Spiny Waterfleas Found In NE Minnesota Lake

File photo

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is confirming the presence of spiny waterfleas in a lake near Ely.

An angler first discovered the invasive species while fishing in Shagawa Lake and took a sample to the DNR for a positive identification.

The spiny waterflea is known to competes with small fish for food.

The DNR says Shagawa will now be added to its list of more than 50 water bodies in Minnesota known to be infested.

Missing Prisoner Captured

A prisoner who escaped police custody in Kenora has been captured.

OPP say 53-year-old Harvey Smith of White Dog First Nation was arrested last Thursday in Kenora.

He'd been on the lam since bolting from police at the Kenora Court House August 20.

More Seniors Getting Deeper Into Debt

More and more seniors in northwestern Ontario are digging deep to make ends meet.

Recent studies show that debt levels are on the rise across the country, especially for the elderly.

Frank Fabiano, a local trustee in bankruptcy with Grant Thornton, says many seniors depend on their old age security or pension plans to get by which don't increase with rising costs.

Fabiano says baby-boomers are also feeling the crunch, as many haven't saved enough for retirement.

More Demostrations Called For

File photo

Supporters of the Idle No More movement in Canada are looking to rally across the country once again.

It's calling on individuals to participate in a mass day of action on October 7th.

The day marks the 250th Anniversary of the British Royal Proclamation, which led to the founding of Canada.

Minnesota Man Killed In Plane Accident

A Minnesota man is dead after falling into the propeller of float plane at a lake south of Red Lake.

OPP says 67-year-old James Kowalski of Saint Paul was standing on one of the plane's floats as it was approaching the shore of Dee Dee Lake last Thursday morning when he lost his balance.

He was taken by airplane to Red Lake where he succumbed to his injuries.

Bogus Calls From MPAC Reported

OPP say be weary of calls claiming to be from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Police says there have been reports of people receiving such calls with the individual asking for personal information.

MPAC says it does not make calls to collect personal information.

If you receive such a call, you're asked not to give out any information and to call MPAC's Customer
Contact Centre.

New Unemployment Figures For Koochiching County

The number of people in Koochiching County claiming unemployment insurance benefits is up.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says 64 people reported claims in August, up 9 from July's figure and 19 from last August.

Overall, the State's unemployment claims for the month fell 12 per cent over last year.

Tickets Still Available

Tickets still available for an upcoming fundraiser by Riverside Foundation for Health Care.

"Cowboys and Lace" dinner is scheduled for September 14 at the Emo-LaVallee area.

It's to raise money for a new mechanical lift at the Emo Health Centre and an IV Pump at Rainy River Health Centre.

Tickets are available at all Riverside facilities, Gillons' Insurance and McTaggarts or by calling 274-4803.

Ainsworth Sold

There's to be new owners of the mill in Barwick.

Ainsworth is agreeing to sell all of its operations, including the Barwick mill, to U.S. forestry giant Louisiana Pacific in a deal worth 1.1 billion dollars.

Louisiana-Pacific chief executive Curt Stevens says the acquisition provides more financial stability to weather market conditions.

Stevens says it will also gives L-P greater access to the Asian market where Ainsworth is well established.

The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

School Within A College Back

The program that's helping more students graduate high school is back at Confederation College's Rainy River district campus.

Campus manager Anne Renaud says about 35 students have enrolled in the "school within a college" program run with the Rainy River District School Board.

It allows students, who failed to graduate in past years, to earn the necessary credits that can also be applied to a future College program.

The program helped sixteen students acquire their high school diplomas last year.

Law School Now Open

The new Northern Ontario Law School is officially open.

A grand opening was held yesterday at the campus in Thunder Bay.

The innaugral class has students from Thunder Bay, Geraldton, Kenora, Marathon, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

Regional Connection To Teachers Union

A Lakehead University grad, and one-time Thunder Bay teacher, is the new president of Ontario Federation of Teachers.

Julie Pauletig, now teaching in Woodbridge, takes over the post held by Thunder Bay's Terry Hamilton.

Fire Hazard Remaining Low

MNR file photo

Despite warm temperatures during the daytime, the forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario is sitting at low to moderate levels.

Sixteen fires are still active.

All but one are being monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Two blazes continues  in Quetico Provincial Park, but are posing no threats to people or property.

OPP Lay Several Charges During Long Weekend

Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario are out with their numbers from the Labour Day long weekend.

Ten charges were laid for distracted driving, four for impaired driving.

There were 257 speeding tickets issued and another 24 for seatbelt violations.

Grocery Help In Internatinoal Falls

A new program is in place for people in International Falls who find it difficult getting to the grocery store.

Koochiching Aging Options has set up a program allowing eligible residents to get volunteers to do their shopping.

Executive Director Doug Skrief says it addresses a need.

Participants must pre-register with the agency.

Hunter Deadline

Tonight's the deadline for hunters in Minnesota to apply for antler-less deer permits, special hunts or a wolf hunting or trapping licenses.

Lottery applications for deer and wolf can be made in person at any Department of Natural Resources  licensing agent, through its website or by phone.

Good Neighbour Day Coming

Good Neighbour Day is returning to Fort Frances.

Fort Floral's Brad Hogan says it's an annual flower give away by FTD and its affiliated stores.

Hogan is bringing in 3000 flowers for next Wednesday's giveaway.

Recipients will get a dozen roses they must give away.

 It's aimed at helping people meet new friends and reestablish old acquaintances through flowers

Education Fair

A chance for high school students to learn more about the post-secondary educational opportunities in Minnesota.

Rainy River Community College will be hosting an Education Fair September 16.

Nearly 50 institutions and other organizations will be on hand.

News Faces With NOSM

There are new faces associated with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Doctor Owen Prowse, a Thunder Bay surgeon, has been appointed assistant dean of admissions.

Doctor David MacLean, who's been with the school since 2004, is its new assistant dean of research.

Doctor Janice Willett, a Sault Ste. Marie physician, becomes the associate Dean of Faculty Affairs November 1.

Premier To Be Recognized

A group dedicated to seeing more woman in office intends to recognize Kathleen Wynne for becoming Ontario's first female Premier.

Equal Voice will present its 2013 EVE Award to the Premier during an event in Toronto September 23.

The Award recognizes outstanding women who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of women in public life.

Wynne made history when she became Ontario's 25th Premier and the first woman to hold the office in February.

Gravelle Back For Liberals

Long-time Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle will again carry the Liberal banner in the next provincial election.

Gravelle was acclaimed at his nomination meeting Tuesday night.

He's held the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding for the Liberals since 1995.

Crossroads Report Submitted

The Rainy River District School Board now has all three accommodation reviews in its hands.

An advisory committee for Crossroads School in Devlin presenting its findings to trustees last night.

Chair Christa Kellar says there is plenty of support to keep the school open.

The board also has a similar recommendation for Sturgeon Creek School as it ponders a possible rebuild of Donald Young in Emo.

New Student Trustee In Place

The Rainy River District School Board has a new student trustee.

Leah Fraser was officially sworn in at Tuesday night's board meeting.

She's a grade 12 student in Atikokan.

Early Learning Showing Results

File photo

It pays to have your child enrolled in a full-day kindergarten program.

The provincial government has released highlights from a study of its initiative.

It found students in full-day kindergarten are better prepared to enter Grade 1.

Northern Economy Discussed

Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Premier Kathleen Wynne have a better understanding of the northern Ontario concerns when it comes to the economy.

They held a roundtable event in Thunder Bay Tuesday and the Premier says there are some common themes that came forward.

The session include municipal, business and educational representatives from the region.

Government Talk Of Military Action Worries Some Elected Officials

Events in Washington and Syria have some elected officials across the border on edge.

Debate is before Congress whether to allow U.S. military strikes in response the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on its citizens.

Koochiching County Commissioner Wade Pavleck worries about the cost of another conflict.

The County is writing to its representatives to think very hard before casting a final vote.

Boat Explosion

OPP are investigation a boat explosion on Lake of the Woods.

The blast occurred early Sunday night in the area of Bare Point near Kenora.

Four people were taken to hospital in Winnipeg for treatment.

Two of the people on board managed to swim to shore, while two others were rescued by another boater in the area.

Unifor Representatives Ready To Work For New Union

Unifor is off and running.

The new union is a merger of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and the Canadian Auto Workers Union.

The region's National rep Stephen Boon says there won't be much organizational changes locally, but the union will be taking a more aggressive approach to issues such as anti-union stances.

Unifor represents about 7,000 workers in northwestern Ontario.

New Paintings At Fort Museum

There's a new exhibit at the Fort Frances Museum.

The works of internationally renowned artist Margot Cormier Splane are now display.

Curator Sherry George says some of the acrylics display an environmental theme.

The artist herself will be at the Museum for the close of the exhibit September 26.

Wind Storm In Distrct's West End

A number of campers and property damage reported after a severe storm moved through the Morson area Saturday.

OPP say much of the damages was in the area of the Assabaska Heritage Park, where several trees are reported toppled.

No injuries were reported.

Plane Crash Near Kenora

Two people have walked away from a plane crash in the Kenora area.

The Cessna float plane reportedly went down in an area between Lulu and Louise Lakes Friday afternoon.

The pilot and a passenger, who were rescued by a group of anglers fishing nearby, sustained only minor injuries.

New Faces On Board

There are a few new faces within Northwest Catholic District School Board's administration team.

Along with new education director Rick Boisvert,, Meghan Bourgeois has been appointed to the position of eLearning and Homework help.

Kelly Jaeger is the board's new Mental Health Leader.

Brendan Hyatt is principal of Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

Ron Fryer takes on the same job at St. Patrick's School in Atikokan after serving as vice-principal of St. Francis and St. Michael's schools in Fort France
s.

Question Of The Week

Do you think Premier Wynne has the best interests of northern Ontario near the top of her government's agenda?

Let us know on our website, 931theborder.ca.

In last week's poll, 80 per cent felt the recent Kraft Celebration Tour exceed their expectations.

Kenora MP Unhappy With Ontario Premier

A Conservative MP isn't happy with the Premier.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says Kathleen Wynne's announcement of the deal to keep the Experimental Lakes Area open failed to mention any involvement of the federal government in the negotiations.

Rickford says the Province wanted a joint communications approach on the deal, but then turned around and failed to uphold its end of the bargain.

A joint news release did come out Monday, a day after Wynne's announcement.

Suicide Rate Up In Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health is urging folks to take action when a friend, family or neighbour hints that they want to harm themselves.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

The Department's Melissa Heinen says the suicide rate in the State has reached its highest point in a decade.

Heinen says since suicide is preventable, the numbers indicate much more needs to be done to connect those who are considering harming themselves with services available.

Province Steps Forward To Keep ELA Open

CJRL photo

The Provincial government has formally announced funding to keep the Experimental Lake Area open.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement for two-million dollars annually during her visit to Kenora Sunday.

Wynne says she's not sure why the federal government decided to pull out of the ELA but her government is committed to the scientific research being done there.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development will be responsible for operating the freshwater research facility.

Ministry Of Labour Probing ATV Accident

A 63-year old Ear Falls man is dead as the result of an all terrain vehicle accident near Marathon on the weekend.

OPP say James Buckner was operating the ATV on a trail when he lost control and was thrown off went it went down a hill.

Police says he was not wearing a helmet.

Because he was working for a mining company at the time, the Ministry of Labour is investigating.

New Fires In Fort Frances District

A couple of lightning caused fires identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Rainy River district.

The fires, one on Rainy Lake near Goose Island and the other on Lac La Croix near Spool Island, were both small in size and have been declared out.

The MNR continues to monitor two others that have been burning within Quetico Provincial Park since last Tuesday.

Fires In Boundary Waters Wilderness Now Out

Fires that have been burning on the Minnesota side of the border within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have now been declared out.

U.S officials says suppression efforts and significant rainfall have helped quell the fires, including one at the south arm of Knife Lake near the U.S.-Canada border.

Campsites, waterways, and portages closed because of the blazes have been reopened.

Confederation College Back In Class

It's another school year for Confederation College's Rainy Lake campus in Fort Frances.

As many as 80 first year students are expected.

Campus manager Anne Renaud says there's also new programs this year with its environmental technician program and the two-year tourism, travel and eco-tourism adventure program.

The College will hold two days of orientation before classroom learning begins Thursday.

Union Merger Approved

The merge of two of Canada's largest unions is now complete.

Almost 96 per cent of delegates at a conference in Toronto on the weekend approved of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers and the Canadian Autoworkers Unions becoming the newly formed Unifor.

Jerry Dias was elected its first president.

Unifor now represents almost 7-thousand members in northwestern Ontario, primarily in the areas of forestry, health care, manufacturing and transportation."

Kraft Buying The Water

Kraft Canada is stepping forward to cover the cost of extra water purchased by the Fort Frances Curling Club during last Sunday's Celebration Tour in Fort Frances.

Town council said last Monday night it would pay the $600.

But Kraft's Sue Brooks says as soon they found out about the purchase, they immediately reached out to the Club.

Brooks says about 3-thousand bottles of water had been made available, but were quickly grabbed by the huge crowd attending.

Highway 53 Upgraded

Motorists, heading to Duluth will encounter a switch in the route of Highway 53 near Cook.

Four-laning of a section of the Highway is taking place with a portion of the northbound lane now complete.

Traffic is being routed to that new lane so crews can construct the new southbound lane.

The project is expected to be complete by next summer.

Wolve Sent For Testing

File photo

A wolf suspected of attacking a teenager at a campground in south-central Minnesota has tested negative for rabies.

A 16-year-old boy is recovering from last Saturday's attack at Lake Winnibigoshish.

The animal was trapped last Monday, but the department is still not certain if it was the animal involved.

A wolf muscle sample and the youth's shirt have sent to California for DNA testing.

I Am Awesome Conference

A conference for girls is set for next month in Nestor Falls.

The I Am Awesome and I know it Self-Esteem and Empowerment Retreat is aimed at girls between the ages to 10 and 14.

Director Renee Martin-Brown says it's aimed at helping build up self-confidence

Registration is through the group's website.

Power Outage To Be District Wide

A power outage to affect the town of Fort Frances this week will now be district wide.

The town will be without power from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday September 8.

Hydro One is now reporting that residents living east of town to Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation will be without power during the same time.

Residents living to west to Rainy River, including the Morson and Big Grassy areas and north to Nestor Falls, will be lose electricity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hydro One is performing equipment upgrades during the outage.

Cabinet Minister Impressed With Premier's Admission

The Premier's admission of "trying" marijuana has at least one member of her cabinet impressed.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he admires the Premier's honest in responding to the question.

The premier didn't say where she stands on the issue, but believes legalization and regulation of marijuana is one that needs to be debated.

Welfare Recipients Get Increase

People who receive social assistance in Ontario will see a slight increase on their cheques this month.

A one per cent hike in the Ontario Disability Support Program benefit went into effect Sunday.

A similar increase for people receiving Ontario Works happens October 1.

The increases were first announced in the provincial spring budget.

Birth Control Recall

The Northwestern Health Unit is alerting women in the region about a recall of birth control pills.

Mylan Pharmaceuticals first issued the recall of the oral contraceptive pill Freya-28 after a placebo pill was found in a one package.

The Health Unit says it doesn't dispense the brand of pill, but local pharmacies may

More Professional Development Suggest For School Teachers

Ontario's education minister says more professional development is needed for elementary school teachers, after test results show their students are struggling with math skills.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office says almost one in five Grade 6 students do not meet the provincial math standard.

Liz Sandals says many elementary teachers come from an arts background and aren't as comfortable teaching math as they are teaching reading or writing.