Gay Marriage Bill Passes

Minnesota's House has given approval to a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the State.

The vote resulted in four Republicans breaking party ranks to pass the bill, while two Democrats voting against it.

The Senate will hold its vote Monday before it's handed to Governor Mark Dayton for his signature.

Fishing License Sales Slow

A cool spring has slowed the sale of fishing licenses heading into this weekend's fishing opener in Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources says sales are down by about a third.

The DNR expects license sales will pick up after all of the ice melts off northern Minnesota lakes.

Minnesota Mussel Dogs

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be sniffing out zebra mussels this weekend.

For the first time, it's using canine teams in the effort to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Conservation Officer Travis Muyres (Meyers) says three dogs have been trained to search out the mussels, much like dogs used in drug investigations.

Minnesota's mussel dogs will also be trained in tracking, firearms and wildlife detection.

Fire Kills Three

Three people, including two young children, are dead following a house fire in a remote First Nations community.

Officials in the Wunnumin Lake First Nation say the two children, aged one and six and a 21-year old woman were killed in yesterday's blaze.

The cause of the fire is not immediately known.

Crisis teams have been sent to the community, 360 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout, where officials say residents are devastated by the tragedy.

Red Lake Contamination

Residents of Red Lake are being advised about possible heavy metal contamination in area soil and well water.

The Northwestern Health Unit says since the 1920's, waste products from gold mines deposited throughout the Red Lake area may contain elevated levels of arsenic, antimony or cadmium.

Parents are being advised to not let children play in areas where so-called mine tailings may have been deposited.

Residents with wells are being urged to have their water tested.

Manitou Continues Exploration

Manitou Gold continues its exploration north of Fort Frances.

It's released the latest results of drilling in its Elora property.

President Todd Keast says the exploration continues to demonstrate indications of a potentially large gold bearing deposit.

More drilling is expected once ice from lakes is gone.

Accountability Office "Interesting"

Premier Kathleen Wynne says the NDP's call for a financial accountability office for the province is an "interesting idea.''

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath made the pitch Wednesday - the latest in a list of changes the New Democrats want made to the minority Liberals' budget.

Wynne says the budget is not a starting point for negotiations and she's not afraid of facing an election.

New Treatment Program In District

Some help closer to home for those suffering from addictions or mental health issues.

Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services is out with a new treatment program that includes pre-treatment, out-patient and after care programs.

Director of Behavioral Health Services Lori Flinders says it avoids having to go out of town.

The Health Services will begin the program next week.

Children's Mental Health Week Recognized

Firefly is celebrating Children Mental Health Week.

Board chair Jackie Mitchell says the one big initiative this week is to raise awareness about mental health.

Mitchell says one in five children have a mental health issue.

Officers Support PSAC

Officers with Treaty 3 Police Service have reaffirmed their desire to stay with Public Service Alliance of Canada.

The vote was held last week as management challenges the union's ability to represent them at the Canada Industrial Relations Board. 

PSAC regional vice-president Sharon DeSousa the fight will continue regarding what jurisdiction the service will fall under.

Boil Water Advisory Lifted

A boil water advisory effecting some residents of Emo has been lifted.

About 39 homes and the Emo Health Centre were placed under the advisory last week after a water main break in from of the Emo hospital.

The break has since been repaired and the Northwestern Health Unit gave approval to lift the advisory after testing of water samples came back ok.

More ELA Debate

Debate over the future of the Experimental Lakes Area continue.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell questions why scientists aren't being allowed back into the Kenora area research site despite government claims it was working to take over the site.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Laurel Broten says they're still working on that deal.

Broten says she understands the urgency surrounding the area and the province is work as fast it can to have it reopened.

Cabinet Shuffle

There's been a reshuffling of Premier Kathleen Wynne's cabinet.

Government Services Minister Harinder Takhar has resigned due to medical issues.

A source says he had chest pains before his mother's funeral last Saturday and went to hospital.

Government House Leader John Milloy takes on Takhar's portfolio while Finance Minister Charles Sousa will act as chair of the management board of cabinet.

Vote On Same-Sex Marriage Bill In Minnesota

An historic vote is expected at the State Capitol today, as the Minnesota House debates a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

It is an issue that has divided the state.

IF it passes, the state Senate would take up the marriage equality bill on Monday.

Governor Dayton has said he would sign the legislation.

New Superintendent

The Rainy River District School Board has promoted from within to fill a vacancy within its management team.

Al McManaman becomes Superintendent of Education

McManaman had been serving as acting Superintendent since last August.

New NDP Demands

New file

A new budget demand from the New Democrats.

Leader Andrea Horwath wants the governing Liberals to create a financial accountability office.

Horwath says she wants to ensure the Liberals are held to account for their spending plans.

Horwath says she won't make the accountability officer a deal breaker for supporting the budget because she's still consulting the public and expects to make more demands.

New Census Stats About Native People

Canada's aboriginal population is exploding across the country, but fewer of them are able to speak a native language.

Statistics Canada says between 2006 and 2011, the number of people identifying themselves as native increased 20 per cent.

That compares with a 5.2 per cent increase for the non-aboriginal community.

But only 17 per cent of native people say there were able to conduct a conversation in an aboriginal language.

In the Rainy River district, almost 24 per cent of people identify themselves as being aboriginal.

The figure drops to 18 per cent in Fort Frances.

Of the 45-hundred identifying as native, less than 13 per cent communicate in Ojibwa.

Some alarming statistics as well about children in foster care in Canada.

The Census found that nearly half of all children under the age of 14 in foster care are aboriginal.

Fewer than half of all native children were living in families with both of their parents.

In the non-aboriginal community, its 76 per cent.

Tax Levy Up In Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

A rare occurrence in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

The municipality's council has approved its 2013 budget that includes a 3 per cent increase in the tax levy.

Mayor Bill Thompson says its the first increase in many years, and attributed extra costs for OPP, the district social services administrative board and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Thompson says council did put some money into reserves which also helped upped the levy.

Chapple Receives Federal Dollars For Docks

The township of Chapple has received from federal help in fixing up some docks along its waterfront.

FEDNOR funding, totaling $13,500 will help the township repair and restore aging docks.

New solar lighting will also be installed.

Customer Service Promoted

You may find a little improvement in customer service today.

A number of people were drawn to workshops Tuesday in Fort Frances and International Falls to gain advice from Ted Schick of Schick Corporate Learning.

Schick says customer service is common knowledge that should start at the top.

While they have an incentive to care, Schick says many managers don't teach good customer services practices as well as they should every day.

The workshops stemmed from joint meetings held by Chambers of Commerce in Fort Frances and International Falls.

Border Program Extended Another Year

American tourists with a minor criminal convictions wanting to visit Canada will get a reprieve again this year.

The federal government is extending another year a program that grants visitors a one time entry into the country.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it addresses concerns from a variety of groups alleging tourists to northwestern Ontario were being turned back at the border because of charges, often several years old.

Rickford says there specific rules to the program introduced last year, and American who entered under the program last year aren't eligible without having gone through appropriate rehabilitation processes.

Border Numbers Down

The border at Fort Frances is seeing a drop in travelers.

Just over 155-thousand people entered Canada at the Fort Frances port of entry over the past three months.

That's a 2.4 per cent decrease from the same period in 2012.

Skywest Adds Flights

SkyWest is adding additional flights in and out of International Falls.

The airline says it will add one additional flight to and from Minneapolis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 14 until the middle of August.

Skywest considers International Falls a top summer destination and says the new flights will accommodate an expected increase in travelers.

Moose Numbers Stable In Park

Wildlife biologists say the moose population is holding relatively steady in Voyageurs National Park.

Park officials estimate 46 animals, based on an aerial survey this past winter.

It's not clear why Voyageurs' moose population appears to be relatively stable compared to the rest of northeastern Minnesota, but biologists warn climate change and disease outbreaks continue to be threats.

Educators Getting Mental Health First Aid Training

Some educators in the Rainy River district are receiving Mental Health First Aid Training.

Laura Chabot of Kenora-Rainy River Children and Family Services says its important training for educators since many mental health problems often develop during adolescence.

Chabot says the training is not intended to teach people how to be therapist or counsellors, but rather to help teachers to support their students in accessing available services.

Fort Frances Teen Heading To Africa

A Fort Frances teen will be making a trip to Africa this summer.

Dexter Fichuk is one of 25 young people selected across Canada to participate in a two week journey to Kenya in August.

The group will be exploring food security programs.

The trip is sponsored by Saskatchewan's Potashcorp as part of a partnership with the Free the Children organization.

Fichuk made a trip last year to Ecuador to examine initiative put in place by Free the Children.

Fort Frances May Host Evacuees

Fort Frances is on stand-by as a potential evacuation centre for residents of Kashechewan First Nation.

Fire chief Frank Sheppard says the town was asked Monday to host as many as one hundred evacuees because of flooding in their remote community.

They were to arrive in Fort Frances Tuesday afternoon, but Sheppard says the situation in Kashechewan has since changed and there's no longer an immediate need for local help.

So far, nearly 600 people are being housed in Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing and Cornwall.

Sheppard says Fort Frances would be next in case more evacuations become necessary.

Search For New Administrator Begins

The city of International Falls has begun the search for a new administrator.

City council gave approval to the job description and advertisements at its meeting Monday.

Mayor Bob Anderson feels council should delay the hiring process until more information on the impact of Boise's downsizing announcement was known.

Councillor Paul Eklund says it will still be a few months before a new administrator is in place, but the new person should be hired they start the budget process which will be soon.

New Humane Society Location Needed

The fire chief for International Falls is advocating a need for a new home for the Borderland Humane Society sooner than later.

The Humane Society was among buildings impacted by a gas leak Monday near the construction of a new sewage treatment plant which forced the evacuation of some residents.

Jerry Jenson says it highlighted the dangers facing the Society.

Jenson says animals housed were removed by society members.

Some will remain with foster families, but others have since been return to the shelter.

Falls Getting Support

International Falls is getting some support in dealing with the impact of Boise's downsizing announcement last week.

Mayor Bob Anderson says he's spoken with their State and federal representations, all pledging whatever help they can provide.

Anderson says the University of Minnesota is also being contacted to do an impact analysis.

Gas Leak Forces Evacuations

Some anxious moments in International Falls.

A gas leak yesterday afternoon forced the evacuation of residents at River's Edge Villa, and some nearby businesses.

Fire Chief Jerry Jenson says a 3 inch hole was cut in a gas line by a front-end loader working in the area of the new sewage treatment plant.

Traffic in the area was also halted until the gas could be shut off.

No one was injured.

Community Garden In Falls

International Falls city council has given the go-head for a community garden.

Rachel Amdahl of Community Education says a grant from the Northland Foundation will help in its development.

Twelve plots are proposed for land directly across from the Falls Public Library.

Riverside Awaits More Information On Sprinkler Mandate

Riverside Health Care Facilities says it will be watching for more details on the province's plans to mandate sprinklers in all homes for seniors and people with disabilities.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says legislation will be unveiled next week.

Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances currently has no sprinklers.

Riverside Chief Administrative Officer Allan Katz says they're be awaiting further direction including what financial support will be available to meet the requirements.

MNR Feeling Better Following Budget

Fears of Ministry of Natural Resources offices closing in northern Ontario may have been eased a little.

The provincial budget shows a slight increase in spending for the MNR.

Minister David Orazietti says there's still some challenges faced, but the budget is positive compared to what was proposed last year with far less than anticipated pressures to reduce staff and the impacts to the Ministry.

Orazietti feels the budget reaches a good balance that supports the MNR in a stable way for the next several years.

NDP Discuss Budget Today

The NDP caucus meets today and will debate whether or not to support the budget or join with the Progressive Conservatives to defeat the government.

Leader Andrea Horwath says people are swamping a hotline and a website the party set up to gather feedback.

Trustee Elected To Provincial Board

A Fort Frances trustee is back as a regional director to the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association.

Anne-Marie Fitzgerald was elected as a director for region 3 for a third term at the Association's meeting in Toronto on the weekend.

Fitzgerald is chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

Customer Service Workshops Today

Customer service is the focus of workshops taking place in International Falls and Fort Frances today.

Falls Chamber president Faye Whitbeck says participants will hear from Ted Schick of Schick Corporate Learning.

The workshops are a joint initiative between the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, Koochiching Economic Development Authority and local Chambers of Commerce.

Visitor Centre Hours Changed

Mandatory budget cuts brought upon by the U.S. government have forced Voyageurs National Park to alter the hours at its visitor centre at Rainy Lake.

The Centre will open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 5, closing Sunday and Monday, this summer.

Centres at Kabetogama and Ash River don't open until May 25.

Another GOP Nominee In Race

A Republican rooted in Minnesota politics for a dozen years is the latest to announce a 2014 challenge to Democratic Governor  Mark Dayton.

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson kicked off his campaign yesterday, saying his focus would be on education policy, tax rates and streamlining government.

He joins businessman Scott Honour in vying for the GOP nomination.

Thunder Bay Housing Evacuees

Thunder Bay is hosting 150 evacuees from Kashechewan First Nation.

They flew into the City over the weekend after flooding conditions near their community forced a State of Emergency.

A total 240 residents have been evacuated due to a rapid snow melt that overwhelmed the community's sewer system and left 40 residences without heat or power.

Chamber Remaining Positive

International Falls Chamber of Commerce is reacting to last week's announcement at the Falls major employer.

Boise is closing down two paper machines and an off-machine coater, laying off 265 employees by October.

The Chamber's Faye Whitbeck sees it impacting everyone in some way.

Whitbeck says it's now important that developments on the radar for some time be accelerated to help offset the pending job loss.

Ontario Metis Watch Two Court Cases

Ontario Metis are watching with great interest how the federal government is reacting to a couple of court cases favouring Metis people.

One recognizes Métis being under federal jurisdiction the same way as  First Nations.

Metis Nation of Ontario president Gary Lipinski says it's disappointing the feds still wants to fight it.

Lipinski foresees the case dragging all the way to the Supreme Court.

The other case involves a land claims issue in Manitoba.

Lipinski says the ruling is only a first step towards the feds setting up a process that deals with Metis land claims issues across the country.

Contestant To Try Again

No crown this year, but a Fort Frances teen who competed at this Miss Northern Ontario pageant in Sudbury on the weekend is hoping to return.

17-year-old Emily Hyatt was among 43 girls challenging for the title.

In a post following the event, Hyatt states she plans to do more fundraising for an unnamed charity and is hoping to be part of the Emo Fair Queen activities this summer.

Education Celebration

 Education is in the spotlight this week.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is celebrating "Catholic Education Week."

Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly says the public is encouraged to get involved.

A variety of events are planned at schools across the district.

This is also education week in the province.

Schools within the Rainy River District School Board will be celebrate the week's theme, "moving from great to excellent in education," through a variety of events as well.

Budget Reaction

The Provincial budget is getting some mixed reactions.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says it is a bit concerning given that it increases spending by $2-billion dollars.

Campbell adds there's also little mention about the Ring of Fire or mining in northwestern Ontario.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the budget may not specifically target the Ring of Fire, but does address some mining industry needs.

Mauro sites the continuation of the northern electricity rate program

Spending by the Ministry of Natural Resources is up slightly, while Northern Development and Mines budget shows a 50-million dollar drop over last year.

The Ontario Health Coalition says the province's budget will hurt health care.

Director Natalie Mehra says hospitals across the region won't see any increase, which could mean further cuts to beds and services.

Mehra says while there is an increase in home care funding, on a per-patient basis it translate into a significant drop.

Freeznig Rain Warning Issued For Atikokan Area

Travel to the east of Fort Frances could be a little hazardous today and tomorrow.

Precipitation northwest of a now stalled front is forecast to bring snow, ice pellets and freezing rain in some areas between Atikokan and east of Thunder Bay.

A few heavier bands of freezing rain are expected this morning.

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the Atikokan area as a result.

Hyatt Competes In Pageant This Weekend

Fort Frances teen Emily Hyatt vies for the title of Miss Northern Ontario in Timmins.

The 17-year-old is up against 42 other girls.

Hyatt, a self-professed hunting enthusiast, will show off her use of the bow and arrow in the talent portion of the competition today with the crowning taking place tomorrow night.

Resolute Pension Contributions Increased

Some good news for Resolute Forest Product workers in Fort Frances.

The Paperworkers union says the company has agreed to increase its pension payments from the current $50 million per year to $80 million for the next 8 years.

It's to meet the company's legal obligations to top up underfunded pension plans.

Boil Water Advisory In Emo

Some homes in Emo and the Emo Health Centre have been placed under a boil water advisory.

This after a break of a water line at early Thursday morning in front of the hospital.

The township's water plant manager Ed Bullied says repairs were expected to be complete by the afternoon.

He says the advisory will likely remain in place until Monday because the township still needs two clear tests before the Northwestern Health Unit gives the okay to lift it.

Meantime, Riverside Health Care facilities has brought in bottled water and taken other precautions within the Emo hospital's food service area and infection control.

Treaty Three Police Vote

Treaty Three Police are challenging federal jurisdiction in a fight for better rights.

Employees voted Thursday on whether officers should be represented under the province.

Public Service Alliance of Canada spokesperson Sandra Goodick says it's only a matter of time with the courts already having moved some First Nations labour negotiations over to the provincial side.

If passed, Goodick doesn't think the service's workers will see a significant difference.

Results of the vote are expected to be released next week.