It's very wet in the Atikokan area today.Environment Canada says that some areas received as much as 75 millimetres of rain overnight with another 20 to 30 millimetres expected today.
A heavy rainfall warning, issued yesterday, is still in effect.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wet in Atikokan Today
It's very wet in the Atikokan area today.Environment Canada says that some areas received as much as 75 millimetres of rain overnight with another 20 to 30 millimetres expected today.
A heavy rainfall warning, issued yesterday, is still in effect.
Some Incidents Of Crime Up In Rainy River District
Break-in and thefts continue to be a problem in the Rainy River district.OPP says they investigated 16 break-ins in May compared with 5 in April.
This included a break-in at Fort Frances High School in which charges were laid and a break-in at a Fort Frances home where a woman was sexually assaulted.
Charges were also laid in that case.
Thefts also rose to 24 last month from 16 in April.
Two of the thefts involved gas being taken from a Fort Frances gas station on separate occasions without being paid for.
Ombudsman Notes Too Many "Ghost" Licenses
When a driver is stopped by police and doesn't have a licence, the Ministry of Transportation creates a ghost licence to officially record the offence.
Andre Marin says the province isn't doing a good job of matching up its 36-thousand dummy licences with the real ones, allowing many people to continue to drive when they shouldn't be.
City Short Lists Candidates
City Mayor Shawn Mason and Koochiching Economic Development Authority director Paul Nevanen were among 11 people applying.
City Council agreed to create the position last month after ending funding to KEDA and to ease the workload of administrative staff doing the job.
A final selection is expected next week.
Mining Property Changes Hands
The Atikwa Lake gold property is one of three being acquired by Manitoba-based San Gold Corporation in a deal with Opawica Explorations.
The area was the site of open pit mining in 1970 before ceasing operations three years later.
Rainy River H.S. Students Graduate Today
The first of three high school graduations in the Rainy River district goes tonight.Forty students at Rainy River High School will receive their diplomas at ceremonies taking place at the High School Gym beginning at 7 p.m..
Events will be followed by Chem Free grad activities that will run from 11 p.m to 3 a.m. the next morning.
Dragon Boat Festival In Jeopardy
The first ever Dragon Boat festival in Fort Frances is in jeopardy of not taking place.Organizers of the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival say they're struggling to attract the interest of enough teams to offset their costs.
They're hoping more teams sign up before making a final decision on the July 1st event.
Organizers says if the event is cancelled, the boat obtained earlier this year could be shipped to another community.
Water Trail Proposed
The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River, linking the communities of Kenora, Dryden, Atikokan and Neebing..
Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing eco-tourism industry.
An information session will be held July 17 in Atikokan to seek out partners.
Helmet Laws For Adult Bikers Suggested
The provincial government says it will consult with the cycling community and municipal governments following a report from the chief coroner of Ontario on bicycle safety.Among other things, the report recommends making helmets mandatory for adult cyclists.
Transport Minister Bob Chiarelli says the government endorses the principles of the report, adding that consultations will take place over the summer as the government updates its cycling policies.
More Walking Encouraged
The city of International Falls wants more of its citizens to use their cars less.A committee is looking at improvements through funding a Statewide Health Improvement Program that encourages more people to walk or use their bicycles.
Nancy Lee with Koochiching Health Public says it's aimed at improving people's health.
Koochiching County is sharing in a grant with six other northeastern Minnesota Counties.
Island Fire Out
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| MNR file photo |
An island fire on Rainy Lake is now out.
The fire, which started by a lightning strike last week on an island in the north arm of the lake, was allowed to burn itself out.
It scorched only point-one of a hectare.
No other fires are burning in the the Rainy River district where recent rain has reduced the forest fire hazard to moderate.
Minnesota Boaters Failing To Comply With Invasive Species Rules
Stepped up patrols by the DNR has led to almost 19-hundred citations and warnings being issued in the first month of the State's boating season.
That compares with 850 last year and about 300 in 2010.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Relay For Life Sets Records
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| Courtesy Tammy Ouelett |
More than twenty-teams combined to raised over $81-thousand, topping last year's high of $70-thousand.
Nearly 870 luminaries also dotted the track at Fort Frances High School, another event high.
Chair Jenn Anderson credits the teams for their work, many holding fundraising events well advance of the Relay.
Three teams raised over five-thousand dollars with one reaching the eight-thousand dollar mark.
A portion of the money is being earmarked toward the Riverside Foundation for Health Care's campaign for new digital mammography unit.
Summer Election Threat Eases
It appears Ontarians will be spared a quick return to the polls.The threat of a snap election eased after Premier Dalton McGuinty and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath agreed to pass the budget to avoid the defeat of the minority Liberal government.
McGuinty had earlier stepped back from his threats to go to the polls over changes the opposition parties made to the budget Thursday.
But he wrote to Horwath yesterday, saying those sections would be brought back in the fall as a separate bill.
Campbell Defends Party Budget Stance
In her weekly report, Campbell says the amendments proposed at the committee level make changes to the government's privatization measures that eliminated public oversight of many key public services.
Campbell adds it's the Liberals playing politics by throwing blame back on the NDP.
Marijuana Grow Operation Dismantled In Atikokan
Two people have been arrested after OPP discovered a marijuana grow operation in Atikokan last week.Thursday's search of the Poplar Avenue home led police to seizing over one hundred plants, a variety of equipment, over 500 grams of marijuana shake and other drug paraphernalia.
Another 200 grams of marijuana was found at second home.
Two men will appear on trafficking and production charges in Atikokan court next month.
Two Teen Face Drug Charges
Two teenagers will be in Fort Frances court next week on drug charges.A complaint about two individuals selling marijuana to high school students earlier this month led OPP to charging an 18-year-old man and 16-year-old girl.
Military Offering Jobs
Anastasia Burtnick, a recruiter with HMCS Chippewa in Winnipeg, says an effort to build up the forces on the home front is help to create those positions.
Burtnick says they're also anticipating a number of retirements in the near future opening up even more jobs.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Premier Threatens Election
He's accusing the NDP of teaming up with the Tories to - in his words - gut the budget bill at the committee level.
Leader Andrea Horwath says she told the Premier her party would try for more changes at committee before Wednesday's final budget vote.
Busy Two Months For OPP
OPP are dealing a rash of break-in's across the Rainy River district.There have been over twenty incidents of break-ins, thefts and acts of mischief since May 1.
Constable Anne McCoy says some of the thefts could have been prevented.
Item stolen range from outboard motors, tools, outdoor furniture, and in one case a 200 pound cement deer from a home in Atikokan.
Here is list of occurrences.
Between May 1 – 14, 2012, culprits stole three solar lights and a garden gnome from a Cornwall Avenue residence in Fort Frances.
Between May 6 – 8, 2012, there was a theft of a wheelbarrow from a residence at the 1600 block of Colonization Road West. Officers located the wheelbarrow upon follow up of another break and enter investigation in an area nearby.
May 12, 2012, a 2007 Honda outboard motor was stolen from a property located on Crystal Lake Road.
Between May 14 – 15, 2012, culprit(s) cut bolts in order to steal a grey and red 20 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor from the back of a boat parked in the owners’ yard on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue in Fort Frances.
Between May 14 – 16, 2012, culprit(s) stole a 2003 Honda outboard 30 horsepower motor from the parking lot of a bait and tackle store in Atikokan.
On May 22, 2012, culprit(s) stole five silver and two black solar lights from a residence on the 900 block of Second Street East in Fort Frances.
Between May 25-28, 2012 a fuel tank was reported stolen from the Ministry of Transportation Patrol shed at Highway 11 at Nickle Lake.
On May 25, 2012 after 2:00 pm, a resident at the 1000 Williams Avenue, Fort Frances, found damage to a Dodge pickup truck. Culprit(s) deeply scratched around the logo of the pick up truck causing significant damage and subsequent cost to repair.
On May 27, 2012, culprit(s) stole a 200 lbs decorative cement deer from a residence in Atikokan.
On May 28, 2012, culprit(s) broke into a cabin located at Bad Vermillion Lake near Mine Centre and stole a 12 Volt converter.
On May 30, 2012, culprit(s) stole a grey 1996 Yamaha 30 horsepower outboard motor from a cabin on Seine River.
On June 3, 2012 culprits stole a Mercury outboard 25 horsepower motor and gas tank from a boat located on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue.
Between June 3 - 4, 2012 culprit(s) forced open a garage on Biddeson Avenue in Fort Frances. While inside the garage, they stole a 1995 Hoyt Compound Bow, a camouflage bow case, 12 brand new aluminium arrows with hi-vis dyed turkey feathers, a red 2009 Honda push lawn mover and a grey adult mountain bike.
Between June 5 – 12, 2012, culprit(s) broke into a garage located on the 1400 block of Colonization Road West. A 700 Watt Motormaster power pack was stolen but left a welder on the lawn.
On June 6, 2012, someone smashed a car windshield on the 300 block of Church Street in Fort Frances.
On June 7, 2012, deck furniture was stolen from a residence on the 1000 block of Williams Avenue in Fort Frances.
On June 7, 2012, culprit(s) stole a tackle box from a pickup truck parked on the Atikokan River.
On June 8, 2012, two males were found inside the building of a car wash located at Williams Avenue in Fort Frances. The two male suspects ran away upon being discovered inside the building. The first male is described as First Nation, 16-20 years old, 5’9”-5’10” tall, thin build, shaved head, wearing a dark coloured hoodie sweatshirt and blue jeans. Second male was described as a Caucasian male, 16-20 years, 5’9”-5’10” tall, thin build, messy blonde hair.
On June 10, 2012, a purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 700 block of Armit Avenue in Fort Frances.
On June 9, 2012, a resident reported a mirror had been broken on a vehicle during the overnight at a residence on the 100 block of Fourth Street West.
On June 9, 2012, culprit(s) threw a rock and broke a storm window on a residence on the 300 block of Second Street East.
On June 9, 2012 culprit(s) removed a window from a residence on the 500 block of Scott Street, Fort Frances and proceeded to smash a ground floor window. No entry was gained.
Anyone with information regarding any of the incidents are asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.
Mine Centre School Official Opening
Celebrations were held at Mine Centre School yesterday.
Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell says it's an outstanding facility.
The school is also classes for students from Nigigoonsiminikaaning and Seine River.
Relay for Life Tonight
Event chair Jenn Anderson says over twenty teams will walk the track at Fort Frances High School for 12 hours tonight in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The event is open to the public with festivities getting underway at about 6 p.m. tonight with cancer survivors taking the first lap at 7 p.m.
Air Service Still Intact In International Falls
Great Lake Aviation got approval for the route in March, but has decided not to proceed.
Falls Airport Chair Bob Anderson believes the carrier is seeking more time to get aircraft and staff and will re-bid.
Anderson says until a new carrier is selected, existing service provided by Delta will continue.
Question of the Week
That's this week's question on our website.
Last week, 76 per cent of respondents did not think new provincial anti-bully legislation will make schools safer.
Sports Centre Work this Summer
There will be some additional work taking place at the pool and fitness area of the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre this summer.The town was already preparing to replace the flooring in the men's change room, but when tenders came in well below budget, it decided to replace lockers as well.
Total cost of all upgrades will be just over $27-thousand.
Police Vacancy Filled
Koochiching County has filled another vacancy within its Police Department.Bruce Grotberg will serve as the County's Undersheriff.
He takes over the post from Brian Jesperson who became Sheriff this month.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
EQAO Results Show Decline
High school students in the Rainy River District have slipped a little in their writing of provincial literacy tests.Results from the March tests show 75 per cent met or exceeded provincial standards - a five per cent drop from last year.
Education Director Heather Campbell says the exact reasons why are still to be determined.
Campbell says one of the positives was the deferral rate, where eligible students had their tests postponed to another year, was only two per cent - the lowest since the tests were first administered five years ago.
Marathon Voting Underway In Ottawa
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says there's too many sections impacting areas other than the budget for it to be accepted as is.
Voting started at 1 a.m. this morning and is expected to last until at least midnight.
Keep Sump Pumps From Sanitary Sewer System
Fort Frances residents being asked again to keep their sump pumps from discharging into the town's sanitary sewer system.Councillor Paul Ryan says the town continues to treat more water at the sewer plant than being produced.
Ryan says a two-year study reviewing the problem is to be released in the near future.
More Singers Wanted
The annual singing competition takes place July 26th as part of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is offering a total of $3-thousand dollars in prizes, with $1,500 going to the winner.
Deadline to enter is June 22.
Ontario Asked To Keep Gun Registry Data
The call comes from relatives of a Toronto man killed in a double shooting four years ago.
But McGuinty says the long-gun registry was a federal responsibility and the province will have to find other ways to curb gun violence.
Operation Corridor
Commercial vehicles will be the target of a highway safety blitz for the next 24 hours.O-P-P say "Operation Corridor'' will target aggressive commercial vehicle drivers and their vehicles that are unsafe.
Luminaries Still For Sale
Christine Denby, a member of the organizing committee, says they're still selling the luminaries that will be placed around the track at Fort Frances High School.
The luminaries are available at Pharmasave, Fort Frances Clinic, Gillon's, Energy Fitness, Fort Frances Times, Fort Frances Public Library or on site tomorrow.
RBC Helping Kidsports
Kidsport in Fort Frances will be the benefactor of local golfers later this month.RBC holds its annual fundraising tournament June 23.
Local Branch Manager Heather Johnson says money raised helps offset the cost incurred by Kidsports for fees and equipment requests of needy children wanting to play organized sports.
Registration is made by calling or visiting the RBC Fort Frances branch on Scott Street.
Great Lakes Backs Out
Great Lakes Aviation was given U.S. approval to take over the service back in March.
It's now saying it can't proceed and has asked the Department of Transportation to seek new requests for proposal.
Delta has indicated plans to end its service, but can't withdraw until a new carrier takes over.
NOMA Likes Energy Incentive Program
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is applauding the province for its new program to provide electricity subsides to industries that expand or create jobs in Ontario.The region's municipal lobby group has long called for an Ontario-wide industrial electrical energy pricing system.
Vice-president Iain Angus while the new program isn't exactly how they'd like to see, it is an improvement and will bring opportunities to a number of mining, forestry and manufacturing projects in the region.
Impaired Drivers Nabbed
A couple of drivers have been taken off the road by police for being impaired.A 48-year-old man from Alberton township was charged by OPP last Friday night in Fort Frances after a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and was driving in an erratic manner.
The next night, police charged a 65-year-old man from Texas, who initially failed a roadside screening test, conducted by Canada Border Services officers at the Fort Frances border before failing one conducted by the OPP.
Premier Considers NDP Proposal
New Democrat Michael Prue has introduced a private members' bill to outlaw the practice called tip outs.
The government was initially cool to the idea, but McGuinty says no customers who leave a tip expect the owners to take a percentage.
He's asking the Labour Minister to take a close look at the NDP bill.
Energy Incentive Program For Industry
The Provincial Government is offering a new electricity program for the industrial sector.Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle hopes the incentives will help spur growth in northwestern Northwest.
To qualify for rebates, companies must expand or be in a position to create jobs.project.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Hunting Fines Imposed
A Fort Frances man has been fined 40-thousand dollars in connection with several incidents at a deer hunting business in the Kenora district.Grant Gustafson pleaded guilty to charges such as hunting swimming deer, hunting deer with a motor boat, unlawfully hunting wolves and illegal firearm use.
They stem from a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation conducted between 2007 and 2009.
Two of the business' employees and five clients were also fined and handed hunting suspensions.
Along with the fines, Gustafson has also been banned from hunting for the next ten years and from guiding for the next two.
New Animal Holding Facility Planned
The facility, estimated at about $276-thousand, would be run by the city.
Chair Brian McBride says because there's benefits to it dealing with their strays, he has no problem with the Country sharing in the cost.
A parcel of land west of Menards is being eyed as a potential location.
New Directors Elected
Two new faces to the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation board of directors.Jim Belluz and Deb Cornell were elected at the Corporation's annual meeting in Emo Tuesday night.
George Emes, who's term had expired, was also re-elected.
They join six other directors who'll meet at a later date to select an executive.
Forest Fires Hazard Low
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| MNR File photo |
Rain has put a damper on the forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario.
The hazard is now considered "low" across the region.
A new lightning-caused fire was reported on an island at the north end of Rainy Lake which the Ministry of Natural Resources is allowed to burn itself out.
It's one of fifteen active fires in the northwest.
Border Celebrations Planned
Town councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says an open house at the Museum will be held on August 1st.
Representatives from both sides of the border are expected.
Rainy Lake Hotel Report Filed
An advisory committee submitted its final recommendations to council Monday night.
Consultant Tannis Drysdale says most people want the historic hotel reopened in some form, but it's condition makes that doubtful.
The committee also recommends seeking out financial help in covering the estimated cost of 1-6 million dollars.
Confederation College Graduation
Twenty-seven students from the Rainy River district are the newest Confederation College graduates.
Commencement ceremonies to recognize their accomplishments took place in Fort Frances last night.
President Jim Madder among those on hand to congratulate them on their success.
Among the graduates, Kimberly Jacobson from the Paramedic program who earned three prestigious awards for her academic achievements.
No Charges Yet in Weekend Incident
No charges yet in an incident early Sunday morning in Fort Frances that resulted in injuries to one person.OPP were called to the 900 Block of Portage Avenue where several people had been involved in a physical altercation.
Police says the injuries suffered by the individual were not life-threatening.
Road Projects Start Next Month
The replacement of a section of water main along Kings Highway, between Daniel Avenue and Pit Road 1 will start in the middle of July.
An upgrade of the storm sewer system at the Portage Avenue underway pass will start in the first week of July.
Both projects have been tendered out to Makkinga Construction of Thunder Bay.
Fort Ready To Pull For Peace
Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says there will three events this year, including one involving celebrities for Fort Frances and International Falls.
A second will involved a select number of residents picked by the celebrities.
The third will be a community pull for the title.
The event will take place July 2, beginning at 5 p.m.
Man Charged With Dangerous Driving
A Fort Frances man is facing a charge of dangerous driving.It stems from an incident last month in which OPP received a complaint of a vehicle with flat tires still driving around on its rims.
The 36-year driver will now appear in court next month.
Contribution To Tourism Initiative Request
The town of Fort Frances is being asked to help fund the Path of the Voyageur initiative.It's an Atikokan-developed project, using the region's connection to the fur trade to promote travel and tourism through the area.
Atikokan is seeking $3-thousand towards the coordination and marketing.
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