Whiteshell Cottagers Shocked by Lease Increase

Cottage lease fees are going through the roof a provincial park just inside Manitoba.

Back tier cottagers in the Whiteshell Provincial Park will see a 250 percent increase over ten years, while lakefront owners will see a 750 percent hike.

Tom Walker with the cottage owners association says lease fees aren't the only concern.

Walker says lakefront properties will see increases over five thousand dollars between the two hikes.

Man Fined for Wielding Pellet Gun

A potentially dangerous scenario for Kenora OPP.

Last Friday night, police say a 55 year old man was issued a weapons charge after refusing to leave a downtown apartment.

OPP arrested Wayne Prokulevich and charged him with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He will answer attend a bail hearing Wednesday.

Couchiching Chief Passes Away

A long-serving northwestern Ontario First Nations chief has died.

Family members report Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson died Sunday in his home.

McPherson was first elected chief between 1986 and 1988, returning to office in 1998.

No word yet on funeral arrangements.

NorWOSSA Season Resumes Today

The puck drops on the 2014 NorWOSSA hockey season today.

First off the Beaver Brae girls are at home against the Dryden Eagles.

game time is 4:00 at the Rec Centre.

The Bronco boys are also at home tonight.

They Welcome the Queen Elizabeth Warriors to the rec centre at 7:30.

Meanwhile the Thomas Aquinas Saints boys are on the road.

They are in Fort Frances to face off with the Muskies at 7:15.

The 2014 NorWOSSA double A court sport season gets underway today.

The Beaver Brae Bronco are on the road in Dryden to face the Eagles.

It's a start of a busy week for Beaver Brae.

The team also hits the road Thursday when they take on the Fort Frances Muskies.

Fire at Willard Lake

Fire crews continue to battle a major fire at the Willard Lake gas station and hotel on Highway 17, about 40-kilometres East of Kenora. 

The fire was reported around 3:00 this afternoon. 

There are reports of serious damage. 

No other details are available at this time.

Hunter Fined $2,000 by MNR

Careless hunting as landed a Northwestern Ontario man a 2 thousand dollar fine.

Conservation Officers say they received a complaint on November 2nd about a deer being shot on a Dryden area property without the owners consent.

Officers investigated the call and found that Clinton Catlin had shot a white tailed deer inside a yard after spotting it from the roadway.

Along with the fine, Catlin has been banned from hunting in the province for 1 year and must re-complete the Ontario Hunter Education Course.

His firearm was seized until the fine is paid.

H1N1 Virus on the Rise

A good reason to got the flu shot.

The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed 16 cases of the H1N1 influenze strain this season.

Doctor Jim Arthurs is the medical officer of health says one stat is alarming to him.

He says of all the confirmed cases, none of the patients has received the flu vaccine this year.

Arthurs says flu shots are available at most pharmacies throughout the region.

Cold Weather Warnings Issued

With another day of dangerous cold across our region, warnings to bundle up and protect yourself if you have to go out doors.

Emergency room doctor Jeffrey Sather says when it gets this cold, frostbite is a possibility and you can develop a freeze burn.

With prolonged exposure, the risk moves to hypothermia, where one's core body temperature actually drops and can lead to confusion, unconsciousness and even death.

Nomination Papers Ready for Municipal Election

Calling all candidates.

You can now nominate yourself to run for mayor, city council, or the school board.

Joanne McMillin in the City Clerk and says the first step of the municipal election is under way.

The elections will take place on October 27th, while the deadline to file nomination papers is
September 12th.

This year, the city will be using internet balloting for the first time.

Control Board Provides Mid-Winter Update

No concern over water levels in the area.

Matt Dewolfe with the Lake of the Woods Control Board says levels are just below normal for this time of year.

He does say they are still looking at the spring run off.

Since the start of November DeWolfe says the water level has dropped 10 centimeters.

He says they want to see it fall another 20 before the spring.

Alzheimer Society Launches Coffee Break Challenge

Drink coffee, win prizes.

That's what local businesses can do during the Alzheimer Society's Coffee Break Challenge.

Rosanna Tomashowski is the acting executive director and says there are multiple ways to participate.

The winners of the challenge will be announced on February 17th.

Any local businesses can register directly with the society.

Midget Thistles Split Again

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles continue to alternate wins and losses.

The Thistles were edged 2-1 yesterday at home by the Parkland Rangers.

On Saturday night, the Kenora Midgets started the weekend series with a
5-3 victory.

Not a lot of time for rest for the Thistles as they hit the road Wednesday
for a date with the Winnipeg Thrashers.

Local Girls Hockey Teams Excel at Own Tournament

(Photo courtesy Kelly Alcock)

A good weekend for a couple of local girls hockey teams.

The K-Town Rednex took top honors in the midget division of the Lake of the Woods Girls Hockey tournament.

The Rednex finished second in the round robin portion of the tournament, but advanced to the final.

In the A-Side championship the Rednex blanked the Steinbach Millers 2-0 to take top honors.

In the bantam division, the Dy-no-mite 4.0 advanced to the A-side final after topping
their nine team pool.

The Dy-no-mite shut down the Dryden Drillers in the championship game 3-0.

The other Kenora team, the Lake of the Woods Chaos placed fourth, after losing 6-3 to
Fort Frances in the bronze medal game.

School Buses Running This Morning

Despite the cold conditions, all school buses in the Kenora area should be running today.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says bus operators have been checking their vehicles over the two week Christmas break due to the intense cold.

Because the region is under a windchill advisory, parents are being urged to bundle up their children as they wait for their bus.

Kenora OPP Officer Faces Theft Charges

A Kenora OPP officer has been charged with theft.

The Kenora detachment began an investigation back on December 28th.

As a result constable Steve Tetrault was charged with theft under 5 thousand dollars.

Tetreault was off duty at the time of the alleged incident and has been placed on leave from the force.

He will answer to the charges next month.

Fire Scare at Blue Heron

It could have been a very difficult start to 2015 for 2 businesses in Kenora.

This morning the Blue heron had a bit of a scare when a small plug in heater caught fire.

The employee working at the time was able to put out the small fire before calling the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Yesterday morning Kinger Fiberglass on highway 17 East was destroyed when the Furnace caught fire.

Operations Trying to Keep Roads Open

The city of Kenora is doing all it can to keep the roads drive-able as the snow continues to fall.

Operations Manager Rick Perchuk says in weather like there is only so much they can do as the weather would eliminate most plowing and sanding operations throughout the day.

Perchuk says once the snow comes to an end they will have the full plowing and sanding fleet out to clear the roads.

He says the weather has been very tiring on the operations crew this winter.

1st Impaired Driving Chagred Laid in 2014

A new year and the same old result.

In the early morning January 1st the Provincial Police laid their first impaired driving charge of 2014.

The charges were laid after the Treaty 3 Police stopped a vehicle on Ninth Street North and handed the suspect over to the OPP.

As a result 24 year old Melissa Skead from Rat Portage First Nation was charged with impaired driving, and driving without a licence.

She will appear in court in February.

MNR Fines 2 Windsor Residents

Two southern Ontario hunters are facing a combined total of two-thousand dollars in fines for illegaly hunting deer just south of Red Lake.

Terenzio Angelini has been fined fifteen-hundred dollars for hunting deer without a license and is not allowed to hunt in Ontario for one-year.

Michele Pecoraro was fined five-hundred dollars for possessing illegally killed wildlife.

Housing Needs Addressed

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield say the city must focus on building affordable houses.

Canfield says we're building homes above our needs and that has left slim pickings for new families.

He notes the city is looking at building subdivisions with homes in the low $200,000 range.

He notes that they hope to have more hosing in place with in the next 3-4 years as projections forecast a population increase of a few thousand people.

Harbourfest Expects Announcement This Month

The holiday season put a damper on plans plans to announce another night for Harbourfest.

Director of Entertainment Dave Blake says they were planning on having 2 nights booked for the August long weekend festival by the time Christmas rolled around.

However Blake says most agents have gone on hiatus until the middle of January.

He is hoping to finalize another act by the end of the month.

So far The Sheepdogs and Three Days grace will take the stage for the Saturday night show.

Alberta Clipper Hits the Region

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the area but we are going to get a small reprieve from the deep freeze.

Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we have a high of -12 today and we can expect the warmer weather to stick around for a short time.

With the warmer weather today comes snowfall with up to 10 centimeters expected and up to 20 centimeters possibly by tomorrow.

With strong winds also expected to pick up visibility will be reduced on area highways making for poor driving conditions.

Mill Start-up Expected in Ear Falls

EACOM Timber is planning on re-opening the Ear Falls Sawmill sooner rather than later.

Company Spokesperson Gwen Webster says the company's goal is to take advantage with what they believe will be a strong market for lumber in 2014.

Currently the company is testing existing equipment that has sat idle at the mill for nearly five years.

Fire Claims Local Business

The Kenora Fire and Emergency Services department have the fire at Kinger Fiberglass under control.

The blaze started early in the morning before 7:00.

Owner Don Kinger say reports indicate the blaze started in the furnace.

He confirms that he had been having issues with the furnace and that a scheduled repair was postponed during the holiday season.

Kinger says the biggest loss is the tools he's collected over the last 35 years.

It is the 3rd fire in the area in the last 3 days and 7th since later October.

Kinger said it was to early to discuss the idea of re-opening his shop.

Fire Chief Offers Safety Tips

Install working smoke alarms.

Kenora Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says he can't issue that warning enough.

Brinkman says it's an easy process and will help keep you safe if a fire does start in your home.

He notes that alarms must be installed on every floor of a home and recommends one outside everything bedroom.

Brinkman also recommends a chimney and furnace inspection during this cold spell hitting the region.

He issued the warning after 2 more properties were destroyed in the area just before new year's and a business was lost early this morning.

Forestry Key for Canfield

Making sure forestry is not forgotten in favor of mining.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is continuing to fight for more mills to become operational in the region.

Canfield says the province has to seize the opportunity with BC mills suffering due to the Mountain Pine Beetle.

Local leaders recently discussed the issue with the premiere and cabinet ministers at a meeting in Timmins.

Canfield notes the prices in commodities like gold continue to drop in price and that makes forestry the strongest option in the here and now.

Study Addresses Hydro Line to Pickle Lake

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would be used to supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou.

The Crossing Caribou Country study found that having a route following Highway 599 would be the best option because it is an existing, permanent road.

Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

Rickford Stands Against Pension Reform

Minister of State and Kenora MP Greg Rickford says now is not the time to revamp the Canada Pension Plan.

Some province's are upset with the Finance Minister over his unwillingness right now to work with province's on a new plan.

Rickford says they have to be very sensitive to the burdens of small and medium sized businesses.

Rickford acknowledges that individual province's are looking at their own pension plan and states the government will have to see how that will play out.

Group's Discuss Future of Ring Of Fire's

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year.

Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done.

2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

He notes that they will continue to work with all the other partners involved in the giant mining development.

Inn the meantime, several key initiatives could be wrapped up in 2014 according to Bob Rae the Matawa First Nations Chief Negotiator.

Rae says they're are several areas he'll focus on including infrastructure and construction.

Rae also wants to see the environmental practices in place in respect to
any mining activity in the Ring.

OPP Investigate Break & Enter

The Kenora Provincial Police are investigating a break and enter at Wincrief Forest Products.

Police say the break in happened between Monday December 21st and December 30th.

An unknown number of suspects made off with a portable 12/24 volt battery charger  and a Miller Trailblazer Welder.

The total cost of the stolen products is over 12 thousand dollars.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 548-5534 or Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.

Fires Destroy 2 Properties in the Area

The number of house fires in the Kenora area continue to rise.

Yesterday the Kenora Fire and Emergency Services Department attended a fire on Easy Street north of the city.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the road to the cabin made it impossible for them the access the site resulting in a total loss.

Also last night the Longbow Lake Fire Department responded to a chimney fire on Boulton Road.

Chief Baker says the house was a total loss as well as cold weather kept freezing their pumps and hoses.

Brinkman and Baker confirm that no injuries were reported in either fire.

With the 2 blazes there have now been 6 in the area since October including 4 since December 11th.

Police Investigate Assault

The Kenora Provincial Police are seeking assistance in locating the suspect of an assault on December 20th.

The assault occured when a 41 year old man was attacked leaving a bar near second street south.

He was attack by 2-4 other men who knocked him unconscious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt Jeff DUGGAN of the Kenora Crime Unit at 807-548-5534 extension 3740.

Meanwhile, Impaired driving continues to be an issue in Kenora.

2 more drivers have been charged in the past week.

On the evening of the 27th police stopped 21 year old Tanner Lindstrom of Rat Portage First Nation on Golf Course Road.

Lindstrom was charged with impaired driving and driving without a licence and will answer to the charge next month.

Yesterday morning the OPP also stopped 42 year old mark Hignell of Kenora on Highway 17 East.

Hignell was also charged with impaired driving and answered to the charges yesterday.

New Year's Eve Events

 There are multiple ways to finish off 2013 tonight.

Mount Evergreen will be hosting the annual snowflake shake.

The night includes a prime rib dinner, music, skiing, and fireworks.

The club opens at 5 and runs until 9.

Also taking place tonight the Rotary Club is hosting their new years eve event at the kenora Rec Centre.

The evening includes free access to the skating rink, swimming pool, and fitness centre, and also includes hay rides.

The event runs from 4-7.

Rickford Speaks on First Nations Education Act

The Federal Government is encouraging First Nations to develop their own education framework.

So says Kenora MP Greg Rickford who is responding to the recent tension between the government and aboriginal groups over the First Nations Education Act.

Rickford notes it's important to work together.

He adds another priority is ensuring aboriginal children have a proper place to learn in.

Work Continues to Re-name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Staff at the municipal office in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls are starting the process of  finding a new name for the community.

Mayor Bill Thompson brought the issue up back in the fall and says they would like to get as much input on the new name as possible.

He says doing a plebiscite in the municipal elections next fall isn't an ideal solution.

Thompson says the name Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls was chosen by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and they would like to find something shorter that better reflects their community.

Search for MOH Going Well at Health Unit

The Northwestern Health Unit is hoping to announce the hiring of a new medical officer of health early in the new year.

Dr. Jim Arthurs is retiring at the end of March after five years on the job.

He says the goal is have his replacement in place sooner rather than later.

The search for a new medical officer of health is going much more smoothly this time around.

Last time, it took a full year for the Health Unit to find a new MOH.

Difficult Time in Parliament for Thunder Bay MP

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he found it difficult dealing with the Harper government in 2013.

But Rafferty says he's not giving up his fight for pension protection, seniors and veterans.

Rafferty predicts the scandals that plagued the Senate and the Prime Minister office in 2013 won't be going away anytime soon.

Nishinawbe Aski Nation Reflects on 2013

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno is reflecting on what has been an important year for aboriginals in Ontario.

Yesno feels that there have been strong economic contributions from first nations communities and expects more in the new year.

Yesno adds that he would like to see both Federal and Provincial levels of government more engaged.

NWBIZ On Search For New Manager

The new year will bring some changes on top the Northwest Business Centre.

Manager Diane Schwartz-Williams will be moving on to other ventures at the end of January.

Applications for a new manager are currently being accepted.

The application information is posted below.


Manager

Northwest Business Centre

The Corporation of the City of Kenora is currently recruiting for the position of Manager, Northwest
Business Centre. The Northwest Business Centre is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade and Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry in
partnership with the City of Kenora.

Reporting to the Deputy Clerk the consultant is to undertake business development initiatives and
programming to support the growth and development of the new and existing small business within
the Kenora Rainy River District as outlined in the Small Business Enterprise Centre Letter of
Agreement between the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MDNM&F) and the
City of Kenora. To work with the municipality and community stakeholders to provide small business
counseling and advisory services, business training and seminars and provide a resource centre and
undertake development initiatives and programming to support the growth and expansion of the
existing economic environment.

Qualifications:
-Possess a degree or diploma in business administration, economics, marketing or a related
field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.

-Minimum three (3) years experience in small business or financial consulting including
developing a small business.

-Thorough knowledge of business plans, market analysis, financial planning and forecasting,
small business needs, business start-up procedures, and government and private sector
programs and services available to assist business.

-Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication and report-writing skills.

-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

-Ability to communicate effectively and respond to business enquiries regarding business
start-up opportunities.

-Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications including word processing,
spreadsheet, presentation, social media and internet.

-Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer
service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and
flexibility/adaptability.

-Must be extremely organized and capable of managing multiple tasks with no assistance.

-Manage and supervise others when required.

-District travel to regional communities is required.

-Ability to work outside regular business hours as required.

-Must understand and maintain strict confidentiality.

-Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package consisting of a cover
letter, resume and City application form found at:

www.kenora.ca or at City Hall by Noon January 3, 2014, to:

HR/Payroll Assistant – City of Kenora
1 Main Street South
Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X2
Fax 807.467.2150 E-mail jring@kenora.ca

OPP Investigate Sudden Death

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a sudden death in Vermilion Bay.

Dryden OPP say the death was reported around 5:00 on Christmas Day.

No foul play is suspected and a post mortem has been conducted at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

Kenora Mayor Undecided on Future With City

There could be some change to the political landscape across northwestern Ontario next year.

Municipal elections will take place in October.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's still undecided whether he'll run again.

Canfield says he still has one more year at the helm of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and that may be enough to convince him to run again.

Nomination papers will be available on January 2nd and the municipal election will take place in October.

New Fishing Regulations

Anglers face some new rules when they drop their lines in area lakes next year.

As of January first, catch limits for crappie and bass will be lower while a new size limit has been placed northern pike caught in lakes within the Ministry of Natural Resources zone 5.

Richard Boileau was part of a citizen committee that helped craft the new rules.

Boileau says the measures will help sustain the fisheries for generations to come.

Home Safety Tips for the Winter

Area residents planning to leave the snow and ice for warmer climates might want to think about getting their homes ready for vacation.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada's Pete Karageorges says simple things like draining water pipes and clearing vents can prevent the potential of a disaster.

Karageorges says also advises having someone check on your home regularly.

Campbell Protests Electricity Rates

The soaring cost of electricity continues to catch the attention of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.

The NDP member says the province must do something to reign in electricity rates.

Campbell says northerners can no longer afford to pay their bill with many seniors saying they may have to move out of their homes as their pensions can;t keep up with the soaring rates.

Campbell says since 2007 the off-peak rate has risen 140-percent and the on-peak rate has jumped 48-percent.

Kenora MP Defends Senate

The Senate scandal is likely not going away in the new year as the opposition finished the Fall session hammering the Conservative government over the issue.

Minister of State and Kenora MP Greg Rickford believes the Senate still serves a useful purpose.

Rickford says he's always felt that the Senate should be more accountable to the public.

He notes a few people have ruined the image of the chamber and highlights Dryden's Lynn Beyak's work in the Senate.

Labor Unrest for Personal Care Workers

Around 20 personal support workers with the Red Cross Care program in Thunder Bay are heading back in to work today.

Their union the SEIU announced that the strike was over on their website Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile, more labour unrest in the region....Unifor is applying for conciliation this week after talks with Dryden's Revera Home Health Care broke down on Monday.

The health care workers last contract expired June 1st and the two sides met numerous times since October in an attempt to reach a new Collective Agreement covering the 35 Personal Support Workers.

Unifor will also resume conciliated talks with Revera in mid-January for over 25 office and client services staff based in Thunder Bay who are seeking their first contract.

OPP Investigate Accident on Airport Road

The holidays weren't without incident in Kenora.

The OPP say they are investigating an accident involving a pedestrian on the Airport Road on Christmas Eve.

Police say a 37 year old man was walking in the northbound lane near Tetroe road around 6:15, when he was struck by a pick-up truck heading in the same direction.

The pedestrian was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital with a broken leg.

The OPP say they are continuing their investigation.

More Snow on the Way

Brace yourself for another shot of winter.

More snow is on the way.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says there is also a slim possibility of freezing rain later this morning.

Laidlaw adds that we can expect another 10 to 15 centimeters of snow to fall tomorrow as well.

Catholic School Board Deficit Increases

The Kenora Catholic District School Board will enter 2014 with a little
larger deficit than expected.

Figures submitted to the Ministry of Education shows the Separate School Board's deficit this year will be about 39 hundred dollars more than projected back in June.

Phylis Eikre says despite the larger deficit, they are still well within Ministry guidelines.

Eikre says spending was actually up about a half a million dollars from their  June estimates, but says all that money was accounted for through increased funding from the province.