http://news.ckdr.net/ Local news updates from across Northwestern Ontario. en-us http://backend.userland.com/rss PHP/4.4.2 - Vive Free-Libre Open Source Software! (FLOSS) http://ckdr.net/images/ckdr_rss.gif http://news.ckdr.net/ http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17131 Canadian Press Ontario health officials are confirming there was no outbreak of infectious disease aboard a Via train that was quarantined in northern Ontario. They say four passengers tested positive for the flu, while another had a cold. The death of an 86-year-old woman is still under investigation, while another woman who was hospitalized is listed in stable condition. The train carrying more than 260 passengers was held up Friday after the woman died and several other passengers fell ill. Mon, 12 May 2008 06:26:26 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Canadian Press on May 12th, 2008, 6:26:26AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17130 Mike Ebbeling A new salary schedule has been approved for non-unionized employees with the Kenora District Services Board. The grid sees salary hikes over a 5-year period for the CAO, Directors, Managers and Superintendents. Igance Councilor Dianne Loubier voted against the move stating they had a hard enough time balancing the books in Ignace and notes other Municipalities are facing financial hardships. Loubier claims the increase is as high as 35% but the exact hike hasn't been determined as the board still has to decide where staff fall in the salary grid. Dryden, Ear Falls and Machin also voted against the new grid, however it passed 7 to 4. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:44:42 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 12th, 2008, 5:44:42AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17129 Canadian Press Most of the 900 residents of the remote first nation of Attawapiskat have been evacuated from their community on James Bay. The fear of flooding in the area sparked the evacuation, the second airlift in the region this spring. The evacuees have been flown to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing, Timmins, Hearst and Greenstone. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:41:59 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Canadian Press on May 12th, 2008, 5:41:59AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17128 Mike Ebbeling Think you know nursing? That's the theme of National Nursing Week which starts today. Dryden is hosting a number of events to honour its nurses and organizer Audry Nosworthy says the recognition is important. Nosworthy says Dryden is not immune to a nursing shortage across Canada and notes the local force puts in countless hours without a single complaint. Events this week include an opening day tea, luncheon, draws and prizes and a closing gala. About 75 nurses work at the Dryden Hospital alone. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:41:24 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 12th, 2008, 5:41:24AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17125 Mike Ebbeling Unincorporated members will meet Monday night at 7 at the Oxdrift Hall to decide whether or not to form a Local Services Board. Interim Chair Greg Gamble says they will start the meeting by providing some information on the formation of a board. A vote will follow. Anyone living in Aubrey, Zealand, Britton, Eton, Rugby, Van Horne and Wainwright Townships as well as portions of Brownridge Township, Ghost Lake Road and Mavis Lake Road are eligible to cast a ballot. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:38:06 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 12th, 2008, 5:38:06AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17122 Mike Ebbeling The long-standing dispute between Grassy Narrows and the Provincial Government may finally be coming to an end. An announcement is expected Monday afternoon from Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield and Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister. Officials say the announcement about launching forestry talks between the Ministry and the First Nation will create a new, positive, long-term relationship. The reserve near Kenora has been complaining to the province for years that forestry operations are destroying their land. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:48 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 12th, 2008, 5:00:48AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17119 Mike Ebbeling Sioux Lookout residents will mark Mother's Day by standing up against violence against women. The Standing Women gathering will be held at 1 Sunday afternoon at Centennial Park. Residents are asked to meet and stand for 5-minutes of silence and think about what they can do individually and collectively to make a difference in the world. Fri, 09 May 2008 10:56:39 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 10:56:39AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17118 Mike Ebbeling The Northwestern Health Unit is reminding the public to take good care of their hearing. May is ‘Speech and Hearing Awareness’ month and Director of Family Services Karen Essery says anyone who wants their hearing checked can contact their local health unit office. Essery suggests that you should turn your I-Pod down and wear protective headgear when mowing the lawn. Fri, 09 May 2008 10:55:45 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 10:55:45AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17117 Tim Davidson (Mix FM Kenora) The Leader of the Federal NDP says the wage gap between the rich and poor in Northern Ontario is widening and he want's the Harper Government to do something about it. Jack Layton toured the Kenora Riding Friday and says the Feds tax cuts haven't helped resource based communities. Layton is also asking the Feds to do more for the forest industry in the North. He says a plan is needed to not only rescue the sector, but to help it flourish again. Layton is critical of the softwood lumber deal with the United States and links it to the number of mill closures across the Region. He used the trip to meet with municipal, business, labour and aboriginal leaders. Fri, 09 May 2008 10:54:14 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Tim Davidson (Mix FM Kenora) on May 9th, 2008, 10:54:14AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17116 Tim Davidson (Mix FM Kenora) Volunteer and professional firefighters from Red Lake, Ear Falls, Machin and other small communities are in Kenora Saturday for a vigorous training session. Kenora Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says training includes vehicle extrication, fighting wildfires and incident command. Over 100-firefighters from across the District will take part in the 8-hour session. Fri, 09 May 2008 10:51:31 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Tim Davidson (Mix FM Kenora) on May 9th, 2008, 10:51:31AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17114 Mike Ebbeling and Canadian Press Police say a woman in her 60s has died and several others have fallen ill on a halted Via Rail passenger train in Northern Ontario that was en route from Vancouver to Toronto. OPP Sergeant Lauren Nichols says Ambulances and police scrambled to the tiny hamlet of Foleyet early this morning and have now quarantined the train, which was carrying about 260 passengers and 30 crew members. The mysterious illness has been contained to 2 rail cars and 10-people have been taken to Hospital. The train did go through Sioux Lookout and Amesdale but it's unclear how many, if any, passengers got off. The Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre and Dryden Hospital both report that they have not dealt with any flu like symptoms. Health officials note it's always wise to take the proper precautions by washing your hands. Fri, 09 May 2008 09:25:29 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling and Canadian Press on May 9th, 2008, 9:25:29AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17102 Mike Ebbeling Problems at the border, the struggling Ontario economy and the price of gasoline were all issues of concern at the Kenora District Campowners Association Meeting. Treasurer Steve Hartle says it’s not going to be a banner tourism season but notes campowners are taking a wait and see approach. Hartle says they have made some headway with border agents on problems at area crossings as officials are looking at establishing a station to help people apply for rehabilitation. The KDCA also agreed to donate $1,000 to the Waldhof Community Hall to help keep the facility open. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:58:38 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 5:58:38AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17101 Mike Ebbeling Tired of applying for a moose tag year after year without success? Well here's your chance to speak up. The Ministry of Natural Resources has launched a review of its moose management program, including the allocation of resident moose tags. Spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski says the deadline for public comment is june 30th. The MNR will also be holding consultations with stakeholders and sending questionnaires to random moose hunters. Kowalski says public input is important to find long-term solutions to ensure Ontario's moose population remains healthy. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:50:12 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 5:50:12AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17100 Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) Standard Insurance Brokers hope to complete the acquisition of Canada Brokerlink offices in Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Kenora by the end of the month. The deal also includes Skillen Squire Insurance in Dryden. CEO Brian Ingo says the move is a major milestone. Ingo says the move will increase their market share in the area by 50%. Conditions and terms of the agreement won't be disclosed. Ingo says staffing levels will remain the same. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:48:41 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) on May 9th, 2008, 5:48:41AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17099 Mike Ebbeling School is back in at New Prospect in Dryden. A water main break in the area has been fixed and classes will resume today as normal. A boil water advisory is still in effect in north Dryden. New Prospect will be providing bottled water for the next few days. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:46:37 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 5:46:37AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17098 Canadian Press Police now say 4-men are in custody and a fifth is dead after a string of events that started last Sunday with a home invasion in North Spirit Lake First Nation. Police say they are still trying to determine why several people broke into 39-year-old Bruce Rae's home and beat him up. Police say that not long after, Robbie Oombash was run over and killed with the community's sewage truck. Rae, who works as the sewage truck operator, is charged with second-degree murder in Oombash's death. 2 are charged with assault and one man is charged with attempted murder after shots were fired at the police station where Rae was being held. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:45:38 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Canadian Press on May 9th, 2008, 5:45:38AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17097 Mike Ebbeling Northwestern Ontario is getting a failing grade in cancer prevention. The Cancer System Quality Index shows the region needs to start doing their part to reduce the risk of cancer because of the high rates of obesity, smoking and alcohol use. The good news is that the Northwest has one of the best cancer care systems in Ontario and the best overall survival rates. Health officials suggest more effort, more investment and more partnerships are the key to improve the prevention of cancer. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:45:03 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 5:45:03AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17096 Mike Ebbeling The Canadian Blood Donor Clinic was a major success. 395-people walked through the doors of Dryden High School Wednesday and Thursday to give the gift of life. 349-units of blood were collected to help over 1,000 patients at area Hospitals. Officials had set a goal of 370-donors before the clinic. Fri, 09 May 2008 05:44:13 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 9th, 2008, 5:44:13AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17093 Mike Ebbeling A boil water advisory is in effect in North Dryden. The safety of the drinking water can't be guaranteed following a water main break in the area this morning. Anyone living North of the CPR Railway and West of the Park Avenue area including Pioneer Street, First Street and IGA are affected. The boil water notice is in effect until further notice. Thu, 08 May 2008 11:24:34 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 8th, 2008, 11:24:34AM. http://ckdr.net/news/index.php#17092 Mike Ebbeling Dryden Public Works is dealing with a water main break at the corner of Mary and Florence. City officials say water in the area will be turned off so crews can repair the break. The disruption will happen on and off most of the day. Thu, 08 May 2008 06:09:34 -0700 tag:Posted to CKDR.net by Mike Ebbeling on May 8th, 2008, 6:09:34AM.