Below is a collection of some of the most clicked-on stories on KenoraOnline and DrydenNow in the month of May 2022.
Alleged murderer one of the 4 dead in Sioux Lookout plane crash
A man wanted for murder was among the four bodies found in a crashed plane near Sioux Lookout.
British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit confirmed that 36-year-old Gene Karl Lahrkamp of Kincardine, Ontario was one of the four victims of the crash, which was found to have gone down sometime between April 29 and April 30 south of Sioux Lookout.
Lahrkamp was one of two men wanted in connection with the shooting death of 32-year-old Jimi Sandhu in Rawai, Phuket in February, 2022. Read more
Second wanted criminal identified among plane crash victims
Officials confirmed there was a second wanted man among the victims of the fatal plane crash near Sioux Lookout.
British Columbia’s Prosecution Service and the Ministry of the Attorney General confirmed that a warrant had also been issued for Duncan Bailey’s arrest in BC. Bailey was killed in the crash. Read more
Kenora women go viral in TikTok video
Four Kenora women were in the spotlight after a TikTok video of their recent trip to Winnipeg went viral with over 3.2 million views.
Lynsey and Delane Kapera along with Leanne and Kailie Rush went to the city for a girls' night, where they ventured to Value Village to buy each other silly outfits for their reservation at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. Lynsey recorded the experience and posted it on her TikTok account. Read more
Rising water levels causing several washouts in the area
Some Kenora roadways were feeling the effects of one of the worst winters in over 60 years. We were heading into spring and the over 300 cm of snow is starting to melt, a number of roadways in the area were completely washed out.
The water level of Lake of the Woods had risen by 46 cm (18 in) since April 20, 2022. This was just the beginning of major flooding in the area. Read more
Several roads under water north of Kenora by-pass
A number of roadways north of the Kenora by-pass were under water, but still passable. Including; Essex road, Coker Road, and the Lajeunesse Bridge. Read more
Washout closes access to Red Lake
Highway 105 was washed out approximately 15 kilometres south of Red Lake, at Caribou Falls.
The road surface was completely washed out and was understood that a logging road, which could serve as an alternate route had also been washed away. Read more
Sandbags available for unorganized Kenora residents
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry said they were monitoring the situation, and provided sandbags at the ministry’s Kenora. However, sand was not available. Read more. +
Kenora issues evacuation notice due to flooding
Due to significant flooding north of Kenora, the city recommended that residents who live in the flooding zone areas evacuate their homes immediately.
Floodwaters overtook low-lying roadways and residents had a tough choice to make.
Stay in their homes and be cut off from town or leave their homes behind to stay with family, friends or at the Evacuation Centre set up at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Read more
Canoeing in and out of the evacuation zone
An Essex Road family chose to stay in their home as they knew that driving through two flooded areas on East Mellick Road wasn't an option - and reverted to commuting in their canoe. Read more
Man details losses to flood waters
Essex Road resident Lyle Sutherland and his family did what they could to protect their rental home, but eventually lost the battle on May 10, 2022, as their home was flooded and became unlivable.
To make matters worse for Sutherland and his family, on Thursday (May 12, 2022), School Road was washed out and undrivable, therefore trapping the family at the Hidden Trail Resort.
Thankfully after a few days, the family was able to find a place to stay at a friend's house on Hidden Trail. Read more