AMO Conference Underway in Ottawa

The annual provincial municipalities conference is underway in Ottawa.  

Ron Nelson is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says tomorrow is when the local delegates will meet with provincial cabinet ministers.

Nelson says the Northern Growth Plan and infrastructure funding for municipal roads and bridges and
the Ring of Fire are just a couple of items on their agenda.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is also in attendance as NOMA president.

Aboriginal Employment Service Up and Running

An employment service for aboriginal job seekers is now up and
running.

Shooniyaa Job Connect went live on-line back in April.

Dana Bridgeman-Cross says they offer services to both employers and employees.

Bridgeman-Cross says they also help job seekers out with resumes, writing cover letters and with job interviews.

Four New Forest Fires This Weekend

The Ministry of Natural Resources is preparing for new forest fires the next couple of days.

Warm and sometimes stormy conditions are in the forecast and the MNR says the fire hazard will likely increase.

It was a fairly quiet weekend for crews with 4
new fires across the region.

New starts were reported in Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.

15 fires continue to burn and cause no concern.

Big Pink Bus Comes to Town

You might notice a large pink bus in Kenora this week.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is bringing its Pink Tour to the community.

Foundation director Beth Easton says it bringing vital information to women and men.

The bus will open its doors on Wednesday with a stop at Shopper's Drug Mart in the morning, followed by a visit to the CIBC on Main Street in the
afternoon.

Bronco Football Team Opens Training Camp

Beaver Brae's football team is gearing up for another season in
the Winnipeg High School League.

The Broncos open their two-week training camp this morning at
Pete Fair Memorial Field.

About 40 players are expected to compete for jobs this season.

The Broncos open the season September 4th on the road against
the Elmwood Giants.

New Telephone Fraud in Kenora

A free trip this is not.

Kenora O.P.P say a telephone fraud in the city is claiming to give away a free trip from a local business.

Police say the call will display a local number and requests your credit card information.

Police say you have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and that any legitimate business will give you the information.

City Council Ready for AMO Meeting

Making our voices heard.

5 members of city council will be attending next weeks Association of Municipalities of Ontario meeting.

Mayor Dave Canfield says he joining area leaders in the stand against Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Canfield also plans to discuss infrastructure, tourism, forestry, and policing.

Council has requested meetings with 7 ministers.

Mike Richards Donates $17,000

Another huge success at the Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament.

A cheque presentation was held where Mike Richards donated over $17,000 to the Kenora and Lake of the Wood Regional Community Foundation.

Richards says giving back is a key goal of his no matter how big or small.

Richards' charity events have raised over $100,000 overall for the community foundation.

MP Rickford Responds to R.O.F Concerns

Greg Rickford isn't saying if the Harper Government will join the province and First Nations at the Ring of Fire bargaining table.  

As the federal minister responsible for the proposed mining project, the Kenora MP says he has a date with First Nations negotiator Bob Rae.

In the meantime, Rickford says the government plans to wait out a court challenge on the federal environmental process.

Red Lake Teacher Receives ETFO Award

An honour for Jeff Holmes, who spent many years teaching in Red Lake.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has presented him with the Honorary Life Member Award.

Holmes is now retired, but says he became a teacher after getting his Master's degree in music.

Holmes says he's not the first from Northwestern Ontario to win this award.
Dryden's Peter Andrusco received it a couple of years ago.

Nishinawbe-Aski Police Appoint New Chief

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is welcoming their new chief.

Terry Armstrong will take over effective September 3rd, replacing Robert Herman who held the position of Acting Chief of Police since January 2013.

He will lead the service alongside Deputy Chief Roland Morrison.

Health Unit Offers Up Septic System Advice

Regular maintenance can help save your septic system.

Doug Vergunst is the Chief Building Official with the Northwestern Health Unit, and recommends installing an effluent filter.

He says the system can save you money in the long run by removing particles.

Vergunst says it's also important to maintain the field portion of the septic system, and advises residents to avoid changing draining patterns near it.

Treaty 3 Commemorates CJ Residential School

 A milestone day for residential school survivors in Treaty 3.

A commemoration ceremony was held at the site of the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora.

Peter Bush spoke on behalf of the Presbyterian Church and offered his apologizes for the actions of abuse performed at the school.

Elder Stephen Kejick said the ceremony did not offer closure but instead a new beginning.

6 residential schools were once operated with in Treaty 3.

New Safety Initiative in School Buses

The Northwest Student Services Consortium is making sure no kid is left behind.

The Consortium has adopted the empty/checked safety initiative.

A checked sign is placed in the back window after the bus driver has checked the bus for any remaining students.

The empty goes up after the driver confirms nobody is left on the bus.

Manager Judy Green says this is another new way for the consortium to improve safety.

Campbell Demands MNR's Long Term Plan

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River says the Province needs to fully disclose its plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

This week the government announced layoff plans across the region and Ontario.

Sarah Campbell says its vital that the Minister come forward with its long-term plan.

The NDP member says the Ministry has already botched cuts, such as those to the Bearwise program and the decision to outsource MNR jobs to the United States.

MNR Offers Black Bear Hunting Safety Tips

The Black bear hunting season in Northwestern Ontario is officially underway.

And Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Debbie MacLean says it's important to be cautious of what's around you.

MacLean says firefighters usually work in groups, and wear highly visible clothing.

She adds that the forest fire season runs until October 31st.

FedNor Invests in Ring of Fire

The Harper government is providing more Ring of Fire related funding in the area.  

FedNor Minister Greg Rickford says 4.4-million dollars is going to the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund to help First Nations businesses create jobs in preparation for the giant mining development.

The funding will be spread over 3 years.

Minimum Wage Campaign Growing in Ontario

A coalition of groups across the province want to see Ontario's minimum wage hit 14-dollars an hour.

Demonstrations in several cities are planned today in hopes convincing government to up the current rate of 10.25.

Most rallies are in southern Ontario, but organizer Sonia Singh says their campaign is growing with people taking a larger role in Thunder Bay and Kenora.

Singh says a wage of 14-dollars would bring many people now struggling over the poverty line.

See says the protests the protests will take place every month on the 14th until the wage is increased.

Northwest LHIN Reappoints 2 Members

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network has reappointed 2 members to it's board of directors.

Dennis Gushalak of Ear Falls and Diane Loubier of Ignace will remain with the LHIN for the next three years.

The LHIN oversees regional health care planning and funding.

Treaty 3 Commemorates Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School

Grand Council Treaty 3 is commemorating the students affected by the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School.

The gathering gets underway today at 11:00 at the school site on Airport Road.

Elder Stephen Kejick will speak followed by a traditional drum and dance.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Council Defers Decision on Flying Lanterns

Kenora city council has deferred a resolution to ban the sale of flying lanterns.

Council has decided to do more research before requesting the province the sale of the lanterns.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they want to discuss the issue with other municipalities first.

Canfield says council has recently gotten information claiming the lanterns have never caused any forest fires or property damage.

Businesses Seek New Loading Zone

Businesses on Bernier Drive are seeking a new loading zone.

Kathy Oberg is with the Brown and Associates Planning Group and says the concerns stem from talks back in 2008.

Oberg says the plan is still to create a new loading zone during the phase 2 utility upgrades on the Harbourfront.

She has also provided council with a letter displaying intern solutions.

Forest Fire Season Remains Quiet

This year's forest fire season in Northwestern Ontario is far from over.

Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Debbie MacLean says while things have been quiet, they are expected to pick up.

McLean says crews are always readily available.

Currently, there are 17-active fires in the region.

MNR Cutting 102 Jobs

Some bad news for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A number of jobs are being cut including 3 positions here in Kenora.

The moves comes as budget cuts have lead to the MNR losing 102 positions.

Dryden and Thunder Bay are losing 7 employees, while Fort Frances, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout are losing 2.

Walleye Classic Casts Off in Minaki

The fishing tournament season is continuing.

The Gary Roach Pro-Team Walleye Classic takes to the waters of Minaki this weekend.

Organizer Mandy Hell says a number of prizes are up for grabs including $5,000 for first place, and a daily big catch prize.

Hell says they also have tackle, Gary Roach roads, and other prizes.

The tournament starts on Friday with a rules meeting and runs through Sunday.

Visit www.paradisecoveminaki.com or call 807-224-1107 to register.

ETFO Re-Elects President Sam Hammond

 Members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario have re-elected Sam Hammond as president at the union's annual meeting in Toronto.

Hammond has served as president of ETFO since 2009.

Hammond led the 76,000 member union's fight against Ontario's Bill 115, which imposed contracts with a two-year wage freeze.

He also defended the union's protest tactics as ETFO staged a series of one-day strikes last December to protest the legislation.

Hammond says he is looking forward to ensuring ETFO's leadership in championing public education and democratic rights into the next round of collective bargaining with the province.

ELA Negotiations hit road block

Raising the alarm bells.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development has hit a road block in take over negotiations for the Experimental Lakes Area.

Peter Kirby is with Save ELA and says they are losing the operating team, and that science at the facility has been halted.

Kirby is calling on the Federal government to cover the necessary costs to finalize the negotiations.

He adds people wishing to donate to the ELA can't do so until the take over has been completed.

Kenora OPP Issue Multiple Driving Charges

The Kenora OPP have charged a Winnipeg man an impared driving offence.

Police say they stopped Justin Stapon on Saturday afternoon on Lakeview Drive.

Following a roadside test police charged Stapon with exceeding the legal limit.

He will answer to the charge in Kenora Court next month.

In the meantime, A Winnipeg man has been charged for a head on collision on Sunday morning.

Kenora OPP say 18 year old Michael Fisette was driving east on Highway 17 when he collided with a west bound truck.

The driver of the truck was taken to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Fisette has been charged with careless driving and will appear in Kenora court in October.

Wanted Man Located by Dryden Police

A little ways from home for a man who was stopped by Dryden Police yesterday morning.

Officers spoke with the Winnipeg man who was walking along Highway 17 near Bedworth Road, and found out he was wanted in Manitoba and British Columbia.

Police say he also had drugs on him.

He is being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Dryden Council Creates New Working Partnership

Dryden Council has agreed to a close working relationship with a group of concerned business owners.

Council has agreed to involve the group in the service delivery review that's about to take place.

Mayor Craig Nuttall says it's the right thing to do.

A resolution introduced by Councilor Sid Wintle last night stated that the group will, among other things, assist the City in reduced staffing levels.

Wintle has suggested that the group is planning another meeting to determine the next course of action.

Opposition Parties Continue to Seek Answers

The opposition parties will have a lot of questions today about cancelled gas plants for Don Guy, the chair of the Liberals' three election victories and a long-time chief of staff to former premier Dalton McGuinty.

N-D-P house leader Gilles Bisson says Guy had a lot of power and emails show he wanted the Speaker to change a preliminary finding of contempt against the Liberals.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says Don Guy's emails paint ``a very disturbing picture of what was happening behind the scenes of the Liberal government'' under Dalton McGuinty.

26th Annual KBI a huge Success

The 26th Annual Kenora Bass International is a resounding success.

KBI Chair Tyler Johnson says the event was fantastic and went off with only a few minor bumps along the way.

Johnson says KBI could not have happened without the Board of Directors, Tournament Advisers, Sponsors, and Volunteers.

Province Funds Bridge Repairs

The city has been cleared of the cost to repair the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

Minister of Infrastructure Glen Murray says the government has stepped up to the plate.

Murray says the government will provide funding to cover the $4.5M price tag.

Murray adds that the province is committed to working on the remaining 17 bridges in the city.

Ontario Energy Board Moves Ahead with Transmission Line

The process is now underway for the construction of a new transmission line to provide electricity between northwestern and southern Ontario.

The Ontario Energy Board's Vanda Wall says a company has been chosen to begin the initial design, the environmental assessment and land acquisition.

Wall says this stage can last up to 18 months.

Emo Upgrades Water Lines and Treatment Plant

 Some major upgrades to Emo's water system.

The township will use 2-million dollars in provincial money towards the installation of new water lines and upgrades to its water treatment plant.

Councillor Anthony Leek says it's a project they've been working on for several years.

Leek is hoping they can start the work this fall

Deadline Looms for Rainy River Resources Shareholders

Nearly all of the shares in Rainy River Resources are in the hands of New Gold.

New Gold had given Rainy River shareholders until the end of the day Thursday to accept its take-over proposal.

New Gold says 97 per cent of shares have been transferred.

The rest will be acquired by the way of a compulsory acquisition as permitted under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act.

MP Greg Rickford Settles Into New Role

Kenora MP Greg Rickford continues his northwestern Ontario swing, but the work continues in Ottawa.

The Conservative is in a transition stage as he continues to be briefed on his new duties as Minister of State of Science and Technology and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Rickford says he's hired Thunder Bay's Mark Wright to lead FedNor duties.

Wright was also an aid for former FedNor Minister Joe Comuzzi.

OPP Recover Body of Drowning Victim

 A 73-year old Kingston man drowned over the weekend while canoeing on Lake Superior near the mouth of the White River.

Marathon provincial police say Erhard Frenzl and another man were in the canoe when it capsized.

One man was able to safely make it to shore, but one was swept away by the current.

A search and rescue effort later found Frenzl's bosy 500 metres off shore.

Day 3: Kenora Bass International

The third and final day of the 26th Annual Kenora Bass International had the Whitecap Pavilion buzzing. This year's winners are Bill Godin of Devlin, Ontario and Leroy Wilson of International Falls, Minnesota with a total weigh in of 52.50 lbs. Day three of the tournament didn't prove to be a lucky one for Jeff Gustafson and Chris Savage who lead the tournament on August 8th and 9th.

For complete results visit: www.kbifishing.com

1	35	18.44	15.46	18.60	52.50	BILL GODIN	DEVLIN	LEROY WILSON	INTERNATIONAL FALLS
2	16	15.31	17.70	18.55	51.56	BRIAN MCNANNEY	SIOUX NARROWS	MATTHEW RYDBERG	SIOUX NARROWS
3	3	15.60	16.05	18.17	49.82	JESS SWENSON	SIOUX NARROWS	MICHAEL REID	SIOUX NARROWS
4	130	17.63	16.68	15.14	49.45	JULES GIBBINS	MORSON	JOHN GIBBINS	MORSON
5	32	15.79	16.98	16.50	49.27	MIKE MILLER	OSHAWA	SCOTT BONNEMA	ZIMMERMAN
6	7	18.20	14.20	15.89	48.29	PAT GIBBONS	MORSON	PAT HANDORGAN JR	MORSON
7	123	16.07	17.27	14.82	48.16	MARK PENTNEY	SLEEMAN	PETER TIBIONI	RAINY RIVER
8	5	16.33	16.93	14.60	47.86	OLIVER GIBBONS	SLEEMAN	JASON GIBBONS	SLEEMAN
9	18	19.78	16.63	11.01	47.42	CHRIS SAVAGE	KEEWATIN	JEFF GUSTAFSON	KENORA
10	8	15.91	14.86	16.31	47.08	DEREK WAGENAAR	KENORA	JAMES HENDY	KEEWATIN

KBI:OFFICIAL DAY 2 STANDINGS

They've got their eye on the prize! Day 2 of the Kenora Bass International proved to be a successful one for Chris Savage and Jeff Gustafson who remain at the top of the tournaments leader board with a total weigh in of 36.41 lbs. The final day of the KBI starts at 6:30 tomorrow morning with over 125 anglers vying for the $25,000 top prize. CJRL'S Darell Plummer and Stephanie Belec will have your official KBI results starting at 3 O'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Whitecap Pavilion. For event details visit: kbifishing.com

POS	TEAM	DAY 1	DAY 2	DAY 3	TOTAL	CAPTAIN		PARTNER		CANAM
1	18	19.78	16.63	0.00	36.41	CHRIS SAVAGE	KEEWATIN	JEFF GUSTAFSON	KENORA
2	130	17.63	16.68	0.00	34.31	JULES GIBBINS	MORSON	JOHN GIBBINS	MORSON
3	35	18.44	15.46	0.00	33.90	BILL GODIN	DEVLIN	LEROY WILSON	INTERNATIONAL FALLS
4	123	16.07	17.27	0.00	33.34	MARK PENTNEY	SLEEMAN	PETER TIBIONI	RAINY RIVER
5	5	16.33	16.93	0.00	33.26	OLIVER GIBBONS	SLEEMAN	JASON GIBBONS	SLEEMAN
6	16	15.31	17.70	0.00	33.01	BRIAN MCNANNEY	SIOUX NARROWS	MATTHEW RYDBERG	SIOUX NARROWS
7	32	15.79	16.98	0.00	32.77	MIKE MILLER	OSHAWA	SCOTT BONNEMA	ZIMMERMAN
8	96	14.76	17.88	0.00	32.64	BEHN CARLSON	KENORA	JON PEARSON	KENORA
9	22	15.17	17.30	0.00	32.47	DARREN MARCINE	KENORA	WADE COX	KENORA
10	56	16.55	15.92	0.00	32.47	BART STEBNITSKY	KENORA	OWEN STEBNITSKY	KENORA

How Mental Illness Affects Seniors

Studies show that Canada's elderly are at a much higher risk of suicide than young people.
Statistics Canada released a report in 2009 that showed men between 85 and 89-years old have the highest rate of suicide among any age group in Canada.
Elaine Lindgren is a Geriatric Mental Health Worker with the District Mental Health Services for Older Adults Program, and says that depression is not a normal part of aging. As people get older, there are different factors that come into play with depression. These include loss of independence, loss of a spouse or relatives, retirement, changes in financial status and worrying about being placed in a retirement home. Lindgren says it's important for friends and family to watch out for signs of depression, such as:

- a persistent sad mood for more than 2-weeks
- loss of pleasure or interest in most activities
- physical changes
- excessive worrying
- social withdrawal
- loss of energy
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt
- frequent tearfulness
- repeated thoughts of death or suicide

If you know someone who is battling mental illness, it's important to get help. Nathalie Legros is another Geriatric Mental Health Worker with the Older Adults Program, and says they are there to help. They visit homes, whether they're private or institutionalized, provide care and treatment planning, facilitate referrals, monitor a person's mental health and work closely with other organizations that assist with the person's care.
Legros says there are also many things seniors and their families can do to help with the symptoms of depression.

- read about depression in order to recognize the symptoms
- talk to a friend, family member or counselor
- take up a hobby 
- exercise
- spend time caring for a pet or tending to a live plant
- volunteer
- meditation
- make a list of self-rewards
- take a day trip

For more information on services available, contact the Older Adults Program at 807-274-9400 or 1-888-813-6503.

Disturbance Results In Charges In Sioux Lookout

Provincial Police in Sioux Lookout have two men in custody following a disturbance on Front Street yesterday.
Officers noticed two intoxicated men yelling and swearing at each other.
OPP say the two were arrested and as they were transferred into cells, one of them assaulted an officer with a prisoner property storage bin.
Police say 21-year-old Levi Whiskeyjack and 21-year-old Harry Whiskeyjack have both been charged with causing a disturbance.
Levi has also been charged with assaulting a police officer.

RCMP Resume Search For Remains And Evidence

The RCMP’s historical case unit will conduct a search of the Sakimay First Nation in Saskatchewan looking for remains or evidence in the death of a Kenora area man who vanished 10 years ago.
About 25 people, including RCMP officers, civilian employees of the force and volunteers, are combing through a wooded area on the reserve.
Robin Cocks, who was in his mid-30s, vanished in 2003 but his skull was found in the area on April 13, 2012.
Cocks was born Robin Timothy Jamieson and was originally from the Dalles First Nation, before being adopted.
He was believed to be hitchhiking to Vancouver when he vanished.

KBI

The results for day one of The Kenora Bass International are in! Heading into the competition with an advantage today are Chris Savage and Jeff Gustafson who lead the pack with an official standing of 19.78 lbs. Bill Godin and Leroy Wilson are in at a close second with 18.44 lbs.

The official weigh-in for day two of the KBI starts at 4 p.m under the Whitecap Pavilion.