Concerns Raised over Abitibi's Plans to Sell northern Dams

The provincial government wants AbitibiBowater to continue honouring water and power agreements with local communities if it proceeds with a sale of its hydro-electric dams in Kenora, Iroquois Falls and Fort Frances.

Concerns about the dams were raised in August when it was revealed the company was again looking at selling off its hydro assets.

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey says she's received no formal request to sell the Ontario dams, but shares the concerns about how the sale will impact local mills and communities.

A pair of Honors for Broncos Gridiron stars

For the second week in a row, Beaver Brae running back Scott Morgan has been named the offensive player of the week in the Vidruk Division of the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Morgan had 144 yards rushing and a touchdown in last weeks 42-7 win over the Miles MacDonnel Buckeyes.

Jared Davis was also singled out for his play and was named the special teams player of the week for his 80 yard punt return.

The 3-1 Broncos face their toughest challenge of the season on Friday when they travel to Winnipeg to face the 4-0 Murdoch McKay Clansmen.

ER Study Ordered for Northern and Rural Ontario Hospitals

Fourteen medical professionals and experts have been assembled by the provincial government to look at issues surrounding emergency rooms in rural and northern Ontario.

Ministry of Health Spokesperson David Jenson says the group have been asked to make recommendations on improving small E-R's.

Jenson says concerns from a variety of groups and medical personnel led to the task force being set up.

Two killed in Couchiching Fire

The Treaty Three Police have confirmed that two people died in a house fire on the Couchiching First Nation.

Police are describing the fire as accidental.

A female occupant in the home managed to escape after the smoke detector went off.

However, a 36 year old man and a 73 year old died in the blaze.

An autopsy conducted earlier this week showed that both men died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is continuing to investigate the fire.

Health Unit offers Stop Smoking Program

The Northwestern Health Unit is once again offering a program to help smokers quit for good.

STOP On-The-Road Workshops are being held in Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances starting on October 18th.

On top of Counciling, Enforcement Manager Jennifer McKibbon says participants will receive a 5-week supply of free nicotine replacement therapy.

To take part call 1-888-404-4231.

Thumbs up for new Highway 17 Twinning Route

The Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association is cautiously optimistic about new plans revealed for the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora.

Over the weekend, a consultant for the Ministry of Transortation revealed a new route for Highway 17, taking it north of the Clearwater Bay area.

Susan McLeod is the executive director of the Property Owners Association and says someone seems to have been paying attention to their concerns.

McLeod says the final route plans won't be unveiled until sometime in the new year, so a lot of work still needs to be done before they are completely happy with the Highway twinning project.

Alarmed for Life

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department will be taking it to the streets for Fire Prevention Week.

Fire fighters will be taking their Alarmed for Life Campaign into the Rabbit Lake Trailor Park this evening.

They will be making sure local residents have working smoke alarms.

Crews will be going door to door between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 this evening.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says their goal is to ensure every home in Kenora has a working smoke alarm on every level.

A sign of recovery in NWO forest industry

It's a big day in Terrace Bay.

The community's main employer is back in business.

Terrace Bay Pulp is making pulp again putting 300 people back to work.

It came after it's parent company, Buchanan Forest Products of Thunder Bay, managed to bring it out of creditor protection.

The provincial government kicked in a 25 million dollar loan to help refinance the start up

Another quiet Forest Fire Season in NWO

It was another quiet forest fire season in Northwestern Ontario.

With one month remaining, the Ministry of Natural Resources has responded to 351-fires, with just over 95-hundred hectares of land burned.

Information Officer Debbie McLean says there hasn't been a lot of hot spots.

The average over the past 5-years is 626-forest fires, with over 45-thousand hectares burned.

Children's and Youth Services Minister promises spring summit

Ontario's Children's and Youth Services Minister is commiting to working with native child welfare agencies in improving services.

Laurel Broten spoke recently at a provincial conference in Fort Frances.

Broten says with the hiring of John Beaucage as a advisor, they'll be talking further about making the system better.

Broten says it's an opportunity to work together to ensure that children and their families are well cared for.

NOMA Conference wraps up

How do we make Northern issues matter to the rest of the province?

That was the topic of a panel discussion at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

Past President of the Ontario Associated Community Futures Development Corporation Bill Spinney says municipal and business leaders have to get together and develop a common message for the Ontario government. 

The two day fall conference wrapped up over the weekend in Thunder Bay. 

Healthy Smiles Program returns

The provincial government has announced funding for a new dental program for children in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.

Healthy Smiles Ontario will provide a no-cost dental program for kids under the age of 17, who do not currently have access to any dental coverage.

Dr. Jim Arthurs is the medical officer of health of the Northwestern Health Unit and says they also plan to be bring the program into communities that do not currently have dentists.

The program is intended for low income households across the region, that is families with a net income of 20 thousand dollars a year or less.

Abitibi getting ready to sell Kenora Mill Property

Insolvent newsprint giant AbitibiBowater is seeking court approval to sell 160 hectares of land that once housed a paper mill in Kenora, Ont., for $6 million.

A numbered company that is an affiliate of Imperial Trading Corporation verbally agreed three years ago to purchase the land once the mill was demolished and environmental remediation was completed.

Demolition of the mill was completed in September 2009, although a recycled paper plant still remains on the site. A phase one environmental study was completed two months later.

Montreal-based AbitibiBowater announced permanent closure of the mill on Dec. 14, 2005.

The sale is part of AbitibiBowater's efforts to sell about $1 billion of non-core assets before it exits court protection from creditors as a lower-cost producer.

Another Phone Scam

The OPP are warning Kenora residents about yet another telephone scam.

Police say they received a report about a phone call from a someone claiming to be from a local sports organization.

The caller said the group doing a fundraiser and requested a donation.

The homeowner decided to support the cause and provided credit card information over the phone.

Police say it was later learned the organization isn't actively involved in any fundraising right now.

The OPP say providing credit card details over the phone is risky, and if you have any doubts

about the authenticity of a telemarketer you should contact the Kenora Detachment office or

Phonebusters.

Local Pet Supply Company nominated for prestigious award

A Kenora pet supply business has been nominated for a prestigious international retail award.

Taylor Made Pet Supplies in Keewatin is up for a Summit Award.

Crystal and Doyle Friesen have been singled out for their support of the Cat Shelter and

Its A Dog's Life fostering network.

They are also involved in school co-op programs and offer puppy and dog socializing programs.

The awards will be handed out at the 5th Annual International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies

in Lake Louise, Alberta later this month.

Premier Announces Ring of Fire Co-ordinator

Although the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has come out against the new Ring of Fire Coordinator; she feels she has a good working relationship with area first nations.

Dr. Christine Kaszicky was the assistant deputy minister of Northern Development and Mines, during the time members of the Big Trout Lake First Nation were sent to jail over a mining dispute.

Kaszicky says she's learned a lot since that incident.

Kaszicky starts her new job October 25th.

Hampton Opposes Hydro rate increase

Opposition New Democrats are calling on Premier McGuinty to review an Ontario Energy Board decision that raised the guaranteed rate of return for electricity distributors and transmitters.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton says those rates went up despite recommendations no change was necessary.

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says the NDP are speaking figures that are inaccurate.

Last All-Candidate Forum puts focus on the homeless

Its all over but the shouting for the candidates running for Kenora City Council.

Last week, the participated in four all-candidate forums over five days.

Some of the the canadidates shared some interesting ideas for economic development.

Sharon Smith says she'd like the city to become more involved in eco-friendly intiatives.

For her part, Wendy Cuthbert says the city needs to be accountable to all its citizans, that

includes, young and old.

There are 13 candidates seeking 12 seats on council.

Ballot kits started showing up in local mail-boxes on Friday.

i-Level Lay-offs Announced

The I-Level Timberstrand mill on the Jones Road has announced some lay-offs.

Effective this past Saturday, three managment staff and 14 associates were laid off.

The company is blaming a slow U.S. market for the need to trim its staff.

Weyerhaeuser says its will be going with two crews four days a week.

Thistles start hockey season with a win

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles picked up two of a possible six points on a tough western road trip to start the 2010/2011 season in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

The Thistles started the campaign out on Friday night with a 4-2 over the Southwest Cougars in Souris.

The Kenora Midgets followed that up with a 2-1 loss on Saturday night to the Yellowhead Chiefs.

Yesterday, the Thistles squandered a couple of two goal leads, and lost a 7-5 decision to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Kenora Midgets play their home opener on Friday night at the newly refurbished Thistle Rink against the Central Plains Capitals.

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.

Broncos versus Buckeyes

Beaver Brae's football team faces another stiff test today.

The 3-0 Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes come to town this afternoon to take on the 2-1 Broncos.

Head Coach Chris Penner says the Buckeyes are a talented offensive team.

The Bronco defense will get a boost today with the return of Dannon Saunders to the line-up.

He's been out the past four weeks with a knee injury.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Energy Credit for Seniors

The government is proposing to boost tax relief for seniors.

The Liberals have introduced an improved energy and property tax credit.

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the tax credit will be accessed through income tax.

Mauro says they've heard the concerns of seniors facing high hydro bills.

Police Investigate Boat Collision

The OPP are investigating a boat collision near the Main Street Dock in

Kenora.

Police say that late Sunday night, an eastbound 16.5 foot Polar Craft

was rammed from behind by a 16 foot Vanguard.

The occupants of the Polar Craft were thrown into the water, but managed to get back into their boat.

Police say they sustained only minor injuries.

Breast Screening Milestone in NWO

The Regional Cancer Centre is celebrating a milestone.

It's operated the Breast Screening Program in Northwestern Ontario for 20 years.

Cancer Care Director Alison McMullen says over 32 thousand women have been given mammograms, but more needs to be done

The Breast Screening Coach is in Kenora this week and appointments can be booked up until

October 2nd.

Premier to Visit Northwestern Ontario

Premier Dalton McGuinty is in Thunder Bay today.

He will deliver the keynote address at the Northwestern Ontario

Municipal Association and will be joined by area M-P-Ps Michael

Gravelle and Bill Mauro.

The premier will then met area residents applying for the

Northern Ontario Energy Credit.

New Scam unveiled

Phonebusters is making local residents aware of another scam that's been going around in the city.

A lawyer from Mexico has sent out a letter indicating that over 10 million dollars in an inheritance is sitting in a bank.

The letter says because the recipient shares the same last name as the deceased, the inheritance could be transferred into their account and the proceeds would be shared.

Police remind local residents that if a deal seems too good to be true it usually is.

Mayoralty campaign heats up

The mayoralty campaign in the City of Kenora is starting to pick up some steam.

Yesterday, two of the three candidates running for mayor in the October 25th election and 12 of 13 council candidates attended a forum put on by the Kenora Seniors Coalition.

Andrew Poirier used his concluding remarks to put to rest some rumours about why he stepped down from council last year.

Meanwhile, former mayor Dave Canfield used his closing remarks to chastise the provincial government.

This morning, Dave Canfield and Andrew Poirier will appear on CJRL for an open-line talk show, just after the 9:00 news.

Morgan Offensive Player of the Week in the WHSFL

Beaver Brae's first loss in the Winnipeg High School Football League this season turned out to have a silver lining.

Broncos running back Scott Morgan has been named the offensive player of the week in the

Kas Vidruk Division.

Morgan had 171 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries in Beaver Brae's 29-10 loss

to Kildonan East.

The Broncos are back in action tomorrow against the 3-0 Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes.

Another All-Candidates Forum Today

The third all-candidates forum in three days will be held this morning for those running in the October 25th municipal elections.

The Kenora Seniors Coalition will host its forum in the Rotary Room at the Kenora Rec. Center this morning starting at 10:00.

Last night, Kenora's Young Professionals group held its own forum in the same location.

Tomorrow, two of three mayoralty candidates, Andrew Poirier and Dave Canfield will be in the CJRL studios for an hour long phone in show.

MNR testing for Chronic Wasting Disease

The Mininistry of Natural Resources will be conducting a study in northwestern Ontario Wildlife

Management Units this fall to see if there is any sign of Chronic Wasting Disease among the deer population.

Tore Buchanan is a spokesperson for the MNR and says they are asking hunters in the region to bring deer heads into select locations for testing.

Depot locations have been set up in Kenora, Nestor Falls, Dryden, Emo and Fort Frances.

Deer heads will be accepted until the middle of December.

OPP investigate Murder on Fort Hope First Nation

OPP are investigating a murder in Fort Hope First Nation.

Police were called out to the community north of Sioux Lookout on Monday.

The deceased is 38 year old James Wasawa.

27 year old William Oskineegish is in custody, and has been charged with second degree murder, and breach of probation.

He'll be in Thunder Bay court on October 4th.

College Tour stops in Kenora

Confederation College is hitting the highway for a week long recruitment campaign.

Representatives will be touring area communities speaking to high school students about their programs.

Spokesperson Shari MacKenzie says its important to reach out to their cachement area.

Confederation College will be joined on the tour by 12 other post secondary schools.

The tour stops at Beaver Brae Secondary School today. 

NDP launch campaign against the HST on Hydro Bills

Ontario's New Democrats are launching a campaign to force the government to take the provincial portion of the H-S-T off hydro bills.

Speaking in the legislature, Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says seniors, especially, are struggling to pay their electricity bills.

The NDP has created a website and N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath is planning to tour the province to promote the cause.

OPP Accolade Awards

Three local police officers will be honored this afternoon with an OPP Accolade Award.

The Organized Crime Enforcement Team in the north is being given the Jim Potts Award for its work in aboriginal communities.

Detective Constables Gerald Aubin and Dean Hodges from the Kenora Detachment of the OPP and  Scott Phillips from the Treaty Three Police are members of the team.

The award is being presented at the OPP's headquarters in Orillia this afternoon.

Broncos win once in Home Opener

A breakthrough for Beaver Brae's Junior Girls basketball team.

The Broncos won their first game of the year, a 28-23 victory over Dryden yesterday in their home opener.

Beaver Brae's other court teams are still searching for their first wins of the year.

The Bronco senior girls dropped a 31-21 decision to the Eagles.

In volleyball action, the senior boys were beaten three games to one, while the junior boys lost in three straight sets to Dryden.

The Eagles are coming off a second place finish at the Kenora Invitational Senior Boys Volleyball tournament over the weekend.

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys beat Dryden in two straight sets in the A-side final.

Thunder Bay Murder Autopsy Results

An autopsy shows a 16-year-old who was killed in Thunder Bay died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

The female victim was found on the morning of September 21st lying near a walking path in a wooded area near the Thunder Bay Expressway.

Two females, aged 15 and 14, have been charged with second-degree murder.

The accused are both in custody and are to appear in youth court Thursday morning.

The victim had come to Thunder Bay from Sachigo Lake First Nation at the beginning of September.

Drowning on Berens Lake

The OPP say they have located the body of a man who went missing while boating on Berens Lake near the Pikangikum First Nation.

Community members and peace keepers from Pikangikum began their search last Thursday.

The OPP's Marine Unit was contacted and an initial search of the area

located the victims boat drifting near an island with a damaged motor.

An MNR helicopter, the OPP's Emergency Response Team and an underwater search and recovery unit were also brought in.

They finally located the body of 37 year old Michael Dunsford on Saturday.

Police believe Dunsford drowned on the evening of September 22nd on Berens Lake.

Candidates talk about Economic Development

Economic development, retention of our youth, and openess in municipal government.

Those were some of the key themes from last night's opening all-candidates forum sponsored by the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.

Sharon Smith is a Keewatin resident and says there are lots of opportunities out there

to improve the local economy.

Councillor Charito Drinkwalter says its important for the city to create a positive environment for not only business, but for local residents.

Councillor Dave McCann stressed that the city has to be fiscally responsible.

Rod McKay is the manager of the mothballed Kenora Forest Products Mill and says

leadership is going to be important if the city wants to move forward.

For her part, councillor Wendy Cuthbert re-iterated her stand, that council needs to
hold the line on property taxes.

The second of four candidate forums will take place this evening in the Kenora Rec. Center's

Rotary Room and is sponsored by the Kenora Young Professionals group.

Mayoralty Forum

If nothing else, an all-candidates forum held by the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce

shows there's lots of interest in the upcoming municipal elections.

A standing room audience listened to two of three mayoralty candidates and all 13 candidates for council at the first of four forums scheduled this week.

Economic development was a common theme from all candidates last night.

Former Kenora mayor Dave Canfield believes there are still opportunities in the forest sector.

Former city councillor Andrew Poirier also stated that the local economy would be his main focus
if he wins the October 25th election.

Kenora city councillor Jim Parson was not in attendance. But he did send his regrets through
Chamber of Commerce president Andy Scribilo.

Parson's wife Patti passed away last week after a short battle with cancer.