Thursday, October 15, 2009

MNR Fire Season

It may seem hard to believe, but one new forest fire was reported in the Dryden District on Tuesday.

Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Debbie McLean says the small blaze
is being monitored on an island on the east end of Eagle Lake.

McLean stresses there are still 2-weeks left in the fire season and notes day burning is still prohibited.

Accomodation Review Committee

The public board still plans to review its enrollment and accommodation needs at its five elementary schools in Kenora.

Denise Forsythe of Evergreen, Keewatin's Lisa Gate-Villa, Dan Essery of King George, Tracey Wells of Lakewood and Valleyview's Lori Stebnitsky were appointed to the accomodtion review committee on Tuesday.

Superintendent of Finance Dean Carrie says they're still holding out for representation from the City and Grand Council Treaty #3.

Carrie adds that there will be a sizeable contingent of school board officials and staff on the committee.

KPDSB Suspensions Declining

Not as many students are being suspended according to the Keewatin Patricia District School Board.

Suspensions are on the decline since the zero tolerance policy was replaced with the safe schools and restorative justice program.

Assistant to the Director of Education Sean Monteith says instead of a "no questions asked" suspension; they give the guilty parties a chance to explain their actions.

Since 2003-2004, the number of suspensions handed out has dropped from nearly 2 thousand to just over 400 last year.

Boil Water Lifted

It's safe to drink the water again.

The Northwestern Health Unit has lifted the boil water advisory for Keewatin, Norman and Tunnel Island.

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital will also be able to drink their water without boiling it first.

The ban was put in place over a week ago.

Vehicle Extrication Training

The Dryden Fire Service is hosting a regional training school this week.

Dryden Deputy Fire Chief Ken Kurz says the valuable course starts Thursday and concludes Sunday.

Fire and rescue personnel will learn more about new technology, rescue hazards and modern vehicles.

Safe Community Kenora

Kenora is working towards preventing injuries.

The municipality joined the Safe Communities Canada organization several years ago and has started up several safety initiatives since then.

National President Paul Kells says Kenora is a very safe community.

The National Safe Communities group scored Kenora 18 out of 20 on their safety check list.

Kells says the city should be proud of its high ranking.

KPDSB Strat Plan 2009-2010

Student Achievement is one of the main goals for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board.

The board unveilled its 2009-2010 strategic action plan at its monthly meeting last night.

Director of Education Larry Hope says they'll be starting a homework help initiative program.

Hope adds they want to expand their life skills and special education programs.

The board wants to know what happens to special needs students once they leave high school.

2010 Budget Kenora

The City of Kenora is starting to plan its 2010 budget.

Councillors gathered for their first budget meeting yesterday afternoon and discussed timelines and the overall budget process.

Councillor Rory McMillan says they want to involve the community in the process.

Draft versions of the capital budget are expected to be presented to council by the end of November.

The draft operating budget is expected in late January.