area has gotten a big boost from the province.

Ontario is working hand in hand with the federal government, Manitoba government, and other partners to sustain long term operations at the facility East of Kenora.

Premiere Kathleen Wynne says they have had numerous meeting with the scientific and academic communities and that investing in science and research is a wise choice for the people of Ontario.

The province will provide the operating support needed as an agreement is worked on with International Institute for Sustainable Development.

NOMA Gathers in Thunder Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.

The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.

There will also be an appointment of a new President.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Kenora Man Fined by MNR

A reminder to be careful where you shoot.

A Kenora man has been fiend two-thousand-dollars for shooting a deer from a roadway.

Conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources came across Steven Burke with an antler-less deer in the back of his truck, and saw him again returning to the site where the deer was apparently killed.

Officers spoke to Burke, and learned that he had shot the deer on the side of the road and was returning to the site to cover his tracks.

The MNR would like to remind the public that it's illegal to discharge a firearm from, down or across a roadway.

Sunset Area Victims Services Holds Open House

Sunset Area Victims Services is reaching out to the community in a bid to raise its profile.

An open house is being held from 11 until 2 today and tomorrow at 136 Main Street South.

Executive Director Monika Huminuk says they provide immediate emotional and practical support and referral services to victims of crime or other tragic circumstances.

"Vickers" partners with police and emergency services in the Kenora and Dryden areas as well as northern First Nations.

Next Step in Re-banding City

Changing the perception of available docking spaces in the city.

The Brand Leadership Team is asking for public input as they venture into the next phase of re-branding the city as the premiere boating destination.

Chair of the Team Randy Nickle says they were at the boat show in Winnipeg and docking spaces was the main question they faced.

The Leadership team is also looking at available docks, waiting lists, day spots, and parking.

An public survey has been posted online at www.kenoradocking.ca.

Big Drug Bust by Kenora OPP

A 26 year old from Pickering is facing numerous possession charges in Kenora.

Kenora OPP say they stopped a vehicle driven by Bulchan Sukhedo yesterday for speeding.

During the stop police found 7 kilograms of cocaine, cell phones, and money inside the vehicle.

Opp say the street value is $750,000.

Sukhedo has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Health Unit Talks About Immunization Week

It's time to roll up your sleeves as a part of Immunization Awareness Week.

Judy Hovi is a nurse with the Northwestern Health Unit, and says it's important that children receive all of their vaccinations.

Hovi recommends that adults need to keep to up to date with tetanus and diphtheria shots every 10-years.

Northern Leaders to Meet with Finance Minister

Several municipal leaders will bend the ear of the province next week regarding the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

They're concerned with how MPAC has greatly reduced the assessment of pulp and paper mills.

Fort Frances Councillor Ken Perry says it's an issue that growing.

Meanwahile Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is joining with other mayors for a meeting in Toronto on Monday with the province's Deputy Finance Minister

Resolute Temporarily Stops Production in Thunder Bay

There's time off coming for some workers at Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay.  

Marvin Pupeza of the Paperworkers Union says the newsprint operations are down for two weeks because he says there is too much paper on the market and hopes it's not part of a bigger plan

About 100 workers are affected by the shutdown.

Earth Day Walk-A-Bout In Kenora

A group of Kenora residents are showing their support for Earth Day and climate change this year.

Ashley Bennett organized a walk-about that took place yesterday in an effort to raise awareness
 on environmental issues.

Bennett talked about how climate change can affect people around the world.

Bennett says that we must come together as a community to sustain a healthy future for the planet.

Hockey for Health Exceeds Fundraising Goal

The 5th Annual Hockey for Health Tournament is a roaring success.

Organizer Dean Caron says he has been blown away by the support, as they surpassed their fundraising goal by 11 thousand dollars.

Caron says everything was simply amazing.

Caron congratulated the community after the final game.

A total of over $66,000 was raised.

The money is all in support of the District Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Treaty 3 Happy with Health Funding

Aboriginal Health Access Centres in Kenora are having a positive affect on the aboriginal community.

Treaty 3 Grand Chief Warren White says the centres are very welcoming to aboriginal people who practice traditional medicine.

White added that  the centres benefit elders who prefer to stay in their communities to receive health care.

Last Week Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer Announced over $2.3 million in funding to the Aboriginal Health Access Centres in Kenora and Fort Frances.

Sunset Travels Responds to Northern Tourism Remarks

The Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association is reacting to tourism discussions in Queens Park.

Last week Tourism Minister Michael Chan responded to questions in Queens Park saying we need to modernize our tourism information.

However, Gerry Cariou says Sunset Travel is all over the internet.

Cariou adds that websites can only do so much and don't offer the services that can be provided at travel centres.

Senior Thistles Lose Semi-Final

Close but no cigar for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles.

On Friday the Thistles faced off with the Bentley Generals in the Allan Cup Semi Finals.

Bentley started the scoring and took a 2-0 lead midway through the 2nd before Kenora answered with a goal of their own.

After another goal by the general the Thistles continued to fight and potted a goal in the last 30 seconds.

Unfortunately, they were unable to find the equalizing 3rd goal and lost 3-2.

the Generals went on to win the championship on Saturday over the Clarenville Caribous.

Senior Thistles Advance at Allan Cup

It's just what the doctors ordered for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles.

Kenora came out flying in their quarter final against Fort St John and pummeled them 8-2.

Alternate Captain Jeff Richards had a hat trick in the victory.

The Thistles will now have a rematch with the host Bentley Generals in the semi finals tonight.

Bentley beat Kenora 5-2 in the round robin on Tuesday

The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:00.

Aboriginal Affairs Looking at Education Funding

Ontario's new Aboriginal Affairs minister hopes to balance education budgets.

David Zimmer, was in Kenora this week, and said the funding for off-reserve schools is much higher than it is in schools on-reserves.

Zimmer adds that they are focusing on closing that gap and offering better education to students living on reserves.

Other priorities for the minister are health concerns and land claim disputes.

OSSTF Votes in Favor of New Contract

Public high school teachers and support staff have endorsed the recently-negotiated contract changes with the provincial government.

The government says there won't be any additional costs to the deal.

However, Tory education critic Lisa MacLeod disagrees.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation says members voted 84 per cent in favor of the revision to the contract imposed in January under Bill 115.

Emergency Management Ontario Looking at Host Communities

The Chief of Emergency Management Ontario is asking local communities to be "host ready".

Allison Stuart stressed that area leaders must be prepared in the event of evacuations this summer.

Stuart says the province looks at services such as spiritual services, recreation, and accommodations when looking at a community to host evacuees.

In 2011, some 44-hundred people from several northern First Nations were forced to live elsewhere because of raging forest fires near their homes.

First Championship at Hockey for Health

The Hockey for health tournament is in full swing and the Bantam Division has a champion.

The Penalty BoX Heros with tournament organizer Dean Caron as coach won the division with a 8-5 victory over the Penalty Box Heroes.

Caron says the tournament has been a huge success so far and has raised $22,000 towards their goal in only 18 of 82 games.

The tournament continues this afternoon and straight through till Sunday.

All the funds raised support the District Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Center, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Foul Play Ruled Out in Death at Vernon Trails

Foul play has been ruled out after the death a man near the Vernon Nature Trails yesterday.

Police say foul play was ruled out as a result of a post mortem.

Constable Bob Bernie confirmed the victim is a 61 year old man from Kenora but is not releasing the name

The incident occurred yesterday morning just after 8:00 when the body was found by a passer-by.

Success so far at Hockey for Health

The Hockey for Health Tournament has gotten off to a great start.

The tournament got underway on Monday and has raised almost $21,000.

They organizer are continuing to push for their goal of $55,000 to support the Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Today at noon the Bantam division comes to an end with the final between the Penalty Box Heros and the Keewatin Kanucks at the Rec Centre.

Senior Thistles Struggle at Allan Cup

More disappointment for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles at the Allan Cup.

The Thistles took a major set back last night dropping a 8-0 decision to the Rosetown Red Wings.

Scoring came early and often for Rosetown who scored on almost half their shots.

The loss puts Kenora at 0 and 2 through the round robin and will have them cross over to play Fort St. John in the Quarter Finals.

That game will go tonight at 5:00 local time.

Province Says Tourism is a Priority

Tourism in Northwestern Ontario is a top priority for Michael Chan.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport says since 2010, they have funded 18-million dollars into a Regional Tourism Strategy, which represents the entire region.

Chan adds that since 2007, they have invested in more then 130 festivals in the North.

YPN Hosting Leadercast in Kenora

The Young Professionals Network of Kenora is hosting a Leadercast Event in the city.

Leadercast is a large event being held in Atlanta on May 10th and is being simulcasted at the Super 8 Minis Hall.

YPN Committee co-Chair Lindsay Wenaas says the event features many high profile presenters.

For information email ypnkenora@gmail.com.

KPDSB Seeks Public Input

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has started the task of drafting a new 5-year strategic plan.

Outgoing Director of Education Jack McMaster says they are seeking feedback from community members, teachers, students, staff and school councils.

McMaster says a survey is now available on-line.

He notes trustees will meet May 3rd and 4th to go through the survey results and make changes to the current plan.

The plan will include new goals, a review of the board mission statement and indicators of success.

The survey can be found by visiting www.kpdsb.on.ca

Police Confirm Death at Vernon Trails

Kenora OPP have confirmed that a deceased man was discovered this morning at the entrance to the Vernon Trails, West of the City.

Constable Bob Bernie says police were called just after 8:00 and paramedics confirmed the death.

Police remain on the scene at this time and the area is closed off to the public, however McKenzie Portage Road remains open to traffic.

Bernie could not confirm how they are proceeding with the investigation.

Bernie adds he is looking into the incident this morning on St. Clair Street to see if the incidents have any relation.

Police on Scene at 2 Locations in City

Some new developments in the report of an incident on St Clair Street in Keewatin.

Kenora O.P.P are at the scene of incident at the Vernon Trails West of the City.

Reports say a deceased person was found at the location.

We have calls in with the O.P.P and are awaiting more details.

Meanwhile there are also police on the scene at 817 St. Clair Street in Keewatin.

It is not yet known if the locations are related.

New Director of Education Chosen for KPDSB

Sean Monteith is the new Director of Education of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

The Kenora resident was named to the position at a special board meeting last night.

Monteith says he's humbled and excited by the opportunity.

Monteith has been a Superintendent of Education with the board since 2008.

Sector Profile Hopes to Attract New Business

Lots of work is being done to attract more forestry business to the city.

Thelma Wilkins-Page with the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission presented city council with a sector profile on Monday.

Wilkins-Page says the report highlights strengths and advantages, opportunities for value added products, and government services and supports in the region..

Councillor Sharon Smith says the report will be great to helping companies get the information they need when deciding to do business in Kenora.

Health Unit Changing Pandemic Plan

The Northwestern Health Unit is supporting the province's new pandemic plan.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says the strategy provides a stronger working relationship with all three levels of government.

Stanley says the Health Unit was burned during the last H-1-N-1 pandemic because other Health Units were offering the free vaccine at earlier times.

Senior Thistle Drop Game 1 at Allan Cup

A tough start for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles at the Allan Cup in Red Deer Alberta.

The Thistles started the tournament last night by dropping a 5-2 decision to the host Bentley Generals.

Kenora got the scoring started before the Generals scored 3 unanswered goals.

The Thistles were able to make it 3-2, but that would be the closest they would get as the generals pulled away.

Tonight Kenora will take the ice against the Rosetown Red Wings.

Health Centres Receive Provincial Funding

Aboriginal Health Access Centres in Kenora and Fort Francis are getting a boost by the provincial government.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer made the announcement in Kenora today.

Each center will receive 2.3 million dollars to retain and recruit primary care physicians and nurse practitioners.

Zimmer adds that the centres will also be receiving capital for building renovations.

New Forest Management Plan for Wabigoon Forest

Changes are coming to the Wabigoon Forest.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Domtar are developing the second five-year term for the Forest Management Plan, and are looking at proposed areas for harvest and road locations.

Plan Author Penny Rathushniak explains the harvesting process.

Rathushniak says it also tells the species of the forest and the age class.

MPP Wants Drilling Resources to Stay Inside the Province

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River says we need to keep control of the mining resources drilled in the province.

Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that foreign companies are taking our profit and jobs.

She says our resources can't be given away, unless we ask for a fair price in return.

Campbell add the Federal government needs to close the loopholes it created.

Local MP Says ELA Talks Are Continuing

Work is still being done on finding a third party to run the Experimental Lakes Area, East of Kenora.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford wants folks to know that they continue to have discussions, but majority of them are in confidentiality.

Rickford says the issue that has to be addressed is the provincial and federal government's roles.

Allan Cup Begins Tonight for Senior Thistles

The Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles have plenty of confidence ahead of their first game tonight at the Allan Cup.

Captain Sean Hughes says they are going to rely on their defensive play.

The Thistles are playing against the host Bentley Generals tonight at 8:00.

The second game for the Thistles is tomorrow night against the Rosetown Red Wings.

Hockey for Health Kicks Off With a Bang

A great start to the Hockey for Health Tournament.

the goal of reaching 55 thousand dollars in fundraising started with 13 thousand announced as of yesterday.

The Hockey for Health continues today with the Bantam division on the ice.

You can get involved by attending games, buying raffles, and support the Don your Cherry jacket contest.

Money raised goes towards the District Hospital Foundation, Twinning the Ice at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Woman Charged With Assault in Kenora

 Kenora OPP have charged a woman with multiple assault charges.

On Saturday afternoon police were called to the Cambrian Dr area after a cab driver was threatened with a knife.

Police say they were also called to the Mascott Ave area that evening where a woman had been assaulted.

On Sunday police say 22-year old Marcella Jordain of Couchiching was arrested for the incidents.

Jordain has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon, and obstructing police.

Swimming Sharks Gain Experience at NWO Swim Meet

A great learning experience for members of the Kenora Swimming Sharks.

The Sharks hosted the annual NWO Open Swim Meet this weekend with over 170 competitors.

Kenora used the meet to give some of their younger swimmers the experience of competing in a swim meet.

It was a first experience for many of the junior pre-competitive swimmers on the team.

The event was a precursor to the "Wavemaker Long Course Invitational," in Victoria later this month.

Work Continues to Open Mine in Barwick

Rainy River Resources says it has its road map to begin development of an open pit mine north of Barwick late next year.

The company's released it's feasibility study identifying project costs at a billion dollars, creating 400 jobs during construction and 600 when the mine opens.

President Raymond Threlked doesn't foresee anything sidetracking plans.

The project currently going through the environment assessment process the company expects to be complete in time to begin construction.

Kenora MP Annoucnes Funding for Lac Seul

Some federal dollars for the Lac Seul Training Center of Excellence.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford was in Hudson last week, where he announced 132-thousand-dollars in funding that will help with upgrades to the facility and the Culinary School that will soon be offered.

Rickford adds the government remains committed to helping First Nation communities.

Lac Seul has partnered with Goldcorp and the Seven Generations Education Institute to create the facility.

Cross Lake Wins NAFN Title

A changing of the guard at the North American First Nations Hockey Tournament.

Last night the Cross Lake Islanders won the title with a 5-3 win over Fisher River.

Captain Kajon McKay says its nice to end the OCN's championship streak.

McKays says the NAFN tournament is the best that he has played in all season.

Locals Liberals Ready to Select Candidate

The president of the Kenora-Rainy River provincial Liberal riding association is making plans to run in the next election.

Anthony Leek of Emo says by declaring early, it avoids some of the problems faced in an unsuccessful bid in 2011.

The Riding association will hold a nomination meeting in Fort Frances April 27.

Summer Job Opportunities

The Northwest Business Centre and the Ontario government is offering multiple programs to students in the region to start up their own business.

The Make Your Pitch Program is for high school students only.

More information is available at http://www.makeyourpitch.ca/

The Summer Company Program is being offered to students between 15 and 29.

More information is available at http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ye_summerco_en.jsp

Sportsplex Receives Funding

A sportsplex for all will be soon be running in Kenora.

The renovation to the Jaffray Melick Arena got a big boost by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Jess Rheault is the Vice Chair of the Kenora Soccer Association and says they received over 122-thousand dollars for the project.

Rheault says a lot of groups are interested in the facility including lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and the school boards.

Rheault adds they are currently working to get the turf installed.

Brewing Equipment Gets Installed

Gearing up for the summer.

Taras Manzies with the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company says work is coming along and they expect to be welcoming guests by the summer.

Manzies says the brewing equipment has started to arrive and installation is under way.

He adds that they have selected 3 styles of beer to brew once everything is operational.

The old brewery on Second Street South will also feature a retail store and restaurant.

New Evacuation Plan for Northern Ontario

The evacuations of First Nations communities in the Far North two years ago has prompted the provincial Government to make changes.

The Chief of Emergency Management Ontario says a new evacuation plan for forest fires has been developed for northern Ontario.

Allison Stuart says the strategy ensures everyone is on the same page.

Stuart says the plan outlines "what needs to be done" and not "this is how you do it".

Police Look for Distracted Drivers

Provincial police are gearing up for another distracted driving campaign next week.

Police are asking motorists to make a commitment to leave their handheld devices alone while behind the wheel.

They also want passengers to take matters into their own hands and tell drivers to put down their phones.

O-P-P say while texting is among the most dangerous activities to carry out while driving, distracted driving refers to any from talking on the phone, eating and drinking, personal grooming and tending to children in the backseat.

Senior Thistles Fundraiser Tonight

One last chance to support the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles before they head out for the Allan Cup.

Tracy Laffin from Casey's says they will be holding a fundraising dinner tonight.

Along with the dinner there will also be prizes, raffles, and the band Big Bugaloo will be playing live music.