New School Year Begins at Con College

A new school year is underway at the Confederation College Campus in Kenora.

Classes began this morning for about 100 students.

Laura Christie is the program director and says they are offering a number of full-time courses locally.

Christie says one of the new programs they are offering this year is called Aboriginal Community Advocacy.

In all, eight first year programs are on offer at the college.

Wild Fires Still Burning in NWO

Despite some shower activity this week, the Ministry of Natural Resources says new wild fires continue to pop up each day.

There was one new fire reported yesterday near the community of Fort Hope, plus two other holdover fires from the day before.

Two of the blazes were human-caused.

With warmer weather expected for the weekend, the MNR says the fire hazard will remain in the moderate to high range for the next few days.

Bronco Boys Finish 2nd in NorWOSSA Golf Tournament

The NorWOSSA golf season is officially underway.

Yesterday, both boys and girls high school teams teed off at the Eagles Landing golf course in Dryden.

Beaver Brae's boys team finished second overall, 26 shots back of the host Dryden squad.

Jed Rattai was the top Kenora golfer, shooting a 78, good enough for third place in the individual standings.

Thomas Aquinas had a fourth place finish.

Save ELA Gains Support

The Experimental Lakes Area east of Kenora is gaining worldwide support.

Scientists from Switzerland and the United States are expressing their deep concern in a new article published in a scientific journal.

Both explain that there is no other facility in the world that allows for the study of whole-lake ecosystems.

The ELA area consists of 58 lakes, and has been facing an ongoing battle with the federal government about a possible closure as early as next spring.

Campbell Lobbies for Funding for Volunteer Fire Fighters

The provincial government is being asked to provide better funding for volunteer fire departments.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell gave kudos to the Pellatt United Fire Fighters this week at Queen's Park.

She says the government needs to recognize their hard work with better financial support.

Campbell says volunteer fire departments not give up their own time, but have to fundraise just to buy personal safety equipment.

Northwest LHIN's Looking for Feedback

Time is running out to fill out a on-line survey about health care services in the region.

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network says the survey will be up on  its website until September 15th.

Executive Director Laura Kokochinski says they want a clearer idea of what services local residents want to see in the health care system.

Kokochinski says so far more than 700 people have filled out the survey, but they are looking for more feedback.

Rainy River Resources Bullish on local Gold Zone

Rainy River Resources believes its in the midst of Canada's newest gold district.

It's released a preliminary economic assessment last week.

Vice President of Environment Kyle Stanfield says everything is on target to start open pit mining in 2016.

The company also plans for underground operations starting by 2018.

Northwest Teacher Elected President of OTF

A northwestern Ontario teacher is the new president of the Ontario Teacher's Federation.

Terry Hamilton from Thunder Bay was elected as the 69th President last month during the Federation's annual meeting.

He says they are entering a time of great tension between teachers and the Ontario government.

Hamilton hopes to get Northwestern Ontario concerns to the table as well.

Broncos Open Football Season This Afternoon

The Winnipeg High School Football League regular opens today in Steinbach.

Beaver Brae travels down the Trans-Canada to face the Sabres this afternoon.

Broncos head coach Chris Penner says while they have a talented group this year, they don't have a big roster, which could be a problem.

Beaver Brae won its lone pre-season game last week downing Dryden 36-13.

Kick-off today is 5:00 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch League Wraps Up tonight

The Neniska Crushers are the C-Side Champions in the Days Inn Ladies Slo-Pitch league.

The Crushers doubled up the Hoggettes 14-7 last night in game two of their best-of-three series, winning in two straight games.

The other two series will be going the distance.

Northern Harbor staved off elimination with a 14-13 win over Shoal Lake.

That series is tied at one game a piece, with the third and deciding game tonight at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Meanwhile, the Martinis also forced a third and deciding game in the B-side final with a 17-15 decision over the Wildfire.