Track Santa

Volunteers are pulling on their Santa hats, phone lines are set, and tracking screens are ready.

NORAD Tracks Santa is primed for its 57th annual goodwill mission.

NORAD Santa trackers will start taking calls this morning, telling children -- and some adults -- when Santa is due at their house.

The number is 877-HI-NORAD or 877-446-6723.

Updates will be posted online at noradsanta.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Town Officials Meet With Resolute

Officials with the town of Fort Frances have managed to talk with the president and CEO of Resolute Forest Products about the future of the mill in Fort Frances.

That meeting came Wednesday while Richard Garneau and senior members of the company's management team were in Thunder Bay.

Mayor Roy Avis calls the meeting very good, noting the company is researching potential products, but will take time to complete.

Avis says they'll continue to dialogue with Resolute and assist however it can.

Police Asked To Schools In International Falls

Students and staff at public schools in International Falls will have Police on hand for the last day of school heading into the Christmas Break.

Superintendent of Independent School District 361 Nordy Nelson says they asked police to attend the final couple of days in light of last week's school shooting in Connecticut.

Nelson says their schools are safe and the police helps ease fears and stem rumours.

Since yesterday, Police have been on site before and after school and during the lunch period. 

Nelson says schools have always had doors locked other than the front door, but the board will look at how to improve safety for students further in the new year.

Board Action To Keep Schools Safe

The Rainy River District School Board has a number of safety initiatives in place for its schools.

Education Director Heather Campbell says most of its schools are fitted with video cameras, some installed this past summer.

Campbell says staff across the district have also been involved in Threat/Risk Assessment training.

The board also works closely with OPP in developing plans.

More Education Protests Threatened

School support workers are joining teachers in threatening to stage a one-day protest if the governing Liberals force a collective agreement on them in the new year.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents custodians, educational assistants and others.

December 31st is the deadline for education workers to negotiate new collective agreements with school boards.

First Nations Protests

First Nations are Idle No More.

Couchiching First Nation will be the latest site of aboriginal protests over federal Bill C-45 and support of hunger striker Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat.

Treaty 3 Grand Chief Warren White says everyone needs to fight the passing of the bill.

Today's protest begins at noon at the Multi-use facility in Couchiching before marching toward Fort Frances downtown.

Rainycrest Still Restricting Visitors

Visitor restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care will now have an impact on Christmas at the home.

Those restrictions went into effect last week because of an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

As a result, a dinner planned for Christmas Day for residents has been cancelled.

Only family members are being allowed to visit, permitting they don't any flu or cold-like symptoms.

McDonald's Reopens Tomorrow

The public will get its first look at a remodelled McDonald's Restaurant in Fort Frances this weekend.

The Restaurant is scheduled reopen its doors tomorrow.

A grand opening is planned for January 5 with a special appearance expected from Ronald McDonald.

Small Businesses Receive

Some provincial funding for a couple of small businesses in the Rainy River district.

Rainy River Cereal, based out of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, has received over $47-thousand from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to continue marketing and developing its product.

Finland Corners has received over $44-thousand for an expansion of its business along Highway 71 in Chapple Township.

International Falls Planning For Bass Tournament

International Falls is preparing for its annual bass fishing tournament.

The 9th annual event is scheduled for late August.

Committee member Marty Cody says their big accomplishment this past summer was finding a way, with the help of the Fire department, to clean live wells, meeting State laws regarding the control of invasive species.

Cody says the planning committee will start meeting in early January.

Changes To FFCBC In Works

Organizers with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship are making some changes to next summer's fishing tournament.

The entry fee has been dropped from $1,000 to $800.

Organizers are also considering a move back to the waterfront.

The event was relocated to the Memorial Sports Centre two years ago because of financial and manpower considerations.

Power Corp. Opposes Amalgamation Suggestions

A new report suggesting sweeping changes to Ontario's electrical distribution system isn't being greeted warmly by the Fort Frances Power Corporation.

The report, issued last week, suggests voluntary amalgamation of municipal utilities, saving the province more than a billion dollars over ten years.

Chair of the Power Corp. Doug McCaig doesn't see bigger being better for our area.

McCaig doesn't believe the report recognizes the regional differences faced by northern Ontario electricity distributors.

Education Minister Issues Warning To Teachers

Education Minister Laurel Broten is advising the union representing public elementary school teachers to focus on local bargaining, not on more job action.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is planning to announce its next steps in its ongoing labour dispute with government tomorrow.

Teachers around the province have been participating in one-day rotating strikes for the past two weeks.

Broten warns any strike action after December 31 will be illegal.

Skywest Now Serving International Falls

Skywest Airlines has started flying out the International Falls Airport.

The Utah-based air carrier officially took over the route from Delta last weekend.

Spokesperson Wes Horrocks says for flying public, there's really little change.

Skywest if providing two daily round trip flights with a 50 seat Bombardier CRJ200, connecting with other Delta flights out of Minneapolis.

Energy Efficiency Designation For Falls Building

The city of International Falls has been received an significant energy efficiency certification for its development of Voyageur National Park's headquarters.

The city received Silver status from the U.S. Green Building Council under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

It's the first building constructed in International Falls to receive LEED certification.

Advice Available To Resolute Workers

Some help today for workers impacted by the idling of the kraft mill and paper machine at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.

The Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union has set up information sessions at the Legion in Fort Frances to provide workers with advice on employment, training and education opportunities.

Representatives from Service Canada, NCDS and the provincial Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities will be on hand first at 1:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.

Walmart Helping Salvation Army Today

Your donation to the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle at Walmart could be a little extra special today.

Walmart Canada is once again planning to match donations collected today up to a maximum $100-thousand.

World Vision Gift Catalogue Still Open

A Chicken might not be a gift item on your Christmas list, but it's something you can buy to help someone living in an underdeveloped country.

Genevieve Barber of World Vision Canada says it's not too late to consider making a purchase from its Gift Catalogue on behalf of someone on your list.

Items ranges from farm animals, clothing, school supplies to medicine.

Barber says the donation, which is tax deductible, includes a card explaining how its helping.

Last year, nearly $8-thousand in gift items were purchased by Fort Frances area residents.

Here's a link to that catalogue - https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Home.aspx?mc=4237251&lang=en

Teachers To Outline Future Job Action Tomorrow

The union representing Ontario elementary school teachers is expected to discuss its next steps in its ongoing labour action later this week.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is planning a news conference for Friday.

The event caps off two weeks of rotating one-day walkouts by the teachers, who say they are protesting legislation that allows the government to ban strikes and impose contract agreements on teachers.

Three People Hurt in Crash

Three people are recovering from injuries following an accident on Highway 11, west of Fort Frances Tuesday.

OPP say a pick-up truck lost control and slid into the path of another oncoming pickup about 15 kilometres west of town.

The 54-year-old male driver and a 51-year old female passenger from one truck and the 29-year-old driver of the other were transported to LaVerendrye Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

S.I.U. Clears OPP Officier

An OPP officer in Red Lake has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of man in that northwestern Ontario community early last month.

The province's Special Investigation Unit concluded its investigation by saying the 35-year-old took his own life, but there was no police contact or involvement at the time of his death.

New Air Ambulance CEO

Ontario's embattled air ambulance service has scooped up the province's chief coroner to be its new president and CEO.

Dr. Andrew McCallum will start his new position January 21.

McCallum has been Ontario's chief coroner since 2008.

Health Unit Looking Into Suspected Food Poisoning

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is looking into a case of suspected food poisoning.

A number of people have reported being sick after taking part in a number of catered events in the City this past week.

If you are ill and believe it may be connected to something you ate at a catered event, your asked to contact the health unit.

Protest Today

Motorists travelling along Highway 71 may encounter a brief delay this morning.

Members of Onigaming First Nation near Nestor Falls intend to protest measures contained in the federal government's omnibus bill they say effect the environment and First Nation Treaties.

Chief Norman Copenance says the protest will be peaceful.

Protesters will begin with a ceremony at the community's school before marching along the Highway around 10 a.m.

Opposition Differs on Teachers Dispute

Opposition parties continue to differ in their response to the ongoing strikes by public elementary teachers in Ontario.

NDP are stand in support of teachers in calls to repeal legislation imposing a contact on them.

PC education critic Lisa MacLeod says government should use Bill 115 to end the rotating strikes.

The Liberal have the power to end the strikes, but are allowing them to continue if 72-hour notice is provided.

RIDE Numbers Released

Maybe a sign area motorists are getting the message about drinking and driving.

OPP say just one driver so far has been charged with impaired driving in the Rainy River district during this year's Festive RIDE program that began at the end of November.

Two other motorists, checked by police, had their licenses briefly suspended after being found with a blood alcohol limit of between 0.05 and 0.08.

More High School Games Cancelled

More high school hockey games at Fort Frances High School have been cancelled because of the labour dispute with teachers.

School officials says all games up to January 14 have been cancelled for both the boys and girls teams.

All other sports at Fort High are currently cancelled into the new year as high school teachers continue their withdrawal from extra-curricular activities in protest over Bill 115.

New Food Program In Place

A new program to provide healthy meals to residents of International Falls and area in need is exceeding expectations.

A new Community Cafe has started out of Backus Auditorium in conjunction with the Falls Hunger Coalition.

Ward Merrill of Backus says they're serving meals once a week.

Nearly 140 people have visited since the Cafe opened two weeks ago.

The program is volunteer driven with donations helping to fund it.

New Commissioners Sworn-In

They don't officially take office until January 1st, but Koochiching County has sworn-in the two people elected to office in November's elections.

Brian McBride, who was unopposed in a re-election to District 3 and Wayne Skoe, elected to represent District 5, took the oath of office yesterday.

Skoe  replaces long-time Commissioner Mike Hanson who decided not to seek re-election.

Minnesota May Look At Its Gun Laws

Minnesota's Democrats say now is the time to take a closer look at the state's gun laws.

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut has been a catalyst for those discussions in the U.S.

Michael Paymar, who will lead the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, says every state has every has a responsibility to evaluate their gun laws.

Meantime, Republican Rep. Tony Cornish plans to introduce a bill that would allow teachers to arm themselves in the classroom.

Former MP Joining CNIB Board

A former MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River will be lending his expertise to a group that helps Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

Ken Boshcoff has been appointed to the CNIB's Ontario-Nunavut Board of Directors.

Boschoff, currently a Thunder Bay city council, has commemorated the appointment by using Braille on his business cards.

Managers Put Wage Hike On Hold

Senior management with the town of Fort Frances is forgoing a wage increase next year.

They were to get a 2 per hike in a previously approval deal.

CAO Mark McCaig says given financial challenges facing the town in Resolute Forest Products recent announcement to idle part of its mill in Fort Frances and the company's pending appeal of its assessment, managers suggested they not take the increase.

The move is expected to save the town $43-thousand.

Teachers Stage Protest

Public elementary teachers in the Rainy River District feel they got their message across.

They took part in a one-day strike in opposition of Bill 115 yesterday.

Local Union president Trevor Bowles says the bill's hampering both teachers and the school board in trying to reach a local deal.

Teachers rallied outside the board office in Fort Frances and at MPP Bill's Mauro's constituency office in Atikokan.

Liberal MPP Seeks End To Teachers Dispute

A Liberal MPP is asking Ontario's education minister to stand down provisions of the government's controversial Bill 115 and get back to negotiations with the union representing public elementary teachers.

Peterborough's Jeff Leal says all parties should work through the holiday period to reach a deal.

First Nation Planning Peaceful Protest

A northwestern Ontario First Nation is preparing to stage a protest of its own tomorrow.

Members of Onigaming First Nation near Nestor Falls plan to stage a peaceful protest against the federal government's omnibus budget bill.

Chief Norman Copenance says changes within the Bill C-45 impact all Canadians.

The protest includes a walk along Highway 71 that will delay traffic briefly.

Ontario Schools Safe

In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, Education Minister Laurel Broten says Ontario schools are some of the safest in the world.

But Broten says the recent horrific event in Newtown is a reminder of how important it is to do everything that can be done to keep schools safe.

Governor Open To Changes In Gun Laws

Governor Mark Dayton says he's willing to listen to legislative proposals to alter Minnesota's gun laws.

The Democratic governor says he has no immediate changes that he plans to present to the 2013 Legislature.

Debate over U.S. gun laws has ramped up after a school shooting in Connecticut last week killed 26 people, mostly children.

Charges Now Laid In Kenora Death

Two men have been charged following a suspicious death in Kenora.

The body of 21-year-old Langford Ogemah was found Saturday in a home that sustained minimal damage in a fire.

20-year-old Peter Fisher and 22-year-old Ringo Carpenter have been charged with second-degree murder and arson.

Ski Club Trails Open

The recent fall of snow a welcome sight for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Rainy River Nordic Ski Club had been waiting for more snow to open its trails.

President Jim Krag invites people to check them out.

The club has eleven kilometres of Nordic ski trails and four kilometers of snowshoe trails.

Krag says they also have equipment available for the public to use at its facility located eleven kilometres east for Fort Frances down the George Armstrong Road.

Krag says they're also planning for a Family Day during the Christmas Holiday period.

Citizen Of The Year Recognized

Fort Frances council is recognizing its citizen of the year.

Ken Christianson was presented the honour during a ceremony at council last night.

Christianson has been a volunteer hockey coach for the past 49 years.

OPP Called To Red Lake School

OPP in Red Lake had to deal with a school incident of their own on the same day of the shooting incident in Newtown, Connecticut.

Police were called to the Red Lake-Madsen elementary school after staff spotted an unauthorized person inside the building Friday morning.

The man told police he only stopped to use the washroom.

Question of the Week

How safe do you consider our schools?

Do you think governments and schools administrators are doing enough to make schools as safe as possible?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Meantime, 57 per cent of respondents to last week's question support beer and wine being sold in corner stores as proposed by the Progressive Conservatives.

College Receives Funding

Rainy River Community College is receiving funding to bolster its native language programs.

The $46-thousand dollars comes from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grant program.

The College says the money will be used by its Ojibwe Immersion Program on a variety of initiatives that meet the needs of youth, students and parents, and preserve the Objibe language.

Late Wolve Hunt Season Ends in NE Minnesota.

Hunting and trapping of wolves in northeastern Minnesota has come to an early end.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources closed the late hunt season on the weekend after the zone's harvest target of 56 wolves was neared last Friday.

The northwest zone remains open through January 31st or until its quota is reached.

Concert CDs Still Available

Tom Foley (r) makes one of first donations to Salvatino Army 

Organizers of the Christmas Melodies CD and DVD of local performers are a little closer to their objective.

More than $3-thousand have now been raised for the Salvation Army in Fort Frances.

The goal is to reach the $5-thousand mark by Christmas.

The two-disk package is still available at Canada Safeway, TD Bank, Sight and Sound, Clover Valley Market Store and Lowey's Christmas Store in Fort Frances, and at Tompkin's Hardware in Emo.

Rotating Strikes Hit Rainy River District Today

There will be no school for public elementary students in the Rainy River district today.

Their teachers will be involved in a one-day strike in protest over legislation threatening to impose a contract on them.

No pickets will be up at schools though.

Teachers with the Rainy River District School Board intend to gather at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances before picketing the board office.

Teachers in Atikokan will rally in front of MPP Bill Mauro's constituency office.

They're also going to be wearing black armbands in memory of the victims of the school shooting in Connecticut.

Public Elementary Schools Closed

The Rainy River District School Board is closing all of its elementary schools because of the strike action being taken by its teachers.

Board chair Mike Lewis says there's no way possible to keep kids safe without teachers on the job.

Busing for elementary students have been cancelled.

Buses that pick up catholic students are still operating as are those for high school students.

All secondary schools will be open.

The board's elementary schools are scheduled to re-open for classes tomorrow.

Several Motor Vehicle Accidents Reported On Weekend

A busy weekend for Ontario Provincial Police in the Rainy River district following a fresh fall of snow that included freezing rain.

OPP were called to more than ten motor vehicle accidents since last Thursday.

Most were due to weather and road conditions, but police say were preventable.

They're reminding motorists to drive according to the weather conditions.

Suspicious Death In Kenora

OPP are still looking into what they are calling a suspicious death in Kenora on the weekend.

The body of an unidentified man was found Saturday inside a home that sustained minimal damage in a fire.

Big Industry Continue To Enjoy Break On Electricity Rate

The provincial government is extending it's Northern Industrial Electricity Rate for another three years.

The program provides a lower costing electricity rate to mining and forest industry companies.

Roger Barber of Resolute Forest Products says things would be grim for his company if the Province didn't extend the program.

The program providing $360-million to keep the program in place for another three years.