Moose FM CHMS 97.7 - Bancroft

Two dead birds found in the City of Kawartha Lakes have been tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first sign of West Nile virus activity in 2010 within the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit's area. In 2009, there was no West Nile virus activity reported whatsoever in the Health Unit's area. Health officials say this reinforces the need for people to take precautions against the virus. West Nile is mainly spread by mosquitoes

To reduce your risk of West Nile Virus:

· Cover up when outside by wearing light-coloured clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats and socks, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Applying federally-registered insect repellent on exposed skin (such as products containing DEET) is also recommended to limit exposure to mosquitoes.

· Clean up standing water around their properties that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. Cleaning up dense shrubbery where mosquitoes can rest is recommended as well. People are also advised to make sure homes are 'bug tight' by ensuring windows and door screens fit tight and do not have holes.

Construction on a new ambulance base in Bancroft will begin this month. Hastings County Deputy Clerk, Jim Duffin, says the county has leased property behind the Bancroft Firehall for the facility. The new base is expected to have four ambulance bays and better office space. The contract for construction, was awarded to Task Force Engineering of Belleville at just over $565,000.

Ontario’s largest rural broadband network is ready to begin construction. On Tuesday, MP Daryl Kramp, Chuck Strahl, the Federal Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture; Carol Mitchell and the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus gathered at TrilliumWoods in Corbyville to make the announcement. The high-speed Internet infrastructure project will expand service to an estimated 1 million residents and businesses in Eastern Ontario. Bell Aliant and Bell Canada have been selected to complete the infrastructure. The project has been funded through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component.

Napanee OPP are investigating a suspected arson. Just after noon on Tuesday, a vacant trailer located on the Thurlow Aggregates Quarry property in Tyendinaga Township, caught fire and burned to the ground. At approximately 12:25 someone was observed around the trailer, on foot and then left the quarry riding a bicycle north on Deseronto Road. Moments later, the trailer caught fire and was subsequently destroyed. The privately owned quarry is located on property which is the subject of a land claim filed by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.