CJRL News: Aug 23, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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.