Nickle Approves Tory Northern Policy

The Conservatives are reaching out to northern Ontario in the latest of
their white papers.

Tory leader Tim Hudak unveiled his northern policy this week.

Kenora-Rainy River candidate Randy Nickle says they want to open the
region up for business again.

Nickle says the Conservatives goal is to issue permits for as many as 10
new mines in the region over the next five years.

New NorWOSSA Season Begins Today

The high school court sport season begins today on two fronts.

Both Thomas Aquinas boys volleyball and girls basketball teams will
see their first action of the young season.

The Saints are at home today to Pelican Falls.

Action begins at 10:30 at the T.A. gym.

Meanwhile, Beaver Brae teams hit the road to play the Dryden.

The Dryden Eagles entertain the Broncos in Girls Basketball and Boys Volleyball.

The Senior Boys kick things off at noon.

Canfield Weighs in On Energy East Project

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is offering his opinion on the Energy East Pipeline.

Canfield attended Trans-Canada info session on the project and says he stressed his major concern.

Canfield added he wants to see the pipeline have automatic shut off valves if a leak is detected.

The Energy East project would pump oil from Alberta to the East coast.

TransCanada will be holding another open house on the project today in Dryden.

Council Seeks Social Housing Task Force

Kenora city council is shifting some attention the Kenora District Services Board 10 year homelessness plan.

Council is requesting that the board creates a multi-disciplinary task force.

Councillor Louis Roussin says there is one key topic the force would look at.

Roussin says the task force would also work on support services, and continually follow up on homelessness concerns.

Heritage Designation Sought for Memorial Park

Heritage Kenora is planning to offer some protection for Memorial Park
in the downtown core.

The Committee is planning to give the green space a heritage designation.

That means that no changes can be made to the park, without the prior
consent of Heritage Kenora.

Memorial Park contains the Cenotaph, which is considered one of the heritage attributes.

City council will be asked to approve the heritage designation at a future
meeting.

Catholic School Board Hires Spec. Ed. Coordinator

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has filled a key vacancy.

The separate school board has announced that it has hired Chris Moorley as their Special Education Coordinator.

She replaces Estelle Cantera, who retired this past spring.

Moorley is currently a special education teacher at Pope John Paul School, and has worked for the Catholic School Board for the past 26 years.

She'll start her new position once staffing is worked out at PJP.

Sand Mandala Created at the Discovery Centre

A Tibetan artist is in Kenora working on a sign of peace for the community.

Ven Lama Losang Samten is creating a sand mandala at the Discovery Centre.

Samten says the mandala tradition dates back over 2600 years to India where it where then became a Tibetan tradition.

The Mandala being created is a sign of healing for the community.

The project is on display until next Monday.

Family Safety Night tonight

Family Safety Night is taking over the Haboufront tonight.

The event is aimed at teaching people about risks they encounter everyday.

Maria Bagdonis with Safe Communities Kenora says they will have some great displays taking place.

Bagdonis says the highlight will be a vehicle extraction involving the Jaws of Life at 5:30.

Family safety night runs from 4 until 7 under the Whitecap Pavilion.

Hudak Releases Northern Policy

Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak says his northern vision will give more decision making power to people in this part of the province.

Hudak released details of his Northern Platform yesterday.

He says its about time northerners had a say in how their natural resources are utilized.

As an example Hudak says under a PC government northerners will have more of a say over wildlife and hunting management and cottage development

Minister of Natural Resources Defends Transformation

The Minister of Natural Resources says the NDP is misleading Northerners on MNR transformation.

Minister David Orazietti is responding to a recent media release from an NDP member that MNR internal reorganization will hurt Northern Ontario by downsizing staff.

He notes the province returned 40-million dollars to the MNR base funding.

He notes that during the 1990's the NDP government hacked more than 107-million dollars from the MNR budget and 23-projects and offices were closed across the province.

Boise Inc. Sold for 2 Billion

New owners for the mill in International Falls.

Packaging Corporation of America says its acquiring Boise Inc. in a deal valued at nearly 2-billion dollars.

PCA says the acquisition of Boise's operations, which include four mills and 26 converting facilities, is an excellent fit for them,  both geographically and strategically.

The announcement comes just four months after Boise had announced plans to shut down two of its paper machines and eliminate 265 jobs at its International Falls mill by October.

Good Response for Terry Fox Run in Kenora

Cool, clear weather helped boost this years numbers for the 33rd Annual Terry Fox Run.

Laurine Goertzen is one of the organizers and says they had more than 300 people show up and participate this year.

Over 13 thousand dollars was raised locally, which was two thousand dollars better than last year.

Since the Terry Fox Run began, local residents have contributed almost 400 thousand dollars to cancer research.

Council Set to Re-Appoint Non-Profit Housing Board Members

The fate of the non-profit housing boards in Keewatin and Kenora are still up in the air.

The terms of the board members is coming up for renewal and instead of appointing new members, the existing members are going to be asked to continue on for at least another year.

The city has been talking about merging the two non-profit housing agencies but both boards have been balking at the suggestion.

Kenora City Council will be voting on the recommendation at tomorrow's open meeting.

Soccer Association Seeks Volunteers for Work Party

The former Jaffray Melick Arena is slowly being transformed into an indoor soccer complex.

The transformation will continue today as the rink boards in the arena are removed.

Heather Kasprick from the Lake of the Woods Soccer Association says the work is progressing mostly with the help of local volunteers.

Kasprick says they are looking for more volunteers to help out with the removal of the rink boards this
week.

A work party will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00.

Cordless screwdrivers, work gloves and pry bars are also needed.

Search Continues for Missing Red Lake Man

The search is continuing today for a missing 22 year old Red Lake man on the English River.

The OPP Marine Units from Red Lake and Ear Falls are being assisted by a police helicopter today.

Police say two men were out duck hunting last Wednesday evening, when they fell out of the boat they were in.

One man managed to make it to shore and spent in the night in the bush before being rescued the next day
by a group of fishermen.

Health Unit Losing It's MOH

The Northwestern Health Unit is losing its Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. James Arthurs will be retiring next March.

Dr. Arthurs came to the Health Unit in 2009, after working in the U.S. as a family and emergency room physician and Medical Director.

The Board of Health has already started the recruitment process.

Board Chair Julie Roy says Dr. Arthurs is leaving their programs strong and thriving.

Rickford Readies for Throne Speech

A new session of Parliament will begin in another month.

Last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially asked the Governor General
to prorogue the House of Commons until October 16th.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says in the meantime, the Conservative Caucus will be working on the new agenda for the fall session.

Rickford says the government will also start work soon on the spring budget and working on a consultation schedule.

Parking Concerns Raised At Medical Clinic

Parking continues to be a sore point on Tunnel Island.

The Kenora Medical Clinic is asking city council to approve a crackdown on people who park illegally in the tow away zone in front of their building.

The city has been reluctant to ticket people who park illegally, because the medical clinic is private property and doesn't belong to the municipality.

Council is suggesting that a tow away zone be set up in front of the clinic, and will also request that its by-law enforcement officers, ticket anyone who parks in the fire lane.

More Issues for Ring of Fire

The latest snag in the Ring of Fire mining development isn't worrying Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle.

A government commission ruled against Cliffs Natural Resource's road proposal for the area.  

The Gravelle says he doesn't consider it a deal-breaker for Cliffs Natural Resources.

Gravelle says the provincial government and his ministry also remain committed to working with all companies to move the project forward

OTF Info Session this Month

Charities and Not-For-Profit groups can learn about the Ontario Trillium Foundation this month.

The foundation is holding an information session in Kenora on September 25th.

Spokesperson Loida Igancio says you can register online at:

otfinfosessionkenora.eventbrite.ca or contact Loida Ignacio lignacio@otf.ca or 1-800-263-2887.

Quiet Forest Fire Season in NWO

A relatively quiet fire season in northwestern Ontario.

Updated statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources shows the
number of fires was about half the number as last year.

At this time in 2012, there were 617 fires, compared to jus t 347 this year.

The amount of forest land burned is also a lot less.

Last year  94 thousand hectares of forest went up in flames, compared to
just over 41 thousand this year.

No new fires were reported over the weekend in this region.

Kelly and Joseph Win Crow Lake Bass Classic

The Dan's did it.

The team of Dan Kelly and Dan Joseph took top honors at the Crow Lake Bass Classic in Nestor Falls over the weekend.

The tandem reeled in almost 31 pounds of fish over the two-day tournament collecting the first place prize of about 44 hundred dollars.

Thatcher Haggberg and Jim Ducharme finished in second.

Bronco JV Squad Wins First Ever Game

A new football program is starting up at Beaver Brae.

The Bronco Junior Varsity program features students from Grades 7 and 8, and the team earned its first ever win this weekend.

Beaver Brae blanked the Dryden Falcons 32-0 Saturday afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The next game for the Bronco JV squad is this Saturday in Fort Frances.

OPP Search For Missing Hunter in Ear Falls

A Provincial Police Dive Team will arrive in Ear Falls this afternoon to search for a missing man.

Police say two men were duck hunting in a boat on English River Wednesday night when both of the men lost their balance and fell into the water.

One of the men was able to make it to shore and take shelter in the bush for the night.

The man was able to flag down a group of fishermen the next day.

Police aren't releasing the name and age of the missing man.

reports say that the young man is from Red Lake.

Terry Fox Run Goes this Sunday

The Terry Fox Run turns 33 years old this year.

The annual fundraiser for cancer research takes place this
Sunday starting at Valleyview School.

Laurine Goertzen is one of the organizers and says there are different ways to participate, including cycling, jogging, walking, or rollerblading.

You can still register the morning of the run at Valleyview School from 9:00 until noon.

Muskies On Main Ready for Launch in 2014

Move over Bears on Broadway...Muskies on Main are coming to town.

Lake of the Woods Arts Collective has been working on the project for
a couple of years now.

Irene McQuaig says they consider this a regional art project not only for LOWAC, but other non-profit groups as well.

McQuaig says they plan to display the muskies in the Harbortown Center from June to September of 2014.

Man Arrested Following Vehicle Break-in

A 19 year old Kenora man faces theft charges after a vehicle was broken into
in the Lakeside area.

The OPP say they received a call around 4:00 yesterday morning, that someone was trying to get into a car parked in their driveway.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the culprit located on a
short distance away.

Brandon Banning has been charged with theft under five thousand dollars.

He's due to make a first court appearance on October 18th.

OPP Investigate Threat in Fort Frances

OPP continue to try to find out who tried to extort money out of a Fort Frances financial institution.

The Northern Lights Credit Union was closed yesterday after a bag was found at its back door.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it also came with a threatening note.

McCoy says the note also indicated of consequences to other businesses and schools if the demand wasn't meant.

That prompted police to ask schools to implement a "hold and secure" positions which required them to lock all doors and closely monitor those entering while police investigated.

Brinkman Supports Ban on Flying Lanterns

Kenora's fire chief says he supports a wholesale ban on the sale of flying lanterns in the city.

Warren Brinkman has submitted a report to council recommending a ban.

He says even though there haven't been many fires started by devices, he feels they are still a fire hazard.

Brinkman says if council doesn't decide to ban the flying lanterns, the Ontario Association of
Fire Chiefs is preparing it's own resolution to pass onto the provincial government.

NOSM Hires New Research Chair

There's a new Research Chair at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Dr. Sheldon Tobe is the new Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Aboriginal and Rural Health.

Dean Roger Strasser says he'll be working in remote rural First Nation communities.

The new position is funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Provincial Government.

Campbell Launches Campaign Against Energy Retailers

Door to door energy retailers and their electricity contracts are being discussed at Queens Park.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell raised the issue in Question Period this week and said more needs to be done to protect people who sign pricey deals.

Minister of Consumer Services Tracy MacCharles says they're working to address the problem.

Campbell says she's heard of deceased residents being signed up for the contracts and wants legislation that would prevent it from happening.

City Hoping For Funding For Coney Docking

The City of Kenora is hoping to land some government funding to help re-build the docks on Coney Island.

Council this week agreed to apply for some infrastructure funding.

Councillor Sharon Smith says upgrading the docks has been identified as a priority on the Beaches, Parks and Trails report released by the city a couple of years ago.

The city is prepared to commit up to 100 thousand dollars towards the  project and hopes to get matching funds from the provincial and federal levels of government.

Broncos Win Homecoming Game

A break-out game for Beaver Brae's football team.

After being held without a point in the pre
season and their first game last week,
the Broncos put up four touchdowns in a 31-6 thrashing of the Dryden Eagles yesterday.

Head Coach Chris Penner says there is a reason they had four rushing majors.

He says the offensive line did an awesome job of creating holes for the running backs.

Aiden Farrell had a pair of touchdowns for the Broncos, while Hudson Boucha and Jackson
Penner scored majors.

Beaver Brae is back home next Friday against the Tech Voc Hornets.

City Releases Homelessness Plan

The City of Kenora has come out with its own Homelessness plan, months before the Kenora District Services Board.

The city's Chief Administrative Officer, Karen Brown says they started the process about a year and a half ago.

She says they will be sharing their findings with both the DSAB and Treaty Three in the next couple of months.

The plan has five main points, including social housing, substance abuse, behavioral issues,
and potential city council initiatives.

Vermillion Bay Woman Dies Following Collision

The Vermillion Bay woman whose vehicle collided with two horses on Highway 17 near Dryden has passed away from her injuries.

The 38 year old was sent on the weekend to Thunder Bay hospital for treatment but OPP say she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday night.

The woman has been identified as Crystal Machendagoos
.

One of the horses was also killed in the collision.

Cancer Society Introducing New Fees

Some cancer patients in northwestern Ontario will see a new charge if they need a ride to the Cancer Centrer while in Thunder Bay.

The Canadian Cancer Society say  any patient signing up to access its transportation service after October 1st will be billed a one-time 100-dollar registration fee.

Regional director Barbara Spencer cites rising costs and increased demand.

The fee does not apply to patients using public transportation or those who qualify for coverage under the Northern Health Travel Grant.

Natural Resources Minister Says ELA Still Needs Long Term Deal

The Provincial Government is reaffirming its committment to keep scientific research going in northwestern Ontario.

Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti says they believe in the science and the work that's being done at the Experimental Lakes Area.

Orazietti notes the task now is ensuring the research facility stays open for the long haul.

The provincial government is committing up to 2-million dollars per year to keep the ELA open.

Community Foundation Seeking Grant Applicants

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is looking for new grant applications.

Executive Director Darlene MacGillivray says the grants are available for groups throughout the region.

The deadline to apply in this Sunday.

For more information you can log onto www.klwcf.ca or call 467-4427.

New Banners Going Up in Downtown

You'll soon see some new banners adorning downtown light standards.

The Kenora Business Improvement Zone has purchased 80 of the banners
representing the city's new theme as North America's Premier Boating Destination.

Rob Dokuchie from the BIZ says they will be hanging the banners in all areas
of the downtown core.

Dokuchie says they have four new designs they will be rolling out in the next week
or so.

Broncos Host Eagles in Home OPener

Get your Bronco Pride On.

The Beaver Brae Broncos are welcoming the Dryden Eagles to Pete Fair Memorial field today at 3:00.

The game is the annual Home coming game for the Broncos.

Following the game the team is hosting a tail gate party at the schools upper parking lot.

Koch Signs With Argos

A former member of Beaver Brae's football team is back in the CFL.

Kyle Koch was added to the Toronto Argonauts roster this week.

Koch spent last season with Edmonton, but was cut this year during
training camp.

He's expected to suit up this weekend as the Argos head to Saskatchewan.

Police Investigate Plane Accident on Black Sturgeon

The OPP is investigating a plane crash on Black Sturgeon Lake.

Police say the Osprey Float plane went down in the Beauty Bay area around 4:30 yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses say the pilot was practicing touch and go, take offs and landings, but end up losing control of the aircraft and made contact with the water.

The OPP say the pilot sustained minor injuries while the plane was also damaged.

Canfield Pushes Reciprocity Deal for Snowmobiles

An old idea is being revived to try and improve winter tourism opportunities in the region.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's talked to political and tourism officials on all sides of the border about a reciprocity agreement for snowmobile permits.

Canfield says everyone he's talked to have been very supportive of the initiative.

Canfield says it will be up to the Ontario and Manitoba Governments to legislate the reciprocity agreement along with the State of Minnesota.

Campbell Ready for New Session At Queen's Park

Holding the provincial government accountable.

Summer break is over for MPP's and Kenora Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says she wants to make sure the Liberals form an accountability office.

Campbell says the office will overlook every government that takes office.

She also she will ensure the government lowers auto insurance premiums by 15 per cent with in 2 years.

Public School Board Excited By New Year

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is bullish about the new school year.

The Board held it's first meeting of the school year last night.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says everyone has a lot of pride in what they are doing right now.

Monteith points to the boards efforts, from facility renewal to assisting students that are at risk.

Autopsy Confirms Vermillion Bay Racer Died of Natural Causes

An autopsy has confirmed that Vermilion Bay stock car driver Bill Reimer died of natural causes.

Provincial Police were called to the Emo Speedway around 8 o'clock last Saturday night.

Police say Reimer was pronounced dead after his race car left the travelled portion of the raceway.

A post-mortem exam was conducted Monday at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Legal Challenge Against Ring of Fire Lifted

With one roadblock now removed, Cliffs Natural Resources is looking forward to continuing it's quest to open a chromite mine in the Ring of Fire mining development.  

Company spokesperson Jason Aagenes says with the Matawa First Nations dropping its environmental legal challenges there is more room for optimism

The case was set to be heard by the Federal Court in mid-September but the group decided to put an end to it saying they never wanted a judge to decide their future.

The company says it still has some land issues to settle and environmental approval from the provincial government.

Aagenes says while it's good news, the company still hasn't taken the pause button off the project because there are still other roadblocks

Sioux Lookout Man Faces Trafficking Charges

A Sioux Lookout man has been charged after police found over 40-thousand-dollars worth of pot.

Dryden Police, along side Provincial Police, stopped 23-year-old Lucas Roy Monday evening along Highway 17 near Kennedy Road.

Police found the drugs, and Roy has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In addition, a youth that was travelling with Roy has been charged for the same offence.

Pickle Lake Picks Up FedNor Funding

Federal funding for the Township of Pickle Lake.

Minister of State for FedNor Greg Rickford announced nearly 300-thousand dollars in funding during a stop in Pickle Lake yesterday.

242 thousand dollars will help the community replace an existing line to the local water tower, ensuring the community has access to clean and safe drinking water.

The rest of the money will help Pickle Lake increase its bandwidth service to 100-megabytes per second.

Rickford says the work will result in faster, more secure and reliable broadband services.

Former Thistle Gets A Shot with the Leafs

A former member of the Kenora Triple A Midgets has visions of wearing blue and white.

Kevin Raine has been invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs main camp and will battle for a position on the backend.

Raine started the season expecting to be the leader of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League but was asked to attend the Leafs rookie camp.

Raine will compete against 19 other defenceman for a position with the Leafs.

Camp opens tomorrow.