Dryden

The Canadian Mental Health Association is holding a Sam's Wear Art Contest in memory of Sam Bush and in honour of Suicide Awareness Month.

Sam Bush was a Kenora resident who passed away by suicide in June of 2019 at the age of 21. Sam loved camping, fishing, hunting and was a large part in Kenora's skateboard community. Sam is also remembered for his heartwarming generosity throughout his short life.

Sam's Wear has been available for purchase with proceeds going towards CMHA - and now they would like to add to it. 

Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest on Monday, Sept. 19, and some people in Canada will have a paid day off while others will not.

On Tuesday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the day would be a federal holiday to mourn the Queen. "Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important," the Prime Minister said at a caucus retreat in New Brunswick.

Pierre Poilievre's crushing win to become leader of the Conservative Party of Canada raises questions about the status and power of the party's social conservatives. 

That well-mobilized part of the party's base has played an important role in helping previous leaders achieve power, with some calling them "kingmakers." 

Some Indigenous leaders and community members say they're concerned about making progress on reconciliation with King Charles III.

Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey says the Queen's death last week wasn't good timing, as First Nations were making progress in working with the Crown toward upholding treaty agreements. 

"We were building up not only the momentum, but letting (the Queen) know that the Crown and the relationship understood by our people is not what's being delivered by administrators," Noskey said from his office in Edmonton.

Ontario’s most vulnerable populations now have access to a new type of vaccine that aims to protect against the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The provincial government is now rolling out a bivalent COVID-19 booster to all Ontarians over the age of 18, if it's been at least six months since their last vaccine dose, beginning with those who are:

- 70 years and older,
- residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, etc
- Indigenous individuals and their household members 18 and over,

The Kenora Airport has entered the final phase of its runway rehabilitation project, closing it down for the remainder of the month – but Ontario says plans are in place in case of an emergency.

Earlier this summer, the Kenora Airport Authority announced runway and construction work that would impact flights, including a shortened runway until September 10 and a closure until September 30.

In Kenora slo-pitch playoff action - On the women's side - Northern Harbour has done it again. They've taken top spot in the league after defeating the Royals in game two of a best-of-three last night. Northern Harbour also claimed the pennant for the least amount of losses in regular play. 

CUPE defeated Jarnel in two games straight to capture the C-side title. The B-side division is split one game apiece between Nensika Crushers and The Riverview Rebels, the 3rd and deciding game will take place at the Rec Center tonight .

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Sept. 19 will be a federal holiday to mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral in London.

"Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important," Trudeau said at a caucus retreat in New Brunswick Tuesday.

He also said his government will be working with provinces and territories to ensure they're "aligned."

This week's REMR Roofing Person of the Week is Scott Green!

Wayne was nominated by Jenn Schott, who wrote in part:

"Scott Green is always enthusiastic and up for adventure!! A busy husband and father of 3 active kids… Scott also runs Green Adventure, Adventure Daycamp and Lake of the Woods Marina!! I admire Scott’s go get ‘em attitude and his love of Kenora and the people in It!! I highly recommend Scott for Person of the Week!"

For being nominated, Scott receives a $25 gift card for the Log Cabin Tavern, and for her nomination, Jenn receives one, too!

We're into the finals for Kenora slo-pitch teams.

In the women's division, Northern harbour defeated The Royals in game one of a best-of-three in the A side final game 20-17. On the C-Side it was CUPE who took it 15-10 over Jarnel in their first.

Finals begin tonight for the men. On the A-Side, Beauty Bay will hit the field first as they're home to D Smith A's. For the B-Side, Holmes Voodoo will take on Moncrief Diggers and Cottage Time Beavers will host the Legends. Each series will be best-of-three.