Below is a collection of some of the most clicked-on stories on KenoraOnline and DrydenNow in the month of January 2022.

“We’re bracing for impact”, Province delays in-school learning, adds further restrictions

Parents and guardians had to adjust their schedules and day care plans as all publicly funded and private schools moved to remote learning January 5 until at least January 17… Read more. 

“Just let the kids play”: Dryden family frustrated with pausing of sports

For the past two years, young athletes had dealt with the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic canceling or pausing sports several times.

Once again sports in Ontario were paused for at least 21 days due to the latest restrictions that came into effect. Read more

Canada sends military help to Bearskin Lake

Bearskin Lake declared a state of emergency due to an outbreak of COVID-19 infections on December 29. By January 3, 174 individuals had tested positive for the virus – representing about half of the community’s total population. Four armed forces members assisted with delivering essential supplies, food and groceries and wood needed to heat homes… Read more

Local philanthropists raise over $100,000 in funds for the ongoing crisis in Bearskin Lake First Nation

The outbreak impacted everyone, from leadership and community workers to even the pandemic response team.  

In an effort to help alleviate some of the stress from the situation, Rain Harper, Tania Cameron, and Leonard Brown, with support from hundreds of people across North Western Ontario and Canada, raised over $18,000 in monetary donations and supplies for the community of Bearskin Lake First Nation… Read more.

Grassy Narrows First Nation family lose everything in tragic house fire

A Grassy Narrows First Nation family grieved the loss of their home after a devastating fire. which left them stranded.

Clara and JJ Kokokopenace lost everything except for the clothes on their backs after they watched their home engulf in flames on December 29, 2021. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family… Read more

House fire claims three young lives in Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake First Nation confirmed that the lives of three children were taken by a house fire in the community on January 13.

The community says the fire broke out just after 11 p.m., and the Sandy Lake Fire Department and volunteers, Chief and council, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and community members all acted quickly to help, but were unable to enter the already engulfed home. Read more

‘We cannot allow this to happen again’ Mamakwa on tragic house fire

Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa plead the provincial and federal governments to provide proper firefighting resources and training to First Nation communities across Canada following the tragic fire in Sandy Lake. Read more

Dryden’s Chris Pronger sees number retired by Blues

It was an emotional night for Dryden’s Chris Pronger on January 17 as his #44 was raised to the rafters and retired by the St. Louis Blues. 

Pronger Blues logged 598 games, which puts him 15th all-time on the Blues’ leaderboard. The Dryden native notched 356 points in nine seasons in St. Louis. Read more 

“We’re bringing Ben home,” Ricard family receives outpouring of support

A GoFundMe page had been set up in hopes to raise money to bring Ben Ricard home to Kenora following his passing. Also to assist with funeral arrangements and ongoing costs. The original goal of $25,000.00 was set and in just four days, with the help of family, friends and strangers in the community and across the country, the total reached over $22,000.00