Ride for Memories raises thousands for Alzheimer's

The final figures are in from this weekend's Alzheimer Society Ride for Memories.

The more than 31-thousand dollars raised was about 4-thousand less than expected.

But Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts, Lynn Moffatt says it's still significant money for people suffering from Alzheimers and their families.

A record 160 motorcycle enthusiasts from across northwestern Ontario participated.

OPP Launch and Equipment Drive in Kenora

An equipment drive has been launched to help kids get the gear they need to play hockey this winter.

The OPP is teaming up with Source for Sports in northern Ontario to collect used equipment.

Debbie Novak is with Triple Play and says they will be working with those two groups making sure the equipment is distributed to children in need.

Tagg's Source for Sports will be accepting used hockey equipment for the next three weeks.

Canfield Optimistic Province will help pay for bridge repairs

The City of Kenora's lobbying efforts seem to be paying off.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says he's had productive talks with the Minister of Infrastructure last week at the AMO conference in London.

Canfield says he's received guarantees that the province will help pay to fix up two aging bridges along Lakeview Drive.

Canfield is hoping the province picks up at least 90 percent of the cost of the bridge work, which could exceed seven million dollars.

Transportation Safety Board investigates Sioux Lookout plane crash

Transportation Safety Board officials are investigating the crash of a float plane near Sioux Lookout that claimed the life of an American pilot.

Board Spokesperson Chris Krepski says initial reports suggest the plane was trying to land on the chutes of Abram Lake when the aircraft flipped over into the water.

Another pilot flew over the site and reported the crash.

Police say the pilot, a Sunfish Lake, Minnesota resident, was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

College Strikes Draws Closer

If a contract isn't in place by midnight tonight, support staff at Confederation College will hit the picket line.

Spokesperson Adair Conlon says their bargaining team will be at the table today.

Conlon says they've set up their strike headquarters and they're prepared to walk out.

Ring of Fire Agreement Reached

Four remote First Nations in the Ring of Fire mining zone are to sign an agreement today to ensure they benefit from ongoing mining and exploration activities.

The bands say the agreement is expected to change how mining companies will work with First Nations in the Ring of Fire area.

All four first nations Chiefs are to attend the signing in Thunder Bay.

The Ring of Fire, about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is believed to host large deposits of chromite and nickel

Fewer Fires Burning in Northwestern Ontario

With summer starting to wind down, Ministry of Natural Resources Fire crews are starting to make good progress on the wildfires that have been raging across the region.

There are now 41-active fires burning in Northwestern Ontario.

Information Officer Debbie McLean says blowdowns and fallen timber have made their task difficult.

Over the weekend there were 26 new forest fires reported in this area.

Astros Win Men's Slo-Pitch Title

Another season in the Men's slo-pitch league is over. The Astros took top honors this year.

They got by Titan Construction in two straight games in the best-of-three A-side Championships.

Kroppy's Hawks took the B-Side title by downing the Master Batters in two straight.

Investigation continues into downtown fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is going to be investigating a blaze at a rooming house in downtown Kenora.

The fire broke out yesterday morning and caused extensive damage.

Fortunately no-one was hurt.

The cause of the blaze still hasn't been determined.

Pilot Dead following plane crash near Sioux Lookout

A Minnesota man is dead following a plane crash near Sioux Lookout.

The OPP say a small aircrash went down in Abram Lake yesterday afternoon around 4:00.

The only occupants were the pilot and a dog.

Police say the pilot was taken to hospital but was pronounced  dead.

He was a resident of Sunfish Lake, Minnesota, but no name has been released.

A post-mortem exam will be conducted today at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Woman in Sprague charged with attempted murder

A woman in southern Manitoba has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly tried to use a gas stove to kill her common law husband.

R.C.M.P at Sprague say a 51-year-old man awoke to the smell of propane gas in his rural residence late Friday morning.

He noticed it was coming from the stove and while trying to dissipate the fumes a small explosion occurred that left him with minor injuries.

The man also noticed that his wife and all their pets were not in the home and one of the family vehicles was gone.

A 47-year-old woman appeared in a Winnipeg Court yesterday to face the charge. 

Fire Department Investigates Cause of Early Morning Blaze

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office has been contacted about an early morning fire in downtown Kenora.

The blaze broke out just before 3:00 in a large house, that contained a number of apartment units.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says he believes he knows where the fire originated, but wants to be able to access the interior of the building before confirming the cause.

Brinkman also credits the use of working smoke alarms for getting all ten people inside the building out safe and sound.

The fire has caused extensive damage to the structure of the building, including the roof area, which has been completely destroyed.

Northwest LHIN's Receives Funding for Seniors

The North West Local Health Integration Network is getting 1.23-million dollars in Provincial funds to help local seniors.

The money will improve services for seniors who are dealing with complex mental health, dementia and other neurological conditions.

The cash will allow health care providers to hire new nurses, personnel and support workers.

Ignace Sawmill Scheduled to Re-Start

After sitting idle for 5-years, the AbitibiBowater Sawmill in Ignace is set to re-open.

AbitibiBowater says it plans to spend 32-million dollars in capital investments over 24 months to reopen and upgrade the facility.

Construction will take place over the next two years and it is expected the mill will be operational in 2014.

Ignace Mayor Lee Kennard says the project is expected to create 90 jobs in the Mill and 80 harvesting jobs.

All Day Kindergarten Programs Proving Popular

All-Day junior and senior kindergarten program are proving to be very popular this fall.

The Kenora Cathlic District School Board is adding two new classes this fall to meet rising demand.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says initially they had planned to offer three classes at Pope John Paul but have ended up with four and a half classes. 

Eikre says overall, their board is projecting an increase in enrolment.

Another school years starts up

Summer break is over and classes are back in session for Elementary and High School students in the Keewatin-Patricia School District.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says improving literacy, numeracy and behavioural skills will be the focus this year.

McMaster says fine tuning their strategic plan will be the priority at a Board level.

McMaster says the plan focuses on better communication between teachers as well as more classroom interaction with students.

Tennis Throwdown results

A total of 26-competitors from Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Vancouver and Australia competed in the Kenora Patricia Tennis Throwdown Tournament in Kenora over the weekend.

Lindsay Lunny of Thunder Bay was a force in the women's events.

She took top honors in the women's single, and teams up with Gillian Lunny from Kenora for the Women's Doubles and paired with

Brian Lunny for the mixed doubles title.

Sioux Lookout's John Libler won the Men's Singles title.

Libler also won the Men's Doubles event with partner Brian Legros.

The two beat Dryden's Stephen Cortens and Kenora's Patrick Lessard in the Final.

Australian Patick Cooper was the Junior Champion.

Local Anglers win I-Falls Bass Tournament

Make it two in a row for Kenora's Jeff Gustafson and Dryden's Scott Dingwall.

The two captured the International Falls Bass Tournament in Minnesota over the weekend.

Dingwall and Gustafson had a 2-day total of 31.44-pounds, about 3-pounds more then the second place team from the United States.

Dingwall and Gustafson take home 10-thousand dollars as a result.

Early morning fire in Kenora

Fire crews have brought a blaze in downtown Kenora under control.

The fire broke out just before 3:00 this morning to an older home on 3rd Street
South.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says it didn't take long for the fire to take hold and make its
way quickly into the attic area.

All available fire trucks are on the scene, and Brinkman says they are just dealing with a couple of
hot spots.
The house had a number of rental units inside, but Brinkman says its unclear at this time where
the fire might have started.

All 10 people living inside the building managed to escape.

OPP Search for Missing Man near Morson

The OPP's Marine Unit is searching for a missing 68 year old man on Lake of the Woods.

Police say the man was reported missing on Saturday evenung after going out for a boat ride on Obabikon Bay.

When he failed to show back up at his camp, friends and family went looking for him.

His clothes were found on a rock and his boat was found floating in the water a short distance away.

Police believe his boat may have drifted away and he went swimming after it.

Bill Amason is from Summerfield, Florida, but is a seasonal resident of Morson.

The OPP's underwater search and recovery unit is en route to help out with the search.

Catholic School Board Gets a New Logo

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is updating its image.

The separate school board released its new logo to its staff today.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says it was time for a bit of a make over.

Eikre says the board had a consulting firm help design the new logo.

New Northern Ontario Tourism Plan released

A consultant's report on the new Northern Ontario tourism plan is out.

Members of various tourism organizations are taking time to review the document.

Tourism representitives will be meeting for two days starting today in Sudbury.

Busters Featured on the Food Network

The Food Network is coming to Vermilion Bay.

Busters Barbeque is being featured on the show "You've Gotta Eat Here".

Filming begins on Thursday and the Restaurant will be closed.

However, the doors will open on Friday when patrons have an opportunity to be on-air.

The Busters Barbeque episode is scheduled to air in January.

OPP Seize Ecstasy Tablets in Traffic Stop

The OPP say they have taken over 40 thousand dollars in drugs off the streets in two separate busts on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Kenora area.

Last week, officers pulled over a westbound SUV at the intersection of the Redditt Road and the Kenora By-Pass.

Police say one of the men in the vehicle was in breach of a probation order.

Further investigation uncovered a quantity of marijuana and about one thousand ecstasy tablets.

The street value of the drugs is estimated at about 20 thousand dollars.

Two Winnipeg men have been charged with possession of ecstasy for the purpose of trafficking.

They appeared in Kenora Court last week.

OPP Seize Marijuana in Traffic Stop

The OPP say they have stopped a couple of shipments of drugs passing

through the Kenora area.

Late last week, officers stopped an eastbound transport on Highway 17 west.

While speaking with the driver, police noticed the smell of marijuana.

The driver was arrested and the vehicle was searched resulting in the seizure of a half a pound of marihuana and a large amount of Canadian currency with a total street value of approximately 20 thousand dollars.

51 year old Robert Steenson of British Columbia has been charged with possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime.

Missing Anglers Located on Lac Seul

Two Illinois men are in fine health after getting lost on Lac Seul.

OPP were notified that the men had left Williams Lake Lodge to explore the lake.

The OPP Emergency Response Team and the Ministry of Natural Resources were dispatched.

The owner of the camp located the two men safe and unharmed.

OPP say the tourists were unable to locate the camp.

Summer Literacy Camp wraps up

It was a different kind of Summer Camp for kids in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake.

They have finished the Summer Literacy Camp.

Lisa Closs was one of the instructors and says the 4-week initiative is a fun and interactive approach to improve reading and writing skills.

Closs says the program is geared towards students going into Grades 2,3 and 4.

The program was introduced last year in Sioux Lookout and was expanded to Evergreen in Kenora this year.

Fires continue to burn across NWO

The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to make excellant progress on raging forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.

33 fires were declared out over the weekend.

175 personnel from five provinces and Minnesota remain in the region.

There were 11new forest fires reported yesterday.

A total of 57fires continue to burn.

Voting by Mail

For the first time in Ontario's history voters will get a chance to vote by mail. Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa says there will be 10 advanced voting days, 15 days of assited voting and the October 6th election day. Essensa says he thinks the changes will give voters more opportunities to choose when they want to vote.

First Nation Infrastructure

Ontario's First Nations need 8 billion dollars to close an infrastructure gap. That figure comes from the Ontario First Nation Technical Services Corporation. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Angus Tolouse says living conditions are some times atrocious. The Ring of Fire will dominate tomorrow's discussion at the first nation technical service conference.

confederation college strike

The President of Confederation College Jim Madder says they're prepared for a potential strike by support staff. The local OPSEU union gave strike notice that if negotiations fail they'll walk out September 1st. Contract talks are continuing between OPSEU and the Province

Mustangs Reunion

The 1967 Lakewood Mustangs high school football team is reuniting this weekend in Kenora. The reunion began this morning with a golf outing and continues through saturday. Saturday's events include a presentation at Beaver Brae School to salute the current Beaver Brae Broncos, and in the  evening is an elvis show and 60's dance fundraiser. Proceeds from the nights events go towards purchasing new multi-purpose goal posts at Beaver Brae.

NOMA returns from London Ontario

Members of NOMA have returned from London from the annual conference of municipalities of Ontario.  The Members had the opportunity to meet with four provincial ministers to discuss a variety of topics. The need for expanded funding through the ontario municipal partnership fund and a new fund for roads and bridges were discussed as well as other topics. NOMA President Ron Nelson says the Conference was very positive. NOMA Represents the interests of Municipalities from Kenora and Rainy River in the west to Horsepayne in the east.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Residential schools

Two First Nations schools in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are now on a formal list of residential schools which makes former students eligible for government compensation. NAN Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it opens the door to more such claims. Metatawabin calls it a landmark ruling.

Green Party

Northwestern Ontario is being targeted by the Green party. Leader of the Green Party Mike Schreiner is touring the North and says his party's platform has what it takes to help the region. In the Kenora-Rainy River Riding, JoJo Holiday will be carry the Green Party Banner in the October 6th election.

Power Outage

Kenora Hydro is investigating a power outage that occured. Both Coney Island and the Lakeside area were without power as of 11:30 last night. Power was restored to the lakeside area at 1:30 this morning. Kenora Hydro says the cause is still under investigation but says it may have been due to high winds last night.

Journalists released

More than 30 international journalists have been freed from a Tripoli hotel where they had been held by armed men loyal to Moammar Gadhafi. CNN correspondent Matthew Chance tweeted that he and journalists left the hotel in a car. They had been held at gunpoint by two nervous Kalashnikov-wielding guards who refused to give up their posts despite rebel victories elsewhere in the city.

Jack Layton

A lone piper played as Mounties in red serge carried Jack Layton's casket into the foyer of the House of Commons this morning. Layton's widow, MP Olivia Chow, his two children and grand-daughter and other family members followed behind. The NDP leader will lie in state in Ottawa today and tomorrow. Already, crowds of people have gathered to pay their respects. Layton will lie in repose at Toronto City Hall on Friday and on Saturday morning before a state funeral Saturday afternoon.

West Nile Virus

A Burlington senior who died last week appears to have been infected with the West Nile virus carried by a mosquito. Halton Region's medical officer of health says it is the first human infection case this year. The identity of the woman, who was in her 70s, has not been released.  The Ontario public health laboratory completed a preliminary report but it is likely West Nile will be confirmed with further testing.

First Rider Program proves Successful

The Northwestern Ontario Student Services Consortium says its First Rider program was a big success this year.

Over the weekend over 43 young students showed up at Pope John Paul School for the school bus orientation session.

Manager of Transportation services, Judy Green says traditionally they've had a hard time getting kids out for the Kenora First Rider sessions, but this year, they set a record for attendance.

Another 39 junior kindergarten-aged students attended the Dryden session.

Kids taking part in the First Rider program get a crash course in school bus safety and a graduation certificate for their participation.

Man charged for Impaired operation of Personal Watercraft

Just because you're on the water doesn't mean you can't be charged for

impaired driving.

The OPP Marine Unit says it stopped a personal water craft in Safety Bay Saturday night.

After speaking to the operator, officers determined he had been drinking.

The Winnipeg man was taken to the Kenora Detachment for a breathylizer and charged.

The 25 year old will appear in Kenora court next month.

OPP Crack Down on Security Firms and Bouncers

The OPP has just completed a crackdown on Secuity companies and people working as security guards in northern Ontario.

Police say they have laid 34 charges in Kenora, including eight for working as an unlicenced security guard.

Detective Sergeant Rick LePage says a number of the incidents deal with bouncers working at local bars.

There were also charges for failing to wear a uniform on the job, 16 charges for employing an unlicenced

security guard and failing to register a business that employs in-house security.

Le Page says the maximum fine is 25 thousand dollars if found guilty of the charges.

Drug Bust in Sioux Narrows

Two 43 year old men face drug trafficking charges after being arrested in Sioux Narrows.

The OPP's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau along with the Kenora Joint Forces Drug Unit stopped the two men on Highway 71 last Friday.

Police say they had a quantity of crack cocaine, marijuana and a number of illegal prescription drugs in their possession.

Chesterfield Jordan of Winnipeg and Cameron Holder, a resident of Barbados have been charged  with possession of a controlled substance.

They are due to appear in Kenora Court in October to face the charges.

 The OPP say the charges were laid as a result of an on-going investigation.

Kenora NDP Supporters to say Farewell to Jack Layton

A chance to get together and remember the late Jack Layton.

The NDP in the Kenora Riding are putting together a book of condolences and are encouraging people to drop by the Metis Council Offices on Park Street from 3:30 to 6:30 this evening.

Tania Cameron was the NDP candidate in the last election and says she's saddened by the news of Layton's passing.

Kenora Conservative M.P. Greg Rickford says Layton's commitment and contribution to public life were exceptional and will be sorely missed.

Conservatives Targeting Northern Ontario Ridings

The Tories are optimistic they will be able to steal a few ridings from the NDP and the Liberals in northern Ontario in the upcoming provinical election.

Ken Zeise is the party president and is touring the region this week.

Zeise says winning seats in northern Ontario is just as important as winning ridings in the voter rich Toronto area.

The Conservatives traditionally finish a dismal third in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding, but Zeise is hopeful they will be able to reverse that trend this fall.

Slo-Pitch results

Days Inn Ladies Slowpitch action last night

Black Sturgeon Ball Snatchers bet The bimose Angels 23-14

Roen Rednex blanked the Neniska Crushers 14-0

My place Martini's over the E&G Blades 12-3, while Northern Harbour defeated Riverview Wildfire 19-6.

In Mens Playoff action last night

In A-Side action: the Astros downed Just 4 Fun and the Beauty Bay Cubs beat the Degagne Construction Materials Voodoo

In B-Side play:

Pioneer Construction got the win over Kroppy's Hawks

Men's Soccer and Ball Hockey Seasons winding down

The finals are set in the Hap's Men's soccer league.

The Gunners will meet up with the Centuries tomorrow night in the Challeng Cup Final at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex.

The Gunners got by the Playaz 1-0 in the second Semi-final Friday night.

The Challenge Cup will be up for grabs starting at 6:00 tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, the Aces drew first blood in the finals of the Casey's men's ball hockey

league.

The Aces got by the Jets last night in game one.

Game two goes tonight at 8:00 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

More hot weather on the way

Summer isn't ready to leave northwestern Ontario just yet.

Hot, humid conditions are expected to prevail in the Kenora area early this week.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says we may even see some record-setting temperatures.

Things are expected cool off Wednesday, before warming back up for the last couple of days of the week.

Jack Layton Remembered

Tributes are rolling in for Jack Layton today.

Layton, the NDP leader passed away early this morning, losing his battle with cancer.

NDP candidate in the Kenora Riding last election, Tania Cameron says she was shocked to learn of his death.

Layton made numerous trips to the Kenora Riding as leader.

He was 61 years old.

McKay ready to hit the Campaign Trail

All the major parties now have their candidates in place for the October 6th provincial election.

The Conservatives are the latest party to select their candidate.

Kenora City Councillor Rod McKay beat out Louis Roussin for the Tory nomination.

McKay says his biggest job now is getting his name out in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

The party did not release the final results of the nomination vote, but did say over 200 people cast ballots in Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances on Saturday.

Broncos open another football training camp

Another football season is about to begin for the Beaver Brae Broncos.

Their two week training camp began bright and early this morning at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Head Coach Chris Penner says even though this will be a young squad, he believes they will be well prepared for the upcoming season.

The Broncos play their first and only exhibition game on September 1st in Dryden.

They open the season against the Steinbach Sabres on September 9th.

More Forest Fires in Northwestern Ontario

Despite rain and cooler conditions, forest fires continue to pop up across northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says there were a dozen new blazes reported over the weekend including three in the Kenora District.

There are currently 78 active wild fires in the region.

A total of 433 fire crews and support staff from out of province are continuing to lend a hand in the fire fighting effort.

Good Turn out for IJC Hearings in Kenora

A lot of people seem to care about the future health of Lake of the Woods.

About 200 people turned out on Saturday morning for the final meeting by the Internation Joint Commission on the final task force Report on the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake Watersheds.

Todd Sellars is the Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation and feels the final recommendations of the Task Force were well received.

A total of six hearings were held in northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota this past week, and the feedback will be used by the IJC to come up with a plan for the two lakes.

Mining Company Fined for Building on Crown land

Premier Gold Mines has been fined 25-thousand dollars for constructing water crossings on Crown land without a permit.

Court heard that last October a company representative spoke with the Ministry of Natural Resources about a planned project in the Fly Lake area, northeast of Ear Falls.

The MNR advised the company that it would need a permit before conducting the work, however officials soon discovered that work had started prior to the permit being issued.

The Company voluntarily conducted remediation work in the areas where the stream crossings were built.

Canfield Attends AMO Conference

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conference begins today in London and the City of Kenora will be well-represented.

Three members of council are in attendance, including mayor Dave Canfield.

Canfield says they have a package they will be presenting to all the cabinet ministers they meet with, and their biggest issue will be funding to fix up our aging bridges.

Canfield says they have meetings confirmed with four cabinet ministers this week, including the minister of Finance and the minister of Infrastructure.

Man Fined for Illegally Killing Moose

A Southern Ontario man has been fined 7-thousand dollars for illegal hunting.

Raffaele Franconeri of Woodbridge pleaded guilty to moose hunting without a licence west of Ignace.

The man was with 6-others and the party had a licence to harvest one adult bull and 1 adult cow moose.

The group killed 2-moose but Franconeri shot and killed another bull moose and left it behind.

The incident occurred last October.

McKay wins Conservative Nomination

The Conservatives finally have their man in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

Manager of the Kenora Forest Products Mill, Rod McKay beat out Louie Roussin for the nomination.

McKay says he's not a big fan of the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty and feels its time for change.

The party did not release the final tally, but did say that over 200 people

cast ballots in Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora on Saturday.

Hampton weighs in on Grassy Narrows Court ruling

The provincial government doesn't have a good track record when it comes to aboriginal affairs.

That's the feeling of Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton.

He was responding to a decision by the Ontario Superior Court this week in favour of Grassy Narrows in its battle against clear cut logging.

Hampton says the Far North Act and the decision to jail the leaders of Big Trout Lake two more examples ofthe McGuinty government failing to listen to the concerns of aboriginal communities.