Dryden

Husky the Muskie is getting a facelift! 

The City of Kenora announced on Friday that Kenora’s iconic mascot, Husky the Muskie, is to receive extensive restoration over the coming weeks.  

The City has hired Dinosaur Valley Studios, a company from Alberta, to carry out the major updates. 

Public Health officials are offering advice to residents in the Kenora area who may be returning to their homes after evacuating due to the severe flooding in the area.

On May 27, leadership with the City of Kenora reopened a number of roadways in the city’s evacuation zone north of the by-pass, allowing residents access back to 223 of the 312 properties that were affected by Kenora’s original evacuation order issued on May 13.

Canadians across the country organized parties, donned traditional British garb and planted trees over the weekend as they joined the world in celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee marking her 70 years on the throne.

The Canadian festivities were more muted affairs compared to the boisterous, four-day party that took place in London in honour of the occasion. 

Gasoline prices continued to trend upward across much of Canada over the weekend and experts warn more increases are coming this week.

National average gas prices rose to about $2.06 on Sunday, up almost three cents from the day before and 11 cents higher compared with a week ago, according to the Canadian Automobile Association.

"We're seeing gas price records repeatedly shattered across the country," said Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy.

Environment Canada says there is the possibility of funnel clouds forming across the region this afternoon into this evening.

The weather agency says, ‘these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.’

Ambulance wait times in the Dryden community are expected to improve after the Kenora District Services Board added six new Primary Care Paramedics to their staff last week.

The Kenora District Services Board says the new Northwest EMS crew consists of two additional crew members on-shift daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., helping to address a recent increase in demand for EMS services in the region.

The current Dryden flood warning has been upgraded to a flood watch.  

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has upgraded the current Dryden flood warning to a watch level which will be in effect until Friday, June 10, 2022.  

Officers in the Rainy River District and the Fort Frances community are warning the public about potentially tainted drugs in the region.

The OPP says since Wednesday, officers have responded to numerous overdoses in the Town of Fort Frances. While all of the individuals have recovered, the OPP is reminding the public about the risks of taking non-prescribed medication and illicit drugs.

The signs and symptoms of an overdose include:

The 2022 Walleye Weekend has been cancelled. 

The Sioux Lookout Walleye Weekend committee announced their decision on Wednesday, June 1. In a Facebook post, the committee listed extremely high-water levels, boat launch access/logistics, and safety concerns as the reason behind the cancellation.  

The committee expressed their sincere apologies and stated that they understand the frustration.  

Residents in the Red Lake District, be advised that the flood warning has been extended.  

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry shared on Thursday, June 6, that the current flood warning for the Red Lake District has been extended until Friday, June 24.