Energy Funding Now Available for Small and Aboriginal Communities

The Province is promoting conservation and clean energy in smaller sized and Aboriginal communities.

The new Municipal Energy Plans and Aboriginal Community Energy Plans will allow the communities to assess its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and consider the impact of future growth and options.

Small and medium sized as well as Aboriginal communities will be eligible for up to 90-thousand-dollars to develop a plan, while remote First Nations can receive up to 95-thousand.

Police on Accident Scene near Cameron Bay

Kenora OPP are on the scene of an accident on the Cameron Bay bridge.

Lakeview Drive is close between Keewatin and Parson Street and police are diverting traffic through Norman. 

We have reports that a vehicle left the roadway and entered the water in Cameron Bay.

The OPP do have a boat searching the Area. 

We will have more details as they are released. 

Power Outage Update

Over 3,000 customers remain without power this afternoon.

Last night's storm knocked out power to customers in the areas of Redditt, the Dalles, McKenzie Portage Road, Clearwater Bay, Washagamis Bay, Rat Portage, Ingolf and to the east at Hawk Lake.

Hydro One says crews are working to restore power but now says that it won;t be until 10:00.

The original hope was to have the work done by 4:00

Canfield Pleased with Government Response to the North

Some positives signs for Northwestern Ontario.

Mayor Dave Canfield is at the Association of Municipalities Ontario meeting in Ottawa and says the government is starting to focus on the region.

Canfield says the 5 members of city council at the meeting were able to meet with seven provincial cabinet ministers during the meeting.

As president of NOMA he was also in on meetings with seven other ministers and  Conservative leader Tim Hudak.

The AMO Conference wraps up today.

Rickford Supports Parliamentary Re-Set

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is calling it a smart move.

His comment is in regards to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the Governor General to prorogue the parliament until October.

Rickford says he feels confident that their best interests will be right there as the government transitions into a new parliamentary agenda.

He adds that he will continue to push the mining and forestry sectors once the government has transitioned into its new parliamentary agenda.

Kenora Sets Weather Record

A record breaking day weather-wise in Kenora.

One of the weather stations at the Kenora Airport hit 32.2 degrees
yesterday, smashing the previous high for August 20th.

The previous high was 30.6 set back in 1976.

Dryden was the hot spot in the region, reaching 32.5 yesterday.

KPDSB Expects It to Be Business As Usual this Fall

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is one of many school boards in Ontario yet to ratify a new contract with Elementary and High School teachers.

Director of Education Sean Monteith says they continue to work with all parties to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.

Monteith says they plan to append the memorandum of understanding with teachers by the end of September.

The public school board is hoping it will be business
as usual at area schools and that extra-curricular activities will continue.

Storm Causes Wide Spread Power Outage

Over three thousand Hydro One customers in the Kenora area are in the dark this morning.

A vicious storm last night knocked out power around 10:00 last night in an area from Redditt, to Rat Portage, Washagamis Bay, Clearwater Bay and all the way out to Ingolf.

Hydro One crews are already on the scene in some areas trying to restore electricity.

The utility says it could be 4:00 this afternoon before power is back on for all its
customers.

In the meantime, a micro-burst has knocked trees onto a section of the Redditt Road north
of the Coker Road creating a bit of a driving hazard.

OPP Locate Body of Missing Man

Kenora OPP have located the body of a missing man on Lake of the Woods.

The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery unit located the body of 52 year old Gary Dueck of Steinbach.

Dueck was paddle boarding yesterday afternoon in the area of Pine Portage Bay when fell into the water and failed to resurface.

A post mortem is scheduled for tomorrow.

Man Killed by Train in Hudson

Sioux Lookout OPP say they are continuing to investigate a fatality in the community of Hudson.

Around 10:00 last night, police were contacted after a man was hit by a train on the CN main line.

47 year old Arnold Derouin was pronounced dead at the scene.

The OPP are being assisted by the CN Police and Lac Seul Police Service.

Anyone with information about the fatality is asked to contact the Sioux Lookout Detachment.

Luby Drafted by NBL's Mill Rats

A Kenora basketball product is hoping to turn pro this fall.

Mike Luby was drafted 7th overall last night in the National Basketball
League of Canada Draft by the St. John Mill Rats.

Luby says he's ready to make the jump from college ball.

Luby is a 6'11" center who played last year for the Brock Badgers in
the Ontario University league.

OPP Search for Missing Man on Lake of the Woods

The OPP's Marine Unit is searching for a man reported missing on
Lake of the Woods.

Police were contacted around 5:00 yesterday afternoon about a man who had been paddle boarding on Pine Portage Bay.

The 52 year old fell off the board and failed to resurface.

The OPP's Underwater Search and Rescue Unit has also been brought in to help out.

The name of the missing man has not been released.

Watershed Board Holds Inaugural Meetings This Week

The first ever public meetings with the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed board are being held this week.

A pair of open houses are scheduled today in International Falls and
tomorrow in Kenora.

Todd Sellars is a local representative on the board and says they are eager to speak with the public about their work to date.

Tomorrow's open house will take place at the Best Western Lakeside Inn at 1:30, followed by a public meeting at 2:30.

Tonight's open house is 6:30 at Rainy River Community College, followed by the public meeting at 7:30.

Northwest MP Upset With Prorogation

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says it's extremely outrageous that the Prime Minister has decided to prorogue Parliament until after Thanksgiving.

Hyer calls the move ridiculous and notes it seems like every time the government gets into trouble it decides to halt business.

Stephen Harper says he wants to end the current session instead of returning next month, and start a new one with a throne speech in October.

He says it's because most of the promises the Conservatives made in the last election have been fulfilled.

SMB Construction Expected This Fall

Don't expect to see any construction at Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys until
later this fall.

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is getting ready for a multi-million dollar expansion to the french immersion school.

Phylis Eikre is the director of Education and says its taken a little longer than expected to put the project out to tender.

The expansion will include four new classrooms for SMB which will allow the school to accommodate all day junior and senior kindergarten programs.

Two Men Charged With Arson in Falcon Lake Fire

Two Winnipeg men have been charged in connection to a cottage fire
that took place six years ago in Falcon Lake, Manitoba.

The RCMP have laid charges of arson and break and enter against
the two 26 year old men.

The Mounties began their investigation back in May of 2007, after a camp on Falcon Lake, valued at 270 thousand dollars was burned to the ground.

Police say at least five other cabins in the area had also been broken into at the
time.

Aaron Sodomiak and Edward Rioux will be in court over the next couple of weeks to face the charges.

OPP Dive Teams Find Two Bodies Near Thunder Bay

It was a tragic weekend in the Thunder Bay area as the summer death toll reached five in swimming or canoeing related accidents.

Two people are dead after a cliff diving mishap in Shuniah Township near the Silver Harbour boat launch.  OPP Divers pulled the body of 32-year old Kevin Spade from Lake Superior yesterday.  26-year old Marlene Fox, who had been rescued from the waters Saturday evening, died Sunday night at the Health Sciences Centre from her injuries.  

Meantime, OPP divers found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan Desfosses...who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.  The 31-year old from Peace River, Alberta, was found yesterday afternoon near Forbes River Road.  Police say Desfosses was not wearing a life jacket.  3 others...who were in the canoe...a man and two children...managed to make it to shore safely.

Humidex Advisory Issued for Kenora

Air conditioners and fans will be working overtime today.

Near record highs are expected as the entire region is faced with a humidex advisory.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the mercury is expected to hit 32
degrees.

Yesterday's 29.3 degree high was close to a record but didn't break it.

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.