Kenora

During dramatic testimony on Monday, former Ottawa police chief Peter Sloly called out his former boss Bill Blair, who now serves as a federal minister, over his assertions that local police didn't follow proper procedure to get help they needed during the "Freedom Convoy" protest last winter. 

A summary of Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair's interview with Public Order Emergency Commission lawyers was read aloud during a hearing of the public inquiry into the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act on Monday. 

39-year-old Justin Desautels of Dryden faces life behind bars after the murder of two seniors in the community two years ago.

Desautels has plead guilty to two counts of Second Degree Murder after a string of assaults in the Arbour Jade Trailer Park on McGogy Road on March 2, 2020, which carries an automatic life sentence in Canada. Although, that sentence is up to the judge's discretion.

He's also pleading guilty to Aggravated Assault, two counts of Break and Enter to Commit Robbery and Cause Bodily Harm to Peace Officers. 

The Ontario government says it’s introducing legislation to keep kids in class and end any possible strike action from education workers – but the union says members will be out on the picket lines regardless by Friday.

Janet Kirk
June 9, 1953 – October 27, 2022

With her family by her side Janet Leone Kirk (nee Page) passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022 at the age of 69.

She is survived by her father Ken Page, brother Rod (Kim) Page, children Mike Kirk and Cimmeron Kirk and nieces Danielle (Marc) Thibault and Randi Page. Also surviving are 5 great nieces and nephews Maddison, Locklynn, Monty, Wyatt and Graye, She was predeceased by her husband Doug Kirk and mother Margaret Page (nee Brown).

The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed a new COVID-19 outbreak at Kenora’s Pinecrest Home for the Aged.

Assistant Administrator and Human Resources Manager with Pinecrest, Michelle Spencer, says the outbreak was declared after three positive tests were found in Unit #4 late Friday afternoon.

As a result, visitor guidelines are as follows in Unit 4:

- 1 designated essential caregiver for COVID-19-positive residents,
- 2 designated essential caregivers for the remaining residents,
- No visitors under the age of 18 are allowed,

Members of the TA Saints Girls’ Hockey Team are back home with gold medals. They went 4-1 this weekend in their first tournament of the year in Winnipeg, beating Fort Frances in the finals. Addyson Greer was named tournament MVP.

The Kenora Under 18 AAA Thistles split their weekend against Interlake falling 4-1 on Saturday before winning a 10-6 affair on Sunday.

On Sunday, both Nikolas Fagnili and Landon Lowes each earned the hat trick with 3 goals and 2 assists. Lowes says the teams needed to slow down in their second game.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) North West Region and Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS) are investigating a suspicious death in Wabaseemoong First Nation.

On October 27, 2022, members of the T3PS and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a residence for a report of an individual facing life-threatening injuries. The individual was transported to hospital by EMS where they were pronounced deceased.

A forensic post-mortem examination will be conducted on October 31, 2022, at the Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex in Toronto to confirm the cause of death.

Ahead of being sworn into his new position as the ninth Mayor of Kenora – Andrew Poirier says he’s taking a look at Kenora Council’s priorities for the next four years.

The former Manager of Operational Services for the Kenora Catholic District School Board, who has served three terms as a City Councillor in Kenora and won October 24’s election with 64 per cent of the community’s votes, says Council’s direction will include input from every member at the table.

Kenora MP Eric Melillo says he’s looking forward to northwestern Ontario’s new Mayors and Councillors once they’re sworn into their positions next month.

“I do want to take the opportunity to congratulate everyone who was elected in Kenora and throughout the region,” said Melillo, in an interview with the Q Morning Show.

“I look forward to working together with everyone to see our region thrive. I want to thank everyone who put their names forward to run. I know it’s no easy task, but it’s an important one. I’m thankful for everyone who stepped up.”

The OPP is reminding the public that youth will be out in full force tonight for Halloween and will be focused on candy – not vehicles or other safety hazards.

Drivers are warned that OPP officers throughout the region will be closely watching for speeding, proper seatbelt use, distracted driving and impaired driving – and drivers are reminded to pay extra attention to the roadways when driving through the community tonight.