CRA Re-Opens Tax Return Website

The Canada Revenue Agency has reopened the services section of its website which means you can now file your tax returns online again as well as make payments and access all other e-services on the website.

They include EFILE, NETFILE, My Account, My Business Account and Represent a Client.

The website was taken down for four days amid security concerns with the "Heartbleed" bug.

Blood Donor Clinic Opens This Afternoon At T.A.

The need for blood is never ending.

That's the message from Mike Choi from the Canadian Blood Services as they prepare for a donor clinic in the city.

Choi says donations go a long way.

The clinic runs today and tomorrow at the St. Thomas Aquinas Gym.

Choi says they are hoping for at least 200 people through the door.

Thistles Begin Quest for Allen Cup Today

The Kenora Triple A Senior Thistles begin their quest for an Allan Cup championship today.

The Thistles arrived in Dundas yesterday and will practice this morning before opening the tournament with a game at 3:30 eastern time against the southern Ontario champions, the Brantford Blast.

The Thistles are in a pool that also features the Clarenville Caribous from Newfoundland.

The Caribous won the Allen Cup when Kenora hosted back in 2011
.

JM Judo Club Excels at Weekend Tournament

A good weekend for the Jaffray Melick Judo Club.

It hosted it's annual tournament at Beaver Brae and claimed four gold medals, three silver and four bronze.

Kerwin Klywak, M'otei Demers, Noah Sullivan and Luke Heatherington each won their

respective divisions.

A total 82 fighters representing nine judo clubs from across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba attended the Lake of the Woods Judo Tournament on Saturday.  

Here's a complete list of medal winners from the JM Judo Club:

Austin Brown -Silver in Under 12 under 33kg division

Kerwin Klywak - Gold in U 14 -30/-34kg

M'otei Demers-Gold in U14 +60kg

Parker Stevenson-Bronze in U16  over 66kg division 

Kyle Markham - Bronze in U16 -60kg

Noah Sullivan-Gold in U16 -42/55kg

Lucas Brown-Silver in U16 -42/55kg

Karly Lockhart Bronze in U18 -48/-52 kg

Luke Heatherington - Gold in Sr Mens -73kg

Carl Hensrud - Bronze in Sr Mens -73kg

Robert Marshall - Silver in Masters Open

Last Blast of Winter on the Way?

Here we go again.

The calendar might says it's spring, but Mother Nature still thinks
it's winter.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says we can expect a big
dump of snow Saturday.

He suggests up to four inches could fall between early Saturday morning and late Saturday evening.

Laidlaw says the system will bring with it unseasonably cold weather to start next week.

More Reaction to Flaherty's Passing

A somber day on Parliament Hill.

Flags are flying at half mast after word that former federal  finance minister Jim Flaherty has passed away.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says Flaherty was good not only for
the nation but northwestern Ontario as well.

Flaherty was just 64 and died less than a month after resigning as federal finance minister.

Concern Raised About ORNGE Helicopter Again

Questions are again being raised about the equipment being deployed by
the ORNGE air ambulence service.

Conservative MPP Frank Klees says pilots in Moosenee wrote to him to complain about a Sikorski S-76 that's being sent to that base.

The pilots describe the helicopter as the oldest Sikorski-76 in the world with the least amount of automation.

The helicopter is the same model that crashed almost a year ago near Moosenee killing all four people on board.

Campbell Calls For Review of Winter Road Maitenance

The MPP for Kenora Rainy River has introduced a motion in Queens park.

Sarah Campbell's motion calls for a committee to review winter road maintenance contracts throughout the province.

Campbell stresses on big issue is the clarity and demands of the contracts.

She also notes that contractors have failed to meet requirements of local roadways such as Highway 17, 105, and 502.

NAN Opposes Aboriginal Education Act

There's no question about where the Nishnawbe Aski Nation stands on the Harper government's new First Nation education legislation.  

NAN is flatly rejecting it saying, among other things, it doesn't respect First Nations inherent and treaty rights nor does it respect its jurisdiction over education.

Ultimately NAN is upset that the Aboriginal Affairs minister will have total control over their education while taking none of the blame for any liability.

Common Ground Sells Out Again

It's become an annual story-telling tradition.

The Common Ground forum takes place tomorrow at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Lori Nelson is curator at Lake of the Woods  Museum and says they
have another interesting day set aside to talk about the history of Kenora.

 The event has become so popular in recent years it sells out well in advance and this year is no exception.

Common Ground will run from 9 until about 4:00.

NOACC Holds AGM in Geralton

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce are holding their annual general meeting in Geraldton for the next three days.

Chamber representitives from across the region will also vote on a number of resolutions that if passed will become NOACC policy for the next two years.

This year's speakers list includes Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, a spokesman from the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, Premier Gold Mines, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Mount Evergreen Set To Close for the Season

Mount Evergreen is closing with a bang.

This Sunday is the last day for the ski hill as it hosts the Mardi Gras Slush Pit Bash.

Manager Steve Simpson says events are planned throughout the day.

Simpson notes they are offering 10 dollar lift tickets and rentals for the day.

O'Flaherty Selected for Team Northwestern Ontario

Just one player from Kenora has managed to crack the line-up of a regional team
set to play in the OHL Cup.

Kevin O'Flaherty from the Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles is one of twenty players named to represent Hockey Northwestern Ontario in Kitchener.

O'Flaherty is a six foot forward for the Thistles.

While O'Flaherty is the only Kenora skated listed on the main roster, three local
high school players have been added as alternates on the team.

Adam Withers from Beaver Brae and Skylar Lentz and Connor Keith from Thomas Aquinas could be
added in case of injury, or if any of the other roster players are unable to participate.

The tournament begins May 8th.

Local MP's Offer Condolences

Local reactions are coming in following the death of MP and former finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says it was sad to see Flaherty's health deteriorate noting he saw him in pain during his last days working in the House of Commons.

Hyer calls Flaherty a one-man institution.

Meanwhile fellow Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the news of the former Finance Minister's death came as a complete surprise.

Rafferty noted that Flaherty's career touched a lot of people.

The 64 year old Flaherty stepped down as federal finance minister last month after 7 years in the position.

He had been on steroids to help manage some health concerns.

Another Scam Circulating in NWO

A warning of a scam circulating all of northwestern Ontario.

People are getting phone calls asking for donations for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Officials say the calls aren't coming from the Health Sciences Foundation and they aren't making phone solicitations.

The Foundation is asking local residents to report such calls to local police.

Union Says Bearskin Restructuring Should See Jobs Restored

A union official is confident Bearskin Airlines will come out stronger after restructuring regional operations.

Michael Corrado of the Machinist and Aerospace Workers Association says the company's re-shuffling of services means all aircraft maintenance work is now taking place in Thunder Bay until further notice.

Corrado hopes the Sioux Lookout operations and the 11 temporarily laid off workers will be brought back online by the end of the year.

School Board Approves King George Renovations

A bit of a make-over for King George School this summer.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is planning to spend
about 1.2 million dollars on a renvoation project.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says that will include some landscaping
work.

Monteith says they plan to take some underutilized change rooms and turn those into
extra classroom space.

Renowned Psychiatrist Visits Public School Board

How love builds brains.

That was a key message last night has Psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton spoke to parents, students, and staff of the Keewatin Patricia District School Board.

Clinton says strong relationships are important to learning.

Also during her trip she visited Evergreen school and held a video conference with staff from 16 schools across the board.

Kenora's Mining Sector Profile Released

Kenora is touting itself as a mining centre in the region.

Economic development officer Jennifer Findlay released the city's mining sector profile this week at the Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium in Thunder Bay.

Findlay says the mining profile has been getting great feedback from attendees at the meeting.

Other highlights include labour force, existing companies, and prospective new businesses.

NDP Demanding Review of Mining Safety

The NDP is asking the provincial government for an inquiry into mining safety.

That after a miner was killed in a Sudbury area mine over the weekend.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says a legislative committee is doing a review, but hardly anyone knows about it's consultations.

Labor minister Kevin Flynn says a public consultation session will be taking place in Marathon in May.

Energy East Consultations Continue

It looks as if the proposed Energy East Pipeline is running into some opposition following public consultations on the project.

The Council of Canadians hosted an event in Kenora this week and Chair Maude Barlow says she has seen how the publics opinion can influence a project like this.

She says ultimately they would like to make Energy East a federal election issue.

Public consultations will be held across Ontario, ending in Cornwall April 16th.

Heartbleed Bug Shuts Down CRA website

You won't be able to e-file your tax returns for the next little while.

The Canada Revenue Agency still has its website shut down over security concerns.

The precautionary move is related to the "Heartbleed Bug" - a newly discovered software that can swipe passwords and your personal information.

In a message posted online, the agency states it has temporarily closed its services site "to protect the security of taxpayer information."

The agency will provide daily updates until the situation is resolved.

Final Winter Market Moves to Rec. Center

Another great season for the Matiowski's farmers market.

Saturday marks the last winter market of the year.

Crystal Stokes in the city's special events coordinator and says the turnouts have been fantastic.

She adds that because they have the Festival of the Arts on at the Discovery Center, the Market will be moving to the lower level of the Rec. Center.

Saturday market is at the Rec Centre from 10 until 2:30.

Broncos Win Senior Badminton Title

Beaver Brae took top honors in the seniors division of the NorWOSSA badminton championships.

The Broncos won the overall points trophy, while Atikokan claimed the junior crown.

As far a medals go, Beaver Brae won a pair of gold in the junior division, with Teale Iverson taking top spot in the single girls grouping, while Jonathan Houlden and Eric Nelson won the junior boys doubles.

Not to be outdone, Thomas Aquinas also claimed a couple of gold medals, with Chase Laffin
and Emma Wehner winning the junior mixed doubles crown, and the team of Jorden Olsen and Ryan Landon winning the senior boys doubles event.

Overall, the Broncos claimed six medals, while T.A. won four.

Boutwell Named BU's Male Athlete of the Year

More accolades for a former Thomas Aquinas Saints volleyball star.

Dan Boutwell has been named Brandon University's Male Athlete of the Year.

Boutwell has just wrapped up his five year career at Brandon and was also
named the Bobcats volleyball MVP at the Athletic Awards Banquet last night.

Last month, he was also named second team all-star in the Canada West University Athletics Association.

Taxi Rate Increase Delayed Until May 1st

Local taxi drivers will have to wait a few more weeks for a proposed rate increase to go into effect.

Taxi rates were supposed to go up three percent on April 1st.

But city council still hasn't passed the by-law authorizing the change.

That won't be done until next week.

The new rates are scheduled to take effect on May 1st.

School Board Approves Move Into Former Lakewood School

Office space pretty much costs the same whichever way you cut it.

That's the feeling of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board as it
has approved a move into the Seven Generations Building.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says the space on the fourth floor of the building has it's advantages.

Carrie does says that there has been one major change made to the lease agreement.

The public school board has agreed to pay 150 thousand dollars up front to help cover any costs associated with renovating the fourth floor of the former Lakewood School.

Funding Sought for Water Quality Study on Lake of the Woods

The International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board is hoping to
secure funding for more water quality research.

The Board is submitting a draft plan of study this week to the
International Joint Commission.

Kelly Saunders says they held a workshop last month to identify some of the key
issues.

Saunders says algae blooms, invasive species and climate change have are just
some of the issues that will be focused on.

Ontarians Support Public Health Care

A provincial health lobby group says there's strong support in keeping health care services in Ontario hospitals.

The Ontario Health Coalition says it attracted more than 56-thousand people to a voluntary province-wide referendum over the weekend supporting hospitals and stopping private clinics from being set up to take over those services.

About 99 percent of the people who voted were in favour of supporting local public hospitals and stopping the private clinics.

Charges Stem From Deer Attack in Dryden

A man is facing a charge under the Fish and Wildlife Act after a dog attacked a deer in Dryden.

OPP says the dog was running-at-large and incident last Thursday was witnessed by a number of people.

One of the individuals was forced to put the deer down because of it's injuries.

Attawapiskat Co-Manager Faces Fraud Charges

The former co-manager of Attawapiskat First Nation has been charged with fraud over 5-thousand dollars and theft over 5-thousand dollars.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Sergeant Jackie George says the charges stem for an 13 month long police investigation.

62-year-old Clayton Kennedy was co-manager of the northern Ontario band's finances from July 2010 until the end of the summer of 2012.

Kennedy will appear in court on May 28th.

In his private life, Kennedy is also the partner of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

NOSM Recognized for Supporting Rural Health

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is receiving a Rural Medical Education Award.

NOSM is getting the award because they excelled at matching the most graduates to rural family medicine programs.

In 2013, 64% of NOSM’s graduating MD class were matched to a rural family medicine residency program.

Conservatives Slam Ontario College of Trades

The Ontario PC's are slamming the Ontario College of Trades on this, its first anniversary.

Leader Tim Hudak says the college is nothing more than a money grab for the Wynne government.  

Hudak claims it creates more red tape for companies and stands in the way of creating jobs for young people and must go

The college charges a yearly fee of 120 dollars in order for a trade to be certified.

Legislation Governing Teacher Contract Talks Passes

Legislation to be used in future contract talks with the province's educators is now law.

Final approval of Bill 122 came today at Queen's Park with New Democrat support.

The Liberals says it allows for associations representing school boards to be at the bargaining table with government and unions reps on province-wide issues.

Local bargaining will still continue on all other issues.

Almost all existing collective agreements are to expire at the end of this August.

Hockey For Health Begins Tomorrow

Hockey teams are collecting donations as they prepare for the 6th annual hockey for health tournament.

The puck drops this Thursday for the yearly event in support of the hospital foundation.

Organizer Jess Rheault says if you can't donate before hand you can donate at the rink.

The teams which raise the most in each division will in the finals on Sunday.

Kenora Hosts NorWOSSA Badminton Finals Today

NorWOSSA badminton champions will be crowned today in ten different
categories.

Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae are hosting the NorWOSSA finals.

Medals will be handed out in junior boys and girls singles, doubles and mixed doubles
as well as senior boys and girls singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The birdies will start flying around 10:00 this morning in all three gyms.

Winners in the senior divisions will advance to the NWOSSA championships next Wednesday.

OPP Arrest Robbery Suspect

A 27 year old Grassy Narrows man is in custody for a robbery in Kenora.

On Saturday afternoon police were called out after a man was assaulted and robbed in the downtown area.

As a result Sheldon Land has been charged with robbery with violence and remains in custody while he awaits a bail hearing.

The victim was transported to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital with serious but non life threatening injuries.

March Unusually Cold and Snowy

The month of March was like a microcosm of our winter in northwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada has issued a summary for the province of Ontario.

In Kenora, last month was both snowier and colder than normal.

While no records were set, we had more than twice as much snow than normal, with 48 centimeters.

The average daily mean temperature was -11.1, which is 5.5 degrees colder
than ususal.

Seven Generations Ready To Launch Mining Programs

You should start seeing some new vehicles on the grounds of the Seven Generations Institute in Kenora shortly.

The trailers are part of a mining preparedness program offered through the school.

CEO Delbert Hortons says it's all part of the 5.2 million dollar funding announced by the federal government last week.

Horton says they currently have 260 students in their programs throughout the region with a 94 percent retention rate in all their training programs.

Health Unit Says Region Measle-Free So Far

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to inform people about Measles.

There is an outbreak of measles happening nation wide.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it's easy to contract the airborne virus.

Stanley is happy to note that no cases have been reported in the region.

That's thanks to a 95 percent vaccination rate.

Public Inquiry Demanded for Missing Aboriginal Women

There are renewed calls for the federal government to launch a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

The demand comes from a member of the Grand Council Treaty #3 Women's Executive Council.

Karen Kejick doesn't stop there.

She is also asking the government to increase awareness and funding to combat some of the social determinents behind the violence against aboriginal women.

Kejick says the Council is displeased with the government's lack of support on the issue.

Goldcorp Expanding Operations

Goldcorp is expanding its operations while creating eight new jobs through the province's Industrial Electricity Incentive.

The Musselwhite Mine has another projected decade worth of mine life.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says that the incentive is a big part of supporting investment in the north.

Still Time To Register for Worst Roads

Just in time for pot hole season.

The Canadian Automobile Association has once again launched its Worst Roads campaign.

Amy Orfanakos says the last northern road to make the list was in 2010 when Pelican Falls Road in Sioux Lookout reached number 1.

She notes that 90 percent of the roads that make the top 10 actually do get fixed.

Countdown to Allen Cup is On

The schedule has been released for next week's Allen Cup in
Dundas.

The Kenora Triple A Senior Thistles will play their first game on
Monday at 2:30 in the afternoon against the Ontario champions,
the Brantford Blast.

The Thistles second round robin game is one week from today against
the Clarenville Caribous fro Newfoundland.

The Thistles will leave for Dundas this Sunday morning.

Half Load Restrictions Now In Place

Another sign spring is running about a month behind schedule.

The City of Kenora is putting load restrictions on a number of
municipal roads starting today.

Load restrictions were supposed to go into effect at the start of
March, but were delayed due to the cold weather.

Signs posting the half-load restrictions have been now been
uncovered on most of the gravel roads in the city.

New Medical Officer of Health On the Job

A new face at the Northwestern Health Unit.

With Dr. Jim Arthurs now retired, Dr. Kit Young-Hoon as taken over of medical officer of health.

Young-Hoon says she can't wait to get to work.

Young-Hoon comes from Toronto public Health where she was working in a similar role in Hamilton.

She also has teaching experience at Lakehead University.

Ice Anglers Encouraged to Be Careful on Local Lakes

Anglers across northwestern Ontario are being advised to be aware of ice conditions before fishing on the ice.

Uneven thickness, holes and cracks, and flowing water can make for weakened ice.

Anglers should check conditions and carry protective equipment as a precaution.

Hospital Approves Quality Improvement Plan

Improving patient care at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

That's the goal of the new Quality Improvement Plan.

CEO Mark Balcaen says lots of topics are covered in the plan.

Reducing the length of stays for Alternative care patients and improvement to the discharge system are 2 recommendations.

The QIP is monitored monthly to ensure progress is being made on all 10 areas of concern.

LOWBIC Surpasses One Million in Business Loans in 2013

Another big year for the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation.

At the AGM Executive Director Ryan Reynard announced LOWBIC once again issued over  one million dollars in business loans in 2013.

Reynard says the money is well spent.

He notes the loans helped support 123 jobs in the region.

Also at the meeting Les Ainspac was welcomed back onto the board of directors.