OPP Respond to Multiple Break & Enters

Kenora Provincial Police are continuing to respond to break and enters.

On Friday afternoon police were called about a break in on 9th Street North.

Police says the unknown suspects made of with cash, a diamond pendant, and matching earrings.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers or the Kenora OPP.

Also on Friday morning police discovered a break and enter in progress while doing a foot patrol on the Harbourfront.

As a a result police arrested 30-year Jeff Cowley of Dalles First Nation, 32-year Tral Loranger of Kenora and 29-year old Troy Payash of Kenora.

All 3 are set to appear in Kenora Court.

Power Outage at Valleyview

It's a good thing classes don't start until next week.

Valleyview School is going to be in the dark for the first
couple of days this week.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it's not
sure how long power will be out.

Parents who need to contact the school or to need to register a
student, can reach the school's administrative assistant this week at their board office in Norman.

Vanessa can be reached at 468-5571, extension 239.

Mechanical Problems Cause Transport Fire

Police say a mechanical problem was responsible for a fire in a semi-tractor trailer unit which closed the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora for over three hours.

The incident took place around 4:30 yesterday afternoon in the area of Inglis Road.

The OPP say the fire broke out in the trailer unit.

The driver of the transport was able to stop on the side of the road and separate the trailer from his rig.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze and the trailer was moved into the ditch.

Police say no-one was injured and no charges will be laid in connection to the incident.

One Person Dead, One Missing on Lake Superior

One person is dead and an OPP Dive Team is continuing its search for a missing man on Lake Superior.

On Saturday, police say two people were cliff diving in Silver Harbor in Shuniah Township.

Both divers had difficulty with the wave action.

While the woman was picked up by some people passing by on personal watercraft, her male companion couldn't be located.

The OPP say 26 year old Marlene Fox from the Big Trout Lake First Nation succumbed to her injuries yesterday.

32 year old Kevin Spade from Sioux Lookout has been identified as the missing man.

More Traffic Delays West of Kenora

For the second weekend in a row, motorists experienced long line-ups trying to get in and out of the city.

Highway 17 west was closed several hours yesterday afternoon west of the Kenricia Road and into the evening due to a tractor-trailor fire.

Traffic was backed up all the way from the west entrance to the by-pass.

Some motorists reported they waited in line for over three and a half
hours.

Both lanes weren't open until after 9:00 last night.

AMO Conference Underway in Ottawa

The annual provincial municipalities conference is underway in Ottawa.  

Ron Nelson is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says tomorrow is when the local delegates will meet with provincial cabinet ministers.

Nelson says the Northern Growth Plan and infrastructure funding for municipal roads and bridges and
the Ring of Fire are just a couple of items on their agenda.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is also in attendance as NOMA president.

Aboriginal Employment Service Up and Running

An employment service for aboriginal job seekers is now up and
running.

Shooniyaa Job Connect went live on-line back in April.

Dana Bridgeman-Cross says they offer services to both employers and employees.

Bridgeman-Cross says they also help job seekers out with resumes, writing cover letters and with job interviews.

Four New Forest Fires This Weekend

The Ministry of Natural Resources is preparing for new forest fires the next couple of days.

Warm and sometimes stormy conditions are in the forecast and the MNR says the fire hazard will likely increase.

It was a fairly quiet weekend for crews with 4
new fires across the region.

New starts were reported in Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.

15 fires continue to burn and cause no concern.

Big Pink Bus Comes to Town

You might notice a large pink bus in Kenora this week.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is bringing its Pink Tour to the community.

Foundation director Beth Easton says it bringing vital information to women and men.

The bus will open its doors on Wednesday with a stop at Shopper's Drug Mart in the morning, followed by a visit to the CIBC on Main Street in the
afternoon.

Bronco Football Team Opens Training Camp

Beaver Brae's football team is gearing up for another season in
the Winnipeg High School League.

The Broncos open their two-week training camp this morning at
Pete Fair Memorial Field.

About 40 players are expected to compete for jobs this season.

The Broncos open the season September 4th on the road against
the Elmwood Giants.

New Telephone Fraud in Kenora

A free trip this is not.

Kenora O.P.P say a telephone fraud in the city is claiming to give away a free trip from a local business.

Police say the call will display a local number and requests your credit card information.

Police say you have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and that any legitimate business will give you the information.

City Council Ready for AMO Meeting

Making our voices heard.

5 members of city council will be attending next weeks Association of Municipalities of Ontario meeting.

Mayor Dave Canfield says he joining area leaders in the stand against Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Canfield also plans to discuss infrastructure, tourism, forestry, and policing.

Council has requested meetings with 7 ministers.

Mike Richards Donates $17,000

Another huge success at the Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament.

A cheque presentation was held where Mike Richards donated over $17,000 to the Kenora and Lake of the Wood Regional Community Foundation.

Richards says giving back is a key goal of his no matter how big or small.

Richards' charity events have raised over $100,000 overall for the community foundation.

MP Rickford Responds to R.O.F Concerns

Greg Rickford isn't saying if the Harper Government will join the province and First Nations at the Ring of Fire bargaining table.  

As the federal minister responsible for the proposed mining project, the Kenora MP says he has a date with First Nations negotiator Bob Rae.

In the meantime, Rickford says the government plans to wait out a court challenge on the federal environmental process.

Red Lake Teacher Receives ETFO Award

An honour for Jeff Holmes, who spent many years teaching in Red Lake.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario has presented him with the Honorary Life Member Award.

Holmes is now retired, but says he became a teacher after getting his Master's degree in music.

Holmes says he's not the first from Northwestern Ontario to win this award.
Dryden's Peter Andrusco received it a couple of years ago.

Nishinawbe-Aski Police Appoint New Chief

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is welcoming their new chief.

Terry Armstrong will take over effective September 3rd, replacing Robert Herman who held the position of Acting Chief of Police since January 2013.

He will lead the service alongside Deputy Chief Roland Morrison.

Health Unit Offers Up Septic System Advice

Regular maintenance can help save your septic system.

Doug Vergunst is the Chief Building Official with the Northwestern Health Unit, and recommends installing an effluent filter.

He says the system can save you money in the long run by removing particles.

Vergunst says it's also important to maintain the field portion of the septic system, and advises residents to avoid changing draining patterns near it.

Treaty 3 Commemorates CJ Residential School

 A milestone day for residential school survivors in Treaty 3.

A commemoration ceremony was held at the site of the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora.

Peter Bush spoke on behalf of the Presbyterian Church and offered his apologizes for the actions of abuse performed at the school.

Elder Stephen Kejick said the ceremony did not offer closure but instead a new beginning.

6 residential schools were once operated with in Treaty 3.

New Safety Initiative in School Buses

The Northwest Student Services Consortium is making sure no kid is left behind.

The Consortium has adopted the empty/checked safety initiative.

A checked sign is placed in the back window after the bus driver has checked the bus for any remaining students.

The empty goes up after the driver confirms nobody is left on the bus.

Manager Judy Green says this is another new way for the consortium to improve safety.

Campbell Demands MNR's Long Term Plan

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River says the Province needs to fully disclose its plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

This week the government announced layoff plans across the region and Ontario.

Sarah Campbell says its vital that the Minister come forward with its long-term plan.

The NDP member says the Ministry has already botched cuts, such as those to the Bearwise program and the decision to outsource MNR jobs to the United States.

MNR Offers Black Bear Hunting Safety Tips

The Black bear hunting season in Northwestern Ontario is officially underway.

And Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Debbie MacLean says it's important to be cautious of what's around you.

MacLean says firefighters usually work in groups, and wear highly visible clothing.

She adds that the forest fire season runs until October 31st.

FedNor Invests in Ring of Fire

The Harper government is providing more Ring of Fire related funding in the area.  

FedNor Minister Greg Rickford says 4.4-million dollars is going to the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund to help First Nations businesses create jobs in preparation for the giant mining development.

The funding will be spread over 3 years.

Minimum Wage Campaign Growing in Ontario

A coalition of groups across the province want to see Ontario's minimum wage hit 14-dollars an hour.

Demonstrations in several cities are planned today in hopes convincing government to up the current rate of 10.25.

Most rallies are in southern Ontario, but organizer Sonia Singh says their campaign is growing with people taking a larger role in Thunder Bay and Kenora.

Singh says a wage of 14-dollars would bring many people now struggling over the poverty line.

See says the protests the protests will take place every month on the 14th until the wage is increased.

Northwest LHIN Reappoints 2 Members

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network has reappointed 2 members to it's board of directors.

Dennis Gushalak of Ear Falls and Diane Loubier of Ignace will remain with the LHIN for the next three years.

The LHIN oversees regional health care planning and funding.

Treaty 3 Commemorates Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School

Grand Council Treaty 3 is commemorating the students affected by the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School.

The gathering gets underway today at 11:00 at the school site on Airport Road.

Elder Stephen Kejick will speak followed by a traditional drum and dance.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Council Defers Decision on Flying Lanterns

Kenora city council has deferred a resolution to ban the sale of flying lanterns.

Council has decided to do more research before requesting the province the sale of the lanterns.

Mayor Dave Canfield says they want to discuss the issue with other municipalities first.

Canfield says council has recently gotten information claiming the lanterns have never caused any forest fires or property damage.

Businesses Seek New Loading Zone

Businesses on Bernier Drive are seeking a new loading zone.

Kathy Oberg is with the Brown and Associates Planning Group and says the concerns stem from talks back in 2008.

Oberg says the plan is still to create a new loading zone during the phase 2 utility upgrades on the Harbourfront.

She has also provided council with a letter displaying intern solutions.

Forest Fire Season Remains Quiet

This year's forest fire season in Northwestern Ontario is far from over.

Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Debbie MacLean says while things have been quiet, they are expected to pick up.

McLean says crews are always readily available.

Currently, there are 17-active fires in the region.

MNR Cutting 102 Jobs

Some bad news for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A number of jobs are being cut including 3 positions here in Kenora.

The moves comes as budget cuts have lead to the MNR losing 102 positions.

Dryden and Thunder Bay are losing 7 employees, while Fort Frances, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout are losing 2.

Walleye Classic Casts Off in Minaki

The fishing tournament season is continuing.

The Gary Roach Pro-Team Walleye Classic takes to the waters of Minaki this weekend.

Organizer Mandy Hell says a number of prizes are up for grabs including $5,000 for first place, and a daily big catch prize.

Hell says they also have tackle, Gary Roach roads, and other prizes.

The tournament starts on Friday with a rules meeting and runs through Sunday.

Visit www.paradisecoveminaki.com or call 807-224-1107 to register.

ETFO Re-Elects President Sam Hammond

 Members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario have re-elected Sam Hammond as president at the union's annual meeting in Toronto.

Hammond has served as president of ETFO since 2009.

Hammond led the 76,000 member union's fight against Ontario's Bill 115, which imposed contracts with a two-year wage freeze.

He also defended the union's protest tactics as ETFO staged a series of one-day strikes last December to protest the legislation.

Hammond says he is looking forward to ensuring ETFO's leadership in championing public education and democratic rights into the next round of collective bargaining with the province.

ELA Negotiations hit road block

Raising the alarm bells.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development has hit a road block in take over negotiations for the Experimental Lakes Area.

Peter Kirby is with Save ELA and says they are losing the operating team, and that science at the facility has been halted.

Kirby is calling on the Federal government to cover the necessary costs to finalize the negotiations.

He adds people wishing to donate to the ELA can't do so until the take over has been completed.

Kenora OPP Issue Multiple Driving Charges

The Kenora OPP have charged a Winnipeg man an impared driving offence.

Police say they stopped Justin Stapon on Saturday afternoon on Lakeview Drive.

Following a roadside test police charged Stapon with exceeding the legal limit.

He will answer to the charge in Kenora Court next month.

In the meantime, A Winnipeg man has been charged for a head on collision on Sunday morning.

Kenora OPP say 18 year old Michael Fisette was driving east on Highway 17 when he collided with a west bound truck.

The driver of the truck was taken to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Fisette has been charged with careless driving and will appear in Kenora court in October.

Wanted Man Located by Dryden Police

A little ways from home for a man who was stopped by Dryden Police yesterday morning.

Officers spoke with the Winnipeg man who was walking along Highway 17 near Bedworth Road, and found out he was wanted in Manitoba and British Columbia.

Police say he also had drugs on him.

He is being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Dryden Council Creates New Working Partnership

Dryden Council has agreed to a close working relationship with a group of concerned business owners.

Council has agreed to involve the group in the service delivery review that's about to take place.

Mayor Craig Nuttall says it's the right thing to do.

A resolution introduced by Councilor Sid Wintle last night stated that the group will, among other things, assist the City in reduced staffing levels.

Wintle has suggested that the group is planning another meeting to determine the next course of action.

Opposition Parties Continue to Seek Answers

The opposition parties will have a lot of questions today about cancelled gas plants for Don Guy, the chair of the Liberals' three election victories and a long-time chief of staff to former premier Dalton McGuinty.

N-D-P house leader Gilles Bisson says Guy had a lot of power and emails show he wanted the Speaker to change a preliminary finding of contempt against the Liberals.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says Don Guy's emails paint ``a very disturbing picture of what was happening behind the scenes of the Liberal government'' under Dalton McGuinty.

26th Annual KBI a huge Success

The 26th Annual Kenora Bass International is a resounding success.

KBI Chair Tyler Johnson says the event was fantastic and went off with only a few minor bumps along the way.

Johnson says KBI could not have happened without the Board of Directors, Tournament Advisers, Sponsors, and Volunteers.

Province Funds Bridge Repairs

The city has been cleared of the cost to repair the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge.

Minister of Infrastructure Glen Murray says the government has stepped up to the plate.

Murray says the government will provide funding to cover the $4.5M price tag.

Murray adds that the province is committed to working on the remaining 17 bridges in the city.

Ontario Energy Board Moves Ahead with Transmission Line

The process is now underway for the construction of a new transmission line to provide electricity between northwestern and southern Ontario.

The Ontario Energy Board's Vanda Wall says a company has been chosen to begin the initial design, the environmental assessment and land acquisition.

Wall says this stage can last up to 18 months.

Emo Upgrades Water Lines and Treatment Plant

 Some major upgrades to Emo's water system.

The township will use 2-million dollars in provincial money towards the installation of new water lines and upgrades to its water treatment plant.

Councillor Anthony Leek says it's a project they've been working on for several years.

Leek is hoping they can start the work this fall

Deadline Looms for Rainy River Resources Shareholders

Nearly all of the shares in Rainy River Resources are in the hands of New Gold.

New Gold had given Rainy River shareholders until the end of the day Thursday to accept its take-over proposal.

New Gold says 97 per cent of shares have been transferred.

The rest will be acquired by the way of a compulsory acquisition as permitted under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act.

MP Greg Rickford Settles Into New Role

Kenora MP Greg Rickford continues his northwestern Ontario swing, but the work continues in Ottawa.

The Conservative is in a transition stage as he continues to be briefed on his new duties as Minister of State of Science and Technology and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Rickford says he's hired Thunder Bay's Mark Wright to lead FedNor duties.

Wright was also an aid for former FedNor Minister Joe Comuzzi.

OPP Recover Body of Drowning Victim

 A 73-year old Kingston man drowned over the weekend while canoeing on Lake Superior near the mouth of the White River.

Marathon provincial police say Erhard Frenzl and another man were in the canoe when it capsized.

One man was able to safely make it to shore, but one was swept away by the current.

A search and rescue effort later found Frenzl's bosy 500 metres off shore.

Day 3: Kenora Bass International

The third and final day of the 26th Annual Kenora Bass International had the Whitecap Pavilion buzzing. This year's winners are Bill Godin of Devlin, Ontario and Leroy Wilson of International Falls, Minnesota with a total weigh in of 52.50 lbs. Day three of the tournament didn't prove to be a lucky one for Jeff Gustafson and Chris Savage who lead the tournament on August 8th and 9th.

For complete results visit: www.kbifishing.com

1	35	18.44	15.46	18.60	52.50	BILL GODIN	DEVLIN	LEROY WILSON	INTERNATIONAL FALLS
2	16	15.31	17.70	18.55	51.56	BRIAN MCNANNEY	SIOUX NARROWS	MATTHEW RYDBERG	SIOUX NARROWS
3	3	15.60	16.05	18.17	49.82	JESS SWENSON	SIOUX NARROWS	MICHAEL REID	SIOUX NARROWS
4	130	17.63	16.68	15.14	49.45	JULES GIBBINS	MORSON	JOHN GIBBINS	MORSON
5	32	15.79	16.98	16.50	49.27	MIKE MILLER	OSHAWA	SCOTT BONNEMA	ZIMMERMAN
6	7	18.20	14.20	15.89	48.29	PAT GIBBONS	MORSON	PAT HANDORGAN JR	MORSON
7	123	16.07	17.27	14.82	48.16	MARK PENTNEY	SLEEMAN	PETER TIBIONI	RAINY RIVER
8	5	16.33	16.93	14.60	47.86	OLIVER GIBBONS	SLEEMAN	JASON GIBBONS	SLEEMAN
9	18	19.78	16.63	11.01	47.42	CHRIS SAVAGE	KEEWATIN	JEFF GUSTAFSON	KENORA
10	8	15.91	14.86	16.31	47.08	DEREK WAGENAAR	KENORA	JAMES HENDY	KEEWATIN