Another Phone Scam

The OPP are warning Kenora residents about yet another telephone scam.

Police say they received a report about a phone call from a someone claiming to be from a local sports organization.

The caller said the group doing a fundraiser and requested a donation.

The homeowner decided to support the cause and provided credit card information over the phone.

Police say it was later learned the organization isn't actively involved in any fundraising right now.

The OPP say providing credit card details over the phone is risky, and if you have any doubts

about the authenticity of a telemarketer you should contact the Kenora Detachment office or

Phonebusters.

Local Pet Supply Company nominated for prestigious award

A Kenora pet supply business has been nominated for a prestigious international retail award.

Taylor Made Pet Supplies in Keewatin is up for a Summit Award.

Crystal and Doyle Friesen have been singled out for their support of the Cat Shelter and

Its A Dog's Life fostering network.

They are also involved in school co-op programs and offer puppy and dog socializing programs.

The awards will be handed out at the 5th Annual International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

in Lake Louise, Alberta later this month.

Premier Announces Ring of Fire Co-ordinator

Although the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has come out against the new Ring of Fire Coordinator; she feels she has a good working relationship with area first nations.

Dr. Christine Kaszicky was the assistant deputy minister of Northern Development and Mines, during the time members of the Big Trout Lake First Nation were sent to jail over a mining dispute.

Kaszicky says she's learned a lot since that incident.

Kaszicky starts her new job October 25th.

Hampton Opposes Hydro rate increase

Opposition New Democrats are calling on Premier McGuinty to review an Ontario Energy Board decision that raised the guaranteed rate of return for electricity distributors and transmitters.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton says those rates went up despite recommendations no change was necessary.

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says the NDP are speaking figures that are inaccurate.

Last All-Candidate Forum puts focus on the homeless

Its all over but the shouting for the candidates running for Kenora City Council.

Last week, the participated in four all-candidate forums over five days.

Some of the the canadidates shared some interesting ideas for economic development.

Sharon Smith says she'd like the city to become more involved in eco-friendly intiatives.

For her part, Wendy Cuthbert says the city needs to be accountable to all its citizans, that

includes, young and old.

There are 13 candidates seeking 12 seats on council.

Ballot kits started showing up in local mail-boxes on Friday.

i-Level Lay-offs Announced

The I-Level Timberstrand mill on the Jones Road has announced some lay-offs.

Effective this past Saturday, three managment staff and 14 associates were laid off.

The company is blaming a slow U.S. market for the need to trim its staff.

Weyerhaeuser says its will be going with two crews four days a week.

Thistles start hockey season with a win

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles picked up two of a possible six points on a tough western road trip to start the 2010/2011 season in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

The Thistles started the campaign out on Friday night with a 4-2 over the Southwest Cougars in Souris.

The Kenora Midgets followed that up with a 2-1 loss on Saturday night to the Yellowhead Chiefs.

Yesterday, the Thistles squandered a couple of two goal leads, and lost a 7-5 decision to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Kenora Midgets play their home opener on Friday night at the newly refurbished Thistle Rink against the Central Plains Capitals.

SIU releases report on Lac Seul Shooting

Three OPP officers from Sioux Lookout have been cleared of any wrong-doing by the Ontario Special Investigations Unit in the shooting death of a Lac Seul area resident.

The incident took place back on May 9th, when Brian Gray began firing shots near the home of George Carprenter.

Police were later informed that Carpenter had been killed in his home and there were at least six other people in his house that were being held hostage.

Later the 54 year old exited the house with a male hostage and had a rifle pointed at his head.

When Gray fired a shot in the air, the officers opened fire and shot him several times.

He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.

The SIU determined the officers were justified in the use of lethal force because Gray had proven to be unpredictible and violent in the events leading up to the shooting.

Mischief Incident on Construction Site

The OPP are investigating a mischief incident at the Ball Diamonds at

the Kenora Rec. Center.

Police were contacted shortly after 3:00 Thursday morning after recieving reports that one of the excavators was in use at the construction site on Mike Richards Way.

When officers arrived at the scene they saw a couple of suspects running away from the scene.

The OPP say that the fencing at the big ball diamond and one of the bleachers was destroyed by the excavator.

Police are currently trying to identify the culprits.

OPP Awards Ceremony

Three OPP officers from Kenora and two civilians have received Commissioner Citations for their work in the area.

Gord and Mark Rickaby also recieved a St. John Ambulence award yesterday for their life-saving actions on Lake of the Woods in June of 2009.

Gord Rickaby says the award is bittersweet, because the person they were sent out to help, eventually died.

Constable Dave Cain also recieved a Commissioners Citation for his work in expanding the junior constable program in the region.

McGuinty makes appearance in Northwestern Ontario

Premier Dalton McGuinty's exactly greeted with open arms in his visit to northwestern Ontario yesterday.

McGuinty announced his choice for Ring of Fire co-ordinator in Thunder Bay at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Conference.

There is concern that as Assistant Deputy Minister at the Mines Ministry, Christine Kaszycki was in office when Big Trout Lake First Nations protesters were jailed in a mining dispute with Platinex.

McGuinty calls it a learning experience for her

McGuinty says Kaszycki has the qualifications for the position.

Chamber President gets new duties

The new president of the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce will pick up some

new duties this weekend.

Andy Scribilo is also the president elect of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.

NOACC is holding its annual fall meeting in Thunder Bay, and Scribilo says he's looking forward to the three day conference.

Scribilo says the contraversial Far North Act will be one of the issues that will be discussed at the weekend conference.

Mayoralty Candidates Don't Oppose Plebiscites

Two of three candidates for the mayor's chair in Kenora say they are not opposed

to holding plebiscites to deal with important city issues.

The issue was raised during the open-line program Talkback yesteday on CJRL.

Andrew Poirier says if there is one thing the policing issue taught him, was not to ignore the voices of local ratepayers.

Former Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says while he's not opposed to holding a plebiscite, he can't envision a reason for that having to happen.

The third candidates for the mayoralty, Jim Parson was unable to attend the talk show due to the death of his wife last week from cancer.

Uncertain Future for MS Kenora

The future of the M.S. Kenora cruise ship on Lake of the Woods is a little murky.

Lake Navigation, which owns the boat, says its actively seeking a new home for the

vessel.

Al Luby is one of the partners in the venture and says eversince 9/11 they have seen a significant drop in business.

Luby says they have launched a pre-feasibility study to determine the most viable site for future operations of the M.S. Kenora.

He adds that they are fully committed to operating next year, but after that, the future of the boat is uncertain.

Broncos Bounce Buckeyes

Beaver Brae's football team had its best offensive showing of the season yesterday.

The Broncos trounced the previously unbeaten Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes 42-7 at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Beaver Brae head coach Chris Penner admits his offense was clicking.

Scott Morgan had a 65 yard touchdown run in the second half, while Nick hendy had a pair of majors.

Jarod Davis, Cody Jones, and Billy Kitt each added majors.

The Broncos head to Winnipeg one week from today to take on Murdoch McKay.

Broncos versus Buckeyes

Beaver Brae's football team faces another stiff test today.

The 3-0 Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes come to town this afternoon to take on the 2-1 Broncos.

Head Coach Chris Penner says the Buckeyes are a talented offensive team.

The Bronco defense will get a boost today with the return of Dannon Saunders to the line-up.

He's been out the past four weeks with a knee injury.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Energy Credit for Seniors

The government is proposing to boost tax relief for seniors.

The Liberals have introduced an improved energy and property tax credit.

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the tax credit will be accessed through income tax.

Mauro says they've heard the concerns of seniors facing high hydro bills.

Police Investigate Boat Collision

The OPP are investigating a boat collision near the Main Street Dock in

Kenora.

Police say that late Sunday night, an eastbound 16.5 foot Polar Craft

was rammed from behind by a 16 foot Vanguard.

The occupants of the Polar Craft were thrown into the water, but managed to get back into their boat.

Police say they sustained only minor injuries.

Breast Screening Milestone in NWO

The Regional Cancer Centre is celebrating a milestone.

It's operated the Breast Screening Program in Northwestern Ontario for 20 years.

Cancer Care Director Alison McMullen says over 32 thousand women have been given mammograms, but more needs to be done

The Breast Screening Coach is in Kenora this week and appointments can be booked up until

October 2nd.

Premier to Visit Northwestern Ontario

Premier Dalton McGuinty is in Thunder Bay today.

He will deliver the keynote address at the Northwestern Ontario

Municipal Association and will be joined by area M-P-Ps Michael

Gravelle and Bill Mauro.

The premier will then met area residents applying for the

Northern Ontario Energy Credit.