Wynne Brings Northern Tour to Kenora

Liberal leadership candidate Kathleen Wynne will be rolling out her Northern Ontario platform today in Kenora.

Wynne was in Thunder Bay yesterday and will be in Kenora this afternoon to meet with party faithful.

One of her promises is the creation of a northern Ontario committee of cabinet.

Glen Murray is also on a tour of northern Ontario this week.

Saints Advance to NWOSSA Championship game

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is a win away from advancing to the All-Ontario Single Championships again.

The Saints will play in this morning's NWOSSA final against either Manitouadge or Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School from Thunder Bay.

Yesterday T.A. easily won both their round robin matches in three straight sets.

Neither game lasted longer than an hour.

The NWOSSA gold medal games goes at 10:00 this morning at the Thomas Aquinas gym.

KMTS Prosperity Trust Fund sees Slow Growth

Its been a tough year for investments.

The City has released the most recent results for its KMTS Citizan's Prosperity Fund.

The city's treasurer, Charlotte Edie reported to city council yesterday that they will be able to meet their target of three percent earnings on the Trust Fund this year, but admits its been a tougher year than last year.

The city's aim is to earn at least three percent on its investments and loans in order to generate at least 1.1 million dollars in revenue, to help offset taxes.

Thomas Aquinas wins first game At NWOSSA Finals

The Thomas Aquinas Saints are off to a quick start at the NWOSSA playoffs.

The team started the playoffs today against Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School from Thunder Bay.

The Saints dominated the match from the opening serve winning in straight sets.

TA plays again at 2:00 against Manitouwadge High School.

The finals will be played tomorrow morning at 10:00 with the winner moving on to the OFSAA playoffs.

Murray Brings Leadership Campaign North

A liberal leadership canidate has Northern Ontario on his mind.

Glen Murray is heading to Thunder Bay today to speak with party faithful about his plans for the North if elected premier.

Murray, who was minister of training,colleges and universities, says that the north "needs it's own voice."

His campaign is built on tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses, no-money-down college or university tuition, cities and towns that work, and a smart government that listens.

Stewardship Group Proposed for Laurenson's Creek

A group of concerned citizans living along Laurenson's Creek have indicated they would like to set up a Stewardship group.

The interest group would look at both the protection of the Laurenson Creek wetlands and navigation.

Councillor Sharon Smith feels the city should support their efforts.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the city just doesn't have the funds to support another community group financially, but says council can endorse their goals.

City Urged to Create Stanley Cup Replica

The campaign to create a giant replica of the Stanley Cup is being revived.

Bob McMillin made the pitch to city council this week, suggesting a fiberglass trophy be made to show off Kenora's hockey heritage.

McMillin says the concept has been kicked about for years, but feels the Stanley Cup Replica could be placed at the Discovery Center as a tourist attraction.

Castle of Learning Parents Reminded to Re-register

A reminder for parents with kids at the Castle of Learning Day care center.

You must re-register for the day care program before Firefly takes over in the new year.

Caryl Hron from the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says they are working with Firefly for a seemless transition for parents.

Hron says they will be continuing before and after school day care programs as well in the new year, once the city gives up the Castle of Learning.

Treaty Three Agrees to Work with Anishinabek Nation

Two First Nations organizations are working together to tackle some common issues.

The Grand Council Treaty 3 and Anishinabek Nation have formed a unity protocal, where they will look at child welfare, lands and resources, and protection of treaty and Aboriginal rights.

Treaty 3 spokesperson Dale Morrisseau says it makes sense that they would form this partnership.

A traditional ceremony was held last week.

Kenora Airport Receives Government Funding

The Kenora Airport is getting almost 99 thousand dollars for the federal government.

The funding was announced today to replace the Airfield Electrical Generator.

MP Greg Rickford says funding is essential to support the growth of the airport.

Rickford adds the government has provided around 1.3 million dollars to the airport in the last few years including a new snobblowing machine and a perimeter fence.

Doctors Reach Deal with the Province

Ontario's doctors are to vote next month on a tentative deal reached between the Ontario Medical Association and the cash-strapped provincial government.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government reversed some earlier fee cuts that were supposed to save 340 million dollars a year to reach the agreement with the doctors.

The O.M.A., which had launched a court challenge of the fee cuts, says it's pleased the government agreed to reverse some of the cuts.

The Progressive Conservatives lashed out at the Liberals for not sticking to the announced fee cuts, and complained they can't ask questions about the deal in the legislature.

The New Democrats say the Liberals are sending the wrong message to other public sector workers who started negotiations with the government on a wage freeze yesterday.

Council Promises More Openess

Kenora City council is promising to be more open in the future.

Council has received a report from the Municipal Closed Meeting Investigator.

Mayor Dave Canfield says even though the complaint wasn't directed at this edition of council and there was no wrong-dorin the investigator did have some useful suggestions.

Former mayor Joyce Chevrier had asked the Closed Meeting investigator to look into the decision by the previous council to remove the covenant on Norman Park in an in-camera session.

Kenora's Mayor for the Day Completes Duties

Kenora's mayor for the day says she has a new appreciation for municipal workers.

Maya Boivin has wrapped her tour of duty as mayor.

She says she even found last nights two hour committee of the whole meeting interesting.

The grade 12 Thomas Aquinas student had a whirlwind tour of several of the city's facilities during yesterday's stint as Mayor for the Day.

ELA Being Sold?

The Coalition to save the ELA says the government is working to privatize the Experimental Lakes Area.

Coalition Director Diane Orihel says negotiations are underway to sell the ELA.

Orihel adds that the buyer does not want to be named during the negotiations.

In the meantime, she says the possible sale of the Experimental Lakes Area has scientists guessing about the future.

Coalition to save the ELA says the scientists working in the ELA have not be informed about any changes the sale might bring.

OPSEU Opens Talks with Province

The possible privatization of the some government services is on the table as the government employees union in Ontario begins contract talks with the province today.

Neil MacDonald represents workers in northwestern Ontario and says they want to make sure such services are protected.

MacDonald also hopes the needs of the north will be looked after during this round of bargaining,.

Kenora High School Hockey Teams Open Season with Wins

The NorWOSSA Hockey Season is now underway and it was a good start for all three Kenora high school teams in action last night.

Thomas Aquinas teams swept Sioux Lookout in their season openers.

The T.A. boys got by the Warriors 8-2 at the Kenora Rec. Center last night.

Tanner Kapera and Rory Keith had a pair of goals in the victory.

In Sioux Lookout, the Saints girls cruised to an 11-0 win over Queen Elizabeth High School.

Kylee Neniska, Lexi Williams, and Tess Derouard each finished the game with 2 goals and an assist.

The Beaver Brae Boys hockey team was in Red Lake and romped to an 8-1 win over Red Lake.

Easton Gautier scored a pair of goals for the Broncos in the victory.

T.A. Student Mayor for the Day

There will be a new face at the council table this afternoon.

Kenora's latest mayor for the day will preside over today's Committee of the Whole Meeting.

Maya Boivin is a student at Thomas Aquinas and feels job-shadowing the mayor is a great opportunity.

Boivin adds that she will also be taking a number of tours of city run facilities, including the Operations Building, the Waste Transfer Center and City Hall.

Two Killed in Collision on Highway 17 East

Two Kenora residents are dead as a result of a collision on Highway 17 east.

The OPP say the accident took place around 7:00 last night in the area of Little Joe Lake, about 50 kilometers east of town.

75 year old John Marsholok and 71 year old Irene Marshalok were killed in the crash.

Police say a 2003 Buick lost control and drove into the path of an on-coming Dodge Carvan.

The 60 year old driver of the Caravan was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment and later released.

The Trans-Canada was closed for several hours while the wreckage was cleared and OPP Technical Traffic Investigators looked into the cause of the crash.

Wabigoon Water Tops in NWO

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has claimed first place in the 18th Annual Drinking Water Taste Test.

Water Plant Operator Marcel Shabaquay represented the community, who was presented with a trophy and an iPad 3.

Second place went to Red Lake and Fort Frances came in Third.

The water was judged on taste, colour, odour, and chlorine residue.

Campbell Welcomes Bone Bike to Queen's Park

A prop used by the Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall now sits in the Queen's Park office of Sarah Campbell.

A gas-powered bike with fake bones, used in the 2010 series "Death Comes to Town," was given to the Kenora-Rainy River MPP after the Kids went looking for places to store it.

Campbell, a fan of the Kids, considers the Bike a piece of Canadian history.

Northwest Women's Business Awards this Week

Calling all female business owners.

The Enterprising Women Business Awards is being held this week in Thunder Bay.

PARO is behind the event and Spokesperson Stacia Kean says they want to inspire others to start their own company.

Paro is an organization that helps women become their own bosses.

The Awards Ceremony will take place November 15th.

Concern Raised about Methadone Programs

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario.

Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which helps addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problems because it's simply transfering one addiction for another

Perrier claims doctors are over prescribing the drug and no one is supervising the patients.

Wynne Outlines Liberal Leadership Goals

The more the merrier.

As many as six people are expected to be in the race to replace premier Dalton McGuinty by the end of the day.

Kathleen Wynne is considered one of the front-runners and she's not concerned that so many people are interested in the province's top job

Wynne spoke to CJRL news about her aspirations.

She says she understands some of the frustations of northwestern Ontario residents, but says the job

of the premier is to help create some unity in the province. 

Eric Hoskings is expected to be the latest to enter the race today, while Gerrard Kennedy entered the race yesterday.

The leadership convention will be held the weekend of January 25th

Red Lake OPP Catch Copper Thief

Provincial Police have charged a copper thief in Red Lake.

Last week,a business owner contacted police and said that a man was seen on the premises and removing material that containted copper.

A search warrant was executed and police located the suspect a short time after at his home, where they found a total of 860 lbs of copper wiring as well as an insecure firearm. .

Police say 79-year-old Gerard Desmarais has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, theft under $5000, unsafe storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Highway 17 East of Kenora Open Again

Both lanes of Highway 17 east of Kenora are open again.

The Trans-Canada was closed around 9:00 last night due to a two-vevhicle

collision about 56 kilometers East of Kenora.

The highway was closed for about four hours before the OPP were able to

open one lane around 1:00 this morning.

Both lanes were finally re-opened around 5:00 this morning.

OPP Technical Traffic Investigators were dispatched to the scene to look into

the cause of the crash. 

There has been no indication if anyone was injured. 

Secondary Teacher Work to Rule Actions

The routines of thousands of Ontario secondary school students could see some changes today.

Ken Coran, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, says talks with the province have failed to reach an agreement, and as a result, OSSTF members at 20 school boards across the province will begin job actions today.

The sanctions were to begin last week, but were postponed for five days to give talks with the McGuinty government one last shot.

Coran's release this morning doesn't specify what sanctions teachers will impose, however, they could withdraw from extracurricular activities such as coaching, suspend parent-teacher meetings, and stop submitting student attendance records.

The job action does not currently include the school boards in Kenora

Glenn Murray's Provincial Energy Plan

A new energy consumption plan is in the foreground for Glen Murray.

Murray says that Ontario's power concerns started decades ago and say he likes the plan that Calgary uses based on community voice.

He adds that the plan would allow every city to have its own energy plan.

Murray is one of five people in the race to replace premier Dalton McGuinty.

School Bus Updates

School buses are running in Kenora.

First Student says that all buses are running on time, with the exception of back roads which may be a little behind.

In Vermillion Bay buses will not be going down Blue Lake Loop Rd this morning.

In Rat-Portage school buses are cancelled for the day.

Provincial Funding for Northwestern Police Forces

The provincial government is helping out two Northern Ontario police services.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police has receieved 100,000 dollars to fund it's "Firefly" project, which includes a training oppertunity for all front-line officers, health care professionals, teachers, and community leaders in NAN communities.

The Thunder Bay Police Service also received 97,000 to fund a new website.

The funds come from the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant.

Remembrance Day Service At Beaver Brae

Remembrance Day is this Sunday, but students at Beaver Brae Secondary School got a chance to pay tribute to our veteran's at a special assembly today.

The Kenora Scottish, an aboriginal drummer and singer, and the Beaver Brae Drama Club were all part of the Remembrance day service.

The classic poem, "In Flanders Field" was also recited in the morning assembly.

This is just one of many remembrance day services that will be takin place in the Kenora area.

On Sunday, the Royal Canadian Legions in Kenora, Keewatin and Redditt will also be holding services.

Each service is scheduled to start at 10:30, followed by a moments silence.

Afterwards veterans will also be moving onto local cenotaths, to lay wreaths in memory of soldiers who died in action.

Colorado Low on the Way

Another major storm is heading our way.

A Colorado low is expected to dump between 10 and 15 centimeters on northwestern Ontario.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says its looking like a pretty snowy weekend.

Laidlaw says much of the precipitation will fall as either ice pellets or snow pellets, or possibly even freezing rain.

Forest Industry on the Rebound?

The Forestry Products of Canada Association is calling on the government to support a resurgent forestry industry.

Executive Vice President Catherine Cobden says that the forestry sector is changing, and they are preparing to hire 60,000 people by 2020.

Cobden adds the forest industry is developing new products. 

Cobden says they are also looking to improve their environemental performance by 35 percent.

Youth Engagement Grants Available

An opportunity for local youth to raise awareness about the dangers of tobaccoo use.

The Northwest Tobacco Control area network is encouraging high schools and community groups to apply for the 2012/2013 youth engagement grant, worth up to one thousand dollars.

Coordinator Jennifer McFarlane says the grant is for projects that promote a tobacco-free lifestyle.

McFarlane says things done in the past are health fairs, tobacco-free sports tournaments and much more.

OPP Officer Charged in Connection to Fatal Accident

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit is charging a Kenora police officer in connection with a fatal collision back in September.

Constable Troy Bender has been charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death.

Back on September 23rd around 2:00 in the morning, a marked OPP cruiser was involved in a collision with the semi tractor trailor unit at the intersection of the Redditt Road and the Kenora By-Pass.

The female prisoner in the cruiser, 42 year old Gloria Assin was killed as a result of the accident.

The director of the SIU Ian Scott has laid the charge and the officer will make a first court appearance on December 20th.

Bronco Junior Girls win NorWOSSA Gold

Just one gold medal for Beaver Brae at the NorWOSSA Double

"A" championships.

 

The Broncos played in all four semi-final matches yesterday against teams from Fort Frances and Dryden.

Beaver Brae's junior girls baketball team played a close semi against Dryden coming out with a 30-26 win in the morning before going on to win the NorWossa title with a 35-31 win over Fort Francis.


The senior Bronco teams were not very lucky in the semis against Fort Francis.

Beaver Brae's senior girls basketball team was upset 30-18 and the boys volleyball team got swept in 3 striaght sets by the Muskies.

However the junior teams were a different story.

The junior boys volleyball team defeated Fort Francis in the morning semi final, however a valiant effort fell short in the final losing to Dryden 3 sets to 1.

OPP Call Fort Frances fatality a Homocide

Provincial police are now treating a recent death in Fort Frances as a homicide.

The victim is identified as 45 year old Leo Whitecrow of Seine River First Nation.

He died in a motel late last week.

A post-mortem exam was conducted this week at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, but so far the cause of death has not been released.

Workshop on Water Resource Center Taking Place Today

A workshop is taking place today to look at the feasibility of establishing a water recource center on Lake of the Woods.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is hosting the one day forum.

Kelly Saunders is helping organize the event and says they have attracted delegates from both sides of the border.

Today's guest speaker is Dr. Shannon Fisher from Minnesota State University in Mankato.

The workshop will run until 4:00 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

A snowy Weekend being Forecast

Environment Canada is issueing a special weather statement for much of northwestern Ontario.

A low pressure system developing over the American rockies is forecast to track towards lake superior over the next couple of days.

An area of snow ahead of the low is expected to spread into northwestern ontario beginning early saturday.

Snow may be heavy at times with total amounts of 10 to 15 cm possible.

We will keep you posted on any new developments as they happen.

Community Foundation Donates One Million Dollars

A major milestone for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

The Foundation handed out its one millionth dollar at a granting ceremony last night.

The Hockey For Health Hockey tournament received a 25 hundred dollar cheque, putting the foundation over the million dollar mark.

Jess Rheault received the grant on behalf of the tournament and says she was excited to be part of the event.

A total of 63 thousand dollars was handed out last night during the granting ceremony.

Kenora to Become A Smart and Caring Community

A campaign is being launched to create community foundations in every town and city across Canada.

Community Foundations Canada says its goal is to have foundations set up everywhere by 2017.

Ian Bird is president and CEO of the CFC and says this is a legacy project to celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday.

Bird is in Kenora to launch the Smart and Caring Community Campaign.

Rainy River Resources Holding Open Houses

Another open house today on Rainy River Resources gold project south of Kenora.


It happens this afternoon in Emo.

Last night, the company held an open house in Nestor Falls.

Company vice-president Kyle Stanfield says it gives residents a change to learn more about the project and the environmental assessments now underway.

MNR Working on New Fishing Regulations

Changes are in the works for local anglers.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is working on a new Fisheries Management plan for northwestern Ontario.

While there are some new regulations being proposed, lead Biologist Brian Jackson says things won't be set in stone for a while.

Jackson says they plan on having a final plan by spring of next year, and any final changes would come in effect by January 2014.

Obesity new Health Care target

Being overweight isn't being taken too "lightly".

As a way to battle the obesity epidemic, the Ontario Medical Association is considering putting graphic images on junk food packaging, simillar to those on cigarettes.

Julie Slack is a registered dietician with the Northwestern Health Unit says little steps can be taken on the local level, by choosing healthier food and exercising more. 

Slack adds that we are in a time where families are busier, and fast food becomes an often choice.

Province Offers Help to Wawa

The Community of Wawa is receiving word from the province that it is eligible to receive funds from the Province's Disaster Relief Fund.

Part of the Trans-Canada Highway were washed out two weeks ago thanks to a monstrous rainstorm that made its way through the area.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Bob Chiarelli toured the area yesterday and says a price tag for the damage is still far away.

Chiarelli toured the flodd damaged area with Mayor Linda Nowicki and promptly offered the province's help.

Saints Boys win NorWOSSA Gold

A golden day for Thomas Aquinas volleyball teams.

The Saints boys won two NorWOSSA championships yesterday.

The Senior boys overpowered Sioux Lookout in three straight sets.

Despite the win, coach Bob Kowal feels they can play better

In the junior boys final the Saints were down 2 sets to 1 but rallied back to win in a desicive 5th set.

Thomas Aquinas senior boys will play host to the NWOSSA finals next week.

Meanwhile, it was different story on the basketball court, where Rainy River dominated the girls finals.

The Owls junior girl got by T.A. 28-13, while the Rainy River senior squad held on for a close 34-31 victory.

Today, NorWOSSA play-off action moves to Beaver Brae for the double "a" finals.

Obama wins Re-election

A triumphant U-S President Barack Obama looked ahead to another divided Congress and told supporters problems stir controversy but the arguments are a mark of liberty.

Obama accepted victory this morning in Chicago, telling supporters the ``best is yet to come.''

The next four years could be a tall order.

Among Obama's challenges: slowing global growth, U-S companies still too anxious to expand much and improving an economy burdened by high unemployment.

Murray Offers Support to Northwestern Ontario

A Champion for the North.

That's the promise from Glen Murray as he launches his campaign to lead the provincial government.

Murray feels this region needs a bigger say at Queen's Park.

Murray adds he feels Southern Ontario has given Northwestern Ontario a raw deal for far too long.

He's one of two candidates in the running to replace Dalton McGuinty as premier of Ontario. 

Planning Starts for 2013 Winter Carnival

Back by popular demand: the Kenora Winter Carnival.

Organizers met for the first time yesterday to start putting together plans for 2013.

Mark Duggan is Kenora's acting special events co-ordinator and says  the Harborfront will be the focal point once again for the March festival.

Events such as the Friday night fireworks, the Great Canadian Canoe Race and lumberjack games will also be brought back, along with the skating rink under the White Cap Pavillion.

Flu Vaccine Cleared for Use by Health Unit

All is back to normal regarding flu shots within the Northwestern Health Unit.

Health Canada has lifted the temporary suspension on distribution and use of two flu vaccine products.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it all started with some white flakes in the product.

The problem started in Europe, so Health Canada decided to hold on and make sure everything was okay before distributing the vaccine.