Local News

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Honking Big Fundraising Campaign
Posted by Mike Ebbeling Courtesy of the Canadian Press on Friday, July 30th, 2010 am 9:40:47 AM

It's a lot of money but the Town of Wawa thinks it can splurge once every half century.
The Municipality says it has to raise 500-thousand dollars over the next 2-years to replace its famous but aging steel goose that overlooks the Trans-Canada Highway.
Built by a Sault Ste. Marie iron-ore worker 47-years-ago to attract tourists, the black-and-white statue stands nine metres tall and weighs in at about 2-thousand kilograms, about the same as a
minivan.
The town wants to have a replacement goose in the same location next to the tourist information centre by the spring of 2012.
Officials are trying to recruit Canadian comedian Rick Mercer to promote the goose during its annual fall fair in September.

Manitoba Man Fined $2,500
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 30th, 2010 am 9:20:45 AM
A Manitoba man has been fined $2,500 for using an invalid fishing and hunting licence.
Paul Laderoute was stopped in April on Osbourne Bay in Eagle Lake.
Conservation officers spoke to the man and found current and expired cards.
Officers also found out that the man purchased hunting and fishing card's using a Dryden address until last February.
However, he left Ontario in 2004.

Coronor's Inquest Scheduled
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 30th, 2010 am 9:20:03 AM
The Regional Coroner's Office is holding an inquest into an 2009 death of an Atikokan man who was in custody at the Rainy-River District Jail.
21-year-old Dylan Wreggitt died August 15th at the Hospital in Fort Frances after being found unresponsive in his cell by jail staff.
The inquest begins September 29th and will examine the events surrounding his death.
A jury will be instructed to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Book Still Not Closed on Shooting Incident
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 30th, 2010 am 9:19:29 AM
The Special Investigations Unit is questioning why it took Provincial Police almost 2-hours to report a shooting incident in downtown Kenora last month.
39-year-old Helen Proulx was shot twice in the torso after brandishing a knife at an officer, however the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing.
SIU Spokesperson Monica Hudon says they also want to know why two officers were told by Association Lawyer's not to make notes that day about the incident.
The SIU is asking the OPP Commissioner to investigate.

Blueberry Bert Ready to Celebrate!
Posted by Sarah Stewart on Friday, July 30th, 2010 am 9:18:05 AM
Sioux Lookout's 10-day Blueberry Festival begins today. (Friday)
The event kicks off with opening ceremonies at Town Beach from 3:30-6:00.
There will be a Barbecue, wagon rides and a dance at the Legion to end off the night.
Event coordinator Lynette Martin says there are a number of new events this year, including a Blueberry Dance Party, a Piano Concert and a fashion show.
For more information people can visit www.blueberrybert.com

Red Lake Long Term Plan
Posted by Sarah Stewart on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 6:33:48 PM
Red Lake is trying to make sustainable plans for the future.
The Municipality is asking the public to provide input on the challenges and strengths facing the community.
Mayor Phil Vinet says they are focusing on the social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges.
People can provide their input at public meetings, by writing his office, or on-line through the Town website .
For more information people can visit redlake.ca/sustainability

Centennial Celebrations Start Friday
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 6:31:37 PM
Get ready for the party of the century.
Dryden's Centennial Celebrations start Friday with the opening ceremonies set for 1 o'clock at City Hall.
Liberal MP Ken Dryden and Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley will be the guest of honours at the ceremony.
Speeches will also be made by Kenora MP Greg Rickford, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton and Mayor Anne Krassilowsky.
The parade is Saturday at 1 o'clock.

FedNor Dollars for Kenora
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 6:29:23 PM

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is helping small and medium sized businesses in Kenora.
Rickford announced today (Thursday) $350,000 in funding for the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation.
He says the Feds want to invest more in economic development.
The money will allow the Corporation to help businesses get off-the ground and to maintain operations.

Money for LHIN
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 2:29:52 PM
The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is getting more money to reduce wait times in Hospital Emergency Rooms.
Health Minister Deb Matthews is adding $100-million to the Ontario 'Pay for Results' program.
The Northwest LHIN will see more then $1.9-million in funds.
The money will help high-volume ER's reduce wait times by tracking patient flow and hiring staff to treat and discharge patients.

Fake Public Health Inspectors target Northern Onta
Posted by Sarah Stewart on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 2:17:39 PM
The Northwestern Health unit is warning restaurant owners to be on the lookout for fake public health inspectors.

The fake inspectors contact restaurant owners by phone usually asking for detailed business and personal information.

If owners refuse to co-operate the impersonators threaten them with expensive fines.

Medical Officer of Health Doctor James Arthurs says two restaurants have been targeted in the Kenora and Rainy-River districts.

He adds that public health inspectors arrive unannounced and carry photo I-D.

If you think you've been targeted contact the Northwestern health unit or local police.

Red Lake Plans for Future
Posted by Sarah Stewart on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 pm 1:40:09 PM
The city of Red Lake is putting their past behind them and turning their focus to the future.

The municipality is looking to the community for their input on how to make the city more sustainable.

Red Lake Mayor Phil Vinet says they are focusing on the social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges.

People can provide their input at public meetings, by writing in to the office, or by email at sustainability@redlake.ca

For more information visit redlake.ca/sustainability

SIU Clears Kenora OPP Officer
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:19:40 AM

The Special Investigations Unit has cleared an OPP officer of any wrongdoing in relation to a shooting incident in downtown Kenora last month.
39-year-old Helen Proulx was injured after she was shot twice by a female officer.
Witnesses told the SIU that Proulx was intoxicated and was threatening to kill herself with a knife.
The officer tried to remove the knife but failed.
Witnesses say Proulx started to approach the officer with the knife pointed at her.
The SIU says the officer shouted on numerous occasions for Proulx to drop the weapon, but she didn't comply.
The officer shot Proulx two times in the torso.
The SIU found no reasonable grounds to believe the officer acted inappropriately.

Fatal Stabbing in Fort Hope
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:19:02 AM

Tragedy in Fort Hope First Nation, north of Sioux Lookout.
A 17-year-old boy is dead following a stabbing in the First Nation community.
OPP have released few details about the incident, only to say a 16-year-old boy has been charged with second degree murder.
He's scheduled to appear in Thunder Bay Court August 3rd.

Delta Cancelling Route from Thunder Bay to Minn.
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:18:36 AM
You will have to find alternate travel plans if you frequently fly from Thunder Bay to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Delta Air lines has announced that its cancelling it's route between the two City's.
The company has offered twice daily flights but that will end on October 10th.
A passenger shortage is to blame.
Thunder Bay International Airport Authority president Scott McFadden says it is looking for another carrier to cover the route.

Drilling Project Going Well Near Kenora
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:17:05 AM
Drilling crews have been mobilized on Houston Lake's gold project near Kenora.
The company says a 2,600 metre drill program is underway on the Dubenski Property and Robertson Prospect property.
The goal of the program is to extend the mineralized gold zone and determining the area's potential.
Previous drilling campaigns on site have been very successful according to the Sudbury-based company.

Funding for Airports in the Far North
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:14:15 AM

The Federal Government is investing over $3-million to upgrade 2-Airports in the Remote North.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford says $1.9-million is going to the Webequie Airport, while Landsdowne House is receiving nearly $1.3-million.
The money will mainly be used to upgrade both runway's.
First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario have long lobbied for funding to address serious airport safety issues.

Trillium Funding for Three Groups
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:13:30 AM
Two Atikokan organizations and 1 group from Dryden are benefiting from funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Dryden Native Friendship Centre is welcoming $25,000 dollars over 1-year to develop a strategic plan that will guide Centre activities for the next 5-years.
The Beaten Path Nordic Ski Club is getting almost $15,000 to purchase an all-terrain vehicle to maintain cross-country ski trails in the Atikokan-Quetico area.
The town of Atikokan will use another $15,000 to install insulation, siding and new windows in the Mount Fairweather ski chalet.

New Public Works Manager in Sioux Lookout
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 am 11:11:22 AM

The Town of Sioux Lookout has hired a new Public Works Manager.
Matthew Stewardson has accepted the position and is now hard at work.
Stewardson has 10-years of experience as Public Works Manager in Slate Falls.

No gear, No fear Contest Winners
Posted by Sarah Stewart on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 pm 5:00:09 PM
A couple from Iowa are coming to Dryden for a VIP weekend.

They're the winners of the No gear, No fear VIP contest.

Cindy Maring was one of over two hundred people who entered the contest online.

She wins a two night stay and the Riverview lodge, two nights of fine dining, a mountain bike and canoe rental, a Dryden gift basket, and she and her husband will get VIP treatment at the Canadian Masters 2010 Windsurfing Championships.

Dana Soucie from the travel and tourism office says the contest let people all over the world know about our wilderness city.

The couple will be a part of the windsurfing competition's welcoming event on August fifth.

Major Drug Arrest Relating to Northern Ontario
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 pm 12:17:11 PM
A North York man, who Police believe is an integral part of a large prescription pill trafficking ring in Northern Ontario, is in custody in Thunder Bay.
Nishnawbe-Aski Police say they believe 37-year-old Jabir Khan is responsible for the importation of oxycodone to First Nation communities across the North.
During a 2-year investigation, Police seized $360,000 worth of Oxycodone tablets and $60,000 cash.
The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit and Toronto OPP arrested Khan in North York and flew him back to Thunder Bay.
Police searched his home and found $13,000 in cash.
Khan faces trafficking a controlled substance and possession of proceeds of crime charges.
A 36-year-old Toronto man, a 20-year-old Thunder Bay man and a 32-year-old Toronto woman have also been charged in connection with the investigation.