Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Search for More Hospital Help Continues


Riverside Health Care Facilities says it's prepared to deal with possible closures of the emergency room at Rainy River Health Centre.

CEO Wayne Woods says the main focus is still trying to get continued assistance for the town's lone full-time physician.

The hospital has been relying on locum doctors since July and has assistance through to the first week of January.

Atikokan Trustee Chairs Board Again


An Atikokan trustee will continue to serve as chair of the Rainy River District School Board.

Mike Lewis was reappointed to the position in year end elections held last night.

He's been chair since elected to the board in 2010.

Dianne McCormick of Rainy River will again serve as vice-chair.

Local Victims of Violence Remembered


Nineteen women from the Rainy River District who lost their lives in acts of violence were remembered at ceremonies in Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Donna Kroocmo of the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope says its a stark reminder that violence against women isn't solely a big city problem.

Events were held in both towns to coincide with the National Day of Remembrance.

Christmas Hamper Applications Available


Atikokan Christmas Cheer is now accepting applications for this year's hampers.

Committee member Alex Broski anticipates demand to be about the same as last year.

Applications can be picked up at Kenora-Rainy River Children and Family Services Atikokan office, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre and Atikokan Health Centre until December 16.

Native Leaders Seek U.N. Help


Leaders of the troubled Attawapiskat community want the United Nations to help them with their housing crisis.

Aboriginal chiefs from across Canada have adopted a resolution to ask the U.N. to step in to ensure Ottawa is doing its job for the troubled reserve.

New Transmission Line Proposed


A new First Nations led company has been formed to develop a new power line in Northwestern Ontario.

The project, to be completed in two phases, will connect several First Nations communities north of Pickle Lake.

Green Energy Policies Defended


Premier McGuinty is defending his green energy policies in the wake of a scathing report by the province's auditor general.

Jim McCarter found billions of dollars of wind and solar projects were approved with little oversight, which will push up electricity bills.

But McGuinty says renewable power will save health-care cash by reducing Ontario's dependence on dirty, coal-fired generation.

Border Deal Revealed Today


Prime Minister Harper meets up with U.S. President Obama at the White House to take the wraps off a new border-security agreement that's been years in the making.

The pact looks to boost intelligence-sharing and streamline cross-border trade, while beefing up cyber security and better tracking travellers.

Police Searching for International Falls man


Police are looking for a missing man from International Falls.

58-year-old William Raymond Hart was last seen leaving his home Friday morning, but hasn't been heard since.

International Falls Police says he was driving a 1999 Ford F-150 extended cab pick-up, green in colour.