Acts of Kindness Fundraiser Successful

(Emcees Dale Fortes and Joelle Blanc-Paull selected a winner at Friday's Acts of Kindness Fundraiser)

The first ever Acts of Kindness fundraiser for the Fort Frances Community Chest is being hailed an overwhelming success.

About $20-thousand was raised in Friday's event.

Community Chest committee member Larry Cousineau says it's great support for the fund.

"This is helping people tremendously," says Cousineau. "The Community Chest is just what it is - a chest of money that's kept to one side for people who need it for medical reasons."

Over one-hundred services and products were auctioned off both at the Fort Frances Legion and on-line.

Tax Bill Payment Deadline Extended

Northerners living or with property in unorganized areas will get some extra time to pay their tax bills.

First payment was due last Friday, but it will now be at the end of January.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says the bills, delivered only last week, should never have come out during the winter in the first place.

"People are getting hydro bills that are totally unreasonable," says Hampton. "People are being forced to pay the HST on any purchases they make and people are trying to get ready for Christmas. Then this arrives in the mail."

Hampton says complaints from property owners to his office prompted government to change the deadlines.

Rafferty Disappointed by Stimulus Rpoert

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty is disappointed to hear the federal stimulus program hasn't lived up to the government's promise of job creation.

A report from the Parliamentary budget officer suggests few municipalities receiving money experienced employment growth.

"We all know that when some governments make those kind of declarations there's a lot of political-puffery, but the proof in the pudding on this one," says Rafferty, "and I think Canadians are pretty disappointed that that's what has happened."

Rafferty says the development of a national job strategy would have gone a long way to getting more people employed

National Day of Remembrance

Sombre memorials will be held in many centres across Canada today, on this, the 21st anniversary of the Montreal massacre.

On this day in 1989, an enraged gunman killed 14 women at L'Ecole Polytechnique.

In Fort Frances, a vigil is planned at Knox United Church beginning at 6 p.m.

Foundation Seeks New Operating Table

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is hoping to deliver a new state of the art operating table to the emergency department at LaVerendrye Hospital this Christmas.

It's this year's Christmas appeal objective.

Director Nicke Baird says letters seeking donations were issued last week.

"Inside is a pledge card and if they would like to donate they can fill out the pledge card and mail it back with a cheque," says Baird.

Cost of the operating table is about 45-thousand dollars.

Local Project Seeks Votes

An area woman is looking for district wide support to help win a Pepsi Canada contest.

Jackie Badiuk has proposed the idea of creating more green spaces at area schools to the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project contest in hopes of winning $25-thousand.

"I work at the high school at lot and I'm part of the Big Green Committee, the environmental club, and we've tried to come up lots of different ideas of ways to green our community," says Badiuk. "I saw the ad for the Refresh Everything and it just popped into my head to apply."

People can link to the project by clicking this link http://www.refresheverything.ca/rrdsbgreenspace

Man Convicted on Sex Offences

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 66 months in jail and ordered to register with the Sexual Offenders Information Registry after being found guilty of three counts of Sexual Exploitation and a charge of Sexual Interference.

The charges against Garry Donald Mathewson were laid in July following a police investigation involving three males victims that took place in the Rainy River and Thunder Bay districts between 1992 and 1999.

Mathewson was also ordered by a court judge Wednesday to submit DNA samples to the Sexual Offenders Database and stay away from places frequented by children for the next ten years.

Trails Not Open Yet

The abundance of snow around the Rainy River district is generating some excitement among snowmobile enthusiasts.

However, not all trails maintained by the Borderland Snowmobile Club can't be yet be groomed.

President Dave Goodman says there's just no frost in the ground.

"The main reason you need the frost is all is that in swamp areas or soft areas the groomer will sink very quickly and get stuck," says Goodman, "and we can take the risk of taking the groomer into the swamps especially."

Goodman says the current cold stretch will help and some partial sections of trails could be open next week.

Choraliers Receive Money

The Fort Frances Choraliers have received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Choir director Diane Maxey says the over $11-thousand will help purchased some much desired equipment.

"We are getting a trail to house all of the equipment for easy access to move it around," says Maxey. "We're hoping to get our risers that we've wanted for a long, long time and portable. And we'll probably have a wireless microphone that will help us a lot in our performances."

Maxey says because the choir does not have a charitable number, the Valley Adult Learning Association helped obtain the money by submitting the application under its name.

Catholic Trustees Take Office

Newly elected trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board take to office for the first time tonight.

Teresa Larson, representing Atikokan, Catherine Bowen and James Kulchyski from Sioux Lookout, Kathy Bryck and Robert van Oort of Dryden, Anne-Marie Fitzgerald and Harold Huntley from Fort Frances and Mark Chojko-Bolec representing Stratton and area will be sworn-in at a ceremony at St. Francis School in Fort Frances.

The trustees will then elect a new chair and vice-chair.

Doctor Honoured

A Fort Frances doctor has been recognized by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.

Doctor Jason Shack was one of seventeen Ontario physicians to receive the College's Award of Excellence.

The award recognizes family physicians for their contributions to patient care, their communities and their profession.

Acts of Kindness Promoted

The Acts of Kindness fundraiser for the Fort Frances Community Chest happens tonight at the Fort Frances Legion.

Steve Sinclair, whose family benefited from a contribution from the chest about five years ago, says it's important the fund remain vibrant.

"The financial support from Community Chest is the most important thing that you can have," says Sinclair. "To know that there is someone there to help you in a time of need, but equally important is the community outreach. Neighbours helping neighbours. You need them both."

Over 100 items will be auctioned off at tonight's event.

Atikokan Council Sworn In

Atikokan's Mayor says the township's new council's enters with more hope for a better future than ever before.

Dennis Brown and his council were officially sworn into office last night.

Brown says they take office with the community on the verge of a boom.

"All we need to do is to see them come to fruition," says Brown. "I'm talk about initiatives in the mining with Osisko and Bending Lake. I'm talking about the wood biomass at the former particleboard plant and the opportunities that could exist at the O.P.G plant. These are all good news stories."

Brown says plans for a new arena, maintaining medical services and continuing infrastructure work are other priority areas.

DMTS On-Line in Rainy River District

DMTS is looking to make its presence felt in the Rainy River district.

The city of Dryden-owned municipal telephone system has been offering cell services to the district since last October.

Marketing manager Tyler Peacock feels they can be competitive.

"Coverage, pricing, selection. Like I said before," says Peacock, "I think we have a great line up as far as a product line goes. Our prices are very competitive and we're here to stay."

Peacock says a new roaming agreement was also signed with AT&T that gives its customers better service in the U.S.

Dietary Allowance Remains

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the Ontario government has done the right thing by keeping a special dietary allowance for welfare recipients.

The province says it's revising the allowance, which remains capped at a maximum of 250-dollars a month.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services had considered cutting the program after costs jumped from $6-million to more than $200-million a year.

Court Ruling Today

A decision is expected today on the status of prostitution laws in Ontario.

Ontario's highest court will rule on a lower court's decision on the laws that control prostitution.

The courts have said the laws could stay in effect until today.

Government lawyers have argued the lower court ruling should be put on hold while they appeal it.

Carbon Monoxide Bill Debate

Making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in Ontario may move a step closer to becoming the law today.

A Progressive Conservative MPP's private member's bill is up for second reading.

It would amend the building code to put detectors in homes, condos and rental apartments.

Energy Credits Issued

Eligible Northern Ontario residents who applied for the Northern Energy Tax Credit can expect their first payout this month.

Single residents, 18 and older, with an income of $35,000 to $48,000 will receive up to $130.

Families with a household income of $45,000 to $65,000 are eligible for up to 200-dollars.

Residents have until the end of next June to apply for the credit.

Stuff-a-Cruiser Launched

Several area agencies will benefit from a Christmas fundraiser being put on by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Details of the Stuff-a-Cruiser initiative were released today.

Constable Anne McCoy says area residents are being asked to purchase items to be stuff into four police cruisers placed around Fort Frances and Emo.

Items collected with be shared among the Salvation Army, the United Native Friendship Centre, the Sunset Country Metis Association, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau for its Community Dinner and a food bank in Emo run by the Anglican Church.

Preferred items include canned soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, baked beans, canned meat, turkey, ham, Kraft dinner, pasta, spaghetti sauce, instant potatoes, cereal, peanut butter, jam, tea, coffee, packets of sugar, canned pasta, cranberry sauce, Stove Top stuffing, pancake mix and syrup, powered milk and packets of salt and pepper.

Man Identified in Weekend Stand-Off

OPP are now confirming the identified of a man involved in an assault and lengthy stand-off with police that occurred Saturday in Fort Frances.

30-year-old Richard Edward Kabatay has been charged with attempted murder and remains in custody at the Fort Frances District Jail.

As B-93 first reported, Kabatay made his first court appearance Monday and will return next Monday.

Police also say the man injured in the assault was stabbed and remain in hospital with serious injuries.

Recycling Options Get Public Review

Residents in Fort Frances and Atikokan got their chance this week to comment on a study aimed at increasing recycling in their communities.

John Smith of Trow Engineering says many of the options are based on what's being tried elsewhere.

"There are a number of best practices that have been flushed out from municipalities in Ontario that can help towns like Atikokan and Fort Frances," says Smith.

It's suggested Fort Frances ban recycling materials from landfill and the use of plastic bags in stores while Atikokan consider a promotional and educational program to increase recycling.

Plant Conversion Underway

Ontario Power Generation says it's work to convert the coal-fire plant in Atikokan is well underway.

It's to burn biomass fuel by 2013.

C.E.O. Don Mitchell says part of the work includes developing an energy supply agreement and seeking pricing bids for fuel.

"We are excited about the conversion project in Atikokan," says Mitchell. "What we need to do is to establish a solid business case and then negotiate the agreement to proceed."

Mitchell says a number of bids were received in their call from suppliers.

Atikokan Town Council Sworn-In

Inauguration ceremonies for Atikokan's newly elected municipal council takes place tonight.

Mayor Dennis Brown, councillors Bud Dickson, Bob Gosselin, Mary Makarenko, Marj Lambkin, Marlene Davidson and newcomer Jerry Duhamel will be officially sworn into office.

It happens at the Atikokan town hall beginning at 5 p.m.

Rec Study in Rainy River

The town of Rainy River has received $25-thousand from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to conduct a structural assessment of its recreational facilities.

The study will look at the town's community centre, arena and curling rink with an aim towards developing a long-term replacement plan.

Salvation Army Kettles Ring Today

The Salvation Army will kick off its 2010 Kettle Campaign in Fort Frances today.

They'll be located at Walmart, Canada Safeway, Canadian Tire, LCBO and outside area banks.

Captain Angel Sandoval says more manpower is still needed.

"We need volunteers," says Sandoval. "Volunteers are the stone for this campaign."

Sandoval says they've set $15-thousand dollars as a campaign goal, the same as 2009.

Lakes Closed to Tourist Outfitters Only?

The NDP is concerned about reports that some tourist outfitters are being given exclusive access to Northern lakes and crown land.

Natural Resources Critic Gilles Bisson says he's been contacted by many people who have seen signs at some lakes restricting access to Tourist outfitters only.

"We understand tourist outfitters need to make a living," says Bisson, "but that should not be at the exclusion and access of everybody else."

Bisson says most of the restricted lakes are in the Wawa area, but suspects some lakes in northwestern Ontario may have also been closed off to the public.

Man in Custody on Attempt Murder Charge

(A section of Scott Street was blocked off due to Saturday's a lengthy stand-off between a man and police)


A man will return to Fort Frances court next Monday on several charges including attempted murder.

Richard Kabatay made an initial court appearance yesterday.

It comes following an incident in which a man was seriously injured during an assault Saturday in Fort Frances and another man barricaded himself inside a home for several hours before surrendering to police.

OPP, though, have not confirmed whether Kabatay is connected to that incident.

More Snow

Motorists across the Rainy River district are being advised to use caution when on the roads this morning.

Heavy snow blanketed the region overnight with more expected today.

Environment Canada says Atikokan snowfall totals for yesterday reached 12 centimetres.

Fort Frances received about six.

There are two school bus cancellations to report.

The Stanjikoming First Nation and the Seine River Handicap buses will not be running.

Initiatives in Place to Slow Motorist Down

Two new initiatives have been launched aimed at slowing motorists down on Fort Frances roads.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says one seeks motorists to sign up as part of a Pace Car Initiative.

"When one signs up you make a commitment to obeying the speed limits and other rules of the road," says McCoy, "and you literally setting the example for other motorists."

The other program, "Ticket or Teaching," allows motorists caught breaking the law to avoid a ticket by attending a class showing them the importance of obeying the rules of the road.

Library Struck by Vandals

The new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre has been the target of vandals.

Chief Librarian Margaret Sedgwick says some small trees and an outdoor chess table were broken while a letter was taken from its sign in recent months.

"We have such a beautiful building," says Sedgwick. "It's really disheartening to think that people have broken off some of our small birch trees and jumped on one of the chess tables."

Sedgwick says they are now looking at installing surveillance cameras in hopes of determining further acts.

They're also appealing to resident to watch over the building, especially on weekends.

F.H. Huffman Purchase Finalized

Fort Frances town council has finalized its purchase of the former F.H. Huffman School.

The $158-thousand for the purchase will come out of reserves.

Mayor Roy Avis says its still undecided what they will do with the site.

"We've lost some park space with the new library going next to the arena," says Avis. "Could be consideration for a subdivision plan. There are many things we could do with the building and council felt it was in the best interest that we purchase that property."

Avis says the town also plans to maintain and cover the costs of heating the former school.

Health Unit Accredited

The Northwestern Health Unit says its the first in the region to be accredited by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation.

Alex Berry was the team lead for the accreditation process and says it took about three years to complete.

"What it really tells the community is that we have met the standards of excellence for public health in Ontario," says Berry, "and that as an organization we are committed to ongoing quality improvement and ongoing managing of our services and evaluating of ours services to know that we are doing good work."

Of the 36 health units in the province, just fourteen are accredited.

Man Arrested in Fort Frances Stand-Off

One man in is custody while another taken to hospital following an incident in the 800 block of Scott Street in Fort Frances Saturday that lasted nearly 12 hours.

Police were initially called to an assault involving two men about 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

One man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

His condition is not immediately known.

The other man barricaded himself inside a home, forcing police to close a section of the street off to traffic and evacuate nearby homes.

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the scene.

The unnamed man eventually surrendered to police without incident.

More details, including pending charges, may be released later today.

Below - video of area blocked by Police on Saturday.

More Winter on the Way

Northwestern Ontario is going to be getting all kinds of precipitation over the next few days.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region

Areas north and west of Lake Superior to the Manitoba border will get more than 10 centimetres of snow.

Ice pellets and wet snow are expected to hit Atikokan to Geraldton.

Meantime, the National Weather Service in the United States has issued a winter storm advisory for International Falls.

It's forecasting up to six inches of snow and strong winds to reach the area by six this evening

Area MPP Seeks Rebate for Snow Tire Users

A northwestern Ontario MPP wants more northerners to use snow tires.

Liberal Bill Mauro is calling on insurance companies to offer a rebate for those motorists who pay extra for the heavy duty tires.

"If more people in the province of Ontario are in fact using winter tires there will be fewer claims," says Mauro. "There will be lower costs associated with those fewer claims for the insurance companies. This is from my perspective about making the roads safer and trying to save some lives in the process."

Mauro introduced a motion in the Legislature last week.

Acts of Kindness Fundraiser Nears

(Act of Kindness being offered by Fort Frances General Supply - www.acts-of-kindness.ca photo)

The Acts of Kindness fundraiser for the Fort Frances Community Chest is fast approaching.

It happens Friday at the Fort Frances Legion.

Committee member Tannis Drysdale says about one-hundred acts will be auctioned off.

"We will have any number of acts of kindness available," says Drysdale. "Just last week we received a series of cellphones from TBay Tel. Don't forget about our fishing trips. You can start bidding on those any time now. Just give the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce at phone call."

Tickets can still be obtained at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts, the Rainy River Future Development Corporation office or the Fort Frances Chamber office.

Commission Ends Hearings in Thunder Bay

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is moving on.

It spent last week in Thunder Bay gathering statements from residential school survivors.

Chair Murray Sinclair says the stories of abuse heard have many similarities

"They're generally stories about the kinds of experiences that people had," says Sinclair, "but more importantly they talk about the impact the time they had upon their lives as parents and grandparents."

Sinclair says the affects will be felt for many generations.

Parade of Lights Winners

Several groups took home awards for their floats in Saturday's Parade of Lights in Fort Frances.

Robert Moore Builders' Club was named best church or school group.

The Fort Frances Girl Guides float was selected the best among non-profit organizations.

The Borderland Skating Club had the best float among recreational groups.

Shoppers Home Health Care was selected the best among businesses float.

The best dressed individual entry was that of the Fort Frances Mini King and Queen while the Fort Frances High School Saving Faces group recognized for the best presentation of music.

Black Friday

It's one of the busiest shopping days in America as stores open early for customers looking for great deals.

Menard's in International Falls is among stores area shoppers will be visiting on Black Friday.

General Manager Matt Winkler says his staff are ready.

"All of our cash registers will be going," says Winkler. "Every register has a backer and a carry out to get their products to where they are going to. We'll have our shopping carts spread out and ready to go."

The Canada Border Services Agency won't be dealing with Canadian shoppers until they return but says they too are prepared for the rush.

Local Black Friday

Not to be outdone by Black Friday, merchants in the Fort Frances' downtown area are hosting sales of their own this weekend.

Chair of the Downtown Business Improvement Association Connie Cuthbertson says many stores are holding tax free sales and other special events.

"We've been working hard, actually of the businesses working together trying to come up with some ideas to showcase what they have to offer," says Cuthbertson.

Cuthbertson says many stores started their sales yesterday and will stay open late tonight.

International Falls Parade Tonight

(International Falls Chamber photo)


The annual "Twas the Lights Before Christmas" parade in International Falls take place tonight.


Floats, vehicles, animals and walkers are welcome to participate right up until the parade starts at 7 p.m.


It will travel down main street from the Falls Chamber Office to Forestland Sales and Service.


Following the parade, the community will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies at Smoky Bear Park and visits with champion musher Jamie Nelson and her team of Alaskan huskies.

Woman Wins at McDonald's Monopoly

A Fort Frances woman is $25-thousand richer after playing McDonald's Monopoly.

Harriett Wagner uncovered the instant win prize during a recent visit to the McDonald's restaurant at the Fort Frances' Walmart.

"I looked at it, showed my husband and asked him to ask the manager to see if it was true," says Wagner, a mother of four with another on the way. "He did and the manager said it was a sure ticket."

It's believed to be the first time a person from northwestern Ontario has won a major prize playing the the McDonald's contest.

Safe Communities Board Appointed

There is a new chair for Safe Communities Rainy River District.

Peggy Loyie joins Bob Swing in heading the local organization board.

Previous co-chair, Gerry Armstrong remains as a director.

He's joined by Anne McCoy, Becky Holden, John Beaton. Freeda Carmody and Judith Lindholm.

Native Group Upset with Bell

First Nations telephone customers are alleging Bell Canada of not refunding the provincial sales tax portion of the Harmonized Sale Tax on their bills.

All telecommunications for First Nations citizens in Ontario were to be PST exempt starting September First.

But Anishinabek Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare says he's heard from many native people who claim to have spent hours on the phone trying to get the PST removed.

First Nations customers had to submit documentation to confirm their status, but Hare says Bell is telling some they don't have the information and to resubmit it again.

Border Concerns

The town of Fort Frances is calling on the Ottawa and the province for help dealing with lineups of vehicles waiting to cross into the United States.

Officials says taxpayers have been footing the entire bill for policing and managing the lines at the border, and believe the senior levels of government have a financial and operation obligation to make sure border traffic is safe and orderly.

They say the federal government's Intelligent Transportation System strategy _ meant to facilitate efficient border traffic flow using technology _ has never been deployed at the Fort Frances border crossing.

Local Interested in Minnesota Steel Project

Rainy River Futures Development Corporation is taking great interest in a steel project in Minnesota's Iron Range.

Geoff Gillon says the Essar Steel project is something that could have direct benefits to Fort Frances.

"Not only are we a community in northwestern Ontario that has the current mining activity, whether its Rainy River Resources or the Hammond Reef in Atikokan, they're all within 100 mile radius," says Gillon, "we also have the East Indian company of Essar Steel spending over a billion dollars 150 miles south of Fort Frances."

Gillon says they'll be meeting with company officials in the coming months to better determine exactly how local businesses can benefit

Salvation Army Appeal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances is putting out a call for help across the Rainy River district.

It's asking people to participate in a number of programs aimed at helping the area's needy.

Captain Angel Sandoval expects demand to be high.

"Last year we helped close to 750 families during the entire year," says Sandoval. "During Christmas, we had 220. We expect at least the same number this year."

Families wanting hampers this year can pick up application Thursday and Friday at Fort Frances Citadel or the Ontario Works office in Rainy River.

FACS Celebrates

An anniversary for Family and Children Services Rainy River District.

It was 75 years ago that the Children's Aid Society was incorporated.

Administration Manager Wendy Brunetta says a lot has changed over that time.

"Back in the early '50's is was mainly focused on the protection of children and investigations," says Brunetta. "Now we're actually branched out. In the early '80's we amalgamated many other services for children including developmental services and mental health services."

Wednesday, an open house was held to celebrate while staff and retiring employees were recognized Thursday night.

Next April, the agency is merging with Kenora and will operate under a new name.

More Snow Expected in Borderland

More snow is on the way.

Environment Canada says another significant snowfall could hit the area beginning later today.

The snowfall is expected last into tomorrow with more than 10 centimetres hitting the ground in some areas.

Hydro Rates to Double

The average electricity bill will double in Ontario over the next 20 years under an $87-billion plan to modernize the province's electricity system.

The Liberal government's energy plan, released Wednesday, calls for $33 billion in investments by government and the private sector to build two new nuclear reactors and refurbish 10 older units.

The plan also calls for $14 billion to be spent on wind power, $9billion on solar energy, and $4.6 billion on new hydro-electric projects.

Conservation programs are getting a $12 billion commitment.

The plan confirms Ontario's intentions to keep getting half of the province's electricity from nuclear generation and to phase out coal-fired generation, including at Ontario Power Generation's plant in Thunder Bay, by 2014 at the latest.

AbitibiBowater Restructuring Plan Approved

Company officials expect AbitibiBowater to be reborn as a profitable and less indebted company in early December.

Yesterday, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court endorsed its restructuring plan, overruling creditor objections to sanction the company's plan that sheds about five-and-a-half billion dollars in unsecured debt.

The company also hopes its efforts to reduce costs and improving market conditions will help it to generate steady operating profits.

C.E.O. David Paterson says they plan to address declining paper demand by converting some production to undisclosed other product, which should prevent the need for further plant closures or layoffs.

Good Year for Safe Communities Rainy River

Another successful year for Safe Communities Rainy River District.

The organization outlined its accomplishments during its annual meeting held yesterday in Fort Frances.

Chair Bob Swing says being able to secure funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention Team was among its biggest achievements.

"It makes a big difference," says Swing. "It's why we get looked at nationally and internationally as a district how we leverage so much work out of so many different programs. That's why."

The group also scored perfect marks in a national report card done by Safe Communities Canada.

DSSAB Funding for Solar Panels

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board has received government funding to install solar panels at two facilities within the district.

The more than $190-thousand from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will be used to install the panels at Queen Street Manor in Emo and the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope in Atikokan next spring.

Electricity produced will be sold back to the grid.

Residential School Survivors Meet Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is in Thunder Bay today to listen to the stories from residential school survivors.

Commission spokesperson Alvin Fiddler says it's part of the healing for First Nations people

"A lot of people, myself included, look at it as an historic opportunity for many of the survivors, who have waited a long time to tell their story," says Fiddler.

The Commission was invited by officials of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

User Fees Increasing

The fees paid on most programs and services in the town of Fort Frances are going up January 1.

Last night, council approved the increases to user fees, which Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says will go up an average of about one-point-seven per cent.

"Every division took a thorough look at user fees," says Witherspoon. "I know in my area it was 1.7 per cent. There was a few things that we felt - staff time - that the user fee covered it without raising it. There was just a few exceptions where it wasn't."

The changes do not include water and sewer rates which will be passed at a future date.

Committees Still Need People

Fort Frances town council made appointments to a number of town committees and boards last night, but some positions remain vacant.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs is hoping others individuals will come forward to fill the spots.

"If there was any of those that you're interested in or if want to call one of the councillors or the mayor and ask what might be involved in the committee you might be interested in, please feel welcome to do so," says Tibbs.

A recent change now requires most positions to be filled for only two years.

Toronto Developer Eyes Rainy River District

(Geoff Gillon of Rainy River Futures Development Corp. speaking recently to Fort Frances town council)

The Rainy River District is getting a close look by a Toronto developer.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says they've be in contact with the unnamed developer who made an initial visit to area back in August.

"And he came here as a breath of fresh air," says Gillon. "He's very, very positive and with new flights from Porter Air out of Centre Island to Thunder Bay, he thinks there's potential for the future."

Gillon says the developer has an eye on both business and condominium projects.

Winter is Here

Residents in the Rainy River district are digging out today after a system passing through the area yesterday dumped as much as 10 centimetres of snow in some areas.

Environment Canada says Fort Frances received six centimetres.

Both Atikokan and Mine Centre have snowfalls measuring in at 10 centimetres

The system is to move away from the area later this morning, but more snow is expected tomorrow.

Energy Plan Detailed Today

Ontario is expected to release its long-term energy plan today.

Parts of it, including changing when less expensive off-peak hours kick in, have already been reported.

Specific announcements for northwestern Ontario are being made this morning in Thunder Bay.