Randy Nickle Seeks Nomination for PC party in Kenora-Rainy River

The Provincial Conservative party might have a new face representing the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

Randy Nickle has declared his intentions to get nominated for the next provincial election.

Nickle says his motivation is past failures by the other parties, and the ability for Northwestern Ontario to take advantage of it's Natural Resources.

The PC nomination vote for the Kenora-Rainy River riding takes place December 1st.

Ontario NDP Leader Launched New Health Survey

The Ontario N.D.P. want to hear your concerns about the healthcare system.

The party has launched a new survey aimed at finding solutions to health care in the province.

Party Leader Andrea Horwath says it's a major issue moving forward.

Horwath says she and her MPP's will be hosting a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks across the province.

http://ontariondp.com/en/horwath-launches-consultation-on-improving-health-care-in-ontario

Resolute to Idle Fort Frances Mill

Resolute Forest Products says it intends to idle indefinitely the kraft mill and paper machine # 5 at its Fort Frances mill.

The company expects to curtail operations by the end of this month affecting nearly 240 employees.

Resolute blames the decision on market conditions, but is holding out the possibility of a restart at a later date.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis says company officials indicated they're studying potential uses of the number five paper machine that will take at least 12 to 18 months to complete.

Avis calls the news shocking and depressing.

Visitor Ban Expanded at Hospital

A visitor ban is being expanded at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Head of Patient Care Kathy Dawe says they've added the 3rd Flood ICU inpatient unit to the ban.

Earlier this week, the Second East Unit was closed to visitors due to a gastro-intestinal outbreak.

In the meantime, the Northwestern Health Unit says they have confirmed lab results that show the flu is now officially in the region.

While the community flu clinics have now wrapped up for the year, the Health Unit says you can still get the vaccine until the spring, but the earlier you get a flu shot the better.

Diabetes Workshop Today

The Northwestern Health Unit is celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month with a special Workshop this week.

The Diabetes Fair will take place today at the Jubilee Church.

Health Promoter, Megan Shewfelt says they want to give local residents some ideas on how to combat the disease.

The workshop is free of charge and will take place from 10 til 2:00 at the Jubilee Church on 1st Street South.

Gravelle Gets Support From Opposition

Michael Gravelle is getting some support in his battle against cancer from some unexpected quarters.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell has issued a statement wishing the Natural Resources Minister a speedy recovery.

Campbell says she's worked closely with Gravelle over the past year in her capacity as the NDP's Natural Resources Critic and hopes he can return to his cabinet duties quickly.

Gravelle announced yesterday that he was being treated for an agressive form of lymphoma.

NAN Raises Concerns About Generic Oxy

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin.

NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

Festival of Trees Almost Ready

Christmas around the world.

That is the theme for this years annual festival of trees.

Linda Wideman is one of the organizers and says they have plenty of great events planned.

The Festival of Trees will run at the Lake of the Woods Museum from November 29th to December 1st

with Seniors Night next Thursday, followed by the Gala on November 30th, followed by family

day on Saturday. 

The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community

Foundation. 

Bronco Hockey Teams Split Against Fort Frances

A split for Beaver Brae's hockey teams.

The Bronco boys lost an 8-7 nail-biter to the Fort Frances Muskies last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Beaver Brae trailed 8-4 heading into the last period, but scored three unanswered goals in the final frame in a late come back attempt.

Easton Gauthier and Ryse Mandamin each had a pair of goals in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, the Bronco girls had an impressive outing on the Road, blanking Fort Frances 4-0 yesterday afternoon.

Becca Mahon earned the shutout for the Broncos.

It was an offensive showcase for the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team, as they romped to a 14-0 win over the Red Lake Rams.

Eric Davidson led all scorers with four goals, while Tanner Kapera recorded a hat trick.

Champion curlers offer clininc in Kenora

Two world class curlers are in Kenora today.

Reid Carruthers and Kaitlyn Lawes are at the Keewatin Curling Club offering curling clinics to registered curlers.

Carruthers said earlier in the day they had clinics with 15 curlers in grade 6 and the afternoon they hosted a clinic with 15 junior curlers.

Lawes mentioned that tonight they are also hosting an adult clinic this evening.

The pair were brought to Kenora as part of Curl Manitoba's Road Show.

Broncos and Saints Hockey Teams Back in Action

Both the Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas boys hockey teams are looking to continue their early winning ways tonight.

The Broncos play their first home game this evening when they take on the Fort Frances Muskies.

Game time is 7:30 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Meanwhile, the Saints boys hockey team is on the road tonight.

T.A. will travel to Red Lake to face the Rams.

Beaver Brae's girls team is also in action tonight.

 The Broncos head to Fort Frances to face the Muskies.

All three teams won their league openers last week. 

Kenora to Play Host to Renwick Cup

Kenora will be playing host to a couple of major regional hockey championships next spring.

The Telus Mid-West Regional Midget Championships will take place in early April and will be preceded by the Renwick Cup at the end of March.

Captain of the Kenora Senior Thistles, Sean Hughes says a victory in the Renwick Cup will send them back to the Allan Cup for the third straight year.

The organizing committee for the Renwick Cup is currently seeking corporate sponsors and has announced that REMR Roofing has come on as their title sponsor this year.

Blood Donor Clinic Looking for Better Turn Out Today

Canadian Blood Services is hoping for a better turn out on day two of its
blood donor clinic.

Yesterday, a total of 122 people showed up to give the gift of life, but that was
22 less than the goal of local organizers.

The Blood Donor Clinic is now open and will run until 12:30 this afternoon
and there are still 49 open appointment times available.

Thistle Banner Thieves Make Apology

A very public apology from the two culprits who stole the Stanley Cup banners from the White Cap Pavillion this past summer.

Adam Green and Jena Poschner read letters of apology to Kenora City Council last night.

Poschner says the timing of their actions couldn't have been worse.

The Stanley Cup banners were stolen from the Whitecap Pavillion just before Mike Richards was scheduled to bring the trophy home for a community celebration.

Taxi Company Requests Fare Increase

Co-ot taxi taxi is asking city council to approve a rate increase.

Eric Lovas made a deputation at last nights council meeting and says that a fare increase has not happened in a couple years.

Lovas adds that the fare increase would only amount to an average of a one dollar  on most fares and will help manage the cost of rising gas prices and the cost of insurance.

Loviss adds that the starting rate would increase to 4.95 and a kilometer rate would go up to2 dollars.

Visitor Restrictions in Place at Hospital

There's been an outbreak of a gastro-intestinal illness at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Head of Patient Care Kathy Dawe says the outbreak was confirmed Sunday in the Second East ward.

She says a small number of patients and staff began to show some symptoms and as a result, a visitor ban for the ward has gone into effect.

The Hospital adds that if you are experiencing any gastro-intestinal or respiratory illness, you should refrain from visiting the hospital.

Gravelle Battles Cancer

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says he's been diagnosed with a form of aggressive lymphoma, but intends to stay on the job while undergoing chemotherapy.

Gravelle, who represents Thunder Bay-Superior North, says he is heartened by the assessment of his oncologist that he has a treatable form of lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good.

The veteran Liberal says Premier Dalton McGuinty encouraged him to carry on with his ministerial duties and he is genuinely optimistic that he will fully recover from his battle with cancer.

Three More People Arrested for Drug Trafficking

A pair of drug busts on Highway 17 west of Kenora has netted the OPP more than 16 thousand dollars in illegal drugs over the past five days.

Three Fort Frances area residents face charges following a drug bust last week.

23 year old Joel Inkster, 29-year-old Dawn Jourdain and 21 year old Allan Mutz were arrested last week after OPP stopped a vehicle and found a pound of marijuana and 14 oxycocete pills inside.

All three will make a court appearance in Kenora December 20.

Another drug bust last Thursday netted police about six thousand dollars in cocaine.

Saints head to Belleville Today for OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team will be travelling to southern Ontario today to prepare for the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints will go into the OFSAA tournament as the second ranked team.

The Saints did not lose a set in regular season or post-season play this year and advanced to the provincial finals last week.

The top ranked team at OFSAA is the host team from Belleville, which is Quinte Christian.

Quinte is the defending provincial champion.

The OFSAA round-robin begin Thursday morning.

Northwest PeeWee All-Stars Finalize Roster

There are four local hockey players who will be playing for the Northwestern Ontario Peewee Triple "A" allstar team this season.

Carter Tresoor, Jared Neniska, Jayme Caron, and Jacob Parker were selected for the team after a selection camp that included over 60 players from across the Northwest.

Dan Reynard from Kenora is the teams head coach.

The team will play in All Ontario championships in Thunder Bay April 8th and the Tournament of Champions in Brandon on Febuary 7th.