Bearskin Officials Unsure of Cause of Red Lake Crash

The vice president of Bearskin Airlines is expressing his condolences to the family of the five people who died in Sunday's plane crash in Red Lake.

Cliff Friesen says the tragedy is a tough time for staff within the company

Friesen says while the exact cause of the crash isn't known, there have not been any mechanical problems with the type of plane that was involved, a Fairchild Metroliner.

The Transportation Safety Board is expected to release more information today about fatal plane
crash.

OPP Release More Details About Red Lake Crash Victims

The OPP say three of passengers on the Bearskin Airlines flight that crashed
Sunday evening were from Red Lake.

So far the names of the deceased have not been released.

Police say they are still waiting for positive identification.

The pilots were from Winnipeg and Mississauga.

Two residents of Winnipeg were the only people to escape from the wreckage.

OPP To Host Public Meeting Tomorrow Night

It's time to offer your opinions on how the OPP operate in the City of  Kenora.

Detachment Commander Inspector Dave Lucas says they will be holding public consultation meeting this week.

Lucas says it should be a good night to share information.

The consultation will help create the OPP's priorities for the next 3 years.

The meetings will take place in the Rotary Room at the Rec. Center tomorrow at 7:00.

OFAH Pushing for Return of Spring Bear Hunt

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is disappointed with the provinces new bear management committee.

Dr. Terry Quinney says the OFAH is lobbying the government to take action and re-instate the spring hunt.

Quinney says they are also asking citizens to voice their concerns.

He adds the province has lost out on around half a billion dollars of revenue since the hunt was cancelled in 1999.

Indoor Soccer Facility Set to Open in New Year

You should be able to start renting field time at the new indoor soccer complex in Kenora by the new year.

That's the timeline set out by the Lake of the Woods Soccer Association.

Jess Rheault is a spokesperson for the group and says while the artificial turf will be installed this month, they still don't have a hard date for their grand opening.

Rheault says they do have an agreement with the City of Kenora that the Recreation
Department will be able to do all the booking for the indoor soccer complex.

Cliffs Pleased with Plans for Development Corporation for Ring of Fire

It's welcome news for Cliffs Natural Resources.

Spokesperson Jennifer Mihalcin says the province's move to set up a development corporation for the Ring of Fire mining project is something the mining giant believes could help to encourage the venture to move forward.

The new corporation is designed to help achieve the goals of all parties involved in the Ring of Fire.

Details still have to be worked out, but Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle
says they are looking for interested companies to become partners in the new Developmen
t Corporation.

Hospital Gets Cancer Funding Today

Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake are all receiving funds to help support cancer care in each of the hospitals.

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center
is spending today and tomorrow in each of the communities, announcing funding for new cancer care equipment.

Kenora's donation is being made this morning at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The Health Science Foundation will be funding a number of new bariatric treatment chairs
for chemo patients.

Bearskin Staff Devastated By Airline Tragedy

The vice president of Bearskin Airlines is expressing his condolences to the family of the 5 people who died in Sunday's plane crash in Red Lake.   Cliff Friesen says the tragedy is a tough time for staff within the company.  He says many are very devastated by what happened and it's very difficult for them.  Counselling is being provided for those who wish it. Friesen says while the exact cause of the crash isn't known, there have not been any mechanical problems with the plane that was involved, a Fairchild Metroliner.

Rafferty Calls Treatment Of Vets A Shame

It's Remembrance Day a time to honour our veterans. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says its an extra sombre day because the Federal Government still insists on closing Thunder Bay's veteran affairs office in 2014. Rafferty says he's not going to give up the fight to keep the local office open. The Thunder Bay office serves most of Northwestern Ontario.

Fort Frances Train Derailment

Officials with the Transportation Safety Board are investigating a train derailment in Fort Frances. They're deploying a team of investigators to look at why 40 carloads of grain came off the track over the weekend.

Christmas Hamper Applications Available

The Salvation Army in Kenora is hoping to include something a little extra in this year's Christmas Hampers. Sandra Poole is their business manager and says they would like to include some cold weather gear like mitts and toques this year. Poole says applications for the Christmas Hampers are now available at their office on Matheson Street.  Last year, the Salvation Army handed out over 400 Christmas Hampers to families in need in the Kenora area.

Bearskin Crash Kills Five

More information is being released by the OPP about who was on the Bearskin Airlines plane that crashed Sunday night in Red Lake. Deceased is the two pilots, a 25 year old man from Mississauga and a 34 year old man from Winnipeg.  The three passengers who died are a 53 year old woman, 53 year old man and a 64 year old woman from Red Lake.  Sgt. Shelley Garr says they're continuing to investigate the scene of the accident alongside the Transportation Safety Board.  The deceased identities have yet to be confirmed.

Local Shelter Box to Support Philippine Typhoon Victims

Two Kenora residents may be going to the Philippines to support people affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

Ron Nelson and his wife are volunteers with Shelter Box who are trained to go assist in disaster locations and hand out box to victims of disasters.

Their previous efforts include deployments in the Japan Tsunami, and the Haiti Earthquake.

Nelson says they will be reaching out the to Philippine community in Kenora for support along with community groups, and hosting fundraising events.

Typhoon Haiyan is the largest storm ever recorded, with winds speed over 315 kilometers an hour.

By comparison Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans in 2005 saw winds speed maxing out at 280 kilometers an hour.

For more information on Shelter Box visit www.shelterboxcanada.org

Development Corporation to be Set Up for Ring of Fire

The province is looking to take a big step forward in the Ring of Fire project.

A Development Corporation will bring all parties involved in the project together to manage issues.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says it's a significant move.

He says the corporation would bring the groups involved together, manage finances and address issues surrounding infrastructure.

Premier Kathleen Wynne has written to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking for the Federal Government to partner with the province.

Traffic Moving Again On Highway 17 East

The OPP say it could take days for the wreckage to be cleared away from a
multi-vehicle accident between Kenora and Dryden.

Last night, police closed both lanes again for about an hour in order to clean
up some debris.

Today however, traffic is moving normally again.

The Trans-Canada was closed for almost nine hours yesterday following an
early morning accident near Nelson Granite.

A total of 14 transports were involved in the collision.

Hospital Patients Satisfied

Some room for improvement.

Lake of the Wood District Hospital has released the results of it's latest patient satisfaction survey.

Mark Balcaen is the CEO of the Hospital and says for the most part the result are very good, however one areas needs some work.

Balcaen says the hospital will be hanging up more posters up throughout the hospital to help inform patients of their aboriginal services.

He adds that apart from that one exception the hospital has a 97 percent approval rating.

NAN Adopts Education Treaty

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is again calling for the right to control their own education on NAN territory.

Over two hundred delegates met to create the Right to Education treaty.

Grand Chief Harvey Yesno explains the importance of this treaty for aboriginal youth.

Yesno says for the treaty to be effective, communities must work together.

Beyak Supports Senator Suspensions

Northwestern Ontario senator Lynn Beyak believes the senators who were suspended from the upper chamber got what they deserved.

Beyak voted in favour of suspending the three because she says it was the right thing to do.

Beyak adds that she has mixed feelings about the senators keeping their benefits.

She would have preferred their benefits being removed but notes at least one of the senators that was suspended had some health concerns.

Forestry Bill Passes Second Reading

A bill that will help the forestry industry and Northern Ontario has passed second reading.

Bill 13, also known as the  Ontario Forestry Industry Revitalization Act, was brought forward by Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

Fedeli says this is a huge step towards providing a much needed boost to the Northern Ontario economy, however he notes more work still lies ahead.

The bill will focus on amending the Ontario Building Code to allow mid-rise wood frame construction up to six stories, instead of the current four
.

Nominations Ready for Chamber Business Awards

Time to nominate your favorite business.

The Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its annual business awards.

Some of the categories include business improvement, entrepreneur of the year, youth entrepreneur, aboriginal business, and customer service.

The deadline for submissions is December 15th.

The Awards Ceremony will take place on February 12th.

Fundraising Dinner for Bechard's Tonight

A community effort to help a local family in need will take place tonight.

A fundraising dinner will be held tonight at Thomas Aquinas for
the Bechard family, who lost their home earlier this week to fire.

The Railway Street fire caused extensive damage to the house, as well as
a business and a garage.

Financial donations to the family can be made through Copperfin Credit Union, but Lake of the Woods District Hospital says it is no longer accepting any
clothing, as they have been overwhelmed by donations.

The spaghetti dinner will run from 6 until 8:00 this evening.

Horwath Says Economic Statement Has Nothing for the North

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is less than impressed with the Provincial Government's Fall Economic Statement.

The speech was made Thursday by Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

Horwath says what's really disappointing is how Northern Ontario is neglected.

Horwath adds the bad policies in the economic statement will be felt first in the North.

Broncos Head to Dryden For NorWOSSA Finals

Beaver Brae court sport teams will have to take the long way into the NorWOSSA finals if they want to win gold today.

The Broncos are in Dryden for the Double A boys basketball and girls volleyball championships.

First up are the junior semi-finals at 10:00.

In girls basketball, Beaver Brae will tip-off against Dryden for the right to face Fort Frances in the final this afternoon.

The Broncos junior boys volleyball team will face the Muskies in their semi this morning.

In the senior semis, The Bronco girls will take on Dryden once again, while Beaver Brae's boys volleyball squad will meet up with Fort Frances at 11:30.

Grassy's Clear Cut Logging Concerns Raised at Queen's Park

The Grassy Narrows First Nation claims the Minister of Natural Resources is making false
statements about plans for clear cut logging in the Whiskey Jack Forest.

This morning in the Ontario Legislature, David Orazietti says there are no wood harvesting blocks
in Grassy's Traditional Land Use Territory.

However, Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. urged the government continues to interfere.

Grassy maintains that the government has plans to carry out clear cut logging activity within
the next decade.

Highway 17 East Now Open to One Lane

Traffic is moving slowly today on Highway 17 east of Kenora.

One lane of the Trans-Canada has been opened following a multi-vehicle accident just west of Vermillion Bay early this morning.

The OPP say a number of vehicles ended up in the ditch near the Nelson Granite pit, creating a chain reaction involving at least 14 vehicles.

The accident took place around 1:00 this morning and the highway was shutdown for about nine
hours.

Wynn Government to Deliver Fall Economic Statement Today

When  the government delivers its Fall Economic Statement today it will be promoting capital investment.

That's the message from Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

The government wants to help small and medium-sized businesses grow, so they are able attract larger companies to invest. which would create good jobs in Ontario.

These ideas include a "pay or play" tax incentive for new spending in equipment, technology and training, as well as research and development tax credits to reward additional spending.

Salvation Army to Expand Christmas Hampers

The Salvation Army is hoping to include something a little extra
in this year's Christmas Hampers.

Sandra Poole is their business manager and says they would like to
include some cold weather gear like mitts and to
ques this year.

Poole says applications for the Christmas Hampers are now available
at their office on Matheson Street.

Last year, the Salvation Army handed out over 400 Christmas Hampers to
families in need in the Kenora area.

School Buses Delayed but Not Cancelled by Accident

School bus service in the Vermilion Bay area is running this morning despite the collision.

The Northwest Student Services Consortium says due to the volume of track traffic stopped on Highway 17, buses will experience delays but they have not been cancelled.

Two buses serve the impacted area.

Highway 17 East Still Closed

The OPP stress all efforts are being made to reopen Highway 17 between Vermilion Bay and Kenora.

OPP say the highway was closed just before 1 o'clock this morning due to a pileup involving 14 transports.

Police say icy road conditions caused the crash and several tractor trailer units were sent into the ditch near Nelson Granite.

Officers from Dryden and Kenora as well as ambulance and Machin Fire personnel are on scene assisting in the clean-up.

Amazingly no major injuries are reported.

The OPP Communications Center in Thunder Bay suggest the Trans-Canada could be closed for a couple of more hours to allow for the wreckage to be cleared from the roadway.

Community Foundation Hands Out 85 Thousand Dollars

A big night for a number of community groups.

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Foundation presented cheques totalling more than 85 thousand dollars.

The Lake of the Woods Arts Community received a five thousand dollar cheque for their Muskies on Main public art project.

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls was a big recipient receiving almost ten thousand dollars for various community programs.

Mayor Bill Thompson says he's particularly excited by the little free library program.

The Sioux Narrows Arts group also received 13 hundred dollars in funding, while the
Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Softball league will collect 25 hundred dollars.

Other recipients last night included Mount Evergreen, Habitat for Humanity, the Kenora
Road Safety Committee and the Hospital Foundation.

Knights of Columbus Set Up Endowment Fund

The Knights of Columbus in Kenora is giving back to the community.

The group is setting aside 50 thousand dollars to create a new endowment fund through the community foundation.

Paul Landry is a spokesperson for the group and says its their way of giving back to the community.

Landry says the endowment fund will be used for scholarships at Thomas Aquinas
High School and also other social needs in the community.

He says the proceeds from the sale of their building on First Street South provided the seed money
for their endowment fund.

Moonias Inquest Wraps Up

The death of Bruce Moonias of Lansdowne House First Nation is being ruled a suicide.

A coronors jury announced the verdict today which included 23-three recommendations aimed at improving support for pyschiatric health in aboriginal communities, improved communications, and weapons storage.

Leonard Kim is on the coroners council and says some of the recommendations should be strongly considered.

Moonias died of a gunshot wound in the winter of 2006 after an involvment with police.

Environment Commissioner Concerned With Species At Risk

Ontario's gold-standard Species At Risk legislation is being tarnished.

So says Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller.

Miller released a report yesterday which says government regulations that went into effect this summer, are making it easier for companies to by-pass the legislation.

Miller says companies involved in activities such as mining or forestry no longer have to
post their permits on the Environmental Registry, meaning there is less accountability
to the MNR and the public.

Saints Fail To Medal at NorWOSSA

For the first time in recent memory, the Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is leaving the NorWOSSA championships without a medal.

The Saints were beaten in three straight sets by Sioux Lookout in the semi-finals yesterday afternoon in Rainy River.

The Warriors will now advance to today's gold medal game against Atikokan.

The Saints junior girls basketball team also fell short.

Thomas Aquinas lost 25-20 to Red Lake.

The Rams will now play Rainy River this afternoon in the final.

The NorWOSSA ``AA`` championships will take place tomorrow in Dryden.

Highway 17 East Closed Due to Multi-Vehicle Accident

Highway 17 is closed between Vermillion Bay and Kenora following a major pileup.

Provincial Police say 14 tractor trailer units were involved in the crash just before 2 o'clock this morning.

Police are reporting only minor injuries.

Motorists can take Highway 71 and Highway 11 as an alternate route.

There is no word on when the Trans Canada Highway will be reopened.

Witnesses say roads were icy at the time of the crash.

Kenora Mayor Reacts to Rob Ford Crack Controversy

 Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says the Mayor of Toronto should step down.

Those comments were made after Rob Ford Admitted to smoking crack cocaine.

Canfield says the controversy has overshadowed Ford's work to promote economic development and cut wasteful spending which he promised to do..

He adds that the controversy is embarrassing to all of Canada and has given politicians a bad reputation.

Making Kenora Home Goes to Bat for Fellowship Center

Making Kenora Home is focusing on the Kenora Fellowship Center.

Speaking at the annual general meeting co-chair Ralph Page said the Fellowship Center is in need of a new funding model in order to survive.

Page says they are hoping to keep operations at full capacity this winter.

Also highlighted is the pressing need for more affordable housing as over 250 applicants could be waiting up to 5 years for a social housing unit.

Three Senators Suspended from Upper Chamber

A sigh of relief.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is pleased that the government has taken action and suspended Patrick Brazeau,  Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin without pay for up to 2-years.

Rickford says now they can talk about Senate reform, and hopes the opposition parties to get on side with what they have been talking about and working through legislation that would hold the senate more accountable.

While Duffy, Brazeau and Wallin have been ousted from the Senate, they will be able to keep their
health benefits.

Dryden Rinks in the Dark

An unusual situation in Dryden last night.

Minor hockey and games in the Dryden Oldtimers Hockey League had to be cancelled due to a lack of staff to operate the zamboni.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says the closure of the ice rink was not the result of staff cuts.

The arena had to close at 5:00 last night due to staff shortage.

Community Foundation Holds Fall Granting Ceremony

Another big day for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

The foundation is holding their second granting ceremony of the year and Executive Director Darlene MacGillvray says it's going to be quite the night with more than 85 thousand dollars being handed out.

MacGillvary says a new 50 thousand dollar fund will also be announced.

The ceremony gets underway at 7:00 tonight at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

Cost To Fight Forest Fires Goes Down

Encouraging figures for the cash-strapped provincial Government.

The cost to fight forest fires in northern Ontario was just over 110-million dollars this season.

That's down 60 million dollars less than last year.

There were fewer than 600-fires across the north this year, barely one-third last season's total.

Inquest into Northern Shooting death Wraps Up

Closing arguments brought an end to the Coroner's inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias.

The jury heard that 53 shots were fired the night Moonias died after an encounter with police
on the Landsdowne House First Nation.

Presiding Coroner Dr. David Evans charged the jury with making a decision in the death of Moonias and they are expected to make an announcement by one o'clock this afternoon.

The inquest has been going on for the past week in Thunder Bay.

NorWOSSA "A" Play-offs Today in Rainy River

An unusual position for Thomas Aquinas.

The Saints are in Rainy River today for the NorWOSSA championships,
but just two of their teams have qualified for the play-offs.

The T.A. junior girls will play a semi-final game this afternoon against
Red Lake.

The winner of that game will play Rainy River in tomorrow's gold medal game.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior boys team will have to play its way into
the final this year.

The Saints take on Sioux Lookout in semi-final action.

The winner will play Atikokan tomorrow in the final.

The NorWOSSA double "A" championships will take place Friday in Dryden.

Giller Gala Tonight

Call it a glittering Giller Gala.

The annual Giller Award for Canadian fiction will be announced
tonight.

Once again the Kenora Public Library is celebrating the event with
a fundraiser at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.

The Giller Gala will start at 5:30 this afternoon.

The winner of the Giller will take home a cool 50 thousand dollars.

2013 Forest Fire Season Officially Over

\
2013 will go into the books as the quietest forest fire season in the past four years.

The MNR has compiled its season ending report and it shows there were just 357 forest fires this summer, about half the number as last year.

Fire Information officer Heather Pridham says the weather was a big factor.

Pridham says there were fewer human caused and lightning-caused fires this summer.

Health Unit Encourages Testing for Radon Gas

A simple test in your home could prevent lung cancer.

The Northwestern Health Unit is encouraging home owners to test for Radon, which is a naturally occurring radio active gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium that is found in rocks and soil.

Public Health Inspector Rick Pascoe says you can't see it, smell it or taste it.

Test kits range from 15 to 30-dollars and are available at local home household stores.

Concern Raised About New Snowmobile Trail Regulations

A Conservative MPP is accusing the Liberal government is trying to kill the snowmobile industry in Ontario.

Jim Wilson says a new regulation would require snowmobile clubs to pay for the use of hydro right-of-ways.

He says that's just not financially feasible for most clubs.

Wilson says the new regulations would require the snowmobile clubs to not only pay for use of the hydro right-of ways, but also to pay for fencing along the trails.

Conservatives Refuse to Endorse Nuisance Bear Committee

Kenora-Rainy River Conservative candidate Randy Nickle is standing behind several members of his party who voted against an NDP motion to establish a nuisance bear committee.

The motion passed in the Ontario Legislature 31-24 last week, and the Conservatives note that all three former Ministers of Natural Resources stood and voted against it.

Randy Nickle says we've already had a committee to study the issue and they made their recommendations to the government.

He says the conservatives have already been looking at consulting northerners on the wildlife issues facing the region and that their northern policy has given northerners a voice and let them determine what's best for them.

Nickle says it's another form of duplication and a waste of taxpayer money.

Common Voice Gives Cautious Support to New Energy Plan

The Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force says it generally supports the recommendations contained in the Ontario Power Authority's draft energy plan for the Dryden, Ear Falls, Red Lake and Pickle Lake area.

The vote of confidence comes after 2-months of intensive review and consultation.

Co-Chair Ian Angus says its essential that the Province speed up the process of developing new and needed infrastructure into the Dryden north area.

Hebert adds Pickle Lake has been telling the government since 1995 that their community has no access to sufficient energy.

And in 2008 representatives of the Musselwhite Mine with the Minister of Energy to present their case for the construction of a new transmission line.

Hebert says a delay in construction is unacceptable and Ontario must find a way to eliminate planning barriers.

The Energy Task Force report has been submitted to the Ministry of Energy and the OPA.

Fort Man Arrested for Stealing Vehicle

A 26 year old Fort Frances resident faces a long list of charges after police
in Rainy River District stopped a stolen vehicle.

The vehicle was reported stolen early Monday morning from a home in Fort Frances, and a half hour later the OPP had located it.

The vehicle was pulled over and the driver, Bobby Morrison was arrested.

He faces two counts of breach of probation, impaired driving, theft of a
vehicle, driving while under suspension and possession of marijuana.