LGA Reduction Limited

Legislative Republicans pushing a one billion dollar package of spending cuts have softened the long-term effect on Minnesota cities and counties.

The House Ways and Means Committee changed the bill to make reductions in local government aid temporary instead of permanent.

The bill would decrease projected aid by more than 400 million over the next two years.

Ontario Realty Corporation Disappearing

The Ontario Realty Corporation appears to be the first agency to disappear under the McGuinty government's deficit-fighting program.

Published reports says it is to merge with Infrastructure Ontario.

The agency manages a huge real estate portfolio on behalf of the province.

Ice Roads Partially Open

Ice roads to remote First Nations across northwestern Ontario are beginning to open up to light vehicle traffic.

However, the routes over frozen lakes and swamps are still not strong enough to support heavy supply transports and fuel trucks.

There are almost three-thousand kilometres of ice roads in Ontario.

Boundaries Redraw Facing Court Challenges

A court fight over how Minnesota's new political boundaries for Congress and the Legislature get drawn has a new front.

Several Republicans have filed a case in state court to go along with one Democrats put in motion this month in federal court.

Both argue the existing maps are outdated and therefore invalid.

New Ad Campaign Today

A new ad campaign by the Ontario Energy Board urges consumers to do their homework before signing up with an energy retailer.

The campaign, to start today, reminds consumers of a new set of rules meant to ensure they're treated fairly by electricity and natural gas retailers selling contracts door-to-door.

The rules took effect January 1 and apply to contracts signed or renewed after that date.

Church Seeks By-law Exemption

A Fort Frances church is seeking a partial exemption from the town's calender parking by-law.

In a letter to the town, Pastor Jeff Plett of the Evangelical Fellowship Church asks for the exemption on Sunday mornings and on religious holidays.

The request comes after a number of church goers were issued tickets for parking on the wrong side of Webster Avenue earlier this month.

Plett says parishioners complied with the law the next week, but some were forced to walk long distances to get to church.

Trustees Meet Education Minister

Trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board got a recent opportunity to hear from province's education Minister.

Board Chair Anne-Marie Fitzegerald says Leona Dombrowsky spoke recently at a conference in Toronto.

"Minister Dombrowsky shared with us that the focus of the McGuinty government's focus will be on student achievement," says Fitzgerald. "And they're very excited about the response to the full-day every-day junior and senior kindergarten program."

Fitzgerald says based on the Minister's comments, the board is moving in the right direction with respect to student achievement.

MNR Looking into Illegally Shot Moose

The Ministry of Natural Resources is seeking the public's help in solving a number of cases where moose were illegally killed in northern Ontario.

Conservation Officer Ken Ukrainetz says in each case, the moose carcasses were left to rot in the bush.

"People, even know they're supposed to be sure of what they shoot, will make a mistake," says Ukrainetz. "It's definitely taken into consideration if someone does come forward and does admit to shooting the wrong animal."

The MNR is investigating no fewer than twenty cases from this past hunting season, including two near Vermilion Bay and one near Ear Falls.

Mining Firm Appoints Atikokan Man

An Atikokan man has joined on to help a British Columbia mining firm with its work in northwestern Ontario.

Bud Dickson becomes the Senior Consultant for Sustainable Development with Gold Canyon Resources.

The company is doing work in the Red Lake area.

Native People Asked to Complete Census

The Union of Ontario Indians wants area First Nations to participate in the 2011 long form census.

Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says it's vital that aboriginal residents take part.

"It ensures that adequate funding for priorities like education, health care, economic development both on and off reserve are taken into account with accurate numbers," says Madahbee. "If our First Nations data and information is not included, very little funding comes to the communities."

Madahbee says they've struck a deal with Statistics Canada to hire aboriginals to collect the data from area reserves.

Temperature Records Shattered

More than fifty-year old weather records were shattered by Friday's cold weather.

Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says the thermometer at its weather station at the Fort Frances airport dipped to minus 42.7 C.

The previous record low on January 21 was minus 40 C back in 1954.

A reading in International Falls Friday morning of 46 below F also broke the previous record for the city set back in 1954 of 41 below F.

OPP Staffing Changes

(Insp. John Kendrick speaking recently at Fort Frances town council)


There's been some temporary staffing changes within the Ontario Provincial Police and their Fort Frances detachment.

Detachment commander, Inspector John Kendrick has moved on to take on a position at the Northwest Regional Headquarters in Thunder Bay as the Regional Director of Operational Support.

Staff Sgt Steve Shouldice will serve as the acting detachment commander until Kendricks' return in April.

Meantime, the detachment will also be getting a new K-9 unit.


Shouldice says a new officer from southern Ontario is currently receiving training and will move to Fort Frances, replacing Constable Dan Bailey who was recently transferred down south.

Fort Frances Talking Casino

Fort Frances town councillors are expected to raise the issue of casinos when they head to the Ontario Good Roads Association and Rural Ontario Municipal Association meetings in Toronto next month.

Their talk started at Monday's budget meeting with Mayor Roy Avis expressing concern with the province's plan to introduce on-line gaming in 2012.

"It's taking more money out of the north and putting another nail in our coffin," says Avis. "I think if they are going to do that, a better approach would be to give border communities a casino."

Councillor Ken Perry says a local casino may help stem the flow of Canadians travelling to Minnesota casinos.

Atikokan Budget Talks Next Month

Atikokan township council will begin discussion on its 2011 budget next month.

Chair of the finance committee, Marj Lambkin says February 9 has been set as a date for the start of those talks.

Meantime, rates impacting sewer and water services will be discussed Monday with approval expected early next month.

Chamber Award Nomination Deadline

The deadline for entries to the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce business awards is fast approaching.

Nominations for a variety of awards can be made before January 26.

Manager Anthony Mason says the awards aren't solely for Fort Frances businesses.

"Not at all, not even chamber members," says Mason. "It's for any business in the Rainy River district so any one can be nominated."

Nomination forms for the February 10 event can be found on the Chambers website or at its Fort Frances office on Scott Street

HST Impact Soften

Ontario's Liberal government says more people will see a net benefit from the harmonized sales tax in three years because of new tax credits and energy rebates.

Documents obtained from the Ministry of Finance suggest the HST would not cost Ontario households about $385-million more by 2013 as originally projected.

Revised figures state the single sales tax will result in $490-million in savings for consumers in the third year.

Special Olympics Open in Thunder Bay

Events at Ontario's 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games start today in Thunder Bay.

The official kickoff took place last night with a spectacular opening ceremony.

More than 300 athletes were welcomed with performances, tributes and a roaring applause from the crowd.

Two athletes from Fort Frances and three from Atikokan are taking part.

Hockeyville Rainy River?

(Town of Rainy River photo)

The town of Rainy River wants to become this year's Kraft Hockeyville.

It's entered the contest looking for Canadian communities with strong hockey spirit.

Recreation Director Meaghan Shanks says they're now asking people to submit stories to help it reach the next level.

"There's nothing to lose in putting your name forward," says Shanks, "so I went ahead and put a story in there with some pictures. We've started a Facebook page and we're hoping to have people go there and write some stories."

Submissions are being accepted until January 31st.

FedNor Money Announced

The Federal Government is adding just over $1.1. million to FedNor.

Industry Minister Tony Clement says the investment will help continue to grow business and create jobs in the northwest.

"Big banks in the big cities are sometimes good at loaning money in the big cities," says Clement, "but sometimes less successful at making loans available to small businesses in rural and northern Canada."

Clement says there will also be some small changes to FedNor coming that will see it focus more on economic growth.

Housing Program Sought

The cities of International Falls and Littlefork are combining efforts to seek funds that will help low to moderate income families get their homes repaired.

Scott Zahorik of Kootasca Community Action says the $445-thousand from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to help about 18 families.


"They're called differed loans," says Zahorik. "They're zero per cent interest loans, 10 year loans. They're forgiven 10 per cent per year as long as the occupant remains in the house and the house doesn't change hands."


The two cities teamed up in 2008 on a similar program, acquiring $334-thousand for repairs to 17 homes.

Medical Mistakes Not Dropping

A new report out today says Minnesota's hospitals showed no improvement in reducing the number of serious medical mistakes last year.

The Department of Health's annual report says there were 305 reported mistakes from October 2009 to October 2010.

It includes one at Rainy River Medical Centre in International Falls where a foreign object was left in a patient.

Falls Council Hires Lobbyist

The city of International Falls is hiring a lobby firm to work on its behalf in Washington.

It's a first for the city.

Mayor Shawn Mason says they're not disappointed with the representation they have in the Capital, but a lobbyist gives them an even stronger voice.

The city's will pay $24-thousand a year for the service.

City Beach House Plans Unveiled

A proposed design for a new beach house at International Falls' city beach has been unveiled.

Cost of construction is estimated at about $272-thousand.

The city's Street Commissioner Steve Johnson says they believe it will suit the needs of beach users.

"There were a couple of designs out there," says Johnson, "and the committee unanimously choice this design. It's a good looking building and fits well in the surroundings."

The city's now begun the process of finding government grants to fund the project.

Solar Project In Place

(Solar Wall photo)


The Rainy River District School Board has one of two solar projects up and running.

The panels are on the roof of J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances with a second project planned for later this year at Fort Frances High School.

Manager of Plant Operations Raymond Roy says power generated will be sold back to the provincial grid.

"Between the two projects, the revenue that will be generated is about $113-thousand annually," says Roy.

Roy says the projects also have an educational component allowing students to learn about the benefits of green energy.

Fugitive Nabbed at Baudette Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Baudette nabbed a woman who was wanted by authorities in Minnesota's Polk County.

Officials says the 44-year-old from Baudette was taken into custody at the border last week after learning she had an outstanding warrant pertaining to theft and marijuana possession charges.

The woman was turned over to Baudette's Police Department for pending extradition to Polk County.

New Gun Law Proposed

Some new hunting rules impacting the Kenora and Rainy River districts could be in place this fall.

John Dungavel of the Ministry of Natural Resources' policy branch, says the proposal would restrict where gun owners could have a loaded firearm.

"What this proposal would do if it was implemented would be to restrict the possession of loaded firearms within eight metres of the travelled portion of a roadway," says Dungavel.

Dungavel says concerns from some rural municipalities prompted the Ministry to consider the change.

It is already illegal to shot a firearm from the road or its right of way.

Crimestoppers Turns 25

Crimestoppers in Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Board chair Bill Harrington says they've seen a lot of growth to the program, especially since the addition of northern Minnesota to their coverage area six year ago.

"As you know that International Falls border is very busy," says Harrington. "Lots of people moving across and we know there are things there that we should be getting tips on and we're been very fortunate to do that."

Just over a million dollars in stolen property have been recovered and seven million in illegal drug seized since the program started in 1985.

Budget Discussions Begin

Fort Frances town councillors sat down last night to begin their discussions on the 2011 budget.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says while the operating budget is coming in "bare bones," the capital budget is still concerning.

"If we took a look at it as it stands right now, we would decrease our reserve funds by approximately 21.6 per cent," says Witherspoon, "and we would increase our long term debt by approximately 40 per cent. So you know we have a long ways to go."

The capital budget is currently at $8.5-million dollars with over $3-million targetted to come from reserves.

Water and Sewer Rates Discussed

Fort Frances town councillors held off making any decision on new water and sewer rates at their meeting last night.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says they first want to hear about a financial asset management report that comes to council Monday.

"By looking at this report and the trends it reveals, it's going to show council exactly where we might have to apply ourselves in terms of taxation this year," says Hallikas.

It was noted that a one per cent increase in rates would bring in about $51-thousand in revenue.

College Program to be Adopted Locally

A local committee is looking at how to implement Confederation College's RESPECT campaign across the Rainy River district.

Trudy McCormick, co-chair of Celebrating Diversity, says the campaign, recognizing the value of diversity, would be a good fit for the area.

"It's very accessible," says McCormick. "What we want to look at is not just one issue or a narrow area of issues. It's a very broad focus. It aligns with the focus of the Diversity Committee to celebrate diversity in all its facets."

McCormick says they've formed a separate committee to review how aspects of the RESPECT campaign can be adopted.

Ontario "Hoodwinked"

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says Tory Leader Tim Hudak is trying to "hoodwink'' Ontario residents on energy.

Hudak is blaming smart meters, the Green Energy Act and massive subsidies to the foreign company Samsung for causing electricity bills to skyrocket.

Duguid says the real reason is the cost to build a clean, modern reliable energy system for the province.

Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are asking snowmobilers to make smart choices this winter.

This is Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario.

OPP Sergeant Michael Price says there have already been five snowmobile fatalities this winter.

"Unfortunately our latest fatalities took place on a lake," says Price, "so we're stressing that the safest place to operate a snowmobile is actually on an OFSC trail."

A 55-year-old man died when his snowmachine went through the ice near Kenora last month.

Hydro Assets Still on Chopping Block

AbitibiBowater's is still looking to sell off its hydro assets in Ontario.

That includes its hydro dam in Fort Frances.

Executive vice-president William Harvey says any sale, though, will be done without impacting mill operations.

"Anything we move there, of course, we are not going to do anything to impact the cost structure of the mills associated in Ontario," says Harvey. "That's one of our first priorities."

Harvey says any proceeds for the sale will go towards reducing the company's debt.

More Cost Cutting to Come

AbitibiBowater is planning further cost cutting at some of its Canadian mills.

CEO Richard Garneau says with the Canadian dollar hovering around par with the U.S. greenback, the company needs to have a similar cost structure on both sides of the border.

Garneau declined to identify the targeted mills or indicate how much more costly they are to operate than their U.S. counterparts.

Hope for Atikokan Forest Products

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown isn't giving up hope on Atikokan Forest Products.

The mill, located at Sapawe which closed in 2008, is now in receivership.

Brown believes it's a mill that can easily reopen.

"It's a very modern mill," says Brown. "Mr. Buchanan and his group spent a lot of money over the years and I'm sure it's going to be an asset for another organization, another company to purchase and continue operating."

Brown says the town's willing to work with the receiver to help find a buyer and get former employees back to work.

Budget Discussion Begins

Fort Frances town councillors sit down today to begin discussing the 2011 budget.

The preliminary operating budget is at about $21-million while the capital budget is sitting at almost $8.5 million.

The figures, though, don't include costs for such things as town's levy to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, a policing cost increase or a fire department arbitration award.

New NOMA President Selected

O'Connor township Mayor Ron Nelson has been elected the new president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

Nelson's selection was needed because of the October election loss by former president Anne Krassilowski of Dryden.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown, who held the position on an interim bases, maintains his seat on the board as a past-president.

Get Your Flu Shot

Northwestern Health Unit's medical officer of health says the new strain of flu concerning health officials this year isn't causing much concern to this area yet.

H3N2 has strained medical services elsewhere.

Doctor James Arthurs says because of its inactivity here people shouldn't avoid getting the flu shot.

"I think this is our opportunity to encourage people to go out, if they haven't already gotten their flu shot vaccination," says Dr. Arthurs, "we would certainly encourage them to do that."

Arthurs says this year's flu shot includes a vaccine to combat the new strain.

Driven to Quit

The Northwestern Health Unit and Canadian Cancer Society have once again teamed up to offer the Annual Driven to Quit Challenge.

Society Spokesperson Naomi McNeill says a number of prizes are for grabs for smokers who butt out for the month of March.

"Such Honda Hybrids, a five-thousand dollar vacation get-a-way and buddy prizes as well," says McNeill.

Visit any Health Unit office or go on-line at http://www.driventoquit.ca/ to register.

Atikokan Forest Products in Receivership

An Atikokan area mill is among four Buchanan-owned mills that have entered bankruptcy proceedings.

Atikokan Forest Products is now in receivership.

Company spokesperson Yves Fricot says it's too soon to say if it will be a positive move.

"The mills closed about three years ago," says Fricot," and it's everybody's hope, ours, the unions and our employees, that we might be able to hang through this downturn and ultimately reopen the mills and put people back to work."

Atikokan Forest Products closed in 2008.

The Steelworkers Union will be looking to obtain severance for former workers.

Forest Tenure Changes This Spring

The provincial government is looking to make its planned overhaul of Ontario's forest tenure and pricing system official this spring.

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says the province plans to introduce legislation to establish two new governance models for managing and harvesting Ontario's forests.

"We want to be able to open up the system so that new entrants, aboriginal communities, municipalities, those with good business ideas that previously had a difficulty accessing wood can now now have greater access," says Gravelle.

The legislation includes establishing local forest management agencies to manage Crown forests and oversee timber sales.

Rainy River Resources Spotlighted

Analysts are looking for big things from Rainy River Resources this year as the junior exploration company recently closed a $75-million financing and released its latest drilling results.

The company, which is developing a gold project north of Barwick, says the infill drilling results also opened up new areas for potential expansion.

RBC analyst Stephen Walker says ongoing results will be the prime catalyst driving share prices until the company releases its resource update this spring.

NOMA to Elect President

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association plans to appoint an interim president today.

NOMA is meeting in Thunder Bay this afternoon.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is the current acting president and has said he would like to keep the job if no one else wants it.

McGuinty Frustrated with HST Opposition

Premier Dalton McGuinty is expressing frustration with critics who are still demanding the provincial portion of the HST be removed from electricity bills.

Niagara Falls Liberal Kim Craitor is among them.

McGuinty says he doesn't understand why critics are complaining when the government is giving rebates that amount to two points better than removing the HST.

Rail Workers Vote Strike Action

(CN Rail photo)


More than six-thousand workers at CN Rail and CP Rail have voted heavily in favour of strike action.

The employees, including mechanical workers, say the major issue is a demand by Canada's two biggest railways for concessions.

Their strike deadline at CN is January 25.

For CP, it's February 8.

Pennies for Play

International Falls and Hibbing are going head-to-head in a fundraising effort for new playground.

Pennies for Play was kicked off yesterday and organizer Robin Bjornquist says the Falls is hoping to raise $17-thousand.

"Kerry Park has been missing a tunnel for a few years due to damage," says Bjornquist. "That's also a twenty year old play structure so we definitely use some funds funnelled into our playground."

Bjornquist says the contest is also tied to the NFL initiative Play 60, which encourages kids to be active, and they're hoping it entices a visit from members of the Minnesota Vikings.

Rail Bridge Operation Changes Proposed

The U.S. Coast Guard is looking to impose new rules governing the operation of CN Rail's bridge connecting Fort Frances with Rainer, Minnesota.

Bridge program manager Scott Striffler says they're proposing the bridge be manned 24 hours a day during the summer month.

"In our proposed regulation would have someone at the bridge between May 1 to October 15 each year," says Striffler. "The remainder of the year, people would still be able to get a bridge open with 12-hour notification."

Striffler says public concerns prompted the Coast Guard to put forward the proposed regulation.

The public can comment on the proposal until January 26.

Depot Gets Too Much Use

The new recycling collection depot in Fort Frances appears to be working too good.

Bins, allowing residents to drop off materials at any time of the year, filled to capacity over the weekend.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says that led to some additional cost for the town to empty them.

"On Saturday I had to have a guy come in at a four-hour call out to empty the depot," says Brown. "Then on Sunday I had to do the same thing. I don't know if its a Christmas rush because of all the stat holidays and the schedule changes."

Brown says he's not discouraging people from using the depot, but resident should make ever effort place their recycling at the curb on their regular pick-up days.

Lawsuit Dismissed

(Rainy River Futures Development Corporation photo)


The Rainy River Cattlemen's Association is starting 2011 without legal action hanging over its head.

The Association says a lawsuit launched by its former barn manager Russell Richards has been dismissed by the courts.

Richards launched the suit against the Association and several board members after being dismissed from his position in 2007.

In dismissing the case, the Association says the judge also ordered Richards to pay financial compensation for defamation of two board members.

Duguid Pans NDP Energy Proposal

Energy Minister Brad Duguid is calling out NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Horwath recently suggested the province scrap the H-S-T from hydro and home heating bills.

Duguid says that wouldn't help as much as his party's plans.

"Well she's missed the boat there," says Duguid. "The Clean Energy Benefit does more than that and provides greater savings to consumers than if we were remove the HST off the bills."

Duguid says the clean energy benefit provides 10 per cent off hydro bills while the HST is only 7.

Premier Pre-Campaign Speech

Premier Dalton McGuinty is trying out his election pitch for the October provincial vote.

The premier painted a rosy picture of Ontario's future under the Liberals in a speech to a business crowd yesterday in Kitchener.

He touted his government's education and green energy policies, and emphasized the lack of labour unrest since the Liberals took over from the Tories in 2003.