Monday, November 25, 2013

NDP Fighting Against Long-Term Energy Contracts

Electricity retailers beware.

The NDP is taking directed aimed at them with a private members bill that would prevent fixed term contracts.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says it's one of the biggest issues her office has to deal with.

Campbell says a recent report shows that people who have signed long term contracts often pay anywhere from 35 to 65 percent more for electricity.

Mayor Outlines Priorities

The mayor of International Falls has outlined his priorities for the next year.

Bob Anderson spokes last week during a meeting of the the International Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Anderson says he plans to focus on the basics, but sees the city's future focused on timber, tourism, technology and transportation and a strengthening of those areas.

He'd also like to see the development of a comprehensive plan to involve Koochiching County and the city of Ranier.

The last plan was done in 1966 and lead to a new by-pass.

Final Vote Day For Knox United Church

Knox United Church in Fort Frances is making a final push to gain a semi-final spot in the Aviva Community Fund contest.

The Church is hoping to secure a top ten spot as it seeks funding for its renewal project.

It's currently sitting in 13th spot, about 200 votes back of 10th, with voting in this third and final round ending at 11 a.m. today.

Click this link to vote.

FASD Committee Formed

Northwestern Ontario has a new committee focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Creighton Youth Services Director Jack Martin says the new committee will create a strong voice when speaking about FASD.

Martin says FASD is a lifelong illness and that early detection can prevent people from falling into substance abuse and mental health issues.

Chambers Scraps Pre-Thanksgiving Day Promotion

There will be no early Thanksgiving late night shopping promotion in International Falls this year.

The International Falls Chamber of Commerce says only nine of 112 businesses responded to its inquiry of the proposed promotion with eight supporting the idea of Wednesday evening shopping in advance of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

The Chamber says it may revisit the promotion next year.

Festival Of Trees Bidding On Now

Bids are now being accepted in the Festival of Trees.

The trees have been decorated and donated by a number of individuals, businesses and organization.

They're on display at the Fine Line Art Gallery in Fort Frances.

Bids will be accepted up until this Saturday.

Proceeds will go to the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and Fort Frances Kiwanis Club.