Monday, September 14, 2009

Oberholtzer Life Documented in New Film

A new film about the life and times of Ernest Oberholtzer will make its screen debut in Fort Frances today.

'Ober's Island - A Living Legacy' examines the life and the legacy of the conservationist, explorer and authority of the boundary lakes region.

Producer John Ruebartsch says it was Obertholtzer's diversity that attracted him to do the film.

"He was this highly educated guy," says Ruebartsch, "and yet he sort of became really good friends with the Ojibway and made this epic trip to Hudson's Bay. I think those are what I found very intriguing."

Ruebartsch will be in attendance for today's showing at the Fort Frances Museum at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.

OLG Retailer Changes Proposed

If you sell them, don't play them.

Ontario retailers who sell lottery tickets will soon be banned from playing tickets bought in their own stores.

The move is aimed at stopping questionable insider wins and improving the image of Ontario's troubled lottery corporation.

A government source says the restriction will be announced today and will take effect in November.

Education Program Deemed Successful

A program introduced to all elementary schools last year is helping the Rainy River District School Board and its teachers plan for the future.

The Critical Learning Instructional Pathway helps identify student needs in the classroom.

The board's effective school leader Sylvia Parker says its a program has to led many student successes.

"We know that education today is changing," says Parker, "and that we have to develop students who are really critical thinkers. To do that we have to dig a little bit deeper. It's not just a curriculum that we're trying to cover, but we're also trying to develop the ability to think critically and make the connection with not just with what they're doing everyday in school but with the outside world."

Parker says the program has led to improved EQAO results at some schools.

Boshcoff Talks Election

The potential of a fall election in on the mind Ken Boshcoff.

The former MP decided to run again for the Liberals in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.

Boshcoff feels how the country is being governed will be the main issue for voters.

"I think it's very clearly is to what direction the country want to go in," says Boshcoff. "We clearly have been mired in lots of ineptitude and problems and people are ready for that change. When I talk to them, although no one wants an election, when I put it in that way, they say 'you're right, we can do much better."

Boshcoff admits he's not fully prepared, but expects his team will take shape if the writ is dropped.

MP's Back to Work

The summer's over for Members of Parliament as they return to their seats today in the House of Commons for the start of the fall session.

But it appears they won't have much time to warm up the benches before another election is called.

A critical vote -- a confidence vote -- on a budget-related matter is expected to happen on Friday which could bring down Prime Minister Harper's minority Conservative government.

Ontario Legislature Fall Session Begins

The Ontario legislature resumes today and the opposition parties can't wait to take on the McGuinty Liberals.

The Conservatives and New Democrats want to know more about expense abuses at OLG.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says the Tories will be doing everything they can to block the planned merger of the eight per cent provincial sales tax with the G-S-T.

The government says it intends to use the fall session to focus on implementing its plan to create jobs.

Groups to Bends Councillors' Ears

It will be a busy night for Fort Frances town councillors.

No fewer than six delegations will be before council at its meeting tonight.

Among those at the podium on various issues will be the Fort Frances BIA, the town's Active Transportation Committee and the Fort Frances Lakers hockey club.

Council is also expected to hear from OPP Inspector John Kendrick on the latest police statistics and Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation on its activities for the town.

A public meeting on the 2010 budget is also planned.

The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 6:20 p.m.

War on Youth Drug Use

The Northwestern Health Unit will be tackling illicit drug use with some financial help from the federal government and its National Anti-Drug Strategy.

Medical Officer of Health Doctor Jim Arthurs says health unit staff will work are youth to come up with strategies for combating drug abuse.

"(There's be looking at) Kinds of behavioural changes to make both in terms prevention and opportunities to help others realize there are ways not to become involved in using illicit drugs," says Arthurs.

Arthurs says the new Youth Action on Drugs program will be rolled out in communities across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts, including first nations.