Tuesday, May 24, 2011

One Killed in Vehicle-Train Accident

The investigation continues into a collision involving a vehicle and a train that killed one person in Stratton.

A CN train hit the vehicle on the tracks at Highway 617 Friday night.

OPP are trying to determine if the crossing lights were working at the time.

The name of the victim has not be released.

Falls Downtown Business Hit by Fire

Investigators are expected back on the scene today of a fire that caused extensive damage to a downtown building in International Falls.

Firefighters were called out early yesterday morning to the building on 3rd Street that houses the store No Place Like Home.

Additional assistance was received from fire departments in Littlefork and Fort Frances.

The fire was brought under control late yesterday afternoon.

It's cause is not immediately known.

Streets around the charred building remain closed.

More MNR Help to Alberta

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending more equipment to Alberta.

One-hundred pumping units, three-thousand lengths of hose and portable water tanks are scheduled to leave Thunder Bay.

Another twenty firefighters were dispatched to the western province on the weekend.

Forest Fire Burns in Wabakimi

A large forest fire is burning in Wabakimi Provincial Park.

The fire is burning near fly-in-lodges and a rail line and forced the temporary evacuation of residents.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the fire had grown to over 14-hundred hectares in size as of yesterday.

Liquor Laws Changing

It looks like changes are finally coming to Ontario's liquor laws.

Attorney General Chris Bentley says it would include allowing adults to wander around at festivals with a drink in hand.

He hasn't set a date for the changes but says they should take effect in time for the summer.

Institute Takes Shape

The Northern Policy Institute is starting to take shape.

The Institute was one of the key promises contained in the Northern Growth Plan released earlier this year.

Vice-president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says they've been able to provide some input into its development.

Rafferty Sworn-In

(Photo courtesy John Rafferty)

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking forward to the new session of Parliament which opens June 2.

The NDP member expects much of his early time will be spent helping the new members learn the ropes.

"Certainly our mentoring roles that we'll have will be working with all of the newcomers and getting them up to speed as quickly as possible," says Rafferty.

He was sworn into office Saturday.

Roller Derby Still Seeking a Home

The Borderland Roller Derby League continues to look for a permanent home.

The Fort Freak Show is back practicing at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

Coach Aurora Derkson says they're limited where they can go.

"The school's are unavailable for us due to the flooring," says Derkson, "and some of the buildings for rent are just very, very pricey. A lot more than we can afford since we donate half our money to the community"

The league has asked town council for a break on their rental of the Sport Centre.

Tax Appeal Worrisome

Concern is being expressed by the town of Fort Frances over AbitibiBowater's decision to appeal its property assessment back to 2009.

Mayor Roy Avis says if the company is successful, the loss in tax revenue would equate to an 8-point-4 per tax increase.

"That's on the $800-thousand the town would lose on an annually basis," says Avis. "We would still have to pick up the $2.2-million adjustment for the three years previously."

There is no word yet when the Assessment Review Board will discuss the appeal.

Hydro Rebate

Fort Frances Power Corporation customers will be receiving a big rebate on their bills next month.

CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says it's the result of lobbying to have a provincial global adjustment dropped.

"This piece of legislation was revised and we were able to influence the revised version that was announced in 2010 to properly address the historic power agreement," says Ruppenstein. "Under the spirit of the agreement, it is exempt from this charge."

Ruppenstein says the rebate of $288.00 will be credited to customers bills over the next two months.

Forest Fire Declared Out

A forest fire that was burning 45-kilometres north of Fort Frances has now been declared as being held.

The fire scorched about four hectares and needed aggressive ground and air attack.

Cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Parks Open

Parks across Ontario opened for the first time on the weekend.

Manager of Operations for Ontario Parks Bruce Van Staalduinen is anticipating a good year.

"Reservations to date have been very strong," says Van Staalduinen. "We've processed 135-thousand reservations since January. That's about a 9-thousand increase from last year. The gas prices and the cool wet weather this spring haven't had an impact as this point in time."

There are still several vacancies available at parks across the region.

Check Your Cottages

With many residents heading to their cottages, the Ontario Provincial Police has come out with annual suggestions on cottage safety.

Police say you should make-up a check-list if you haven't already to ensure buildings are safe.

OPP say thieves usually target electronics and alcohol, so you shouldn't leave them around when you're not there.

Big Bike Successful

The totals aren't available, but the Heart and Stroke Foundation says its Big Bike riding in Fort Frances was a success.

Jack Junkin, a beneficiary of Foundation research, drove the bike for the groups and says their fundraising efforts are working.

"It's very important," says Junkin. "Everyone who's on the planet has a heart. Sometimes they're not in the best of conditions and we need the research and money to keep things going."

The Foundation says it would like to bring the bike back to Fort Frances more frequently.