Pension Bill Debate Resumes

Committee discussion resumes today on Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill.

The private member's bill aims to protect workers pensions when companies restructure or enter bankruptcy.

Rafferty is optimistic about it becoming law.

"I'm hopeful we're going to get it through committee," says Rafferty, "perhaps with some amendments or changes. I'm don't know. We'll have to wait and see. We'll still get it back to the House for a third reading vote and hopefully off to the Senate."

The committee may make a final recommendation Thursday.

Weekend Busy for Cops

A busy weekend for OPP officers in the Rainy River district.

Officers responded to sixty-eight calls for service between Friday and Sunday.

Police say the calls were diverse, ranging from thefts to assaults and domestic disturbances and included a number of motor vehicle accidents, four involving wildlife.

In another accident, a women fell asleep at the wheel causing her vehicle to leave the road and strike a fence.

She was charged with Careless Driving and Driving While Under Suspension.

Police also conducted four RIDE programs in Morley Township and Fort Frances.

Stuff a Cruiser Planned

OPP are looking to stuff-a-cruiser.

Constable Anne McCoy says the aim is to fill cruisers placed throughout the district with food or clothes that would be distributed to needy families across the Rainy River district.

"The concept of stuff-a-cruiser is to heighten awareness that there is people in need in our community," says McCoy, "especially with the economic times that we're all facing. We want to make sure that we not only heighten the awareness, but also bring to the attention that there's things that people can do in the community to help people in need."

An information meeting is planned for 10 a.m. today at the Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre.

Fort Frances Fire Chief Retires

(Gerry Armstrong (l) receives plaque from C.A.O Mark McCaig

The town of Fort Frances is losing its fire chief.

Gerry Armstrong is retiring at the end of this year after five years at the helm.

"It's something I've been thinking about now for the last number of months," says Armstrong. "I guess my return to Fort Frances as fire chief was one of those things that really was not probably going to be a long term situation."

Armstrong joined the fire department in 1976, leaving in 1986 to take a position with the Ontario Fire Marshall's office before returning as fire chief.

Citizen of the Year Recognized

(Committee Chair Bill Gushalak (l) with Mark Kowalchuk who accepted award for Joyce Cunningham on her behalf)


The town of Fort Frances honoured its retiring employees and volunteers at its appreciation dinner Friday night.

The town also recognized its Citizen of the Year, Joyce Cunningham.

Chair of the selection committee Bill Gushalak says her work on the new town Library makes her deserving of the award.

"Always mindful of what the project could and would do for all age levels within our community and surrounding district, our recipient persevered," says Gushalak. "She dedicated herself and through this dedication was able to attract and inspire a strong committee to get the job done."

Cunningham was unable to attend due to a prior commitment as chair of the Ontario Library Board Association.

Act of Kindness Website Online

(Sherri Loveday of Suds and Tubs is donating laundry services for the Act of Kindness Community Chest fundraiser - photo courtesy http://www.acts-of-kindness.ca/)


A new website has been established for next week's Act of Kindness fundraiser in support of the Fort Frances Community Chest.

Committee member Dale Fortes says they're using it to play a form of Tag in hopes of generating more interest in the December 3 event.

"You can go on there and we're going to start a new process of tagging where we're encouraging people to take a picture of themselves in the act of kindness they're going to donate," says Fortes, "and challenging a friend, a co-worker or another business."

So far, more than sixty services and products will be up for bidding ranging from rides for seniors to fishing trips to area lodges.

Park Bursary Awarded

(Left to Right - Nick Lawrence, Partner Representative, Van Houtte Inc.; Adair Ireland-Smith, Director, Ontario Parks; Theresa McDonald, bursary recipient; John Winters, Bursary Chair; and Virginia West, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources - supplied photo)

An Atikokan woman is among forty students receiving educational bursaries for their work at Ontario Parks this past summer.

Melissa Miller, a student at Confederation College, was employed at Quetico Provincial Park.

Winners were nominated by park visitors as well as the students' peers and supervisors for their dedication, customer service, initiative and leadership.

Hydro Rates Changing

The expensive hours for using electricity will change slightly next spring as the Ontario government moves to cut soaring hydro bills.

Government sources say that starting in May, off-peak electricity rates in Ontario will start at 7 p.m. instead of at 9.

An official announcement is expected today.

Hydro Rebates Coming

Electricity consumers in Ontario will get 10 per cent rebates on their bills starting in January to offset a projected 46per cent hike in hydro rates over the next five years.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan says the rebates should help keep increases in electricity rates to about 3.6 per cent a year as Ontario moves to green energy sources.

Duncan admits the switch to renewable energy is responsible for more than half of the projected increase.

But he says there are financial and human savings to getting out of coal-fired generation.

He asks if it's worth three billion dollars a year in health costs to the province just to keep burning coal to generate electricity.

The Tories and New Democrats say the rebates are clearly designed to help the Liberals overcome voter anger over skyrocketing hydro bills in advance of next fall's election.

Wind power opponents say the so-called Clean Energy Benefit is an attempt to hide the true cost of green energy.

They say it "won't stem the anger, solve the problem or spare the Liberals in 2011.''

Area Liberals Support Rebates

Northwestern Ontario Liberals are quick to promote the 10 per cent rebate on electricity bills.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says some consumers may not see the reduction right away.

"Depending on how quickly the electricity distributors can get their billing changes in place," says Gravelle. "Even if it doesn't show up until March, it will still be reflective of each month from January 1 on."

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the rebate is something northern Liberals had been lobbying for.

Area Roads Slippery

A blanket of snow is leaving roads across the Rainy River district a little slippery this morning.

About five to ten centimeters fell in most parts of the district overnight and continues to falls this morning with freezing rain.

Sanders are on the roads, but the OPP say motorists should adjust their driving habits according to road and weather conditions.

Outdoor Cards Fraud Reviewed

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is looking into ways to prevent fraudulent use of its Outdoors Card.

The relative ease with which an Outdoors Card can be obtained for improper use came to light after a card-bearing Chicago-area angler told a conservation officer in northwestern Ontario he was from Mississauga.

The man, who had been using a fraudulent card for 17 years, pleaded guilty earlier this month and fined $5,000.

A ministry spokeswoman says the Ministry believes there are only a few cases of fraud.

Treaty Three Applauds Declaration

Grand Council Treaty Three is applauding the United Nations for approving its Declaration of rights for Indigenous People.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly says the expectations of Treaty Three residents have been raised by Canada's endorsement of the declaration last week.

Kelly is hoping it marks a new era in the relations between Treaty Three and government and will lead to a new, better and strengthened economy in northwestern Ontario.

Restructuring Plan Hearing Adjourned

AbitibiBowater's restructuring plan still awaits U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval after a hearing yesterday was adjourned until next week.

A telephone hearing with company lawyers and a number of creditors is scheduled to resume Tuesday.

Company spokesman Seth Kursman says it's unknown when the judge will rule on the plan, but the company is still hoping to emerge from bankruptcy protection by the end of the year.

Clean Energy Benefit Details Today

Electricity consumers in Ontario will find out detailstoday on how the Liberal government intends to lower their bills by10 per cent.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will announce the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit in his fall economic update, promising to lower hydro bills starting in the new year.

Premier Dalton McGuinty wouldn't confirm details, but says the government knows people are struggling with soaring electricity bills.

He says cutting electricity bills is about understanding the pressures on families and providing them with "a little bit of help.''

However, the Opposition says cutting electricity rates 11 months before an election smacks of a desperate attempt to help the Liberals win a third term in office.

3-G Coming Soon

Thunder Bay Telephone has launched it's latest cellphone technology.

President Don Campbell says the 3-G mobility service is now up and running in Thunder Bay.

"Actually it's being expanded throughout the next couple of months to six months into the entire region," says Campbell. "Thunder Bay is now operational. Customers are going onto the network and accessing all of the features of the much higher speed network."

The service will be offered to the Atikokan, Fort Frances and Rainy River areas by January.

First Snow Storm of Winter Approaching

Time to get those snow shovels and snow blowers out of storage.

Environment Canada says a significant snowfall is in the cards across northwestern Ontario.

An Alberta clipper is expected to scoot eastwards along the border today accompanied by a band of snow.

Snow, occasionally heavy, is to fall near the Manitoba border late this afternoon or early this evening and quickly envelop northwestern Ontario tonight.

Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres are expected.

Climate Change Bill Killed in Senate

A northwestern Ontario MP is condemning Prime Minister Harper.

Bruce Hyer's climate change legislation died in the Senate earlier this week.

The MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North calls Harper bad for the environment

"The unelected, unaccountable Senate has ambushed the country's only federal climate change legislation and killed it," says Hyer, "without hearing evidence or hearing any due consideration."

Hyer hopes to re-introduce the bill sometime in the future.

Highway Renamed After Long-time MPP

The King of the North will have a highway named his honour.

The announcement came Wednesday while MPP's paid tribute to the late Leo Bernier at Queen's Park.

Highway 664, which runs from Sioux Lookout to Hudson will be renamed in honour of the long-time politician who died this past summer.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team event today at Fort High

The Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP is pleased to announce the continuation of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team as a result of a successful funding opportunity through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

For the past eleven years member of SAPT had been working together as one of the province's 22 FOCUS community projects, with programs working to prevent injury and reduce harm as it relates to alcohol and other drug use, as well as raising awareness of substance misuse as a risk factor in chronic disease. The Fort Frances Police Services Board has received $99thousand to help sustain the team.

Constable Anne McCoy says the event planned today at the Fort Frances high school is helping to celebrate those initiatives.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Team is planning to use funding to purchase much needed equipment to enhance local programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and the Preventing Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth Program (PARTY). Some of the equipment includes computers, presentation equipment, furniture for a resource centre and training tools including SIDNE (a battery powered vehicle that simulates the effects of distracted and impairment from alcohol and other drugs on a motorist's driving ability.

A meet and greet with the team starts at 10am at the Fort Frances High School Atrium. From 10:30-12:30 there will also be displays and electronic games demonstration featuring Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience®, or SIDNE.

"'Together is Amazing"

The Shaw 'Together is Amazing' food drive wrapped up on Monday.

With help from local schools, businesses and citizens approximately 7100 pounds of food was gathered for the national campaign. That amount will be tripled with help from Shaw Communications and Campbell's Canada.

Last chance to "Fill the Food Banks"

Today is the last day to help Shaw Communications, Campbell's Canada and Canada Safeway "Fill the Food Banks."

The national campaign aims to collect one million pounds of food across the country by the end of the day.

In Fort Frances, drop off locations include Shaw's retail outlet, the library, the Place, Family and Children's Services and Robert Moore School.

Muskie Theatre presents Scheherazade this weekend at the Townshend Theatre

The Townshend Theatre will play host to the Muskie Theatre production of Scheherazade and the legend of the Arabian Nights this weekend.

Melissa Fletcher, who plays Scheherazade says “it’s about a king who is taking revenge on all of the women in his kingdom and it’s up to Scheherazade to save the day.”

The large cast has been hard at work for the last 8 weeks on the play, the story of which comes from 1001 Arabian Nights.

The show happens tonight and tomorrow at 7 at the Townshend Theatre.

Neil McQuarrie in Fort Frances this weekend

Fort Frances native Neil McQuarrie will be at Northwoods tomorrow for a signing of his sixth book entitled the Parry Sound Woodcutter's War.

The book is based on co-author Don Macfie's diary, which he kept during his five years of service, and hundreds of letters which he exchanged with his family in Parry Sound.

McQuarrie says that personal first-hand accounts of wartime such as this is extremely important to document.

“If we don’t document them there’s that much better chance we’ll forget them," he says. "And especially at this time of year, we have to sit back and try to imagine and remember what it was like and what the sacrifices were that these people made.”

McQuarrie will also be speaking at the Library on Sunday.

Damage at Pither's Point

Damage to Pither's Point Park near the baseball diamond will cost the town of Fort Frances as much as $5000 to repair.

The repairs to the public green space cost everyone in the community and could easily have been avoided by having more respect.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says not much can be done until the spring to repair the eyesore.

“In the spring we’ll have to go in there and landscape it basically. Put it back to the proper levels, take all the ruts out, fill the holes and plant sore grass. It’s an eyesore for everyone that goes up to the Point.”

The park is in the process of filing an official report with the OPP and is asking for any information related to the incident.

Weather records continue to fall across Northwestern Ontario

According to Bill Laidlaw of signal weather services, more temperature records in the Rainy River district tumbled yesterday.

Fort Frances hit 14.2C, shattering the old record of 12 set 1999.

Atikokan hit 15.6C. The old record, set in 1969 was 13.3. Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake also enjoyed strikingly warm weather. Dryden beating a record set in 1931.

And Sioux Lookout almost made it to the list - they got to 13.7, the old record was 13.9 set 1969.

Signal Weather services' Bill Laidlaw says that we should see another round of records broken today, but the weather will start to change drastically by tomorrow.

"There's a weak cold front coming out og Maintoba that's going to slide across us tomorrow. With that, temperatures start to drop and we'll be down to zero by suppertime."

Atikokan Renewal Committee Meeting tonight

The Atikokan Renewal Committee will meet informally tonight to discuss future projects for the beautification of the community.

The Committee maintains projects intended to spruce up Atikokan as companies such as Osisko move into the region. That includes such projects as tree planting and the recent renewal of Main Street.

Gord Knowles, the Community Development Advisor for the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation also acts as a resource for of the Committee. He says the Committee is always looking for input and volunteers.

"There's always a need for volunteers whether it's getting in and doing physical work or contributing ideas; we're always looking for input from the community, from business people, from local government..."

He added that the meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Outdoorsman restaurant is an excellent forum for that.

New International Falls Border Facility

International Falls' new border patrol facility is officially open.

The US Border Patrol in International Falls is responsible for 143 miles of border and is the busiest in Minnesota.

The opening of the state of the art facility was years in the making and marked yesterday afternoon with a ceremony and tours.

It's 33,000 square feet and boasts new training rooms, and easy access to waterways with room for expansion.

The new Border Station is also home to the Minnesota State Patrol, making it the first of its kind in the US and precedent setting.

Fort Frances Citizen of the Year-Joyce Cunningham

Last night at town council, Joyce Cunningham was named the 23rd recipient of the Fort Frances Citizen of the year award.

The selection committee included citizen of the year 2000 Bill Gushalak, Mayor Avis and councillor Sharon Tibbs.

Cunningham was one of 17 nominees and will be officially honoured at the town's annual appreciation banquet on November 19th.

Cunningham will likely also participate in the Parade of Lights on the 27th.

Northwestern Ontario shatters weather records

It was a record-breaking weekend across northwestern Ontario in terms of weather.

A number of communities across the region set temperature records including Atikokan.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the region will continue to shatter records this week.

"We're going to pushing the record country Monday, Tuesday and probably Wednesday as well that's as we get get this warm air. It's just ahead of a cold front. So I'll be keeping an eye on this over the next couple of days and we'll see what shakes out."

Laidlaw says Atikokan broke it's 2009 record of 12.8C yesterday with a high of 14.2C.

And the Fort and the Falls narrowly missed breaking the old record of 16.5 set in 1999 with 16C.

International Falls Border Patrol Facility opens today

The new Border Patrol Facility officially opens in International Falls today.

The grand opening is being marked by a closed ceremony at 1pm this afternoon followed by a press conference and a facility tour.

Rainy River District School Board workshop

The Rainy River District School board is hosting a workshop today to discuss new ways to settle conflict.

The workshop is an introduction to alternative dispute resolution and restorative practise, which is an approach to discipline where the offender, the offender's parents and school staff are part of the process.

The community is invited to learn more about the use of restorative practise in the school environment.

The workshop happens this afternoon at 1pm at La Place Rendez Vous.

Angler Survey

The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to hear about anglers experiences in 2010.

Spokesperson Helen Ball says they'll be sending out surveys in January that look at a variety of aspects of fishing.

The survey is conducted every five years and will be sent out to 15 hundred anglers.

The Royal WInter Agricultural Fair has strong Northern Ontario Involvement

As the Royal Winter Agrigultural Fair, the largest indoor fair is set to start it's 88th year in Toronto, Director of Marketing Scott McConnel, says the fair boasts a very heavy involvement from Northern Ontario.

"This will be the 10th year that we have a Northern Ontario Pavillion at the Royal," says McConnel. "And it's something that we're very excited about. It's a huge exhibit and features almost 50 exhibitors from all accross Northern Ontario and there are at least nine districts represented."

The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair starts today and runs until Sunday November 14th at Exhibition Direct Energy Place in Toronto.

National Health Food Month

November is National Health Food month and nutritionists are encouraging parents help their young children boost, fuel and maintain their overall health.

Jane Dummer, a registered dietician, says it can begin by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA.

"Fish is a great source of natural DHA," she says, "However fish is not a food that every young child likes nor is it an everyday food in the home. Fortunately there are kid friendly Omega 3 DHA rich foods that can be found in the dairy aisle such as milk, yogurt and cheese."

Dummer also encourages parents to ensure their children start the day with a healthy breakfast and enjoy healthy snacks.

Soaring Hydro Rates

The Provincial NDP is continuing its attack on the McGuinty Liberals over the issue of soaring hydro rates.

The McGuinty Government has rejected an NDP Motion to take the HST off of hydro.

At Queen's Park Tuesday, leader Andrea Horwath raised the concerns of two area residents.

"They just can't make ends meet anymore," she said. "They're just unable to have a positive outlook for the future because costs are just too high. And we're saying to the government there's an easy straight forward way of addressing this where people don't have to jump through hoops applying for tax credits and things. You can make some real impact on their monthly bills by just taking the HST off of their monthly hydro bills."

Horwath noted that families are seeing their hydro bills skyrocket now that winter is fast approaching.

Boosting Tourism in Northewestern Ontario

The Ministry of Tourism is currently reviewing eight projects that could boost tourism in Northwestern Ontario.

Paul Pepe, a member of the transition team for the new Northern Ontario Tourism Zone, said a variety of initiatives were received.

"Not just marketing, but things like product development and training," Pepe said. "The industry needs training, needs customer service training, needs web marketing training. So there will be dollars allocated to those sort of initiatives."

Other projects include a big-game hunting proposal, motorcycle tours and marketing strategies into Manitoba and the northern U.S.

Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Adopts new format

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is adopting a new format for 2011.

It includes dividing the 120-teams on the final day into three fields based on total catches from the first two days. Weights are then wiped clean with winners determined in each field based on catches in the final day.

In a four-page release outlining the format, newly-elected president Gord Watson said it's based on angler input and gives all anglers an opportunity to earn money with more prizes awarded each day.

The championship is also capping the teams at 120.

Early Learning in the Rainy River District

The Rainy River District School board plans to accelerate implementation of the third year in the province's early learning program.

Education Director Heather Campbell said an additional class will be established at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances where earlier learning starts next year.

"We have to absord some of the costs for year two," she said, "But it's minimal overall impact to the board as far as far as the actual costs of it's full implementation in year two."

Campbell noted that the move also meets certain Ministry of Education requirements for the program.

I.J.C. Gets Praise

A Task Force looking at water quality issues on the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds has wrapped up a round of public meetings.

The group is to report back to the International Joint Commission by next July.

Todd Sellars of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is impressed with its work so far.

"The public is concerned about the lake and the watershed and wants some concrete options to consider and comment on," says Sellars. "It sounds like the task force is planning to adjust its plans and get back with an interim options paper early in the new year."

The Task Force was set up based on suggestions from the Foundation and others.

Illegal Smokes Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit has been launched in Federal Court against Ottawa for failing to collect taxes from illegal smoke shacks.

It's similar to another lawsuit on behalf of tobacco farmers that was filed last year in Ontario court against both the federal and provincial governments.

Court documents accuse Ottawa of ignoring ``flagrant violations''of the prohibition on the sale of contraband tobacco.

The $500-million suit also claims the government allowed the open trade of these products on First Nation reserves through illegal outlets established off reserve.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Elections in Minnesota

Minnesotans go to the polls today as part of mid-term elections in the U.S.

Polls open at 7 a.m. for voting in various civic, school board and state races, including the selection of a new governor.

Democrat Mark Dayton is seen as the front runner ahead of Republican candidate Tom Emmer.

In Washington, polls suggest President Barack Obama's Democrats will lose control of the House of Representatives, and maybe the Senate.

The elections will also be a test of the popularity of the Tea Party, an ultra-conservative movement that favours less government and low taxes.

Remains Identified

A body found on Highway 17 near Ignace this summer by blueberry pickers has been identified.

The remains of 55-year-old Steven Raycroft were identified recently through the use of medical records.

Raycroft is described as a transient person who frequently travelled across Canada.

Police are ruling out foul play.

Ignace Clinic Rent Increasing

Health Minister Deb Matthews says she will find out why the agency responsible for public buildings is doubling the rent at Ignace's small health clinic.

Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton calls the rent-hike of $100-thousand a year at the Mary Berglund Health Centre "absurd'' and would only force the clinic to cut front-line staff.

Ontario Realty Corporation officials said they were looking into the issue.

Smart Boards Make Impact

Smart Boards are making a huge impact in the classrooms across change the Rainy River district.

Both the public and Catholic boards have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars equipping their schools with the interactive technology.

J.W. Walker School teacher Angela Petsnick says both students and teachers are benefiting.

"We can go on the Internet and we can show videos," says Petsnick. "We can show different links from the website. Things are better organized. I can have my lesson. I can have all my worksheets. I can have the links to the websites. I can have interactive games and activities to help my student learn."

Petsnick has also been involved in training other teachers who to maximize their use of the boards.

Acts of Kindness Wanted

Your acts of kindness could go to help the Fort Frances Community Chest.

Committee member Tannis Drysdale says it's a new fundraiser planned for December 3 to raise money for the fund available to area residents needing to access medical care outside the district.

"All of the acts of kindness that will be donated by either businesses or individuals in the community are going to be sold in the week coming up to the benefit or at the benefit itself," says Drysdale. "We going to have some auctioned on E-Bay. We're going to have some live-auctioned at the benefit and then some just for sale for individuals at the benefit."

The group is now seeking individuals willing to donate a service by calling the Chamber office.

Halloween for Hunger

(Supplied photo)


The first ever Halloween for Hunger is being hailed a huge success.

Twenty high school students with the group "Saving Faces," trick-or-treated last night in Fort Frances and Emo for non-perishable items and collected more than 1,500 items.


They will now be given to Safeway's food bank drop box where the total weight will be matched by Shaw Communication's and Cambell's Canada's food bank campaign.

Use-of-Force Up at Border

(Canada Border Services Agency photo)


Troublesome travellers are prompting more Canadian border officers to draw their guns, use pepper spray, and swing their batons.


An internal report shows so-called use-of-force incidents jumped 170 per cent over the past four years.

Canadian border officers have fired just one bullet since they started carrying guns in mid-2007.

It happened last summer, when an injured moose was put down on a B.C. highway.

Ignatieff Speaks Out on Border

(CKDR photo)


Problems at the border were among the issues discussed during a town hall meeting in Dryden with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.

Ignatieff says he's the only leader who believes its a major issue.



"The one time I met with the President of the United States for thirty-five minutes, what did I talk about for 15 minutes? It was the border," says Ignatieff. "I thought this was my one shot as leader of the opposition to talk about something really matter economically and I did raise that issue with him."

Ignatieff says Americans with minor convictions who want to spend a week fishing in northwestern Ontario shouldn't be turned away at the border.

State Patrol

The Minnesota State Patrol is on the move in International Falls.

The Patrol's four officers, including two K-9 handlers, are relocating to the new U.S. Border Patrol facility along the Rainy River.

It's the first time in the U.S. that Border and State Patrols will have shared facilities.

The move of the Minnesota State Patrol was necessary because their current location, an old state-own building, is being sold.

Spirit Horse Performed

(Supplied photo)


A play that challenges cultural stereotypes was performed before grade 3 to 8 students across the Rainy River district last week.

Actress, Cara Gee, says Spirit Horse focuses on a number of sensitive issues such as racism.

"When we present the play or when we bring it to schools, we discuss that afterwards," says Gee. "We have a question and answer period where we point out the moments where the girls were experiencing racism and we talk about how we can all make a difference if we choose treat each other with respect and open mindedness."

Public and Catholic board teachers also received hands-on professional development to help bring portions of the play back into their classrooms.

African Choir Performs

The sounds of Africa resonated through the Townsend Theatre Friday night.

Members of the African Children's Choir performed as part of a cross-Canada tour.

Chimera Victor, a team leader, says they're also raising awareness of Africa's orphaned and abandoned children.

"The African Children's Choir is out to spread a message that the African child still has dignity and amazing potential," says Victor, "and wants even the opportunity for the African child to reach to greater heights."

It's the sixth year the choir has visited Fort Frances and hosted by Bethel Baptist Church.

Border Concerns Still Linger

Camp owners across northwestern Ontario are calling for changes at the border in Fort Frances.

Concerns about how American hunters and anglers are treated by customs officers was a topic of discussion at yesterday's Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association Conference in Dryden.

Executive Director of the Sunset Country Travel Association Gerry Cariou insists policies and procedures are being carried out different at the Fort border.

"The hunters going to Quebec, northeastern Ontario, B.C. or Manitoba aren't getting refused or turned back in the numbers we're seeing in northwestern Ontario.

The Head of NOTO suggests camp owners advise their guests to lodge a formal complaint if they're treated poorly at the border.

Liberal Leaders in Northwestern Ontario

Northwestern Ontario is Liberal Leader's Michael Ignatieff's latest stop on his cross country tour.

Speaking in Thunder Bay yesterday, Ignatieff says its part of his strategy to get Liberal MP's elected in this area.

"I think it's really important for politicians to get out of Ottawa," says Ignatieff, "come here, affirm and reaffirm constantly that we think northern Ontario has an incredible future."

Today, he visits Sioux Lookout and Dryden.

Hampton Seeks Help for Remote First Nation

A northwestern Ontario MPP is calling on the Liberal Government to take action to help Fort Hope First First Nation.

Howard Hampton says the province needs to roll out programs for first nations facing prescription drug abuse.

The NDP is calling for an amendment to the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act to address the prescription drug abuse epidemic.

Former Doc Returns to Fort Frances

A former Fort Frances physician returns to the community today to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Doctor Ted Jablonski, himself diagnosed with the form of winter depression, is travelling across the country to draw more awareness.

Jablonski says its more common and real than many believe.

"It's a very frequent problem in our country," says Dr. Jablonski. "We live in a northern latitude and northern latitude countries are the ones who get effected. About 3 per cent of our population has S.A.D. that probably should be treated. That's over one million Canadians.

Jablonski says the disorder can easily be treated with light therapy.

He'll speak more about S.A.D. at a public meeting at 2 p.m. at the La Place Rendezvous.

Parade of Lights Planned

(B93 Staff ready to collect your non-perishable food items at the 2009 Parade of Lights in Fort Frances)


Planning for the Christmas Parade of Lights in Fort Frances is underway.

For the second year in a row, it's being organized by the staff at Causeway Insurance.


Spokesperson Brenda Kellar says they want parade participants to get ready.



"We had a really good turnout with our first annual parade last year," says Kellar. "We we're very happy on how it went. We're just hoping to get a lot more people. We do have a theme this year. It is the 'Lights and Sounds of Christmas'."



Registration for the November 27 parade can be done by calling Brenda at Causeway or emailing brenda@causewayinsurance.com.

Leons Opens

Officials with one of Canada's oldest furniture companies says Fort Frances is a good fit for their business.

Leon's Fort Frances officially opens at 12 noon today.

Franchise manager Nelson Sampson says they have no problem having stores in smaller communities.

"It grounds us a company," says Sampson. "It makes us remember what our roots are and what really the customers Leons' has and the industry has who rooted in small communities like this."

Yesterday, local dignitaries gathered with local franchise holder Mark Howarth and staff for a private celebration.

Palliative Care Discussed with Feds

Two Lakehead University Researchers are speaking with the Federal Government about palliative care in northern Ontario.

Dr. Mary Lou Kelley says they're telling the feds how they can better help residents who want to die at home.

"It isn't mandatory from the federal government to fund community services," says Kelly. "We feel the federal government should make a chance in that respect and then they should establish a palliative end-of-life care strategy."

They're also hoping to see cultural training for those providing palliative care in first nations.

Tourism Group Work Continues

The work toward creating a new tourism marketing zone for northern Ontario continues.

Paul Pepe is part of a nineteen member transition team set up to a establish the new tourism organization.

"We've been putting together the terms of reference and the transition plan for the Ministry," says Pepe, "and working towards that legal incorporation of the organizations that can then go out and appoint its inaugural board of directors."

Pepe says the northern zone has been broken up into three sub-regions with $1.54 million allocated for northwestern Ontario.

Students Trick or Treating for Can Goods

Some teenagers in Fort Frances and Emo will be among the treat-or-treaters this Sunday.

Natalie Hyatt, who will be among them, says they won't be asking for candy.

"The students will be trick-or-treating for can goods and non-perishable food items instead of candy," says Hyatt. "They will then be given to Safeway and the number of food items we collect will be matched by both Campbell's and Shaw and donated to the local food bank."

Hyatt says the students are part of a new high school group called "Saving Faces" that aims to help a variety of charitable organizations.

I. Falls Thinking Christmas

The International Falls Chamber of Commerce is thinking about Christmas.

President Faye Whitbeck says they're putting out a call to groups and organizations on both sides of the border interested in taking part in this year's 'Twas the Lights before Christmas Parade.

"We're just hoping they can get it on their calenders, get it in their schedules, to get employees together to have a company float," says Whitbeck, "friends to gather together in somebody's garage to build a float, or families to plan those little costumes for the youngsters to walk in the parade."

The parade is November 26th.

Registration can be made by calling the chamber office.

Indian Culture Celebrated

India's Festival of Lights, Diwali, will be celebrated at St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Frances this weekend.

It is the Indian equivalent to Christmas and celebrated around the world.

Wayne McIntosh, one of the organizers, says the Church will host an authentic East Indian supper Saturday in recognition.

"We're going to be having at least twelve dishes," says McIntosh, "and they will all be authentic and made from scratch. There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian."

Tickets for the supper can be purchased by calling Sarah Gervais at 274-5872.

Poppy Campaign Subject to HST

The annual Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign is kicking off.

But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says part of the money Canadians give to purchase a poppy will be now used to offset the HST on the Legions sales.

Rafferty says its like taking money from veterans.

"When you put that money in the box or give money to Legions I think it's really quite unfair that Canadians will now know that 13 per cent of the money they're giving simply goes back to the Government," says Rafferty.

Legions use the poppies as a way to remember fallen soldiers and as a fundraiser for their local chapters.

New Digs for VALA

(Mayor Roy Avis joins with officials with the Valley Adult Learning Association in an official opening of their new Fort Frances office)

The Valley Adult Learning Association has some new surroundings.

Administrator Barb Duguay says the move of its Fort Frances office to 241 Second Street gives them more visibility.

"We have so much to offer here," says Duguay. "A lot of the programs and services we offer are free to the public. We're funding by the Ministry of Training, Universities and Colleges and they want local literacy programs to get out there. Be more visible. Promote their programs."

Duguay says an increased of space has also allowed for an upgrade of their computer lab and more residents to access programs.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team Continues

(Rainy River District Substance Abuse Team photo)

Local officials say its important the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team be allowed to continue.

The group announced earlier this week funding from government that keeps the group operating until next March.

Coordinator Hugh Dennis says it continues their work of making residents, especially youth, aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

"I think this district should be very proud of the effort that people in the Health Unit, the Substance Abuse Team and the school, we've put into this effort," says Dennis. "Collectively we're trying to make a difference and I think we are."

Some of the funds have been used to purchase new equipment to support the group's work.

New Border Protection Legislation

Ottawa has introduced legislation to make it easier for Canadian and U-S authorities to tackle smugglers and other criminals on shared waterways such as Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods.

The legislation would allow specially designated Canadian and American personnel to work together aboard vessels, and continue to pursue and arrest suspects regardless of the international boundary line.

Storm Leaves Mess

A massive storm meteorologists say had a barometric reading like a hurricane is adding snow to the mix as it hangs around the U-S Midwest and central Canada.

The storm packed winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour stateside, and spawned a few tornadoes.

Snow is falling in the Dakotas and Minnesota, as well as southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba.

Heavy rain and high winds also blew through much of Ontario yesterday, leading to fallen trees and power failures from Thunder Bay down to Toronto.

Tories Hopeful

Progressive Conservatives see hopeful signs for next year's Ontario election from Rob Ford's mayoral victory in Toronto Monday.

The small 'c' conservative cruised to victory over former deputy premier George Smitherman.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says people across Ontario are hungry for a change, a view echoed by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Tourism Meeting in Dryden

Tourism officials and campowners are gathering today in Dryden for the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association annual conference.

Today, they'll get an update on the new tourism zones and discuss the benefits of a Tourism License for Ontario.

Tomorrow the continuous issue of Americans with minor offences being denied access to Canada will highlight the talks.

Municipal Election Results

Two long-time municipal leaders retained their seats in last night's municipal elections across the Rainy River District.

Dennis Brown successfully defended his mayor's seat in Atikokan by taking 80 per cent of the vote to beat out Bob Davidson.

Jerry Duhamel, Bud Dickson, Bob Gosselin, Mary Makarenko, Marj Lambkin and Marlene Davidson were elected as councillors.


In Lake of the Woods township, Valerie Pizey outdistanced challenger Gerald Fisk to hold on to her mayor's seat.

Colleen Fadden, Glenn Anderson and Bill Lundgren were elected as councillors.

The fourth spot ended in a tie between incumbents Nancy Gate and JoAnn Moen which will force a recount.


Vince Sheppard is the new Mayor of Emo, defeating incumbent Ed Carlson.

Gary Judson was the only Emo councillor to be re-elected and joins newcomers Anthony Leek, Robert Simmons and Vernon Thompson.


Ross Donaldson beat out Ken McKinnon to be elected the new Reeve in LaVallee township.

He'll be joined at the council table by Dennis Allen, Jim Belluz, Freeda Carmody and Darcy Robson.


Brenda Jodoin, Aime Desaulniers, Bennett Drennan and Archie Wiersema were elected as councillors in Dawson township.

Mayor Eltjo Weirsema was acclaimed.

In Rainy River, Larry Armstrong, Ashley Stamler, Brent Anderson and Gord Armstrong were elected councillors and join Mayor Deb Ewald, who was acclaimed, at the council table.

And Rick Neilson was winner of the councillor race in Ward 4 in Chapple township's only election.

He returns to the council table along with Ken Wilson, Rilla Race, James Gibson and Reeve Peter Van Heyst who were all acclaimed.

Morley Reeve Not Yet Decided

Residents in Morley will have to wait until December before they know who will be reeve of that community.

Clerk-Treasurer Anna Boiley says because no one filed nomination papers for the position, it will be left up to the new council to determine how the vacancy is filled.

One option is an appointment among the four councillors who were acclaimed.

New Mayors in Northwestern Ontario

There are many new faces in the mayor's chairs elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.

Keith Hobbs won the top council seat in Thunder Bay.

Dryden Mayor Anne Krassilowsky lost her seat to Craig Nuttal.

Dave Canfield is back as mayor in Kenora after losing four years ago.

And Dennis Leney is the new mayor of Sioux Lookout.

The changes in Thunder Bay, Dryden and Kenora likely mean major shifts to the board of directors for the Northern Ontario Municipal Association where Krassilowsky is President.

School Board Elections

There are a couple of new faces on the Rainy River District School Board.

David Kircher out-polled both incumbents Dan Belluz and Terry Higgins to capture one of two seats in the Fort Frances area.

Belluz, who is currently chair, finished second in voting.

Ralph Hill beat out incumbent Glenda Belluz for the position representing the Alberton and LaVallee areas.

Dianne McCormack won the seat representing the Rainy River and area.

Margaret Heyens in Emo and Mike Lewis in Atikokan were acclaimed.

Chair Anne Marie Fitzgerald and incumbent Harold Huntley were returned to the Northwest District Catholic School Board as trustees for the Fort Frances area.

Teresa Larson will sit as trustee for Atikokan.

Results for the seat representing the west part of the Rainy River district were not received.

Delays Stalling Local Projects

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is pushing the provincial government to help keep seniors in the their own community.

Hampton says requests for funding for supportive housing projects in the Rainy River district are being held up by the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

"In Fort Frances, where the waiting list is equally long, they’re interested in supportive housing," says Hampton, "but they have put proposal after proposal after proposal to the North West LHIN without much of a response."

Hampton says the Rainy River District Social Services Administrative Board is also waiting for funds for a project in Rainy River.

Riverview Manor Open House

An open house will be held the renovated Riverview Manor in Rainy River today.

Executive Director of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board Donna Dittaro says residents will get a glimpse of the more than 430-thousand dollars worth of work done to the 14-unit complex.

"What resulted in two modified two-bedroom units and two modified one-bedroom units," says Dittaro. "The one-bedroom units will accommodate wheelchairs. The two-bedroom units accommodate people with walkers or prosthetics."

The open house goes from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. this afternoon.