Fire Closes Off Section of Railway Street

For the second time in 10 days, fire has caused extensive damage to
buildings on Railway Street.

A blaze broke out to a home shortly before 1:00 this morning and spread to a garage and also a nearby business on Railway Street.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says fortunately the occupants of the house
were able to escape unharmed.

In the meantime, he says that section of Railway Street all the way from Pro-Auto Glass to the Treaty Three railway crossing has been blocked off.

He says they still have a number of hose lines set out in the area and a large
number of their trucks are still in service.

He says the fire is under control, but no cause has been determined.

The fire broke out across the street from another blaze which destroyed a home back on October 24th.

Thomas Aquinas Students Work on Soccer Complex

The job of transforming the Jaffray Melick Rink into an indoor soccer complex is nearing completion.

Today, a number of shop students from Thomas Aquinas are helping prepare the floor for artificial turf.

Steve Merry is their teacher and says its a valuable experience for them.

The turf is supposed to be installed by November 10th.

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Do something unexpected and nice for someone today.

That's the idea behind the third annual Random Acts of Kindness
Day.

Darlene MacGillvray is executive director of the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation and says it doesn't have to be big, bold gesture.

McGillvray says they have a Kindness hotline set up at 465-4042.

Treaty Three Firearms Amnesty Begins Today

Surrender a firearm and get a gift card.

That's an incentive this month as the Treaty 3 Police hold a firearms amnesty program.

Detective Constable Aaron Genaille says they don't know how many guns they might actually collect.

Genaille says flyers have been posted up for when the amnesty program will be held in separate communities serviced by the Treaty Three Police

FedNor Has High Profile at Royal Winter Fair

Good things grow in northern Ontario.

That's the message FedNor is trying to send at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

Greg Rickford is the minister responsible for FedNor and says they have sponsored a major exhibit at the annual agricultural showcase.

Rickford says things like barbeque sauce, salad dressing and wild rice are just some of the products that will be on display at the Northern Agri-foods Exhibit.

Motion To Create Bear Management Committee Passes

A motion to create an all-party bear management committee is a success.

It was passed yesterday in the legislature, and NDP Natural Resources Critic John Vanthof says it is a victory for Northern Ontario.

Vanthof says they need to do something to curb the number of incidents involving black bears.

Vanthof says he's not impressed by the Conservative Party who opposed the decision.

Vanthof adds it's further proof Tim Hudak and the Tories are turning their backs to the North.

Con College Bridges the Distance

Confederation College is promoting it's "Bridging the Distance" project.

Coordinator of Counselling Services Jim Lees says it aims to increase access to counselling and other student services for those across the northwest.

Lees says there's an actual office in each of the campuses with a video terminal that allows quick access to service providers in Thunder Bay.

He says they will offer everything from counciling services to financial aid.

Lost Cat Going Home

A real heart warming story about a cat from Alberta who was found near Ignace.

Vice President of Northern Critters Tanya Hazelaar says "Uncle Kitty" was dropped off to them, and fortunately he was microchipped.

The cat had escaped as the owner's family was traveling from Alberta to southern Ontario.

His condition is getting better, and Hazelarr says on Monday he will be on a flight back to his owner.

Movember Kicks off Fundraising Effort Today

It's time to grow you your Mo.

Movember's fight against prostate cancer is back for the 7th year in Northwestern Ontario.

Pete Bombaci is the national director of the movement and says they support over 45 programs nationally.

He says the movement supports research and programs to support patients.

Bombaci says Canadians raised over 42.2 million dollars last year during Movember.

Visit the Movember Canada website for more information at http://ca.movember.com

Broncos Lose Football Semi-final

Beaver Brae's football team won't be playing into November.

The Broncos were eliminated from the Play-offs yesterday with a 25-3
loss to West Kildonan in the semi-finals.

Broncos coach Chris Penner says despite the loss, it was far from a disappointing season and feels his players performed better than expected.

Logan Ginn scored the only points for the Broncos on a field goal.

Beaver Brae finishes the season with a 6-3 win/loss record.

NorWOSSA Regular Season Wraps Up

A tough day to be a Bronco fan.

Beaver Brae's court sport teams were winless on the road in their
final regular season games in Fort Frances.

The Bronco senior girls were beaten 45-11 by the Muskies, while the
Junior squad was upended 42-26.

Not any better on the volleyball court, as the Bronco seniors were beaten three sets to one, while the junior team lost in three straight sets to Fort Frances.

Over at the Thomas Aquinas gym, the Saints took three of four games from Red Lake.

The T.A. junior girls suffered the lone loss of the day, dropping a close 26-24 decision to the Rams.

The Thomas Aquinas senior girls finished the regular season with a win, but it was too little too late, as they failed to make the play-offs.

The T.A. junior boys also won, but won't make the NorWOSSA play-offs either.

The Saints senior boys managed to beat Red Lake, and will advance to next week's play-offs.

Treaty Three Police Lay Fraud Charges

The Treaty Three Police have laid fraud charges against a 57 year old
Rat Portage Resident.

Members of the Crime Unit have charged Terry James Skead with one count
of fraud and another count of Breach of Trust.

Skead had been employed as the band manager at Wauzhushk Onigum

Skead is scheduled to make a first court appearance on Novemeber 28th to answer the charges.

Treaty Three Police say they are not releasing any other details about their
investigation.

OPP and Consumers Warns of Possible Fraudsters

The OPP have issued a warning about a possible fraud going on around
town.

Someone has been using a photocopy of a Consumers Frosted Foods
order form and asking for cash to place an order.

Constable Ronni Grosenick says there are ways of dealing with possible
fraudsters.

She says usually credible charities have a phone number or a website you can contact to see
if in fact they are doing any fundraising locally.

Consumers Frosted Food says this is the first time in 30 years, someone has tried to
use their fundraising forms to try and defraud someone.

They add that they only deal in cheques and never ask for cash.

Campbell Offers Lukewarm Support For Wireless Services Act

Better protection for wireless and cellphone customers.

The Wireless Services Agreement Act has become law and it will provide Ontario consumers with clear information and few surprises when they enter into service agreements by Spring 2014.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell supports the legislation but notes it still leaves customers powerless if they encounter problems.

Campbell says she would like to see the establishment of a consumer advocate who can actually be responsible for people having trouble with their contract.

NorWOSSA Regular Season Wraps Up Today

The Thomas Aquinas boys volleyball and girls basketball teams are wrapping up the regular season
today at home against Red Lake.

Yesterday, the Saints suffered a rare three game sweep at the hands of Sioux Lookout.

The T.A. senior boys volleyball team lost in three straight sets to the Warriors.

No different in girls basketball, as the Saints junior team were edged 25-22, while the Thomas Aquinas Senior girls dropped a 26-18 decision.

The NorWOSSA play-offs begin next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Beaver Brae court sport teams are also playing their final games of the regular
season, as they head Fort Frances this afternoon.

OPP Offer Tips for a Safe Hallowe'en

Every year at Halloween, The OPP makes a conscience effort to promote trick or treat saftey to children.

And, while young people need to be cautious tonight, drivers need to be mindful of the holiday as well.

Constable Anne McCoy says the kids aren't always paying attention to traffic while they are trick or treating.

Being visible and travelling in groups will also help to makes this a safe Halloween.

Immigration Portal Upgraded for NWO

The Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal is getting a face lift.

The site now has update content and new features.

Executive Director Cathy Woodbeck says one of the new online tools includes an interactive map.

Other new features are a jobs database and businesses that are up for sale.

Construction Boom in Atikokan

A new saw mill is taking shape on the site of the former Buchanan Mill outside of Atikokan.

The $50 million  project could provide the area with 90 new jobs.

The new mill should begin operating in  2015.

In the meantime, Rentech is putting $22 million into the construction of a new wood pellet facility on the other side of town.

It will supply the Atikokan Generating Station.

This project  might be running as early as April 2014. It is expected to create 20 in the region.

New Programs Announced for Heritage Fund

Some changes for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

The provincial government has announced five new programs.

In the Ontario Legislature today, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the grants will target a couple of key areas.

The new programs include Northern Innovation, Northern Business Opportunities and the Northern Ontario  Internship Program.

The Heritage Fund began accepting applications for the new programs
last week.

Early Bird Snowmobile Trail Permits Still on Sale

Trying to make snowmobiling more affordable.

Trail permits are now on sale and the early bird permits will be on sale until tomorrow.

Richard Wilkening is president of Sunset Trailriders and says there will also be a discount on prices until December 1st.

The early bird permits are 180 dollars and then go up to 210 dollars as of November 2nd.

The regular season price is 260 dollars.

Broncos Take on West K in Semi-Finals of WHSFL

A chance at redemption.

The Beaver Brae Broncos football team are in Winnipeg tonight for their semi-final match up with the West Kildonan Wolverines.

The Broncos had their 5 game win streak snapped by the Wolverines 3 weeks ago.

Head Coach Chris Penner says they have picked up their preparation this time around.

Kick off is set for 4:00 at East Side Field.

We will have live updates on Twitter @CJRLnews.

Thistles Shut Out in Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Wild have reclaimed first place in the Manitoba Midget Hockey League.

It was at the expense of the Kenora Thistles.

Last night the Wild blanked the Thistles 3-0 in Winnipeg.

The Thistles are back home this weekend with a pair of games against the
Interlake Lightning Saturday and Sunday.

Treaty 3 Police Look at Sustainability

The work continues to protect the Treaty 3 Police Service.

The board of directors has decided to retain a consultant who will look at the long term sustainability of the force.

Board Chair Eli Mandamin says one of the consultants responsibilities will be assistance in the search for new police chief.

Earlier this year the police service laid off a number of officers, cut benefits, and issued 45 day lay-off notices due to a lack of funding.

And Mandamin says the board will seek additional funding from the Provincial and Federal governments next month.

The board will meet again in January and set out a 6 month mandate towards a more sustainable business model.

Province Holding Meetings on Police Costing

Positive feelings following the meeting between local mayors and the Ontario Provincial Police.

They met in Dryden yesterday to discuss the new OPP costing formula.

Red Lake Mayor Phil Vinet says they all have a common goal and that's reducing the cost of
policing.

Kenora and Red Lake has one of the highest policing costs per household in the province.

Similar meetings are taking place in Fort Frances today and Thunder Bay tomorrow.

School Board Bullish on All Day Kindergarten

A new study shows all-day junior and senior kindergarten programs are
paying dividends.

The research conducted by the Ministry of Education shows kids in the
all-day programs are more prepared to enter grade one.

Director of Education, Phylis Eikre says their own experience with all-day JK and SK programs shows they work.

All school boards will have all-day junior and kindergarten classes in all their elementary schools by the fall of 2014.

School Bus Drivers Practice Evacuations Today

Its certainly no trick, and it may not be a treat.

The Northwest Student Services Consoritium says it will be
conducting emergency evacuation procedures on some of
its buses today.

Manager, Judi Green says school buses will be stopping at pre-selected areas off the roadway to perform the drills.

Once the drills are over, the buses will resume their regular routes.

Province Encouraged to Set Up Bear Management Committee

A northeastern Ontario MPP is calling for the creation of a bear management committee.

John Vanthof has tabled a motion in the Ontario Legislature calling for a committee that would examine and provide solutions to what he calls a growing nuisance bear problem in the north.

Under his proposal, the committee would consult with local communities and develop a full bear management strategy under the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Vanthof says the group needs to examine why human-bear conflicts have increased and should look at the long term sustainability of Ontario's bear population.

The NDP member from Timiskaming-Cochrane is proposing that the committee be comprised of members from all three parties.

Child Care Workers Recognized

Honouring child care workers across Northwestern Ontario.

The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have declared today as "Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day".

Coalition Coordinator Andrea Calver says they've been doing this for 13-years.

A number of communities across northwestern Ontario including Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Ear Falls and Ignace are all taking part in the special day.

Study Shows Personal Debt Increasing

A local trustee in bankruptcy isn't surprised with a recent poll on Canadian debt levels.

The report by Royal Bank of Canada finds 24-percent of people are debt free, down from 26-percent in 2012.

Frank Fabiano says it's not surprising considering the economic situation in northwestern Ontario in recent years.

Fabiano says you have to look at the income you're bringing in versus what you're spending.

Coroner's Inquest Underway in Thunder Bay

The Coroner's inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias is underway
in Thunder Bay.

In his opening statement to the jury the lawyer for the coroner, Leonard Kim, says that evidence is expected to show that Moonias died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen after being brought to Thunder Bay.

He died following an incident in Landsdowne House in which he was holed up in a home alone for several hours.

Moonias died in December of 2006 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital after a stand-off with the police

Saints Boys Split Against Whitefish Bay

The regular season in the NorWOSSA boys volleyball and girls basketball leagues wrap up this week.

Thomas Aquinas volleyball teams will be playing three games in as many days.

Yesterday, the Saints split their games against Whitefish Bay, with the Senior squad winning in three straight sets.

The T.A. junior boys lost in three straight.

Today, Sioux Lookout is in town, and the regular season wraps up tomorrow with Red Lake on the
schedule.

Province Provides Funding for OSPCA

Ontario government is giving the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals five and a half million dollars to strengthen its protection for animals.

The money will go towards hiring more investigators to handle complaints from rural and northern communities.

There will also be a 24/7 dispatch service for residents to call about alleged animal abuse.

Specific attention will be also made on cracking down on puppy and kitten mills and better training for investigators in the agricultural sector.

Old Tourist Bureau Torn Down

The old Tourist Bureau on Highway 17 east is no more.

The building was torn by city work crews yesterday.

The old tourism office was considered prohibitive to repair, and
has been replaced by the Discovery Center.

The cost of the demolition was pegged at about 10 thousand dollars.

No word on what the city plans to do with the property.

Police Costing On the Table Again Today

Municipal officials are hopeful a new deal can be reached with the
province on police costs.

A meeting is taking place today in Dryden to discuss the issue.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says there has been some progress
in recent months.

Canfield says communities such as Kenora and Red Lake pay more than 900 dollars a household for police costs, while other pay less than 100 dollars.

He says all they are looking for is a level playing field.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Could Operate Caliper Lake Next Year

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls is seriously looking at operating Caliper Lake Provincial Park next summer.

The town currently operates Sioux Narrows Park.

Mayor Bill Thompson says a recent MNR survey shows the provincial parks are a definite boost to the local economy.

Thompson says town council will likely decide next month whether or not to operate both provincial parks next year.

Campaign Continues to Save Ontario Rangers

Organizers fighting for a return of the Ontario Ranger program aren't giving up hope.

Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti gave little indication this past week the program, cut last fall, would be back.

Lisa Streets, a member of the Friends of the Ranger Program, says their work is far from over.

Streets says it wouldn't take a lot of money in the provincial budget to have the program restore.

Project Safe Hallowe'en Hands Out Glow Sticks

Much of northwestern Ontario will be a glow on Halloween.

Some 6 thousand glow sticks have been distributed to schools and child care centers around the region.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says they will help young trick or treaters be seen.

The campaign, expanded to the Kenora and Dryden districts last year, is also being extended to the Thunder Bay region this Halloween.

Mining Company Still Plans Rail Line into Ring of Fire

KWG Resources says they still plan to build a railroad at their staked claim in the Ring of Fire.

It comes after Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias said the claims were staked illegally and without their consultation.

Vice-president of Exploration, Moe Lavigne says they received a former chief's blessing back in 2009 and notes it might be a case of different administrations having different point of views.

Lavigne says the company's claims are legal in the Provincial Government's eyes and also involved First Nation consultation.

Growing the Gridiron

Growing the Gridiron.

That is the name of a football camp that 48 kids took part in yesterday at Beaver Brae Secondary School.

Kyle McCabe with the program says the goal is to allow kids to have fun and learn at their pace.

Growing the Gridiron is in it's first year of operation and McKay says it's been a huge success.

The program is in Fort Frances today.

Cause of Railway Street Fire Still Undetermined

Its going to take at least a few more weeks to determine what might have caused a house fire on Railway Street.

An investigator from the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office finished his on-site inspection of the burnt remnants of the home yesterday.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says there was such massive fire loss and damage, it's going to take a while to determine what actually caused last Thursday's blaze.

He says at this point they don't have a damage estimate, but it's expected to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rickford Supports Suspension of Senators Wallin and Duffy

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is all for the suspension of three senators involved in the spending scandal.

A vote could come today, suspending Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay.

Rickford says it's only appropriate.

Rickford says this is what Canadians expect when inappropriate claims are made.

OPP Suggest Ways of Battling Illegal Drug Trade

Battling the drug trade at the source.

That's one suggestion of the OPP in Kenora.

Inspector Dave Lucas from the Kenora Detachment says if you can
reduce drug addictions, you can cut down on drug trafficking.

Lucas says the website, which is located on the City of Kenora's portal, also includes a 24/7 support line.

BIZ Launches Shop Local Campaign

Have you shopped Kenora lately?

That's the theme of a new marketing campaign by
Kenora Harbortown BIZ.

Jennifer Findlay is the city's economic development officer and they are
trying to encourage more business in the shoulder seasons.

BIZ plans to hold a Black Friday shopping event on November 29th, which
is traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year, following a
day after the American Thanksgiving.

Province Looks At Harsher Penalties for Distracted Driving

Another reason to put down the phone when driving.

Reports say the provincial government is thinking about a law that would deduct demerit points for those caught using a cell-phone or electronic device behind the wheel.

OPP Constable Erin Huckell says it's a great idea and would help deter people who continue to text, or use their cell-phones while driving.

Right now, the fine for distracted driving is 155-dollars, but no demerit points.

Campbell Wants MNR to Handle Nuisance Deer

Bears are on the provincial radar, but a northwestern Ontario MPP says deer are just as much a problem.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is calling for a comprehensive strategy to deal with nuisance deer.

Campbell says leaving it up to municipalities is not an answer.

Campbell says the animals pose a safety risk to motorists and the public and have the potential of drawing in predators such as wolves.

Province the Target of Another Mining Lawsuit

Ontario tax payers will be on the hook following the latest lawsuit against the province.

NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha is reacting to news that North Superior Resources out of Sudbury has filed a 110-million-dollar lawsuit.

The company says the government has failed to discharge its "constitutional duty" to engage First Nations on
its behalf, and claims they have now lost their right to explore a vast area of northwestern Ontario.

Mantha says this will result in a great loss of revenue and jobs.

Gas Prices Drop Again

The price at the pump continues to drop in Kenora.

Over the weekend, the price of a liter of gasoline went down
two cents.

Most service stations have dropped their price to 131.9 cents a liter, down from
133.9 on Friday.

That still more than ten cents above the provincial average.

Saints Boys Hockey Team Win Consolation Final

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team has received an honorable mention at
a tournament in Winnipeg.

The Saints saw their first action of the season at the Sturgeon Heights Classic
in Winnipeg, and won the consolation title.

T.A. finished the tournament with a 2-2 record, including a 5-4 win over
the Miles MacDonnell Buckeyes in their final game.

The NorWOSSA regular season will begin next month.

New City Hall Roof Nearly Complete

It's taken almost five months, but the wraps are about to come off
the new roof at city hall.

The roof has been done in a heritage style and will cost over half a million
dollars when complete.

Empire Restoration has been working on the roof since the beginning
of June.

Actual repairs won't be complete until sometime in November, because
the project came up about 300 shingles short, and more needed to be
ordered.

The city's facilities manager John Nabb says the scaffolding should be
coming down any day now.

Word On the Water This Weekend

Writers, would-be authors and book fanatics from across northwestern Ontario are gathering in Kenora this weekend for an annual conference.

Word on the Water brings together a number of authors for workshops and readings.

This year, one of the guest speakers is Thunder Bay author Charles Wilkens, who will be
reading from his latest book called Little Ship of Fools.

It's his account of his seven week voyage across the Atlantic with sixteen other people in
a rowboat.

Other authors in attendance include mystery writers Gail Bowen from Regina, Catherine
Hunter and C.C. Benison from Winnipeg, and sci-fi author Robert J. Sawyer.

Word on the Water will wrap up on Sunday at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.