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Below is a collection of some of the most clicked-on stories on KenoraOnline and DrydenNow in the month of July 2022.
The tall tale of NWO’s travelling goat: Goaty
The tall tale of northwestern Ontario’s travelling goat – Goaty – finally reached its happy ending.
Goaty is now in his forever home at the Cedar Row Farms animal sanctuary near London, Ontario, after a wild few months and some bumps along the way.
Q104 and KenoraOnline broke Goaty’s stories in July and August after a Kenora resident returned home to find the friendly goat waiting at their front door on Jones Road.
10-year-old injured after bear attack
A 10-year-old boy is recovering from his injuries after he was attacked by a black bear in Grassy Narrows First Nation.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry says the attack was reported to the Ministry on the evening of July 25, and staff from the Kenora office attended the scene the following morning to conduct their investigation.
They say the 10-year-old was taken to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for medical attention after the attack, receiving care for his wound before returning home.
Kenora dog home with family after alleged poisoning
A dog from Kenora is pulling through from the fight of its life thanks to the support of the community.
In July, Kenora resident Kelley Morrell, his dog Penny and his daughter’s dog Onyx were outside playing when Kelley noticed both dogs acting strangely, which prompted Kelley to rush both of them to the Kenora Veterinary Clinic.
Morrell says the vet confirmed with him that both dogs had somehow ingested methamphetamine. One dog, Penny, passed away. Investigations continued in August.
City won’t appeal Central decision, Park to remain public
The City of Kenora has decided to not appeal a decision made by Ontario’s Land Tribunal that has stopped the development of Central Park in its tracks.
This means, for the time being, Central Park will remain a public space without a housing development.
Councillors made their decision at their August 9 Council Meeting at City Hall after the city’s Senior Leadership Team and staff recommended against appealing the decision, following discussions with the municipality’s legal team.
‘Go beyond the apology’ local reaction to Pope’s visit
Survivors of the Indian Residential School System from Wauzhushk Onigum say they wanted to see and hear a stronger commitment from Pope Francis during his apology to Canadians this week to support those undergoing their healing journey.
Pope Francis travelled to Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit this week to apologize in person and begin a journey of reconciliation to and with Indigenous Canadians.
Wauzhushk Onigum Nation’s Kaatagoging Survivors Group, volunteers working to uncover the truth, locate unmarked graves, establish a pathway to healing and memorialize students who were lost through the Indian Residential School System, say they’re disappointed with the Papal visit, stating ‘words without concrete actions behind them are meaningless.’
Ontario Mayor, local resort owner identified in NWO boating death
A 64-year-old man who passed away in a nearby boating accident has been identified as a local resort owner and the Mayor of a small town in southern Ontario.
The Sioux Lookout OPP say John C. Grace was found deceased roughly seven hours after his barge, which had been transporting fuel, capsized on Lake St. Joseph near his family’s fishing resort, the Old Post Lodge. Grace was the lone occupant of the vehicle.
The Old Post Lodge opened in 1986, beginning as an over 200-year-old Hudson’s Bay Company Trading post, where John worked had worked as a Manager in the 70s. John later purchased and revitalized the property, saying he fell in love with northwestern Ontario’s lifestyle and its people.
John had also served as the Town of Goderich’s Mayor since 2018, with a municipal political career that spanned nearly two decades in the Huron County. John was a lifelong resident of Goderich, a former small business owner and had recently announced his Mayoral re-election campaign.
Melillo, Ottawa ‘outraged’ by Hockey Canada scandal
The federal government and Kenora’s Member of Parliament, Eric Melillo, say they’re outraged by the actions of Hockey Canada for covering up multiple sexual assault lawsuits and allegations, and for the use of nearly $8 million of public funds to pay off the victims.
The news broke of Hockey Canada’s mishandling of multiple sexual assault cases nationally in May, with more information coming out in August.
It was revealed that the national organization – which is in charge of minor hockey and is funded by the federal government and players’ fees – used portions of those fees to settle lawsuits out of court and forced victims to sign non-disclosure agreements to keep the story out of the public’s eye.