Telemedicine gets funding to hire more nurses

The North West Local Health Integration Network is investing just over two million dollars to hire 28 new "telehealth" nurses.

As a result of the investment, organizations from across the region will be able to hire additional staff and more residents will receive care from specialists closer to home.

In 2010-2011, the use of telemedicine in Northwestern Ontario resulted in more than 11-million dollars in avoided travel costs and more than 27-million kilometres in avoided patient travel.

Man Fined for East Highway Forest Fire

A Southern Ontario man has been ordered to pay 35-hundred dollars for starting a fire that spread into the surrounding woods back in May.

Court heard that Matthew Major of Stoney Creek started a fire to burn boxes of paper in a grassy area in Kenora.

Major didn't have a day burning permit and he left the fire unattended and went into town.

The fire spread into a wooded area and sparked a point 5 hectare forest fire.

City fire crews and the Ministry of Natural Resources were forced to extinguish the blaze.

Treaty Three seeks to block hydro contracts

Several First Nation communities in the Far North are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands.

Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside.

David Estrin is the lawyer for Treaty Three and says they want a review over  they way the government issued long term electricity contracts for these dams.

The complaint is related to 5-hydro generating plants in Kenora, Norman, Fort Frances, Calm Lake and Sturgeon Falls.

Con College Promises Classes will start next week as scheduled

Confederation College is open for business across Northwestern Ontario despite the strike.

Most programming will run as scheduled when classes resume on Tuesday and staff are in place across the District to assist students.

Vice-President Academic Judi Maundrell doesn't expect major problems when students report for class or obtain financial aid.

Both sides have expressed a willingness to return to the bargaining table.

Broncos win exhibition game in Dryden

A promising start for Beaver Brae's football team.

The Broncos marched into Dryden yesterday and left with a 18-0 victory over the host Eagles.

John Lee, Spencer Wickham and Allan Hansen each scored majors for Beaver Brae.

The Broncos open the regular season next Friday on the road in Steinbach to take on the Sabres.

Body of Missing Florida Man Found in Lake of the Woods

Kenora OPP Marine Unit say they have located the body of 68 year old Bill Amason.

The Florida man went missing on Lake of the Woods this past weekend after heading out for a boat ride.

The OPP Marine Unit did locate the body yesterday in the water close to his last known location.

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

Treaty Three Wants Judicial Review of Hydro Contracts

The provincial government is being taken to court over hydro rights in northwestern Ontario.

Grand Council Treaty Three says its will be asking for a judicial review of contracts awarded on its traditional lands.

Treaty Three is worried the new hydro projects will have an adverse impact on its communities in this region.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly and other band leaders are holding a press conference in Toronto today to talk about their legal action.

Five Candidates expected in Kenora-Rainy River in fall election

There could be as many as five candidates in the upcoming provincial election in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Party says it has two candidates ready to file nomination papers including one locally.

The party is expected to release the name of the candidate in the next few days.

Leader of the party, Ed Deibel says they plan to have a candidate in all 11 ridings across northern Ontario.

Rickford Gets Ready for new session of Parliament

Members of Parliament are gearing up for a new session .

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he' been busy familiarizing himself with his new portfolios.

Rickford says his parliamentary secretary positions fit in nicely with the work he's trying to do in this riding.

Rickford is the parliamentary assistant for CanNor, Fednor as well as Aboriginal Affairs.

Parliament is set to resume September 19th.

Con College Says business as usual despite OPSEU Strike

Confederation College is anticipating no major disruptions now that support staff have walked off the job.

President Jim Madder says he's disappointed that a negotiated settlement could not be reached.

Madder stresses programs and services at Confederation will continue and officials will welcome new and returning students at each of the 9-campuses.

College Support Staff Go On Strike

Unionized support staff at Ontario's community colleges are on strike today just before students return for a new school year.

Rod Bemister, chairman of the OPSEU bargaining committee, says they are willing to return to talks.

The colleges also say they will be happy to return to negotiations.

The union says it went on strike because the colleges demanded concessions and clawbacks to its existing contract.

Fatigue blamed on Trans-Canada Accident near Wawa

Fatigue may be a factor in a fatal collision on Highway 17 near Wawa.

OPP Staff Seargent Dan Dawson says Tuesday morning's collision happened when a car crossed into the path of a transport truck.

Dawson says two other passengers in the car suffered non life threatening injuries.

Ring of Fire Deal Signed

Four Northern First Nations are working together towards creating an east-west corridor in the Ring of Fire.

They signed the collaborative agreement in Thunder Bay yesterday and Fort Hope Chief Harry Papah says it will mean they'll have a common voice.

A working group has been established and will consult with residents throughout September.

Bronco Football Team plays Dryden in Exhibition game

Beaver Brae's football team gets its first real test today.

The Broncos wrap a two week training camp with an exhibition game in Dryden this afternoon.

Beaver Brae head coach Chris Penner says they will be staying in the second division of the Winnipeg High School Football League this year, even though they have a very young team.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon at Harry McMaster Field in Dryden.

Next week, the Broncos open the regular season in Steinbach.

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