Ride for Memories raises thousands for Alzheimer's

The final figures are in from this weekend's Alzheimer Society Ride for Memories.

The more than 31-thousand dollars raised was about 4-thousand less than expected.

But Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts, Lynn Moffatt says it's still significant money for people suffering from Alzheimers and their families.

A record 160 motorcycle enthusiasts from across northwestern Ontario participated.

OPP Launch and Equipment Drive in Kenora

An equipment drive has been launched to help kids get the gear they need to play hockey this winter.

The OPP is teaming up with Source for Sports in northern Ontario to collect used equipment.

Debbie Novak is with Triple Play and says they will be working with those two groups making sure the equipment is distributed to children in need.

Tagg's Source for Sports will be accepting used hockey equipment for the next three weeks.

Canfield Optimistic Province will help pay for bridge repairs

The City of Kenora's lobbying efforts seem to be paying off.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's had productive talks with the Minister of Infrastructure last week at the AMO conference in London.

Canfield says he's received guarantees that the province will help pay to fix up two aging bridges along Lakeview Drive.

Canfield is hoping the province picks up at least 90 percent of the cost of the bridge work, which could exceed seven million dollars.

Transportation Safety Board investigates Sioux Lookout plane crash

Transportation Safety Board officials are investigating the crash of a float plane near Sioux Lookout that claimed the life of an American pilot.

Board Spokesperson Chris Krepski says initial reports suggest the plane was trying to land on the chutes of Abram Lake when the aircraft flipped over into the water.

Another pilot flew over the site and reported the crash.

Police say the pilot, a Sunfish Lake, Minnesota resident, was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

College Strikes Draws Closer

If a contract isn't in place by midnight tonight, support staff at Confederation College will hit the picket line.

Spokesperson Adair Conlon says their bargaining team will be at the table today.

Conlon says they've set up their strike headquarters and they're prepared to walk out.

Ring of Fire Agreement Reached

Four remote First Nations in the Ring of Fire mining zone are to sign an agreement today to ensure they benefit from ongoing mining and exploration activities.

The bands say the agreement is expected to change how mining companies will work with First Nations in the Ring of Fire area.

All four first nations Chiefs are to attend the signing in Thunder Bay.

The Ring of Fire, about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is believed to host large deposits of chromite and nickel

Fewer Fires Burning in Northwestern Ontario

With summer starting to wind down, Ministry of Natural Resources Fire crews are starting to make good progress on the wildfires that have been raging across the region.

There are now 41-active fires burning in Northwestern Ontario.

Information Officer Debbie McLean says blowdowns and fallen timber have made their task difficult.

Over the weekend there were 26 new forest fires reported in this area.

Astros Win Men's Slo-Pitch Title

Another season in the Men's slo-pitch league is over. The Astros took top honors this year.

They got by Titan Construction in two straight games in the best-of-three A-side Championships.

Kroppy's Hawks took the B-Side title by downing the Master Batters in two straight.

Investigation continues into downtown fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is going to be investigating a blaze at a rooming house in downtown Kenora.

The fire broke out yesterday morning and caused extensive damage.

Fortunately no-one was hurt.

The cause of the blaze still hasn't been determined.