Broncos Lose Defensive Battle Against Neelin

A tough loss for Beaver Brae's Football Team.

The Broncos dropped a 10-4 decision to the Neelin Spartans from Brandon Thursday afternoon at a snow-covered Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The big play of the game was a 98 yard interception return in the first five minutes by Neelin.

Coach Chris Penner says that was really the turning point in a very defensive struggle.

Braiden Leischow scored all the Bronco points on a field goal and a missed field goal.

Beaver Brae wraps up the regular season on Monday at home in a make up game against the St. Norbert Celtics.

Passport Clinic This Weekend

A one-stop shop for all your passport needs.

A passport clinic will take place this Saturday at the Kenora Legion.

You will be able to get your photo taken, as well as fill out and submit all the necessary paperwork.

Just bring your birth certificate, a second piece of ID and cash for the photo.

Public School Board Releases Special Education Plan

Greater support for children's mental health.

Just one of the highlights in the Public School Board's 2012-2013 Special Education Plan.

Superintendent of Education Sean Monteith says their priorities include:  dealing with behavour, mental health and the use of technology in the classroom.

Monteith says the plan also outlines strategies to deal with beaviour and student and teacher interaction.

Unlucky Kenora Deer Gets Provincial support

A deer that's been wandering around Kenora with a wire around its neck is getting some provincial exposure.

A couple of animal rights groups are demanding that local agencies help out the animal.

Barry Mackay with Born Free USA says leaving the deer alone is inhumane.

Mackay says they want the MNR, the OPP and Animal Control to work together to help remove the wire from around the neck of the deer.

Campbell Warns of High Medical Costs

A local MPP is reminding people to think twice when travelling out of province.

Sarah Campbell of the Kenora Rainy River Riding says it's important to remember that OHIP is limited outside of Ontario.

She adds ambulance rides can be quite costly.

Campbell encourages getting some form travel insurance, even if it's for a day trip.

OPP Lay Charges in Savant Lake Car Accident

Provincial Police have laid charges in relation to a single vehicle crash on Highway 599 north of Savant Lake.

OPP say 22-year-old Laurel Annie Keetash of New Osnaburgh faces 6-charges, including 3-counts of impaired operation causing bodily harm.

Four people were injured in the Sunday afternoon crash.

One person is in hospital in Sioux Lookout with serious injuries.

Another person has been airlifted to hospital in Thunder Bay with life threatening injuries.

Mixed Results for Broncos and Saints in NorWOSSA

Beaver Brae's senior Girls basketball team extended its winning streak to three games with a 35-19 win over the Fort Frances Muskies.

That was the lone bright spot for the Broncos yesterday in Fort Frances.

Beaver Brae junior girls basketball team and junior boys volleyball team lost their games against the Muskies.

The Broncos senior boys volleyball squad lost in straight sets to Fort.

At Thomas Aquinas yesterday, the Saints rolled over Red Lake with the T.A. senior boys volleyball team keeping its perfect record intact winning in three straight sets.

Both girls basketball teams also won yesterday.

Bronco Football Team Back in Action Today

It should be a well-rested Beaver Brae squad today as the Broncos play their first game in two weeks.

The Broncos face the 4-1 Neelin Spartans at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Coach Chris Penner says they will likely have to win their final two games in order to secure a play-off berth.

This was supposed to be Beaver Brae's final home game of the year, but last week's game was cancelled by a snowstorm, meaning the Broncos will have one final game on Monday.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon.

Changes for Pharmacists

Ontario pharmacists can now adminster flu shots, write new prescriptions for stop smoking products, and will soon be able to renew existing prescriptions, except for narcotics.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government changed regulations to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to make it more convenient for patients.

Electoral Boundaries Commission Responds to Riding Changes

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission is having a change of heart.

Public hearings on riding changes in northwestern Ontario were held in Kenora yesterday, and there was a lot of feedback from residents in Lake of the Woods Township.

George Valin is chairman of the Commission and says they understand their concerns about being moved out of the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding.

Valin says they will likely recommend that Lake of the Woods Township stay put and not be moved into the Kenora Riding.

NOSM Holds Major Medical Conference

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a beehive of activity this week.

A major 6-day conference looking at opportunities and challenges in the health care system.

Roger Strasser is the dean of the Medical School and says it's like 5 world conferences in 1.

Strasser says groups will be able to tour Northern Ontario, including communities such as Sioux Lookout.

Path of the Paddle Gets Additional Funding

More funding to help make the Path of the Paddle a reality.

The proposed route would be part of the Trans-Canada Trail and connect waterways in the Kenora and Thunder Bay Districts.

Vicki Kurz is the project manager and says they still need to do more route planning and consultation before the Path of the Paddle becomes a reality.

Kurz says they will be receiving 68 thousand dollars from the Ontario Tourism Development Fund to carry out the second year of route planning.

KACL Takes Over After School Program

More good news for parents needing after school care for their kids.

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has announced that it has reached an agreement with the Kenora Association for Community Living to provide the service at Pope John Paul School.

The City of Kenora announced this past summer that it was getting out of the child care business.

KACL will be taking over the after school program following the Christmas break on January 7th.

Working Smart Workshops next week

A workshop on how to better use your Blackberrys, i-phones and i-pads is coming to the area.

Small Business Advisor Stefanie Armstrong says the purpose is so people can access everything their gadget has to offer.

The Northwest Business Center is presenting the workshops.

The Kenora sessions will take place on October 15th.

Operation Impaqct Stats Released

The results from the Ontario Provincial Police 'Operation Impact' long weekend blitz are in.

Sergeant Ann McCoy says they charged 361 people in the Northwest region with speeding, 41 with hazardous moving violations and 25 seatbelt charges.

Only one speeding charge in the Kenora area and one seatbelt violation.

Four people died in a two vehicle collision near Pic River First Nation and four people were injured in a single vehicle crash north of Savant Lake.

Cocaine Charges at Sioux Lookout Airport

A routine walkthrough at the Sioux Lookout Airport has resulted in the seizure of drugs.

Officers located an intoxicated man and police found he was in possession of cocaine.

Provincial Police say the accused provided a false name during his arrest.

27-year-old Gilbert Chief of Sachigo Lake First Nation faces counts of possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a police officer.

Tourist Lodge Fined

A tourist lodge Northeast of Sioux Lookout has been fined three
thousand dollars.

In September, the Old Post & Villiage served angler caught walleye to 10 guests who just happened to work for the MInistry of Natural Resources.

The MNR wants to remind the public that it is illegal to list angler caught fish on a menu and to charge for them without permission.

More charges facing kidnapper

The man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a 16-year-old boy in Nova Scotia made a brief appearance at an arraignment hearing in Bridgewater this morning.

Before his court appearance, David James Leblanc had charges of sexual assault causing bodily harm, uttering a death threat, administering a noxious substance with intent to cause bodily harm, kidnapping and breach of conditions added to those he was already facing.

As Leblanc was escorted out of the courtroom, two boys yelled profanities from the gallery, calling him a ``goof'' and saying they hope he dies.

Leblanc was arrested in northwestern Ontario last week, and was suffering from hypothermia when

police finally caught up to him on a logging road near Longlac. 

OPP Searching for Two Suspects in Manhunt

The search is continuing for two suspects who stole a vehicle in Thunder Bay and abandoned it in Kenora.

The OPP say they were called out Saturday afternoon around 1:00 after receiving a report of a black Chevy Impala being operated in an agressive manner in the Cambrian area of town.

A short time later, the vehicle was found on Houghton Road.

A Canine Unit was brought in along with the Emergency Response Team, but so far the male and female suspect have not been located.

Both people are said to be in their 20's, with the male suspect described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing a red had and a white jacket.

He also may have had scratches on his face.

Police say the car had been reported stolen in Thunder Bay this past Friday.

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission Holds Hearings In Kenora

The MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding will be among those expected to speak out against proposed changes to federal riding boundaries in northwestern Ontario.

John Rafferty intends to make a submission today to the panel proposing to take Lake of the Woods township out of his riding and attach it to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty is worried the area will not be adequately served.

He agrees with the Commission the area has more "community interest" with Kenora than Thunder Bay, but it's not taking into account the interest it has with the Rainy River district.

The first public hearing will take place this afternoon at 2:00 at the Lakeside Inn.

Good Results for Safe Communities Kenora

Safe Communities Kenora is excited by its latest report card.

It received a grade of 19 out of 20 in its annual assessment.

Co-chair Judy Underwood says one of the areas they have improved is their community partnerships.

Underwood says many events are scheduled for the upcomming year including their annual trivia challenge, the share the road campaign and supporting the spring home show in Kenora.

OPP Use Taser at LCBO

A 50 year old man is recovering after being tasered by the OPP over the weekend.

Officers say they were called to the Kenora Liquor Store Saturday afternoon around 4:30 to deal with a suspect who was acting in an irrational manner.

When police arrived, the man standing on a counter in the LCBO holding a number of bottles.

The OPP say he was unstable and acting in agressive manner to people inside the store and the officers, so they used a taser to subdue him.

He wasn't harmed, but was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment of mental health issues.

More Ambulence Woes for DSAB

The land ambulance saga has been compounded for the Kenora District Services Board.

Ontario's Air Ambulance service has gone back to a requirement to have land ambulance support on every single call.

Dennis Leney says he's seen cases of an air ambulance call and three other units were dispatched to the same call.

Leney says the heartattack patient referenced endured a lengthy wait because there were no land ambulances in the area.

Kidnapping Suspect Due to Make First Court Appearance

A man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy is expected to make his first court appearance today in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Forty-seven-year-old David James Leblanc was returned to the province last week after being captured in northern Ontario.

His co-accused,31-year-old Wayne Alan Cunningham, was found dead in some nearby woods.

Warrants were issued for the two men after a 16-year-old boy turned up on a woman's doorstep, barefoot and chained at his wrists and ankles.

RCMP Warn of Human Trafficking

We might not see it on the streets, but an ex-RCMP officer says human trafficking is likely happening in northern Ontario.

Marty Van Doren, who coordinates a RCMP human trafficking awareness program, says many young girls and boys involved in the sex trade industry come from remote First Nations looking for a better way of life.

Van Doren was speaking to members of area police services boards gathered in Fort Frances.

Midget Thistles off to slow Start

Not the start the Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles were hoping for to start the new season.

The Thistles dropped both of their weekend games in Morden to the Pembina Valley Hawks.

On Saturday, the Kenora Midgets were edged 3-2 by the Hawks.

They followed that up with a 7-1 loss on Sunday.

The Thistles play their home opener Friday night against the Southwest Cougars.

RCMP Confinement case

RCMP have gotten medical clearance to send David Leblanc back to Nova Scotia tonight.

Leblanc is a suspect in an unlawful confinement case in Nova Scotia and has been in hospital since his arrest Sunday.

Walk For Hope Tomorrow

The Kenora Fellowship Center wants local residents to give thanks for having a roof over their head.

The emergency drop-in center is holding its third annual Walk for Hope this weekend.

Spokesperson Nikki Spencer says the fundraiser will take place tomorrow morning.

The walk will start at 9:00 and will be followed by a community breakfast afterwards.

Thistles Open new Season on the Road

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles will see their first regular season action this weekend.

The Thistles will head to Morden to take on the Pembina Valley Hawks for a pair of games.

The first game of the year is tomorrow night at 8:00.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas boys volleyball team continues its busy fall schedule.

The Saints are travelling to Portage La Prairie for the annual Pride of the Prairies tournament.

Its the third weekend in a row the Saints have entered a tournament.

Last weekend, they won the consolation side of the University of Winnipeg tournament.

OPP offer Hunting Tips

Happy Hunting.

The OPP is reminding hunters to be careful when heading out into the bush this fall.

Constable Dave Cain says each year there are accidents, which are preventable if people take the proper precautions.

Cain adds that quads can be used on and off road at this time of year, but says the Trans-Canada Highway is off-limits to ATV's.

Gravelle Taken To Task for Provincial Park Cuts

Some tough questions for Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle in the Ontario Legislature.

Gravelle was grilled about cuts announced by the MNR last week to provincial parks.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell is also seeking assurances the cuts will not impact area offices.

Gravelle didn't answer Cambell's question directly, though he did says the MNR is committed to maintaining its core services.

KDSB Ready to Pull the Plug on Non-Emergent Ambulences

The Kenora District Services Board says it plans to move ahead in November with a new policy that could allow the Board to eliminate non-urgent land ambulance patient transfers.

Board member Dennis Leney says discussions about the move have taken place.

Leney believes the hospitals should run non-emergency patient transfers, noting it costs the KDSB 450-thousand dollars.

Both sides still have differing views on the issue and further talks are planned.

Firefly Willing to Take Over Child Care Services in Kenora

A seamless transition of child care services in Kenora.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it will be working with Firefly to replace services currently being provided by the Castle of Learning.

Superintendent of Education Caryl Hron says there will be no major changes.

Before and after school programs will continue to be offered at Evergreen, King George and Valleyview.

Police Confirm Identity of Body found near Longlac

RCMP have confirmed that a body found in the woods of Geraldton is a man who was facing charges of alleged confinement of a 16-year-old Nova Scotia boy.

Police say Wayne Cunningham's body was found near Long Lac at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

A news release says OPP found the remains of the 31-year-old near a 2003 Hyundai Elantra he was believed to have travelled in.

Cunningham had faced charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a boy alleged he was held captive by two men at a home last month.

Police say the cause of death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.

Saints Excel in Two Day Road Trip

A successful road trip for Thomas Aquinas Court Sport teams.

The Saints were in Ignace and Sioux Lookout this week, and lost just one match.

In girls basketball, the Saints senior girls held on for a 22-21 win over Queen Elizabeth High School.

The T.A. junior girls suffered the lone loss of the day, after they were edged 36-35 by the Warriors, but they bounced back with a 30-17 win over Pelican Falls later in the day

In boys Volleyball, the Saints Junior Squad earned wins over Sioux Lookout and Pelican Falls yesterday, while the senior team remains perfect in league play, recording 3-0 wins over Warriors and the Thunderwolves.

The T.A. senior boys will play their third tournament in a row this weekend as they travel to Portage for the Pride of the Prairies tournament.

Hydro One, Manitoba Hydro Report Outages

About 2300 Hydro One customers in the Kenora area are without power this morning.

There have been a number of outages reported in areas west of town and in the Whitedog area.

Hydro One says heavy snow and high winds yesterday have knocked trees and branches onto power lines affecting service.

It could be later this afternoon before power is fully restored to all customers.

Manitoba Hydro adds that about 24 hundred of its customers in the Falcon Lake, West Hawk Lake and Hashaville areas are without power today.

School Buses Cancelled this morning

Some students will get a chance to sleep in this morning.

The Northwestern Ontario Services Consortium has announced that it is cancelling school bus service for the Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Red Lake and Ear Falls areas.

Rat Portage also says its school buses will not be running today.

Local schools will remain open however, for kids who walk or who get dropped off by their parents.

Last night, road conditions in the Kenora area got so bad, the OPP closed down the Kenora By-Pass for just over an hour, due to a number of accidents between the Jones Road and the Redditt Road intersections.

Highway 17-A was re-opened around 10:30 last night.

Bronco Game Cancelled

Today's snow is playing havoc with the local football schedule.

Beaver Brae was supposed to be playing the St. Norbert Celtics this afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The game has been cancelled and is going to be re-scheduled for

Monday, October 15th.

OPP issues Travel Advisory

The OPP has issued a travel advisory for Highway 17 west of Kenora.

Highways are slush covered.

Falcon Lake RCMP Detachment has reported multiple vehicle in the ditch along Highway 1.

They are reporting road conditions as ice packed, with slush and poor visibility.

Both east and westbound lanes on the number 1 are reported to be down to one lane in some areas.

Motorists are asked to avoid travel.

Council votes In Favour of a Casino

Kenora City council is saying yes to a casino.

But with some conditions.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they don't want a stand alone casino, but rather one with will incorporate a resort, hotel and conference center facilities.

Council voted 5-2 in favour of a casino this afternoon.

Only Rory McMillan and Sharon Smith voted against the motion.

Police Believe they have Located Body of Suspect

The OPP believe they have found the body of a man wanted in the alleged confinement of a 16-year-old boy in Nova Scotia.

Police say the body of a 30 year old man was recovered near a 2003 Hyundai Elantra that had been recovered on a logging road in northwestern Ontario.

Police say while the body has not been positively identified they believe it to be that of Wayne Alan Cunningham, who faced charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a boy alleged he was held captive by two men at a home last month.

They say the cause of death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.

The car was found Wednesday about 19 kilometres off the highway in Greenstone.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

Old man winter is expected to make an early appearance in the Kenora area today.

A winter storm warning has been issued from the Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Vermillion Bay, Dryden and Fort Frances.

Arnold Ashton from Environment Canada says we could see anywhere from 10 to 20 centimeters of snow today.

Ashton says the Red Lake area is already seeing some snow this morning.

The system is expected to last all day and all night an into tomorrow as well.

Council to Vote on Casino Proposal Today

A big decision for city council.

A special meeting has been called for this afternoon to decide on the casino issue once and for all.

Over the past month, the city has been gathering feedback from local residents through an on-line survey and through a couple of public meetings.

Just one item on today's agenda...to consider the establishment of a  casino development in Kenora.

The open meeting will take place at noon in council chambers.

Break and Enters on the Decline in Kenora

There's been a slight drop in the crime rate in Kenora.

The OPP have released monthly stats for the first seven months of the year.

Inspector Dave Lucas says they've notice a significant decrease in a couple of key areas.

Lucas credits the decrease in break-ins to the arrest of a number of people last year, who were involved in a local crime spree.

Dryden Officially Sells Off DMTS

The City of Dryden has approved the sale of Dryden Mobility and DMTS.

Council unanimously voted at last nights open meeting that Tbaytel will take over mobility and DMTS services will go to Bell Alliant.

Mayor Craig Nuttall says the equipment for Bell Alliant is already in place.

Tbaytel will claim full ownership of mobility services by October 22 and Bell will take over landline and internet services on January 1st.

Broncos slated to play in the Snow

Mother Nature could play a role in this afternoon's football game between Beaver Brae and St. Norbert.

Flurries are in the forecast for Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The Broncos are looking to get back to the .500 mark with a win, while St. Norbert has a 1-3 record so far this season.

Game time is 3:00 at Beaver Brae.

Goldcorp Donates $5 Million to Red Lake

A new medical clinic appears to be in the books for Red Lake.

Goldcorp has donated five million dollars to the municipality.

Mayor Phil Vinet says it's something that will be a great benefit to the community.

He adds the next phase is to come up with the design concept by next spring.

Fire Hazard Remains High in NWO

Still about a month left in the official fire season in northwestern Ontario, and crews continue to respond to small blazes across the region.

Yesterday, there were four new fires confirmed, two in the Kenora District.

One was a small, human caused fire on Lake of the Woods.

The MNR say it was likely caused by a campfire that was improperly extinguished.

The fire hazard is expected to remain in the high range for at least another day.

Federal Government Provides More Details on First Nation School Funding

The federal government has announced more details of a 175 million dollar First Nation Education plan.

The Federal Government is providing millions of dollars in funding to fix up schools in communities in Ontario and Manitoba.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan says the money will be invested in the construction and renovation projects.

Duncan says part of the 175 million will go to begin work on schools in Fort Severn and Pikangikum, projects that were announced this summer.

Lake of the Woods Museum Garners another Award

Another honor for Lake of the Woods Museum.

The local museum has received an Award of Excellence from the Ontario Museum Association for special projects.

The honor was for a mobile tour, which uses i-pads to guide visitors through the museum's exhibits.

The mobile tour was launched this past June and features 5 and a half hours of audio and visual content.

The award will be handed out at the OMA's annual general meeting in Niagara Falls later this month.