OPP Release Details of Pickle Lake Stand-off

A 35-year-old man faces charges following a nearly 24-hour standoff in Pickle Lake.

Provincial Police responded to a report of an assault around 3:30 Saturday morning.

The man refused to turn himself in and barricaded himeself inside a home.

OPP negotiators and the Tactics and Rescue Unit were called in and the man was finally arrested outside the home around 2:30 Sunday morning.

OPP say the accused faces counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and assault.

He remains in custody and his first court appearance is Thursday.

No name has been released.

A woman was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

New Events Website for Kenora District almost Ready

"Find Yourself Here" is the new tagline for a cultural mapping website that's aimed at increasing tourism in the Kenora district.

The tagline and logo was submitted by Christine Petre of Winnipeg.

Project Manager Catherine Dashny says they selected the two following an on-line competition.

The cultural mapping project will feature events, activities and attractions across the district.

Fire Destroys Rainy River Hotel

The investigation continues into the cause of a fire that destroyed a Rainy River landmark.

Firefighters from Rainy River and Baudette spent several hours yesterday battling the blaze at the Canadian Northern Hotel.

It was spotted early yesterday morning passers-by early this morning.

The hotel opened in 1903 and had operated up to the fire.

OPP Investigate a Rash of Mischief Complaints

The OPP say they are investigating a rash of mischief complaints.

Over the weekend, police say graffitti was tagged in a number of areas, including 9th Street North, 2nd Street North and 4th Avenue South.

Officers also say that a vehicle parked in the 10th Street North area had its windshield smashed.

An unlocked vehicle on Drewry Drive was entered as well.

A number of items, including some change and a multi-tool were stolen.

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

World Suicide Prevention Day

A local organization is looking to help those affected by suicide.

Firefly, which offers support services for children in the Kenora District, is marking the 10th anniversary of World Suicide Prevention Day on Monday.

CEO Karen Ingebrigtson says those who need help should seek it as soon as possible.

Tonight there will be a candle light vigil at McCleod Park for family and friends who have been affected by suicide.

Terry Fox Run this Weekend

The countdown is underway for the 32nd annual Terry Fox Run.

The fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society will take place next Sunday.

Martha McClugh is with the Terry Fox Foundation in Ontario and says the run seems to inspire people.

The Kenora run will start at Valleyview School next Sunday and go around Rabbit Lake.

Bike Ride For Muscular Dystrophy Begins Today

A couple of fire fighters will begin their over 500-kilometre journey today in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Reagan Breeze from Dryden and Atikokan firefighter Graham Warburton are beginning their cycling trip in Kenora and they hope to arrive in Dryden tonight.

They will resume their trip tomorrow with hopes of finishing in Thunder Bay on Wednesday.

Breeze and Warburton are raising money and awareness for M.D.

Police Investigating Theft of Motor Bike

The OPP in Kenora are looking for a dirt bike that was stolen last Saturday.

Police say the bike is a blue and white Yamaha TT-R-90 youth bike.

Police say it was taken sometime between midnight and 7am from the back of a pick up truck parked at a Fourth Street North home.

According to officers, it appears the suspect or suspects pushed the bike down the train tracks towards railway street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP or Crimestoppers.

Brain Injury Tour passes through Kenora

One young man is going the distance for brain injury awareness.

Troy Adams is running from Newfoundland to British Columbia to inform people about brain injuries and spread the message.

Adams says he suffered a serious injury when he was younger, and says if it could happen to him it could happen to anyone.

Adams passed through Kenora on his Cross-Canada tour on Saturday.

City Council to host two meetings today

A busy day for members of Kenora City Council.

Not one, but two meetings have been scheduled for this afternoon.

The monthly Committee of the Whole meeting has been moved up a half an hour to 3:00 tomorrow.

That's to accomodate a second meeting in the evening.

A public information session about a casino will be held at 6:00 in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Kenora Rec. Center.

Health Unit Enjoying New Office Space

A month after moving into its new office space, the Northwest Heath Unit staff are starting to settle in.

The Health Unit moved its head office into the old Mount Carmel School at the beginning of August.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Arthurs says there are still some growing pains.

Arthurs says parts of the building are still being renovated to accommodate staff who are located in their Market Square Offices.

They won't be moving over for another three years, once their lease expires.

Pickle Lake Stand-Off ends Peacefully

O.P.P. have one man in custody following what they are calling an incident in Pickle Lake.

Provincial police were occupied by the suspect at a residence in the community from Saturday into Sunday but the situation was resolved with the man being taken into custody.

The Pickle Lake detachment is in charge of the investigation but are releasing no further information at this time.

Dennis Wins Silver at International Competition

A Kenora Judoka has won a silver medal at an international competition in Cali, Columbia.

Ben Dennis advanced to the gold medal match over the weekend at the Under 17 Pan American Judo Championships.

He eventually lost to a Brazilian fighter in the 55 kilo weight division.

Winnipeggers Win Bassin' For Bucks

The Winnipeg duo of Wayne Wagner and Alex Kezler have won this year's Bassin for Bucks in Sioux Narrows.

They hauled in 53.89 pounds of bass over three days of fishing, just edging out last years winners, Darrin Bohonos and Bryan Gustafson, but less than 2 tenths of a pound.

In third place was Jeff Gustafson and Mike Reid, almost a pound off the pace.

A total of 110 teams weighed in fish during the tournament.

Tennis Anyone?

The Second annual Tennis throwdown takes place this weekend at the  tennis courts at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Players from Kenora and Dryden will be serving against eachother tomorrow.

John Benson is one of the organizers of the event and says they just want to get more people involved in the sport.

The tournament will begin at 9:00 tomorrow morning with ladies, men's, doubles, mixed doubles and youth events planned.

FASD Day in Kenora

A local committee is trying to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Today is FASD Day in Kenora.

Kerril Davidson Hunt is one of the members of the committee and says while many substances can harm the fetus, booze does cause the most damage.

The FASD committee will have a booth set up at the Kenora Shoppers Mall both today and tomorrow handing out information and talking to local residents.

Campbell Demands Consultations on MNR Cuts

The Provincial government is being challenged to hold consultations before deciding to close any MNR offices in this region.

In the Ontario legislature today, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the government needs to learn from its mistakes.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci is promising the government will be consulting local communities before any cuts are made.

Residential School Conference this Week

The healing continues for residential school survivors in Northwestern Ontario.

A number of survivors are in Thunder Bay this week for a gathering called Walking Together, Sharing Our Journey.

Albert James from McDowell Lake First Nation is one of the participants and says it's good to hear a lot of victims are coming to terms with their trauma.

Walking Together, Sharing our Journey continues until Sunday

Pinewa man faces Sexual Assault Charges

A 65 year old man in Pinawa is being accused of sexually assaulting four girls over the past six years.

The R.C.M.P. say the man was charged with four counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

The alleged offences involve four girls, between the ages of nine and 13, who police say were assaulted between 2006 and 2012 in the Pinawa area.

R.C.M.P. say the suspect and the girls were known to one another.

Health Unit to Concentrate on Chronic Disease

Chronic disease is going to be the target for the Northwestern Health Unit over the next few years.

The Health Unit is working on a new strategic plan.

Medical officer of health, Dr. Jim Arthurs says while they will maintain their core services, he feels they also need to do more to tackle diseases such as diabetes.

Arthurs says despite that fact almost all health service providers are targeting diabetes, the incidence of the disease continues to rise across northwestern Ontario.

Trucker acquitted of Trafficking Cocaine

A Manitoba judge says she has reluctantly acquitted a man caught behind the wheel of a semi-trailer containing about $6 million worth of drugs.

Justice Shawn Greenberg says she accepts the ``blind courier'' defence of Kuljinder Dhillon, who was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Dhillon testified he had no idea 38 kilograms of cocaine had been stashed inside a compartment for a cross-country road trip.

Dhillon, a resident of British Columbia, was caught in 2007 by Manitoba RCMP at the weigh scales in West Hawk Lake while en route to Ontario with a large load of lumber.

Two More Forest Fires Yesterday

Despite fall-like weather, new forest fires continue to crop up across northwestern Ontario.

Yesterday, there were two new blazes reported.

One was a small lightning caused fire about 10 kilometers of the city.

MNR fire crews were able to quickly extinguish it.

The other fire was located near Quetico Provincial Park.

The MNR says the fire hazard is still fairly high in the southern part of this region and one fire crew has been sent into northern Minnesota to help with new fires reported there.

Bassin For Bucks Underway

The bass fishing season is starting to wind down.

This weekend, the northwest tour stops in Sioux Narrows for the  16th Annual Bassin For Bucks tournament.

Fishing begins each day at 7:30 with weigh-ins starting at 3:30.

A total of 120 boats are expected to compete in the three day tournament.

Northern Harbor Wins Ladies Slo-Pitch Title

Northern Harbor is the top team in the Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch League this year.

Northern Harbor won the A-side final last night defeating the Shoal Lake Troopers in the third and deciding game of their best-of-three series.

The Ladies Slo-Pitch season isn't quite over yet.

This weekend, the 11th annual Mike Pavey Memorial Tournament will be played at the Portage Bay Ball Diamonds.

Action gets underway tomorrow and wraps up on Sunday.

Broncos Lose Season Opener

 A tough way to start the regular season for Beaver Brae's Football team.

The Broncos dropped a 34-13 decision to the Steinbach Sabres yesterday afternoon.

Dylan Pykerman had another strong game running for two touchdowns, including a 95 yard romp in the first half.

Beaver Brae trailed 18-13 after two quarters, but were unable to score in the second half.

The Broncos next game is a week from today when they travel to Winnipeg to take on the Sisler Spartans.

New School Year Begins at Con College

A new school year is underway at the Confederation College Campus in Kenora.

Classes began this morning for about 100 students.

Laura Christie is the program director and says they are offering a number of full-time courses locally.

Christie says one of the new programs they are offering this year is called Aboriginal Community Advocacy.

In all, eight first year programs are on offer at the college.

Wild Fires Still Burning in NWO

Despite some shower activity this week, the Ministry of Natural Resources says new wild fires continue to pop up each day.

There was one new fire reported yesterday near the community of Fort Hope, plus two other holdover fires from the day before.

Two of the blazes were human-caused.

With warmer weather expected for the weekend, the MNR says the fire hazard will remain in the moderate to high range for the next few days.

Bronco Boys Finish 2nd in NorWOSSA Golf Tournament

The NorWOSSA golf season is officially underway.

Yesterday, both boys and girls high school teams teed off at the Eagles Landing golf course in Dryden.

Beaver Brae's boys team finished second overall, 26 shots back of the host Dryden squad.

Jed Rattai was the top Kenora golfer, shooting a 78, good enough for third place in the individual standings.

Thomas Aquinas had a fourth place finish.

Save ELA Gains Support

The Experimental Lakes Area east of Kenora is gaining worldwide support.

Scientists from Switzerland and the United States are expressing their deep concern in a new article published in a scientific journal.

Both explain that there is no other facility in the world that allows for the study of whole-lake ecosystems.

The ELA area consists of 58 lakes, and has been facing an ongoing battle with the federal government about a possible closure as early as next spring.

Campbell Lobbies for Funding for Volunteer Fire Fighters

The provincial government is being asked to provide better funding for volunteer fire departments.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell gave kudos to the Pellatt United Fire Fighters this week at Queen's Park.

She says the government needs to recognize their hard work with better financial support.

Campbell says volunteer fire departments not give up their own time, but have to fundraise just to buy personal safety equipment.

Northwest LHIN's Looking for Feedback

Time is running out to fill out a on-line survey about health care services in the region.

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network says the survey will be up on  its website until September 15th.

Executive Director Laura Kokochinski says they want a clearer idea of what services local residents want to see in the health care system.

Kokochinski says so far more than 700 people have filled out the survey, but they are looking for more feedback.

Rainy River Resources Bullish on local Gold Zone

Rainy River Resources believes its in the midst of Canada's newest gold district.

It's released a preliminary economic assessment last week.

Vice President of Environment Kyle Stanfield says everything is on target to start open pit mining in 2016.

The company also plans for underground operations starting by 2018.

Northwest Teacher Elected President of OTF

A northwestern Ontario teacher is the new president of the Ontario Teacher's Federation.

Terry Hamilton from Thunder Bay was elected as the 69th President last month during the Federation's annual meeting.

He says they are entering a time of great tension between teachers and the Ontario government.

Hamilton hopes to get Northwestern Ontario concerns to the table as well.

Broncos Open Football Season This Afternoon

The Winnipeg High School Football League regular opens today in Steinbach.

Beaver Brae travels down the Trans-Canada to face the Sabres this afternoon.

Broncos head coach Chris Penner says while they have a talented group this year, they don't have a big roster, which could be a problem.

Beaver Brae won its lone pre-season game last week downing Dryden 36-13.

Kick-off today is 5:00 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch League Wraps Up tonight

The Neniska Crushers are the C-Side Champions in the Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch league.

The Crushers doubled up the Hoggettes 14-7 last night in game two of their best-of-three series, winning in two straight games.

The other two series will be going the distance.

Northern Harbor staved off elimination with a 14-13 win over Shoal Lake.

That series is tied at one game a piece, with the third and deciding game tonight at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Meanwhile, the Martinis also forced a third and deciding game in the B-side final with a 17-15 decision over the Wildfire.

New Northern Law School Now Accepting Applications

The deadline to apply for the first school year at the Northern Ontario Law School is quickly approaching.

Dean Lee Steuser says would be students have until November 1st.

The school will open in the fall of 2013.

He says they are also looking to hire six to eight professors for their first year of operation.

Campbell Opposes Northern Policy Institute

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell continues to hammer away at the McGuinty Government's plan to create a Northern Institute.

In the Ontario Legislature yesterday, Campbell says the five million dollar institute is the last thing this region needs.

Campbell says the government should instead set up a Northern Committee of M.P.P.'s at Queen's Park to deal with issues important to this region.

Angler's Body Found in Remote Lake

A post mortem is scheduled today for a man who's body was found in a northwestern Ontario lake.

On Friday, Ontario Provincial Police were notified that a man who had been fishing with his grandson on Mojikit Lake, about 60km Northeast of Armstrong, had gone missing.

The two had been fishing when their boat tipped over after hitting a buoy upstream of a dam at the south end.

The son was able to make it to shore uninjured.

On Monday, police say they found the body of 76-yearold Matthew Dawd below the dam.

Kenora's Economic Development Strategies Applauded

Some provincial exposure for Kenora's Economic Development Strategies.

The city was one of seven communities featured in an Economic Development Case Study Handbook.

Economic Development Officer, Jennifer Findlay says Kenora was sited for a couple of best practices.

Findlay says major initiatives like downtown revitalization have also played a key role in Kenora's economic development strategy.

Driver Faces Marijuana Charges

Two people in two days.

On Saturday, Ontario Provincial Police in Kenora responded to a vehicle collision on Dalles Road, north of Kenora.

As a result, police have charged 26-year-old Fabian Blackhawk from Dalles First Nation with impaired driving.

On Sunday, police stopped a vehicle on highway 673.

As police were speaking to the driver, he drove away at a high speed and then fled the vehicle.

Police found the driver, and found marijuana plants and accessories inside the vehicle.

Police say 32-year-old Jason Methot of Three Hills, Alberta has been charged with impaired driving, flight from police and production of marijuana.

OPP Release Long Weekend Traffic Stats

Hundreds of motorists across northwestern Ontario might be feeling a little light in the pocketbook this week.

OPP nabbed more than 680 motorists for speeding over the Labour Day weekend across the region.

Constable Anne McCoy says it's just one of the offences officers are always looking for.

Ontario Provincial Police also laid 7 distracted driving charges, 53 seatbelt chargres and 11 for impaired driving.

Thunder Bay Police Looking at Bogus News Release

Thunder Bay Police are conducting an internal probe into a bizarre weekend incident that saw a bogus news release entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured".

The release dealt with the arrest of a 33 year old man in Kenora on Friday for second degree murder.

Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the release was connected with the murder investigation and was quickly retracted.

He calls it unfortunate.

Hay didn't say why the release may have been sent saying it's part of the investigation.

Public Meetings on Casinos this Month

Kenora City Council is gambling that local residents will want to have a say on whether a casino should ever be located in the city.

A couple of open houses will be held this month to get feedback.

Next Monday, a public information session will take place at the Kenora Rec. Center.

That will be followed by another public meeting on September 18th.

Kenora has been identified by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as a potential site.

Council says it wants some feedback from the community before deciding whether it should submit a declaration of interest.

A Record Setting Labor Day in NWO

It was a record breaking Labour Day across northwestern Ontario.

The temperature reached 28.8 in Dryden, smashing the old record of 27.2 set in 1971.

Records were also set in Thunder Bay and Fort Frances.

Thunder Bay hit 30.3-degrees and Fort Frances 29.9.

Kenora hit 28.1 degrees yesterday, which was just shy of the record of 28.9 degrees.

Redditt Postal Outlet due to Close

Its the end of an era for a Redditt institution.

Canada Post says its closing down the Redditt postal outlet.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says the crown corporation will still provide some postal service to the community.

Rickford says he was advised in the change in service earlier this month by Canada Post officials.

Fisherman missing in remote Lake in NWO

A Fly-in fishing trip has gone horribly wrong.

Searchers are still looking for a 75-year old man who flipped his boat while on a fly-in fishing trip northeast of Armstrong.

The man was fishing with his 21-year old grandson on Friday when they struck a buoy.

Both men were thrown into the water.

The 21-year old was able to make to shore safely, but the Grandfather is still missing.

Members of the OPP’s Emergency Response Team and Under Water Search and Recovery Unit are currently searching in the area.

NOMA Applauds Northern Policy Institute

The Northern Policy Institute is in its early stages after the Provincial Government officially launched it on Friday in Thunder Bay.

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Ron Nelson says the organization will help get their views heard at Queen's Park.

The Northern Policy Institute's goal is to provide Northern Ontario input on Provincial Government policies.

Campbell Upset with High Gas Prices

The fight against rising gas prices continues.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says this increase hits Northern Ontario hard because there is a constant need for travel.

When the GST and HST were merged, gas prices in Ontario jumped by eight cents per litre.

Campbell says she remains committed to protecting consumers and keeping pressure on this issue.

Con College Classes begin this week

Confederation College is gearing up for a new school year.

President Jim Madder has a plea for those students who already completed some schooling at the college.

He'd like to see students who have completed their first year, return for a second or even third year, to
improve their employment opportunties.

Classes officially start on Thursday.

Murder Suspect Arrested in Kenora

A 33 year old man has been arrested in Kenora in connection to a murder investigation in Thunder Bay.

Joseph Wesley was arrested in downtown Kenora Friday night on a charge of second degree murder.

The body of a 65 year old man was was found in a wooded area at the end of Field Street last Wednesday in Thunder Bay.

Police believe Adam Yellowhead was the victim of a homicide.

Wesley was brought back to Thunder Bay over the weekend and make a first court appearance on the charge.