Council Seeks Help in Battling Urban Deer

Municipalities across northwestern Ontario are taking a united front in
their battle against a growing urban deer population.

Kenora will be working with Thunder Bay and Dryden to lobby for lower deer permit fees to hunt deer within city limits.

Councillor Sharon Smith says the 45 dollar permit fee is just too high.

Smith suggests the permit fees are a deterrent to hunters.

City and CUPE Agree on Two Year Deal

There will be labor peace in the City of Kenora
for at least the next year and a half.

Kenora City Council has given tentative approval to a two year contract with the
Canadian Union of Public Employees on a deal retroactive to January 1st of this year.

The agreement includes a wage increase of 1.7 percent during each of the deal.

Mayor Dave Canfield suggests the contract is fair because its just over the cost of living.

Non-union staff and city councillors will also be getting similar increases.

Fire Investigation On Hold

The Fire Marshsall's Office has stopped the investigation of the fire at the old Kenora Machine Service Building.

The building is considered unsafe to examine at this time.

The investigation will continue once the building is deemed safe to enter again.
.

The building was destroyed by fire late Saturday night.

In the meantime, the OPP are continuing to hold the building until the Fire Marshall's office can complete
its investigation.

Sandy Lake Man Identified

Provincial Police have released the name of a man who died in Sandy Lake First Nation on Sunday morning.

The man has been identified as 29-year-old Uriah Kakepetum.

Nishanwbe-Aski Police responded to a call for medical assistance at a home.

Kakepetum was transported to the Sandy Lake Nursing Station where he died.

OPP are assisting Nishnawbe-Aski Police in the investigation.

Police haven't said if foul play is suspected.

Kenora MP Announces FEDNOR Funding

Downtown Kenora is getting more financial support by FEDNOR.

Earlier today Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced 425 thousand dollars in funding towards 2 initiatives.

Rickford says $300,000 is being given to the Lake of the Wood Business Incentive Corporation to provide small and medium sized businesses capital support..

The second part of the announcement was $125,000 going towards the engineering and design costs of the phase 3 downtown revitalization project.

Coney Footbridge To Be Removed Wednesday

Local residents will have at least one more day to use the Coney Island
Footbridge.

The city had hoped to remove the bridge today, but due to mechanical
problems with their boats, the removal has been delayed until Wednesday.

This will be the latest the bridge has ever been removed.

The previous latest date the bridge was to be removed was May 14th.

Pinecrest Getting Ready to Install Sprinklers

Pinecrest Home for the Aged says its fully supports plans by the province to improve
fire safety at long term car homes.

Last week, the Minister of Long Term Care announced that all facilities would have to
have sprinkler systems installed within 11 years.

Pinecrest CAO Kevin Queen says they are currently working on a plan to fund and install
sprinklers.

Queen estimates it could cost about a million dollars to install a new sprinkler system
at Pinecrest.

Coronors Inquest Getting Closer

A coroners inquest into the tragic deaths of 7 First Nations teens in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality.

The regional coroner has now set the date for a hearing on who will have the legal right to take part in the inquest proceedings.  

That hearing takes place in Thunder Bay on June 11th.

Health Unit Launches Phone Survey

The Northwestern Health Unit is launching a telephone survey to hear from local residents.

CEO Mark Perrault says a handful of people will be selected.

Perrault says the results will be available later this year, and will measure the success of the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan.

LCBO Workers Set Up Strike Headquarters

The threat of a strike by Liquor Control Board workers this weekend remains real.  

Union spokesperson Robert Lorkowski says the issue centres around the ever increasing use of part time workers.

Last night, local workers set up their strike headquarters in office space on Chipman Street in preparation for a possible job action.  

LCBO workers could hit the picket line as early as this Friday.

Changes Being Made to Council Meeting Schedule

Kenora City council is tweaking its meeting schedule for the summer months.

Starting today, the Committee of the Whole meeting will move to Tuesday mornings, from its usual time on Monday afternoons.

The Committee of the Whole will also include the Property and Planning
Meeting.

Next week, the open meeting of council will move to Tuesday's at noon.

The changes are being tried out this summer on a trial basis and will be
reviewed again in August.

Northern Mayors Talk to MPAC

The Northern Mayors Coalition holds a conference call with provincial officials today to discuss the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's assessments on mills in the north.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says today's meeting is a great first step.

Nuttall says the MPAC ruling on the Domtar mill has crippled the community and is urging the province to intervene.

Police Investigating Fatality in Sandy Lake

Provincial Police are assisting the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service regarding a death in Sandy Lake First Nation.

NAPS officers responded to a call for medical assistance, and took a man to the nursing station where he was pronounced dead.

The name of the deceased is not available at this time, and a post mortem is being done at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP.

Broncos Earn National Cheer Title

Beaver Brae's cheerleaders can add national champions to their resume.

Over the weekend, the Bronco Cheer Squad was in Niagara Falls for the 2013 National Cheer Evolution Championships.

Beaver Brae ended up winning the Small Senior Division, beating out seven other schools.

The Broncos picked up 81.13 points, which was almost two points ahead of their nearest rival.

Gallager Wins Mother's Day Road Race Again

A familiar name was atop the leaderboard at the 2013 Mother's Day
Charity Road Race.

Winnipeg's Cory Gallagher took top honors yet again after completing
the 10 kilometer route in just over 33 minutes.

The fastest Kenora runner was Ben Gustafson, who finished second, 6 and
a half minutes behind.

In the women's 10 K run, Victoria Alexander placed first in a time of 42 minutes,
34 seconds.

Kenora's Janet Findlay was second, just under a minute behind.

Lisa Doerksen won the women's 5 K road race, while Kyle Derouard won the
men's 5 K event.

Fire Marshall to Investigate Weekend Blaze

An investigator from the Ontario Fire Marshall's office is now at the scene of a fire that took place late Saturday night on Highway 17 East.

The blaze broke out in the old Kenora Machine Service building, between A&W and  Dingwall Ford around 11:40 Saturday night.

The fire took a couple of hours to bring under control.

The cause still hasn't been determined, but the OPP are holding the scene until investigators can go through the building.

Jobs Funding Available for Women

Opening doors to the economic opportunities for women in Northwestern Ontario.

The theme of a new initiative by the Federal Government that focuses on three key areas.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the call for proposal will provide more options for women.

The call also focuses on improving prosperity for immigrant women and advancement in non-traditional occupations.

MNR Keep Busy with Weekend Grass Fires

It wasn't a very warm weekend, but that didn't put much of a damper on the
fire situation in the Kenora District.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says crews responded to another five
new wildfires over the past two days.

Four were located on the Wabaseemung First Nation and have been brought under
control.

The other was located near Grassy Narrows.

The Kenora District was responsible for half of the new fires that started up
this past weekend.

More Evacuees from northern First Nations

Flooding is forcing more people from their homes in northern Ontario.

Emergency Management Ontario says 144 people from Attawapiskat First Nation have been moved to Thunder Bay, and there are plans to
move another 200.

Twenty-nine residents of Pic Mobert First Nation will also be calling Thunder Bay home.

And Fort Frances will be home to an additional 81 long-term evacuees.

Ten Ontario communities have now declared emergencies due to weather conditions.

OPSEU Bracing for Possible Strike at LCBO

Part-time work is a big focus of a new ad campaign by the union representing workers at the LCBO.

President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Smokey Thomas says the goal is to inform the public about what they are bargaining for.

Thomas says their strike deadline is May 17th, and he hopes it won't result to that.

The local union is planning to open the doors of its strike headquarters in
Kenora this evening, in case there is a job action.

Campbell Upset with WSIB

Calls for reforms to the Workers Compensation and Insurance Board.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the board needs to be more respectful to injured workers.

Campbell raised her concerns in the Ontario Legislature last week.

She accuses the WSIB of treating injured workers like criminals and denying them the benefits they are legitimately entitled to.

Northwest Sting Place Second in Weekend Tournament

Spring hockey is alive and well in northwestern Ontario.

The Northwest Sting Under 12 girls team traveled to Duluth, Minnesota this past weekend for the Northern Wings Showdown.

The team is made up of players from Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Emo and Sioux Lookout and finished the round robin with a perfect 4-0 record.

In the A-side final, the Sting fell short, losing 6-1 to the Lake Superior Stars.

Saints Soccer Teams Finish Second in Weekend Tournament

A strong showing for Thomas Aquinas soccer teams this past weekend at the Beaver Brae High School Tournament.

Both the Saints boys and girls teams advanced to the A-side final of the tournament yesterday afternoon only to fall to the Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes.

The T.A. boys faced the Buckeyes in the final for the second year in a row, with the same result
as last year, as Miles Mac held on for a 1-0 win.

In the girls final, the Saints also met the Buckeyes, but after holding off the Winnipeg squad in
the first half, Miles Mac came on strong in the second to secure a 4-0 win.

Beaver Brae's girls team finished fourth overall, dropping a 1-0 decision to Dryden in the B-side final.

Fire on Highway 17 East Inside Kenora

 A vacant build on Highway 17 East has gone up in flames.

OPP say a call was received around 11:40 Saturday night to the building between A&W and Dingwall Ford.

A&W owner Randy Nickle says he was surprised to hear of the fire and  what caused it to burn so hot.

Other spectators pointed to an open door on the backside if building hinting that someone may have been inside.

Soeaking with the OPP there are no details as to what caused the fire and there is no injuries reported.

By 1:00 firefighters had contained the blaze inside the building.

More details to follow.

Annual Mothers Day Race Goes This Sunday

The annual mothers day 5k and 10k charity road race takes to the streets this Sunday.

Jennifer Findlay says participants will not have to collect sponsors as all the proceeds raised will be from registration costs.

Youth registration is $25 while adult registration is $35.

Registration is available at www.kenoraborealis.com/

The race takes place at 10:00 on Sunday morning from the Whitecap Pavilion.

Registration will begin at 8:00.

Tourism Program Extended another Year

American Tourists with a minor conviction will get a one time entry to Canada once again this year.

This week Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced the extension of the Tourism Facilitation Action Plan that allows a one time entry into the country.

Rickford says border guards are given very specific rules to ensure public safety.

Rickford stressed that the program is being extended and that anyone who has entered once under the program will not be allowed entry again.

Manitou Gold Continues Drilling Program

Manitou Gold continues its exploration southeast of Kenora.

It's released the latest results of drilling in its Elora property.

President Todd Keast says the exploration continues to demonstrate indications of a potentially large gold bearing deposit.

More drilling is expected once ice from lakes is gone.

Hope and the City Tomorrow Night

A major fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society tonight.

Hope and the City has been sold out for months now.

Nicole Burton is one of the organizers and says this is a ladies
only event.

Last year Hope and the City raised about 25 thousand dollars for
the Cancer Society.

Drug Drop-Off Tomorrow

It's a chance to prevent prescription drug abuse.

The OPP will be participating in prescription drug drop off day tomorrow.

Constable Ronni Grosenick says the program will take away an option for kids to find the drugs.

Grosenick says the drop off will be a drive thru set-up at the detachment by Wal-Mart from 10 to 3.

Former Kenora Resident to Head up SIJHL Expansion Team

The Superior International Junior Hockey League has approved a franchise for Ear Falls-Red Lake.

The team will be known as the Eagles and will begin play at the Ear Falls Arena this upcoming season.

Kevin Kahoot has been named head coach and general manager and says its a great opportunity.

The organization's executive is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Budget Pressures Easing At MNR?

There's still challenges, but Ontario's Natural Resources Minister says the provincial budget is relieving some of the pressures his Ministry is facing.

Natural Resources spending is up slightly over last year.

David Orazietti says it may help ease somewhat the notion of having to close MNR offices.

Orazietti is hopeful the NDP will support the budget.

Water Levels Starting to Rebound

Campowners on Lake of the Woods are concerned about low water levels
this spring.

The Lake of the Woods Control Board attended this week's Campowners
Association meeting this week in Winnipeg.

Rick Cousins from the Control Board says things are starting to turn around.

Cousins says most of the lake remains covered in ice, and it could take another couple of weeks before it eventually melts.

Students Take Part in Emergency Preparedness

30 local high school students are
getting a crash course in emergency preparedness tonight.

As part of emergency preparedness week the students are taking part in an overnight evacuation drill.

Firefighter Earl Bichon says the drill will cover every step of an evacuation.

Bichon says the students will also get presentations from different services about what their roles are during an emergency situation.

Wunnumin Lake Grieves over Fatal Fire

The Wunnumin Lake First Nation is devastated following a housefire that took the lives of three females yesterday.

Chief Rod Winnepetonga says the community is shocked and distraught over the tragedy that killed a one-year-old, a six-year-old, and a 21-year-old, who was the aunt of the two children.

He adds that a member of the First Nation Council tried to save them, but was overcome by smoke and flown to hospital in Thunder Bay.

He was released this morning.

A crisis team is in the community, which has a population of just over 600, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Identity Of Bank Robber Remains A Mystery 40 Years Later

Its a mystery worthy of the TV series"Cold Case".

After 40 years, the identity of a bank robber who blew himself
up in downtown Kenora remains a mystery.

Former Kenora Police Chief Dan Jorgensen says they did have one
possible suspect they investigated 10 years ago, but he turned out to
be alive and well and living in the south of Frances.

Jorgensen says they did try to use DNA evidence to trace the suspect,
but to no avail.

Memorandum Signed to Transfer Ownership of ELA

It's a great day for all supporters of the Experimental Lakes Area.

After over a year of fighting the government a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed today between the government and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the agreement was months in the making.

Rickford adds that the agreement includes operational support throughout the summer during the transition period to the IISD and that the IISD will continue negotiations with the Ontario government.

Dryden Man Charged for Wielding Axe

A Dryden man's quest has resulted in some trouble with the law.

City Police were contacted on Monday regarding a man, who appeared to be drunk, wandering around
Wilson's Trailer Park carrying a long handled axe.

Police arrived, and say that the man told officers he was looking for someone and was " going to chop them up into little bits".

As a result, police have charged 24-year-old Richard Halverson with uttering threats to cause bodily harm.

T3P Employees Vote in Favour of Unionization

An almost unanimous vote by the Treaty Three Police Service.

Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Vice President Sharon DeSousa says 62 members voted yes to union protection by PSAC and only two voted against.

DeSousa says the fight continues regarding what jurisdiction the service will fall under.

She says they want to fall under provincial jurisdiction, not federal.

DeSousa says a number of issues will be resolved once the jurisdictional challenge has been settled.

Government Plans to Look at Flooded Communities

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the federal government is focused right now on helping First Nations repair damage caused by flooding.

MPP Gilles Bisson is calling on both levels of government to start looking at moving some communities in the far north to higher ground.

Rickford admits it is an issue that should be looked at.

He notes moving some communities would be part of a long term plan.

More Questions on ELA

More discussions are continuing about the future of the Experimental Lakes Area.

In the legislature Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell asked the government why scientists were not allowed back into the ELA.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Laurel Broten says the governmental is still working on a deal to take over the facility.

Broten says the province does understand the urgency surrounding the ELA and is working as fast as it can to re-open the facility.

Three Killed in Wunnumin Lake House Fire

Tragedy in the remote northern community of Wunnumin Lake First Nation.

Three people are dead following a house fire early yesterday morning.

All three were females and aged 1, 6 and 21.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

Officials say the community of roughly 600-people is devastated.

Crisis teams from surrounding communities have been sent to Wunnumin Lake.

The First Nation is located 360-kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout.

Forest Fire Season Heats up in Kenora District

What a difference a week makes.

After a slow start to the forest fire season, the Kenora District has seen a rash of blazes over the past couple of days.

Fire information officer Debbie McLean says they've responded to five blazes in the past two days, all of the which have been human caused.

McLean says a fire about 10 kilometers from the Kenora Airport is listed as being held today, after it grew to over six hectares yesterday.

Taxes Going Up in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Its going to cost more to pay your property taxes in Sioux Narrows/Nestor
Falls this year.

The town council approved a 3 percent increase in the mill rate in 2013.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they wanted to to be able to put more money into
reserves this year.

Thompson says the mill rate also reflects the increased cost of paying for
the Kenora District Services Board.

Rickford Oversees Evacuations

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is in Kapuskasing today on behalf of the Prime Minister overseeing the evacuation of flood victims from Kashechewan First Nation.

600 people have been forced from their home and have been relocated to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing and Cornwall.

Rickford says it's been a fairly smooth transition.

Rickford says it's not yet known how long the evacuation order will remain in place.

Kenora Not Expecting Flood Evacuees

The City of Kenora has not been asked to be an evacuation center for residents from the  far north displaced by flooding.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says no requests have been made so far.

Last year, Kenora agreed to be an evacuation center after wild fires forced hundreds of
people from their homes in remote first nation communities.

So far evacuees have been sent to Cornwall, Sudbury, Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay.

Firefly Celebrates Children's Mental Health Week

Firefly is celebrating Children Mental Health Week.

Jackie Mitchell is the board chair and Firefly and says they have one big initiative this week to raise awareness about mental health.

Mitchell encourages anyone who takes part in the challenge to send pictures to Firefly.

More information on mental health week is posted on the news section of 895 the lake.ca.

Health Unit Issues Water Advisory in Red Lake

The Northwestern Health Unit is advising residents in the Red Lake area about the potential of heavy metals in well water.

Due to the mining developments in the area, heavy metals are found also in the soil.

The health unit encourages residents to sample water to test, treat or not drink water that contains heavy metals and avoid tailings and slimes for play areas.

NorWOSSA Soccer Season Starts Today in Fort Frances

The short NorWOSSA double "a" soccer season gets underway today in Fort Frances.

Both the Beaver Brae boys and girls teams will be on the road for games against the Muskies and the Dryden Eagles.

The games will act as a warm-up for this weekend's soccer tournament being hosted by Beaver Brae at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex.

Thomas Aquinas begins its Single A soccer season next week.