Boobie Nights A Sell Out

The 3rd annual Boobie Night's Fundraiser for the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation is a success even before it starts.

Tickets for the event have already sold out for tomorrow night's party under the Harborfront Tent.

Angela Kuchma is one of the organizers and says the money goes to a great cause.

Last year the event raised over 30 thousand dollars and this year the goal is 50 thousand dollars for the Hospital Foundation.

Ontario Health Coalition Visits Kenora

The future of Health Care in Ontario will be the focus of attention this weekend.

The Ontario Health Coalition is holding a town hall style meeting in Kenora this weekend.

The Health Coalition wants to get local feedback about how Ontario budget cuts are impacting local health care services.

The town hall meeting will take place at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Salvation Army Gets Support for Thunder Bay Flood Victims

The Salvation Army is swimming with cash after raising a quarter million dollars for disaster relief efforts in Thunder Bay.

Major Merv Halvorsen says that money will go to to help the flood victims who do not have insurance to cover their losses.

The donations included 50 thousand dollars from the Fort William Rotary Club.

Scientists Speak out against Closure of the ELA

Scientists around the world are starting to speak out against the closure of the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora.

A group of Israeli scientists have written to Canada's Ambassador complaining the Government is "stamping out the ability of the world scientific community to conduct research required to formulate sound environmental policies."

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford admits while much of the reaction has been negative, some residents living in the area are actually pleased with the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area.

The federal government is expected to save about two million dollars a year by closing the outdoor research facility.

Suspect Arrested In Fort Frances Gas Bar Robbery

Almost two months after the Canada Safeway Gas Bar in Fort Frances was robbed, the OPP finally have a suspect in custody.

Police say they arrested 22 year old Josh Enns last night shortly before 7:00.

The OPP say they were conducting a traffic stop at the time when Enns was arrested.

He has been charged with robbery with a firearm and appeared in Fort France court today on the charge.

Canfield attends FCM Conference

A couple of members of Kenora City Council are in Saskatoon this weekend.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield and Councillor Sharon Smith are taking in the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference.

Canfield says its been more than five years since they last attended and expects they gain some valuable information.

The city just rejoined the Federation this year.

The four day conference starts this morning.

Catholic Education Center Officially Opened

The final piece in the Catholic School Campus in the Pinecrest area of town if finally in place.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Catholic Education Center was held yesterday morning.

Director of Education Center Phylis Eikre says even though they've been using the facility for over a year, it took them a long time to get everything in place.

Eikre says they also wanted the Bishop of the Diosese of Thunder Bay Fred Colli to be on hand for their grand opening.

Thomas Aquinas Street Festival Today

The Thomas Aquinas parking lot is being transformed into a giant carnival today.

The second annual Street Festival is taking place from 11:00 to 2:00.

Darcy Ura is one of the organizers and says they are expecting a good turn-out.

A stage is also being set up on the steps of T.A. for live music during the Street Festival.

Inquest Called into Death of Aboriginal Students

Ontario's Chief Coroner is ordering a joint inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations young people in Thunder Bay. 

All seven died after leaving their home communities to come to the city to go to high school. 

The deaths happened between 2000 and 2011.  

The inquest jury could be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing anymore deaths in a similar way. 

No date has been set for the inquest.

Richards Credits Devil's Coach for NHL Success

Its another off day at the Stanley Cup.

Game two goes tomorrow night in New Jersey.

Kenora's Mike Richards says ironically, the coach of the Devil's likely had the biggest impact on his game, when Peter DeBoer coached him in junior with the Kitchener Rangers.

Richards says DeBoer taught him how to be a professional. 

The Kings lead the Stanley Cup final one game to none.

Thunder Bay Flood Fund Announced

The Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross are teaming up to offer a national appeal for funds for flood victims in Thunder Bay.

Salvation Army Major Merv Halvorsen says you can donate through several sources.

The Thunder Bay Flood Fund will help homeowners recoup some of the costs of dealing with this emergency.

To donate to the Thunder Bay Flood Fund call 1-807-725-2769.

White Elected Treaty Three Grand Chief

The Chief of the Whitefish Bay First Nation is taking on a bigger role in the region.

Warren White was elected as grand chief of Treaty Three yesterday.

White beat out incumbant Diane Kelly and Kelvin Morrison in a traditional vote yesterday on the Big Island First Nation south Kenora.

The election was held on the second day of Treaty Three's National Assembly.

The Assembly will wrap up today, with White presiding over the proceedings.

Rickford Defends Back to Work Legislation

Striking C.P. railworkers are expected to report back to work later today.

Back-to-work legislation is expected to be passed through the senate later today.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the bill and says it will allow for a 90 day arbitration process.

For the first time in a week, CP rail workers in Kenora were not on the picket line.

OPP Cracking Down on Property Crimes

The OPP say they expect to see a decrease in the number of break and enters, thefts and mischief incidents in Kenora this year.

Inspector Dave Lucas released his year end report for 2011 to the Police Service Board yesterday.

Lucas says there was a big jump in property crimes last year, but they have managed to solve most of them.

Lucas says their efforts are paying off because they've already seen a big drop in property crimes through the first four months of this year compared to last year.

He adds that the incidence of violent crimes was also lower last year. 

Campbell Wants Bear Wise Cuts Reversed

The province is being pressure to have the Ministry of Natural Resources continue trapping and relocating nuisance bears.

It's handing those responsibilities onto police and municipalities.

In the legislature, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says there's already been a number of close calls involving the public and bears since the announcement.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says Ministry staff will continue to work with local authorities in emergency situations.

Broncos Girls Win NorWOSSA Soccer Gold

Beaver Brae's girls are golden once again.

The Broncos girls soccer team blanked Dryden 4-0 last night in the NorWOSSA final in Fort Frances.

Beaver Brae now heads to the All-Ontario championships next week in St. Thomas.

This is the third year in a row Beaver Brae has advanced to the OFSAA Finals.

Meanwhile, another disappointing loss for the Bronco boys.

They lost a 3-1 decision to Dryden in the semi-finals.

Fort Frances won the gold medal beating the Eagles 1-0 in the final.

Kings win Game One of Stanley Cup Final

The Los Angeles Kings are three wins away from the first Stanley Cup in the team's 45-year history after taking Game 1 of the final.

Anze Kopitar scored on a breakaway 18:13 into overtime to give the Kings a 2-1 victory at New Jersey. Los

Angeles is 9-and-0 on the road in the post-season, and 3-and-0 when they skate in overtime.

Mike Richards was held off the scoresheet in a tight defensive contest. 

Two Hospitalized in Accident Near Clearwater Bay

Two people had to be taken to hospital last night following a single vehicle accident near Clearwater Bay.

The OPP say the collision took place around 9:00 after a vehicle hit the guide post near the intersection of Lindsay Road.

Police were helped out by Kenora Fire and Emergency Services, the McKenzie-Clearwater Fire Department, and ambulence personnel.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about an hour, while crews worked to extract the occupants.

The OPP say the vehicle was demolished in the accident.

Summer Jobs Funding Announced

The Kenora riding is getting 185-thousand dollars in Federal funding to hire 72 students.

The funding will enable students to gain the skills and experience they need to move on.

MP Greg Rickford made the announcement in Sioux Lookout and he stated the jobs that are created will help students gain valubale experience and a chance to earn money for the upcoming school year.

He adds it also strengthens local economies.

Thunder Bay Continues to Clean Up following Flooding

The provincial government is taking an active role in helping communities hit by this weeks flooding.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says a variety of ministry's are helping out all of the affected areas to make sure they can recover from the storm.

Gravelle says his ministry in particular is involved because of water monitoring.

In the meantime, Thunder Bay's Emergency Operations Control Group will meet once again to update the flood situation.

The Salvation Army will be a hub for a national appeal for financial donations and details will be provided later this morning.

The City has received numerous offers of help and there is an active Facebook page with 1,500 members to date with many of them talking about how to provide assistance.

The city is saying "The outpouring of community support is appreciated; however, a coordinated effort is required and that will be an ongoing priority for discussion over the next days."