Labor Day Picnic Back Again this Year

Back by popular demand.

The annual Labor Day Picnic.

Last year, the picnic was cancelled due to a lack of volunteers.

But president of the Kenora and District Labor Donna Wiebe says
all their union locals stepped up to the plate this year.

The Labor Day picnic will take place on Monday starting at 11:00 at
Beatty Park in Keewatin.

Wiebe says in addition to guest speakers and musical entertainment,
the Circus Kids will be performing and minnow races will also be
back.

Birth Control Drug Recalled

Some concerns for women taking Freya-28 for birth control.

The Northwestern Health Unit says there has been a recall on the drug.

Gillian Lunny is the Manager of Sexual Health and Harm Prevention and says the recall regards a package with to many placebos.

Lunny says anyone who may be affected can get the pills replaced at their pharmacy.

Longbow Lake Fire Brigade Yard Sale This Weekend

A Labor Day tradition is expected to attract hundred of people.

The Longbow Lake Fire Brigade is holding its annual yard sale
tomorrow.

Art Friesen is one of the organizers and says they have a wide variety of
goods for sale.

Last year, Friesen says the Yard Sale generated 23 thousand dollars for
the Volunteer Fire Department.

The yard sale starts at 9:00 sharp and will run until 1:00.

Ontario Lags Behind in Utility Costs

A study by the Province of Manitoba shows that a utility bundle costs almost
five thousand dollars more in Ontario.

The Manitoba government compared electricity, home heating and insurance costs in each province.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's not surprised Ontario has the highest
costs in Canada.

The report shows the Utility Bundle in Manitoba cost 27 hundred dollars compared to 76 hundred in Ontario.

Local Groups Get Funding For Griffith Mine EA

Two First Nations groups are getting Federal funding to participate in the environment assessment for the Griffith Iron Ore redevelopment project in Ear Falls.

Wabauskang First Nation is receiving 50-grand, while the Metis Nation of Ontario is welcoming 37 thousand dollars.

Both groups will be able to review and provide comments on the Environmental Impact Statement and draft Environmental Assessment Report.

Northern Iron is hoping to re-open the Griffith Mine, with plans to produce roughly 16-thousand tonnes of ore per day.

OPP Get Ready for Labor Day Long Weekend

We are approaching the last long-weekend of the summer.

And the Ontario Provincial Police are reminding folks to be careful.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says they have seen an increase in water related accidents in the region this summer, so they will have their Marine Units out in full force.

Garr is also reminding motorists to slow down now that kids are back in school.

Gravelle Looking Forward to Premier's Visit to the Northwest

Not much is being said about Premier Wynne's planned trip to northwestern Ontario this weekend.

After leaving Kenora Monday, she'll be heading to Thunder Bay.

Area business leaders are being invited to the Tuesday event and MPP Michael Gravelle says it's going to be helpful to discuss to the region's economy.

Gravelle says he will be there, as will the Chamber of Commerce but other invitees haven't been announced.

Youth Trapping Program Announced

A new program in Northwestern Ontario targeting youth with an interest in trapping.

It was introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and will be available to those age 12 to 15-years old.

Shannon Gutoskie is a spokesperson with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and says it's great news for the region.

Gutoskie says there's a course youth must take, and they also need their parents or guardians consent.

Ladies Slo-Pitch Picture A Little Clearer

The play-off picture is a little cleared today in the Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch League.

Northern Harbor has earned a berth into the A-side final with an 8-3 win over the Shoal Lake Troopers.

Shannon Robinson had a pair of in-the park home runs in that game.

Meanwhile, Dunit Contracting stayed alive in the A-side play-offs with a 6-4 win over the Trashers.

They'll play the Troopers tonight for the right to advance to next week's finals.

In the C-side play-offs, Riverview Industries got by the Hoggettes 16-5 while Guns and Roses upended the Bimose Angels 29-9.

Riverview will play Guns and Roses tonight for the right to advance.

Broncos Football Team Ready for Regular Season

The preseason is over for the Beaver Brae Broncos football team.

The Broncos had a tough exhibition losing all 3 games of a super scrimmage.

Beaver Brae fell 1-0 to Fort Frances, 14-0 to Grant Park, and 8-0 to Dryden.

Head Coach Chris Penner says the preparation for the scrimmage was different than it will be in the regular season when they can game plan for one team.

Penner says he was happy with how the team competed and that every player got a chance to play and learn at game speed.

The Broncos open the regular season at Elmwood next Thursday.

Boil Water Advisory For Coney Island

A bit of an inconvenience for residents of Coney Island.

The City of Kenora has issued a boil water advisory.

Some problems have been experienced with the water supply and
the advisory is expected to be in place for the entire Labor Day long weekend.

The city's water and sewer supervisor, Biman Paudel says they need at least two clean water tests back before they can lift the boil water advisory.

Falcon Lake Business Man Faces Fraud Charges

The RCMP have laid fraud charges against a Falcon Lake business man.

The Mounties say that 37 year old Colin Durward reported the theft of over
a half a million dollars of equipment from his construction business back
in June.

The Falcon Lake Detachment investigated the thefts and managed to recover some of the tools and equipment that were reported stolen.

The RCMP believe that many of the items such as welders, drills and a
table saw were never stolen.

Police say a 28 thousand dollar pick-up truck Durward also reported stolen in 2010 has been recovered, as was a hot tub reported stolen last year from a Falcon Lake cottage.

Durward has been charged with three counts of fraud over five thousand dollars and public mischief.

Yesterday Officially the Hottest Day of the Summer

No records were set, but yesterday was officially the hottest day of the summer in Kenora.

One of the weather stations at the Kenora Airport hit 32.3, which was marginally warmer than the previous hottest day, which hit 32.2 celcius last week.

The hottest day on record for August 28th is 34.9 back in 1984.

The normal high for this time of year is just 21 degrees.

Local School Boards Mulling Over Latest EQAO Results

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says their concerns are consistent with the concerns of the Ministry of Education.

The latest figures from the Education Quality and Accountability Office show that one in five Grade 6 students in the province did not meet the provincial math standard.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says they are looking over the test results.

The local figures will be released next month.

Campbell Pleased With Auto Insurance Changes

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is happy the Liberals have gotten the ball rolling to lower auto insurance premiums.

Campbell says she heard from folks that they weren't happy with their current rates.

Campbell says the NDP originally asked for the 15 percent cut to be implemented immediately, but it sounds like they are starting off with an 8 percent cut.

She says people should expect a reduction of 100 dollars by next August, and then 200 dollars once the whole 15 percent reduction is complete.

Dangerous Driver Arrested in Vermillion Bay

A 23 year old Dryden man faces a number of changes in connection to
some damage reported in Vermillion Bay.

Sunday night, the OPP say a number of lawns and some private property was damaged by a vehicle in Machin Township.

Benjamin McNabb has been charged with dangerous driving and leaving
the scene of an accident.

He's due to appear in Dryden Court September 30th to answer the charges.

Radio Tower Down in Hudson

Provincial Police are seeking the public's help after someone knocked down a radio tower in Hudson.

OPP say sometime last weekend someone struck the tower operated by our sister station in Dryden, with a vehicle and drove off.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sioux Lookout OPP or Crimestoppers.

CKDR says its working at replacing the tower.

Broncos Ready for Super Scrimmage

It football season in Kenora.

The Beaver Brae Broncos are hosting a 4 team exhibition series this afternoon.

Head Coach Chris Penner says it will be the last chance to finalize the starting roster.

Penner says the super scrimmage includes Dryden, Fort Frances, and Grant Park.

The games will be played at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex at 12:00.

Beauty Bay Wins Men's Slo-Pitch Title

The Beauty Bay Cubs are the champions of the Casey's Men's Slo-Pitch League.

The Cubs came back with a dramatic 9th inning, hitting back to back home runs for
a 17-16 win over the Sierra Construction Centuries.

Beauty Bay wins the best-of-three A-side Final two games to one.

Premier Wynne Scheduled to Visit Kenora this Weekend

Ontario's Premier Kathleen Wynne is making a trip to northwestern Ontario.

She's making stops in Kenora Sunday and Thunder Bay following Monday

Details of her trip are still being finalized, but while in Thunder Bay she'll hold a round table discussion on jobs with local business leaders.

Wynne's last trip to Kenora was during the Liberal leadership race last winter.

Some Auto Insurance Rates Ready to Drop

There is good news for some Ontario drivers.

The Co-operators says it plans to reduces its auto insurance rates October.

Actual dollar savings will vary between drivers.

The province announced last week it will mandate a 15 per cent drop in rates over the next two years

Few Forest Fires Despite Hot Weather

Despite unseasonably warm weather, still not a lot of forest fire activity in
the region.

Just one new fire reported in the Kenora District yesterday.

That follows five new wild fires that were reported the day before in the
region.

Fire information officer Debbie McLean says due to the warm weather they will be keeping their seasonal staff a little longer.

There are currently 26 active fires in the northwest region, a number of
which are being monitored.

New Ecological Reserve Near Sprague

A new ecological reserve is being created in eastern Manitoba.
   
The 76-hectare Holmgren Pines Ecological Reserve is located 30 kilometres northeast of Sprague.
   
The province says it's the only known site in Manitoba where all three native pine species, eastern white pine, red pine and Jack pine, grow together.

Rickford Questions "Pot" Use

Some things are better kept private.

The message from the Kenora MP Greg Rickford, as he reacts to news Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has admitted to smoking marijuana since being elected to Parliament.

Rickford says Trudeau has already voiced his thoughts on pot use.

He says there are challenges in Northwestern Ontario regarding the use of narcotics, and that Trudeau isn't setting a good example.

Health Unit Offers Back To School Lunch Tips

The Northwestern Health Unit is promoting healthy eating as the new school year is now underway.

Registered dietitian Julie Slack says it's important to start the day off right.

Slack adds having a solid breakfast will help kids sit still in class and will enhance student learning.

Slack says parents should be mindful of packing child friendly meals.

She says left over foods are a great alternative and suggests thinking "outside the box" when packing a lunch.

Slack adds that parents should involve their kids when making lunches or meals at home.

She notes fruits and veggies as well as small packages of yogurt or apple sauce are other great ideas for lunch.

Attawapiskat Band Elections Results to Be Confirmed Today

Chief Theresa Spence has reportedly been re-elected to a second three-year team as chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario.
 
A final vote count is expected to be made public today.
   
Spence gained notoriety last winter for subsisting on fish broth and tea for six weeks as a form of protest during the rise of the Idle No More movement.
     
The election went ahead Tuesday despite a call from The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples to postpone it until all members living off-reserve had a chance to vote.

Assault Investigated on Grassy Narrows

One man remains in hospital following an assault Monday evening on the Grassy Narrows first nation.

Treaty 3 Police say they were called out around 7:30 with reports of an assault.

Police say they found two men at the scene, one has been released from hospital while the other has been transported to Thunder Bay.

Police have charged 32-year Everette Brown with 2 counts of aggravated assault.

Men's Slo-Pitch Season Winding Down

One series has been decided and another will be going the distance in the Casey's Bar and Grill Men's Slo-Pitch League.

The Sons of Pitches took the B-side final in two straight games with a close 18-16 victory over the Titans last night at the Rec. Center Ball Diamonds.

Meanwhile, the Beauty Bay Cubs have battled back in it's series against the Sierra Construction Centuries.

Beauty Bay won game two of the best-of-three A-side final 11-8 last night.

The third and deciding game will take place tonight.

Kenora OPP Reviews Expansion of Tasers

The Kenora OPP are looking into expanding the use of tasers.

The province announced this week that all front line officers will be permitted to use the weapons.

Constable Bob Bernie says it's not just a matter of issuing a taser to officers.

Bernie says that the OPP has to review and possibly change policies and procedures regarding use of force protocol, and certify officers.

Bernie adds that tasers can be a very effective tool when used in the proper situations and with the proper training.

TransCanada to Hold Pipeline Info Sessions in NWO

TransCanada Pipeline is kicking off a series of consultations in Northwestern Ontario.

The public information session's on the Energy East Pipeline project will start in Kenora on September 16th.

There will also be stops in Vermillion Bay, Dryden, Ignace and ending in Thunder Bay on September 24th.

Officials with the project say it would see Alberta's oil pumped across this region to the East coast.

Vehicle Registration Fees Going Up

Its going to cost you more to register your vehicle this year.

As of September 1st, the cost of a validation tag will go up from 41 to 45 dollars.

The provincial government says it will be increasing the cost of the validation tags for the next two years after as well.

In September of 2014, the tags will cost 49 dollars and increase to 54 dollars by 2015.

Big Changes at KPDSB

Some big changes in store this fall for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

This is the first day back to school for elementary and secondary school students.

The biggest change is the introduction of grade seven and eight classes to Beaver Brae.

Clinton Breutsch is the principal at Beaver Brae and says the 7 and 8's will have their own area of the school to themselves.

Work is also on-going at Valleyview School.

The one million dollar expansion isn't expected to be complete until Christmas.

Catholic School Board Ready for New School Year

Over at the Kenora Catholic District School Board they have been hard a work preparing for the new school year.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre says that includes the hiring of new teachers.

Eikre says as far as programming goes, Pope John Paul is launching a therapy and academic program, while St. John's in Red Lake will continue the Leader in me Program.

Eikre estimates that student numbers will be up just slightly this school year.

Model Shoreline Funding Announced

The Federal government is helping two local
groups create the model shoreline.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford has announced over 24-thousand dollars for the Lake of the Wood Development Commission and the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association.

Rickford says action is needed to protect water quality.

The Discovery Center will be the home of the project and will teach residents about how they can protect their own shorelines.

Ride For Memories Nears Goal

Another successful Ride For Memories!

Rosanna Tomashowski is the Acting Executive Director with the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River, and says they raised over 46 thousand dollars during Saturday's ride.

She adds that more than more than 200 people from Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances
supported the cause.

Tomashowski says you can still help the society reach its 50 thousand-dollar goal by contacting
their Kenora office with a donation.

Centuries Win Challenge Cup

The Sure Thing Centuries proved they are the real thing.

The Centuries captured the Challenge Cup last night with a 3-2 victory over the Pro-Auto Glass Fury.

The Centuries needed overtime to secure the win.

They also captured two of three trophies up for grabs in the Kenora Men's Soccer League after winning the regular season title.

Police Continue Search for Escaped Prisoner

The search continues for an prisoner who escaped custody last Tuesday.

53 Harvey Smith from White Dog First Nation escaped while being transferred last week from the Kenora Court House.

Constable Bob Bernie says they are searching a large area.

Bernie says the Smith is not considered dangerous and is now facing the charge of escaping lawful custody.

Smith's described as being six feet tall, wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, glasses and blue and white jail issued shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

New Era of Education at Lakewood Tomorrow

Elementary and secondary schools aren't the only one's getting ready to open their doors tomorrow.

Seven Generations Education Institute will be welcoming a new class of students at its new facilities at Lakewood School.

Delbert Horton is the executive director of Seven Generations and says they will be holding an orientation
session tomorrow.

He says in addition to offering adult education courses, they will be working with a number of community
colleges and universities to offer more specialized courses for local students.

Horton says they have agreements in place with Sault College, Canadore College, Wilfred Laurier
and Queen's Universities.

He estimates they'll have anywhere between 100 and 200 students enrolled in their classes this fall.

MNR Fire Rangers Heading West

Widespread rain on Saturday has helped put a damper on the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario.

That has allowed the Ministry of Natural Resources to lend a helping hand to crews in Montana.

Spokesperson Debbie McLean says they are sending 109 staff.

A large group is left from the Dryden Regional Airport today.

Back home the forest fire hazard is low across the northwest region, with 20-active fires burning.

Borderland Rage Wrap Up Summer Schedule

A final four appearance for the Borderland Rage Under-10 Girls Hockey team at a weekend tournament in the United States.

The Rage breezed through the round robin and earned three wins in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.

The Girls made it to the semi-final but dropped a thrilling 5-4 decision.

The team is made up of players from Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances.

Winnipeg Team Wins Angler Young Angler

A team from Winnipeg took this year's Angler Young Angler title.

Danny and Eden Toth and Grace Cudmore reeled in 42.91 pounds of walleye in the one-day fish-off on Lake of the Woods.

The Dryden team of Shane Baker, Jacob Bilous and Kris Bilous placed third, about six pounds back.

Gussy/Dingwall Place Second in IFalls Bass Clasic

It's been a good summer for Jeff Gustafson on the local bass circuit.

Gustafson and his partner Scott Dingwall finished second this weekend at the International Falls Bass Championship.

Nathan Brigham and Brett Meyers of Emo captured this year's title with a two-day combined weight of just under 34-pounds

That was more than a pound and a half better the runner ups Dingwall and Gustafson.

Gustafson teamed up with John Peterson to win the Canadian Bass Championship last month in
Fort Frances.  

Concern Raised About Minaki On the River

Concerns are growing over the Minaki on the River Development.

President of the Minaki Cottagers Association David Hewlett says they brought in independent consultants to research environmental issues.

Hewlett says they found some majors concerns with the sewage system.

 He says there is no way to control how much phosphorus is deposited into the Winnipeg River.

Hewlett says a copy of the consultants report has been made available for the developers.

Grassy Protesters Hit Toronto

Protesters from northwestern Ontario marched to the front door of Kathleen Wynne's Toronto home to complain about a water problem, but the premier was out of town.

More than 100 people, including a marching band, descended on Wynne's home yesterday to protest the level of mercury in the drinking water in Grassy Narrow First Nation.

The water was contaminated by the Dryden paper mill between 1962 and 1970.

While the protesters claimed Wynne hasn't honoured a promise to address the issue, Wynne's office says progress is being made on the file.

Watershed Board Looking At New Lake Studies

The new International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board has hit
the ground running.

Todd Sellars is a local rep with the newly Board and says they will be the voice that speaks to all the governments involved.

The watershed covers an area over 70 thousand square kilometers.

Sellars says the board will create a water quality plan of study focusing on nutrients, harmful algae blooms, invasive species, and ground water contamination.

Heavy Rain Helps Local Fire Crews

Three new fires in the Kenora District over the weekend.

The MNR says all the new blazes were small and have been brought
under control.

Heavy rain Saturday night helped put a damper on the fire situation
across the region.

There were 11 new fires reported on Friday, but the MNR says the rain helped them declare a number of forest fires out.

Public Board Not Concerned About Cell Phone Use

Cell phones will still be allowed in area classrooms.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has passed a resolution calling for an end of cell phones in classrooms.

Sean Monteith is the Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and he answers the question on whether the Board will take a look at its current policy.

Monteith says if cell phone use in the classroom becomes an area of concern, than they will revisit the issue.

Kraft Celebration Tour Wraps up in Fort Frances

A huge turnout as the Kraft Celebration Tour closed its journey across Canada in Fort Frances

Hundreds of people gathered at the Sorting Gap Marina yesterday to take in festivities.

Fort Frances Curling Club Ron Silver was overwhelmed.

The Club was also presented with its cheque for 25 thousand dollar to be used towards paying off its geothermal energy project.

Centuries Vs Fury in Men's Soccer Final

The final is set for the Kenora Men's Soccer League.

Regular season champions, the Sure Thing Centuries will take
on the Fury tonight for the league title.

The Centuries advanced with a 4-2 win Friday night over the Playaz in
the semi-finals, while the Fury blanked the Gunners 1-0 to earn their place in the final.

Tonight's championships game is slated for 6:00 at the Tom Nabb Soccer
Complex.

Hovi Cracks York Lion's Roster

Kenora's Martin Hovi has cracked the line-up of the York Lions in
the Ontario University Football League.

However, it wasn't a great start to the new season for the Lions yesterday in the OUA as they were trounced 52-1 by the Queen's Golden Gaels.

Hovi was held to just seven yards rushing on five carries.

He spent the past three seasons with the Winnipeg Rifles in the Prairie
Junior Football League.