MAY 31, 2009 3:00 p.m.

2009-05-31T16:52:00.002-05:00

Ice has come off the lake. Time to go fishing!!

May 17, 2009 11:00 p.m.

2009-05-17T14:22:00.003-05:00

Pictures of the day in Lac La Ronge Lake.
Planes getting ready for the season and waiting for that Ice to go.

May 15, 2009 8:30 a.m. +5 c

2009-05-15T10:01:00.004-05:00

Pictures taken at Patterson Park and Public Beach.
Ice is not going as fast as it should, due to weather. -1 for the evening.

May 07, 2009

2009-05-07T11:09:00.003-05:00

Photo taken at 8:30 a.m.
Old Man Winter is not wanting to leave.

May 05/09

2009-05-05T15:33:00.007-05:00

Taken at Fietz Park on May 05/09 1:00 p.m.
Local gentlemen said that the ice maybe gone by May 15th depending on the rain and sun.

Top Photo shows the bay to Air Ronge and Montreal River.

2nd Photo is La Ronge Lake

3rd is a closer photo heading out to Lac La Ronge Provincial Park lake.

FREE FISHING WEEKEND!

2008-07-09T12:52:00.007-05:00

July 12 & 13 2008

Saskatchewan's Free Fishing Weekend

For more information and fishing regulations visit:

http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/

FIRE BAN~~~ LIFTED

2008-07-07T10:12:00.010-05:00

Press Release July 7, 2008

Fire Ban has been lifted in all areas as posted on July 3, 2008.

Thank You for your co-operation!

Have a Great Summer.

FIRE BAN ISSUED

2008-07-03T14:19:00.004-05:00

Press Release July 3, 2008

Under the direction of the Fire Chief or local authority designate, effective immediately , and until further notice, there will be NO open fires allowed within the boundaries of the following areas:

Town of La Ronge

Village of Air Ronge

Stanley Mission

Grandmother's Bay

Hall Lake

Sucker River

La Ronge Reserves 156A & 156B

Potato Lake

Nemeiben Lake

English Bay

Eagle Point

Napatak

Waden Bay

Thank you for your co-operation.
Town of La Ronge
Northern Village of Air Ronge
Lac La Ronge Indian Band
NRSTA

Canada Day Celebrations July 2008

2008-07-01T14:03:00.024-05:00

Canada Day arrived with cloudy skies and smoke in the air from forest fires. These conditions did not deter the hearty 'Northerner' crowds from attending the Annual Canada Day Parade. Participants included the children's bike parade escorted by the Lac La Ronge Region Fire Department; various organizations/agency/business floats and stilt walkers and unicycle performers who have been taking training through a local community school project.

Tourism Trivia Contest Winners

2008-06-23T16:35:00.007-05:00

Northern Saskatchewan Tourism (NST) and Woodlands & Waterways (WWRDC) Visitor Centre would like to congratulate the Staff of Pahkisimon Nuye-ah Library System(PNLS)on their recent win of the Tourism Trivia Contest celebrating Tourism Awareness Week in Saskatchewan. This photo shows the staff with their prize - 'a basket of goodies' donated by local businesses and agencies. NST & WWRDC send a big thank you to those business who supported our organizations with a donation for the contest.

Fire Hazard at Extreme - La Ronge in Smoke

2008-06-13T14:23:00.002-05:00

And the Winner is .......

2008-06-13T14:03:00.006-05:00

The Visitor Information Centre captures the prize with 907 individual signatures in their guest book for the last 12 months. Many thanks to the staff of La Ronge Branch Conexus Credit Union staff for ensuring fair rules of play and counting all those signatures right down to the last Penny, George or Fred.
We would also like to thank Our Place Bulk Foods for accepting the challenge and so graciously accepting defeat with the words "just wait until next year!"

Photo L to R: Lynn Brechbuehl & Donita Lohnes-Anderson of Our Place Bulk Foods and Yvonne Meekel, Manager of Woodlands and Waterways. I'll have a latte please!

Saskatchewan Tourism Awareness Week Challenge

2008-06-09T21:02:00.006-05:00

Proclamation

Whereas Our Place Bulk Foods has claimed they have more signatures in their guest book than the Visitor Information Centre;

Therefore; The Visitor Information Centre hereby challenge Our Place Bulk Foods to a friendly competition in celebration of Tourism Awareness Week;

You are requested to present your guest book before an impartial judge at Conexus Credit Union to determine who has more signatures for the year - June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008; and further

The loser(s) shall treat the winner(s) to a cup of coffee and confection at a fine local establishment of the winner's choice.

Signed this Day of May 31, 2008 - Woodlands & Waterways Visitor Information Centre

Warm evening on the lake

2008-06-09T20:41:00.008-05:00

It was one of those late spring evenings when everyone was outside enjoying the warm breezes and long hours of daylight. Neighbours chatting about their gardens, children racing each other on bicyles, dogs leading their masters in search of the item responsible for that intriguing scent. The air was filled with the fragrance of Pin Cherry trees in full bloom. Taking advantage of those fine breezes were two sailboats exploring the waters along the lakeshore from the Montreal River Bay, past Police Point and along Nut Point Peninsula.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 27

2008-05-27T13:17:00.006-05:00

View of ice behind the islands across from Town of La Ronge. The ice has melted between the small islands just off shore but the lake is still ice bound. Pilots report there are a few broken spots in the lake but there is no access to Hunter Bay by boat. If you plan on fishing at Hunter Bay or Pickerel Bay - both are open but you will have to fly.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 22

2008-05-22T12:28:00.014-05:00

We have a bit of entertainment on our photos today - just where are those float planes going you ask? They are doing 'touch and goes' which is a technical aviation term for practicing landing and take off skills. See that very large natural 'air conditioner' in the background? When the wind blows from the North East downtown LA is very cool!

Looks like the ice will be around for some time yet - probably this weekend. Will it be gone by next weekend? If we get a strong wind it may be broken up but we will still have chunks of ice which will make boating interesting to say the least. Taken from La Ronge Avenue in front of the post office looking across the beach.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 20

2008-05-20T11:26:00.017-05:00

That is some chunk of ice - after a weekend of hot weather and rain showers the ice on Lac La Ronge is still there! These photos were taken from Patterson Park along the shore in front of the post office.

The second set of photos were taken from behind the Waterbase Inn looking towards the North East. If you click on the photo to enlarge it you will see the ice between the islands in the distance.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 16

2008-05-16T15:21:00.007-05:00

Did I say pray for wind and rain? Last night we had thunder showers and the wind is presently gusting up to 37 km an hour - there are white caps in the bay! These photos are looking towards the north from Fietz Park. Look closely in the background - you can see the ice between the islands across from Police Point. Click on photo to enlarge.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 13

2008-05-13T16:10:00.008-05:00

'Ice Breaking News' ~ float planes are landing in the bay on Lac La Ronge. Amazing what a little sunshine and rain can accomplish! These photos are of aircraft (DeHavilland Beaver) landing on Lac La Ronge the afternoon of May 13th. The top photo looks north from Fietz Park as the Beaver taxis to the dock at the Water Base Inn/TransWest Air. Compare it to the photo on the previous post where there is ice as you look north along the same shoreline. The second photo is towards the south and shows touchdown in the Bay where the Montreal River enters the lake. We have had a few showers today and the forecast is for showers/thunder showers this evening.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 11

2008-05-12T11:07:00.010-05:00

This first photo was taken from Fietz Park where the Montreal River enters the Bay on Lac La Ronge; the second photo was taken at the beach across from the Post Office. Temperatures have been warm this past weekend reaching normal averages of 12-14 degrees. Will the lake be open for fishing season this Saturday? Pray for wind and rain. (Photos have been published in large format - click on photo to view)

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 8

2008-05-07T17:38:00.006-05:00

A few days ago we posted photos of the ice on the bay of Lac La Ronge. These photos, taken four days later show the progression of the melt. On the far right of the photo where the Montreal River river enters the bay of Lac La Ronge the ice is starting to melt. We will continue to up date the blog every few days with photos of the lake until break-up occurs.

Ice on Lac La Ronge May 4

2008-05-07T17:05:00.005-05:00

Where oh where is spring? We have had a very long and cold winter this year and with temperatures still falling below zero overnight it seems that 'Old Man Winter' refuses to release his grip on the Lac La Ronge Area. These photos are of the bay in La Ronge taken from the post office hill. On that day there were DeHavilland Otter aircraft still taking off and landing on the ice. The great debate on Coffee Row is "will the ice be off in time for fishing season?" We may be ice fishing when the season opens on May 17th.

Snowmobile Paradise

2008-01-18T16:09:00.004-06:00

Winter Wonderland

2008-01-18T16:00:00.002-06:00

2008-01-18T11:20:00.002-06:00

Northern Saskatchewan is truly a land of living skies

Northern November Sunset

2007-11-14T08:51:00.005-06:00

Gary The Goose!

2007-10-18T09:58:00.001-05:00

Gary is the goose that lives at Riverside Motel in Air Ronge, owner Cosette took in Gary when he was a gosling back in May 2007. He has been staying with Cosette all that time and she does not think he will be flying south. Cosette still has Gary and plans on letting him out this spring. Have a great year Gary!!

Its BACK!

2007-09-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

Notice the dark skies, the birds flying south and the days are getting short? Well... it's coming, FALL!

The BURL

2007-09-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Also located at Kathy's Korner is this burl. A burl is a rounded out growth on a tree trunk or branch that if filled with small knots from dorment buds. Burls are the product of a camium (layer or layers of tissue).
This burl was given to Kathy's Korner by a well known local resident "Web Bates".

Old Stone Chimney

2007-07-15T15:44:00.000-05:00

"Lost in Time" are the words best used to describe the old stone chimney, located next to Kathy's Korner Gas Bar on Highway 2. There is little documented history about this mysterious stone chimney, standing alone near the Montreal River. The local elders speak of a time during the early 1900's, when Catholic Missionaries frequented the area of the River spreading the gospel to the First Nations people. It was about this time a church was erected at the present day location of the Riverside Motel (adjacent to Kathy’s), however the church was destroyed by fire and the only remnant is the stone chimney. In addition to the church, a cemetery was also located on the site; these unmarked graves have since been relocated and given a proper burial.

Canada Day Celebrations - Northern Style

2007-06-30T15:42:00.001-05:00

Happy 140th Birthday Canada! Bonne Fete Canada!

Bright sunshine, blue skies and the sparkling waters of Lac La Ronge graced the Canada Day Parade as it made its way along La Ronge Avenue.

Hosted by the La Ronge Fire Department participants included gaily decorated bicycles including this trio of unicyclists.

National Aboriginal Day celebrations in La Ronge

2007-06-25T12:08:00.003-05:00

National Aboriginal Day was first proclaimed and celebrated throughout Canada on June 21, 1996. Aboriginal Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the many contributions Aboriginal People (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) have made throughout Canada, both historically and present day. June 21st is a significant date; it marks the coming of summer (summer solstice), which has always been symbolic to Aboriginals. Many communities in Canada celebrate National Aboriginal Day in there own unique way, but there is one underlying common goal each shares, which is celebrating Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Aboriginal Day in La Ronge was hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in conjunction with Kikinahk Friendship Centre. The day was full of excitement and activities, as the children of La Ronge took part in a parade entitled "We Are The Future". The parade began at the town beach, where the children made their way up La Ronge Avenue towards the rendezvous point at Morin's Hill Beach on Kitsaki Reserve. There they greeted in song the Treaty Party travelling by canoe from La Ronge Beach to Morin's Hill Beach on Kitsaki Reserve.

The Treaty Party was comprised of provincial and municipal levels of government, as well as a number chiefs and councillors, and there were Metis representatives who came from all over the province to celebrate Aboriginal Day with us in La Ronge.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, along with councillors Pam Mirasty, Hillary Cook, and Doris Morin of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band prepare to make the voyage from the town beach to Morin's Hill. Also on hand the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhardt, and RCMP Superintendent North District Commander Russell Mirasty.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson displays the Lac La Ronge Indian Band flag as the Treaty Party travels from La Ronge Beach to Morin's Hill Beach, Kitsaki Reserve. This is the second year in a row that this voyage has been made; it is made to commemorate how our aboriginal ancestors use to make the same journey hundreds of years ago.

Members of the Treaty Party display the Metis and Canadian flags.

Communities in Bloom

2007-06-11T16:37:00.001-05:00

The La Ronge and area Communities in Bloom Committee have identified the Welcome to La Ronge sign on the corner of Highway #2 and Brown Street at the entrance to La Ronge as one of their beautification projects. The Committee will be competing in the provincial competition with other communities in the same population category. A panel of judges will be visiting La Ronge this summer to assess the Committee's progress.

The project will include a collection of native trees and rock groupings on either side of the sign. An assortment of shrubs and flowers will be planted in front of the sign finished off with stone edging.

These improvements are in conjunction with the Town of La Ronge Recreation Board's plan to install stone pillars to frame the sign and a stone wall with flower planters.

Keep Up the Good Work and Good Luck in the Competition!

Musical Ride Performance a Great Success

2007-06-06T16:14:00.001-05:00

The R.C.M.P. Musical ride performance last night was by all accounts a great success, with thousands in attendance.

The show, sponsored and organized by the local Elks club #554, started at 6:30, with performances from the Pre Cam Elementary Cheerleaders and Pre Cam Hoop Dancers, as well as Jana Bear from Little Pine First Nation, who has been hoop dancing for fifteen years.

The R.C.M.P. Musical Ride performance itself started at 7:30, showing beautiful precision and outstanding equestrian skill. Over the 25-minute show, the riders demonstrated a variety of formations and marches to period music. Clad in their red serges and riding breeches, the ride was a poignant reminder of the R.C.M.P. in days past.

Admission to the ride was free, with all donations going towards the Elks and Royal Purple's Fund for Sick Children.

R.C.M.P Meet & Greet

2007-06-04T15:19:00.001-05:00

The staff of the Lac La Ronge Visitor Centre had the opportunity to attend a social evening between community dignitaries and the members of the R.C.M.P. Musical Ride. The social was jointly hosted by Northern Saskatchewan Tourism (NST) and Woodlands and Waterways Regional Development Corporation (WWRDC). We would like to thank the La Ronge Co-op for generously donating fruit plates for the social.

This event was an excellent opportunity to meet the men and women of the RCMP who serve Canada everyday in police work as well as ambassadors during their three year commitment to the Muscial Ride. The night was a great success and enjoyed by all!

The La Ronge and District Elk's Club will be hosting The Musical Ride performance on Tuesday evening at 6:30 on June 5th at the Elk's Fair Grounds, north of the town of La Ronge. The horses will be stabled today and tommorow, 9AM to 9PM at the La Ronge Uniplex. Visitors Welcome.

Open Season on Fish!

2007-05-28T11:20:00.002-05:00

Once again the north is alive with the return of yet another migrant species. This species travels to the north from all corners of the continent, and its sojourns are legendary- the intrepid northern angler.

Every summer, the angler makes its yearly pilgrimmage to northern Saskatchewan, chasing an even more mythical beast: "the one that got away".

The angler can frequently be seen in schools of four, loading the latest fishing gear into aircraft ready to take them to the remote lakes and rivers of pristine northern Saskatchewan.

We wish our annual guests the best of luck in their eternal quest for "the big one", and thank them for visiting our area. With more than 100,000 lakes, Saskatchewan can accomodate anglers for years to come.

Lender's Trade Show

2007-05-07T12:54:00.001-05:00

Northern entrepreneurs had the chance to visit with a variety of business-oriented lenders during the Lender's Trade Show on April 26th at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.
Lenders from 16 agencies put on the show, a first of its kind in Northern Saskatchewan.

Are you an entrepreneur, looking to develop, expand, or start a business? Do you need money? Advice? Help? Talk to the La Ronge Lender's Group.

Spearheaded by Visions North, and consisting of a group of interested partners from around the province and beyond, the group decided to host the show in the capital of Northern Saskatchewan. The lenders, lending anywhere from 15,000 to one million dollars, were available to discuss your business proposal or expansion.

Spring Arrives in the North

2007-05-07T12:19:00.001-05:00

It started a few weeks ago with the bald eagles, and then the bluebirds. The songs of the northern boreal birds are everywhere, announcing spring's arrival. At dawn and again at dusk, the cry of birds calls out from the muskeg, making sure the world has noticed their return from southern winter haunts.

Slowly, the thick ice on Lac La Ronge has been receding, and winter's grip on Lac La Ronge has given way. Even in the deepest forests now, the snow is gone, replaced with the wetness and fresh growth of spring.

As winter gives way to spring and we sense the onset of summer not far behind, we prepare for those summer activities which were not possible during the winter, as fishing season will be open in a matter of weeks.

Soon, the lake will be warm enough for swimming and waterskiing, fishing will be in season, and the trails will be dry and ready to be walked. Now that the majestic northern wildlife has emerged after the winter, we're all ready for another beautiful summer.

Natural Gas Comes North

2007-03-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

After 10 years of work by the Anglin Lake - La Ronge Natural Gas Committee, natural gas will finally be available in La Ronge in the spring of 2008.

Natural gas, which is 40% cheaper than burning propane or fuel oil, could easily mean increased economic development in the region, as it allows for businesses to open up that would not have been possible without it.

In addition, the vastly lower heating costs will make for much easier winters for La Ronge and Area residents.

The 20 million dollar extension of the natural gas pipeline from Montreal Lake to La Ronge was financed by the provincial government, Sask Energy, as well as business and individual signups onto the service.

Don Allen Saskaloppet

2007-03-05T10:28:00.001-06:00

This Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd, La Ronge hosted the 24th annual Don Allen Saskaloppet cross-country ski race. The race, a long-running local tradition, went extremely well, with the weather co-operating wonderfully.

There were a variety of events available, from a 8km glide for children, to an overnight marathon of 77km for expert skiers.

The race was followed by a banquet and prize giveaway, with a presentation by Miriam Korner and Quincy Miller of Paws and Paddles.

Everyone is eagerly looking forward to next year!

Trapper's Winter Festival

2007-02-27T14:09:00.004-06:00

This last week, La Ronge held the annual Trapper's Winter Festival. There were several events every day throughout the week, including a memorial broomball tournament, community pancake breakfasts, the Talent of the North talent show, and the King and Queen Trapper competition, in which both men and women compete in timed tests of skill, speed, and endurance, completing traditional trapping tasks.

This year's festival was a resounding success, with all of the local schools participating, and an excellent time had by all.

Canadian Challenge!

2007-02-26T10:13:00.001-06:00

Over February 1st through the 5th, La Ronge had the pleasure of hosting the 10th annual Canadian Challenge International Dog Sled Race. The race, the longest held entirely within Canada, is also an official qualifier for both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod races.

This year was unique, as it is the first year that a junior race has been run. The junior challenge runs from Prince Albert to Elk Ridge, and was the brainchild of Tommy Bird, a Southend musher who hopes it will create interest among young people. Bird donated his own winnings from last year in order to create the junior challenge.

The junior challenge had one entrant this year, Natanis Charles, a 17-year-old from La Ronge, who has trained for this race since October.

Mushers struggled through bitter cold and harsh winds, with temperatures dropping below -30c overnight for the duration of the race. However, ten teams made it through to emerge victorious and with this incredible achievement under their belt.

The website for the Canadian Challenge is available at www.canadianchallenge.com