Rainy River Resources Now New Gold

A friendly takeover of Rainy River Resources is now complete.

New Gold says it now controls all of the company's shares, completing a deal announced in June.

Executive chair Randall Oliphant says he's pleased the acquisition is now complete and they can focus attention on advancing Rainy River's gold project south of Kenora.

New Gold is in the process of completing a detailed review and update of the feasibility study as well as advancing the permitting efforts for the project.

Catholic Board Addresses Safety Concerns At St. Louis

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is making some moves
to improve safety in the area of St. Louis School in Keewatin.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre admits safety has been a concern
for a number of years, and they've been able to make some changes
to improve the situation.

Eikre says they have moved a dumpster in front of the school and also
a bike rack to make more room for student drop-off and pick up in the
area.

FoTenn Gets City Planning Contract

The City of Kenora is going to be out-sourcing some of its future planning needs.

Council agreed to a three year agreement with FoTenn Consultants out of Ottawa this week.

It wasn't a unanimous decision with two members of council voting against.

Mayor Dave Canfield cast one of the dissenting votes.

The city received three bids for planning services, including one from former city planner Jeff Port.

Long Time Councillor Passes Away

A long time member of the old Kenora Town Council has passed away.

Helene Dubenski, often known as the hat lady, died earlier this week at the age of 96.

Kenora City Council paid special tribute to Dubenski last year for her years of service to the community.

Local School Board Officials Meet with Education Minister

The Minister of Education is gathering some feedback from educators in
northwestern Ontario about how to improve local schools.

The session was held yesterday in Thunder Bay called moving from Good To Great.

Phylis Eikre is the director of Education with the Kenora Catholic District School Board and was one of the invitees.

She says while they have had good results in the classroom, she feels more needs to be done for students at risk.

The session also included educators from across the region as part of a video web conference.  

Province Announces New Youth Job Strategy

The Provincial Government is touting its new Youth Jobs Strategy.

Education Minister Liz Sandals unveiled the strategy yesterday in Thunder Bay.

Sandals says they're spending over 200 million dollars will go towards creating four new funds that will help young people find work, build job skills and start their own business.

Sandals also met with school board officials, students and other education representatives about the needs of students in Ontario.

Less Snow This Winter?

Don't expect a lot of white stuff in northwestern Ontario this winter.

AccuWeather is out with its annual forecast and it shows below normal snowfall for the Lake of the Woods area.

The long range winter forecast also suggests temperatures should
be about normal.

OFSAA Golf Championships Resume Today

A couple of high school golfers from northwestern Ontario are in contention at the All-Ontario championships taking place near Windsor.

Matt Krolyk from Beaver Brae and Kirk Markowski from Dryden each shot 79's yesterday at the OFSAA finals taking place at the Essex Golf and Country Club.

They are tied for 38th place.

Krolyk will tee off at 9:12 this morning on day two of the championships.

Eastman Drops Thistles

A tough outing for the Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles.

The Thistles dropped a 6-1 decision to the Eastman Selects last
night at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Coach Doug Novak admits he was disappointed with his teams's effort.

Josh Brunton scored the lone goal for the Thistles.

This weekend the Kenora Midgets hit the road to Dauphin for a game against
the Parkland Rangers on Saturday.

Man Charged Following Police Chase

The Kenora Provincial Police have laid charges against a 30 year Kenora man following an early morning police chase.

The pursuit began when police arrived on Second Street North around 5:00 this morning to investigate a stolen car and the suspect drove off.

The chase led into the Pinecrest area where the man then ran by foot into the Minto area.

Police say a K9 unit and the Emergency Response Team located the man around 8:00.

As a result Mark Fontaine has been charged with driving while disqualified, flight while pursued by a peace office, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, theft over 5 thousand, possession of a weapon, and trespassing at night.

Non-Profit Housing Boards Re-Appointed

It looks like things will be status-quo for the Non-Profit Housing Corporations in Kenora and Keewatin for at least another year.

Kenora City Council agreed to re-appoint the boards of both organizations at it's open meeting yesterday afternoon.

The city has been talking about merging the two boards for several months, but neither Non-profit Housing agency has been in favour of the move.

Until the city decides how it wants to proceed, members of both boards have been asked it they would be willing to remain in their respective positions.

Man Arrested After Police Chase Through Kenora

A 30 year old man is in custody after a police chase in the Pinecrest area of town.

Provincial Police say they were called about a stolen car on Second Street North early this morning.

Upon arrival the suspect drove off and police followed suit.

The man ran off by foot in the Minto area before a police K9 unit and the Emergency Response Team were able to locate him around 8:00.

The investigation is continuing and there has been no word on possible charges.

Canfield Heads to Ottawa for Throne Speech

An interested by-stander for today's throne speech in the House of Commons.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield has been invited to attend today's opening session.

Canfield says there are some other perks for the junket as well.

Canfield says he will have about two hours today to meet with the federal cabinet and talk about those issues.

LOWAC Asks Council for Performing Arts Center

Kenora City Council is being asked to include a performing arts center to its plans for the expansion of the Kenora Rec. Center.

Plans are currently being developed for an Events Center.

Dean Carrie is with the Lake of the Woods Arts Collective and says a performing arts space would be a natural fit for any new construction.

City Council is expected to have a final proposal for the Events Center by August of 2014.

Jarnel Wins Contract to Build SMB Expansion

A local construction company has won the bid to build a 10 thousand square foot extension to Ste. Margarite Bourgeoys.

Jarnel Contracting was given the contract last night by the Kenora Catholic District School board.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says work on the project has already
started.

The tender came in  at just under four million dollars.

Numbers Down in Operation Impact

Provincial Police in Northwestern Ontario have officially wrapped up their Operation Impact Campaign.

Constable Dave Shaw says all of their statistics were down from last year.

There were 244 speeding charges, one stunt driving charge, 34 for seat belt violations and 4 distracted driving charges.

Shaw adds they laid one impaired driving charge, compared with one from last year.

They also laid only one warn-range suspension.

Shaw says no matter what time of year, it's important to keep your hands on the wheel and stay focused on the road.

Drug Bust On Highway 17

Two Fort Frances men are in some hot water following a drug bust in Kenora.

Provincial Police stopped a vehicle along Highway 17 Monday night, and learned that the two people inside had marijuana on them.

Officers seized 12-pounds of pot, worth roughly 36-thousand-dollars.

Police say 20-year-old Dylan pattison and 26-year-old Jason Thomson have been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

They're both expected to appear in court in December.

American Hunter Dies Near Fort Frances

Provincial Police are investigating a sudden death in the Rainy River District.

On Monday evening, police were called about a body that was found about 30-kilometres north of the junction of Highway 11 and Highway 611 North in an unorganized township.

Police say the man had been hunting with a group of friends, but didn't return to camp.

Police add a hunting party came across the body, and the death is not considered suspicious.

The man is reportedly from the United States.

Northwest Business Center Hosts Workshop tonight

A workshop geared towards area businesses and entrepreneurs is being held this afternoon in Kenora.

The Creating and Communicating Your Brand Story workshop is aimed at helping area businesses work towards a face lift.

Northwest Business Center Manager Diane Schwartz-Williams says they want to help achieve a fresh look.

The session runs from 5 until 9 at the Best Western Lakeside Inn and includes a dinner.

Girls Retreat Seeks Aviva Funding

It will be next week before we know if a local proposal has reached the second round of a national wide contest.

The I Am Awesome and I Know it conference is vying for funding in the Aviva Community Fund.

Organizer Renee Martin-Brown says the first ever event last month in Nestor Falls attracted 19 girls and proved to be highly successful.

Martin-Brown says funding will help pay for presenters to attend future events.

Broncos Snap Five Game Winning Streak

A tough loss for Beaver Brae's football team.

The Broncos were trounced 49-0 by the West Kildonan Wolverines yesterday afternoon in Winnipeg.

The loss ends Beaver Brae's five game winning streak, as the Broncos fall to 5-2 on the season.

Beaver Brae is back in action again on Friday to wrap up the
regular season with a game against the winless St. John Tigers.

The Broncos have already guaranteed themselves a play-off berth.

Police Release Name of Deceased Man on Villeneuve Road

The OPP say foul play is not suspected in the death of a 77 year old
man.

Police were called out to a Villeneuve Road residence last Thurday morning and a man was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital in critical condition.

The OPP say the man died as a result of his injuries on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as King Cromwell.

The OPP says their investigation into the fatality is continuing.

CP Releases Holiday Train Schedule

Mark Monday, December 2nd on your calendar.

The CP Holiday Train will be making its way across northwestern
Ontario on that day.

The brightly lit locomotive will start the day in Ignace, with stops planned
in Dryden, Vermillion Bay and Kenora.

While the entertainment  hasn't been finalized for the northwestern Ontario
tour, CP says Jim Cuddy, Melanie Doane and Doc Walker are some of the
featured performers this year.

Path of the Paddle Progressing

A canoe route right across northwestern Ontario could be a reality in a
couple of more years.

Work on Path of the Paddle is continuing.

Melissa Pomeroy is a spokesperson for the Trans-Canada Trail in Ontario and says some areas a little further ahead than others.

She says the Quetico portion is complete, while Rusing River and Turtle
River and White Otter areas should be finalized by next spring.

Pomeroy says Path of the Paddle has now been incorporated and a committee has been set up to try and secure funding to work on things such as signage and clearing portages.

She says the goal is to complete the trail route by 2017, in time for the national celebration of
the completion of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Local Agencies Applaud Tanning Bed Legislation

The Northwestern Health Unit and the regional Canadian Cancer Society are both applauding a provincial move to ban tanning beds to anyone aged 18 and under.

The Ontario Legislature has unanimously passed the Skin Cancer Prevention Act.

The act also prohibits marketing of tanning services to teens and requires tanning bed operators to ID anyone who looks under the age of 35.

Local Cancer Society officials say they have been working on this issue for 7-years and it's a long time coming.

ONA Speaks Out Against Job Cuts

The Ontario Nurses' Association wants a immediate moratorium on nursing cuts in the province.

The ONA says this year alone has seen more than 11-hundred front line nurses cut across Ontario.

President Linda Haslam-Stroud says as the number of registered nurses declines, so does the quality of care.

A report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows Ontario with the second-lowest ratio of registered nurses to population in the country.

Snowmobile Permits Now Available On-Line

A sign winter is just around the corner.

Ontario snowmobilers can get a huge break if they purchase a trail permit now.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club is offering permits at 180-dollars if purchase before November 1st and on-line through the Federation's website.

The regular price is 260-dollars.

The federation is hoping the reduce rate will be an incentive for newcomers and former riders to return to the trails.

Canada Post Diverting Mail to Thunder Bay

Canada Post is now working with a new system for sorting mail from northwestern Ontario.  

Spokesperson John Caines says mail from area communities is now being sent to the Thunder Bay station for sorting and distribution

Caines says the change will affect mail being sent from local communities such as Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances..

He says the move is being made to make the system more effi
cient.

First Nations Education Act Under Fire

The Grand Chief of the Anishinbek Nation in northern Ontario says the federal government must stop experimenting with the lives of First Nations children.

Patrick Madahbee is upset with the Feds and their plan to push ahead with the First Nations Education Act.

Madahbee says the government is trying to control the destiny of First Nations people.

Madahbee says Indian Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt has stated that there will be no additional funding for First Nations education until he sees reform of the current system.

Northwest MP's Brace for Throne Speech

The Harper government's Speech From the Throne will be read tomorrow, setting out the agenda for this
session of parliament.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is hoping that some needs of northern Ontario are singled out.

He in particular would like to see funding restored for FedNor.

The NDP member says what we'll likely see is the government backtracking on some old promises they haven't met and creating new ones.

CN Workers Threaten Strike

CN rail traffic across Canada could be coming to halt at the end of the month.

About 33-hundred employees, including conductors and yardmen will be in a legal strike or lock out position October 28th.

They've been without a contract since the middle of July.

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference says the company's seeking concessions that would lead to train crews working longer hours.

The union says it's interested in continuing conciliated talks, but its offer was rejected by C.N.

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.