Liberals Look to Improve Fortunes in Kenora-Rainy River

A challenge for the Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding in the June 12th provincial election.

The Grits were a distant third in the last election.

Anthony Leek is back for the second straight election and feels his party's budget, which triggered the vote, was a missed opportunity for this region.

Leek will be challenging incumbant NDP candidate Sarah Campbell, Conservative Randy Nickle and the Green Party's Tim McKillop.

Firefly Celebrates Children's Mental Health Week

FIREFLY is celebrating Children's Mental Health week in the northwest region.

One of the goals this week is to increase awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems.

Chief Executive Officer at FIREFLY, Karen Ingebrigtson says it's a big issue locally.

Ingebrigtson says early intervention is critical to the issue because it provides children and families with hope for a healthy future.

Child Poverty Projects Get Funding

Three projects in Kenora are receiving funding from the Kenora District Services Board to address child poverty.

Triple Play is getting 20 thousand dollars to help children, living in low income families, to access recreation, leisure, arts and cultural activities.

The Beaver Brae PASS program is welcoming 6-grand for baby supplies and food securing for High School students who are parents.

Five thousand dollars is going to Northland Supportive Housing to support food costs for adults living in the supportive housing services program.

Two Killed In Sudbury Mining Accident

A fatal incident at the First Nickel Lockerby Mine in Sudbury is being mourned by the Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Two contractors died underground yesterday due to the fall of material, preceded by seismic activity.

Michael Gravelle says it's a very sad day and his government is committed to mine safety in the province.

ONA Handed a Two Year Deal

The Ontario Nurses Association isn't pleased with an arbitration decision on contracts.

The two year award for ONA members provides a 2.8 percent wage increase over the life of the deal.

The Association says that barely keep up with the rate of inflation.

The ONA says registered nurses had every expectation of moving back to more appropriate compensation
that reflects the value of RN's to health care.

They expected a decision that would have been more in line with increases given to other essential workers.

Auditor General Reports on First Nations Policing

The federal auditor is raising concerns about the First Nations Policing program.

In his spring report, Auditor General Michael Ferguson raised a number of issues including a poor allocation of money, shoddy buildings and a lack of transparency.

He also suggests aboriginal police services aren't governed by the same professional standards
as other police agencies in Ontario.

The report found living conditions for officers on first nations were often crowded, contained mould and were in a state of disrepair.

Second Homicide Arrest On Roseau River First Nation

The RCMP says they have made an arrest in the second homicide in two days on the Roseau River First Nation in southeastern Manitoba.

The Mounties say a 32 year old man has been charged with second degree murder in the death of a 20 year old man in the community.

So far the name of the suspect and the deceased have not been released.

The RCMP do say the homicide has nothing to do with another death in the community on Saturday.

Charles French was killed May 2nd, and a suspect in that case made his first court appearance yesterday in Winnipeg.

Campbell Defends NDP Decision To Force Election

The NDP are defending their decision to bring down the Liberal government by
not supporting the budget.

Sarah Campbell says the fiscal document failed to helped people in the North.

Campbell said it was an easy choice not to support it.

Following the NDP announcement Premiere Kathleen Wynne dissolved the government and called the June 12th election.

KDSB Applying for Funding For Homelessness Study

Local municipalities are supporting a Kenora District Services Board bid to secure 1.4-million dollars to conduct a major homelessness and housing study.

United Way is doling out the money after receiving the funds from the federal Government.

KDSB Acting Chief Administrative Officer Sarah Stevenson explains what the money is for.

The Board has until the end of the month to submit the application.

Aboriginal Job Fair Lands in Kenora Today

An aboriginal job fair is taking place in Kenora today.

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong is hosting the event at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Dana Bridgeman Cross is the Job Connect Manager and says registrations are still being accepted.

The fair is free to attend and runs from 2 until 7 today.

Thunder Bay Police Investigating Infant Death

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a grizzly discovery after the body of an infant was found on the south side.

The body was discovered just after 1:30 yesterday afternoon in a wooded area on the south bank of the Neebing River, just north of Delaney Arena.

The coroner and Police forensic unit were on the scene to start the initial investigation.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Toronto.

Con College Receives Mining Equipment

Motive Power Techniques-Heavy Equipment program students at Confederation College are receiving some equipment.

Musselwhite Mine is making the donation to to the college.

That includes a scoop tram among other specialized pieces of equipment.

The College says the equipment will enhance the training that students receive in their program.

New Gold Continues To Plan for New Mine

New Gold continues to prepare for construction and eventually opening of its planned open pit mine south of Kenora.

It's recently hired an engineering team and has began identifying potential equipment purcahses.

President Randall Oliphant says they're benefiting from a slowdown in mine development.

Oliphant says many of the costs are coming in or below estimates.

Silly Boat Race Returns for Canada Day

The waters in Kenora are about the get silly.

That's because the Harbourtown Biz will be hosting the Silly Boat Race on July 1st.

John Dahl from the Kenora Rotary Club says they are hoping for a good turn out to compete for cash prizes.

Over five thousand dollars is up for grabs.

Prize categories include fastest boat along with a judges choice and people choice for best decorated.

Missing Manitoba Girl Located

A Manitoba teen who was the subject of a search by the RCMP and OPP has been found.

Police says 16 year old Toni Rose Linklater was located Friday in Manitoba.

There had been reports she had been spotted in northwestern Ontario, hitch-hiking east.

OPP Investigate Pair of Break-Ins

The OPP are looking into a pair of break-ins in the Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls area.

Police say in both cases, seasonal cottages were targeted by the thieves.

In one instance a camp on Regina Bay was entered between April 20th and May 2nd.

Some alcohol and sporting goods were stolen.

Officers are also investigating a break and enter to a cabin in the Nestor Falls area that
took place between Christmas and May 2nd.

The OPP say the front door was forced open and several cupboards and drawers
were rummaged through by the culprits, though nothing appears to have been stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

RCMP Investigate A Pair of Homicides in Southeastern Manitoba

The RCMP are investigating a pair of homicides on the Roseau River First Nation in southeastern Manitoba.

The Mounties were initially contacted about a fatality in the community  on Saturday.

The victim has been identified as 23 year old Charles French.

Upon further investigation, a 30 year old man was arrested and charged with second degree murder.

30 year old Richard Alex Johnson will appear in Winnipeg Court today to face the charge.

Police were also contacted about another sudden death the next day.

Homicide is also suspected, but the RCMP say the two cases are not
related.

The Dakota Ojibway Police Service is also assisting with the investigations.

It's A Dog's Life Gets A Boost

It's a Dogs Life is getting a helping hand from the Lake of the Woods
Business Incentive Corporation.

LOWBIC Staff has presented a 200 dollar check to the pet rescue agency.

The money was raised through voluntary participation in casual Friday's.

Staff donated a dollar a week when they wore jeans to work.

Candidates Hit the Hustings for Provincial Election

They are off and running in the provincial election.

All four major parties have their candidates in place for the
June 12th vote.

Conservative Candidate Randy Nickle says his campaign is all about
job creation.

For the second election in a row Sarah Campbell will represent the NDP while Anthony Leek will carry the Liberal banner.

The Green Party will also be represented on the ballot by Pickle Lake school
teacher Tim McKillop.

City Announces Relief From High Water Bills

Some relief for homeowners facing high water bills this winter.

City Council has approved a number of tools to help reduce costs for
anyone who had to run bleeders or shared their water with neighbors.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they will be holding water bills at the same level as
last year.

Council has also agreed to re-imburse homeowners who had to pay to have their water lines thawed between January 1st and February 15th.

About a dozen property owners were affected during that period.

Contract For Downtown Revitalization Awarded

Kenora City Council has given the green light to Phase Three of Downtown
Revitalization.

Moncrief Construction had the winning tender of 4.75 million dollars.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says contruction will likely last well into
fall.

Perchuck says contruction will start at the Kenricia Corner at Second Street
and end at Knox United Church.

Substance Abuse Task Force Receives Funding

Kenora's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Task Force has received
a shot in the arm.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has approved 220 thousand dollars in funding to hire a program co-ordinator.

Inspector Dave Lucas of the OPP says they have a number of projects they want to pursue through this position.

There is funding in place for three years.

Lucas says they will be posting the job shortly.

OPP Dispatch Wild Dogs

The OPP are taking steps to manage the wild dog problem in the city.

Late last week, officers were contacted about a deer that had been injured by a number of dogs in the Laurenson's Lake area.

Police say they had to put the deer down because is was so badly injured.

A short time later, the pack was located and the OPP say they were able to kill three of the animals.

They say the dogs have becoming increasingly agressive over the winter.

MTO Opens Highway 527 South of Armstrong

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 527 is now open to both lanes of traffic.

The highway was closed on Thursday to replace a culvert on the roadway.

One man was killed after an accident last week that was caused when a portion of the highway washed out about one kilometre south of the Kab River Bridge.

Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King Chief had declared a state of emergency in that community due to the highway closure.    

TBayTel For Good Challenge Launched

Tbaytel is going green and they need your help.

They are looking for ideas on how to improve the environment and the winning one will receive 15-thousand dollars to help create a healthier planet.

Spokesperson Laura Foulds says you can vote for your favourite idea until June 12th.

People can vote on the "tbaytel for good" website.

Provincial Election Set For June

Mark June 12th on your calendar.

That's the date of a provincial election.

Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the lieutenant-
governor this afternoon to
dissolve the legislature.

Wynne's decision was triggered by the NDP, who are refusing to support yesterday's budget.

Speaking in Toronto today, a Horwath says the NDP do not have confidence in the government anymore.

New Chief For Treaty Three Police

The Treaty Three Police Service has hired a new Chief.

Louie Napish from the Eagle Lake First Nation has been hired
to take over from Dan Davidson, who has been the acting chief
since October.

Chair of the police services board, Eli Mandamin says there was an
intensive recruitment and hiring process.

Napish was a former deputy chief of the Treaty Three Police Service
and has 18 year of service.

NDP Won't Support Provincial Budget

The spectre of a spring election is looming.

This morning NDP leader Andrea Horwath indicated her party would not be supporting the budget.

Horwath says she can't in good conscience support a government that the people don't trust.

She calls the budget a mad dash to escape scandals and suggests it's time for change.

Murray Optimistic Following Meeting With Shoal Lake

Ontario's Transportation minister is describing talks with the Shoal Lake
First Nation as positive.

Glen Murray travelled to Shoal Lake #39 last week to meet with the new band council.

Murray says the end game is to get the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway moving, but there are other issues that need to be addressed first.

Murray refused to give any timeline for the twinning project to move ahead, but is confident any obstacles in the way of construction are surmountable.

Council to Hold Special Meeting Today

Kenora City council will be holding a special meeting today to deal with
a couple of pressing issues.

Council will be awarding tenders for Phase Three of Downtown Revitalization as well as completion of work to rehabilitate the West Branch Bridge over the Winnipeg River.

Another item on the agenda includes Sewer and Water Adjustments due to all the water main breaks this past winter.

Council will be meeting at 11:00 this morning.

Inquest Into Aboriginal Youth Deaths Could Be Further Delayed

The coroner's inquest into the tragic deaths of seven First Nations teens in Thunder Bay
is taking more time than officials originally expected.

Dr. Michael Wilson, Regional Supervising Coroner says they are having internal discussions between their stakeholders on timing and aboriginal representation on jury rolls.

Wilson says the recent decision to put Sheldon Wabason's murder trial on hold for a year could be potentially relevant to their inquest.

He adds the basis for their inquest is done but they need to deal with those issues before they can move forward.

Ontario Chiefs Demand Meeting On First Nations Education Act

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is calling on the Assembly of First Nations to hold an emergency meeting on the Federal Government's first nation education bill.

Beardy feels the issue warrants a national discussion.

Beardy wants the meeting to be held as soon as possible this month.

Opposition Critical of Budget

Reaction from the opposition to the budget, not surprising.

PC Finance Critic Vic Fedeli says the budget only increase spending and piles more onto an already historic provincial debt.

Leader Andrea Horwath was absent from both media lock-up and the budget's reading.

She's expected to comment at a news conference called for this morning in Toronto.

Liberals Flogging the Provincial Budget

The Minority Liberal Government is promising to balance the budget by 2017.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa says they'll eliminate the defecit but won't hack program spending to do so.

Highlights from the 2014 budget include 29 billion dollars dedicated over the next 10 years for transportation infrastructure, public transit and other priority infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, the Wynne government is giving the NDP a deadline of May 8th to decide whether it will support the  budget.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Critical of Provincial Budget

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is weighing in on provincial budget tabled by the Liberal government.

Ontario Director of the Taxpayers Federation Candice Malcolm says she's disappointed with the budget.

Malcolm adds that the budget can not be balanced by 2017-2018 as promised by the Wynne Government.

Acting CAO at KDSB Announced

Some major change at the top of the Kenora District Services Board.

Chief Administrative Officer Dan McNeil has taken a three month leave of absence.

Chair Barry Baltessen says Director of Integrated Social Services Sarah Stevenson has been named acting CAO.

Baltessen stresses it's business as usual at the KDSB.

Home And Leisure Show Begins This Afternoon

The 28th annual Home and Leisure show is coming to
Kenora.

The event, hosted by the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce, takes palce at the Rec Centre this weekend.

Chamber Manager Carol Leduc says this years has a great mix of new and old exhibitors.

The Home and Leisure show begins this afternoon at 4 and ends Sunday at 3.

Report Critical of Health of Ontarians

Ontario has a long way to go when it comes to the health of its residents.

That statement is found in the Canadian Index of Wellbeing's report on health.

Wendy Talbot is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Community Health Centers and says for our region the news is worse.

Talbot says northwestern Ontario has higher incidents of alcohol consumption and smoking which leads to
higher rates of stroke and heart disease.

The report calls on the Ontario Government to expand its Community Health Centres Network.

Resolute Announces Sizable Loss

Resolute Forest Products says this past winter has had an impact on its bottom line.

The company's reporting a 50 million dollar loss for the first quarter of the year.

It blames it on the weather which led to higher electricity costs, production disruptions and equipment failures and disruptions in shipments.

Museum Ready to Twist and Shout

Lake of the Woods Museum in Kenora continues to celebrate it's 50th anniversary.

Lynn Riddell is one of three employees and says this weekend they will be holding a Ladies Only event tomorrow called Twist and Shout.

The event will celebrate 1964, the year the Museum was founded.

Riddell says they are also preparing to hold an exhibit on World War One later this summer marking
the 100th anniversary of the start of the deadly conflict.

Broncos Winless So Far At OFSAA Badminton

Not a great start for local badminton players at the All-Ontario High School Championships in Markham.

Tyler Neil lost his first game yesterday in the Single boys division while Logan Ginn and Kate Charlebois were also relegated to the b-flight after losing their first round match in mixed doubles.

All three will be back in action today.

Police Lay Additional Charge in Crime Spree

The OPP have laid one additional charge following a crime spree this past weekend.

Initially five people were arrested on a variety of charges in connection to a stolen firearm, a stolen pick-up and a number of break-ins in the community.

Police have laid a charge of careless storage of a firearm.

47-year-old Richard Darling of Kenora is set to appear in Kenora Court on June 5th.

April the Coldest in 64 Years

After enduring one of the coldest winters on record, spring is also starting
out with near record cold conditions as well.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says this past April was the coldest in more than 60 years.

He says the daily average mean temperature was -2.7, which was the coldest April on record since 1950.

Laidlaw says unfortunately May looks to start off much the same way with below normal temperatures for at least the next week.

Hunter Fined For Illegal Moose Kill in NWO

A southern Ontario man is being fined three thousand dollars for illegally hunting moose.

Wayne Riley plead guilty to firing his gun out of his truck and lying to a conservation officer.

The incident happened near Hidden Lake, southeast of Upsala.

Riley has also been banned from hunting in Ontario for a full year.

Campbell Previews Provincial Budget

The provincial budget is handed down this afternoon, but the opposition isn't expecting any surprises.

Most of what's contained has been announced by the Liberals.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says it's how all paid for will be big issue.

Campbell worries the final price tag for the budget to be quite expensive.

Grand Chief Vows to Work with Local Municipalities

The Grand Chief of Treaty 3 sees a need for First Nations and municipalities to work together.

Warren White says everyone is facing challenges and have common interests and need to engage in one another.

 He says itès vital for the entire region everyone come together to help each other prosper.

White made his remarks while attending last week's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

OPP Cracking Down On Sale of Stolen Goods

 The OPP in Kenora say they are cracking down on the sale of stolen goods.

Inspector Dave Lucas says they've noticed a steady increase in the amount of break-ins, theft and shoplifting complaints in the city.

He says it's one thing to arrest the suspects, but it's another issue trying to find the people actually buying the stolen items.

Statistics released by the OPP show there were almost twice as many theft complaints this past March as there were for the same time last year.

Health Unit Supports Tanning Bed ban

The Northwestern Health Unit is in full support of the Skin Cancer Prevention Act.

The act goes into effect today and bans youth under the age of 18 from using tanning beds in Ontario.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kit-Young Hoon says the legislation covers a number of other issues as well.

Young-Hoon says tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma, which is skin cancer.

Road Washout Results in Traffic Fatality

One man is dead after an early morning collision Wednesday on Highway 527 just south of Armstrong.

The road washed out as a driver was driving past the area.

A second vehicle following close by drove into the wash out and the vehicle caught fire killing the driver.

Police say they believe he is from the area but no name has been released.