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.