Fire in Minnesota Watched

Authorities in Minnesota are keeping an eye on a forest fire smoldering in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The fire, near Gaskin Lake, 20 kilometres northwest of Grand Marias, is about six acres in size.

The strategy is to let the fire burn to the south and west of the lake while limiting its spread on the north side.

It was reported by campers in the area, but it's not clear how it started.

Canada Post Workers Locked Out

(Canadaa Post workers on line in Thunder Bay last week - CJUK photo)

Rotating strikes at Canada Post have given way to a lockout of workers in urban areas.

The Crown corporation made the decision after almost two weeks of rotating walkouts.

Canada Post says the walkouts were becoming too expensive.

The post office and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are said to remain "far apart" on several key issues, with no progress being made at the bargaining table.

OPP Reviewing Community Services Initiatives

The new policing contract with the town of Fort Frances has forced the OPP to re-think its community services strategies.
Police, in the past, have been involved or helped start programs.

Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick says that will change with changing staff levels.

"What's that basically had us do is review our current programs that we have in place to make sure that we're getting basically the most bang for the buck for the community," says Kendrick, "and ensuring that our Community Services is hitting the mark."

Kendrick says the primary focus will be partnerships that have an element of policing or public safety.

Policy Institute Taking Shape

The Northern Policy Institute is taking shape.

The think tank is to help create economic development initiatives for the region.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's mandate has been identified.

"Based on what northerners have told us," says Gravelle, "is to develop and promote proactive evidence-based purpose-driven policy options that deepen the understanding about the unique challenges and opportunities in northern Ontario and support the sustainability development and long-term economic prosperity of northern Ontario."

Gravelle discussed the institute during a conference in Thunder Bay yesterday.

Internet Safety Being Discussed

Cyber-bullying and Internet safety will be the focus of a public meeting in Atikokan tonight.

The event at St. Patrick's School is the outcome of a recent school survey.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it's just as important parents know what they're children are doing on-line.

"Some of the parents are now familiar at all with social networking sites such like Facebook and YouTube," says McCoy. "What we're doing is we're encouraging them to get educated about them. Take a class or have their kids teach them. Sit down with them at the computer and get them to show them the websites they're visiting."

McCoy says similar sessions could be coming to other communities in the future.

Solar Projects Not Concerning

The Fort Frances Power Corporation is welcoming the increase in the number of solar projects to the area.

The latest is at Fort Frances High School.

The Corporation's CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says each project gets thoroughly tested.

"Before any of theses projects get off the ground we actually do what's called a connection impact assessment," says Ruppenstein. "where we do a computer simulation of the effect that an installation like this would have on our plant with respect to safety and electrical performance."

The high school project is the first to involve the Corporation directly.

New Website for Area Women

There's another way for Northwestern Ontario women to connect.

Executive Director of PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise Rosalind Lockyer says they've created a new website.

"We as women in the north want to have something special where women can go every day and interact with each other or help each other," says Lockyer. "Not only to build a business or advance their careers, but also to help their communities.

The website was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Missing Girl

Provincial Police are seeking the public assistance in locating a missing girl from Young Star House north of Emo.

16-year-old Belinda Paishk was last seen Monday morning when she caught a school bus to go to high in Fort Frances.

The 5'2" First Nation girl was last seen wearing a black shirt with a skull on it, jeans and a lip ring.

Visitor Restrictions Imposed

Visitor restrictions have been imposed at Rainycrest Long Term Care.

Officials says its because of an increase in the number of confirmed cases of gastroenteritis.

Only family members of residents of the home will be permitted with visits limited to the residents room.

All group programming and a BBQ for staff and volunteers planned for yesterday was also cancelled.

Think North Forum

A conference on northern Ontario's economy happened Tuesday in Thunder Bay.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the Think North Summit is the next stage in implementing the northern growth plan.

"This is a true planning session," says Gravelle. "One where we expect to have significant input from many experts, but also from northerners themselves, on where we go next."

Municipal and business leaders from the Rainy River district were also in attendance.

Mining Forum

Thunder Bay hosted a mining forum Tuesday.

Co-Chair Michael Fox says it brought together first nations, mining companies and the provincial government.

"Having these forums and making people more aware how to get involved and move forward on a community economic development agenda for the aboriginal communities as well as Thunder Bay, looking for new opportunities will help create that awareness," says Fox.

A spokesperson with the Province also provided an update on changes to mining act regulations.

Operation Corridor

Transport drivers will have to be extra attentive on the road as Operation Corridor is being rolled out today.

OPP Sergeant Shelley Garr says police will join a number of agencies in the 24-hour blitz.

"The Ontario Provincial Police, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Environment will be cracking down on aggressive commercial truck drivers and unsafe commercials vehicles that are travelling on our highways," says Garr.

Garr says they will also be watching for seatbelt infractions and distracted drivers.

Canadian Tug of War Team Named

A list of Canadians celebrities pulling for Fort Frances in the July 2 Pulling for Peace tug of war with International Falls has been released.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis will captain the team that includes former CFLers Jack Cameron and Bill Low and former NHLers Dave and Mike Allison.

They'll go up against an Amercan squad that includes six former members of the Minnesota Vikings.

Here's a list of the celebrities for both teams.

CANADA

• Roy “Ace” Avis, Fort Frances mayor

• Paul “Foot Pedal Down” Ryan, Fort Frances councillor

• John “Italian Stallion” Albanese, councillor

• Ken “Polka Dot” Perry, councillor

• Andrew “Flying Finn” Hallikas, councillor

• Rick “Weed Man” Wiedenhoeft, councillor

• Mark “Cheeze” McCaig, Chief Administrative Officer, town of Fort Frances

• Glenn “Leftie” Treftlin, city clerk, town of Fort Frances

• Doug “Mork” Brown, Public Works manager, town of Fort Frances

• “Fabulous” Faye Flatt, town planner, town of Fort Frances

• Frank “The Good” Sheppard, town fire chief, town of Fort Frances

• Dave “The Enforcer” Montgomery, Fort Frances High School football coach

• Jack “The Hammer” Cameron, Canadian Football League

• Bill “The Undertaker” Low, Canadian Football League

• Mike “Red Dog” Allison, National Hockey League

• Dave “Big Red” Allison, National Hockey League player, coach

• John “Relentless” Rafferty, MP, Thunder Bay-Rainy River

• Howard “Hitman” Hampton, MPP, Kenora-Rainy River

• Ian “Simmer” Simpson, Fort Frances High School vice principal

• Al “The Muscle” McManaman, Fort Frances High School principal


UNITED STATES

• Captain Matt “The Motivator” Blair, Vikings alumnus

• Shawn “The Muscle” Mason, Falls mayor

• “Pumped Up” Paul Eklund, Falls City Council

• Gail “Running Wild” Rognerud, city council

• Cynthia “Jumping Jaksa Flash,” city council

• Brian “The Brawn” Youso, Koochiching County sheriff

• “Giant” Jake Youso, Holy Cross College hockey player

• “Mighty” Matt Youso, United States Hockey League player

• “Flamin’” Frank Youso, Vikings alumnus

• “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema, Vikings alumnus

• Greg “Coffin Corner” Coleman, Vikings alumnus

• “Stunning” Stu Voigt, Vikings alumnus

• “Thundering” John Swain, Vikings alumnus

• “Dangerous” Dione Wessels, American Strongman Corp., president, female athlete

• Mary “Mad Dog” Casanova, Ranier author

• “Slim” Jim Oberstar, former 8th District congressman

• U.S. Sen. Amy “Armstrong” Klobuchar

• U.S. Sen. Al “Funnyman” Franken

• State Rep. Tom “The Annihilator” Anzelc

• State Sen. “Toughman” Tom Saxhaug

Missing Man Found

OPP have located the body of a missing American man on Lake of the Woods.

The body of 69-year-old Richard Hermann of Illinois was found by an OPP marine unit Sunday on the lake's shore near Morson.

Hermann and another man, 73-year-old James Wealther, went missing May 23 during a fishing outing on the lake.

Wealther's body was found the next day.

Search in Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Minnesota authorities are searching the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for a missing Wisconsin Man.

23-year-old Ty Sitter was reported missing early Friday after failing to return to his camp from a canoe outing at Swan Lake.

His canoe was found upright and unoccupied, with about 4 inches of water in it.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

A 24-year-old man will appear in court next month following an OPP investigation into a stolen vehicle in Atikokan.

Police found the vehicle early Sunday morning, not far from where it was taken.

The unidentified man was charged with being impaired and having cocaine in his possession.

Task Force Holds Meetins

A task force looking at the management of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins begins a series of public meetings Monday in Atikokan.

The International Joint Commission-sponsored group is seeking comment on its draft final report which contains recommendations on how best to manage the areas waters.

Monday's meeting is at the Atikokan Economic Development Commission's office on Main Street beginning at 7 p.m.

NDP to Select Election Candidates

Ontario's New Democrats plan to nominate 30 candidates over the next two weeks, nearly doubling their slate by the end of the month.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the candidates expect to be in place by the time the party releases its election platform June 24.

Howard Hampton in Kenora-Rainy River and Mary Kozorys in Thunder Bay-Atikokan have already been choosen in their ridings.

Big Fish - But Not a Record

Minnesota wildlife officials say a silver-phase northern pike caught last week by a Wisconsin angler may have been huge, but it won't breach the state record.

Mark Plumley of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin caught the 18 pound, 14 1/2 ounces fish at Snowbank Lake near Ely Wednesday.

The Department of Natural Resourcse used to keep records for silver pike, but no longer recognizes it among record fish because that color phase isn't a distinct species.

New Fires Reported

Six new forest fires were reported in northwestern Ontario Sunday - two in the Rainy River district.

One is still burning at Nym Lake, across from a Quetico Provincial Park access point.

It's about 0.3 hectares in size

The other fire was located near Obikoba Lake, about 20 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

The fire reached about 0.1 hectares before being extinguished by MNR crews.

Proposed Dump Sites Get Further Inspection

The Ministry of Natural Resources will be back before the public this fall with a preferred plan to replace a landfill site in Mine Centre.

Spokesperson Cheryl Gartley says four potential sites have been identified that will get a further look by consultants.

"They'll be looking at things like the topography, doing some hydrology studies, digging some soil test pits and things like that," says Gartley, "to help them make decisions and narrow down the choices."

Gartley says a transfer station that would take waste to the Fort Frances landfill is also being considered.

Ranger Camp Turns All-Male

An Ontario ranger camp at Quetico Provincial Park will have a new look to it this year.

The Mink Lake camp will be an all-male one for the first time in its 36-year history.

Program officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources Cathy Starr says demand was the main reason.

"Historically we've had a lot more male applicants than female applicants," says Starr. "So we took a look at the demographics and Mink Lake is changing."
Female camps will continue to operate out of parks in Ignace, Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout.

University LED study

Lakehead University's research reputation is getting another shot in the arm with the opening of a new lab which will develop LED lights.

A private company is partnering with LU on the project.

Atikokan Group Receives Funds

Community Living Atikokan was among the recipients of provincial funding announced Friday.

More than $431-thousand was doled out to northwestern Ontario groups through the province's Healthy Communities Fund.

Community Living will use its share to develop new physical activity initiatives that includes training facilitators in the Healthy Eating Adds Up program for people with disabilities.

Wild Childz Holds Car Show

Some of the best looking automobiles in the Borderland were on display at Fort Frances High School Friday.

The show was put on by the school's Wild Childz Car Club

Member Oryn Albanese says it's a relatively new club.

"What we're trying to do is get students to know about cars," says Albanese, "different types of engines in cars, what it takes to build an engine, how to manufacture them, making parts, fixing parts, all that sorts of things."

The students also designed and constructed the trophies handed out to the winners.

Pickets Up in Fort Frances

There's no strike in Fort Frances, but it didn't stop Canada Post's temporary workers from setting up an information picket in front of the post office yesterday.

Kim Kelly of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says they're upset for being abruptly laid-off during the dispute.

"There's lot of work for them to do," says Kelly. "There's mail piling up inside but they've been sent home.

Kelly says the layoffs came without reason Tuesday while most workers were in the middle of their shifts.

Outside Help Sought

The town of Fort Frances has turned to an outside firm to help deal with AbitibiBowater's appeal of its property assessment.

It's signed a service agreement with Toronto-area based Municipal Tax Equity Consultants and MTE Paralegal Corp.

A hearing on AbitibiBowater's request to have its assessment, dating back to 2009, lowered has not been set.

Gas Price Caps Promised

Ontario New Democrats are promising to regulate gas prices if elected this fall so that drivers know what they will be paying from week to week.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she would set a weekly price cap on gasoline - a move she says should make gas cheaper on an annualized basis.

While consumers may not see the difference on a daily basis, Horwath says her plan will mean drivers won't wake up to huge price spikes if something happens overnight to drive up oil prices.

Market Thursdays a Hit

The Fort Frances Business Improvement Association's Market Thursdays is attracting the interest of a few artisans.

Jocelyn Matheson, a maker of homemade jewelry, was among the first to take advantage of the new summertime Market.

"It's a really good opportunity for local artists to showcase," says Matheson. "It's been a lot of fun. There's a real good sense of community. People are stopping and they're interested in what we're doing. It's been really great."

Portrait artist Lindsay Joy Hamilton says it's a great venue for local artisans.

"It's right downtown. Lots of exposure. Lots of great crafts and painters," says Hamilton. "It would be really nice to see all of the talent Fort Frances outside sharing their gifts with us."

It's the first year for the Markets that will run every Thursday outside the Fort Frances Museum.

Native Ed Funding Concerns

The Rainy River District School Board is asking the province to reconsider how it funds native education programs.

The Ministry of Education now requires at least twelve students to a program, up from eight.

The board's Aboriginal Education Leader, Brent Tookenay, says despite a large number of native students here, the Ministry doesn't count many of them toward the funding.

"With seven First Nations communities within the Rainy River District School Board, many of the board's pupils are considered non-resident pupils for funding purposes," says Tookenay, "and not recognized for the numbers to reach this funding benchmark.

Tookenay says the policy seems more beneficial to southern Ontario boards where there's a high number of urban-native students.

Outage Revised

Hydro One has revised the length to time some communites in the Rainy River district will be impacted by Sunday's power interruption.

Residents of Couchiching and Red Gut, as well as those in Farrington, Halkirk and Watten townships will be without electricity from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Residents in Burris, Crozier, Dance, Devlin, LaVallee, Lake Depair and Miscampbell will see outages from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and for a half hour beginning at 5 p.m.

A seven hour outage for the town of Fort Frances is still planned.

Market Thursdays Kick Off

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association has kicked off its Market Thursday.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says they'll happen throughout the summer in front of the Fort Frances Museum.

"So we're going to have some artisans, crafters," says Cuthbertson. "We're hoping to have even potters, musicians. Anything that you would like to have out there in the big world to sell, we're inviting people to come down to set up a little space and show your wares."

Those interested can register by calling Richard Boileau at McTaggarts.

The BIA is waiving the fees to register during the month of June.

Snow in June?

While southern Ontario perspired through a day of temperatures in the low-to mid-30s Wednesday, Pickle Lake residents almost had to grab their snow shovels.

Mayor Roy Hoffman, who works at the airport's weather station, says the temperature was down to about 2 C and big flakes were falling for a short period of time.

Postal Strike to Expand?

The Canada Post strike is starting to impact service in northwestern Ontario.

A member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in Dryden says mail delivery in some parts of that community has been cancelled.

The Crown Corporation has also reportedly cancelled employees' drug plan and vacations.

The official also indicates that job action is escalating and a full-scale strike could come as early as Monday.

Union officials in Fort Frances could not be reached for comment.

Social Housing Report

A report by the Ontario non-profit Housing Association says the wait times for people seeking social housing in the Rainy River district isn't as long as many other parts of the province.

It find seniors are waiting up to 30 days while low-income people or families are on waits lists for one to six months.

While the number on wait-lists has increased elsewhere, the Association indicates the number decreasing in the Rainy River since last year.

Early Learning Planning

The Rainy River District School Board will begin the process of preparing for early-learning programs at all of its schools by 2015.

The Board's education director Heather Campbell says it allows them time to determine how the program will be accommodated.

"Well the next step is looking at capital needs, looking at professional development for the early-learning teachers, developing partnerships and continuing our work with the daycares in provided extended day programs as we move out west," says Campbell.

The province gave the go-ahead last week for the program in schools not mentioned in previous announcements.

FedNor Private Member's Bill

A federal NDP MP is making another attempt to make Fednor an independent economic agency.

Claude Gravelle is tabling a private members bill this afternoon and is looking for the support of Conservatives in northern Ontario.

"If Fednor was an independent agency, it would benefit Mr. (Greg) Rickford and Mr. (Tony) Clement's riding and the riding held by the new Conservative in Nipissing," says Gravelle. "I don't know why they are stalling this bill."

Gravelle says the economy development agency should be free from political interference and control.

School Board Recognized Volunteers

(Cheryl Morrison accepts Volunteer of the year award from Board Chair Mike Lewis)


The Rainy River District School Board has recognized some of its school helpers.

Cheryl Morrison from Rainy River and Sheri and Darcy Bailey of Atikokan were honoured as the Board's volunteers of the year.

Morrison was cited for the development of a First Responder program at Rainy River High School.

The Baileys have been involved in North Star Community School’s Breakfast Snack Program.

Ted Menson, a driver for Mine Centre School students, was named Bus Driver of the year.

Outage Update

Hydro One has included more communities to its planned power outage Sunday.

Couchiching First Nation, Red Gut First Nation and residents in the townships of Farrington, Halkirk and Watten will be without electricity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Several communities to the west of Fort Frances will also be without power from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fort Frances residents will be effected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as Hydro One makes upgrades to its transmission line.

Former Minnesota Man Faces Murder Charge

Koochiching County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man in Texas and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife back in Minnesota.

49-year-old Carl Chester Muggli, formerly of Ray, was taken into custody with the aid of local authorities in Stockdale.

He's to appear in Koochiching County court this week.

61-year-old Linda Muggli died last November.

Reports had indicated the well-known carver died when a totem pole she was working on rolled on her.

Safety Blitz Underway

The Ministry of Transportation has launched a three-day safety blitz for trucks and large vehicles.

Inspectors will assess their mechanical fitness and check whether loads are properly secured.

Unsafe vehicles will immediately be removed from the road.

Quest for Best Date Set

Quest for the Best will be back as part of this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The annual singing competition will be held the night of Wednesday July 19.

Performers can register by calling the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office.

Seniors Seek Town Support

A group trying to get an assisted-living facility for seniors constructed in Fort Frances is turning to town council for support.

Robert Schultz, chair of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, would like to see the project be a focus in the town's new strategic plan.

"We have an increasing seniors population in Fort Frances," says Schultz, "and we must ensure that seniors can remain in their community. There's only a so many spots in existing seniors complexes so assisted-living can play a role in this objective."

The group also wants to serve as a link between the town and its seniors and help promote the community to those considering a move here.

Riverside Honoured

Riverside Health Care Facilities has been recognized by Confederation College as its employer of the year.

Vice-president of Academic Judy Maundrell presented the award during Monday's Convocation ceremonies for graduating students at the College's Rainy River campus.

"Because they hire our graduates," says Maundrell. "In many different categories, they have always been a strong supporter of the programming and we're delighted to recognize them with this award."

It's the first time the College has presented its award to an organization in the Rainy River district.

Power Outage

There will be a significant power outage effectiving much of the Rainy River district.

Hydro One spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says it will occur this Sunday.

In Fort Frances, the residents will be without electricity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gauvin says outage is necessary to do upgrades to the utility's transmission line.

Ticket Sale Concerns

Residents in the Rainy River district are being warned about a company that trying to sell tickets to a hypnotist show coming to Fort Frances.

Pro-Production is claiming to be selling for Drug Education Alliance - Fort Frances.

But local authorities say it's actually for a Chatham-based organization and there's no such group here.

They add that despite company claims, there's no affiliation to the show by any organization in the Rainy River District or the OPP.

Road Closed

A section of Mowat Avenue in Fort Frances will be closed for much of this week starting Tuesday.

Union Gas will be installing a gas main in the 400 block.

Barricades are now up.

The road will remain closed until 4 p.m. Friday.

College President Honoured

The outgoing president of Confederation College has received a national award.

The Association of Canadian Community Colleges has awarded Pat Lang with a distinguished service award.

Lang was recognized for her work in doubling the number of apprenticeship opportunities for College students and creating new contract training opportunities in First Nation communities.

Relays Success in Northwestern Ontario

Relays for Life in Rainy River and Fort Frances are still a few weeks ago, but this past weekend, more than $250-thousand was raised in events elsewhere in northwestern Ontario for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Red Lake topped them all with $106-thousand.

Other relays were held in Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Ear Falls.

Another Sponsor for Bass Tournee

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship has secured another new sponsor for this year.

Badiuk Equipment continues a sponsorship started by the former Pinewood Sports.

The two companies amalgamated earlier this year.

Manitou Gold Adds More Property

Manitou Gold has added more property to its exploration activities in the Rainy River district.

The company is acquiring another 200 claims in the Upper and Lower Manitou Lakes area.

The company has been exploring the area for some time.

Soldi Resumes Work

Soldi Ventures has resumed its exploration program in the Rainy River district.

The company is exploring in an area around Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls and around the Rainy River Resources gold project, north of Barwick.

The B.C. based company says it will conduct prospecting, mapping and sampling of the areas over the next two months.

Search Continues

OPP say they still have not found any sign of an Ilinois man who's been missing on Lake of the Woods for the past two weeks.

Police began their search for 69-year-old Richard Herman after he and another man failed to return from fishing in the Morson area of the lake May 23.

The body of 73-year-old James Wealther, also of Illinois, was found the next day.

An OPP Dive team was brought in, but was unable to locate Herman.

Only a Marine Unit is still involved in the search.

Library Sale Discussed

Fort Frances council will discuss today the potential sale of the former Fort Frances Library building.

Councillors are doing so behind closed doors in advance of tonight's regular council meeting.

The Fort Frances Community Clinic and Evangelical Fellowship Church each submitted bids for the vacant building.

The Salvation Army had also expressed interest but did not submit a formal bid.

Strategic Plan Input Sought

Residents in Fort Frances will get an opportunity tonight to provide input into a new strategic plan for the community.

CAO Mark McCaig says the plan will serve as a blueprint for council over the next four years.

"This is an opportunity to get involved in the planning process," says McCaig, "and give some direction to Mayor and Council about initiatives or areas that the town should start moving in on a long-term basis."

McCaig says residents who don't attend tonight's meeting can still submit suggestions before the end of this week.

Local College Grads Get Diplomas

Graduating students from Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances will be honoured tonight.

Commencement ceremonies will be held for 49 students at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 5 p.m.

For the first time, the College will hand out its employer of the year award to a local business for its contributions to the school.

New School Opens

An official opening of the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances was celebrated in Friday.

Principal Dianne Thompson says the school incorporates the latest in technology to assist in student learning.

"Things from Smartboards incorporated into every single classroom," says Thompson. "Computer labs on both floors, really incorporating where we are in this point in time and looking towards the future for the education of our students."

More than four hundred students have attended classes in the new school since September.

Forest Fire Watched

The Ministry of Natural Resources is monitoring a forest fire in Quetico Provincial Park.

The lighting caused fire in the southwest portion of the park was reported Saturday.

Since it's causing no concern, the MNR says the fire will be allowed to burn as it will benefit the area.