FASD Private Members' Bill Introduced

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking for labels on alcohol warning about the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

He's put forward a private member's bill for M-P to consider.

"What it simply does is require alcohol packaging have a warning label for pregnant women," says Rafferty. "I've recommended in the bill something to the effect that no amount of alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to drink."

Rafferty says the bill was prompted by groups and residents seeking more awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Highway Upgrades near Atikokan

More highway upgrades for the Atikokan area.

The province has awarded a $7.5 million contract to Miller Paving for upgrades to Highway 11 and 622.

Work along a 30 kilometre stretch of the two highways includes resurfacing, culvert and guide rail replacements.

Wild Child'z Holds First Show

(A trophy designed by Students of the Fort Frances High School Wild Child'z Car Club)
There a car show at Fort Frances High School Friday.

It was put on by a new school club Wild Child'z Car Club.

Teacher Gord Witherspoon says its aimed at getting more young people interested in cars.

"Spark some interest," says Witherspoon. "We're trying to get kids who haven't been involved in any other clubs in the school before and get them involved in something else."

Witherspoon says students were fully involved in the show from its organization to the construction of trophies for the winners.

Show and Shine

The International Early Iron Car Club kicked off its summer season with its annual Show and shine in downtown Fort Frances Saturday.

President Sandy Haney about 60 cars were on hand.

"This is the first show of the year here," says Haney, "then they travel all around. There has been lots of people looking and polishing their cars and getting ready for the summer.

Awards went to Bob Guertin for Best Mopar product; Gord Martin for Best GM (Buick); and Larry Kivimaki for Best Ford (Mustang). The People's Choice award went to Ron Deschamps. Ten participant choice awards went to Barry Novelan, Dale Hughes, Wes McPherson for his '66 Chev and '70 Chev, Carl Fisher, Robert Sletmoen, Ron Hughes (two awards), Steve Riggs and Pat Harris.

Electric Ride

A southern Ontario man is passing through northwestern Ontario as part of a cross-country trip on an electric bike.

Art Burns left Dundas at the end of May, and hopes to be in Langley, B.C. by June 22.

Burns says the purpose is to promote green transportation.

Burns, who is to reached Dryden last night, is driving a bike equipped with a small generator to charge its lithium batteries.

New Registration System

There's a new registration system in place for Voyageur's National Park's naturalist-guided boat tours.

As of yesterday, reservations can now be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling the National Call Center.

Visitor can book tours up to three months in advance and receive tour confirmation notices.

Victim Identified

Grand Council Treaty 3 is identifying the victim in Monday's shooting incident in Kenora.

Treaty 3 says 39-year-old Helen Proulx of Grassy Narrows was shot twice by an officer.

OPP have said the officer was responding to a domestic dispute and was confronted by a woman wielding a knife.

Aboriginal leaders question the use of what they call excessive force, and say there have been poor relations between First Nations people and police in Kenora.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly says they want the Special Investigation Unit to conduct a transparent and procedurally fair investigation of the incident.

Meantime, a candlelight vigil is planned for tonight in Kenora.

Relays for Life Tonight and Tomorrow

There will be plenty of fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society tonight.

Relays for Life are being staged in both ends of the Rainy River District.

Twenty teams are taking part in the first ever event in Rainy River.

Organizer Andrew Hartnell says they have number of people are taking part in the fundraiser at Riverview School.

"We have twenty survivors for our survivor walk," says Hartnell. "We are also doing a Cuts for Cancer and we have eight participants for that."

It begins at 7 p.m. and Hartnell says there will be several events held during the 12-hour walk.

There are ten teams entered in a Relay for Life in Atikokan.

It's happening at North Star Community School.

Committee member Randy Ricci says they'll be remembering both victims and survivors of cancer in a special way.

"We're going to light up candles on the back benches that will spell out 'Hope'," says Ricci. "Later on in the evening they move some of the luminaries around to spell out 'Life.'

Ricci says they'll be accepting teams and participants for the survivors lap right up until the event starts at 7 p.m.

There is also a Relay for Life event scheduled for tomorrow in International Falls.

But due to the weather, it's being moved indoors to Rainy River Community College, beginning at 2 p.m. until 12 midnight.

Terry Fox Run Needs Help

The Terry Fox Foundation is putting out a call for someone to organize this year's Terry Fox run in Fort Frances.

The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau has done the work in the past.

The Foundation's Community Events Coordinator Kim Smith says the Bureau's still interested in providing support, but can't do it alone.

"We have materials that can be shipped to the volunteers all throughout the summer months so that posters can be up, t-shirts can be sold and people can advertise the Terry Fox run," says Smith. "The Volunteer Bureau is willing to help but they need help as well."

Smith says Fort Frances area residents have raised almost $150-thousand through the runs since 1993.

Unfair Tax Tour Hits Thunder Bay

The NDP is continuing its opposition to the harmonized sales tax.

Making a visit to Thunder Bay yesterday, leader Andrea Horwath says rebate cheques mailed out this week are not going to offset the costs associated with the new tax.

"Once that third cheque is cashed that's the end of it," says Horwarth, "but you'll be paying the HST forever. Forever on your hydro, forever on your heating, forever on your gas."

Horwath is encouraging taxpayers to sign the party's unfair tax petition.

HST Tolls Planned

A number of First Nations communities are preparing to impose toll fees on traffic passing through their territories over the HST.

Anishinabek Nation Chiefs, meeting at Fort William First Nation, endorsed a resolution directing their bands to begin advertising their intentions for this summer.

Native leaders want a point-of-sale tax exemption now given to aboriginal people extended when HST kicks in July 1.

Keith to Be Honoured

There are plans to honour Duncan Keith in both Fort Frances and Winnipeg this summer.

Dave Egan says a local group is in the early stages of planning some type of community event in Fort Frances that recognizes Keith's success in both the Stanley Cup playoffs and Vancouver Olympics.

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz says his office is also working on a public event to honour Keith, along with Chicago Blackhawks teammates Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, who all have ties to that city.

Telemedicine Service for Stroke Survivors Pushed

There is help for Northwestern Ontario's stroke patients.

Dr. Esme French of Thunder Bay has completed a 5-month pilot project involving telemedicine consultations with stroke survivors.

She's now hoping to provide the service to remote communities that don't have stroke rehabilitation programs.

"We're currently exploring potential ways to continue this project," says Dr. French. "People living with stroke in a community that doesn't have rehab we ask that if they can talk a health professional who would be able to contact the stroke network to look at seeing if we are able to provide that service."

French says stroke survivors and their families have a lot of questions after being discharged from hospital and telemedicine can help answer them.

Health and Safety Fair Today

Services Canada's Centre for Youth in Fort Frances wants to help keep young people safe this summer.

Youth Services officer Dayna DeBenedet says several safety messages will be taken directly to students today at a health and safety information fair at Fort Frances High School.

"We're having booths from all sorts of local organizations," says DeBenedet, "set up to let youth know about all sorts of health and safety information ranging from workplace health safety to even things like bear safety, boating safety and sun safety."

The fair runs begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.

Don't Touch that E-Mail!

A Fort Frances woman is advising the public not to open or respond to e-mails they may receive from her.

E-mails from Nancy Daley-Fulton's account began arriving on some computers yesterday, claiming she's in England and needs financial help to get home.

Speaking safely from her Fort Frances home, Daley-Fulton says both her e-mail and her Facebook accounts were compromised.

"Please do not open any e-mail from me," says Daley-Fulton, "that says be discreet. I'm trying to get it fix. I've been in contact with the authorities and the banks that I deal with so they can do the necessary precautions in case there was any information in those files."

Daley-Fulton was alerted to the e-mail after it started showing up on her friends and associates computers early yesterday morning.

Forest Fires Hazard Low

Rain continues to be a friend to Ministry of Natural Resources fire fighters.

Just one new forest fire was reported yesterday in the West Fire Region - a small grass fire north of the community of Perrault Falls.

Recent wet weather has pushed the forest fire hazard across the region down to low.

Meantime three lightning caused fires continue to burn in Quetico Provincial Park and are being monitored by the MNR.

Be Aware of Animals on Road

OPP are encouraging motorists to be on the watch for animals on the highways - especially if your travelling to Thunder Bay.

Constable Diane Cole says since May 1 there have been almost 40 collisions in the Thunder Bay involving moose, bears and deer.

Cole adds the deer are very unpredictable so be vigilant and keep an eye out for them in nearby ditches.

Fish Surveys Underway

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

The Ministry of Natural Resources will be conducting lake surveys in the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden areas over the next couple of months.

Spokesperson Bill Towill says they're collecting a wide variety of information.

"We're sampling the fish to understand the fish population in that lake," says Towill, "the structure of that lake and the overall health of the population."

Towill says the data is shared with the Ministry of the Environment for its annual guide for eating sports fish and used to make changes to local fishing regulations.

Anglers Checked

The Ministry of Natural Resources says most anglers fishing the Fort Frances area are following the rules.

A recent check of anglers by MNR Conservation officers found 95 per cent in compliance with fishing regulations.

Most were non-residents.

The MNR did lay five charges and issued another fifteen warnings during the May 28 check for such things as having more than the legal limit of fish, packaging fish so they could not be easily identified or failing to produce a valid fishing license.

Shelter of Hope to Hold Camp

The Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope is giving children who have witnessed woman abuse in their home a chance to go to camp.

Child Witness program coordinator Susan Hanson says the five-day retreat will be held at a Kenora camp at the end of this month and is open to both children and their mothers.

"They're going to learn that the abuse in their home isn't their fault," says Hanson. "They're going to learn how to safety plan. There is lots of self-esteem building throughout the week. We're also going to have time to have lots of family time with mom."

The free camp is open to those in the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Registration can be made by the calling the Shelter of Hope's office in Atikokan.

Check Twitter for Border Wait Times

The Canada Border Services Agency is now using Twitter to inform motorists of the estimated wait times at its border crossings.

It part of a three-month pilot project being tried this summer.

It's being used at selected border crossings, including Fort Frances, before Agency considers expanding it to include other ports of entry.

Point-of-Sale Debate Continues

There's optimism from some native leaders regarding the HST.

Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Stan Beardy says he's encouraged a solution could be reached on continuing a point-of-sale tax exemption for native people following meetings this week with both the provincial and federal governments.


"We still have a lot of work to do," says Beardy, "but I guess the fact that their willing to sit down and talk to us is an a positive indication perhaps they're trying to work with us.

First Nations have been asking the governments to continue the point of sale tax exemption when HST comes into effect July 1.

Mill Air Quality Explored

The city of International Falls wants to know what's being done about the air quality at AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances.

Councillor Tim McBride says residents continue to complain about an odour and the city will ask Ontario's Environment Ministry for information on the actions to eliminate the problem.

"Our goal only was that we didn't know what was going on," says McBride, "and that's our goal - to be kept in the loop. We did get some information from both Abitibi and the Ministry so we look forward to more discussion, more dialogue."

McBride says the city feels there have been corrective measures taken, but haven't been keep up to date on what they are.

Lake of the Woods Water Quality

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is looking for more cooperation between Canada and the United States to improve the water quality of Lake of the Woods.

Rickford put forward a resolution last week calling on the International Joint Commission to become involved.

"We believe this is the most important step toward broader inclusion of Lake of the Woods in a international boundary reference question through the International Joint Commission," says Rickford.

The motion is to come back for a vote in the House of Commons this fall.

More Causeway Work This Falls

The next phase of work at the Noden Causeway is to begin this fall.

It includes new concrete decking on a 600 metre section of the Causeway's West Low Level Deck.

The work, to be done by southern-Ontario based Concreate USL Limited, will cost $8.8 million.

Police Shooting in Kenora

A section of Kenora's downtown remains taped off by the OPP following a shooting incident last night.

Reports say a woman armed with a knight was shot by police.

So far, OPP have not released any details of the incident, but eye witnesses suggest a woman lunged at an officer before shots were fired.

Hire a Youth Week

Service Canada's employment centre for Youth in Fort Frances is now open for business.

It's located in the federal government building on Scott Street.

Youth Services Officer Dayna DeBenedet says they're encouraging the district's businesses to consider hiring young people this summer.

"The benefit of hiring a youth is that you get usually a really dependable, reliable and enthusiast young worker," says DeBenedet, "and you also help them find out what kind of work they might be interested in the future and what kind of career they might want to pursue."

As part of Hire-a-Youth week, staff will be in Emo and Rainy River today meeting with prospective employers and holding information booths in Fort Frances later in the week.

Drug Prices to Drop

Ontario consumers will see lower prices for generic drugs as of July 1st.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the province is moving ahead with a ban on pharmacists from accepting so-called professional allowance fees in order to lower drug prices.

But the Ontario Pharmacists Association warns stores will have to boost dispensing fees and drug prices to offset the loss of that money.

Bring the Cup to Fort, Duncan

There is a local effort to get Duncan Keith to bring the Stanley Cup to Fort Frances - if the Chicago Black Hawks win.

A Facebook site - called "If Duncan Keith wins the cup, bring it to Fort Frances" has been set up to lure Keith and the Cup to the Borderland.

Members of the Stanley Cup winning team get the Cup for a day.

Born in Winnipeg, Keith played minor hockey here, before moving to Penticton.

Fort Frances Soldier Receives Medal

A soldier from the Fort Frances area has finally received his Medal of Military Valour.

Sergeant Russell Gregoire was presented the award from Governor-General Michelle Jean Friday at ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

The award recognizes his actions on June 2008 in which he helped lead a group of soldiers, who were ambushed and under heavy fire, to safety.

Gregoire had been cited for the award back in October, but was still in Afghanistan at the time.

Liberal Campaign HST

The political fight to sell the HST which kicks in July 1st is starting to resemble an election campaign.

The Liberal government is taking to the road pushing back hard against opposition claims that it is a "greedy tax grab.''

Premier Dalton McGuinty says Liberals will visit opposition-held ridings all month to tout the benefits of the tax.

Tower and Hallet Officially Open

Rain forced Friday's official opening ceremonies of the tower and tugboat Hallet to be held indoors.

Dignitaries gathered at the Ontario Travel tourism centre to cut the ribbon for the two landmarks.

Mayor Roy Avis feels any opposition there was to their move to the Fort Frances waterfront is now gone.

"There was a lot of scepticism at that time," says Avis, "and it's disappeared now. It's a great project and it's really gone forward. I think we're very proud of the museum and waterfront and will attract tourists to our area."

Avis says the landmarks enhance the waterfront area.

Artists Recognized

(Left: Artists Cher Pruys and Burton Penner)

The artists involved in the banner programme part of the Heritage project were recognized at ceremonies held to recognized the completion of the projects second phase.

The banners hang along the downtown and parkway areas of Fort Frances.

Burton Penner, whose banner illustrates the area's Voyageur life, is pleased to see his work on display.

"I'm honoured that they picked that," says Penner, "and glad they could use it. My interest has always been in history and the fur trade and I like to depict that in my art."

Chery Pruys had three designs chosen for the project.

"It's very exciting," says Pruys, "I'm really proud to be a citizen of this area and its great to see my artwork and help promote it and hopefully be a part of something that people enjoy looking at down at the waterfront."

Her work includes fishing along the waterfront, the Noden Causeway and the Rainy Lake mermaid.

Studio8 Design artist David Bodnarchuk and Iann Legge were also involved.

Gun-Bill Vote Expected

A private member’s bill to scrap the Federal long-gun registry has hit a snag.

A Commons Committee voted last week not to proceed with the bill.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty it now comes down to a vote in the House.

"Well the bill isn't dead," says Rafferty. "What the committee is recommending is that it be dead but there is a procedural vote that will come probably this week on whether the bill can be killed or not."

The bill to scrap the registry passed second reading in the Commons when eight Liberals and 12 NDP MPs joined with the Conservatives to support the bill.

Heritage Events Re:Scheduled

Weather has won out over today's events planned in conjunction with the official opening of the tower and tugboat Hallet on the Fort Frances waterfront.

An official ribbon cutting was planned for noon, but officials instead held an indoor event this morning at the Ontario Travel tourism centre.

The tug-of-war between the town of Fort Frances and the city of International Falls, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., has now been cancelled.

It will now be held July 2.

Other events planned for the waterfront have been moved indoors to the Memorial Sports Centre including the lumberjack show and arts activities.

A BBQ for the Fun in the Sun committee has also been cancelled, but there will be an similar one later today for the Muskies Sports Association at the Sports Centre.

Local Doctors Appreciated

(Front Row L to R: Dr. Barry Anderson, Dr. Lorena Jenks, Dr. Elaine Spencer, Dr. Brian Johnstone, Dr. John Porter Back Row L to R: Dr. Robert Algie, Dr. Angus MacKintosh, Dr, Jason Shack)

More than 280 residents gathered at the Memorial Sports Centre for a community appreciation dinner in honour of doctors in the Fort Frances area.

Event chair councillor Andrew Hallikas says it was the first time the local Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee focused attention on the retention side of its work.

"And we need to recognize that if we wish to recruit new doctors we have retain the one's that we have," says Hallikas. "We can do this by showing our support for them and appreciation for their work and being seen as a physician friendly town."

Hallikas says last night's event was an opportunity for the public to say thanks to all doctors for their work.

Doctors Recognized

Three long-serving physicians in Fort Frances were honoured at a Community Appreciation Dinner last night.

Doctors Elaine Spencer, Brian Johnstone and Angus MacKintosh were cited for the care and contributions provided to residents of the Fort Frances area.

The three doctors have combined for nearly 125 years of medical practice to the area.

Dr. Angus MacKintosh has been practicing medicine in the Fort for the past 39 years.

"I would like to say that this indeed is a singular honour," says Dr. MacKintosh. "I am very, very pleased to receive it, but an even bigger honour has been to serve the community of Fort Frances for the past 39 years."

Dr. Spencer called it a special honour.

"I've had a great time in Fort Frances," says Dr. Spencer. "It's been fun to practice here. I was just did pap smears when I first came and that was quite limiting, but I got back to my love of anesthesia for quite a long time. I've developed general practice since then. I've enjoyed most of the minutes of it, not all of it."

Dr. Johnstone expressed his appreciation for the honour.

"I've enjoyed myself in Fort Frances," says Dr. Johnstone. "I keep on work because I can't think of anything better to do. I enjoy what I do."

The three physicians received special plaques of appreciation, including ones signed by Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Heritage Projects Opened

The second phase of Fort Frances' Heritage Tourism projects gets some recognition of its own today.

Museum Supervisor Pam Cain says events will kick off at later this morning.

"Starting at 10 a.m. at the Ontario Travel Information Centre and then walking the banner route down to the Fort Frances Parkway where we can admire our new interpretive banners and see the tower and Hallet," says Cain, "reflecting the history we are celebrating."

Weather permitting, an official opening of the tower and Hallet takes place at 12 noon with the annual tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls taking place at 12:30 p.m.

A lumberjack show is also scheduled with shows planned for 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tourism Week

Today is a kick off to Tourism Week.

Staff at Ontario Travel tourism Centre in Fort Frances will be celebrating with an open house that begins at 10 a.m.

The Centre will have displays and is offering four different travel trips up for grabs.

Influential Women Award Winner

A Fort Frances area woman is among this year's winners of the Northern Ontario Business' Influential Women of Northern Ontario awards.

Angela Halvorsen was presented with the Public Sector Award for the northwest region at a ceremony in Thunder Bay last night.

Halvorsen is the Business Investment Officer with the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.

May Weather Recapped

It felt warmer, but Environment Canada says the Rainy River district was at normal levels weatherwise for the month of May.

Climatologist Chantal Cerny says the average temperature was just slightly below normal.

"The mean temperature for the month of May was 11.5 C in Fort Frances," says Cerny. "Normals for the month is 11.6 C. There was a single day minimum temperature that was broken on May 9 with a temperature of minus 5 C. The past record was minus 4 in 1981 and 2008."

Cerny says the total amount of rainfall during the month was just above normal.

Physicians' Appreciation Week - Part 4

It's expected to be a sell out at tonight's community dinner as part of Physicians' Appreciation Week in Fort Frances.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas, who chairs the local Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, says only a few tickets remains for the event aimed at showing appreciation for local doctors.

"These folks have been doing such a good job for us and been working so hard under difficult conditions," says Hallikas, "it's nice for them to have the community with this show of support to come out and say 'Thanks you a lot. We appreciate what you've done for us.'"

Physicians' Appreciation Week is something new to Fort Frances and Dr. Robert Algie says the recognition is somewhat humbling.

"We know that we're appreciated,"says Algie. "We get individual feedback. Not always on a daily basis but certainly we get enough feedback through what we do at work to know that we're appreciated and are making a difference. I suppose being recognized in a more public way is also appreciated. We're a bit of a humble group and this public show is a bit uncomfortable for some of us, but we appreciate the efforts being made."

Algie also applauds the help of the area's nurse practitioners for easing the burden on local doctors.

"Their availability, plus some other chronic disease programs, has given people the opportunity to have access care they wouldn't otherwise have previously. Without that, people of Fort Frances would be really seeing a major difference in their ability to get into medical care. I think nurse practitioners have made a big difference for us."

Tonight's event at the Memorial Sports Centre begins at 6 p.m.

Heritage Party Awaiting Approval

The Northern Ontario Heritage Party is a step closer to gaining official party status.

Spokesperson Ed Deibel says they're waiting for a letter from the Ontario Elections Commission.

"If they're satisfied with the signatures on the petition are real people they should certify us," says Deibel. "If they don't, they have to tell us why. I don't know what that decision will be, but I assume we will get approval.

More than one thousand signatures in favour of the party were sent to the commission.

Quetico Fires Still Burn

The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to monitor three forest fires burning in Quetico Provincial Park.

Spokesperson Heather Pridham says its follows a fire management plan they've had in place for the park for many years.

"Quetico Provincial Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, have a fire management plan," says Pridham, "which allows fire on the landscape to rejuvenates the area and brings back more of a fire regime to the park"

Pridham says the three lightning caused fires are burning in remote areas, and pose no threat to park users.

Slack Appointed

The Rainy River District School Board has a new Superintendent of Education.

Casey Slack takes over the position held by Heather Campbell who became Education Director in April.

Slack had been the board's Student Success Leader and Assistant to the Director since 2007.

HST Toll Booths Planned

Several first nations in Ontario are threatening to set up toll booths on the Trans-Canada highway this summer to protest the HST.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says they have to "crank up'' the protests to show Ottawa they are serious.

Finance Ministry staff meet with Chiefs in Ontario officials in Ottawa Monday.

Project Pentunia Kick-off

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, and B93, are kicking off the Chamber's annual Project Petunia this morning.

Participants can purchase planters to be hung around the community this summer.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason will be outside B-93's studios beginning at 9 a.m. to promote the program.

"We will be sitting outside of B-93 and asking people to come down and make a donation of fifty dollars," says Mason. "Your name will be displayed as part of the Petunia Project."

There are various options of sponsorship from one year to five.

Anyone who makes a contribution will also be eligible for prizes, including four tickets to see the Eagles in Winnipeg.

School Budget Approved

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board have approved a new budget.

Superintendent of Business Laura Mills says the balanced budget of almost $47-million focuses on student learning.

"In this budget, even though we've had some funding increases and funding constraints, we've managed to provide a balanced budget that has many programs in it that supports student success."

The board will also draw $1.1. million from reserves to help support a variety of programs.

F.H. Huffman Remembered

The Rainy River District School Board is renamed the primary wing at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in honour of F-H Huffman School.

Huffman will close for good at the end of the month, and principal Donna Kowalchuk says it will be a new beginning for the students who will transfer to the new school in the fall.

"Staff, the students, parents community and school council have provided wonderful support over the years," says Kowalchuk, "and they'll all looking to the future.

The board also officially declared Huffman school surplus and will be offered up for sale.

Future Relations Discussed

Couchiching First Nations toll booth may be down, but its effect in the Rainy River district may be a bit lasting.

The issue generated much debate, and band councillor Sarah Mainville says it was a real eye opener for Couchiching.

"It was a bit of a wake-up call for our community," says Mainville, "about our relationship with our neighbours. We did talk to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs about that and our concerns, particularly about our relationship with the town of Fort Frances."

Mainville says the band would be open to a meeting with town officials as a means of improving relations between the two communities.

Physicians Appreciation Week - Part 3

We continue with our series as part of Physician Appreciation week.

Speaking on recruitment, Doctor Robert Algie says the area's lifestyle is a strength that can be used to attract new physicians.

"We need to look at selling the community," says Algie. "I think this community as a lot more to offer, both medically, but also most importantly as a community, than most of the other communities we're competing with. We need to sell the facilities we have and the access we have to transportation. We also need to sell the recreational facilities that we have, both man-made and natural."

Algie feels the local recruitment and retention committee is taking the right approach in its search for more doctors.

Library Opens

The new Fort Frances Public Library is now open.

Chief Librarian Margaret Sedgewick says her staff are happy with their new surroundings.

"We worked very hard for this day," says Sedgewick. "We're not completely up and running in all areas, but enough for anyone who wants to take out a book or a movie or use our computers, that's ready for them."

Sedgewick says there's still some staff training to do, but expects all services to be available to patrons by their grand opening on June 21st.

Patrons who visited the Library on Tuesday were impressed with the new building.

Board Hands Out Awards

A former Toronto educator has been named the Rainy River District School Board's bus driver of the year.

Herman Rodriquez accepted the award last night on behalf of all the area's drivers.

"The parents can be feel quite assured that the safety of their children and well-being is being taken care of," says Rodriquez. "The people of the Rainy River district are well served by people who are very professional who take in account the safety of their students."

Rodriquez began driving bus after retiring from the classroom about five years.

A number of volunteers involved in F-H Huffman School's "Read to You - Read to Me program" were also honoured.

Human Resources Manager Diane Ross says the twelve individuals have been a big part of the students lives.

"The Readers, as they are referred to by the children, come every Wednesday morning throughout the school year for sixty minutes of reading and oral language with individual students in the junior and senior kindergarten program," says Ross.

Angel Lowe, who volunteers at Sturgeon Creek School, was also recognized.

Staff who reached 25-years of service with the board were also honoured.

Toll Booth Removed

Members of the Couchiching First Nations have brought down a toll booth on Highway 11.

Band members removed the booth last night at about 9 o'clock.

They opened it May 21st, charging one-dollar per vehicle to raise awareness about a highway land claim.

The band also called for funds to relocate six families living on what the band claims is contaminated soil from a former sawmill.

A band spokesperson says the reason for the removal of the toll booth will be explained in a statement later today.

Cancer Care Ontario Report Released

Cancer Care Ontario says residents in northwestern Ontario are living a lifestyle that poses a cancer risk.

The number of smokers and persons overweight are higher than the provincial average.

Michael Power of the Regional Cancer Centre says just cutting down on smoking would help reduce those rates.

"If we we're just simply to pull back to the provincial average of about 18 per cent of residents in the region smoking as opposed to 23 per cent, that five per cent gain would cut our lung cancer numbers in half," says Power.

The report card also shows the Regional Centre in Thunder Bay doing a good job in cancer radiation treatment.

Cancer Survivor Promotes Relay for Life

A young cancer survivor is encouraging people to support Relay for Life.

Madisyn Degagne is heading up a team for the Fort Frances event.

She says it's important for her give back to the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Experiencing cancer first hand and the overwhelming support of the community here in Fort Frances, I just really wanted to make an effort to give back," says Degagne, "because so many people have been affected by cancer."

Degagne's team includes several of her friends that make the team Pink Attitoode - Second Generation for the June 25 event.

Local Physicians Week - Part 2

We continue our series on the doctor situation in Fort Frances.

Local officials say another four physicians are needed.

Doctor Robert Algie says a provincial moratorium on new doctors twenty years ago is partially to blame.

"With the growth of population, the loss of those 10 per cent of physicians over the years on a yearly basis," says Dr. Algie, "and the increased complexity of providing primary care. We're dealing with sicker people in our offices. People who used to die of heart disease are now living and living with cognitive heart failure. Diabetes is also increasing. There's a large increase load and the number of family physicians they used to feel is appropriate is just not adequate."

Algie says the shortage is being felt the greatest at Riverside Health Care Facilities who are forced to bring in locums to staff the emergency room.

"The emergency department is struggling to stay open on a week-by-week basis. Local family physicians who are still involving, which is only five of us, are doing their best to provide time to the emergency department, but to take care of sick patients in hospital and try to be available to their patients in the community at the clinic. About one-third of all emergency medicine shifts are being provided by physicians who travel from outside the community to provide care."

Tomorrow, Dr. Algie looks at local efforts to attract new physicians.

Library to Open Today

(Fort Frances Public Library Photo)

The new Fort Frances Public Library will open its doors to the public for the first time today.

The technology Centre will also open, but staff say there will be limited services available.

A more official opening will be held June 21.

Detour Announced

There will be a traffic detour in Fort Frances' north end today.

A section of Fifth Street, east of Portage Avenue, will be shutdown beginning at 7 a.m.

The closure is to allow crews to work on a newly installed water main.

When complete, crews will then close a section on the east side of Fifth for similar work.

The Portage Avenue underpass will remain open to traffic during the work.

Young Men's Conference a Success

The first ever young men's conference is being hailed a success by organizers.

Nineteen students, most in grade 8, gathered at Quetico Provincial Park for three days last week.

Crossroad's School principal Gord McCabe says the focus differed from a conference held annual for girls of similar age.

"The young women's conference is geared towards a leadership theme," says McCabe. "With this program, what we wanted to do is to gear towards students who wouldn't normally get this type of opportunity."

Participants were involved in several outdoor adventures, along with planning and goal setting.

Spring Bear Hunt

There are renewed calls to bring back the spring bear hunt in Ontario.

Terry Quinney of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says the demise of the hunt ten years ago has resulted in big increases in the number of bears.

"To minimize the risk to people and maximize the benefits of this wildlife resource for Ontario society, the Ontario government needs to reinstate the spring bear hunt," says Quinney

Quinney says the province's so-called BearWise program has done little to control an expanding black bear population.

Contact North Getting Upgrade

Contact North is upgrading its facilities.

The distance education facility has been given $3.5 million in provincial funding to modernize it's video equipment.

CEO Maxim Jean-Louis says it will enhanced the delivery of services.

"In some cases we are going to introduce some of those leading edge video conferencing learning technologies that are going to make things that much better," says Jean-Louis.

Jean-Louis says the government helps Contact North with upgrades on a regular basis.

Mental Health Services Report

Mental health and addiction services are two topics being studied by a new provincial government group.

Committee member Sylvia Jones says they'll be bringing their report to various provincial ministries for their consideration.

"There was a number of concerns, both First Nations and rural, with prescription drug abuse," says Jones. "Oxycontin being one that comes to mind."

Jones says the remoteness of the communities consulted make it hard to provide mental health and addiction services.

Couchiching Toll Booth Vote

There could be a vote coming in Couchiching First Nation on its toll booth on Highway 11.

A Thunder Bay newspaper is reporting today that Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson plans to let the community decide the fate of the toll following his meeting with provincial and federal ministries last week.

The toll has been in place since May 21st.

Fire Still Burning at Quetico

It's eased elsewhere, but the Ministry of Natural Resources says the forest fire hazard still remains high in the Quetico Park area where three fires are still burning.

All three were started by lightning last week and are being observed by the MNR.

Meantime, the easing of the fire situation has allowed the MNR to send crews to northeastern Ontario to help fight wildfires there.

Cost of Dying in Ontario to Rise

A Conservative MPP says come July 1st it will cost more to die in Ontario.

Peter Shurman says families will have to pay up to 13-hundred dollars in taxes or remembrance services when the HST takes effect.

When the HST is implemented, remembrance service items will see an eight per cent tax hike.

Physicians' Apprection Week

It is Physicians Appreciation Week in Fort Frances.

As part of the week, B-93 will be examining the local doctor situation with Doctor Robert Algie who began his practice back in 1981.

"I grew up in northern Ontario in Sault Ste. Marie but my great-aunt and uncle, Jean and Tom Harrison lived in Fort Frances, so I was aware of the community and been here before," says Dr. Algie, "so I was aware of the community and been here before. There was some familiarity with the community so it was really a foreign concept to me. But I was looking for small town experience as I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the rest of my career so it was 'let's give small-town primary care practice a shot and see how it goes."

He says the reasons the brought him to Fort Frances are the same reasons he's stayed.

"The ongoing challenges in terms of practising in a small rural setting are still appealing to me. Being able to participate in emergency medicine, taking care of people in the community, in the home and in long-term care, that diversity is really appealing to me and continues to keep my interest. You can't practise it any better than you can in Fort Frances."

Tomorrow, Algie will talk about some of the reasons behind the doctor shortage impacting our communities.

Toll Latest - Friday May 28

The provincial government is calling its meeting with Couchiching First Nations Chief Chuck McPherson productive.

The chief was in Toronto to meet with officials from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs over a land claim issue impacting Highway 11 - one of the issues that has led to a toll booth being set up by the band since last Friday.

Details of the talks were not released, but in an e-mail to B-93, a Ministry spokesperson says they were productive and that their discussions with the First Nation would continue.

McPherson also met with officials from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs last night regarding the contamination of certain lands.

Days after one site closed, a new Facebook site has appeared for people to discuss the toll booth.

Jason Supinski set up the site called "Don't Pay the Toll at Couch."

He says he'll be able to better control people's comments.

"You can't write comments, but you can add your name to it and support it," says Supinski. "If you send me a comment and I feel it's appropriate I will post it. That was the problem the OPP had with the other site is with the racial comments and the hate. Other than that they have no problem with it."

Supinski shut the other site down because of concerns with some of the postings.

He admits with nearly 800 members it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Crime Up in Fort Frances

(Left: OPP Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick addressing Fort Frances Town Council)

OPP say they're beginning to see more assaults and property crimes occurring in Fort Frances.

Statistics for the first three months of 2010 show violent crimes up 15 per cent over last year while property crimes are up 40 per cent.

Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick says the public should not be alarmed as the advent of warm weather often leads to an increase of criminal activity.

Bill into Committee Level

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty's private members bill aimed at protecting workers' pensions is finally headed to the committee level for further debate.

The proposed bill passed a key vote this week.

"There were a dozen or so members on the Conservative side who also supported it," says Rafferty. "Unfortunately, Mr. (Greg) Rickford (PC Kenora MP) was not one of the them, but there was support among the Conservatives and I was pleased to see that."

Rafferty says he's not concern with the bill being watered down during discussions by members of the Industry Committee, noting he'd welcome amendments.

Forest Fire Hazard High

(Left: MNR file photo)

Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews are trying to get a handle on a massive wildfire near Pikangikum First Nation north of Red Lake.

Two waterbombers and 15 FireRanger crews are battling the three-thousand-hectare blaze, 15 kilometres northeast of the community.

The blaze was started by lightning earlier in the week.

Meantime, the forest fire hazard is high in the Rainy River district.

The MNR reports six active fires, mainly located in the Quetico Park and Atikokan areas.

Young Women's Conference

More than fifty young women from the Rainy River district will gather this weekend at Luther Village near Kenora.

Jenna Baker, vice-principal at J.W. Walker School says girls in grades 7 to 12 will participate in the annual Young Women's Conference.

"The ultimate goal of the conference is to support young women with information and a positive view for a hopeful future," says Baker. "The conference itself provides information on the indicators of violence against young women and ways to support themselves and others in the future at the school level as well as in the community."

This is the conference's eleventh year.

Toll Update for Thursday May 27

It looks like the toll road protest in Couchiching First Nation is finally catching the attention of government officials in Toronto and Ottawa.

Chief Chuck McPherson is in Toronto to discuss the band's concerns over contaminated land and a Highway 11 land claim - the reasons behind the toll.

He's expect to meet with officials from the department of Indian Affairs and was also planning to meet with Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley.

Successful negotiations could close the dollar-a-vehicle toll booth that was set up last Friday by the band near the Noden Causeway.

A Facebook site that provided an avenue for residents to discuss the controversial toll booth on Couchiching First Nation has apparently been shutdown.

The site had attract more than 700 members, but some of the postings were causing concern to both to band leaders and the OPP.

Provincial police confirm they did approach the local administrator about the site, who voluntarily shut it down late Tuesday.

Demolision Deadline Given

The owners of the former Fort Frances High School have been given until the end of this September to demolish the J.A. Mathieu section of the old school.

The deadline is among seven conditions added to a development agreement between the town and property owners.

The developers will also receive about 6-thousand tonnes of material, being excavated from the Portage Avenue road construction project, for fill.

The owners indicated to council earlier this month that they had plans to knock down the old school within the next couple of months.

Club Gets Extension

The Fort Frances Curling Club has received an extension from the town of Fort Frances to make its first payment on an outstanding tax bill.

The club was to pay the first instalment of $6,100 in July.

It's now been given until September to make that payment.

Banners Destroyed

The town of Fort Frances is being forced to replace a number of promotional banners put up only recently.

Community Services Manager George Bell says a storm that pass through the Fort Frances area earlier this week damaged nearly half of the banners placed along Colonization Road.

Many banners were ripped and their metal arms bent.

Bell says they are looking to have them replaced by next week's official opening of the tower and Hallet.

OPG Still on Track

(Left: Ontario Power Generation photo)

Ontario Power Generation says its still in the early stages of seeking potential suppliers of wood-based biomass fuel for its generating station in Atikokan.

OPG sought requests back in March and senior vice-president Bruce Boland says there was considerable interest.

"We're going through them at the present time," says Boland. "We're at the beginning of the process. This would then lead to a review and subsequent processes would be a more formalized process ultimately and potentially leading to a commercial agreement."

Boland says they are still on target to convert the coal-fired plant by 2012.

Customer Service Awards Presented

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation recognized a number of area businesses Wednesday night for their ability go a little further for their customers.

A total of ten businesses received this year's Customer Service awards with another five identified with honourable mentions.

The winners were Boston Pizza, Cloverleaf Family Foods, Fort Frances General Supply, Kreger Sales & Service, Northern Lights Credit Union ~ Rainy River, Northwoods Gallery and Gift, Service Ontario ~ Fort Frances , Super 8 Motel, The UPS Store and Warehouse One - The Jean Store.

Honourable mentions went to Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary, Norlund Oil, The Ear Clinic, The Enhanced Hearing Centre and Vianet Internet Solutions

Council Discusses Toll Booth

Plenty of discuss about Couchiching First Nation's toll booth last night at Fort Frances town council.

OPP Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick fielded a number of questions over the police's response to the Highway 11 toll.

Kendrick says ensuring public safety has been their main objective.

"There are many, many police officers around doing many, many different things in order to keep what has occurred over the past several day in the status it is currently is," says Kendrick. "That's to keep the highway open and no one to date being hurt."

But some members of council question whether motorists passing the toll should be paying the dollar charged by the band.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs says some motorists feel intimidated by the band's actions.

"You can talk about it being a personal decision that you make on your own," says Tibbs. "However what is happening here is an illegal action in progress and regardless of how we're going to carry on to try to get this resolved, the bottom line is people are feeling intimidated."

Kendrick says police could not advise motorists on whether to pay, noting it has been a conscience decision by each person who passes.

Couchiching First Nation says motorists could be fined for trespassing if they don't pay the toll.

In a news release, the band says its not impeding motorists who are unwilling to pay, but Chief and Council support the application of a section of the Indian Act that states a person found guilty of trespassing on reserve land can face a fine of up to $50.00.

The band says a majority of motorists crossing the toll have been courteous, but admit they have faced several others who have refused to pay.

DSSAB Approve Change

There will be change to how municipalities provide funding to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board.

Despite Fort Frances concerns, the board agreed to a new funding formula at its meeting last Thursday.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs says she was able to delay implementation until next year.

"I asked them that we're already half way through our budget year and it's a considerable impact on Fort Frances' budget," says Tibbs. "and they have agreed they they will continue with option 2 for the rest of this year and in 2001 they will be sending out their billing using option 3."

Tibbs says the change will mean Fort Frances will pay end up paying more than 100-thousand dollars extra for social services programming.

Library Needs More Bricks

The Fort Frances Public Library is a few bricks short of being complete.

Community Services Manager George Bell says the masonry contractor failed to order enough stone for the exterior work, but expects the outside work to continue next week.

"The manufacturer of the stone has rerouted a truck of stone up to Fort Frances and is to be here next week," says Bell. "It will be here next Monday and hopeful the masons will be back at work to finish the job."

Bell is still hopeful the Library can open to the public next week as scheduled.

Tackle Industry Opportunities

Rainy River Future Development Corporation is exploring local interest in getting involved in the fishing tackle industry with companies in the U.S.

Client Services Manager Geoff Gillon says they have at least two U.S. firms interesting in doing businesses in Canada and are pitching the idea locally.

"From what we've been able to put together there are people who have been historically involved in the fishing industry and in distribution and representation of products," says Gillon. "There are people we hope in the community that would like to look into that and explore it."

Gillon says a meeting last night was intended as first step in matching potential businesses with the unnamed U.S. firms.

More Exploration Underway

TerraX Minerals says it's begun a drilling program on potential gold-bearing property near Atikokan.

The Vancouver-based company is exploring an area known as the Blackfly zone, about 10 kilometres northwest of the community.

The company says it's similar to the nearby Hammond Reef deposit.

Toll Latest

Provincial police they'll continue to maintain a strong presence at the toll booth on Couchiching First Nation.

The band has been asking motorists on highway 11 to pay a dollar fee since Friday.

OPP Inspector John Kendrick says its created a unique situation for police.

"We're in a unique situation where we have officers on scene and have been on scene for some time," says Kendrick. "This is a complex issue that's under review by many involved provincial authorities. The OPP are currently in a situation where they're trying to mediate a difficult situation."

Police have issued notices to those manning the toll to "discontinue their interference with traffic," but Kendrick says no arrests have been made at this time.

Still, OPP say motorists should feel safe when passing through the toll.

Constable Anne McCoy says they're making sure traffic moves smoothly through the site.

"We are their primarily to keep the peace and to protect the public," says McCoy, "but also to ensure there is an orderly flow of traffic which we do have with minimal wait times."

McCoy says police can't say if motorists should or should not be pay the toll being asked.

The discussion of the toll on Facebook is also being closely monitored.

Police say there have been more than 700 threats of violence found online against Couchiching First Nations.

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson says many of the threats were anonymous, although some people did use their names.

He says none of the threats originated from Couchiching.

Meantime, efforts to hold a public meeting in Fort Frances regarding Couchiching First Nations' toll.

Band leaders say they would like the opportunity to explain the reasons behind their actions to others in the district.

The band says they've been in contact with Mayor Roy Avis about a possible meeting, but so far no arrangements have been announced.

Power Outage

A storm knocked out power in parts of the Rainy River district overnight.

About 240 Hydro One customers were without power for about three hours beginning at 11 p.m.

About twenty homes are still in the dark and Hydro One expects to have power restored to them by 9:30 a.m. today.

Some Fort Frances residents were also affected by an power outage yesterday.

Parts of the north end and the downtown area lost power at around 10:30 a.m.

Crews with Fort Frances Power Corporation had power restored to all areas by about 1 p.m.

Forest Fire in District

Another forest fires in the Rainy River district over the weekend.

A lightning caused fire, about 35-kilometres northeast of Fort Frances, is still listed as active.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says it be on the watch for more lightning caused fires today as yesterday's storm moves out of the region.

Fun in the Sun Committee Meets Tonight

Members of the Fun in the Sun Committee will meet tonight to discuss this year's events.

The group says it's committed to carrying out the Canada Day parade and fireworks, but is hoping others will come forward to help stage other events planned.

Tonight's meeting is at the 52 Canadians meeting room at 6:30 p.m..

Bass Championship Entertainment Released

Four acts will highlight the entertainment at this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship in July.

Entertainment director Anthony Mason says it starts with two well-known Canadian country artists.

"We have George Canyon coming to town and Julian Austin," says Mason. "We have Pushing Daisies from Winnipeg and A is A coming back."

Advance tickets are expected to go on sale this Friday costing 50-dollars which is good for both the Friday and Saturday night performances."

Toll Booth Update

Couchiching First Nation's protest over its grievances with the federal and provincial governments is to continue today.

Band members are expected to continue a traffic slowdown near the site of a toll that's to be in place tomorrow at noon.

They began handing out leaflets yesterday.

Chief Chuck McPherson says an offer received from the province was rejected at a meeting last night.

Forest Tenure Meetings Underway

The Ontario Forest Industry Association remains critical of the Province's changes to the forest tenure system.

Public meetings started this week, and manager of Forest Policy Scott Jackson says the changes will undermine the government's recent good work.

"We think the government has completely overshot the mark here," says Jackson. "We're concerned that the proposal they're putting in place will lead to less fibre being available to the sector as a whole which is going to reduce investment and employment opportunities over the short, mid and long-term."

Jackson says an open auction for wood supply will impact all forestry businesses from big to small.

Not All Environmentalists Happy

At least one environmental group remains unhappy with recent efforts to protect the Boreal forest.

Earthroots thinks more needs to be done even though 21 forest companies have agreed to stop logging in 29-million hectares of the forest.

Spokesperson David Stone says it's not time to back down.

"We're still very concerned that clear cut logging is continuing," says Stone. "Most of Ontario forests are being logged at a rate that's very unsustainable and doesn't leave enough to protect the clean water and clean air that we depend on."

AbitibiBowater says the deal won't have an impact on its ability to access fibre for the Fort Frances mill.

Flights Increased

There will be more flights out of International Falls this summer.

An $1.3 million agreement between Mesaba Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation will see the Delta-owned airline flying 14 flights per week in and out of Falls International Airport beginning in June.

U.S. Senator Al Franken, who helped secure the grant, says the money provides stability for the airport and bolsters the region’s commerce, economic development, and tourism.

Appreciation Week Plans

The planning continues for physician appreciation week in Fort Frances.

It happens during the week of May 31.

Chair of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee Andrew Hallikas says tickets for a community gathering on June 3 are now available.

"We're going to have a mix and mingle at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.," says Halikas. "This is a community event. We would really like people and families to come out and celebrate their family physician and with their family physician."

Tickets are available at Pharmasave or Shoppers Drug Mart or by calling the Riverside Foundation for Health Care office.

Rafferty Seeks Meeting with Minister over Toll

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is making another plea to the federal Indian Affairs Minister to meet with Couchiching First Nations in hopes of avoiding a planned toll booth on Highway 11.

Band members reportedly started construction of the toll yesterday and will start collecting from motorists Friday.

Rafferty says he's made four requests in the past two weeks asking Chuck Strahl to meet with the band over its concerns.

He fells there still time to find some resolution, but the Minister must "step up to the plate" and set up a meeting.

Meantime, Couchiching First Nations has announced the fees it will charge at its toll.

Band members say they'll collect one dollar from every vehicle that passes in or out of the reserve.

Commercial vehicles will be required to pay 10-dollars each way.

The band is also making monthly passess available costing passenger vehicles 25-dollars and commercial vehicles $100.00

Portage Avenue Re-opening Delayed

A need for additional work is delaying the re-opening of the Portage Avenue underpass by more than a week.

Fort Frances town officials says work crews need to install a storm sewer manhole at the intersection of Portage and 3rd Street.

Officials says records had indicated the presence of the manhole, but was found to be missing when crews started digging up the road this past week.

Work on the two intersections blocking the underpass is now expected to be completed by May 29.

Logging Deal

AbitibiBowater says a deal to halt logging in the boreal forest should have little impact to mill operations in Fort Frances.

The agreement between the forest industry and environmental groups was announced yesterday.

Pulp and paper companies have promised to stop cutting trees on 29-million hectares of forest while the environmentalists say they will abandon their ''do-not-buy'' campaigns.

Other conservation initiatives in the agreement include a promise to protect herds of endangered caribou.

But AbitibiBowater vice-president Roger Barber says it should not hurt the Fort Frances mill's ability to access fibre.

"Fort Frances is a bit unique," says Barber, "in that the forest area right around Fort Frances is outside the boreal and is outside of this agreement."

Barber says it will mean some changes in forestry practices elsewhere, but feels the agreement will aid in developing those plans.

Endowment Fund Established

(Sandra and Eric "Doc" Johnson - photo courtesy Riverside Foundation for Health Care)

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is receiving a sizable contribution from a long-time Fort Frances couple.

Director Teresa Hazel says Eric "Doc" Johnson and his wife Sandra established an endowment fund for use at La Verendrye Hospital.

"They've always been long time supporters of the Foundation," says Hazel, "and they just wanted to make a more meaningful and lasting gift to the hospital because they've been so pleased with the services and have used the services."

Endowment funds set aside the principal amount that is given and Riverside only uses the interest generated to help purchase medical equipment, support programs and services and assist with facility upgrades.

It's the third such fund for local health care since the Foundation was formed 13 years ago.

Mobile Command Unit in Service

Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service showed off its new mobile command unit to the public yesterday.

Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong says it will serve as a base for operations during any type of emergency.

"We'll be able to set up at a scene and have a kind of office if you will," says Armstrong. "It will duplicate as a site coordination area. Obviously it's important for rehabilitation of people if you have them on scene for a long period of time."

The trailer unit replaces an older one that had been in use since 1975 and was purchase in part with funding from the federal government.

Writer Wins Award

A Fort Frances writer has won a literacy award from the Northwestern Ontario Writer's Workshop.

Judy Johanson story entitled "Picker's Kid" was named the region's top children's story at a ceremony held over the weekend.

"I've had this story in mind for a number of years," says Johanson. "The subject matter is bullying at an elementary school age. (It's based on) Just various stories I've heard about bullying and experiences in my own childhood, and it really compelled me to write this."

It's Johanson's first award from the Writer's Workshop.