Friday, October 1, 2010

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.