OFC Secures Meeting with MNR Minister

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Ontario Hospitals Required to Report Infections
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 4th, 2008 am 5:01:06 AM
Ontario Hospitals will soon be required to report all infections toprotect the safety of patients.
The move stems from the recent C. difficile outbreak in SouthernOntario.
Dryden Regional Health Centre CAO Wade Petranik says area Hospitalslead the way in openness and transparency anyway.
Petranik says the Provincial move will lead to more paperwork foradministration but notes the Hospital already tracks infections.
He says patients and visitors will soon see more hand washingstations in all rooms due to the increased health standards.


No License Needed to Fish This Weekend
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 4th, 2008 am 4:59:43 AM

Local residents are being encouraged to grab a fishing rod and somebait and hit the lake this weekend.
It's Ontario Family Fishing Weekend with no license needed fromFriday to Sunday.
The initiative is supported by the Ontario Federation of Anglersand Hunters and Spokesperson Mark Cousins says they want familiesto spend some quality time together outdoors.
Anglers are reminded to follow the conservation license limits.



First Red Lake Woodland Arts Festival
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 4th, 2008 am 4:58:59 AM
It will be a special weekend for art enthusiasts in Red Lake.
The inaugural Red Lake Woodland Arts Festival kicks off today, withhundreds of people expected to attend the event.
The 3-day art exhibition is a tribute to Norval Morrisseau wholived in Red Lake from 1959 to the mid 1970's.
The festival, hosted by the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre, willfeature art talks and presentations from guest artists.
It will also feature more then 24 original Morriseau paintings.


MNR Deals with Fire North of Red Lake
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 4th, 2008 am 4:58:28 AM

Quick response from Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews helpedprevent a major blaze from spreading in the Northern community ofPoplar Hill, north of Red Lake.
Officials say the fire started in a landfill site near thecommunity with flames reaching heights of 6 feet.
The MNR says the blaze threatened to spread into the forest but anaggressive air attack kept it at bay.
Ground crews were able to set up a sprinkler line and monitor thefire.



OFC Secures Meeting with MNR Minister
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, July 4th, 2008 am 4:58:01 AM
The Ontario Forestry Coalition says the North is getting a raw dealwith the provinces new Endangered Species Act.
The OFC and hundreds of supporters have sent a petition to PremierDalton McGuinty calling for changes to the act.
The coalition say a new section of the act dealing with permits forthe forestry business will result in lengthy delays and
production for those working in the industry.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield will meet with membersfrom the coalition on Tuesday.


Successful Drilling Near Sioux Narrows
Posted by Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008am 6:46:00 AM
Houston Lake Mining says it will continue work on its West CedarTree property near Sioux Narrows this summer.
The gold exploration company has been drilling throughout thewinter months and president Grayme Anthony says their workcontinues to bear fruit.
Anthony says they have hired three geologists to work on the DogPaw Lake property and a number of residents of nearby first nationsand towns have been hired to help out.


Dryden Man Fined $3,100
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 am 6:45:12 AM
An overlimit of fish has cost a Dryden man 31-hundred dollars.
Conservation officers observed the accused on March 8th fishing onUpper Manitou Lake.
A search warrant was conducted on the man's home and officerslocated 21-lake trout, 13-over the legal limit.
50-year-old Norbert Graf pleaded guilty to possessing an over limitof lake trout and using an extra line while ice fishing.


Glimmer of Hope for Fibratech Mill
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 am 6:44:26 AM
After seeing several deadlines come and go it now looks like thereis firm interest in the shut-down Fibratech facility in Atikokan.
The latest deadline for receivership bids passed on June 16 andmore than one company has now come forward and expressed aninterest in the idled particle board plant.
Citing improving market conditions, Mayor Dennis Brown says none ofthe new deals would lead to liquidating the building but insteadstarting up the plant at or near full operation and keeping the 140jobs in Atikokan.
The receiver handling the negotiations has set a new deadline ofJuly 10 to get a deal done.


Smell of Smoke in Northwestern Ontario
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 am 6:43:42 AM

A Canada Day lightning show has the Ministry of Natural Resourceskeeping a close eye on the fire situation in Northwestern Ontario.
35-thousand lightning strikes were reported Tuesday but the firehazard is still low to moderate.
Information Officer Travis Moffatt says the smell of smoke fromraging forest fires in Saskatchewan may fill the air here for thenext few days.
One new fire was reported yesterday North of the Woodland CaribouPark.
No problems are anticipated with the blaze.


Nursing Home Violations
Posted by Canadian Press on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 am 6:38:59 AM
Both Kenora's nursing homes have been cited for failing to meetsome of the province's 400 standards of resident care.
Provincial inspection reports analyzed by The Canadian Press showthe city's two homes racked up 19 violations last year betweenthem.
Almost three-quarters of those infractions were directly related tohow the homes care for residents, while others related to things
like reporting ``unusual occurrences'' to the ministry andsupervising residents at meal times.
The organizations that represent nursing homes argue that many of
the citations were for violations that had nothing to do with the
quality of care residents receive.
Birchwood Terrace in Kenora was cited four times last year for
not bathing residents a minimum of twice a week and was cited in
January for not having enough nurses on staff.
The north-west region has the smallest number of long-term carehomes in
the province. But the region has one of the highest proportions of
infractions with 94 per cent of homes incurring 141 violations.
For the complete report:
www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ltc/30_pr_reports.html

Power Out In Northern Communities
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 8:49:47 AM
Hydro One says they hope to have power restored in severalNorthwestern Ontario communities by 3 this afternoon.
About 630 Hydro One customers in Cat Lake First Nation, Slate Fallsand Pickle Lake have been without power since 11 last night.
Some 400 customers are now effected.
The cause is unknown but ightning hit the area at the time.



Kenora MP Reacts to Spring Session
Posted by Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) on Wednesday, July 2nd,2008 am 5:40:58 AM
Kenora MP Roger Valley feels the Conservative Government failed toaccomplish anything during the last session of Parliament.
Valley says the party was dogged by scandals and didn't address anyof the nation's concerns.
The Liberal MP feels one of the best things to come out of the lastsession was the Standing Committee on Natural Resources' report.
Valley doesn't expect the Prime Minister to bring MP's back toOttawa until November.
The fall session of Parliament is currently scheduled to beginSeptember 15th.



Local Fire Crews Heading West
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 5:40:00 AM
Little activity in Northwestern Ontario is allowing the Ministry ofNatural Resources to lend a helping hand.
18, four person fireranger crews and 8-supervisors from this areaare slated to depart for Alberta today.
On Monday, 21-firefighters were sent to Prince Albert,Saskatchewan.
Forest fires are causing problems in both Provinces.
The Forest fire hazard in this Region is on the rise and the publicis asked to use extreme caution with any outdoor campfire.

Vermilion Bay Man Charged
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 5:39:38 AM
A Vermilion Bay man faces charges after Dryden OPP responded to abreak and enter call last Saturday.
Officers located and arrested the accused.
OPP say 39-year-old Randy Lichty has been charged with mischiefunder 5-thousand dollars, impaired driving and driving over80-milligrams.
Lichty will appear in court August 11th.

Cyclist Injured on Highway 17
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 5:38:50 AM
A warning for motorists and cyclists to use caution when travelingarea roads.
Dryden OPP were called to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 17near Camp Lake Road last Saturday.
Police say a 21-year-old Mississauga man was injured while ridinghis bike along the highway.
The man was transported to Hospital and treated for his injuries.
A 44-year-old Edmonton man was driving the vehicle but was notcharged.


Power Out In Northern Communities
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 5:38:01 AM
Power is out in several communities in Northwestern Ontario.
About 630 Hydro One customers in Cat Lake First Nation, Slate Fallsand Pickle Lake have been without power since 11 last night.
Hydro One says the cause is unknown but lightning hit the area atthe time.
Crews are in the area trying to fix the problem.


Transport Fire Closes Highway 17
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 am 4:50:02 AM
A fire caused extensive damage to a tractor-trailer unit on Highway17 east of Kenora.
The blaze broke out last Friday night around 8:00 just east of thejunction of Highway 71.
OPP say the brakes on the semi caught fire.
Police say the driver of the rig was able to separate the truckfrom the trailer, but the contents of the vehicle were completelydestroyed.
The fire closed the Trans-Canada for about two hours.
No one was injured.

"Phoney" First Nation
Posted by Canadian Press on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:34:30 AM
A chief from northern Ontario is calling on the Ontario
government to investigate payments Casino Rama made to a First
Nation that doesn't exist.
Chiefs of Ontario cut off cash to Thunder Bay's Poplar Point FirstNation,
which has no phone number and isn't recognized by the federalIndian
Affairs Department.
Chief Wilfred King claims nearly three (m) million dollar has
gone to a small group of people he calls a ``phoney community.''
Lawyers for the province are looking into the case.

Police Service Pulled from Remote Community
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:33:54 AM

Kashechewan First Nation is pulling the plug on its police service,as talks for more police funding from the federal and provincialgovernments have come up empty.
Chief Jonathon Solomon has given the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service90 days to find an alternate policing option for thecommunity...either with the OPP or RCMP.
The move is being supported by Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the community has beenvery patient in its efforts to obtain increased police funding.

Union Gas Hikes Rates
Posted by Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) on Monday, June 30th, 2008am 6:33:01 AM
Union Gas customers in Northwestern Ontario will notice a bit of ajump in their bills this summer.
The Ontario Energy Board has granted the company a rate increase,starting July 1st.
Spokesperson Andrea Stass says fortunately natural gas users willnotice the price hike during the warmer months when consumption islow.
Stass is encouraging residents to check out their website fornatural gas saving tips, at www.uniongas.com.
The hike will be in effect from July to September and Union Gascustomers can expect to see a 20-dollar increase on their billseach month.

Funding for Domtar Mill
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:31:58 AM
The Domtar mills in Dryden and Espanola are benefiting from4.3-million dollars in electricity rebates.
The Provincial Government provides quarterly rebates to northernmills that purchase a minimum of 50-thousand megawatt hoursannually and commit to energy efficiency.
Company Spokesperson Bonny Skene says any help they can get onlowering electricity costs is welcome.
The Provincial Government's Northern Pulp and Paper ElectricityTransition program started in 2006 and will run until 2009.



Forest Fire Hazard On the Rise
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:30:59 AM
he forest fire hazard is on the rise across Northwestern Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is dealing with one fire, in aremote area North of Sioux Lookout.
The MNR says the blaze poses no threat to property and is beingclosely observed.
All areas have seen a rapid rise in the forest fire hazard, withlocations in the far North now experiencing a high fire hazard.

Catholic Board Featured in New Book
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:30:21 AM

The EQAO Office has featured the Northwest Catholic District SchoolBoard in a new book for its literacy and numeracy programs.
Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly says staff at St.Joesph's and Sacred Heart were interviewed because of the increasedlevel of achievement in Grade 6 test results.
Kelly says the Schools are closely monitoring Provincial Testresults and report cards to track students progress.
She says the Board has seen dramatic increases in test results.



Respite Centre Open in Kenora
Posted by Sheri Leviski (Mix FM Kenora) on Monday, June 30th, 2008am 6:29:19 AM

Kenora is now the home of a new Respite Centre for area residentsliving with Alzheimers.
Kenora-Rainy River District Alzheimer's Society Executive DirectorMargaret Schoenwille says they want to provide a mini-holiday forAlzheimer care givers.
The Society hopes to eventually expand to include a Centre inDryden.

Volunteer Fire Bill
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:28:07 AM
Local fire officials are supporting a proposed Bill in Parliamentthat would give tax incentives to volunteer emergency workers,including firefighters.
The Bill would allow firefighters to deduct 1-thousand dollarsannually from their taxable income if they performed 100-hours ofvolunteer service and 2-thousand if they performed 200-hours.
Dryden Fire says this would be great for small services in thisarea who don't receive monetary compensation for their service andtime.
Officials note it could also be a great recruiting tool.
The Bill will go to the House of commons for third reading.


Survery Finds We are Overweight
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Monday, June 30th, 2008 am 6:25:23 AM
A wide-ranging health survey of Canadians suggests that almosttwo-thirds of adults who live in the Northwestern health region areoverweight and 1 out of 5 is considered obese.
The information was released by Statistics Canada as part of itsCanadian Community Health Survey.
In total, 62.7 per cent of the adult population was considered overtheir acceptable weight; 65.5 percent among men and 60.2 per centamong women.
The survey also found that in this region, 54.3 per cent of thepopulation described themselves as physically
active.
It also found that local residents drink and smoke more then theaverage Canadian.


Final Hog&Rod
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, June 27th, 2008 am 7:22:50 AM
The 5th Annual and Final Hog and Rod Show and Shine starts Fridayafternoon with registration from 3 until 9 at A&W.
This years event promises to be the biggest one yet, with classiccars and bikes expected to catch the eye of everyone in Dryden.
Organizer Michelle Johnson says the main show and shine is tomorrowfrom 11 until 2 at IGA.
A steak dinner and dance will mark the end to Hog and Rod.

Act Moves Foward Despite Opposition from North
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, June 27th, 2008 am 6:03:52 AM
The number of protected species in Ontario will triple on June 30as a new provincial act comes into effect.
Under the new Endangered Species Act, 128 species will beprotected, compared to the current 42.
The province is also investing millions in volunteer stewardshipprojects to help private parties protect and recover at-riskspecies
and habitats.
More than 30-thousand species live in Ontario, and about 180 ofthose are considered to be at risk.
The act has come under fire in Northwestern Ontario as groups areconcerned it will destroy the forest industry.


Provincial Grants Help Catholic School Board
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, June 27th, 2008 am 5:02:56 AM
Trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board haveapproved the 2008-2009 budget.
Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly says the balanced budgetincludes 15-million dollars in revenue.
The Board will be taking more then $800,000 out of reserves to hireadditional teachers and reading resource teachers.
The Board is looking at a drop of enrollment next school year ofabout 50-students.


Shoulder Surgeries to be Offered in Dryden
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, June 27th, 2008 am 5:01:36 AM
An Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in upper limbs and shouldersurgeries will soon be accepting patients in Dryden.
Wade Petranik is the CAO of the Dryden Regional Health Centre andsays this service will go a long way to reduce wait times acrossthe Region.
Petranik says the surgeon will inspect the Hospital's facilities inmid-July and will start his consultations with patients shortlyafter.
Petranik says most of the procedures will be done on a day surgerybasis.


Break Out the Antlers!
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Friday, June 27th, 2008 am 4:59:55 AM
A sure sign Summer is here...it's time to celebrate Moosefest!
The 5th Annual Dryden Festival starts Friday with the OpeningCeremonies at 1 at Earl's Court.
Coordinator Leslie Thorely says a number of events are planned thenext 10 days.
Inaugural events this year include star gazing, a film festival,Family Amazing Race and a production from Theatre 17.
Other highlights include the Men's Slo-Pitch Tournament, a FarmersMarket, Hog and Rod, Dragon Boat Races and the Triathlon.
A complete list of events can be found at www.moosefest.ca


No One Injured in Mishap
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 11:30:15 AM
Transport Canada says low fuel and stronger than expected headwindswere factors after a plane went down just outside the Red LakeAirport on June 15th.
Officials say the pilot of the Twin engine Cougar reported a fuelemergency and attempted a forced landing on a dirt road on Goldcorpproperty.
The left wing of the plane made contact with the road, causing theaircraft to spin into the ditch.
3 people on board walked away unharmed, however the plane sustainedsubstantial damage.
The plane was en route to Red Lake from Minnesota.



Problem at Dryden Mill Causes Some Shaking
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 6:33:15 AM
A malfunction at the Domtar Mill caused some rumbles across Drydenlast night.
Company Spokesperson Bonnie Skene says a valve on the RecoveryBoiler broke off causing the problem.
She says the safety system was immediately triggered which releasedthe necessary steam.
Skene says that's the reason residents felt some shaking and someextra noise from the Mill.
Skene says they apologize for any inconvenience but notes the goodnews is the safety system worked as it was supposed to.


1 Year Anniversary of Ignace Microburst
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 5:28:10 AM
One year ago today, a powerful Microburst tore through Ignacecausing extensive damage.
The community is still trying to restore flattened buildings,recreational areas and trees that once surrounded the Town.
Mayor Lionel Cloutier says an Action Committee was formed inFebruary to restore and rejuvenate damaged areas.
One initiative is the development of a multi-use trail to the MaryBerglund Community Health Centre.
A special ceremony to mark the 1st anniversary is planned for 9this morning at the MNR building.
Cloutier says the ceremony will give the Town a chance to say thankyou to Bell Canada, Hydro One, emergency personnel and others whocame to their aid.
A sign will be erected at the site and volunteers will be plantingred pine seedlings.


Wabigoon Man Faces 2 Charges
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 5:26:19 AM
A walk through at a local bar has resulted in charges against aWabigoon man.
Dryden Police located the accused early Saturday morning in theparking lot of the establishment.
Police say William Walmsley was intoxicated and was in possessionof a controlled substance.
Walmsley faces counts of being intoxicated in a public place andpossession of a controlled substance.


Big Day Finally Here for Grade 12 Students
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 5:25:51 AM
Its a big day for hundreds of Grade 12 students across the Regionas its Graduation Day.
In Dryden, some 185-students will receive their diploma at theGordon Wood Auditorium at 11:00.
In Red Lake, 63 grads will walk across the stage at 1:00 and57-grads will celebrate in Sioux Lookout at 1:00.
Ignace will see 12-grade 12 students receive their diploma at 7o'clock.
All ceremony's are at the respective High Schools with Safe Gradactivities to follow in some communities.
Graduation for Atikokan High is Friday night at 6:30 with 50students set to receive a diploma.


Sean Monteith Earns Promotion
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 5:23:53 AM
The Principal of Beaver Brae High School in Kenora is moving up.
Sean Monteith has been named Assistant to the Director ofEducation, replacing Larry Hope who was recently appointedDirector.
Monteith has worked for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Boardsince 1993 in Elementary and Secondary Schools in Red Lake,Vermilion Bay, Ear Falls and Kenora.
The Board says Monteith is passionate about aboriginal studentachievement, programs for at-risk students and alternativelearning.
He will be responsible for Kenora and Red Lake schools as well asspecial education.



Dryden Hospital Board Introduced
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 4:49:04 AM
An experienced Board of Directors is in place at the DrydenRegional Health Centre.
The Hospital held its Annual General Meeting last night, with amajority of the Board re-appointed.
Doug Robinson was welcomed as the new member.
Bryan Lockyer was appointed for his second term as Chair, while BobStevens will sit as Vice-Chair.
Chris Howarth will remain on as Treasurer.
The Board also appointed Dr. Mazurski as Chief of Staff, DoctorDahmer as Chief of Emergency and Dr. Viherjoki as Chief ofInpatient Services.

Still No Deal for Fibratech Mill in Atikokan
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 4:48:35 AM
Another deadline has passed and still no deal for the FibratechMill in Atikokan.
The plant has sat idle since the company declared bankruptcy lastyear, putting 140-people of out work.
The receiver has been trying to reach a deal for a new owner sincethat time with no success..
Mayor Dennis Brown says the bids for the plant have not beenacceptable to date and negotiations with interested parties willcontinue.

Body Pulled from Lake of the Woods
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 am 4:48:03 AM
Rescue workers have pulled the body of an unidentified man out Lakeof the Woods in Kenora.
The body was found by an off-duty OPP officer at the harbour frontabout 10 feet from shore yesterday afternoon.
Police and Fire and Rescue were called to the scene and spent mostof the afternoon removing the body.
A post-mortem will be completed to determine the cause of death.
No name has been released.


End of an Era in Wabigoon
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 am 8:02:47 AM
Kids laughter will be heard for the final time today at WabigoonPublic School as the 48-year-old building will close its doors forgood at the end of the day.
School Council Chair Cheryl Parenteau says activities andfestivities are low-key today as they wanted to make it a personaland community driven occasion.
The Province deemed the school prohibitive to repair leading thePublic School Board to a decision to close the facility andconstruct a new school at the Riverview site in Dryden.
Parenteau says a majority of Wabigoon students won't be making themove, noting they are opting to enroll in St. Joe's.
Today is the last day of classes for all Elementary students.


2007 A Busy One for Dryden Police
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 am 4:57:31 AM
The Dryden Police Service is out with its 2007 Annual Report.
The Communications Centre received an unprecedented 11,800 callsfor service.
Police responded to 634 traffic-related incidents and 272collisions, with some 1,300 tickets handed out.
Chief Shayne MacKinnon says officers also dealt with anotherdisturbing stat, 90-domestic violence calls.
Police saw 2 domestic related stabbings in 2007 and 31 domesticcases resulted in charges.
MacKinnon says addressing challenges facing area youth and crime onthe internet were also high on the priority list.
He says one solution is providing more outdoor activities for areayouth and notes a heavy emphasis will be put on that the nextcouple of years.
MacKinnon also credited his force for their commitment to trainingand volunteer work.

Dryden Youth in Custody Following Disturbance
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 am 4:53:46 AM
A local youth is in custody pending a bail hearing after DrydenPolice were called to a North Dryden home Saturday morning.
Police say one of the residents was causing a disturbance and as aresult a youth was arrested.
The accused was charged with uttering threats as well as breachingthe conditions of an undertaking.

Thunder Bay Area Seeks Flood Funding
Posted by Chronicle Journal on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 am4:49:32 AM
An early June downpour has prompted Thunder Bay municipalities torequest $2-million in disaster relief from the province.
Floods that inundated the region caused heavy damage to severaltowns and provincial roads.
If Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson determines theflooding constitutes a disaster, funding with be granted.
The Township of O'Connor, believed to be the hit hardest, estimatesits damages at between $850,000 and $1 million.

Local Man Charged with Possession
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 am 4:47:38 AM
Dryden OPP got more then they bargained for after stopping avehicle for an overlength load.
Officers conducted the traffic stop on Highway 105, just outsideVermilion Bay.
An investigation revealed the driver was transporting drugs andofficers seized over 200-grams of marijuana.
OPP say 44-year-old Ben Geiger faces counts of Possession of aControlled Substance and Breach of Probation.

Dryden Rotary Welcomes Polio Survivor
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 10:58:37 AM
The Cycle to Walk Tour has hit Dryden with Ramesh Ferris trying toraise funds and awareness about the continued need for immunizationagainst Polio.
The 28-year-old polio survivor is traveling 72-hundred kilometresacross Canada on a hand cycle and says more attention is needed onthe dangers of the disease.
Ferris was adopted from India by Canadian parents in 1982 and hecan walk with assistance of braces but has limited strength in hislegs.
So, Ferris left Victoria B.C. in April on a hand cycle and hasn'tlooked back.
He says 11-percent of Canadians don't have their polio vaccine andnotes the disease can come back at any time.
Ferris will tell his story to Dryden residents at the Library at4:30 this afternoon.


Dryden Council Again Faced with Water Meters
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 5:06:01 AM
The Consulting Firm hired to launch a water meter feasibility studyin Dryden is recommending the installation of the meters.
Norm Lawrence of Keewatin-Aski says a walk-by radio transmitter isthe best way to go as the homeowner won't have to do anymaintenance.
Lawrence says water meters will reduce consumption.
By conserving water, residents could save nearly $200-dollars ontheir annual water bill.
Heavy users could pay anywhere from $110 to $419 more.
Lawrence says meters would also ease the burden on the aging WaterTreatment Plant.
Installation and operation of the water meters would cost roughly$1.8-million, with taxpayers having to foot some of the bill.
Councilor Mel Fisher is suggesting a meter system to read water,hydro and gas and having a City Department, like DMTS, in charge ofbilling.
Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Kenora and Fort Frances all have themetering systems currently in place
A open house to discuss the plan is set for July 9th at the FireHall.



Emo Area Man Charged for Grass Fire
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 5:01:26 AM
An Emo area man has been ordered to pay $5,200 to the Ministry ofNatural Resources for his role in an April grass fire.
The MNR says the 31-year-old man started a fire in order to burnthe grass around his Kingsford Township home.
Fire crews were eventually dispatched along with a water bomber andseveral loads of water had to be dropped.
After 2-hours and 11-hectares of land burned, the blaze wasextinguished.
Virgil Allan has also been fined $150 for burning grass without apermit.



MP's Ready for Canada Day
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 5:00:07 AM
Area MP's are preparing for Canada's Birthday.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River's Ken Boshcoff and Kenora's Roger Valleyare both distributing 'Happy Canada Day' lawn signs.
Both Liberal MP's say July first is a noteworthy event that fillsus with pride and patriotism.
A limited number of signs are available for pick-up on a firstcome, first serve basis at Constituency Offices across the Region.


16 Charges Laid in Enforcement Blitz
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 4:59:17 AM
A recent 24-hour enforcement blitz on Highway 502 south of Drydenresulted in a number of charges.
Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers checked morethen 11-hundred non-resident anglers and 16 local anglers.
64-violations were recorded including possessing over limits ofwalleye, possessing northern pike of prohibited length,transporting fish so they couldn't be identified and failing toproduce a license.
16-charges were laid.


Hectic Weekend for Dryden Police
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 4:58:41 AM
It was a busy weekend for the Dryden Police Service.
Officers laid roughly 28-charges over the course of the weekend,with 9-people locked up as a result of liquor related incidents.
Police stopped a vehicle on Leach Road and arrested a 25-year-oldDryden woman for impaired and having no insurance.
Police issued 15 liquor and traffic related warnings.


2 Men Put Up a Fight but Eventually Jailed
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 am 4:58:05 AM
Dryden Police had their hands full with 2 local men on the weekend.
Officers were called to a fight at Cooper's Park Saturday night and4-people were arrested for public intoxication.
One of the accused struggled with Police while being lodged in thecells and as a result 20-year-old Milton Strang was charged withassaulting police for allegedly punching 2-officers in the face.
The next day, Police attended a local residence looking for an18-year-old man for breaking 2-probation orders.
Police found Enoil Martin as well as Strang who had been releasedon a condition not to consume alcohol.
Both men were found to be drinking, removed from the home andcharged.
Police say Martin was lodged after a brief struggle.


More stories can be found in our news archives.