Gas Prices Jump Again

Its looks like gas prices have taken a big jump for the second weekend in
a row.

After bouncing around for the past day or so, most service stations in Kenora have hiked their prices to 144.9 cents a liter.

That's 11 cents higher than earlier in the week.

Last week, gas prices jumped five cents a liter just prior to the Victoria Day long weekend.

Highway 502 Re-Opens In Time for Weekend

Perfect timing for the Memorial Day long weekend.

Highway 502 between Fort Frances and Dryden is now open to traffic.

The road was closed earlier this week as the result of a wash-out 11-kilometer
s north of Highway 11.

The highway reopening will make it easier for american visitors to come to the area to enjoy what should be a good weekend in the great outdoors.

Dryden Inquest Wraps UP

Eight recommendations have come out of the coroner's inquest looking into the death of 74 year old Edwin James Davis.

The Fort Frances man died when the groomer he was operating fell through the ice on Little Manitou Lake in February 2011.

Davis was working for Manitou Gold at the time.

Ministry of Labour Lawyer David McCaskill says the 5-member jury did a good job to help address a growing concern of ice road safety.

One of the key recommendations is having all machines regardless of age, be required to have safety equipment and updated features.

The groomer Davis was using didn't have an escape hatch.

NAN Receives FedNor Funding

The Deputy Chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is pleased with new funding announced by FedNor.

Les Louttit says the 60 thousand dollars will help Aboriginal business owners and maximize the benefits of existing and emerging opportunities.

He says it wasn't always that easy.

Louttit says the funds will also go to develop the Ring of Fire.

Quiet Week for Forest Fires

There are three active forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources two are in the Red Lake district, one on Flat Lake Road and the other in Pikangikum.

The third fire is in the Nipigon district.

Officials say all three of them are human caused and don't pose any problems.

Farmer's Market Proving Popular

The weekly farmer's market in Kenora is going to be a success, even
before the event begins this summer.

Don Denver from the Lake of the Woods Development Commission says they've already sold out their display tables for the months of July and August.

In fact, demand is so high that an extra tent is being set up to handle
the overflow from the Whitecap Pavilion.

The first farmer's market is slated to take place June 19th.

Northwest OPP Release Long Weekend Stats

Provincial Police are out with its statistics from the May Long Weekend.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says in the Northwest Region, they laid 281 speeding charges, 4 charges of distracted driving and issued 27 seat belt charges.

In one incident, a motorcyclist was arrested for impaired driving after
he fell off is bike while driving around the Round About in Kenora.

Police says the biker had been using drugs.

Garr says that fortunately there were no serious incidents in this region.

Good Turn Out for Event Center Meeting

More than just a second ice surface for the Kenora Rec. Center.

That was the thrust of a public meeting last night staged by the
Event Center Committee.

A number of ideas were thrown around to improve the Kenora Rec. Center.

Mike Dietsch is the co-chair of the committee and says the suggestions
presented last night will help them develop a concept they eventually will
take to city council.

Dietsch says their goal is to have a concept the can take to council in August of 2014.

Councillor Votes Against Resolution on Contraband Tobacco

Education over enforcement.

City council this week voted to stronger penalties against those caught producing and selling contraband tobacco.

Councillor Sharon Smith voted against the resolution calling for more education on the topic.

Some of the actions that council voted on include higher fines and giving more authority to seize products and impound vehicles.

Smith says there are a number of aboriginal communities looking to create a sustainable business by producing raw tobacco.

Smith says the government needs to start talking to these communities.

Hudak Proposes More Help with Ring of Fire

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak believes the government is not taking advantage of the Ring of Fire.

Speaking with northern media recently, Hudak says the area can make Ontario just as financially strong as other provinces.

Hudak says he would put a cabinet minister in charge of the Ring of Fire who had have more authority over job and wealth creation in the province.

He adds that he will also work to create transit infrastructure.

Hudak suggests that Ontario needs a premier who will champion the project at Queen's Park.

OPP Launch New Recruitment Initiative

The Ontario Provincial Police are launching a recruitment campaign in northwestern Ontario.

Constable Erin Huckell says it's called the "Northern Policing Experience", and runs from May 25th to 26th.

Huckell says travel and accommodations for anyone wanting take part will be taken care of.

PARO Receives Funding for Programs in NWO

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving just over 352-thousand dollars to PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise.

PARO Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says the three year grant will be used to provide training for would be young entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario.

Lockyer says the money will go along way with covering the costs of salaries, training opportunities and producing materials for their training programs.

Beaver Brae Earns Top 10 Finish in Provincial Envirothon

A group of students from Beaver Brae has a chance to attend the International Envirothon championships.

The high school's Envirothon team finished in the top ten in Ontario after two weeks
of competition.

Envirothon includes an on-line test that looks at a number of issues including
Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, and Wildlife.

The next stage of the competition includes an interview with a trip to Montana
on the line for the International Envirothon in August.  

Broncos Soccer Teams Split Against Muskies

A great showing this afternoon for the Beaver Brae soccer teams.

After a pair of morning wins against the Eagles the Broncos split there games against the Muskies.

The Broncos boys started the scoring and had a 2-2 tie at half, but Fort Frances would score in the second half for a 3-2 victory.

The girls played to a 1-0 victory.

With the win, Beaver Brae's girls team finished first in their division and will now get a bye into
the gold medal game.

The next games for the Broncos team will be the NORWOSSA playoffs in Dryden next Wednesday.


Meanwhile, St. Joseph's from Dryden took the Intermediate Catholic Schools Championship
yesterday.

St. Joseph's beat Thomas Aquinas Red 1-0 on penalty kicks.

Broncos start the Day With A Pair of Wins

A pair of wins for Beaver Brae's soccer teams this morning at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex.

The Bronco boys scored early and often en route to a 6-3 win over the Dryden Eagles.

Kodai Kuroda led the offense with a three goal game.

Meanwhile, the Beaver Brae girls saved their best for last, scoring twice in
the final five minutes to earn a 2-1 win over the Eagles.

Beaver Brae is back in action this afternoon at 2:00 against Fort Frances.

The NorWOSSA Double A playoffs will take place in Dryden next Wednesday.

Hockey for Health Gets Kudos from Council

City Council is showing it's appreciation to the organizer of the Hockey for Health Tournament.

Yesterday, council presented Dean Caron and his family with a certificate of appreciation for their work in creating the annual tournament.

Caron says there are a lot more people to thank for building the event.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the tournament has created a lasting legacy towards helping to community.

Black Sturgeon Property Owners Lobby Council

The Black Sturgeon Lake Property Owners Association is upset with City Council.

Council has voted against a moratorium to prevent future developments on the lake.

Association President Dan Olscamp says the decision goes against talks with Mayor Dave Canfield regarding a halt in water testing.

However, Olscamp didn't leave council defeated.

The city did confirm the 2014 budget will include water testing on Black Sturgeon.

Local Liberals Pleased with NDP Budget Support

Reactions are starting to come in regarding the N-D-P support for the budget.

Kenora Rainy River Liberal candidate Anthony Leek says he was very happy with the announcement.

Leek says the budget will benefit the entire province.

Leek says he is happy the province will not be going to the polls this spring and that he will stay on as the Liberal candidate for the riding.

Resolute Blamed for Demise of Boreal Agreement

A three year campaign to protect the boreal forest has broken down.

Environmental groups are blaming Resolute Forest Products for the failure of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement.

Tim Graham from the Ivey  Foundation says they put five million dollars
into the effort to protect the boreal forest in the region.

The environmental groups say instead of protecting more boreal forest in northwestern Ontario, Resolute Forest Products has been expanding its use of local woodlands.

OPP Marine Unit Busy Over Long Weekend

Some wild weather over the May Long Weekend posed problems for boaters.

The OPP Marine Unit says its was called out a couple of times to help rescue people who found themselves stranded on local lakes.

On Monday afternoon, two 21 year old men were canoing on Stewart Lake when they were swamped.

The managed to make it to shore, and police say they were able to locate them safe and sound.

In a separate incident, a boat was stranded out in Bigstone Bay on Lake of the Woods due to high winds and large waves.

The OPP says they were able to remove the five people on Board and safely get them off the reef.

High School Soccer This Morning

The NorWOSSA double "a" soccer season is quickly drawing to a close.

The final regular season games will be taking place at the Tom Nabb Soccer

Complex today.  Beaver Brae's boys and girls teams will be in actin at 9:00 this morning against Dryden, and then will be back on the pitch at 2:00 against Fort Frances.

The NorWOSSA play-offs will take place next week in Dryden.

Four Arrested in Weekend Police Chase in Vermillion Bay

The OPP say four teenagers are in custody following a brief police chase in the Vermilion Bay area.

Police say they noticed a truck with Manitoba license plates stopped at the Machin Medical clinic early Saturday morning.

Officers attempted to speak with the driver, but the accused took off, resulting in a brief chase.

OPP called off the pursuit due to public safety concerns but located the vehicle a short time later after it was involved in a collision.

The teens fled into the woods but were eventually arrested.

Two of the teens are men and two are women and all hail from Saskatchewan.

They face multiple charges.

Norman Fire Causes Damage to Duplex

No injuries reported as a result of an early morning fire in the Norman Area.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Service Department was called out at 12:44 this morning to a building on Kay Street West.

The fire was reported in the lower unit of a duplex.

The blaze caused extensive smoke and heat damage to both units.

Fire fighters spent about three hours at the scene and will be back later today to try and determine the cause.

Chipman Street Still Blocked Off

You may need to find a detour driving through downtown Kenora today.

A section of Chipman Street remains blocked off after a roof overhang at the former Kenwood Hotel fell down onto the sidewalk and street in front of the building.

The parking area south of the Hotel has also been blocked off as a
precaution.

A contractor is working to stabilize the building and remove some material from the overhang.

Event Center Committee Looking for Feedback

It's time for you to offer your opinion on the expansion of the Rec Center.

Event Center Committee chair Chris Van Wallenghem says they are holding a public meeting this Wednesday.

Van Wallenghem says the meeting is aimed at getting as much public input as possible.

He adds the Event Center expansion doesn't have the be limited to a second ice surface.

The meeting gets underway at 7:00 on the ice surface at the Rec Center..

Municipality Trying to Save Caliper Lake

It wasn't a great long weekend weather-wise.

But it was an even worse long weekend if you wanted to go camping
at Caliper Lake Provincial Park.

The park was closed last year by the province, and Mayor Bill Thompson of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls says they are continuing the fight to re-open the park.

He says though that they want the MNR to transfer the land over to the municipality first.

Thompson says the longer the park is closed, the less likely it will ever re-open again.

Province Gives Green Light to Rainy River Resources

The Ministry of the Environment has decided to go ahead with the Terms of Reference for the Rainy River Gold Project.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell brought the issue up in the legislature, stating that the government was delaying the development of this project.

However, Campbell says she is pleased that the government has come through, and it will benefit the region.

Campbell says the Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle was also pushing the government to accept the terms.

Heavy Rains Cause Evacuation near Thunder Bay

Fort William First Nation near Thunder Bay has declared a state
of emergency.
   
It says homes in the community have been hit by flooding while
roads are washed out due to heavy rains.
   
About 170 residents who've had to leave their homes were being
put up in a local hotel.

Chief Georjann Morriseau says there are numerous road closures in
the community due to washouts.

Alzheimer Society Launches Penny Drive

Don't throw out your old pennies just yet.

The Alzheimers Society of Kenora and Rainy River is conducting a
penny drive once again this spring.

Ashton Faulds says any funds raised will go towards local programs.

Faulds says their goal is to collect three thousand pounds of pennies
this year.

No Water Service for Coney Island

Some disappointment for Coney Island residents.

The City of Kenora says the summer water service will not be ready for this weekend.

The Operations Department says due to a late spring, crews have found sections of water line still in a frozen state.

The water also has to be tested before it can be used by the public.

The city says the summer water line should be in service by May 24th.

OPP Vow to Be Out in Force this Long Weekend

The Ontario Provincial Police want to make sure everyone stays safe this Victoria Day Weekend.

Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says this year's theme is "Take Charge Of Your Own Safety".

Garr says the public is the first line of defense against any tragedy.

She says officers will be out looking for distracted and aggressive drivers, impaired drivers and those not wearing their seat belts.

Local Provincial Parks Set to Open for Camping this Weekend

Not all provincial parks will be opening this long weekend.

Bruce Van Staalduinen  with Ontario Parks says 10 Northern parks were closed by the province last year.

However Staalduinen says there is good news for 3 of the parks in northeastern Ontario, which will be re-opened under local control.

He adds that some parks won't open this weekend as planned because there is still some snow on
the ground and ice on the Lake.

He suggests parts of Quetico Park will be out of service for opening weekend.

Rushing River and Blue Lake will be open.

Visit ontario parks.com to reserve your campground.

Council To Decide Fate of Non Profit Housing After RFP

The fate of the Kenora and Keewatin Non Profit Housing Corporations should be known later this year.

Kenora City Council has agreed to send out a request for proposals for management services of Non Profit Housing services.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the request will look at a couple of different scenarios.

Back in the fall, the city had set up a Non Profit Housing Review Committee, which was supposed to determine whether the Kenora and Keewatin Corporations should be amalgamated.

Boating Safety Urged this Weekend

Don't be caught on the water unprepared.

This long weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season in the region and BOATsmart Canada is offering up some important safety tips.

President Cameron Taylor says having the proper knowledge is the most important tip.

Taylor says that anyone caught without an operator card could face a minimum fine of 250 dollars.

Strike Averted at LCBO

The union representing about 67-hundred LCBO workers is recommending they vote in favour of a tentative contract worked out last night.
   
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario and OPSEU signed a deal about two hours before a midnight strike deadline.
   
The length and terms of the agreement won't be made public until after the employees hold a ratification vote.
   
The prospect of a strike brought many Ontarians to LCBO outlets to stock up ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
   
The L
CBO says pre-deadline sales were brisk.

Pellatt Gearing Up for Long Weekend Bash

The Pellatt Community Center and Fire Hall will be rocking this Saturday when they host the May Long Bash.

The event is a fundraiser for the facilities.

Pat Moeller says there are multiple locations you can get tickets.

Moeller adds they will also be holding a pancake breakfast on Sunday Morning.

Saints Excel at Track and Field Meet

A strong showing from Thomas Aquinas students at the Annual Track and Field meet in Dryden.

Taylor Tom led the way with a pair of first place finishes and two seconds.

Tom won the junior girls 400 meter dash and the long jump.

Sarah Frankcom also won a pair of gold medals, finishing first in the junior girls 800 and 15 hundred meter
races.

Antwan Fair-Gilstrae finished first in the junior boys 800 meter race and second in the long jump, while
Leah Alvestad won the junior girls high jump and Eric Sundmark placed first in the senior boys shot put.

Transport Load Catches Fire on Highway 17 East

Highway 17 east of Kenora is open again after being shut down for several hours last night.

The OPP shut down the Trans-Canada just east of the Highway 71 intersection for about four
hours due to a fire on a semi tractor trailor unit.

The transport was hauling a load of hay bales, and some of the bales went up in flames
just after 9:00.

The Longbow Lake Volunteer Fire department was called out to help douse the flames.

Provincial Parks Set to Open for Long Weekend

The May long weekend means provincial parks will be opening for the first time this season.

Van Staalduinen from Ontario Parks says the majority of parks in Northern Ontario will be open as of tomorrow.

He adds that Fushimi Lake, Ivanhoe Lake, and Rene Brunelle were 3 of the 10 parks set for closure but will remain due to municipal support.

Information on all parks, campgrounds, and services including reservations are available at http://www.ontarioparks.com.

NorWOSSA Soccer Season Reaches Halfway Point

Mixed results for Beaver Brae's soccer team in Dryden yesterday.

The Bronco boys opened with a 3-1 win over Fort Frances, but then were blanked 4-0 by Dryden.

Beaver Brae's girls played to a 3-3 tie against the Muskies, but then were doubled up 2-1 by Dryden.

The teams will resume their NorWOSSA schedule next Wednesday in Kenora.

Funerals Today for Wunnumin Lake Fire Victims

Funeral services are being held today in the remote northern community of Wunnumin Lake First Nation for three young victims of a house fire.

One year old Rebecca Sainnawap, six year old Kaylene Nothing and 21 year old Roxanne Nothing perished when their home was destroyed in an early morning fire on May 8th.

Officials say the small community continues to mourn their loss.
Today's service starts at 1 o'clock.

There is still no word on the cause of the blaze.

Concern Raised About Black Sturgeon Developments

Kenora city council is debating whether to put a moratorium on any future development on Black Sturgeon Lake.

Currently there are development agreements in place for 89 more lots.

Mayor Dave Canfield says council is willing to work with the property owners to ensure no new subdivisions get the green light.

Canfield says there is very little undeveloped shore-line left on Black Sturgeon and is worried the lake is being over-developed.

Coventry Says Poor Markets Affecting Cameron Lake Project

The resources may be plentiful but the markets are not.

Don Halliday is the Director and VP of Investors Relations with Coventry Gold and says a decline in the market has slowed down their work in the region.

On a positive note Halliday did say they have added almost 25 thousand ounces to estimate of the Cameron Gold Project South East of Kenora as a result of exploration in the Dogpaw gold zone.

Halliday says they now
have estimated the project has around 1.5 million ounces of resources.

Government Needs to Support Rainy River Gold Project

The MPP for Kenora Rainy River is pushing the government to support the Rainy River Gold Project.

Sarah Campbell says the Liberals are delaying the projects even though the company has done everything asked of them.

She blames cutbacks at the Ministry of the Environment for delays in getting the Terms of Reference
approved.

Campbell says the project will create over 700 million dollars in investments and 500 full time jobs.

Cancer Care Northwest Responds to Latest Report Card

The Regional Cancer Care Northwest Program is implementing new initiatives to help improve the Cancer patients experience.

Regional Cancer Care Director Joanne Lacourciere says the Province's annual cancer score card gives them
 poor marks for integrating patient services and checking up on patients symptoms.

The report card shows the Northwest has a higher incidence of prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer than the rest of the Province.

MNR Preparing for Busy Long Weekend

Some new forest fires have ignited in the region over the past couple of day..

Heather Pridham is with the Ministry of Natural Resources and says the most recent activity is a result of Mother Nature.

She says high winds have knocked power lines onto trees, causing some small fires.

She adds that the brisk winds are causing fires to grow much more quickly.

With the long weekend upon us Pridham says the Ministry is preparing for an increase in human caused fires.

Work on Valleyview Expansion to Begin this Spring

The tender for the Valleyview School Project is expected to go out
for bid in the next couple of weeks.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board gave trustees an update on
the project last night.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says their goal is still to start the
construction this spring, with completion near the beginning of September.

He says they do have a contingency plan in place in case the work isn't
completed in time for the new school year.

Indoor Soccer Complex Should Be Ready before End of Summer

A new indoor soccer complex should be ready by the middle of the
summer.

Work is continuing to install artificial turf in the Jaffray Melick Arena.

Jess Rheault is with the Lake of the Woods Soccer Association and says
user groups are already lining up to make bookings.

Kenora City Council is expected to approve a five year lease agreement with the
Soccer Association for the JM Arena on Monday.

Flood Evacuees Returning Home

Flood concerns have subsided up north and that has allowed some residents to return home.

Emergency Management Ontario says 90-Attawapiskat First Nation residents currently staying in Greenstone are due to return today, and another 260 should begin flying back from Thunder Bay tomorrow.

EMO says 64 residents who were moved to Fort Frances will have to remain there a while longer until their homes are cleaned and repaired.

Nearly 400 members of the Kashechewan and Pic Mobert first nations remain evacuated.

Large Grass Fire near Pinewood

The MNR is battling a 12 and a half hectare fire near Pinewood south of Kenora near Fort Frances.

The grass fire started yesterday afternoon and was reported to Ontario MNR by the Minnesota Dept of natural Resources around 4:30 yesterday afternoon.

The blaze, just 3 miles off Highway 11 is listed as being held.

The cause has still not been determined.