Record Rain over the Weekend

Noah's Arc can't be far behind.

The City of Kenora endured more than a month's worth of rain over the weekend.

Figures from Environment Canada show 90 millimeters of precipitation between Friday and Saturday.

Friday set a record for rainfall for September 27th, with over 48 millimeters, shattering
the previous record by more than 25 millimeters.

The average amount of rain in the month of September in Kenora is just 70 millimeters.

Kenora got more rain this past weekend than any other community in northwestern Ontario.

Only Minor Boundary Changes for Kenora Riding

No major changes for the Kenora Riding in the final report from the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission.

The report was presented to parliament yesterday.

Last year, the Commission had proposed moving Lake of the Woods Township into the Kenora Riding.

But a number of residents of the community complained when public hearings were held last year.

Instead, the Township will remain in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding.

The Commission did agree to move Sabaskong Bay into the Kenora Riding from Rainy River to unite it with the Onigaming First Nation. 

Cross-Canada Marathon Runner Due in Kenora

An English marathon runner is expected to pass through Kenora this week.

Jamie McDonald is on a five thousand kilometer run across Canada for the Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto.

McDonald has been stopping at schools along the way and says he has a message
for the students he meets.

He encourages them to stay positive and not to get mired down in the negativity of some of the messages out there in social media.

McDonald has raised about 30 thousand dollars so far during his cross-country marathon.

For more information you can check out:  www.jamiemcdonald.org

Northern Policy Institute Up and Running

The Northern Policy Institute is alive and well and getting up to speed.

The Policy Institute was created by the provincial government to look at
economic development issues and opportunities for northern Ontario.

They've been up and running for 13 months and CEO Charles Cirtwell says they're trying to create an online community consultation tool that will gather public feedback on Provincial Government policies.

Cirtwell addressed members of the Northwestern Ontario Regional Conference in Thunder Bay last week.

Campbell Applauds Bill To Create Accountability Officer

The Provincial Government is one step closer to having a financial accountability office.

The bill has passed third reading in the legislature, and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says it's great news.

Campbell says it will make sure instances like the scandal with the gas plants in southern Ontario, never happens again.

The creation of an accountability office was a key demand from the NDP in the 2013 budget.

Fire Season Quickly Winding Down

All is quiet on the forest fire front across northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is dealing with no active fires.

Information Officer Heather Pridham says this allows them to concentrate their efforts elsewhere and get ready for winter.

The final fires in the region were declared out last Monday.

The forest fire season officially ends on October 31st in northwe
stern Ontario.

OFAH Urges Hunters to Be Safe

The Ontario Federation Hunters of Anglers is reminding all hunters to be cautious this season.

Spokesperson Shannon Gutoskie says it's a popular activity, especially here in Northwestern Ontario and is reminding everyone to be safe and use caution.

Gutoskie says it's important to know the current regulations before hitting the bush, water or field.

For more information visit  http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en

Gravelle Says He'll Support Bill to Expand Bear Hunt

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says he's going to back his fellow Thunder Bay area MPP's private members bill.

Bill Mauro's proposed legislation looks at reducing the number of nuiscance bears in the region, even if it means bringing back the spring bear hunt.

Gravelle says he's got Bill's back and says he'll support the bill.

Mauro's bill also looks at expanding the hunt as well.

Gas Prices Continue to Fall

A good time to fill up your tank.

Gas prices dropped in Kenora over the weekend by three cents a liter.

This morning, the price at the pump is 1.33.9 cents a liter at most service stations in town.

That's down from 1.36.9 on Friday.

Kenora's price is still about 10 cents a liter higher than the national average this morning.

Thistles Drop Pair of Exhibition Games

Still a work in progress.

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles played their first and only exhibition games of
the pre-season over the weekend and lost both to the Eastman Selects.

Yesterday, the Selects skated to a 3-1 win over the Thistles in Beausejour.

On Saturday night, the Kenora Midgets were doubled up 4-2 by Eastman.

The Thistles open the regular season on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Wild.

Broncos win third in a row in WHSFL

Another statement game by the Beaver Brae Broncos football team.

The Broncos improved to 3-1 on the season with a dominating 35-9 win over the Maples Mauraders.

Defensively Jackson Penner led the way with 3 interceptions one of which was brought back for a touchdown.

Also finding the end zone for Beaver Brae was Tyler Neil, Aiden Farrell, and Eric Melillo.

The Broncos next game is Friday at Pete Fair Memorial Field against the Fort Frances Muskies.

LOWBREWCO Gets Ready to Celebrate Octoberfest

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company says it plans to expand its operations this winter.

The brew/pub started producing its own beer this summer.

Taras Manzies is the owner of LOWBREWCO and says one of things they want to do is expand their product line.

LOWBREWCO is launching its own version of a German lager this afternoon.

Manzies says they hope to produce at least one new beer a month during the
course of the winter.

Manzies says they are looking to add a canning line to their brewing operation over the winter to go along with their "growlers".

Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Wabauskang Appeal

The Supreme Court of Canada has decided to hear Wabauskang First Nation's appeal of an Ontario Court of Appeal's decision on mining activity in it's traditional land use territory.

The Supreme Court will now consider whether or not Ontario has the authority to make land-use decisions in Treaty 3.

Chief Leslie Cameron says Ontario doesn't have the right to allow mining and other companies in their traditional territory.

Cameron adds Canada needs to be involved to ensure their treaty rights are respected.
Wabauskang has an outstanding lawsuit against Rubicon Minerals.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the appeal in late 2014, with a decision not expected until 2015.

The decision comes a week after the Supreme Court also agreed to hear
an appeal of Grassy's Narrows land use appeal of an Ontario Court ruling.

Wet Weekend In Store

Be prepared to get wet this weekend.

A low pressure system is moving across northwestern Ontario that's expected to bring a couple of inches of precipitation.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says there's a lot of moisture
being carried into the region.

Laidlaw says things should start to dry out by Sunday.

Thistles Play Exhibition Games This Weekend

A chance to check out this year's edition of the Kenora Triple "a" midget
Thistles.

The Thistles will play a pair of exhibition games this weekend against the
Eastman Selects.

The first game is tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Thistle Rink.

The same two teams will meet Sunday afternoon
at 2:00 in Beausejour.

The Thistles open the regular Wednesday on the road against the
Winnipeg Wild.

Bronco Golfer Medals At NWOSSA Championships

A silver medal for a Beaver Brae golfer at the NWOSSA championships.

Matt Krolyk had a second place finish yesterday in Geraldton.

Krolyk finished ahead of three other golfers to earn a trip to the OFSAA
championships in Windsor next month.

Overall, Beaver Brae placed fifth in the team competition at NWOSSA.

Thomas Aquinas placed just outside the medals in 4th place.

Northwest Municipal Leaders Upset with Queen's Park

Members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association are telling the Minister of Northern Development and Mines that they are frustrated.

Several municipal leaders spoke today with Michael Gravelle about their growing concerns about the future of the Thunder Bay Generating Station and the Ring of Fire development.

NOMA President Dave Canfield says they're understanding but something more needs to be done to help speed up the process.

Canfield made the comments during the annual Northwestern Ontario Regional Conference taking place in Thunder Bay.

Lay-Offs Begin At Boise Mill in IFalls

Layoff at the Boise Mill in International Falls are starting to kick in.

Many of the 265 employees have been working their last shifts this week as the company prepares to idle two of its paper machines and a coating machine, a decision announced in May.

The mill will still employ about 580 people.

Youth In Philanthropy Back At Beaver Brae

Youth In Philanthropy is back at Beaver Brae for the seventh year.

The program is run through the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

Teacher Holly Barber says selecting charities for the grants is always a challenge for the students.

The students hold a granting ceremony every spring after meeting with and selecting 4 local charities.

Bill Introduced to Expand Bear Hunt

A northwestern Ontario MPP is trying to expand the bear hunt in the north.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro has introduced a private members bill at Queens Park.

Mauro says the bill is aimed at reducing the nuisance bear population, and could include the re-introduction of the spring bear hunt.

Mauro hopes other parties support his proposal so it can pass into law.

OPP Hands Out Life-Saving Awards

The Ontario Provincial Police are recognizing several Northwestern Ontario civilians for their brave actions.

Dryden's Kale Greer, Christison Maua and Koen Taylor were honoured for saving the life of  Kale's four year old sister while they were playing at the Big Eagle Lodge tourist camp.

The young girl disapeared when the boys thought to see if she had wandered off to the dock.

That's when Maua says he saw her in the water.

The boys were given an award today in Thunder Bay by the OPP Deputy Commissioner.

Safety Groups Team Up Fall Seatbelt Campaign

Ontario is launching a seat belt campaign to remind drivers and passengers to buckle up.

Police, fire and emergency services workers across the provincial, along with health care professionals and road safety and injury prevention groups are participating.

It begins October 11 with educational demonstrations, child car seat inspection clinics, and seat belt blitzes by police.

Sasquatch Bush Crawl Takes Over Mt. Evergreen

Watch out for the Sasquatch.

The Sasquatch Bush Crawl takes over Mount Evergreen this Saturday.

Organizer Sue McCallum says they have events planned all day long.

Following the crawl Gropps catering is available for dinner and music will be provided by Big Bugaloo and Shred Kelly.

www.sasquatchbushcrawl.com, www.facebook.com/SasquatchBushCrawl

Bronco Football Team Looks to Extend Winning Streak

Beaver Brae's football team is looking to extend its winning
streak to three today.

The Broncos travel to Winnipeg to face the Maples Marauders.

After a slow start to the season, Broncos head coach Chris Penner says his team is starting to play better.

The Broncos have a 2-1 record, while Maples sits a 1-2.

Game time is 4:00 this afternoon at the Eastside Stadium.

Busy Day In NorWOSSA Court Sports

Local high school gyms were busy with NorWOSSA court sports.

For the second time this week, the Saints took on Rainy River and the
results were pretty much the same as the first games on Tuesday.

The Thomas Aquinas senior and junior boys volleyball teams beat the
Owls three sets to one.

In girls basketball, T.A.'s senior girls were beaten 34-14, while the junior squad dropped a 37-17 decision.

Over at Beaver Brae, just the Bronco senior boys volleyball team managed to get into the win column, downing Fort Frances three sets to none, while Beaver Brae's junior team lost three sets to one.

It was a Musky sweep in girls basketball, with the Bronco senior girls losing a
heartbreaker 30-28.

Beaver Brae's junior girls were upended 38-21.

MNR to Conduct Prescribed Burns

Shades of Deep Purple.

Expect some smoke on the water over the next couple of days.

The Ministry of Natural Resources will be carrying out a couple of
prescribed burns on Lake of the Woods over the next couple of days.

Pat Harvey from the Kenora Fire base says there are a couple of reasons to intentionally set the fires, including scientific and ecological.

Harvey says the prescribed burns will be lit on Blaze and Small Islands today and will likely burn over the next couple of days.

Northwest Region Conference Underway

Energy, mines and forestry.

Those are just some of the topics up for discussion over the next two days in Thunder Bay at the Northwest Ontario Regional Conference.

President of NOMA, Dave Canfield says they will continue to discuss the future of the Thunder Bay Generating Station.

Canfield says they will also receive updates from the federal minister of Science and Technology Greg Rickford and also Northern Development and Mines minister Michael Gravelle.

The conference began last night underway and will wrap up tomorrow.

More EQAO Results Released

The Kenora Catholic District School Board continues to post impressive results in the Grade 9 standardized math and literacy tests.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office released its most recent statistics yesterday and it shows that 89 percent of grade 9's in the academic stream met or beat the provincial average, up two percent over last year.

At applied level 64 percent achieved the provincial standard, a 20 percent improvement over 2012.

That's well above marks posted for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, were 33 percent of the applied students achieved the provincial standard, and 77 percent for academic students.

In the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, 86 percent of students at Thomas Aquinas successfully completed it, while the mark was 64 percent at the public school board.

NAN Develops Residential School Curriculum

A long time coming.

That's the thought of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, as NAN launches a Residential School Curriculum.

Fiddler says initially they will introduce the curriculum into aboriginal schools across the region.

But he adds they will also be working with local school boards to try and implement it.

Fiddler says it's important that Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals know about the residential schools and the harm they caused.

Drivers Licences Soon to Be Available On-Line

Motorists in Northwestern Ontario will now be able to renew their drivers licences online.

Now by going to ServiceOntario.ca, you can use your existing photos on your licence for an additional 5-years.

Drivers can also get licence plate stickers, driver abstracts and other products in the same transaction.

Government Services Minister John Milloy says Ontario becomes the first province in Canada to provide drivers with the online option making it easier and more convenient.

Granite Lake Cottager Fined

A cottage owner from the United States has been fined $3,000.

Paul Borys of Arizona was fined after the Ministry of Natural Resources found he was expanding his cottage on Granite Lake without the proper permit.

Borys had only been issued a permit to repair the footing and roof of his cottage.

Authorization for work on Granite Lake properties is required by the Public Lands Act to protect the trout population and maintain water quality.

Sister Maria honored at Diocesan Conference

A long time employee of the Kenora Catholic District School Board is being singled out for her  years of hard work.

Sister Maria Ciccarelli was presented the Leadership Award in Catholic Education at a conference this past weekend.

An employee from each Catholic Board in the region was selected for the honor.

Cicceralli is the Kenora Board's religious education coordinator and was given the award by
the Bishop of Thunder Bay, Fred Colli.

Saints Split in Rainy River

Rainy River looks like it will once again be a force in the NorWOSSA
Single "a" girls basketball.

Thomas Aquinas was in Rainy yesterday and split against the Owls.

The Saints senior girls dropped a 37-17 decision, while the T.A. junior
squad was beaten 47-19 by Rainy River.

A different story in boys volleyball, as the Thomas Aquinas Senior team
dropped the Owls three sets to one.

For the second straight day, the Saints junior boys went the distance in
a five setter, but won three sets to two.

New Fall Tourism Campaign Draws Campbell's Ire

The fight over tourism is once again hitting the battlefield called Queen's Park.

During question period, Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell was sceptical about a new travel guide released by the province.

Campbell says the guide doesn't include the North and highlights the shortcomings of the government's tourism strategy.

Campbell also referred to the six provincial parks in the region that have already been closed for the season, along with 7 others that have been closed permanently in the North.

Author Crusades for Lyme Disease

The facts about Lyme Disease.

That's been the five year challenge for author Vanessa Farnsworth.

She talked about her new book Rain on A Distant Roof yesterday at
a Word on the Water sponsored event last night in Kenora.

Farnsworth was diagnosed with the illness in 2007 and says there's still too much mis-information about Lyme Disease.

Farnsworth believes part of the problem is that very little research has been
done on Lyme Disease in Canada, and that needs to change.

Trillium Foundation Holds Info Session Today

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is holding a few information sessions across Northwestern Ontario.

Local Program Manager Maureen Brophy says people will be able to learn about their new strategic framework and more.

Brophy says the session is open to any and all local community groups.

Today's innformation session will take place at 1:30 at the Kenora Rec Centre.

Single Vehicle Accident Closes Highway 17 East

Some excitement on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and
Vermillion Bay.

An air ambulence made a landing yesterday morning to airlift a Dryden
man to Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The OPP say a SUV drove off the highway in the Stewart Lake area and hit a tree.

The driver, a 60 year old man, was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was transported to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

He has since been released.

Passport Clinic Returns to Kenora

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is bringing his Passport Clinic back to Kenora.

Rickford says it's a one-stop shop for anyone needing a new passport, or wanting to renew their exisiting one.

Rickford says now in addition to a five year passport, you can apply for a 10 year one as well.

The passport clinic will take place at the Legion in Kenora on October 4th.

BSC in Nursing Program Seeking Students

Another information session is coming up for anyone interested in a nursing career!

Lakehead University and Confederation College have teamed up to provide more information about the collaborative Bachelor of Science Nursing Program.

If you're interested, you can attend a video conference on October 8th from 4-5pm at the Lake of the Woods Campus in Kenora.

Intake for the program is expected in the fall of 2014.

TransCanada Wraps up Northwestern Pipeline Open Houses

Trans Canada Pipeline has wrapped up the last of it's open houses in northwestern Ontario on its proposed Energy East project.

The pipeline would see Alberta's oil sent to the East Coast.

Spokesperson Phillip Cannon says they've heard concerns across Northwestern Ontario.

He says most people seem concerned about the safety of the project.

The public information sessions have taken place over the past week in Kenora, Dryden,  and Thunder Bay.

Kenora Student Promotes new Initiative at LU

Lakehead University's Outpost bar is the first in Canada to offer pregnancy tests in their bathroom dispensers.

Kenora's Charmaine Romaniuk is the Student Union vice-president and says the initiative will start up this week and tests will cost 3 dollars.

The Outpost Bar hopes this will prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and want other local bars to follow suit.

PJP Hosts Carnival/Open House

It's a parents/teachers meeting with a twist.

Pope John Paul School is holding a carnival in connection with tonight's
open house.

In addition to games, bingo, a photo booth and face painting, there will be a  lollipop tree, cotton candy, and a concession featuring hot dogs and hamburgers.

The carnival is a fundraiser for school projects and will run from 5:00 to 6:30.

Interim Chief for Treaty Three Police Hired

The Treaty Three Police Service is dipping into the ranks of the OPP for its next chief of police.

OPP Detective Inspector Dan Davidson has been named the interim chief, to take over from Conrad Delarond.

Delaronde announced his retirement last month.

His last day on the job will be October 18th, and Davidson will start his new
duties on October 7th.

Davidson is currently posted with the Sioux Lookout Detachment, and has also
worked in Red Lake and Thunder Bay.

He grew up in Morson on Lake of the Woods.

Grade 7 and 8's Settling In At Beaver Brae

The new school year is just four weeks old, but grade 7 and 8 students
up at Beaver Brae seem to be settling in just fine.

Sean Monteith is the director of education at the Keewatin-Patricia District
School Board and says all reports back from the high school have been
positive.

The grade seven and eights were moved up to Beaver Brae this year,
from the elementary school system as part of the fall out from the closure
of Lakewood school.

Former Ontario Rangers to Lobby MPP's

Alumni with the former Ontario Rangers program are hoping to get the ears of MPP's at Queen's Park today.

They'll holding a lobby day as part of their fight to restore the program.

Spokesperson Martin Dubec say they've yet to talk to Natural Resources Minister David Oriazetti.

Dubec says they've set up a luncheon for MPP's to hear from alumni who've benefited from the program cut last fall.

Cliffs Threatens Pull-Out in Ring of Fire

A vice president with Cliffs Natural Resources confirms the mining giant's future in the Ring of Fire is in real danger.

Bill Boor says the company can't operate without an all weather road and a recent mining commission road ruling against that proposal make the company's pull out a continuing reality.

Boor says the company has not set a deadline for a possible pullout, hoping instead there can be a solution worked out.

Crimestoppers Crime of the Week

Crimestoppers in Northwestern Ontario is looking to the public to
help solve an assault and break-in in the Rideout area of town.

The incident took place back on September 4th around 2:00 in
the morning after two people forced their way into a home.

The male suspects demanded the occupants give them money and valuables,
while assaulting them.

One of the men had dark hair, with a short flat-top haircut, with the sides of his head shaved.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

Saints Split in Atikokan

The Voyageurs seem to be the team to beat this year in NorWOSSA Single "A" volleyball.

Thomas Aquinas court sport teams traveled to Atikokan yesterday and
split their four games.

The Saints senior boys lost in three straight sets to the Voyageurs, while
the T.A. junior boys were beaten in a five set marathon.

In girls basketball, Thomas Aquinas senior girls edged Atikokan 28-25,
while the Saints junior squad upended the Voyageurs 32-15.

T.A. concludes it's two day road trip in Rainy River this morning.

Candidates prepare for fall election?

Still lots of chatter of a possible fall election campaign in Ontario.

The Conservatives held their policy convention over the weekend in
London.

Kenora-Rainy River Tory candidate Randy Nickle says they've been on
alert for a while now.

The NDP and Liberals also have their candidates in place for the next provincial election, with Sarah Campbell holding the New Democratic banner
and Anthony Leek ready to run again for the Grits.

Council Puts Off on Planning Decision

Kenora City Council has put off a decision to award a contract for the Planning department.

City staff want to hire FoTenn Consulting out of Ottawa for any external planning advice.

Property and Planning Manager Charlotte Caron feels the company will provide better service to the department.

Mayor Dave Canfield says he prefers one of the other tenders and raised  some concerns about the work FoTenn did on Kenora's last Official plan.

Council has agreed to re-visit the issue at next month's Committee of the Whole meeting.