Murder Charge Laid

A murder charge has now been laid in connection with a death last month at a remote First Nations community.

34-year-old Leslie Fiddler of Sandy Lake First Nation will appear in court today on a charge of second degree murder.

The charge come after an investigation into the death of 29-year-old Uriah Kakepetum who died at the community's nursing station May 12th.

Provinces Defend Boreal Forest Protection

Manitoba and Ontario are defending the decision to commit more than 15 million dollars to get UNESCO recognition for a large stretch of boreal forest along their borders.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says having the area designated a world heritage site will attract tourists to the remote area.

Michelle Nowak of Ontario's Natural Resources Ministry says the site could fill a gap in boreal forest representation in the world heritage system.

New Gold Committing To Project

New Gold says it's committed to continuing the work started by Rainy River Resources in the development of a new gold mine north of Barwick.

New Gold announced last week it would be assuming control of Rainy River in a friendly take-over bid.

President Bob Gallagher says they intend to do a thorough review of the project, but have no plans to shelve it.

Gallagher says they also want to get to know the area and meet with First Nations and community leaders who've support the project so far.

He says they also intend to honour the agreements Rainy River Resources signed with area First Nations.

Gallagher says they had been eying Rainy River for almost two years before putting forward a bid.

Education Director Honoured

The outgoing Education Director with the Northwest Catholic District School Board is being recognized a Catholic parents group.

The Ontario Association of Catholic Parents in Education is giving Mary-Catherine Kelly an Honorary Lifetime membership.

The groups' president Aimee Gerdevich says Kelly's been a strong and consistent advocate for the parent voice and a strong supporter of the Association.

Kelly was presented the honour at the Association's recent meeting in Peterborough.

No Records Set Here

No records set in Fort Frances following a weekend of wet weather across much of northwestern Ontario.

Almost 21 millimeters of rain fell over a four day period beginning last Thursday.

But that's nowhere near amounts received in areas around Dryden which topped 5 centimeters over that period.

Atikokan's rainfall was not recorded because of problems with equipment.

Plane Crash Victims Identified

OPP have recovered two bodies from a fatal plane crash in northwestern Ontario.

OPP says 59-year-old Jim Beauchene and 58-year-old Brenda Beauchene, both of Phoenix, Arizona, were found amongst the wreckage at the bottom of Red Lake by a police dive team Saturday evening.

The float plane they were in crashed into the water, shortly after taking off Thursday.

Medical School Featured in New Television Drama

A television series based on the Northern Ontario Medical School makes its debut on TV Ontario next Sunday.

It's called Hard Rock Medical

Actress Tamara Duarte plays Gina Russo, a first year med student and feels it's a good portrayal of the medical challenges facing the north.

Fort Frances Public Library will be advance screen the first two episodes Thursday night.

The show will air on Sunday on TV Ontario.

Chilly Morning

It's June, but residents around the Borderland are waking up to sub-freezing temperatures.

Frost warnings were issued by Environment Canada earlier this morning as temperatures
Yesterday morning, International Falls reported a low of 30 degrees, a record low for the date.

Crane Lake reported a morning low of 28.

Weather Keeps Forest Fire Hazard Down

The weekend's wet and cool weather helped keep the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario down.

No new fires were reported on the weekend while there is just one still active.

That being a blaze near Webequie First Nation which is classed as under control.

Careful Of Ticks

The Northwestern Health Unit is advising the public to protect themselves from Lyme Disease.

It's something that can be transmitted through deer ticks.

Public Health Inspector Kurt Casey says the tick must be on the person for 24-hours for the bacteria to enter the body.

The Health Unit is also offering Tick Kit at its offices.

Rainy River Resources Welcome New Operators

The current developers of a planned open pit gold mine north of Barwick are confident the project will become a reality under new owners.

Rainy River Resources is agreeing to a friendly buy-out by New Gold.

Rainy River's Nick Nikolakakis says feels the decision to accept the deal now makes good sense.

Nikolakakis says New Gold has a good track record of developing mines and excellent management team that fits well with the Rainy River gold project.

House Fire Claims One

One person is dead following a house fire in LaVallee township.

Members of the LaVallee Fire Department were called to the home on Highway 11 just before 5 Friday morning.

No name has been released at this time.

Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

College Grad Set

Graduation ceremonies at Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances have been announced.

They are set for June 17 at the Townshend Theatre, and for the first time, there will be two separate ceremonies.

One will feature 50 students who have earned certificates and diplomas from various College programs.

The other will recognize students participating in the "School Within A College" program.

That program allowed students to gain College credits that were also credited toward receiving
their Secondary School diploma.

Take Over Of Rainy River Resources Announced

There's a new owner of a major gold project in the Rainy River district.

Vancouver based New Gold has reached a friendly deal to acquire Rainy River Resources.

The offer values Rainy River at about $310 million.

New Gold would pay up to $198 million in cash with the remainder in stock.

Rainy River's board is supporting the deal.

New Life-Saving Training Coming To Area High Schools

A new life saving initiative is coming to high schools in the Rainy River district.

The ACT Foundation is offering a new CPR and defibrillator training program for students.

Executive Director Sandra Clark teachers are getting the qualification to train the students.

The initiative is also providing Atikokan High School with 2 AED training units and 15 training mannequins while Fort Frances High is getting four training units and thirty mannequins.

Overdue Hike Found Safe

An overdue hiker is okay after spending the night in the woods of northeastern Minnesota.

The St. Louis County Sheriff's office says the 31-year-old man from Grand Rapids emerged from the woods on his own yesterday morning.

He had gone for a hike on a trail northeast of Orr Wednesday, telling family members he'd be back that night.

Because of bad weather, the hiker decided to camp out overnight and hike out in the morning.

Missing Teen Sought

OPP are seeking the public's help in locating a Fort Frances teen.

Police say 16-year-old Angela Shutes had left a home in the town's east end May 19.

She was spotted at a north end home Monday night in the company of a man where she told people there she did not wish to be found.

Shutes is described as being native with a heavy build and wearing dark rimmed glasses.

She sometimes uses the last name as Linklater.

DNA Being Sought To Identify Decades Old Remains

Minnesota authorities are asking families of missing loved ones to provide DNA samples as part of an effort to identify about 100 sets of human remains.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says many of the unidentified remains were discovered decades ago, before DNA testing was available.

Kasabonika Residents Return Home

Emergency Management Ontario says all of the residents of Kasabonika Lake First Nation who were evacuated from the community have returned home.

EMO says the flood situation in the remote northwestern Ontario First Nation has stabilized, although water levels in the area still remain high.

Power Outages Hits Western Part of District

A brief power outage yesterday for several residents living west of Fort Frances.

Nearly 42-hundred Hydro One customers between Alberton township and Rainy River were without power for about ninety minutes yesterday afternoon.

Hydro One says the outage was so crews could make emergency repairs. 

Zebra Mussels Found In Minnesota Waters Linked To Ontario

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Zebra mussels have been found in a Minnesota lake that eventually flows into the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods.

The Department of Natural Resources confirms the invasive species were found attached to a dock removed last fall from Sand Lake, 170 kilometres, southwest of International Falls.

Zebra mussels have also been identified in nearby Little Sand Lake.

Both lakes are part of a chain of waters that eventually flow into Rainy River.

Additional searches of connected waters are being performed to determine the scope of the infestation.

New Kids' Garden Club Formed

Young people will get a chance to grow a their own garden this summer.

A new Kids's Garden Club is being establish as part of the Fort Frances Community Garden.

Krista Nielson of the Northwestern Health Unit says a number of small plots are being set up for children of all ages to participate.

Nielson says it will help foster healthy eating habits and educate youngsters about where their food comes from.

Registration to the club can be made by calling Krista at the Health Unit at 274-9371

CEP/CAW Merge To Be Called Unifor

What will become Canada's largest private sector union now has a name.

The new group _ which brings together the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and the Canadian Auto Workers _ will be called Unifor.

Its logo will be a red U on a white shield.

The new union will represent about six-thousand workers in northwestern Ontario.

Library Announced Summer Hour

Summer hours for the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre will kick in this weekend.

It will be open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. while closing weekends.

Tax Extension Given To Some Minnesota Businesses

Some Minnesota businesses are getting extra time to pay taxes.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is advising that some commercial property owners can have two extra weeks to make their first-half tax payments.

It's the result of a new law meant to accommodate businesses that have seen profits hampered by a cool, wet spring.

Quetico Centre To Reopen As School

The former Quetico Centre near Atikokan is set to reopen as a school.

The former conference facility was recently purchased by Toronto educator Michael Heaton with the intent of refurbishing it into a private boarding school.

Heaton says he's received plenty of interest from teachers.

Heaton hopes to open the school this fall with an enrollment of about 30 students.

Protocol Signed Between Treaty 3 And Cancer Care Ontario

Cancer Care Ontario is helping to reduce cancer concerns among area First Nations.

It's signed a new relationship protocol with Grand Council Treaty 3.

Council director Alethea Kewawyosh says its aimed at patient care and education.

Kewawyosh says cancer rates among native men have tripled and while doubling among women.

Mental Health Issues Discussed

A message of hope for those dealing with mental health issues.

Kendra Fisher, a former member of Canada' national women's hockey program, is travelling around the region to talk about her experiences after being diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder.

Fisher says increasing awareness can help others.

Fisher spoke yesterday at Fort Frances high School and at a public presentation.

Upgrades Planned For Senior Centre

Some upgrades to the Sister Kennedy Centre in Fort Frances are in the works.

Town council agreed this week to award a contract to replace the senior centre's roof.

The roof experienced leaking during the spring, forcing buckets to take the place of card tables to collect falling water.

The job will cost over $22-thousand which will be taken out of the town's reserve fund.

Wet Weather Forecast Until Saturday

Get ready for another dose of wet weather.

A Colorado low is heading our way and is expected to bring a lot of rain.

Environment Canada says some areas could get as much up as 50 millimeters by the time the system moves away Saturday

MPP Renews Calls For Paved Shoulders

A Tory MPP is renewing calls for paved shoulders on provincial highways.

It's the third time that Norm Miller has introduced a paved shoulders bill with previous unsuccessful attempts to get the legislation passed coming in 2010 and 2011.

Miller says studies have shown that paved shoulders have a positive effect by increasing opportunities for cycling tourism and reducing recreation-related collisions.

No Nomination Meeting Just Yet

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With the threat of an imminent provincial election diminishing, the provincial NDP in Thunder Bay-Atikokan don't seem ready to select a candidate just yet.

There are currently two candidates in the running, George Saarinen and Mary Kozorys.

The riding Association's Robin Rickards says they are waiting to be vetted by provincial party officials and until that happens, no date can be set for a nomination meeting.

Budget Motion Approved

Any threat of a spring election in Ontario is diminishing.

The governing Liberals survived a confidence vote on the provincial budget with help from the New Democrats.

The vote on the budget motion, not the actual budget bill, passed 65-to-36 this morning with only the Progressive Conservatives opposed.

After securing several concessions, the NDP agreed to vote with the Liberals.

The government wants the vote on the actual budget bill itself before the summer recess scheduled to begin June 7.

She's willing to support the budget, but Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell believes the Liberals can do better.

Campbell suggests Premier Kathleen Wynne should look at hiking corporate taxes instead of increasing the burden on ordinary Ontarians.

Campbell says government also needs to work with First Nations closer on projects such as the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway

Health Coverage For Celiac Disease Testing Sought

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is calling for improved access to testing for celiac disease.

Mauro has introduced a private member's bill that seeks an expansion of Ontario's health coverage for the tests.

He introduced a similar bill several years ago.

MP Seeks To Restrict Motions of Confidence

An Independent MP from northwestern Ontario wants to put an end to motions of confidence in Parliament.

Bruce Hyer says his private members bill would restrict the Prime Minister's ability to declare any issue a matter of confidence.

Hyer hopes to get support from the opposition parties.

Fort Frances To Host NOMA

Next year's gathering of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association will happen in Fort Frances.

Town council has given its blessing to hosting the event with support from area municipalities.

Chapple and Alberton township councils have already agreed to provide a thousand dollars and a staff person to assist.

Fort Frances last hosted the annual gathering of the region's municipal representatives in 2009.

Three Charged With Impaired Driving

Three drivers from the Rainy River district will be making court appearances next month on impaired driving charges.

They were charged in separate incidents that occurred last week in Fort Frances, Emo and Atikokan.

In each case, OPP acted on complaints from the public.

Forest Fire Hazard High

MNR file photo

The forest fire hazard remains high across the northwest region.

There are no fires burning in the Rainy River district, but the Ministry of Natural Resources is worried about the number of blazes deemed human-caused this season.

All but one, that in the Thunder Bay region, have been started by something other than lightning.

Tourism Battles Continue

The fight to reopen provincial tourism centres in northwestern Ontario is continuing at Queen's Park.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the government has no idea how its decisions are impacting the region.

Campbell is also critical of proposed fishing regulation changes for this region that would reduce non-resident catch limits from four to two.

Campbell says this would make it difficult for some campowners to attract business and result in their closure.

Tory Leader Critical Of MNR

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is speaking out against possible increases in Ministry of Natural Resources service fees.

Hudak says it doesn't surprise him the Liberals have polled anglers and hunters in the northwest about what service fee increases they might accept.

Hudak worries the MNR is becoming opposed to anything that creates jobs or attracts tourists.

Flooding Easing

Emergency Management Ontario says the flood situation on a remote northwestern Ontario First Nation is stabilizing.

However, the agency says water levels are still high and some flooding continues in Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

Some of the 150 residents evacuated to Greenstone and Hearst were allowed to return home yesterday.

Emergency Compact Signed

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has signed a compact that will allow Minnesota and some Canadian provinces to request and provide mutual aid to each other in the event of emergencies.

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says while states and provinces can handle most emergencies, there are times when disasters require more resources.

The compact covers natural disasters from floods and tornadoes to emergencies such as chemical spills or terrorist events.

Gas Prices Dropping In Minnesota

Gas prices in Minnesota have eased a bit.

Increased supplies have caused prices to drop after hitting an all-time high last week.

The travel group AAA says the average gas price peaked at $4.28 a gallon last week statewide, $4.45 in International Falls, but dropped to just over 4-dollars Monday.

Appeals Court Dismisses Court Challenge

A pair of groups challenging Minnesota rules for a state wolf hunting and trapping season has been dealt another blow in court.

Minnesota's Court of Appeals has dismissed a petition aiming to undo rules that allowed for a wolf hunting season.

Another Forest Fire in Rainy River District

Yet another forest fire in the Rainy River district.

Ministry of Natural Resources FireRangers, training near Hope Lake, in the area of Northwest Bay First Nation, identified smoke nearby Friday.

The fire burned 0.2 of a hectare.

It the third first in the district this season.

Osisko Focused on E.I.A.

Focus for Osisko Mining at its Hammond Reef gold project near Atikokan is on an environment impact assessment.

It's been submitted to both the federal and provincial governments for their input.

President Sean Roosen expects a final report to come back some time late this year or early next.

Roosen says about 500 comments were received, but none the company couldn't address.

Meantime, the company will spend just $7-million dollars on the project this year.

Medical Students Happy In Fort Frances

Fort Frances is benefiting from the presence of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

The school's board of directors was in the community last week for its monthly meeting.

Dean Dr. Roger Strasser says Fort Frances is getting positive reviews from students who are doing part of their studies here.

Strasser says that can help in attracting the same students back to the community when they complete their studies.

Strasser says the community may soon see a graduate in the near future here to set up a practice.

Jail Or Bail Success

Voyageur Lions Club's first ever Jail or Bail is being called a huge success.

Twenty-one celebrity criminals help raised nearly $8,500 with more pledges yet to come in.

President Bill Michl says few came in with the minimum and those that did were happy to sit in jail and raise the bail they needed to get out of jail.

The club also attracted four new members as a result of the event.

It's now planning to make it an annual one.

Cold April

April is going down as one of the coldest months in the Fort Frances area in several years.

Environment Canada's Peter Kimbell says temperatures were about four degrees lower than normal.

Just 36 millimeters of precipitation fell during the month with most of any big storms passing by with little impact here.

Cold Fishing Opener

It was a cold fishing opener in Minnesota.

Anglers flocking to lake's in northern Minnesota were greeted by mostly icy conditions.

Governor Mark Dayton kicked things off Saturday by catching and releasing a walleye near Park Rapids.