Monday, October 28, 2013

Cause of Railway Street Fire Still Undetermined

Its going to take at least a few more weeks to determine what might have caused a house fire on Railway Street.

An investigator from the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office finished his on-site inspection of the burnt remnants of the home yesterday.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says there was such massive fire loss and damage, it's going to take a while to determine what actually caused last Thursday's blaze.

He says at this point they don't have a damage estimate, but it's expected to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rickford Supports Suspension of Senators Wallin and Duffy

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is all for the suspension of three senators involved in the spending scandal.

A vote could come today, suspending Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay.

Rickford says it's only appropriate.

Rickford says this is what Canadians expect when inappropriate claims are made.

OPP Suggest Ways of Battling Illegal Drug Trade

Battling the drug trade at the source.

That's one suggestion of the OPP in Kenora.

Inspector Dave Lucas from the Kenora Detachment says if you can
reduce drug addictions, you can cut down on drug trafficking.

Lucas says the website, which is located on the City of Kenora's portal, also includes a 24/7 support line.

BIZ Launches Shop Local Campaign

Have you shopped Kenora lately?

That's the theme of a new marketing campaign by
Kenora Harbortown BIZ.

Jennifer Findlay is the city's economic development officer and they are
trying to encourage more business in the shoulder seasons.

BIZ plans to hold a Black Friday shopping event on November 29th, which
is traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year, following a
day after the American Thanksgiving.

Province Looks At Harsher Penalties for Distracted Driving

Another reason to put down the phone when driving.

Reports say the provincial government is thinking about a law that would deduct demerit points for those caught using a cell-phone or electronic device behind the wheel.

OPP Constable Erin Huckell says it's a great idea and would help deter people who continue to text, or use their cell-phones while driving.

Right now, the fine for distracted driving is 155-dollars, but no demerit points.

Campbell Wants MNR to Handle Nuisance Deer

Bears are on the provincial radar, but a northwestern Ontario MPP says deer are just as much a problem.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is calling for a comprehensive strategy to deal with nuisance deer.

Campbell says leaving it up to municipalities is not an answer.

Campbell says the animals pose a safety risk to motorists and the public and have the potential of drawing in predators such as wolves.

Province the Target of Another Mining Lawsuit

Ontario tax payers will be on the hook following the latest lawsuit against the province.

NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha is reacting to news that North Superior Resources out of Sudbury has filed a 110-million-dollar lawsuit.

The company says the government has failed to discharge its "constitutional duty" to engage First Nations on
its behalf, and claims they have now lost their right to explore a vast area of northwestern Ontario.

Mantha says this will result in a great loss of revenue and jobs.

Gas Prices Drop Again

The price at the pump continues to drop in Kenora.

Over the weekend, the price of a liter of gasoline went down
two cents.

Most service stations have dropped their price to 131.9 cents a liter, down from
133.9 on Friday.

That still more than ten cents above the provincial average.

Saints Boys Hockey Team Win Consolation Final

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has received an honorable mention at
a tournament in Winnipeg.

The Saints saw their first action of the season at the Sturgeon Heights Classic
in Winnipeg, and won the consolation title.

T.A. finished the tournament with a 2-2 record, including a 5-4 win over
the Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes in their final game.

The NorWOSSA regular season will begin next month.