Farrell Named Offensive Player of the Week in WHSFL

For the second week in a row, a member of Beaver Brae's football team
has been named a player of the Week in the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Aiden Farrell is the offensive player of the week in the Currie Division
after scoring a pair of touchdowns and rushing for over 200 yards in
The Broncos win over Lorette last week.

Beaver Brae is back in action today with a game against the unbeaten
West Kildonan Wolverines.

Game time is 3:30 in Winnipeg.

Third Place Finish For Fisher At Ironman

A great result for Kenora's Edie Fisher at the Ironman Triathlon in
Hawaii.

Fisher placed third in the 55-59 age group in the grueling race on
Sunday.

She finished the race in under 11 hours, trimming 41 minutes off her
time last year.

OPP Investigate Incident on Villenueve

Not much remains to be know regarding an incident yesterday on Villenueve Road.

The OPP say one man was sent to the Lake of the Wood in critical condition.

The investigation is continuing.

We will have updates as they're made available.

Council Receives Tourism Sector Profile

Highlighting some gaps in Kenora's tourism industry.

Jennifer Findlay presented a sector profile to council this week.

Findlay says hospitality is an area for improvement, stating that a high end boutique hotel or destination specific accommodations like the Yurts in Minaki are needed.

Findlay says they have performed studies that show the current hotels would not see a loss in business.

The report also highlights the strengths of the area including $84 million in investments in the last 6 years and the building of the Whitecap Pavilion.

Harbortown Biz Excited by Business Growth

A sign of things to come.

The Harbortown Biz is praising the new businesses in town.

Treasurer Audrey Favreau says the community is getting a huge boost by all the new restaurants and shops.

Favreau says it's great to see people come back to Kenora to open up businesses and expand the economy.

Heritage Deisngation Deferred for Memorial Park

A history lesson for Kenora City Council.

Hertiage Kenora presented council with a report on Memorial Park in order to get a heritage designation.

Councillor Rory McMillan says it was quite informative and included the history of the area, the old museum, the court house, and the locating of the cenotaph.

However council deferred a decision until a later date as discussions like moving the cenotaph to region remain in place.

Jury Rolls Committee Meets in Thunder Bay

A Provincial Committee continues to work on implementing a set of recommendations aimed at getting more aboriginal  representation on jury rolls.

They met in Thunder Bay this afternoon.

Co-Chair Assistant Deputy Attorney General Irwin Glasberg says they spoke with a remote First Nation woman who told them she received a letter for jury duty but she ignored it.

Co-Chair and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says they've heard of some cases where entire communities have been left out of jury duty.

Thanksgiving Means Busy Border Crossings

Border officials on both sides of the border are expecting another busy weekend with this being Canada's thanksgiving.

If you have to travel through any of the area's points of entry, try doing so at no-peak times.

You can check border wait times for both the Canadian Border Services www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

and U.S. Customs and Protection apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

Broncos Drop 3 Games to Dryden

It was not quite has good a day for the Bronco court sport teams in Dryden.

The only win of the day game came in senior girls basketball with a 36-25 scoreline.

The junior Bronco girls fell 34-25.

In Volleyball the Eagles dominated winning both the senior and junior games in straight sets.

Next up for Beaver Brae is Fort Frances at home on October 22.

Broncos Trample Scorpions

Another convincing win for the Beaver Brae Broncos.

The varsity team left Pete Fair Memorial Field last night with a 42-14 win over the Lorette Scorpions.

Leading the way was running back Aiden Farrell who had 203 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Head Coach Chris Penner says the team responded well to a slow start.

The Broncos now sit at 5 and 1 and face West Kildonan Tuesday before wrapping up the regular season on Friday against St. Johns.

Environmental Commissioner Criticizes MNR Changes

Ontario's environmental commissioner is critical of the provincial government's and what it calls a transformation of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Gord Miller accuses the Liberal government of deliberately dismantling environmental protection.

In his annual report, Miller says changes to the MNR "cast doubt on the ministry's ability to properly manage and protect Ontario's natural environment."

Miller says budget cuts and regulatory changes have reduced the Ministry's effectiveness.

Phone Fraud Circulates Through Kenora

Another phone scam is circulating through Kenora.

The Ontario Provincial Police says the fraud is known as the emergency scam or the grandparent scam.

An example of the phone call might go like this.

"Con-artist:  Hi, Grandma/Grandpa
Victim:  Hi
Con-artist:  Do you know who this is?
Victim:  John?

Con-artist:  Yeah, it's John."

Police say the caller will act like a grandchild in an emergency and solicit funds from the victim.

Last year over 500 victims reported losses of $1.4 million.

If you think you have received a call of this nature you can report it to the anti-fraud centre.

Toll Free: 888-495-8501
Online: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Email: info@antifraudcentre.ca

KPDSB Seek Provincial Capital Funding

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is hoping the second time is a charm when it comes to securing Provincial capital funding.

Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says the new Sioux Lookout High School and Valleyview expansion projects selected in 2012 will be brought forward once again this year.

The cost of a new High School in Sioux Lookout is estimated at 31.5-million dollars.

The other project selected is a 7.2-million dollar addition and renovation at Valleyview school in Kenora.

PC Leader Calls for Non-Confidence Vote

The Leader of the Ontario Conservative Party is calling for an election.

Tim Hudak is demand a vote of non-confidence following the audit of the Oakville gas plant that has costs Ontario tax payer between 675 and 815 million dollars.

Hudak says if he is elected premiere he will immediately call a judicial inquiry to get the truth.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says the vote won't happen unless the Liberals call the vote themselves.

Liberal Candidate Discusses Infrastructure Fund

Communities in Northwestern Ontario will have access to some upcoming infrastructure funding.

Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association President Anthony Leek is endorsing the new municipal infrastructure fund, which will go to help repair roads and bridges.

Anthony Leek says the 100-million dollar Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund will do great things for the region.

The fund was promised in the 2013 Budget.

Cliff's Appeals Ring of Fire Road Decision

It's business as usual for KWG Resources.

Cliffs Natural Resources filed a court appeal of a decision by the Province's Mining Commissioner that bans them from building a road on KWG mine claims in the Ring of Fire.

KWG Spokesperson Moe Lavigne says they're not surprised by the move as it is well within Cliff's rights.

Lavigne says the appeal isn't impacting them at the moment.

Cliff's Spokesperson Bill Boor says they aren't sure if they will continue the process but wanted to stay involved.

Ear Falls Sawmill to Restart

A sign of the re-emerging Forestry Industry.

The Township of Ear Falls is in celebration made yesday following an announcement that the Ear Falls Sawmill will be re-starting.

Unifor says the mill should be back on-line next Spring.

Mayor Kevin Kahoot says the announcement should lead to the creation of roughly 300-jobs.

Kahoot stresses that they have the housing, land and the infrastructure in place to deal with an influx of workers.

Broncos Look for Win #5

Looking for 5 in a row.

The Beaver Brae Broncos football team is hosting the Lorette Scorpions this afternoon.

The varsity team has been on a tear lately with 4 decisive victories.

The game signifies a tight end to the regular season as Beaver Brae will play 2 games next week.

Kickoff is slated for 3:00 at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Broncos Court Teams Take on Dryden

Court sports are on tap in Dryden for Beaver Brae.

The girls basketball and boys volleyball teams are taking on the Eagles in NorWOSSA play.

Start time is 12:00 at Dryden High School.

Saints split with Warriors

A pair of wins for the Thomas Aquinas Saints against Queen Elizabeth yesterday.

The Saints Junior Girls took a 34-28 victory in basketball while it was a 4 set win in Senior Boys Volleyball.

The TA Senior Girls Basketball team dropped a 31-27 decision, while the Junior Boys Volleyball team lost in 4-sets.

City Excited by Infrastructure Funding

Fixing city infrastructure on the provinces dime.

City Council spoke at the open meeting this week about another $100 million in funding for small, rural, and Northern communities.

Mayor Dave Canfield says Northern communities have large infrastructure debts and have been working non stop for more funding.

Canfield says the government is aiming at making it an annual fund.

Production Could Increase at Weyerhaeuser

Solving employment needs at the local level.

Bill Candline is the plant manager at the Weyerhauser Timberstand mill and says the industry is in need of trades people.

Candline says they have their apprenticeship programs to qualified people on the job.

Candline adds the need for tradesman will continue to go up as the US housing market expands.

He projects that production at the mill could go up to 6 days a week next year, which would create around 30 new positions.

Warm Weather Continues

The warm weather will continue for a few more days.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says we've been lucky so far.

He says we will continue to see above average temperatures for the rest of the week.

Laidlaw adds stronger winds are heading our way and rain could start up late Friday.

Broncos Court Teams Continue to Struggle

A tough day on the courts for the beaver Brae Broncos.

The Broncos took on Fort Frances in girls basketball and boys volleyball.

The only win came from the senior volleyball team 3 sets to 1.

the juniors dropped their game 3 sets to 2.

in basketball the seniors lost 31-15 and the juniors also lost 42-21.

Consultants Complete Patient Transfer Review

A consultants report looking into non-emergency land ambulance patient transfers in the Kenora District shows serious regulatory and funding irregularities compared to Southern Ontario.

The report contains 24-recommendations and was drafted following feedback from everyone but the provincial government.

Director of Emergency Management Services Andrew Tickner says they support most of the recommendations.

KDSB Chair Barry Baltessen says he's hoping the report opens the governments eyes and will use it to lobby for more government support.

Baltessen say the KDSB is upset that non-emergency transfers are funded in the South and not here at home.

Priorities Remains Status Quo at Safe Communities Kenora

The priorities remain the same for Safe Communities Kenora.

The community group their Annual general meeting yesterday.

Co-Chair Maria Bagdonis says things will remain status quo with Falls, Transportation, Self-Inflicted injuries, and violence being the top 4 priorities.

New members were also named to the leadership table at the meeting with Jennifer Carlson being named the second co-chair.

KPDSB Enrollment Increases in Kenora

The City of Kenora is seeing a slight increase in enrollment this school year.

Dean Carrie is the Superintendent of Business for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and he outlines the major highlight is Valleyview School.

Carrie notes between J-K and S-K they have 75 students at Valleyview.

He stresses that's more than any other school in the board.

Carrie says the creation of French Immersion at the school has also helped spike the numbers.

New Accessible Spots in Keewatin

Addressing parking concerns in Keewatin.

City Council is making changes to accessible parking in the community.

Councillor Sharon Smith says the current spots are not clearly marked and are abused by motorists.

As a result new parking spots are being set up on Bay Street by the post office, and directly across from the library.

Smith also says safety was taken into account as the spots are located away from the traffic on Ottawa Street.

Flavoured Tobacco Remain on Market for Youth

Legislation to stop their sale is in place, but that's now stopping many Ontario youth from having access to flavoured tobacco products.

A new study finds 57-thousand grade 6 to 12 students admit to using the products.

Director of Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco Michael Perley says companies have found loopholes to continue selling the product.

Perley says while the rate of use in Ontario is lower than other provinces, it still translates into health risks for far too many kids.

Bruce Cockburn Talks Environment

An environment message from Bruce Cockburn as he travels through northwestern Ontario.

He's helping the group Environmental Defence with its campaign to remove toxic chemicals found in many common household products.

Cockburn says its an issue that impacts everyone.

Cockburn performed concerts in Dryden, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay.

Fire Prevention Week in Kenora

Making sure it's not to hot in the kitchen.

It's fire safety week and the theme this year is prevent kitchen fires and get cooking with fire safety.

Larry Cotham is a fire captain and says they will host private extinguisher training sessions.

Cotham says kitchen fires are the number cause of fires in Ontario.

OPP Set to Create New Building Model

A new billing model is being created by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says the model is needed to level out the varying costs of OPP service.

Canfield says the model would come with a base cost and would allow municipalities to customize services to match their specific needs

He adds it is a needed process to level out policing costs throughout communities province wide.

Something northern leaders have been fighting to get for 12 years

2 People Face Charges for Driving Offenses

Dryden Police have a 25-year-old Thunder Bay woman in custody after a vehicle chase early Sunday morning which started  in Dryden and ended in Ignace.

Provincial Police helped by setting up a spike belt to stop the vehicle, and one cruiser almost went off the road during the chase.

As a result, Anita Lawson has been charged with several offenses including impaired driving, dangerous driving, assaulting police with a weapon and running from police.

Meanwhile, A Thunder Bay man charged in connection with the city's second murder of the year is due back in court in a week.  

32 year old Sheldon Yesno made a brief court apperance Monday.  

He's been charged with Second Degree Murder in connection with last week's death of 38-year old Richard Vrastak who died from injuries he sustained after being hit by a mini van on South Algoma Street. 

Stdent Services Consortium Plan Evacuation Drills

The Northwest Student Services Consortium is planning bus evacuations drills for all the communities they serve.

The first day of drills gets underway tomorrow in Dryden and Vermillion Bay.

On the 18th drills will take place in Red Lake, Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout Ignace, Upsala, and Pickle Lake.

The Kenora and Sioux Narrows drills will take place on the 30th.

Parents will receive letters regarding the drills before they take place.

KDSB Working to Dispose of Social Housing Units

Another step in the possible closure of social housing units in Dinorwic, Hudson and Minaki.

The Kenora District Services Board has approved a motion to submit a request to the provincial government to dispose of the properties.

The 44-units are under utilized and deteriorating.

Officials say it will cost $2.5-million to maintain the current standards next year and cite additional heating costs.

The KDSB report to the province does include replacement options for the current tenants.

Kenora OPP Charge 2 People for Driving Offences

A busy time frame for Kenora OPP.

On Thursday morning police stopped a vehicle on First Street South.

Police determined the driver, 23 year Kirk Cameron, had been drinking and charged him with Impaired Driving.

Meanwhile, OPP had to close highway 17 near Bee Lake on Friday due to a collision.

Police say an Eastbound car crossed the centre line and struck a Westbound SUV.

An 18 year old Woman from Thunder Bay was charged with careless driving as a result.

Broncos Football Prepare for Packed Schedule

Getting ahead of the curve.

Beaver Brae head football coach Chris Penner says lots of work has to be done in a short period of time as they prepare for 3 games in the next week.

Penner says preparation has never been more important.

The Bronco's take on Lorette Thursday before meeting West Kildonan and St. John's next week.

In the meantime, the Junior Varsity team escaped Dryden on Saturday with a 6-6 tie.

The Broncos only had 14 players make the trip.

Kenora Thistles Search for First Win

The Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles continue to look for their first win of the season.

The Thistles opened their home season yesterday against the Winnipeg Thrashers.

Kenora took a 1st period lead on a goal by Tristan Salesse.

However that's all they would score as the Thrashers took the game 5-1.

Next up for the Kenora Midgets are the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday at the Thistles Arena.

Kenora MP Optimistic for Highway 17 Twinning

Some hope that the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway might begin in the next 12 months or so.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford was asked a couple of times Friday morning about where the project stood by members of the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.

Rickford feels there is some movement now with Shoal Lake #39 on the project.

Rickford says he had expected work on the project to begin this fall, but that's not going to happen.

OPP Offers up ATV Safety Reminders

Not everyone can operate an off-road vehicle in Kenora.

Kenora OPP constable Ronni Grosenick says their are laws in place just like there is for any vehicle.

Grosenick also says that there are road restrictions for ATV's including a total ban on Highway 17.

Visit the city portal for a map of all restricted areas.

New Treaty 3 Police Chief Starts Today

The interim chief for Treaty 3 Police Services begins his first day today.

Dan Davidson is taking over the retiring Conrad Delorande.

Davidson originally from the Morson area, has been with the OPP and stationed in Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay.

Canadian Cancer Society Launches Women to Women Campaign

Attention women in Northwestern Ontario, it's time to talk about boobies.

That's the focus of the Canadian Cancer Society's Women to Women campaign.

Northwest Spokesperson Maria Cabral says the goal is to get more women talking about breast cancer screening.

Cabral says the recommendation is that women age 50 to 69 get a mammogram every two years.

Shipwreck Discovered Near Sleeping Giant

A shipwreck from sixty-years ago has been found.

The Scotiadoc collided with another ship in 1954 and sank near the Sleeping Giant in Lake Superior.

Jerry Eliason is one of the members that found the ship and describes some of the steps involved in making the discovery.

The Scotiadoc, found at 750 feet, is the deepest shipwreck ever found in the great lakes.

KDSB Releases Homelessness Plan

The Kenora District Services Board is out with a 10-year homelessness and housing plan.

The issue sparked considerable debate yesterday at the KDSB table, with Sioux Lookout Mayor Dennis

Leney suggesting that a majority of the homeless in his community have homes in northern communities.

Manager of Integrated Social Services Diane
Apland says the homeless problem is a major issue across the district.

One recommendation to curb the problem is the creation of a Managed Alcohol program.

Leney says that's not the way to go and suggests the province must step up and notes there are 21 beds at the Kenora District Jail that aren't being used.

Harborfest Projecting Deficit in 2013

The final Harbourfest results aren't as low as initially projected.

Harbourfest chair Randy Nickle says they are still expecting a substantial deficit but the numbers are getting better.

Nickle says the biggest factor to the debt is the cost of the bands.

The final numbers should be known later this month.

National Youth Suicide Prevention Plan Needed

Partners for Mental Health have launched a national campaign to shine the light on youth suicide.

Michael Kirby is chair of the group and says there isn't a band-aid solution to the problem.

He says a number of first nation communities have been dealing with suicide epidemics.

Kirby says their campaign called Right By You urges the federal and provincial levels of government to work together to tackle the issue.

Military Veterans Protest Closure of Thunder Bay Office

Military veterans are standing up against the planned closure of some Veterans Affairs Offices in Canada.

The office in Thunder Bay is the only one in north
western Ontario.

Second world war vet Roy Lamore says refocusing some the government's current spending could help keep the office open.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says closure of the Thunder Bay office will force veterans from northwestern Ontario having to access services in Kirkland Lake which has experienced its own staff cuts.

Province Announces More Money for Breakfast Programs

The provincial government is adding another three million dollars to a student nutrition fund.

Health Minster Deb Matthews made the announcement this week.

The funding will ensure more first nation students get access to healthy, nutritious food and snacks.

Until now, student nutrition programs in First Nations schools have been solely funded
by charitable organizations.

The new provincial money will support 200 new breakfast, snack and lunch programs.

Broncos Faces Muskies in High School Football

An all-northwestern Ontario match-up in the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Beaver Brae will host Fort Frances this afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The teams are tied in the standings, both with six points.

This will be the Muskies second game this week and third in seven days.

The Broncos are working on extending their three game winning streak.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon.

We will have live updates from the game on Twinnter @CJRLnews or twitter.com/CJRLnews