http://www.ckdr.net/news/ Local news updates from across Northwestern Ontario. en-us http://backend.userland.com/rss http://ckdr.net/images/ckdr_rss.gif http://www.ckdr.net/news/ http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25694 Mike Ebbeling An emergency power outage in Sioux Lookout has resulted in some closures in the Municipality. Community Development Manager Brian MacKinnon says Municipal Hall and the Arena and Fitness Centre will be closed all day. Phone service will not be available to the Municipal Office, Community Services Department, Public Works Department and Library. Emergency numbers will be operational but internet and e-mail service will be down. Safety precautions are in place at Public Works and the Airport as both facilities are open. All schools and day cares will be open today. The power outage is scheduled from 9 until 2 in the entire Sioux Lookout area. CKDR is prepared and will be broadcasting to the Sioux Lookout area. Here is a list of what you need to know. • Airport operations will be business as usual, with required safety precautions in place. • The Arena/Fitness Centre will be closed to the public all day. • The three Municipal Day Cares – will be open, even if the schools are closed. • Fire and By-Law Enforcement operations will be business as usual. • The Sioux Lookout Public Library will be open. • Public Works, water and sewer operations will be business as usual, with required safety precautions in place. • The Municipal Office, 25 Fifth Avenue, will be closed to the public; however, the Sioux Lookout Hydro Office will be open. • Phone service will not be available to the Municipal Office, Community Services Department, Public Works Department, or the Library. Emergency numbers will be operational. Internet and e-mail service will not be available. Thu, 17 May 2012 05:34:26 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 17th, 2012, 5:34:26AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25693 Mike Ebbeling Sioux Lookout will be left in the dark for a good chunk of the day Thursday. Sioux Lookout Hydro says a power outage is planned from 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. All customers in Sioux Lookout, Hudson and Alcona will be affected. Hydro One customers on Highway 72 South and Frenchman's Head are also impacted. The outage is due to emergency repairs to the main transmission line that supplies electricity to the surrounding area. CKDR is prepared and will continue broadcasting in Sioux Lookout. Schools will remain open and school buses will continue to run. Additional staff will be on hand at each school to ensure the safety of students. Wed, 16 May 2012 11:38:04 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 11:38:04AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25692 Mike Ebbeling The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is promising more consultations with the public if the City approves a request the re-zone the Pinewood School property to allow for a First Nations housing and educational facility. Jack McMaster issued that promise during a public meeting last night at City Hall. McMaster says he understand that residents have several concerns. McMaster says this project is important for the community and for aboriginal children. He notes Dryden has a chance to give Northern kids a chance to gain quality education. McMaster says the initiative is geared towards 14 and 15 year old kids who are making the jump to High School. The City hasn't decided when it make a decision and some are suggesting that it may come as late as July. Director of Education Jack McMaster suggests July may be to late. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:53:22 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 10:53:22AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25691 Mike Ebbeling The City of Dryden is hosting a public meeting tonight to discuss changes to the Municipal Official Plan. The plan is in need of an overhaul and Meridian Planning Consultants has been working on changes since last August. The draft changes will be presented at the meeting and the City will be seeking public input. The strategy also identifies changes to zoning by-law regulations. The meeting is at 7 o'clock at City Hall. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:51:01 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 10:51:01AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25690 Mike Ebbeling "Hello Dryden!" That's the name of Shaw Cable's new television program which debuts tonight. (Wednesday) Host Andy McIsaac says the show features Dryden personalities and events. McIsaac says the show is fun and interactive and showcases everything our City has to offer. The show airs on Channel 10 every Wednesday at 6 and 9 o'clock. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:48:03 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 10:48:03AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25689 Mike Ebbeling A terrible tragedy on the Poplar Hill First Nation. A 33-year-old woman has been charged in the death of an 18-month-old child from the Pikangikum First Nation. The Nishnawbe Aski Police say they were called in to investigate the death of Isaac Keeper last week. His caregiver, Shannon Moose has been charged with aggravated assault. She's currently in custody and is due to appear in Kenora Court on Friday. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:14:03 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 9:14:03AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25688 Mike Ebbeling Provincial Police in Kenora have released the name of the man found dead on the Canadian Pacific rail crossing in Keewatin early Sunday morning. The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Justen Kroeker of Kenora. Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination. Foul play isn't suspected. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:11:10 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 9:11:10AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25687 Mike Ebbeling Let us make the decision! That's the main message from Dryden High School students on the Government's 'Healthy Foods for Healthy Schools' Act. Shanda Hall asked City Council Tuesday night to join their cause, noting they are being told what they can and can not eat. Hall says they are expected to make responsible decisions in life but stresses they can't make a decision on what they can eat for lunch. She says they have limited choices at the School's Subway because of the Legislation and notes most students are now going elsewhere. Hall stresses the Subway is losing revenue as a result. Hall says Ontario students weren't consulted and stresses their voices have been silenced. Council agreed and signed a petition that has grown to some 450-names. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:10:23 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 9:10:23AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25686 Mike Ebbeling Dryden Council is in a holding pattern on making a decision on re-zoning the Pinewood School property. Feedback into a proposed residential and education facility for First Nations students was again lively at a public meeting at City Hall Tuesday. Wayne Zilkalns voiced his opposition to the project. Zilkalns says the overall impact on the taxpayers of Dryden hasn't been properly addressed. He accuses the Public School Board of fast-tracking the project with little consideration of those who will be impacted by the change. Zilkalns has presented City Council with a petition that he says has some 650 names on it. Kathy Zilkalns says the proposal hasn't been presented to the public in a manner that we can understand. She says the net benefits are unknown. Roger Valley says Council should open up its heart and mind to the initiative. Valley is asking the City to get information on the economic impact to Dryden and what it means in jobs and money. Valley says don't be afraid to do something because something might happen. He notes this has the potential of being something big. Sally Ledger pleaded with Council to give Northern kids a chance to gain an education. Ledger says the KO Northern Chiefs led project comes with plenty of business. She notes the KO has invested signficant money in the community and plans to relocate several more businesses to our community. Ledger says "if you don't accept their children, then she would ask them to not consider you." Louis Savard says Northern children want and love going to school and they want an opportunity to learn in a positive environment. He notes these children are our future. Council is split on when to make a decision. Some want June and others want more information and wait until July. The issue will again be debated at next Tuesday's open meeting. City staff and Meridan Consulting are recommending a re-zoing change to facilitate the First Nations school and residential facility for up to 72-students and 8-supervisory staff. About 60-people attended Tuesday's public meeting. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:02:50 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 9:02:50AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25685 Mike Ebbeling Things are starting to heat up for local fire ranger crews. Another eight wild fires were reported in the Kenora District Tuesday. Three of those fires are out. The Ministry of Natural Resources says all of the new blazes were the result of lightning strikes but were fairly small in size and have all been extinguished. Currently there are 15 forest fires that are considered active in the region. The fire hazard is high to extreme across the Northwest Region. Wed, 16 May 2012 08:35:07 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 16th, 2012, 8:35:07AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25684 Mike Ebbeling The Vice-President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is asking the provincial government to reconsider cuts being made to the Bear Wise program. The MNR has announced it will no longer be relocating nuisence bears. Dave Canfield says the policy doesn't make any financial sense. Canfield says the Ministry of Natural Resources shouldn't be allowed to download the responsibility of nuisence bears onto municipalities. Canfield says he plans to bring the issue up next month when he meets with the Minister of Natural Resources. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:04:22 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 9:04:22AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25683 Mike Ebbeling Thunder Bay is the latest Northwestern Ontario community to take action on a nuisance deer problem. City Council has passed a bow hunting by-law. A legal deer hunt within City limits will start this fall. Counilor Ken Boshcoff says councillor's can't afford to hide their heads in the sand anymore, because the over population of deer needs to be addressed. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:03:01 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 9:03:01AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25682 Mike Ebbeling Dryden's newly elected Councilor is ready to get down to business. Sid Wintle came out on top of Monday's by-election for the one vacant seat on Council. Wintle says his first priority is cleaning up the financial condition of the municipality. Wintle says whether its the financial condition of the telephone department, financial statements not being submitted or long-term debt increasing; City finances seems to be an issue that comes up every month. Wintle adds there seems to be a lot of friction on Council right now and he wants to see that changed. Wintle say Council needs to work together to make things work in this community. He believes Dryden residents have delivered a message that they are concerned about their ability to absorb significant tax increases. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:01:09 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 9:01:09AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25681 Mike Ebbeling A former Mayor and Councilor has been elected in Dryden's by-election for the one vacant seat on Council. Sid Wintle received 997-votes Monday to win the vote by a wide margain. City Manager Joe van Koerverden says he believes Wintle will bring the financial abilities needed to turn things around. He says they have run some major deficits over the past 3 to 4 years and the City must get its books in order. Van Koerverden says they must get their budgets aligned with the full operating costs of the City and notes that includes the telephone division. Shayne MacKinnon came in second, while Chuck Schmitt finished third. A total of 2,923 ballots were cast and voter turnout was 52.45%. Here is the list of the Dryden By-Election for the one vacant seat on Council. Sid Wintle 997 votes 34.11% Shayne MacKinnon 680 votes 23.26% Chuck Schmitt 644 votes 22.03% Gwen Kurz 381 votes 13.03% Joe Delaney 84 votes 2.87% Gary Case 74 votes 2.53% Richard Jonasson 63 votes 2.16% Tue, 15 May 2012 07:45:15 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 7:45:15AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25680 Mike Ebbeling Provincial Police in Kenora are ruling out foul play in the death of a 22-year-old man in Keewatin. The man was found early Sunday morning near the Canadian Pacific rail crossing at Government Road. Police are holding back his name until his family is notified. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:38:06 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 7:38:06AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25679 Mike Ebbeling Another opportunity tonight (Tuesday) to comment on the proposed First Nations school and housing facility at the vacant Pinewood School. Dryden Council is hosting a zoning bylaw amendment meeting at City Hall starting at 5 o'clock. The Public School Board is asking the City to rezone the property to include residential use. The plan is to renovate one wing of the building to provide a sleeping area for up to 72-aboriginal students, a suite for supervisory staff and a kitchen-dining area for the residents. The other wing would be for classroom use. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:21:19 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 7:21:19AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25678 Mike Ebbeling The Northwest Community Care Access Centre is going to hire 11 new mental health nurses. Chief Executive Officer Tuija Puiras says the nurses will work in area high schools. Puiras says the nurses will be able to help get students the care they need. The money for the new hires is from the Provincial Government. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:19:41 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 15th, 2012, 7:19:41AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25676 Mike Ebbeling A Dryden man miraculously escaped serious injury following a spectacular crash near the Greater Moncton International Airport. New Brunswick RCMP Corporal Dan Poirier says a transport went over the guardrail, fell off Highway 2 and did a nose-dive onto Highway 15 on Saturday morning. Poirer says a transport and car collided but stresses they are getting conflicting reports on exactly what happened. Steven Blair Contracting confirms the tractor-trailer involved was one of theirs and the driver has been identified as Duncan Scott. Poirer says thankfuly no one was seriously injured. Officials at Steven Blair say they are waiting to speak with their driver as well as see the police report. (Photo Credit: Matthew Bingley CBC) Mon, 14 May 2012 11:39:10 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 14th, 2012, 11:39:10AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25675 Mike Ebbeling Dryden Police say it likely was a case of not paying attention to the road. A southbound vehicle lost control on Riverview Drive around 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon and ended up in the Wabigoon River. Emergency crews were quick to arrive on scene and rescue the two occupants of the vehicle. City Police say no one was injured. (Photo Credit: Chris Sidney) Mon, 14 May 2012 11:36:51 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 14th, 2012, 11:36:51AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#25674 Mike Ebbeling He has been the Chief of the Dryden Fire Department since 1991 and now he's calling it a career. The City has confirmed that Darryl Herbert has retired. Ken Kurz takes over as acting Chief. Peter Gillis leaves Dryden Telephone to become acting Deputy Chief. Mon, 14 May 2012 07:46:38 -0500 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 14th, 2012, 7:46:38AM.