Council ready to move ahead with repairs to West Branch Bridge

Work to repair the aging West Branch Bridge over the Winnipeg River should start sometime in 2013.

Kenora City council has agreed to put out a request for proposals for the work.

Mayor Dave Canfield admits they don't know where the money for the project is going to come from, but says they are continuing to lobby the upper levels of government for funding.

Canfield says there is some urgency to start work on the bridge, because it continues to deteriorate.

OPP Search for Suspect in Mink Bay Assault

A scary incident for a 58 year old woman.

The OPP are searching for a suspect following an assault on the Mink Bay Trail in Keewatin.

Yesterday afternoon around 4:00, police were told that a lone male grabbed at a woman walking in the area of the West Bay Road and exposed himself.

The woman managed to run away.

The suspect is described as being a white male over 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds.

He was also wearing a dark ball cap, a baggy white shirt and baggy pants.

The OPP's Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit were called out, but they were unable to locate the suspect.

New National Chief to be Elected Tomorrow

The chiefs of Canada's First Nations, including several from northwestern Ontario, are gathering in Toronto today for a national strategy session which will see them elect a national chief later in the week.

Former Grand Chief of Treaty Three Diane Kelly among the candidates.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general meeting will also see the chiefs hammer out a policy agenda for the coming months.

City Passes Audit with Flying Colors

A recent audit shows the City of Kenora still has a significant amount of money in its reserves.

The results of the 2011 audit were released yesterday and it shows the city has almost 65 million dollars socked away in cash and reserve funds.

Councillor Ron Lunny says it shows the city is continuing to manage taxpayers money in a responsible manner.

Lunny says the audit doesn't include almost nine million dollars the city has lent itself to cover the cost of financing the new fire hall, the new harborfront tent and the Discovery Center.

Ministry of Labor to Investigate Boat Explosion

Both the Ministries of Labour and Environment have been called in to help investigate an explosion on a boat at the Minaki Marina.

Ontario Provincial Police say the incident took place on Friday evening just before 6:00 and involved a boat that was being refueled.

The five meter long Hurricane can hold up to 200 liters of gas, but the hull filled with 360 liters of fuel after a gas line broke.

Police say the boat exploded after the operator tried to start it up.

Two people remain at Lake of the Woods District Hospital with second degree burns, while three others have been treated and released.

Council Supports Upgrades to Crosswalk

Pedestrians will soon be able to cross Main Street South to the Kenora Library a little more safely.

Last week, the operations department had proposed taking out the uncontrolled concrete crossing.

But city councillors balked at the suggestion and say they want to see the crossing enhanced.

Last night councillors agreed to support upgrades including courtesy crossing signage with amber beacons for motorists.

A sign for pedestrians will also be installed with the message, "Wait for Gap".

Catholic School Board updates 21st Century Learning Plan

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is taking a little different approach to increasing technology in their classrooms.

Unlike their public board counterparts, the separate school board isn't planning to put a netbook or i-pad into every students hands this fall.

Mary Cunningham is the superintendant of education and says instead they are working with teachers to find the best way of integrating computers in the classroom.

Cunningham adds that each of their schools this fall, will be assigning one teacher to work with other teachers on implementing technology in the classroom.

Health Unit Prepares for Move to Mount Carmel

The Northwestern Health Unit in Kenora is getting ready for a major move.

The Health Unit will be moving from its Wolsely Street Offices on Tunnel Island at the end of this month.

The Health Unit will be moving many of its services into the old Mount Carmel School, which has undergone extensive renovations.

The Health Unit says it will be closing its offices from July 30th-August 6th during the relocation.

The services offered in Market Square will not be affected by the move.

MNR Fire Crews Remain Busy

Despite a day of rain, the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to have its hands full with new forest fires.

Yesterday alone there were 11 new fires reported across the district.

Fire Information Officer Debbie MacLean says they expect to see more activity in the days ahead as warm weather returns.

MacLean says over the past five days, the MNR have responded to 113 forest fires in the northwest regin.

Downed Power Line causes Grass Fire

Kenora Hydro says a downed power line caused only a momentary outage last night for most of its customers in the Lakeside area.

The line went down near 1st Avenue South and caused a small grass fire.

Hydro president, Dave Sinclair says the line likely fell down due to a  faulty switch, which failed.

The incident took place shortly before 7:00 last night.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services Department was called out to deal with the blaze and were able to contain it fairly quickly.

Boat Explosion in Minaki sends five people to hopsital

Five people had to be taken to hospital as a result of a boat explosion in Minaki.

The OPP say the incident took place late Friday afternoon just before 6:00 at a marina.

Police say a 5 meter long Hurricane was being refuelled when the gas line broke, causing the hull to be filled with gasoline.

The boat would normally hold 200 liters of gas, but took on 360 liters before fuelling was stopped.

When the operators tried to start the boat, there was an explosion.

Three people were taken to Lake of the Woods District hospital and later released, while two others are still being treated for 2nd degree burns.

The Ministry of Labor has been called in to help out with the investigation.

Council to Vote on CIP Changes this Evening

Kenora City Council is being asked to support some changes to the Community Improvement Plan for the Harbortown Center.

The Property and Planning committee held a public meeting last week to review some of the changes.

One of the key improvements in the plan would be to increase the grant for landscaping.

Currently, the Community Improvement Plan offers just 25 hundred dollars for landscaping.

Under the revised plan, businesses would be eligible for up to 15 thousand dollars.

City council is expected to vote on the changes at tonight's open meeting.

Busy Weekend for MNR Fire Crews

Rain likely to give a hand to to easing the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario.

Over sixty fires are now considered active by the Ministry of Natural Resources, including two in the Kenora District.

Both are located north of the city and were caused by lightning.

The largest is 8.3 hectares in size and is listed as not under control, while the other is just 0.2 hectares and isn't posing any problems for fire crews.

The largest fire in the region is burning in the Red Lake district inside Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.

That fire is measured at 934 hectares.

The Sioux Lookout District is also dealing with a large fire measuring more than 400 hectares in size.

None of the active forest fires are threatening any residents.

NAN Looking for New Grand Chief

Nominations for Nishnawbe Aski Nation's executive close tonight.

Up for grabs is Grand Chief and three Deputy Grand Chief positions.

Head Electoral Officer Larry Amos says so far preperation for the election has gone well.

NAN is looking to replace Stan Beardy as grand chief.

Beardy was elected as Ontario Regional Chief late last month.

Missing Boaters Located

Some damage to their boat, but a happy ending to a journey for three Fort Frances men forced to spend a night on an island on Rainy Lake last week.

OPP were called Thursday morning after family members reported the men overdue from an excursion the night before to a restaurant on the U-S side of the border.

Police say when the men were returning, their boat struck a reef, forcing them to an island.

The men flagged down a vessel the next morning who returned them to the mainland where they called home to report they were safe.

Transport Fire Destroys Six Vehicles

Provicinal Police say Highway 17 was closed for roughly 2-hours Friday evening after a truck caught on fire west of Dryden.

OPP say the fire occurred at West Arm road.

Officers arrived and found a trailer completly engulfed in flames.

Machin Fire attended and extinguished the blaze.

Six cars were destroyed on the trailer as well as the trailer itself.

Police say fast thinking of the driver prevented all of the vehicles from being destroyed.

Aboriginal Group Raises Concerns over Rising Interest Rates

Higher mortgage rates may mean trouble in some communities.

National Vice-Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Dwight Dorey has begun a cross country trip to adress current issues.

Dorey says one of the issues raised is how the new rates would affect aboriginals living off reserve.

Dorey says other issues have also come up, such as health care and employment.

Fisher Top female at Kenora Borealis Triathlon

A familiar face was a top the leader board at the Kenora Borealis Triathlon/Duathlon on Rabbit Lake.

Edie Fisher topped the women's Olympic Triathon yesterday.

The top male in the Olympic Triathlon was Patrick Naylor, while Adam Naylor topped the field in the Tri-a-Triathlon event.

Lisle Compton was the top female competitor in the the Tri-A-Tri.

Fishing Guide Slapped With Hefty Fine

A costly mistake for an area fishing guide.


Ron Lemmon of Bergland has been fined $4,000 for illegally selling walleye and venison.

Court heard that Lemmon guided two anglers on a fishing trip on Lake of the Woods and he encouraged them to take more than the legal limit of walleye and at the end of the trip sold them.

He has also received a 2-year fishing suspension.

The charges followed a two year investigation.

Weather Records

Another warm day yesterday, but suprisingly only one record set.


CJRL Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says Sioux Lookout reached 33.5-degrees, smashing the old mark of 32.8 set in 1969.

Rain and a severe thunderstorm watch also hit the Kenora and Red Lake District's, but nothing major transpired.

Kenora did see 22.8-millimetres of rain last night.

Ear Falls only saw 3-millimetres.

There was no report from Red Lake.

Fire Crews Starting To See Action

Things are really starting to heat up in Northwestern Ontario.

15-new fires were reported yesterday across the District.

That's in addition of 10-fires on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is expecting several more today.

Most of the activity is in the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout District's.

A majority of the new fires are lightning caused but there are some human-caused fires reported.

Tentative Deal For CEP Members At Domtar

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union says it has reached a tentative deal with Domtar.


The contract covers Domtar's Pulp Mill and Woodlands Operations in Dryden as well as members in Ear Falls and impacts roughly 500-members.

CEP Spokesperson Stephen Boon says the agreement follows almost 40-days of fairly challenging negotiations over the last 9-months.

Boon says they won't be releasing any further information until details are presented to their members.

Boon is recommending ratification.

Meetings are being held in Dryden July 15th and 19th and in Ear Falls this Sunday.

Final voting is scheduled for July 26th.


*Information meetings for 300 CEP Woodlands Members is on Sunday, July 15th at 2PM at the Dryden Legion and at 7PM at the Ear Falls Legion.

Local 105-1 and 105-3 will be holding information meetings for about 200 Mill and Office Members on Thursday, July 19th in Dryden at 2PM and 7PM at the Dryden Legion.

Highway 17 Now Open

Highway 17 is now open after a brief closure this morning.


Provincial Police say a transport jack-knifed around 1 o'clock, blocking both lanes of traffic about 45-kilometres west of Vermilion Bay.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about 2-hours.

No one was injured in the incident.

Diane Kelly Fairs Well In National Debate

Candidates in the Assembly of First Nations leadership race are appealing to area Chiefs for their support.

They gathered last night for a televised debate.

Diane Kelly, a former Grand Chief of Treaty Three, feels she's the best to become Canada's top aboriginal leader.

Kelly says she has the experience to guide First Nations through change.

She believes her experience can be beneficial to the Assembly of First Nations in dealing with senior levels of government.

Kelly is one of seven candidates seeking to unseat current Grand Chief Shawn Atleo.

More than 600 First Nations chiefs will cast ballots at the Assembly's conference next week.

Diane Kelly Preparing For Live T.V. Debate

The eight people vying to be National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations discuss the issues tonight in all-candidates debate.


Diane Kelly, the former Grand Chief of Treaty Three, is among those trying to unseat incumbent Shawn Atleo.

The debate can be seen on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network beginning at 6 o'clock Central time

ATV Crash

Provincial Police are asking everyone to stay safe while driving all-terrain vehicles.


Kenora OPP responded to a collision on Highway 671 north last night.

Police say a 16 and 17-year-old were each operating an ATV; one was towing the other with a cable.

The operator of the towed vehicle was thrown after making contact with the towing vehicle.

He was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

New Agreement Between NAN Police And OPP

The provincial police and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service are to formally sign an operational agreement between the two forces today.


OPP Chief Superintendent Joffre Dupuis and Nishnawbe-Aski police Chief Claude Chum will participate in the signing.

The operational deal replaces expired agreements, and provides a framework for effective policing consistent with First Nation values.

Both police agencies say they're committed to building on current relationships and joint initiatives.

Record Breaking Tempatures

Air conditioners and fans were working overtime yesterday!


Several records were set across Northwestern Ontario.

Red Lake was the hot spot at 34.5-degrees, beating the old mark of 32.2 set in 1943.

Sioux Lookout erased a 69-year-old record by hitting 33.8. (Old mark was 33.3)

Dryden hit 33.5-degrees, eclipising the 32.1-record set in 1998.

It was hot in Kenora too, we hit highs of 32.4.

Tips To Avoid Heat Stroke

The human body is made up of mostly water, but some people still don't get enough.


With the hot temperatures here, heat stroke and exhaustion are more common.

Nurse practioner at the Dryden Regional Health Centre Leanne Bratland says hydration is essential to keeping cool, especially in older adults.

Bratland says those sensitive to the heat should try to wear light clothing or stay inside during extreme alerts.

Blaze In Minnesota

Officials with a U.S. park in Minnesota are expressing appreciation to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A crew out of Fort Frances was dispatched to deal with a small fire located within Voyageurs National Park, on the U.S. side of Rainy Lake.

Information Officer Heather Pridham says the crew's response kept the fire becoming a major blaze.

Pridham says firefighters stayed with the blaze overnight.

She says the response outlines the great partnership they have with their neighbours south of the border.

Firefighters On High Alert

The forest fire hazard remains high to extreme in Northwestern Ontario.


New fires have been popping up daily, with about a dozen listed as being still active.

Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Heather Pridham says right now crews have been able to cope but notes they are on high alert.

Most of the new starts have been lightning-caused.

One new fire was reported yesterday.

Most of the fires are small.

The largest fire is north of Sandy Lake First Nation and is currently 80-hectares in size.

The Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament

The Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament takes placed at the Kenora Golf and Country Club tomorrow.

John Barr who is part of the organizing committee says a total of 137 golfers will be out on the course with some of the NHL’s finest players.

The tournament will be a shotgun start, scramble format with hole-in-one specials and a post-golf banquet. Silent and live auctions will also take place to help raise additional funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

Forest Fire Update

5 new forest fires are being reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, bringing the region's total up to 11.

2 were discovered in the Nipigon district while 3 were reported in the Fort Frances district.

Kenora has 2 active fires:

#1: Northeast of Grassy Narrows First Nation community. This fire is estimated at 0.8 hectors in size

#2: located 10km northwest of Minaki but is now listed as Under Control.

Firefighters remain on high alert with conditions at "High" to "Extreme" across the region.

Alzheimer Society's Cash Calendars

The Alzheimer Society's Cash Calendars are back!


Only 2500 calendars will be sold with over 12 thousand 1 hundred and 85 dollars worth of prizes, with one in 10 chances to win From September 2012 to August 2013.

Cash Calendars are $20 each with proceeds coming directly back to our community to provide free services to assist those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

To purchase yours visit The Alzheimer Society Office at 618-9th Street North

Michel Garant Challenge

He's looking to be the first paraplegic athlete to cross Canada on a strong arm bike.


Michel Garant started his journey in Vancouver on June 9 and plans to hit 83 cities in less then 90 days in support of The Mira Foundation which provides guide dogs and service dogs.

Michel is reaching out to millions of Canadians particularly those here in Kenora!

You can cheer him on today as he makes a pit stop under Kenora’s Whitecap Pavilion at 12 o’clock!

Phase 3 of Downtown Revitalization

With a little help from 2 separate organizations, Phase 3 of the downtown revitalization design is a go.

The City of Kenora is hoping to get government funding from Fednor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to help with the cost.

Council plans to replace underground infrastructures and new road ways.

They're also planning a bit of a makeover to keep things consistent with Kenora's newly redeveloped Main Street and Harbourfront.

Funding will also help refurbish Second Street South from Main Street to the old Fire Hall and both Chipman Street and Matheson Street are also on the list of roads that need to be repaired.

Work is slatted to start in 2013

Outside Basketball Courts

City Council is proceeding with several high priority projects this summer.


Councilors are hoping to use the $150,000 originally set aside for desk and security improvements to the Recreation Centre’s reception area to the relocation of the outside basketball courts.

The relocation will also provide additional parking space for vehicles and boat trailers.

Jaffray Melick Arena

The Jaffray Melick arena is getting a second chance.


City Council is preceding with several high priority projects this summer including sixty five thousand dollars worth of repairs at The Jaffray Melick Arena.

Councilors agree that the building has to meet occupancy requirements before it can be re-opened to the public

Forest Fire Update

Of the nine forest fires currently burning in the Northwest region, five are listed as being "not under control"


Six new fires were reported by Ministry of Natural Resources officials yesterday.

No fires are currently burning in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon districts.

Kenora and Red Lake each have two while the Dryden district has one

Experimental Lakes

A protest is being held in Winnipeg today surrounding the closure of the Experimental Lakes area, west of Dryden.

Canadian scientists are also planning a mock funeral in Ottawa today, with one top scientist saying the ``death of evidence is a cause for national mourning.''

Doctor Scott Findlay of the University of Ottawa's Institute of Environment says there's a systematic campaign to reduce the flow of scientific evidence to Canadians.

Sioux Mountain Music Festival is Coming

Calling all creative minds!


The Sioux Mountain Music Festival wants you to show off your work.

The festival runs August 4 and 5th from noon until dusk.

Chair of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee Kathy Poling says they're seeking all types of talent such as musicians, artists, crafters and culinary enthusiasts.

There will be no free for participating but donations to the festival are encouraged.

A Taste of Sioux Lookout, which celebrates culinary diversity, will be held on August 5th only.

If you are interested in participating, call Kathy Poling at 737-0251.

Run For The Moose A Hit

Another successful "Run for the Moose" in Dryden.

94 people from across the area participated in the Sunday race.

Chester Draper won the 10-mile wheelchair/handcycle race with a time of 45:44.

The 10-kilometre race was won by Adam Bryck (46:28) and Katie Bigras (46.29).

Tyler Leonzio and Kirk Markowski won the 10-mile relay (1:03:59)

Jamie Seeley and Katelyn Morgan won the 5-kilometre run/walk. (21:46 and 23:16)

The 10-mile race was won by Corey Smith (1:05:57) and Linda Wilson (1:16:13)

A complete list of results is available by visiting www.rundryden.ca.

Winnipeg Man Injured In Crash Near Morson

A 69-year-old Winnipeg man is in hospital in serious condition following a crash on Lake of the Woods.


Provincial Police say the man was operating his boat when he struck another vessel and then ran into the shore.

Police say the incident occured on the weekend in the Morson area.

The driver of the second boat wasn't injured.

Police are investigating.

No Foul Play In Death Of Wabigoon Man

Provincial Police say foul play is not suspected in the death of a Wabigoon Lake First Nations man.


The body of 51-year-old Stanley Shabaquay was found on the shoreline of Wabigoon Lake last month.

The incident was reported to police on June 14th.

A post mortem examination has been completed.

The cause of death hasn't been released.

OPP and Treaty 3 Police have wrapped up their joint investigation.

Sami Jo Small Female Hockey School

One of the largest female hockey schools in the world comes to Keewatin this month.


Instructor and three time Olympian Sami Jo Small invites skaters and goaltender alike to join her at the Keewatin Memorial Arena for the Sami Jo Small Female Hockey School, July 30th until August 3rd.

To register or for more information visit:

http://www.samijosmall.ca/school.html

Fatal Crash on Highway 17

A Manitoba woman is dead following a two vehicle crash on Highway 17, west of Kenora.

Provincial Police say an eastbound motorcycle crossed into the westbound lane and struck a pick-up truck around 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

OPP say 30-year-old Dana Dueck was driving the bike and died at the scene.

Two people in the truck weren't injured.

The crash forced the closure of the Trans-Canada for several hours.

Anglers Obeying The Law

A recent enforcement blitz revealed good behaviour on the water.


Almost 95 percent of anglers in the Sioux Lookout area were obeying the law.

Other's weren't so lucky.

MNR officers laid 16 charges and 25 warnings throughout 25 fishing lodges and a provincial park.

The MNR wants to remind fishers that officers will do routine checks to make sure no one is breaking the law.

Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services wants to you remind you how important it is to donate in the summer.


Adrienne Silver, Communications Specialist for Northwestern Ontario says the need blood is constant.

For 2012 alone they'll be looking for atleast one hundred thousand new donors just to keep up with the high demand.

They're at St. Thomas Aquinas today and tomorrrow and looking to book over 60 appointments

Give the gift of life in 2012!

Book your appointment by calling 1-888-2-DONATE

Forest Fire Update

Four new fires are being watched by the Ministry of Natural Resources thanks to lightning strikes over the weekend.


One of them started in the Kenora District, 10-kilometres northwest of Minaki

Two others started in the Fort Frances District, while the other sparked in the Thunder Bay District.

The MNR says only four fires are burning in the entire region but the fire hazard remains at "Moderate" to "High" in all areas.

Highway 17 Crash

Provincial Police are investigating another fatal collision in Northwestern Ontario.

OPP say the crash occured yesterday afternoon near Granite Lake, between Kenora and the Manitoba boundary.

Police say two vehicles were involved.

No names have been released.

Two people died in separate collisions on Northwestern roads last week.