Bronco Court Teams Falter in Dryden

Dryden hasn't been a very friendly place for Beaver Brae's court sport teams in recent years.

Yesterday, the Broncos won just one of four games played in girls basketball and boys volleyball.

Both the Beaver Brae junior and senior volleyball squads lost to the Eagles three sets to one.

The Bronco senior girls had their three game winning streak come to a halt, with a 45-30 loss to the Eagles.

The lone win of the day came from Beaver Brae's junior girls basketball team, which enjoyed a convincing 49-24 victory over Dryden.

McKay sounds off over McGuinty Resignation

Not everyone is wishing Dalton McGuinty a fond farewell.

The premier announced that he was retiring yesterday and proroging the Ontario Legislature.

Acting Kenora Mayor, and former Conservative Candidate in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding, Rod McKay says he's disappointed the premier decided to pull the plug at this time.

McKay also says he wants McGuinty to bring the Ontario Legislature back into session, until waiting for the Liberal Party to elect a new leader.

Anthony Leek surprised by McGuinty Resignation

The resignation of Dalton McGuinty as Premiere surprised the political following in Ontario.

Members of the party were caught off guard by the resignation.

Northern Region Vice President Anthony Leek found out about the resignation through Twitter.

Mcgunity resigned at a time the party is facing multiple scandals.

Rickford Okay with Current Kenora Riding Boundaries

A wait-and-see attitude from Kenora's MP.

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Comission has heard public outcry about proposed federal riding boundary changes in the region.

While Lake of the Woods will be staying within the Thunder Bay District, Greg Rickford says he's not concerned with other options at the moment.

Rickford says he tries to visit as many communities as he can in the riding, and one more wouldn't have a big impact.

Tourism Numbers up in Kenora

It may have been one of Kenora's best-ever tourism seasons ever.

The Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission has released its third quarter report and it shows a 100 percent increase in visitor numbers at the Discovery Center.

Don Denver is acting chair of the Commission and says they also enjoyed increased revenues for rentals of the Whitecap Pavillion and the Farmer's Market.

The commission says more than 14 thousand people visited the Discovery Center during the months of July, August and September and more than 50 thousand people took in events on the Harborfront.

Local CEP Reps Support Merger with CAW

Union history has been made!

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada has voted 90 percent in favour of a merger with the Canadian Autoworkers Union.

Local CEP representative Steven Boon says the next step will take some time.

He adds it'll take anywhere between 6-12 months and then the members will have to reconvene to make any changes.

Improved Literacy from Summer Camp

Summer school seems to becoming a popular option for some high school students in the region.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says students earned 350 credits this past summer at high schools across the region.

Student Success leader, Scott Urquhart says one area they look at expanding is co-op placements.

He suggests there may be increased opporunities for co-op placements during the summer months.

Broncos Win Big in Season Finale

Beaver Brae's Football season finished the regular season in the Winnipeg High School Football League with its most convincing win of the season.

The Broncos ran roughshod over the St. Norbert Celtics 50-16 yesterday afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Beaver Brae had over 350 yards rushing, including 209 from Dylan Pykerman who scored five touchdowns.

The Broncos will now have to wait until the end of the regular season this week to find out who they might play next week in the play-offs.

McGuinty Steps Down

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty surprised political observers by announcing will step down as party leader.

McGuinty made the surprise announcements to an emergency meeting of the Liberal caucus.

His government is facing a second contempt motion over two cancelled power plants, and he says there was little hope of getting the public sector wage freeze the minority government needs to trim the $14.4-billion deficit.

McGuinty sais after 16 years as Liberal leader and the past nine as premier, it's time for new blood to take

over.

Museum Launches new Exhibit

Your chance to meet up with some old school criminals.

An exhibit called "Arresting Images" is on now at the Lake of the Woods Museum.

Museum spokesperson Lynn Riddell provides an interesting take on the art of the mug shot.

The exhibit started this Wednesday and runs until November 15.

ER Wait Times Down

The Lake of the Woods District Hospital is keeping wait times down in its emergency room.

Board chair Fred Richardson says the average wait time is below the provincial average.

He made the announcement during last night's board meeting.

Sunset Country Upset by New App Development

The Sunset Country Travel Association is furious that the Federal government is funding a new tourism app for the region.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford announced 160 thousand dollars to the Dryden Development Corporation to develop the mobile app.

Gerry Cariou is executive director of Sunset Country and says they are basically duplicating an app they already have in the development stages.

Cariou adds that Sunset Country has developed its app at a fraction of the cost of the grant announced last week by FedNor.

Habitat For Humanity Celebrates First Ever Housing Build

Ashley Neniska is about to become Kenora's newest homeowner.

Neniska takes possession of her home, financed through Habitat for Humanity a noon today.

She says she's put 350 hours of her own sweat equity into the house on Main Street Rideout.

A dedication ceremony for the new home took place on Saturday.

ILevel Timberstrand Mill Celebrates a Decade

A milestone for the i-level Timberstrand mill on the Jones Road.

The mill is turning ten years old this month.

To celebrate, Weyerhaeuser is holding an open house.

Mill manager Bill Candline says they are hoping the public comes out and takes part in their anniversary celebrations.

The open house will take place this Sunday from 1to 4 pm.

More Consultations Sought on Transport of Nuclear Waste

A northwestern Ontario politician says after repeatly being turned down by the Nuclear Waster Management Agency, he is going on his own.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says he will be holding a series of public meetings to discuss the proposed route of any nuclear waste to the northwest.

Hyer also says he has issues with the way the government agency is conducting public meeting on the possible nuclear waste burial sites.

CEP to Vote on Merger with CAW Today

It's a pivotal day for the union movement in Canada.

The Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union will vote in Quebec City on whether to join forces with the Canadian Autoworkers to form a new union.

Regional representitive for the CEP Marvin Pupeza is there, and says it's the only thing anyone is talking about at the convention.

Pupeza says he's all for the merger.

New Air Charter Service Launched

A new Air charter service is now available in northwestern Ontario.

Northern Skies is now up and running at the Sioux Lookout Airport.

Operations Manager Derrick Flynn says they provide charter service twelve months of the year.

Flynn says there was a gap in the market and that's why he got involved.

Thistles Win Two on Home Ice

Home cooking seems to agree with the Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles.

The Thistles got their first two wins of the season this past weekend on home ice.

Saturday, the Kenora Midgets skated to a 3-2 win over the Southwest Cougars.

That followed up on Friday night's convincing 6-3 victory Friday night.

The Thistles now have a 2-2 record

Their next game is a rare Thursday night contest, as their homestand continues against the Norman North Stars.

Saints Win Second Tournament of the Year

Another weekend, another tournament victory for the Thomas Aquinas Senior Boys volleyball team.

The Saints were in Dryden over the weekend for the Annual Pumpkin Smash tournament.

T.A. went through the round robin without dropping a set.

The Saints then beat St. Ignatius and Dryden in the play-offs, and met Churchill Collegiate from Thunder Bay in the A-Side Final Saturday afternoon.

The Saints lost their only set of the tournament in the final, but still prevailed two sets to one to win gold.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae's Football team wraps up the regular season schedule at home this afternoon.

The Broncos will play a make-up game against the 1-4 St. Norbert Celtics at 3:00 this afternoon.

Forest Fire Season Quickly Wrapping Up

The forest fire season doesn't officially close until October 31st, but things are winding down for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The fire hazard is low and the MNR is starting to prepare for the off-season.

Northwestern Ontario has seen 664-fires, burning a total of nearly 99-thousand hectares of land.

That's a far cry from last fire season when the MNR reported 908-fires, covering 629-thousand hectares.

The MNR is still asking the public to be careful with outdoor fires.

New Funding For Tourism Website

The next step for tourism in Northwestern Ontario.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced that FedNor is providing over $160,000 in funding for a new mobile and internet project for the region.

Rickford says it's aimed for people who are on the go.

The online and mobile tourism tool is expected to be up and running by December.

KDSB to Come up With Homelessness Plan

The Kenora District Services Board is being told to come up with a homelessness plan.

The directive comes from the Provincial Government and must be completed by January 2014.

Diane Apland is the Director of Integrated Social Services for the KDSB and says work will begin in 2013.

Apland says they haven't received any specific information on what needs to be addressed in the plan.

Orihel Continues Campaign to Save ELA

It doesn't appear the Harper government is about to budge on the decision to end the Experimental Lakes

Area program near Kenora. Speaking in Thunder Bay, Diane Orihel from Winnipeg said it's frustrating for other scientists like her to make sense of the move.

Orihel is on a mission to save the ELA program.

The outdoor lab east of Kenora is slated to close at the end of March, 2013.

OMA Supports Changes to the Mining Act

The Ontario Mining Association is giving a cautious thumbs up to the revised Mining Act.

Changes were approved last week by the provincial government.

Chris Hodgson is President of the OMA and says it will affect junior mining companies the most.

Hodgson says the changes to the mining act will allow map-staking, meaning prospectors won't have to be on the ground to file their claims.

Missing Hunter Found Near Ignace

Provincial Police have located a missing hunter near Ignace.

Officers were notified at 11pm on Wednesday of a missing hunter on 325 Road in unorganized Township.

78-year-old Arthur Eastman from Arkona had been seperated from his group after walking into a wooded area.

The Emergency Responce Team, OPP Canine Unit and Ministry of Natural Resources search and rescue were able to find Eastman unharmed.

 

This is the second missing hunter reported this week.

 

On Wednesday morning, a hunter was reported lost in the Dryden area, but was found by his hunting party before a full-fledged search was started by the OPP. 

Working Smart Workshops Proving Popular

Lots of interest in the Working Smart Workshops for Blackberry and i-phone users in the region.

The workshops are taking place next week and some are already sold out, while others are filling up fast.

Diane Schwartz-Williams from the Northwest Business Center says they still have room for their Blackberry workshops in Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout next week, while Red Lake has some room for its i-phone session.

The Kenora workshop takes place on Monday and costs 40 dollars.

Broncos Lose Defensive Battle Against Neelin

A tough loss for Beaver Brae's Football Team.

The Broncos dropped a 10-4 decision to the Neelin Spartans from Brandon Thursday afternoon at a snow-covered Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The big play of the game was a 98 yard interception return in the first five minutes by Neelin.

Coach Chris Penner says that was really the turning point in a very defensive struggle.

Braiden Leischow scored all the Bronco points on a field goal and a missed field goal.

Beaver Brae wraps up the regular season on Monday at home in a make up game against the St. Norbert Celtics.

Passport Clinic This Weekend

A one-stop shop for all your passport needs.

A passport clinic will take place this Saturday at the Kenora Legion.

You will be able to get your photo taken, as well as fill out and submit all the necessary paperwork.

Just bring your birth certificate, a second piece of ID and cash for the photo.

Public School Board Releases Special Education Plan

Greater support for children's mental health.

Just one of the highlights in the Public School Board's 2012-2013 Special Education Plan.

Superintendent of Education Sean Monteith says their priorities include:  dealing with behavour, mental health and the use of technology in the classroom.

Monteith says the plan also outlines strategies to deal with beaviour and student and teacher interaction.

Unlucky Kenora Deer Gets Provincial support

A deer that's been wandering around Kenora with a wire around its neck is getting some provincial exposure.

A couple of animal rights groups are demanding that local agencies help out the animal.

Barry Mackay with Born Free USA says leaving the deer alone is inhumane.

Mackay says they want the MNR, the OPP and Animal Control to work together to help remove the wire from around the neck of the deer.

Campbell Warns of High Medical Costs

A local MPP is reminding people to think twice when travelling out of province.

Sarah Campbell of the Kenora Rainy River Riding says it's important to remember that OHIP is limited outside of Ontario.

She adds ambulance rides can be quite costly.

Campbell encourages getting some form travel insurance, even if it's for a day trip.

OPP Lay Charges in Savant Lake Car Accident

Provincial Police have laid charges in relation to a single vehicle crash on Highway 599 north of Savant Lake.

OPP say 22-year-old Laurel Annie Keetash of New Osnaburgh faces 6-charges, including 3-counts of impaired operation causing bodily harm.

Four people were injured in the Sunday afternoon crash.

One person is in hospital in Sioux Lookout with serious injuries.

Another person has been airlifted to hospital in Thunder Bay with life threatening injuries.

Mixed Results for Broncos and Saints in NorWOSSA

Beaver Brae's senior Girls basketball team extended its winning streak to three games with a 35-19 win over the Fort Frances Muskies.

That was the lone bright spot for the Broncos yesterday in Fort Frances.

Beaver Brae junior girls basketball team and junior boys volleyball team lost their games against the Muskies.

The Broncos senior boys volleyball squad lost in straight sets to Fort.

At Thomas Aquinas yesterday, the Saints rolled over Red Lake with the T.A. senior boys volleyball team keeping its perfect record intact winning in three straight sets.

Both girls basketball teams also won yesterday.

Bronco Football Team Back in Action Today

It should be a well-rested Beaver Brae squad today as the Broncos play their first game in two weeks.

The Broncos face the 4-1 Neelin Spartans at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Coach Chris Penner says they will likely have to win their final two games in order to secure a play-off berth.

This was supposed to be Beaver Brae's final home game of the year, but last week's game was cancelled by a snowstorm, meaning the Broncos will have one final game on Monday.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon.

Changes for Pharmacists

Ontario pharmacists can now adminster flu shots, write new prescriptions for stop smoking products, and will soon be able to renew existing prescriptions, except for narcotics.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government changed regulations to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to make it more convenient for patients.

Electoral Boundaries Commission Responds to Riding Changes

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission is having a change of heart.

Public hearings on riding changes in northwestern Ontario were held in Kenora yesterday, and there was a lot of feedback from residents in Lake of the Woods Township.

George Valin is chairman of the Commission and says they understand their concerns about being moved out of the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding.

Valin says they will likely recommend that Lake of the Woods Township stay put and not be moved into the Kenora Riding.

NOSM Holds Major Medical Conference

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a beehive of activity this week.

A major 6-day conference looking at opportunities and challenges in the health care system.

Roger Strasser is the dean of the Medical School and says it's like 5 world conferences in 1.

Strasser says groups will be able to tour Northern Ontario, including communities such as Sioux Lookout.

Path of the Paddle Gets Additional Funding

More funding to help make the Path of the Paddle a reality.

The proposed route would be part of the Trans-Canada Trail and connect waterways in the Kenora and Thunder Bay Districts.

Vicki Kurz is the project manager and says they still need to do more route planning and consultation before the Path of the Paddle becomes a reality.

Kurz says they will be receiving 68 thousand dollars from the Ontario Tourism Development Fund to carry out the second year of route planning.

KACL Takes Over After School Program

More good news for parents needing after school care for their kids.

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has announced that it has reached an agreement with the Kenora Association for Community Living to provide the service at Pope John Paul School.

The City of Kenora announced this past summer that it was getting out of the child care business.

KACL will be taking over the after school program following the Christmas break on January 7th.

Working Smart Workshops next week

A workshop on how to better use your Blackberrys, i-phones and i-pads is coming to the area.

Small Business Advisor Stefanie Armstrong says the purpose is so people can access everything their gadget has to offer.

The Northwest Business Center is presenting the workshops.

The Kenora sessions will take place on October 15th.

Operation Impaqct Stats Released

The results from the Ontario Provincial Police 'Operation Impact' long weekend blitz are in.

Sergeant Ann McCoy says they charged 361 people in the Northwest region with speeding, 41 with hazardous moving violations and 25 seatbelt charges.

Only one speeding charge in the Kenora area and one seatbelt violation.

Four people died in a two vehicle collision near Pic River First Nation and four people were injured in a single vehicle crash north of Savant Lake.

Cocaine Charges at Sioux Lookout Airport

A routine walkthrough at the Sioux Lookout Airport has resulted in the seizure of drugs.

Officers located an intoxicated man and police found he was in possession of cocaine.

Provincial Police say the accused provided a false name during his arrest.

27-year-old Gilbert Chief of Sachigo Lake First Nation faces counts of possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a police officer.

Tourist Lodge Fined

A tourist lodge Northeast of Sioux Lookout has been fined three
thousand dollars.

In September, the Old Post & Villiage served angler caught walleye to 10 guests who just happened to work for the MInistry of Natural Resources.

The MNR wants to remind the public that it is illegal to list angler caught fish on a menu and to charge for them without permission.

More charges facing kidnapper

The man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a 16-year-old boy in Nova Scotia made a brief appearance at an arraignment hearing in Bridgewater this morning.

Before his court appearance, David James Leblanc had charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm, uttering a death threat, administering a noxious substance with intent to cause bodily harm, kidnapping and breach of conditions added to those he was already facing.

As Leblanc was escorted out of the courtroom, two boys yelled profanities from the gallery, calling him a ``goof'' and saying they hope he dies.

Leblanc was arrested in northwestern Ontario last week, and was suffering from hypothermia when

police finally caught up to him on a logging road near Longlac. 

OPP Searching for Two Suspects in Manhunt

The search is continuing for two suspects who stole a vehicle in Thunder Bay and abandoned it in Kenora.

The OPP say they were called out Saturday afternoon around 1:00 after receiving a report of a black Chevy Impala being operated in an agressive manner in the Cambrian area of town.

A short time later, the vehicle was found on Houghton Road.

A Canine Unit was brought in along with the Emergency Response Team, but so far the male and female suspect have not been located.

Both people are said to be in their 20's, with the male suspect described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing a red had and a white jacket.

He also may have had scratches on his face.

Police say the car had been reported stolen in Thunder Bay this past Friday.

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission Holds Hearings In Kenora

The MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding will be among those expected to speak out against proposed changes to federal riding boundaries in northwestern Ontario.

John Rafferty intends to make a submission today to the panel proposing to take Lake of the Woods township out of his riding and attach it to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty is worried the area will not be adequately served.

He agrees with the Commission the area has more "community interest" with Kenora than Thunder Bay, but it's not taking into account the interest it has with the Rainy River district.

The first public hearing will take place this afternoon at 2:00 at the Lakeside Inn.

Good Results for Safe Communities Kenora

Safe Communities Kenora is excited by its latest report card.

It received a grade of 19 out of 20 in its annual assessment.

Co-chair Judy Underwood says one of the areas they have improved is their community partnerships.

Underwood says many events are scheduled for the upcomming year including their annual trivia challenge, the share the road campaign and supporting the spring home show in Kenora.

OPP Use Taser at LCBO

A 50 year old man is recovering after being tasered by the OPP over the weekend.

Officers say they were called to the Kenora Liquor Store Saturday afternoon around 4:30 to deal with a suspect who was acting in an irrational manner.

When police arrived, the man standing on a counter in the LCBO holding a number of bottles.

The OPP say he was unstable and acting in agressive manner to people inside the store and the officers, so they used a taser to subdue him.

He wasn't harmed, but was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment of mental health issues.

More Ambulence Woes for DSAB

The land ambulance saga has been compounded for the Kenora District Services Board.

Ontario's Air Ambulance service has gone back to a requirement to have land ambulance support on every single call.

Dennis Leney says he's seen cases of an air ambulance call and three other units were dispatched to the same call.

Leney says the heartattack patient referenced endured a lengthy wait because there were no land ambulances in the area.

Kidnapping Suspect Due to Make First Court Appearance

A man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy is expected to make his first court appearance today in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Forty-seven-year-old David James Leblanc was returned to the province last week after being captured in northern Ontario.

His co-accused,31-year-old Wayne Alan Cunningham, was found dead in some nearby woods.

Warrants were issued for the two men after a 16-year-old boy turned up on a woman's doorstep, barefoot and chained at his wrists and ankles.

RCMP Warn of Human Trafficking

We might not see it on the streets, but an ex-RCMP officer says human trafficking is likely happening in northern Ontario.

Marty Van Doren, who coordinates a RCMP human trafficking awareness program, says many young girls and boys involved in the sex trade industry come from remote First Nations looking for a better way of life.

Van Doren was speaking to members of area police services boards gathered in Fort Frances.

Midget Thistles off to slow Start

Not the start the Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles were hoping for to start the new season.

The Thistles dropped both of their weekend games in Morden to the Pembina Valley Hawks.

On Saturday, the Kenora Midgets were edged 3-2 by the Hawks.

They followed that up with a 7-1 loss on Sunday.

The Thistles play their home opener Friday night against the Southwest Cougars.