Quebec Man Faces Charges in West Highway Accident

A 34 year old Quebec man faces charges in connection to a multiple-vehicle accident on Highway 17 west of Kenora.

The accident took place yesterday morning near Inglis Lake closed the Trans-Canada Highway down for more than three hours.

The OPP say a westbound semi swerved into the eastbound lane to avoid a collision with another westbound transport.

Police say the tractor trailor unit ended up colliding with a couple of passenger vehicles in the eastbound lane and before crashing into traffic in the westbound lane.

A total of three people had to be transported to Lake of the Woods District hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the westbound transport has been charged with careless driving.

Development Commission Supports Sale of Lakewood

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is pleased to see the proposal for an adult education center at Lakewood School is moving forward.

Earlier this week, the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board approved the sale of the school property to Seven Generations.

Geordie McEwen has been involved in the project from the beginning and says having more post-secondary opportunities in the city is a big bonus.

McEwen adds the commission is also looking to assist the ownership group to create a new student housing complex on the Lakewood property.

Winnipeg Reconsiders Resale of Shoal Lake Water

The International Joint Commission is putting the kibosh on a plan by the City of Winnipeg to sell water it takes from Shoal Lake.

Winnipeg had planned to sell the water to a couple of nearby communities.

But the IJC the plan is inconsistant with its century old agreement.

Chief of Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Erwin Redsky says they warned the City over a year ago that they did not have the right to use their land or the water for profit.

He says they will oppose any further application by the City of Winnipeg to the IJC.

Council Debates the Merits of New Logo

Some debate about whether the City of Kenora should embrace a new logo unveiled by the Brand Leadership Team.

A report to council this week suggests all old city logos should be phased out in favour of the new boating logo.

Mike Mostow is the city's fleet manager and says its not going to be cheap to change all the city-owned vehicles over to the new logo.

Council has agreed to a very slow, phase-in of the new logo, implementing it only when current supplies and vehicles need replacing.

This is the city's third logo in the past 12 years.

Winnipeg Woman Arrested on Trafficking Charges

A Winnipeg woman is in custody after police seized 10 thousand dollars worth of morphine pills.

Last Thursday, members of the Dryden Provincial Police, Sioux Lookout Provincial Police and Dryden Police Drug Action team arrested 22-year-old Destiny Bluecoat of Winnipeg for posession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police says she remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Report Concerned About Aboriginal Health Care

A report released by the Health Council of Canada says many Aboriginal people aren't seeking mainstream health care.

The report highlights some of the reasons why, and key points that are working towards positive change.

C.E.O. John Abbott says racisim and stereotypes play a major part in why people aren't seeking the medical attention they need.

Abott says it will take the healthcare leadership such as ministers and CEO's to make sure the message is consistent.

New Graduates for the Nishinabe Aski Police

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is welcoming five new officers.

Chief Claude Chum will be presenting badges at a ceremony on Friday.

The graduating officers are Trent Abernot, Graham Cotter, Aaron Dodge, Evan Polini and Peter Schoenfeld.

Tree of Life Celebrates 25 Years

The Hospital's Tree of Lights hits a major milestone this year.

The fundraiser for the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation turns 25 this year.

Jess Rheault is the managing director of the Foundation and says this year they are selling special 25 dollar light bulbs for the tree.

Last year, the Tree of Life raised more than 50 thousand dollars for the Hospital Foundation.

O.P.P Re-open Highway 17 West of Kenroa

O.P.P have re-opened Highway 17 West of Kenora.

The highway was closed just before 12:00 do to multiple accidents int he area.

Constable Dave Cain is advising drivers to avoid highway travel if possible and to use caution on all area roads.

Fort Frances Looks at Town's Economic Future

The mayor of Fort Frances says his town is working diligently to minimize the impact felt by the indefinite idling of the kraft mill and a paper machine at Resolute Forest Products.

Roy Avis says it includes forming a council sub-committee that look at the town's economic future under his direction.

Avis says council's also had talks already with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle; Northern Development Parliamentary Assistant Bill Mauro and company officials.

12 Days of Fire Safety

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department is counting down the 12 days of Christmas.

A new safety campaign is being launched, reminding local residents to be fire smart.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says each day of the campaign they will have a new safety tip.

Brinkman says a house fire last week in the Lakeside area is a good reminder to have your chimney inspected, and ensure its clear of any hazards like creosote build-up.

School Board Approves Lakewood Sale

The dream of turning Lakewood School into an adult education center is still alive.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board approved the sale of the elementary school to Seven Generations at last night's inaugural board meeting for 1.4 million dollars.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says he's glad the sale is finally going through.

With the sale of Lakewood, the public school board officially rescinded the closure of Evergreen School.

Instead, Lakewood will close as an elementary school at the end of this school year.

One Day Walk-out by Elementary Teachers Over

Things should almost return back to normal today at local elementary schools.

Members of the EFTO within the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board gathered yesterday at the Government Building in Dryden to protest bill 115, which allows the government to impose a contract.

Local union president Anne Saltel says their message is loud and clear.

A number of students from the Dryden High School skipped class and  were also at the government building supporting the teachers.

Harbortown Biz Ice Rink Officially Opens

The Harbortown Biz Ice Rink recieved the approval of local residents today.

The rink was opened with an official snow spray of memebers of the development committee.

Councillor Sharon Smith laced up her skates and said "the rink is in great shape and brings back memories from her childhood."

The rink is now open 24/7 throughout the winter months.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Seeks Zoning Change

The beer could be flowing in the old Kenora Fire Hall in three months or less.

The owner of the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is seeking a zoning change to allow brewing in the heritage building.

Taras Manzies updated city council on his plans this morning and says the good news is they don't need a permit from the Ministry of the Environment.

Manzies says his brewing equipment will be shipped from South Korea tomorrow and is expected to be in Kenora by the end of the month.

OPP Lay Trafficking Charges

A 50 year old Kenora man faces drug charges after being arrested in the downtown area.

The OPP say they noticed a man engaged in suspicious activity yesterday afternoon in Hennepen Lane.

He was taken to the Kenora Detachment and officers seized about 120 dollars in cash as well as eight morphine pills.

Kevin Billard has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

School Buses Operating Today

All school buses will be running as usual this morning despite the one-day walkout by elementary teachers.

The buses will be picking up secondary school students and also students who attend the catholic schools.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says that bus schedules and timing may fluctuate due to the reduced numbers of riders, however drivers will do their best to maintain the regular schedule.

EFTO Holds One Day Strike In Kenora Today

Lights will remain off in elementary schools operated by the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board today.

A one-day strike is taking place today by members of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.

Local Union president, Ann Saltel says their members will be gathering in Dryden today for a mass rally.

The one-day strike is against Bill 115, which imposes contracts on the teachers, and is supposed to take away their right to strike.

The rally will take place from 11 till 2:00 this afternoon.

Canfield Optimistic Funding Coming For Bridge Repairs

A glimpse of daylight in the battle to get funding for Kenora's crumbling bridges.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is optimistic a new 51 million dollar fund will be able to help the city pay for repairs to the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

Canfield says there is funding set aside for emergency situations.

Canfield says the city is also applying for funding to begin Phase Three work on the Downtown Revitalization Project, which includes sewer and water replacement along 2nd Street South.

Liberal Leadership Hopefuls Gathering Support

Liberal leadership hopefuls have been picking up some support in northwestern Ontario.

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is throwing his support behind Sandra Pupatello.

Gravelle believes she will be a dynamic leader of the Liberals if elected.

Meanwhile, former Liberal leader Lyn McLeod has given her endorsement to Kathleen Wynne, who is also seen as a front-runner in the race to become Ontario's next Premier.