Taxi Companies Appeal for Rate Increase

Another plea to raise taxi rates in Kenora.

Co-Ot Taxi has made a second deputation to council asking
for the hike.

Eric Lovas from Co-Ot says taxi drivers are having a hard time making
ends meet thanks to increased gas prices and insurance premiums.

Mayor Dave Canfield says because they've already rejected a rate increase this year, they won't be able to deal with the issue again until next year.

SMB Expansion expected this Fall

A sod-turning ceremony for the new expansion at Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys is expected to take place in the fall.

Phylis Eikre is the director of Education with the Kenora Catholic District
School Board and says they are just finalizing the plans for the six classroom addition.

She says they are also working on some contingency plans for students
who might be affected by construction work.

Eikre says SMB might lose some of its play-ground area during construction so they will be working with Pope John Paul to ensure students have a place to go for recess.

OPP Advise on Life Jacket Use

OPP want to see people wearing their life jackets while on the waters this summer.

The laws currently only requires life jackets to be readily accessible on a vessel.

Constable Jim Davis says there have been three drownings in northwestern Ontario this month this should be reason enough to wear them.

The fine for not having a life jacket or personal flotation device is 200-dollars.

OPP Commissioner Ready for New 3 Year Term

OPP commissioner Chris Lewis says he's looking forward to another
three year term at the helm of the provincial police.

Lewis was re-appointed by premier Kathleen Wynn earlier this month.

Speaking in Kenora last week, Lewis says he's not ready to retire just yet.

Lewis has already completed one three year term as Commissioner of the
OPP.

UNESCO Defers Decision on Pimachiowin-Aki

The Manitoba and Ontario governments say they will keep going with their push for a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At its annual meeting in Cambodia, UNESCO's world heritage committee deferred a decision on the large stretch of Boreal forest along the inter-provincial boundary.

The committee has asked Canada to refine its submission.

UNESCO advisory groups have raised questions about whether the area is unique enough to warrant a world heritage site designation.

It will be at least another year before the committee makes a decision.

Province Assembles Committee To Look At Jury Rolls

A top Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal leader will co-chair a panel that will oversee tackling the crisis facing First Nations in Ontario's justice and jury system.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Alvin Fiddler will lead the committee.

Fiddler hopes that with his first hand experience he will be able to contribute significantly to the discussion.

Fiddler will head the committee along with Irwin Glasberg, an assistant deputy minister.

Lower Speed Limit for Railway Street On Hold

Some members of Kenora City Council are resistant to lowering the
speed limit on Railway Street.

A group of residents have signed a petition asking the city to approve
a reduction in the speed limit from 50 kilometers an hour down to 40.

They are concerned about the windy road and the fact there are no sidewalks.

But some council members, including mayor Dave Canfield feel the current
speed limit isn't unreasonable.

Council has agreed to put the matter on hold until their next meeting in July.

You can have your say by logging onto our new poll at 895 The Lake.ca

Kenora Non-Profit Housing Supports Merger with Keewatin

The Kenora Non-Profit Housing Corporation says its supports the concept of merging with their Keewatin counterparts.

Wendy Cuthbert is a member of the Kenora board and says there will be less duplication and therefore immediate cost savings.

However, Cuthbert says the Kenora Board does not support the city's decision to put out a request for proposal to operate an amalgamated service.

She says the city isn't familiar with the service they provide and doesn't trust them to make the right decision.

Kenora Jail Wins Amethyst Award

The Kenora Jail is celebrating it's one of a kind truth and reconciliation program.

Steve walkers is the Superintendent and says the jail was presented an Amethyst Award for the program.

Walker says it's has taken years of hard work.

The program allows the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to collect victim impact statements from inmates who have been affected by the residential school system.

More Graduation Ceremonies This Week

Demand for a regional adult education program continues to be high.

Over 600-students were enrolled in the joint Seven Generations Education Institute and Keewatin-Patricia District School Board program.

44-students walked the stage to get their diploma this year.

The program targets students who are 18-years of age or older and who have been out of high school for at least a year.

Next year, adult ed programs offered through Seven Generations will be moving into Lakewood School.

Operation Corridor Results In 26 Charges in NWO

Following a campaign targeting bad commercial truck drivers, Provincial Police says they are satisfied the message is out there.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says out of 300 commercial drivers charged in the province, 26 were in the northwest region.

Across the province, 35 percent of all charges were equipment related.

That's compared to 12 percent in the northwest.

Sharks Swim South for Grand Forks Meet

22 members of the Kenora Sharks are heading south this weekend for a
swim meet in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The Sharks will wrap up the spring session of their season at the 50 Meter Stroke Challenge, hosted by the Red River Wahoos.

The meet begins tomorrow and wraps up on Sunday.

City Finalizing Canada Day Plans

Canada Day plans are starting to come together in Kenora.

Once again, Keewatin will be the main hub for daytime activities on July 1st.

Joyce Murray is a member of the Keewatin Summer Splash Committee and says they have a number of events for the whole family.

Murray says once again, the Canada Fireworks will be back in K
enora on the Harbourfront.

City Increases Funding to Fix Up Downtown Businesses

Businesses in downtown Kenora will have access to a little bit more money to help fix up their buildings.

Kenora City Council has tentatively approved an additional 50 thousand dollars for the Harbourtown Community Improvement Fund.

Initially council had approved 100 thousand dollars in the 2013 budget, but a couple of major projects, including the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company ate up a lion's share of the money that was available this  year.

The CIP fund allows businesses or building owners to access money to fix up their facades or install  new signage.

City Insurance Cost Increase Slightly

The city will be spending a little bit more for its insurance coverage this year.

City council has approved a policy worth 329 thousand dollars, that's a 1.7 percent increase over last year.

The city's Health and Safety Officer Bruce Graham says they'd like to be able to find a cheaper rate, but there just isn't a lot of competition for their business.

Councillor Louis Roussin feels the city should be able to get a better rate by going to a request for proposal.

Community Foundation Holds Spring Granting Ceremony

Kenora area residents continue to show they are a generous bunch.

Last night, the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation handed out over 146 thousand dollars during its spring granting ceremony.

The Keewatin Summer Splash received 15 hundred dollars and committee member Joyce Murray says they will use that money to help stage Canada Day Celebrations in their community.

The Minto Parent Child Resource Center was the big winner last night picking up over
16 thousand dollars worth of cheques.

Catholic School Board Projects Increase in Enrollment

The Kenora Catholic District School Board continues to defy education trends.

Enrollment is expected to be up slightly once against this fall.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says its too early to say how many more students
might be enrolled in their schools this fall.

Eikre says they have managed to maintain their teaching staff numbers and adds
there will be no redundancies this year.

BB Gun Seized At Dryden Elementary School

A scary incident at a Dryden elementary school.

The Public School Board says a student brought an air-soft gun to Open Roads School yesterday and started shooting small, plastic BB's on the school yard during a nutrition break.

A few students were hit by the BB's but no one was injured.

Officials say staff were not aware the student had the air gun and it was confiscated immediately.

School administration contacted the families of students who were directly involved and the Dryden Police Service was also contacted.

Northwest M.P.'s on their Summer Break

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is welcoming the summer break.

MPs adjourned Parliament earlier this week.

Rafferty says it was good news for Conservative MPs who were dogged by spending scandals.

Rafferty notes he'll be using his summer break to go door to door and listen to his constiuents concerns.

Triple Play Takes Kids Fishing this Weekend

There is still time to sign your child up for the 14th annual take your kid fishing day.

The event takes place this Saturday starting at 11:00

Organizer Debbie Novak from Triple Play says you can get registration forms from the Rec Centre, the Library, Minto Resource Centre, or by calling her at 466-2785.

Novak says the kids will go start fishing around 11:00 and then come back in for a Bar-be-que.

New Gold Starts Take Over Process from Rainy River

New Gold has started formal proceedings in its take-over bid of Rainy River Resources and its signature gold project south of Kenora.

The Vancouver-based mining company is offering 3-dollars and 83 cents a share for Rainy River, with the deal valued at about 310-million dollars in total.

Rainy River's board of directors has already supported the offer which closes July 24.

Ontario's Worst Roads Named

Northwestern Ontario didn't make the cut in the Canadian Automobile Association Ontario Worst Roads campaign.

More than 10-thousand votes were counted this year and Dufferin Street in Toronto topped the list for the second straight year.

Spokesperson Korey Kennedy says the closest road to us to make the list was Kraft Creek Road in Timmins at number 4.

Thunder Lake Road in Dryden was the most nominated road in this region.

Kennedy stresses the campaign is important as 90
percent of the roads selected have either been fixed or are about to be improved.

City Council Looking To Broadcast More Meetings

It might not be a ratings hit, but Kenora City Council is looking to
broadcast its open meetings.

Council says its willing to work with Shaw to air committee-of-the-whole and monthly council meetings.

It will set the city back about 12 thousand dollars to purchase and install
the technology.

Councillor Rod McKay says he has his reservations about spending that kind of money and wants to know how many people might actually watch their meetings, before supporting the expenditure.

Catholic School Board Expects More Red Ink

The Kenora Catholic District School Board expects to have a small deficit for a second year in a row.

Trustees with the Separate School Board approved the budget last night.

It calls for spending of just over 24.7 million dollars.

Finance officer, Allison Smith says their funding from the province is basically the same as last year.

The Board's deficit is expected to come in at 168 thousand dollars in the
2013/2014 school year.

Fire Hazard Rising Again

Five new forest fires have sparked in Northwestern Ontario.

The Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts each saw two, while one was reported in the Kenora area.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the dry, warm weather helped fuel these fires.

The MNR adds while some rain is forecast, the hazard remains moderate to high in the region.

Hospital Foundation Transfers A Record Amount

A record breaking year for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.

Last night at their Annual General Meeting the foundation announced they transferred a record 752 thousand dollars to the hospital in 2012-2013.

Managing Director Jess Rheault says it an amazing mark to achieve.

Rheault says the money helped cover a lot of needs on the hospital's capital side, as well as bring in digital mammography.

City Reaches Fire Protection Agreement With MNR

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the City of Kenora have reached
a tentative five year agreement for fire protection.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says they looked at six possible options.

He says in the end they decided the city would be best served if MNR fire crews were responsible for islands and the northeast quadrant of the
municipality.

Brinkman says while the agreement will cost the city just over 100 dollars
a year, the city will still be on the hook for some of the MNR's fire fighting
costs.

Kenora Forest Products Start Up Delayed

Red tape seems to be hampering the start up of the Kenora Forest Products Mill.

Mill manager Rod McKay says they had hoped to start producing studs and other wood products this summer.

But he says there have been a number of delays, including finding markets for their hog fuel.

McKay says they hope the MNR will be licencing the mill soon, and expects they could be
operational by the fall.

Con College Holds its Convocation in Kenora

A night of celebrating success for Confederation College.

Last night was the convocation ceremony for the Lake of the Woods Campus.

Acting Director Laura Christie says the 50 graduates were enrolled in a number of different programs
including business accounting, early childhood education, office administration, personal support worker,
native child and family services and practical nursing.

Craig Turgeon who graduted from the Native Child and Family Services Program won the Campus Award of Excellence.

Pikangikum Achieves Forestry Milestone

A major milestone for the Pikangikum First Nation.

The first nation has become the forst far north reserve to receive a Sustainable Forest Licence.

The Licence is for the Whitefeather Forest, 90 Kilometers North of Red Lake, and will require the Whitefeather Forest Cummunity Resource Management Authority to implement a Forest Management Plan.

Chief Dean Owen says he is thankful to the Elders, the Whitefeather Forest Initiative Team, the MNR staff who helped the community reach this milestone.

Owen added he is excited for the economic opportunities the licence will create for the people in the community

Matiowski's Farmers Market Starts Tomorrow

A summer staple in Kenora comes back to the Whitecap Pavilion tomorrow.

The Matiowski Farmers Market will be open tomorrow as of 8:30 under the Whitecap Pavilion.

Chrystal Stokes says the market will be as big as ever this year with the markets sold out with vendors through the the end of August.

Stokes said the market includes some well known vendors including Honeymill farms, Gerber Farms, Rainy River Meat, and also includes many different types of jewellery and art.

OPP Commissioner Defends Rising Costs

The Commissioner of the OPP is trying to put a positive spin on the cost of their service.

Chris Lewis was in Kenora last week and admits municipalities are concerned about an 8.5 percent increase in officer salaries that's slated to kick in next year.

Lewis says despite the increase, the OPP provides good value for the service.

Lewis says the OPP is currently 32nd in terms of police costs in Canada.

Enough is Enough Bikers Ride Into Kenora

Two people are trying to bring the issue of mental health into the open.

Ginny and Kerry Dennehy are riding across Canada as part of their Enough
is Enough Campaign.

Kerry says the ride is really in support of their son who committed suicide 13 years ago.

The Dennehy's arrived in Kenora yesterday to talk about the foundation they set up on behalf
of their son to tackle depression and mental illness.

Attawapiskat Residents Finally Returning Home

Residents of Attawapiskat First Nation evacuated to Fort Frances last month because of flooding are beginning to return home.

About 30 were flown back last Thursday.

Emergency officials are now looking honouring a request by the remaining thirty to relocate to towns closer to their community where family and friends may be.

The residents have been living out of a local hotel since May 11th.

Funding For Aboriginal Youth Announced

Helping Aboriginal people in Northwestern Ontario get off welfare.

That's the focus of a new plan being pushed by Canada's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says 241 million dollars will go to help youth achieve the same job opportunities as other Canadians.

Aboriginals who choose to participate in the program will work with  the Income Assistance Program to undergo personalized case management.

Northern Communities Continue to Lobby over MPAC Assessments

The fight isn't over between towns in northwestern Ontario and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says they had some good discussions at their meeting in Toronto last week.

Nuttall says MPAC was on the hot seat.

Nuttall says another problem is how the municipalities are going to pay back what they owe.

Memorial Service for Ornge Employees

A memorial service is scheduled for this afternoon in Toronto for the two pilots and two paramedics who died late last month in an air ambulance crash in northern Ontario.

Premier Kathleen Wynne is among those who will be attending.

The helicopter had just left its base at the Moosonee airport to pick up a patient in the remote Attawapiskat First Nation when it crashed early on May 31st.

Transportation Safety Board officers investigating the crash have said mechanical failure did not appear to be the cause.

Kenora's Phillip Scribilo Wins Dryden Walleye Masters

Kenora's Phillip Scribilo is in the Winners circle at the Dryden Shaw Walleye Masters Tournament.

Scribilo and his partner Jason Rostek from Dryden jumped from second to first on the final day to win the event.

Rostek admits the Sunday fishing wasn't easy.

The two caught 29.62-pounds to win the 20-thousand dollars cash and prizes.

Campbell Promotes Region in Legislature

The perks of Northwestern Ontario have reached the Provincial Legislature.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell took a few moments to talk about the endless amount activities that are happening here right at home, stating that it's a hot spot for people from all over.

Campbell encouraged fellow MPP's to make a trip to the region and experience the Northern life.

NAN Happy With Aboriginal Jury Rolls Decision

The Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation welcomes an Appeals Court ruling on Aboriginal jury rolls.

The court threw out a manslaughter conviction on the basis that not enough Aboriginals were on the man's jury.

Alvin Fiddler says now it's time to move forward on the issue.

Fiddler says the ruling validates what NAN has been saying all along.

Premiere Concerned About Municipal Policing Costs

Concerns about policing costs by municipalities are on the mind of Ontario's Premier.

The town of Fort Frances is passing a resolution around calling on the province for more financial support.

Kathleen Wynn says efforts are underway to help contain policing costs.

No time frame was given as to when the team's will bring forward recommendations.

5 Die in Single Vehicle Accident

Tragedy has struck the community of Slate Falls First Nation.

On Saturday evening Sioux Lookout OPP were called to a single vehicle accident south of the community where a GMC Terrain fell into the Broken Mouth River.

The OPP have confirmed the deaths of 23 year old Kimberly Whiskeyjack of Sioux Lookout, 55 year old Gordon Carpenter of Slate Falls First Nation; 23 year old John Bighead of Slate Falls First Nation, 26 year old Samantha Loon of Slate Falls First Nation, and 20 year Claudia Loon of Slate Falls First Nation.

Post morterms have been scheduled at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Forensic Identification Unit Opens in Kenora

The Northwest Region of the OPP have a new forensic identification unit in Kenora.

Commissioner Chris Lewis was in town for the grand opening of the facility on Friday.

Lewis says the building was needed for the safety of officers.

He added the facility ensures no evidence they inspect gets contaminated.

MP Rickford Discusses First Nation Police Funding

The Federal and Provincial Governments plan on working together to address the lack of funding for First Nations policing.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says their top priority was more stable funding for more than just one or two years.

Rickford adds they will have further discussions with the province.

The Treaty Three Police will likely see massive cutbacks in hours, wages and benefits.

Public School Board Approves Strategic Plan

Working to achieve more success at local schools.

Director of Education at the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Sean Monteith says they have passed their 5 year strategic plan.

Monteith says the goals are heavily focused on all students.

He adds their is a strong focus on the whole child and defining what success is.

Community Foundation to Hold Granting Ceremony

Generosity continues to grow in Kenora.

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation will be presenting 130 thousand dollars in grants to 25 local charities.

Executive Director Darlene MacGillvary says everyone can take part in the ceremony.

The ceremony is this Wednesday at 7:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Kenneth Ivall Sentencing Delayed

Justice delayed.

The sentencing of Kenneth Ivall has been put on hold for another two weeks, while Justice Terrance Platana
considers a join submission from the crown and Ivall's lawyer Chris Watkins.

Ivall was found guilty three and a half months ago in the second degree murder of Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009.

In a sentencing hearing this morning it was suggested that a 16 year sentence be given Ivall without chance of parole, minus the 51 months he's already served.

Crown Attorney Mary-Anne Mousseau says Ivall has a 20 year criminal history of violence, domestic violence and drug dealing.

Justice Terrance Platana says he wants to give serious consideration to the joint sentencing submission and
will instead hand down his decision on June 28th at the Kenora Court House.

Friday Night Concerts At Harbourfest Finalized

Classic Rock acts will dominate this year's Harborfest.

The line-up for the Friday night concert has been finalized.

Dave Blake is the director of entertainment and says Bachman-Turner
will be the headliners.

70's group rock group Sweet and Kenny Shields and Streetheart will round out the Friday night concert.

Tickets go on sale at noon today.

Coney Island Challenge Launched

A new challenge is coming to Kenora.

The Coney Island Challenge is a paddleboard event that will circumnavigate the island.

Steve Strachan from the Hardwear Company says you only need a few supplies to join, including your own paddleboard, paddle and life jacket.

The Challenge will depart from the Harbourfront on July 1st.

All proceeds will go towards the Kenora Association for Community Living.

More details can be found at the Hardware Company.

Kenneth Ivall To Be Sentenced This Morning

The family of Ed Wilson should be able to get some closure today.

Wilson was killed behind the Tower Motel in Norman back in March of 2009.

Today, Kenneth Ivall, who was found guilty of second degree murder back in February, will be sentenced in Kenora Court.

Ivall's co-accused, Angela Duchesne plead guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter midway through the trial and is currently serving a three year sentence in federal penitentiary.