Environmental Commissioner Criticizes MNR Changes

Ontario's environmental commissioner is critical of the provincial government's and what it calls a transformation of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Gord Miller accuses the Liberal government of deliberately dismantling environmental protection.

In his annual report, Miller says changes to the MNR "cast doubt on the ministry's ability to properly manage and protect Ontario's natural environment."

Miller says budget cuts and regulatory changes have reduced the Ministry's effectiveness.

Phone Fraud Circulates Through Kenora

Another phone scam is circulating through Kenora.

The Ontario Provincial Police says the fraud is known as the emergency scam or the grandparent scam.

An example of the phone call might go like this.

"Con-artist:  Hi, Grandma/Grandpa
Victim:  Hi
Con-artist:  Do you know who this is?
Victim:  John?

Con-artist:  Yeah, it's John."

Police say the caller will act like a grandchild in an emergency and solicit funds from the victim.

Last year over 500 victims reported losses of $1.4 million.

If you think you have received a call of this nature you can report it to the anti-fraud centre.

Toll Free: 888-495-8501
Online: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Email: info@antifraudcentre.ca

KPDSB Seek Provincial Capital Funding

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is hoping the second time is a charm when it comes to securing Provincial capital funding.

Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says the new Sioux Lookout High School and Valleyview expansion projects selected in 2012 will be brought forward once again this year.

The cost of a new High School in Sioux Lookout is estimated at 31.5-million dollars.

The other project selected is a 7.2-million dollar addition and renovation at Valleyview school in Kenora.

PC Leader Calls for Non-Confidence Vote

The Leader of the Ontario Conservative Party is calling for an election.

Tim Hudak is demand a vote of non-confidence following the audit of the Oakville gas plant that has costs Ontario tax payer between 675 and 815 million dollars.

Hudak says if he is elected premiere he will immediately call a judicial inquiry to get the truth.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says the vote won't happen unless the Liberals call the vote themselves.

Liberal Candidate Discusses Infrastructure Fund

Communities in Northwestern Ontario will have access to some upcoming infrastructure funding.

Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association President Anthony Leek is endorsing the new municipal infrastructure fund, which will go to help repair roads and bridges.

Anthony Leek says the 100-million dollar Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund will do great things for the region.

The fund was promised in the 2013 Budget.

Cliff's Appeals Ring of Fire Road Decision

It's business as usual for KWG Resources.

Cliffs Natural Resources filed a court appeal of a decision by the Province's Mining Commissioner that bans them from building a road on KWG mine claims in the Ring of Fire.

KWG Spokesperson Moe Lavigne says they're not surprised by the move as it is well within Cliff's rights.

Lavigne says the appeal isn't impacting them at the moment.

Cliff's Spokesperson Bill Boor says they aren't sure if they will continue the process but wanted to stay involved.

Ear Falls Sawmill to Restart

A sign of the re-emerging Forestry Industry.

The Township of Ear Falls is in celebration made yesday following an announcement that the Ear Falls Sawmill will be re-starting.

Unifor says the mill should be back on-line next Spring.

Mayor Kevin Kahoot says the announcement should lead to the creation of roughly 300-jobs.

Kahoot stresses that they have the housing, land and the infrastructure in place to deal with an influx of workers.

Broncos Look for Win #5

Looking for 5 in a row.

The Beaver Brae Broncos football team is hosting the Lorette Scorpions this afternoon.

The varsity team has been on a tear lately with 4 decisive victories.

The game signifies a tight end to the regular season as Beaver Brae will play 2 games next week.

Kickoff is slated for 3:00 at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Broncos Court Teams Take on Dryden

Court sports are on tap in Dryden for Beaver Brae.

The girls basketball and boys volleyball teams are taking on the Eagles in NorWOSSA play.

Start time is 12:00 at Dryden High School.

Saints split with Warriors

A pair of wins for the Thomas Aquinas Saints against Queen Elizabeth yesterday.

The Saints Junior Girls took a 34-28 victory in basketball while it was a 4 set win in Senior Boys Volleyball.

The TA Senior Girls Basketball team dropped a 31-27 decision, while the Junior Boys Volleyball team lost in 4-sets.