Friday, June 15, 2012

Premier Threatens Election


Premier Dalton McGuinty says the New Democrats have turned their backs on the agreement to support the Liberals and he's now threatening to call an election.

He's accusing the NDP of teaming up with the Tories to - in his words - gut the budget bill at the committee level.

Leader Andrea Horwath says she told the Premier her party would try for more changes at committee before Wednesday's final budget vote.

Busy Two Months For OPP



OPP are dealing a rash of break-in's across the Rainy River district.

There have been over twenty incidents of break-ins, thefts and acts of mischief since May 1.

Constable Anne McCoy says some of the thefts could have been prevented.

Item stolen range from outboard motors, tools, outdoor furniture, and in one case a 200 pound cement deer from a home in Atikokan.

Here is list of occurrences.

Between May 1 – 14, 2012, culprits stole three solar lights and a garden gnome from a Cornwall Avenue residence in Fort Frances.

Between May 6 – 8, 2012, there was a theft of a wheelbarrow from a residence at the 1600 block of Colonization Road West. Officers located the wheelbarrow upon follow up of another break and enter investigation in an area nearby.

May 12, 2012, a 2007 Honda outboard motor was stolen from a property located on Crystal Lake Road.

Between May 14 – 15, 2012, culprit(s) cut bolts in order to steal a grey and red 20 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor from the back of a boat parked in the owners’ yard on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue in Fort Frances.

Between May 14 – 16, 2012, culprit(s) stole a 2003 Honda outboard 30 horsepower motor from the parking lot of a bait and tackle store in Atikokan.

On May 22, 2012, culprit(s) stole five silver and two black solar lights from a residence on the 900 block of Second Street East in Fort Frances.

Between May 25-28, 2012 a fuel tank was reported stolen from the Ministry of Transportation Patrol shed at Highway 11 at Nickle Lake.

On May 25, 2012 after 2:00 pm, a resident at the 1000 Williams Avenue, Fort Frances, found damage to a Dodge pickup truck.  Culprit(s) deeply scratched around the logo of the pick up truck causing significant damage and subsequent cost to repair.

On May 27, 2012, culprit(s) stole a 200 lbs decorative cement deer from a residence in Atikokan.

On May 28, 2012, culprit(s) broke into a cabin located at Bad Vermillion Lake near Mine Centre and stole a 12 Volt converter.
                                                                                                                       
On May 30, 2012, culprit(s) stole a grey 1996 Yamaha 30 horsepower outboard motor from a cabin on Seine River.

On June 3, 2012 culprits stole a Mercury outboard 25 horsepower motor and gas tank from a boat located on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue.

Between June 3 - 4, 2012 culprit(s) forced open a garage on Biddeson Avenue in Fort Frances.  While inside the garage, they stole a 1995 Hoyt Compound Bow, a camouflage bow case, 12 brand new aluminium arrows with hi-vis dyed turkey feathers, a red 2009 Honda push lawn mover and a grey adult mountain bike.

Between June 5 – 12, 2012, culprit(s) broke into a garage located on the 1400 block of Colonization Road West.  A 700 Watt Motormaster power pack was stolen but left a welder on the lawn.

On June 6, 2012, someone smashed a car windshield on the 300 block of Church Street in Fort Frances.

On June 7, 2012, deck furniture was stolen from a residence on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue in Fort Frances.

On June 7, 2012, culprit(s) stole a tackle box from a pickup truck parked on the Atikokan River.

On June 8, 2012, two males were found inside the building of a car wash located at Williams Avenue in Fort Frances.  The two male suspects ran away upon being discovered inside the building.  The first male is described as First Nation, 16-20 years old, 5’9”-5’10” tall, thin build, shaved head, wearing a dark coloured hoodie sweatshirt and blue jeans.  Second male was described as a Caucasian male, 16-20 years, 5’9”-5’10” tall, thin build, messy blonde hair.

On June 10, 2012, a purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 700 block of Armit Avenue in Fort Frances.

On June 9, 2012, a resident reported a mirror had been broken on a vehicle during the overnight at a residence on the 100 block of Fourth Street West.

On June 9, 2012, culprit(s) threw a rock and broke a storm window on a residence on the 300 block of Second Street East.
                                                                                                                       
On June 9, 2012 culprit(s) removed a window from a residence on the 500 block of Scott Street, Fort Frances and proceeded to smash a ground floor window.  No entry was gained.

Anyone with information regarding any of the incidents are asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Mine Centre School Official Opening


A grand opening for the Rainy River District's newest elementary school

Celebrations were held at Mine Centre School yesterday.

Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell says it's an outstanding facility.

The school is also classes for students from Nigigoonsiminikaaning and Seine River.

Relay for Life Tonight


Relay for Life in Fort Frances is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever.

Event chair Jenn Anderson says over twenty teams will walk the track at Fort Frances High School for 12 hours tonight in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The event is open to the public with festivities getting underway at about 6 p.m. tonight with cancer survivors taking the first lap at 7 p.m.

Air Service Still Intact In International Falls


The U.S. Department of Transportation is to soon announce new requests for proposals from airlines interested in taking over air passenger services for International Falls.

Great Lake Aviation got approval for the route in March, but has decided not to proceed.

Falls Airport Chair Bob Anderson believes the carrier is seeking more time to get aircraft and staff and will re-bid.

Anderson says until a new carrier is selected, existing service provided by Delta will continue.

Question of the Week


Do you think the marathon vote in the House of Commons was an efficient use of MP's time?

That's this week's question on our website.

Last week, 76 per cent of respondents did not think new provincial anti-bully legislation will make schools safer.

Sports Centre Work this Summer


There will be some additional work taking place at the pool and fitness area of the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre this summer.

The town was already preparing to replace the flooring in the men's change room, but when tenders came in well below budget, it decided to replace lockers as well.

Total cost of all upgrades will be just over $27-thousand.


Police Vacancy Filled


Koochiching County has filled another vacancy within its Police Department.

Bruce Grotberg will serve as the County's Undersheriff.

He takes over the post from Brian Jesperson who became Sheriff this month.