House Fire on Second Street South

A chilly wake-up call for Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department.

A fire broke out to a multi-unit home on Second Street South in the 500
block just before 8:00 this morning.

It appears the fire started in the basement and then spread to the back of
the building.

Fire crews have the blaze under control and everyone inside the house managed to make it out unharmed.

Because of the fire, Second Street South has been blocked off all the way from 8th Avenue South to 5th Avenue.

Auditor's Report Critical of MNR and OPG

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the Auditor's Report shows the Liberal government isn't respecting people's priorities or taxpayer dollars.

Auditor Bonnie Lysyk's first report found there is little to no enforcement of regulations on hunting and fishing in provincial parks or on prohibited activities such as commercial timber harvesting and mining.

Horwath says the Ontario Government was too busy promoting themselves and not paying enough attention to the day to day operations of the province.

The Auditor's Report also shows that the number of executives at Ontario Power Generation has increased by 74 per cent since 2005.

That led to the firing of two Vice Presidents and the OPG's Chief Operating Officer yesterday.

Motion to Expand CPP Voted Down

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MPP John Rafferty is expressing disappointment in the Conservative government for failing to accept an NDP motion to expand the Canadian Pension Plan.

In Ottawa, Rafferty told the House of Commons that the government has made it clear retirement security is not its priority.

Finance Minister's Parliamentary Assistant Andrew Saxton says the NDP's proposal would eliminate up to 70 thousand jobs across the country.

City Looks At Electronic Voting

Voting in the next municipal election may be just a mouse click away.

The city is looking at an internet voting option for the 2014 municipal elections.

Heather Kasprick is the city's deputy clerk and says electronic voting has a number of advantages.

Kasprick says the internet voting option may also be cheaper.

The city spent about 50 thousand dollars three years ago to conduct the last election via mail-in ballot.  

Council has agreed to seek a request for proposals for electronic voting.

Council Agrees to Look at Floating Bogs

Kenora City council has agreed to form a special committee to look at navigation issues on Laurenson's Creek.

The Laurenson Creek Property Owners Association made a deputation to council yesterday morning raising concerns about floating bogs in the water way.

Dave Schwartz is a spokesperson for the group and says its a good first step.

Schwartz says no level of government has agreed to take responsibility for the floating bogs, so he feels ultimately it's up to the city to try and deal with the problem.

FedNor Commits Funding for Manufacturing

Businesses throughout the region could get some much needed help by the Federal government.

FedNor Minister Greg Rickford has announced the Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which will spend 200 million dollars over the next 5 years.

Rickford says he's focused on an industry close to home.

He says two local companies are taking a serious look at the program.

Ignace Man Faces Fine for Illegal Camp

An Ignace man is 400 dollars lighter in the pocket-book for leaving his
camper on Crown Land too long.

The MNR says it responded to complaints of a number of campers parked
on Sturgeon Lake north of Ignace this past summer.

Conservation officers posted notices that camping on crown land is limited
to just 21 days.

All of the campers were removed except for one.

The MNR managed to track down the owner eventually and Leon Ray was
charged.

Windchill Warning in Effect

It's a bitterly cold morning across northwestern Ontario
.
A wind chill warning is in effect.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says temperatures with the wind are hovering around minus 40.

Environment Canada says exposed skin will freeze in under 5 minutes and you are reminded that if you have to spend time outside you should bundle up.

Broncos and Saints Boys Hockey Teams Split at Home

A win and a loss for Kenora's boys high school hockey teams.

Beaver Brae skated to an impressive 15-5 win over the Red Lake Rams
last night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Adam Withers had an eight point night with four goals and four assists.

With the win, the Broncos improve to 5-2 on the season.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas boys were doubled up 4-2 by Fort Frances.

Dan Bishop and Rory Keith scored for the Saints.

The Broncos and Saints will meet up tomorrow night at the Kenora Rec. Center for
local bragging rights.