Friday, May 3, 2013

Freeznig Rain Warning Issued For Atikokan Area

Travel to the east of Fort Frances could be a little hazardous today and tomorrow.

Precipitation northwest of a now stalled front is forecast to bring snow, ice pellets and freezing rain in some areas between Atikokan and east of Thunder Bay.

A few heavier bands of freezing rain are expected this morning.

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the Atikokan area as a result.

Hyatt Competes In Pageant This Weekend

Fort Frances teen Emily Hyatt vies for the title of Miss Northern Ontario in Timmins.

The 17-year-old is up against 42 other girls.

Hyatt, a self-professed hunting enthusiast, will show off her use of the bow and arrow in the talent portion of the competition today with the crowning taking place tomorrow night.

Resolute Pension Contributions Increased

Some good news for Resolute Forest Product workers in Fort Frances.

The Paperworkers union says the company has agreed to increase its pension payments from the current $50 million per year to $80 million for the next 8 years.

It's to meet the company's legal obligations to top up underfunded pension plans.

Boil Water Advisory In Emo

Some homes in Emo and the Emo Health Centre have been placed under a boil water advisory.

This after a break of a water line at early Thursday morning in front of the hospital.

The township's water plant manager Ed Bullied says repairs were expected to be complete by the afternoon.

He says the advisory will likely remain in place until Monday because the township still needs two clear tests before the Northwestern Health Unit gives the okay to lift it.

Meantime, Riverside Health Care facilities has brought in bottled water and taken other precautions within the Emo hospital's food service area and infection control.

Treaty Three Police Vote

Treaty Three Police are challenging federal jurisdiction in a fight for better rights.

Employees voted Thursday on whether officers should be represented under the province.

Public Service Alliance of Canada spokesperson Sandra Goodick says it's only a matter of time with the courts already having moved some First Nations labour negotiations over to the provincial side.

If passed, Goodick doesn't think the service's workers will see a significant difference.

Results of the vote are expected to be released next week.