Two Now in City Council Race

Then there were two.

A second person has thrown his hat into the ring for the Kenora City Council
race.

Gregory Potvin filed his nomination papers earlier this month.

He joins Kelvin Chicago-Boucher as the only two people to file nomination
papers for the October 27th vote.

School Board elections will also be held at the same time, and vice-chair of
the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, Cecile Marcino was first off the mark.

September 12th is the deadline to file.

Campbell Renews Invitation to Transportation Minister

Ontario's Transportation minister is being reminded of his promise to visit northwestern Ontario this winter.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says Glen Murray promised to take a first hand look at road conditions in the region back in the fall, but so far he has managed to stay away.

Murray says he spoke with several mayor yesterday at the Ontario Good Roads Conference and they are much happier with road conditions ever since more plows were put on the road.

Murray is also promising to reform winter road standards next year for further improvements.

Health Unit Pleased With Healthier Choices Act

The Northwestern Health Unit is calling it a great first step to making healthier choices.

Yesterday, the provincial government introduced legislation requiring larger eateries and restaurants to post calories on their menus.

The Healthier Choices Act, if passed, would only target restaurants that have 20 or more outlets.

But Northwestern Health Unit Dietician, Chelsea Socholotuk says it can give smaller cafes and restaurants motivation.

Socholotuk says in turn it could prompt restaurants owners to change their recipes to making them healthier.

Fines for Distracted Driving Are Going Up

Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario say distracted driving isn't acceptable and a new fine imposed by the province should make that perfectly clear.

Talking on your phone, looking at your computer screen or even grabbing a bite to eat while behind the wheel will soon cost you 280-dollars.

Sergeant Shelly Garr says that's up from 155-dollars.

The fines will not apply to GPS screens.

The new fines will go in place on March 18th.

OFAH Asking For Support Of Spring Bear Hunt

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is worried that opponents of the Spring Bear Hunt will try to convince the provincial government to cancel a pilot project this year.

The government has proposed a modified spring hunt in eight wildlife areas in northern Ontario this spring.

Yesterday former Price Is Right host Bob Barker called the hunt barbaric claiming cubs are starved to death after their mothers are lured from their den.

The OFAH is asking northerners to log onto the Environmental bill of rights and register their support for
the hunt.

Federal Government Asked To Investigate Propane Prices

Questions are being raised about the price of propane in northwestern Ontario .

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says an Atikokan resident was quite shocked when she filled up her tank recently to find the price has skyrocketed over the past year.

Rafferty says while the Canadian Propane Association insists there is no shortage in Canada, he wonders if it's a case of price gouging and wants the Minister of Finance to investigate.

Minnesota has been experiencing propane shortages this winter and increased costs as a result.

Good Results for Local Skiers at OFSAA

A strong showing from local skiers at the All-Ontario Cross-Country Ski Championships in Timmins.

Lisle Compton from Thomas Aquinas finished just outside the medals placing 5th in the junior girls four kilometer race.

Karly Lockhart and Claire Hensrud from Beaver Brae were 22nd and 29th respectively in the field of 130 racers.

In the senior girls event, Katie Lockhart from Beaver Brae had a 17th place finish, while Rowan Schott from Thomas
Aquinas was 63rd.

In the junior boys five kilometer race, Ted O'Flaherty from T.A. was 117th overall, while Sheldon Hissa from Beaver Brae was 130th.

Beaver Brae Wrestler Qualifies for OFSAA

Beaver Brae is sending one wrestler to the OFSAA Championships next week.

Tyanna Carpenter earned a berth in the all-Ontario championships after going undefeated at NWOSSA last week.

The gold medal adds to a strong season where she won a tournament in Dryden and came second in a Winnipeg tournament.

Carpenter will look to improve on her 2-2 record at OFSAA last year.

The tournament runs March 5th and 6th in Brampton.

Tourism Kenora Seeks Local Photo's

Tourism Kenora wants to tell your story.

Heather Gropp is the tourism services officers and says their new spring promotion will feature how residents experience Lake of the Woods.

Gropp says they want local residents to submit photo's featuring how they enjoy and sue Lake of the Woods.

She says the idea is based on the belief that local residents have the best stories and experiences in the region.

Photos can be submitted at tourism@kenora.ca until March 31st.

Police Investigating Jewelry Thefts

The Kenora OPP are investigating multiple jewelry thefts in the city.

Police say a man on Thursday entered a business and was able to make off with two bracelets valued at $3,500.

On Saturday and Sunday 2 more thefts took place, this time a number of suspects stole three rings from a business valued at $9,500.

The OPP say the suspects are aboriginal and are in their early twenties, one with a very short brush cut style hair cut and one with short hair.

Anyone with information call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

White to Pick Up Top Principal Award Tonight

Thomas Aquinas principal Paul White gets his day in the sun today.

White is in Toronto for a ceremony recognizing the 40 top  principals in Canada.

White says the award is a reflection of his staff as much as his leadership skills.

The Learning Partnership will be presenting the awards this evening at a gala awards dinner at the Hilton Harborcastle.

New Scam Circulating in NWO

Be on the lookout for another on-line scam in our area.

This scam is timely as it is tax time.

An email is being sent from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency.

It advises folks of a refund that will go directly on to your Visa of Mastercard.

It asks for your credit card information to transfer the funds.

An agency representative says it doesn't issue refunds in this manner, especially if you haven't filled out your taxes yet.

Casino Plans Could be On Hold for Months

Still no indication when the provincial government intends to award a
casino contract for communities in northern Ontario.

The request for proposal for the Ontario North Gaming bundle closed almost a year ago.

Pat Brett from the Golden Eagle Charitable Casino says it could be a while before they find out who gets the contract.

He says the government was supposed to release a short list last April, but now, he's hearing
it could be the end of the year.

The Northern Gaming Bundle, includes new casinos for Kenora and North Bay, plus
the operation of existing casinos in Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

School Board Adopts Five Year Capital Plan

Trustees with the Kenora Catholic District School Board have approved a new five year capital plan.

Operations manager Andrew Poirier says previously they've they always limited their capital plans to just two years.

He adds that they have received a lot of input from specialists.

Poirier adds the other plan is based on input from school councils, principals and staff about how to improve the school environment.

Conservatives Critical Of Province's Handling of Mining

The Liberal government at Queens Park is getting criticized for the way it's handling mining in the province.  

In the legislature Vic Fedeli of the Progressive Conservatives noted that Ontario's credibility in mining has been taking a hit over the last decade.

Fedeli also notes that the Far North Act has cut off half of  northern Ontario from being explored,  causing many companies to move out of the province.

He's also worried the government will want to tax the chromite coming out of the Ring of Fire, deterring exploration.

Feather Of Hope Report Released

Ontario's Advocate for Children and Youth has released a special report by First Nations Youth.

Feather of Hope urges local, provincial, federal and First Nations leadership to partner with them in order to create safer and healthier First Nations communities.

Deputy Chief for Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Alvin Fiddler says the report will be fodder for future discussions.

Fiddler says, they are very committed to working with their youth on the report.

Broncos Girls Swept By Muskies

Beaver Brae's girls team ran out of gas in Fort Frances.

Playing their second game in less than 24 hours, the Broncos were beaten
8-2 by the Muskies yesterday in game two of their best-of-three semi-final.

The Muskies take that series in two games straight.

Fort Frances will play the winner of the series between Dryden and Red Lake.

Game two of that series goes tonight in Red Lake, with the Eagles leading one game
to none.

Broncos bust the Saints

The battle of Kenora goes to Beaver Brae.

The Broncos used the power play in the second period to vault them
to a 5-4 win over Thomas Aquinas in the third and deciding game of
their best-of-three semi-final.

Rhyse Mandamin scored the game winner in the third period on a penalty
shot.

The Broncos will now face Fort Frances in the NorWOSSA finals.

The Muskies trounced Dryden 10-3 last night to win that semi in two straight.

The NorWOSSA Final is expected to begin Thursday night in the Fort.

Free Business Workshops in the City

A couple free workshops in the city for local businesses.

Dana Bridgeman-Cross with Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong says they are bringing in a  renowned speaker  Denise Bissonnette for the workshops title "Workplace Inclusion Training" and "30 Ways to Shine."

The workshops take place at the Bestwestern Lakeside inn tomorrow and Wednesday.

to R.S.V.P you can email Dana at dcross@shooniyaa.org

Kenora's Snow is Twice as Much as Usual

How much snow is too much snow.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the Kenora area has already seen about twice as much snowfall as  we'd get in a "normal" winter.

He says the snow pack at the Kenora Airport is about 85
inches, which is about double the amount for the end of February.

The Kenora Airport says this has probably been the most snow they've seen in at least 25 years.

Attiwapiskat Walkers Make it to Ottawa

A more than 17-hundred kilometre walk from the remote northern community of Attawapiskat to Ottawa is over.

The group has arrived on Parliament Hill and is sharing its experience.

The trip, organized in part by Danny Metatawbin, started on January 4th.

Roughly 25 people ended up taking part in the trek when all was said and done.

Metatawbin has stated that they need to have open dialogue with the Provincial and Federal governments.

Walkers raised several issues including poverty, poor housing and high suicide rates.

School Board Pleased With Solar Projects

The Kenora Catholic District School Board says it's run into a bit of a problem with it's solar panels.

The separate school board installed a number of solar units on top of Pope John Paul School
last year.

Operations manager Andrew Poirier says overall they are exceeding their targets for electrical
generation.

However, he admits they haven't been able to generate any power over the past couple of months
because their solar panels are covered with snow.

He says they haven't been able to remove the snow from the solar units and is hoping for an early
spring they can resume generating electricity.

City Well Represented at Good Roads

Municipal leaders are in Oakville today for the annual Good Roads Confererance.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they have one big issue on their agenda this year.

He says they have a file on homelessness that will be presented to
the cabinet ministers they meet.

Canfield also notes that bridge repairs and taxation will be on their agenda.

NOMA has applied for upwards of nine meetings with provincial cabinet ministers.

RCMP Officer Injured In Weekend Collision

A close call for an RCMP officer on duty in eastern Manitoba.

Early Sunday morning, a marked police cruiser was on patrol just west
of Pinawa, when it was side-swiped by an eastbound vehicle.

The force of the collision caused the window of the police car to shatter.

The car made no attempt to stop, so police began pursuit.

The suspect vehicle was pulled over about a kilometer away from the scene of the collision.

The RCMP say the 45 year old driver was charged with impaired driving
and breach of conditions to abstain from alcohol.

The driver of the police cruiser was treated in hospital for minor injuries, while the officer in the passenger seat was unharmed.

Rickford Outlines Government Infrastructure Plans

Minister of State Greg Rickford says the new infrastructure program for Canadians will be rolled out shortly.

Rickford says the focus this year will be on such things as roads and bridges.

Several communities are looking at other projects including Kenora with a new events center and arena and Rickford says funding for the those projects is up in the air.

He notes the Recreational Infrastructure program was in place a couple of years ago.

Health Unit Works on Customer Satisfaction

The Northwestern Health Unit is taking new steps to improve its client services.

Offices are collecting client feedback surveys and have put in place a scent-reduced policy for all of its offices.

Quality Improvement Officer, Alex Berry says it's all about making sure local residents are happy with the service they receive.

The surveys are anonymous and voluntary.

Union Gas Doesn't Expect Any Natural Gas Shortages

No worries of a shortage of natural gas for users in northwestern Ontario.

The colder than usual winter has increased demand.

But Union Gas' Andrea Stass says supply is still strong.

New prices come out in March, but Stass says any change will likely below market price because the company purchase on longer-term contracts to keep consumer costs down.

NAPS Launches Project North Star

A new anti-gang initiative is being launched by the Nishinabe-Aski Police Service.

Sergeant Jackie George says they have received 100 thousand dollars for something they call Project North Star.

Project North Star will start up today and run for 6 months.

The money for funding was provided by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Proceeds of Crime.

Ontario Youth Advocate Releases New Report

The province's advocate for children and youth is releasing a report today titled Feathers of Hope.

The report urges both levels of government to help provide healthier communities for aboriginal youth.

Spokesperson Uko Abara says the report was written by first nations youth and has a few specific recommendations and an action plan to implement those recommendations.

The action plan is  being released simultaneously today in Thunder Bay, Toronto and Ottawa.

Broncos Girls Lose in Overtime

Close but no cigar.

Beaver Brae's girls hockey team gave up a third period lead and saw the
Fort Frances Muskies take game one of their best of three semi-final
4-3 in overtime last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The Broncos don't have a lot of time to lick their wounds, as they are back on
the road this morning to face Fort in game two this afternoon at 2:15.

Meanwhile, the semi-final series between Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas
is going the distance.

The Broncos forced game three with a 4-1 win Saturday night.

Tonight's third and deciding game has been pushed back to a 7:30 start
at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Novice Boys Teams Fall in Dryden Finals

Kenora teams were well represented at a Novice hockey tournament in
Dryden.

Local teams made three of the finals, only to fall just short of winning.

The Thunder Bay Ram Rangers won the tournament with a thrilling 5-4 win over the Kenora On Deck Fries in shootout.

Sioux Black took home the 'B' side title with a 5-4 victory over the Kenora DST Penguins.

The Sioux Orange Blades won the 'C' side championship over the Kenora Stingers 3-2.

Gold For Novice Girls in Emo

Some hardware for a couple of Kenora girls hockey teams at a tournament in Emo over the weekend.

In the novice division Blue Sharks and White Lightning met up in an all-Kenora final, with the Blue Sharks coming out on top 3-2.

In the Atom Division the Blue Buccaneers settled for silver, after losing 3-0 to the Superior Spartans in the A-side final.

Taylor Beaten In Northern Ontario Women's Seniors Final

The Peggy Taylor foursome was a win away from advancing to the National Seniors Curling
championships.

Taylor made it to the final of the Northern Ontario Senior Women's Playddowns at the Kenora Curling Club yesterday, but lost 7-3 to Vicky Barrett from Sudbury yesterday.

Barrett was a perfect 4-0, while Taylor ended up at 3-1.

Meanwhile, the NorWOSSA curling championships continue today in Sioux Lookout.

Action began yesterday with the winners to be crowned later today.

PeeWee Thistles Win/Midget Thistles Lose

The Kenora Double "a" PeeWee Thistles have advanced to the semi-finals of the Eastman Hockey League.

The Thistles wrapped up their best-of-three quarter final on Saturday with a 5-0 shutout over Niverville.

The Kenora Peewees will now face Ile Des Chenes starting next Saturday at home in game one of their series.

Meanwhile, the Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles have a couple of weeks to prepare for the Northwest Branch Playdowns.

The Thistles were ousted from the Manitoba Midget play-offs by the Winnipeg Thrashers with a 4-2 loss Friday night at the Rec. Center.

The Branch playdowns will take place this year in Thunder Bay starting March 14th.

Highway 17 Re-opened

Ontario Provincial Police have reopened highway 17 East of Igance.

The road was closed earlier today due to a 5 vehicle collision involving 2 transports, 2 passenger vehicles, and a snow plow.

Thankfully nobody was injured in the accident.

The OPP are still advising caution on all area highways as the winter storm conditions continue.

Highway 17 Closed Between Ignace and Thunder Bay

The snowy and icy conditions continue to cause havoc on area highways.

Highway 17 is closed just east of Ignace due to a five vehicle motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailer units, one snow plow and two passenger vehicles.

No injuries reported.

Provincial Police are urging motorists to adjust their driving during the winter storm conditions in the region.
Constable Ann McCoy says use caution.

If you are heading east of Thunder Bay today, Provincial Police have closed Highway 11 between Nipigon and Hearst due to poor road conditions.  

Assault Vicitm Upgraded to Stable Condition

A 54 year old man continues to recovery in Kenora hospital following an assault earlier this week.

Police say the man was attacked on the Whitedog First Nation on Wednesday.

He had life threatening injuries when he arrived at the Lake of the Wood District Hospital but has since been upgraded to stable condition.

As a result of the attack 27 year Russell Muckle was charged with Aggravated Assault.

He will answer to the charge today.

OPP Seek Marine Student

The Kenora OPP are looking for a new student.

The OPP are seeking applications for the Marine Assistant position.

The students will work along OPP Marine operators and conduct checks on boaters.

The OPP requires the following for consideration for this student position:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Possess a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.
• Have a minimum Ontario G2 Driver’s Licence.
• CPR & First Aid qualifications.
• Strong swimming abilities, good communication skills, professional appearance as well as previous boating experience are all assets.

The “Marine Assistant” position is available for application: February 21-March 2, 2014.

• Only electronic applications will be considered and can be located at http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/SEP.asp, or the Career pages of www.opp.ca.
• It is recommended that students retain a copy for proof of their application

Highway 17 Re-Opened Again

Traffic is finally moving again on Highway 17 east of Kenora.

The Trans-Canada was closed for roughly three hours after a tractor
trailor unit jack-knifed just east of the Highway 71 junction.

The OPP just re-opened the highway about a half an hour ago.

Roads in the area are listed as snow covered with poor visibility this
morning.

Snow Sculpture Contest to Begin This Weekend

If the snow ever lets up, you might start to notice some activity on
the Kenora Harborfront.

The Snow Sculpture competition for the Winter Carnival is scheduled to
get underway this weekend.

Tourism Services officer, Heather Gropp says it's been a challenge to
get the contest underway.

Gropp says they will have seven sculptures this year with the winners to
be announced on the opening night of this year's Winter Carnival on
March 7th.

Province To Review MPAC

The Province is taking action against the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

The government is directing the Ministry of Finance to develop an action plan to implement 26 changes.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall notes it's a long time coming.

The Minister of Finance and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing are also calling for a comprehensive, independent performance evaluation of MPAC.

Alzheimer Coffee Breaks Well Received

The Alzheimer Society of Kenora Rainy River has received a java
jolt.

The annual Coffee Breaks fundraiser has wrapped up and
spokesperson Elizabeth Paul says they managed to raise about
24 hundred dollars.

Paul says they have a number of other fundraisers planned this year including
their Ride for Memories and Taste of Kenora dinner.

Hunters Fined For Illegally Killing Moose

The hammer is coming down on more illegal hunting in the region.

This time it's a southern Ontario man who has been fined a total of 37 hundred dollars for illegally hunting two cow moose and for shooting across a road.  

He has also been banned from hunting for a year.  

The Ministry of Natural Resources says that the incidents happened at a resort in the Lac des Mille Lacs area, west of Thunder Bay last fall.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Bullish on Ring of Fire

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is out with a report saying the Ring of Fire mining project will generate benefits far beyond mining and the north.

Charla Robinson is a chamber spokesperson and says this study helps to sell the project to the movers and shakers in the province.

The study shows the Ring of Fire will generate up to 9.4 billion dollars in economic activity in its first 10 years.

OPP Name new Commissioner

The Ontario Provincial Police have found their next commissioner.

Vince Hawks will take over the position from Chris Lewis on M
arch 29th.

Hawks, who has been with the OPP since 1984, has served commander of investigations and organized crime, Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations, and played a role in creating the national crime strategy.

He has won received an Exemplary Service Medal and a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

TBay Tel Shut Out of Wireless Sell Off

Tbaytel was shut out in the recent sell-off of wireless services in Canada.

The regional company participated in the auction but failed to win any bids.

Bell, Rogers, Telus and Bragg Communications received the winning bids for licenses in northern Ontario.

A total of 97
licenses were awarded to 8 companies.

The auction netted the federal government more than 5.2 billion dollars.

Saints Boys Hockey Team Wins Game One of NorWOSSA Semi-final

The boys semi-final hockey series between Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae looks like it's going to be a hard fought, low scoring affair.

The Saints drew first blood in the best-of-three series last night with a 2-1 win over the Broncos.

Rory Keith scored the game winner for T.A.

The two teams will do battle again Saturday night for game two.

Puck drop is 8:00 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The other semi-final between Dryden and Fort Frances was supposed to start last night
as well, but was cancelled due to the weather.

That series will now begin Sunday afternoon in Dryden.

Saints Senior Girls Heading to OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas Senior Girls volleyball team is heading back to the
All-Ontario Single A championships.

The Saints easily won the NWOSSA finals yesterday.

T.A. beat St. Joseph from Wawa in two straight games in the best-of-three final.

The Saints also did not drop a set in the two matches played yesterday.

Thomas Aquinas now prepares for the OFSAA finals in Richmond Hill starting
March 3rd.

School Buses Canceled Again

For the second day in a row, school buses will not be running in the Kenora area.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says while we didn't get the snow we expected
yesterday, more is in the forecast today and is expected to create poor driving conditions.

Up to 25 centimeters of snow is forecast in some areas, so buses in the Vermillion Bay, Dryden,
Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Ignace areas have also been cancelled.

The Thomas Aquinas music trip to Winnipeg has also been cancelled today due to the bus situation.

Local schools will remain open today.

Highway 17 Closed at Highway 71 Junction

Traffic has ground to a halt on Highway 17 east of Kenora.

The OPP have closed the Trans-Canada from the Redditt Road intersection all the way
to the Highway 71 junction due to a number of jack-knifed transports.

The highway was closed just after 4:00 and police say it will remain closed until all the
trucks can be cleared from the roadway.