Wednesday, June 17, 2009

MNR Enforcement Blitz Results Released

The Ministry of Natural Resources has released the results of a roadside check of anglers conducted last month.

The enforcement blitz held on the U-S Memorial Day resulted in 17 charges and five warnings.

Charges and warnings were issued for possessing an over limit of fish, making a false statement to a conservation officer, transporting fish taken unlawfully as they were in a restricted size range, unlawfully packaged fish which could not readily be counted, identified or measured and
a range of licence infractions, including fishing without a licence and failing to produce a licence.

As a result of a false statement made to a conservation officer at the road check, an investigation is underway, which may result in additional charges.

Almost 350 anglers were checked by Conservation and Treaty 3 police officers during the blitz.

New Fire Starts in Northwestern Ontario

Warm temperatures and dry conditions are pushing up the forest fire hazard in northwestern Ontario.

Yesterday, eight new fires confirmed in the Ministry of Natural Resources' West Fire Region.

Among them a small blaze 25 kilometres northeast of Mine Centre that started when a piece of industrial equipment caught fire.

Forestry workers on site helped to minimize the fire's spread which was smouldering by the time a Fire Ranger crew arrived.

Highway Work Underway

The province hopes to create nearly five-thousand jobs across northern Ontario with $648 million dollars in road and highway projects.

Among projects taking place in the Rainy River district include the third phase of rehabilitation of the Noden Causeway.

Work on 21 kilometres of Highway 11, east of Fort Frances and another 15 kilometres near Atikokan are already taking place.

A 24 kilometre stretch of Highway 71 from the Highway 11 junction and 18 kilometres of Highway 502 from Highway 11 will also receive upgrades.

Commercial Vehicle Blitz Underway

O-P-P across northwestern Ontario will be on the lookout for unsafe and aggressive commercial vehicle drivers over the next 24-hours.

'Operation Corridor' will focus on Highways 11 and 17.

Acting Traffic Manager for the Northwest Region Brent Anderson says even though Commercial carriers are among the safest drivers, an average of 50-charges are laid for various infractions during the 24-hour blitz.

Local Graduates Receive Nursing Degrees

It was also an historic night for five students at Confederation College's Convocation Ceremonies in Fort Frances.

They were among twenty across northwestern Ontario to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Lakehead University through a community-based nursing program delivered at the College's regional campus.

Director at LU's School of Nursing Karen Poole says four-year pilot program was a huge success.

"What we've been able to do is bring the education to the students so they can stay, live in their own communities," says Poole, "practice nursing in their own communities. Now that they've finished the four years, they have jobs and we hope they can stay in the communities and contribute to the health of northwestern Ontario in that way. We are very pleased to have reached this point."

Students who enrolled in the program at the Rainy River district campus say the program has already helped them land jobs locally.

Both Lakehead University and Confederation College plan to evaluate the program with the hope of offering it again in 2010.

Convocation Ceremonies Held in Fort Frances

It was a night of celebrations and recognition for the 2009 graduating class of Confederation College's Rainy River district campus.

Diplomas and certificates were awarded to nearly 50 students at Convocation ceremonies held at the Townsend Theatre

The college's Vice-President of Academic and Student Services Judi Maundrell offered congratulations to the students.

"Best wish for you as you leave the college, ready and able, to make a difference in your life and the life in other," said Maundrell. "Please ensure that you are of service to others anyway you can in your journey of life. We are proud to welcome you into the world of successful Confederation College alumni."

Bill Trochimchuck of the college's board of governors told the students it was a night to honour their success.

"The real intrigue and intoxication of personal success is the opportunity for you to write your own ending," said Trochimchuk. "Your academic achievement we celebrate today will help you do just that. Your Confederation College education is an investment in your personal success. You leave here today with the tools and the wisdom to achieve personal success."

Among the award winners was Melissa Wood of Fort Frances who earned the student leadership graduate award for her work as the campus' student president.