Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Keith Named to Olympic Team

Former Fort Frances native Duncan Keith is headed to the Olympics.

Keith, who played part of his minor hockey career in the Fort, was among 23 players named to Canada's men's hockey team at a ceremony in Saskatoon.

Executive Director Steve Yzerman says Keith's selection was an important part of the defensive corp.

This will be Keith's second appearance in International hockey competition, having suited up for Canada at the 2008 World Hockey Championships.

Others from northwestern Ontario selected include Dryden's Chris Pronger who will serve as an assitant captain, Kenora's Mike Richards and Eric Staal of Thunder Bay.

Two Face Fraud Charges

Two people charged with defrauding two Thunder Bay companies of more than a quarter million dollars are due in court in February.

Kerry Wirkkunen is charged with fraud, theft, forgery and mischief while Jaye Wirkkunen is charged with fraud and possession of stolen property.

The charges stem from a two-month investigation into fraud at ABP Constructors and another company.

Private Carrier Preferred by Government

The provincial government is rejecting calls to extend Ontario Northland bus service into northwestern Ontario.

Next month, Greyhound will be reducing service in parts of the region.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he'd rather see private bus company take over lost routes.

"When there is a private sector carrier," says Gravelle, "if not two, but one at least for sure that has an interest in taking over that service, I think we support the company that wants to do that."

The provincial government now subsidizes bus service to northeastern Ontario to the tune of $25-million a year, and some opposition members feel northwestern Ontario deserves similar treatment.

Lakers Ownership Group Confident

Those in charge of operating the Fort Frances Lakers junior A hockey club are confident the team's fortunes will turn around in 2010.

Attendance has not been as strong as expected, but president Milt Strachan (STRANN) says its not discouraging them from keeping junior A hockey in tact.

"We made a commitment to make this work," says Strachan. "We were under the gun. We had a couple of weeks to get prepare and get things rolling. To this point we've done well. We're not in any trouble."

Strachan says they may end the season with a small operating loss, but will have much more time to prepare for next season.