Healthy Smiles Grow

Ontario is expanding it's healthy smiles program.

A change in eligibility allows 70 thousand more children from low income families to access free dental services through the program.

That brings to 460 thousand, the number of children now eligible for dental care through Ontario's low income dental programs.

More Recognition For Atikokan Musician

Another award nomination for Atikokan artist Sunday Wilde.

She's up for Blues Artist of the Years in the this year's SiriusXM Indies to be handed out in May.

Wilde is also up for blues song of the year in the Independent Music Awards.

Festival Results Day 3

Reece and Scott Jolicoeur among top performers in the instrumental division of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Both earned two first place finishes yesterday.

Competition in the vocal division has wrapped up with the newly formed Rainy River District Youth Choir claiming it's first-ever first place finish.

Bands take over the stage today at the Townshend Theatre starting at 9 AM


Violin Solo, Method Courses, Level 1
FIRST:  Mackenzie Jolicoeur

Guitar Solo, Level 1
FIRST:  Rachel Anderson
SECOND:  Connor Dent

Guitar Solo, Level 2
FIRST:  Reese Jolicoeur

Guitar Solo, Grade 1
FIRST:  Scott Jolicoeur

Guitar Solo, Beginner
FIRST:  Resse Jolicoeur

String Solo, Popular Music, Intermediate
FIRST  Scott Jolicoeur

Instrumental Duets, Junior
FIRST:  Bryan Ribey and Sarah Ribey

Instrumental Solo, Brass, Short Recital Piece, Junior
FIRST:  (Tie) Sarah Ribey and Bryan Ribey

Ensembles, Beginner
FIRST:  Robert Moore School, Grade 4 Class, Directors Ms Donald and Mr. Cuzzolino

Bands and orchestras, Beginner Band
FIRST:  J. W. Walker School, Grades 7 and 8 Band, Directors Mr. Dutton and Ms. Bonner-Vickers
SECOND:  Robert Moore School, Grades 7 and 8 Band, Directors Mr. Dutton and Ms. Avis


Vocal Results

Classroom Choruses, Kindergarten (English)
FIRST:  Robert Moore School Early Learning Class, Directors:  Ms. Cain, Ms. Solomon, Ms. Wishert
SECOND:  Robert Moore School Early Learning Class, Directors:  Ms. Eldridge, Ms. Kivimaki

Classroom Choruses, Grade 2 (English)
FIRST:  Donald Young School, Grades 1 and 2 Class, Director Ms. Martin-Brown

Massed Primary Choir, Grades K to 4 (English)
FIRST:  St. Michael’s School, Director Mr. Brown

Girl’s Choir, Grades 4 to 8 (English)
FIRST:  Robert Moore Girls’ Choir, Grades 4 to 8, Director:  Ms. Von Niebelschutz

Community Choirs, Open
FIRST:  Rainy River District Youth Choir, Director:  Ms. Campagna

Contemporary Solo, 9 and 10 years
FIRST:  Christian Wiedenhoeft
SECOND:  Emma Bone

Contemporary Solo, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  (Tie) Sarah Ribey, Star Martin

Vocal Duet, 9 to 12 years
FIRST:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft and Christian Wiedenhoeft
SECOND:  Katelyn Bruyere and Joelle Bruyere

Sacred Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 1
FIRST:  Emma Bone
SECOND:  Emma Toriseva

Vocal Duet, Trio or Quartet, 13 to 15 years
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz, Katelyn Bruyere and Rachel Anderson

Original Composition, 13 and 14 years
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz

Original Arrangement, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft

Sacred Solo, 13 and 14 years
FIRST:  Abigail Lücke

Secular Solo, 19 years and over
FIRST:  Kenneth Brown

Contemporary Solo, 5 and 6 years
FIRST:  Taylor Godin

Contemporary Solo, 13 and 14 years
FIRST:  Avery Cates
SECOND:  Emma Dykstra

Contemporary Solo, 15 and 16 years
FIRST:  McKenna Begin
SECOND:  Faith Pollard

Traditional Folk Song, Examination Courses, Grade 6
FIRST:  Jillian Armstrong

Contemporary Solo, 19 years and over
FIRST:  Kenneth Brown

Vocal Duet, Open
FIRST:  Betty Anne Lücke and Abigail Lücke

Vocal Duet, 13 to 15 years
FIRST:  McKenna Begin and Faith Pollard

High School Issues Warning About Social Media Postings

A warning to students on social media from Fort Frances High School.

In a statement on its own Facebook page, the High School states any student posting photos, making inappropriate comments, or using them in a derogatory manner will be subject to progressive discipline.

The school says it's aware of a several comments, photos and bullying-type actions currently on-line and gave students until the end of yesterday to remove them.

It also wanted other sites identifying the school deleted.

OPP Combatting Incidents of Cyber-bullying

OPP say they're taking great interest in curbing incidents of cyber-bullying in area schools.

They been delivered their "Respect Technology" program for the past three years.

Constable Anne McCoy says they're trying to get students to understand the ramifications of using social media improperly.

McCoy also encourages students who believe they're are victims to come forward.

Studies who that while while 84 per cent of parents believe their children will talk to them about being bullied, just 8 per cent of students actually do.

Police Called To Fort Frances Incident

OPP are looking into an incident that occurred in downtown Fort Frances last night.

Few details are immediately available, but a caller to CFOB-News says one person was taken to hospital.

Police tape had been wrapped around the area of First Street East and Portage Avenue.

It has since been removed.

One Dead In House Fire

One person is dead following a house fire on the Fort Severn First Nation.

The Nishinawbe Aski Police Service say the blaze broke out around 5 AM Monday morning.

While several people managed escape, one person was unable to get out.

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office has been called in to help out with the investigation.

Do One Thing

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to "Do One Thing."

It's the name of a conference to take place next month in Kenora.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Perrault says it's a first of it's kind conference for service providers.

Perrault says it aimed at starting a dialogue on the health status of the region and future actions.

Caliper Lake To Re-open

Caliper Lake Provincial Park is re-opening.

It's the result of a three-year agreement between the province and the municipality of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

The province closed the park last year as part of cost-saving measures.

Under the deal, the municipality will now be responsible for staffing and operating costs and cover any losses.

Osisko Signs Partnership To Fend Off Goldcorp Takeover

Osisko Mining appears to have found a partner to help fight off a hostile take-over bid by Goldcorp.

Osisko says it's entered into a partnership with Yamana Gold that will see the Toronto-based company acquire 50 per cent interest in Osisko and become an equal partner in its mining and exploration projects.

The deal is valued at nearly $930-million.

Goldcorp is offering $2.9. billion for Osisko.

King's Gold Finds Partners

A junior mining company doing work in the Rainy River district says it's found some interest for its projects.

King's Bay Gold says it's signed multiple Confidentiality Agreements with unnamed third parties relating to its Menary Gold Project near Nestor Falls and other properties.

The company says it's also received a three-year exploration permit from the province to continue its work.

Money Given For All-Water Route

The group working on an all-water route through northwestern Ontario has received some funding.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is providing the Path of the Paddle Association with over $333-thousand to hire staff and continue the development of the route.

It proposed to link several rivers and lakes between the Manitoba border and Thunder Bay, connecting with Kenora, Dryden and Atikokan.

The Association is hoping to launch the 900-kilometre route in 2017.

Manitoba Hydro Identifies Tranmission Line Routes

Manitoba Hydro has identified some possible routes for a transmission line to cross into Minnesota that will send power to the Iron Range.

It's preferred location would connect to Minnesota Power's proposed 500 kilovolt line at the border just south of Piney.

Six alternative locations have also been pinpointed.

Manitoba Hydro will begin a series of public meetings later this month.

Minnesota Power is looking at possible routes through Koochiching County for its part of the connection to be in place by 2020.

More Protection For Cell Phone Users

New protection for cellphone users is now in place in Ontario.

New legislation went into effect Tuesday that forces companies to have its contracts written in plain language and clearly identify which services are included as part of the basic fee and which come with extra charges.

It also limits the amount companies can charge if users cancel their contract before it expires.

Casino Question Pondered

The idea of a casino in Fort Frances could come to a public vote this fall.

Town council is considering adding a question to the ballot during the municipal elections to determine if residents support council pursuing the idea.

Mayor Roy Avis says it does not mean the town intends to build one, but rather gaging interest about it speaking further with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission.

A public meeting on the question will be held this month before it reaches the October 27 ballot.

Town Budget Nearly Complete

It's looking like it will be a minimal tax increase for residential ratepayers in Fort Frances.

Final approval has yet to be given, but the 2014 budget does includes a tax increase that's less than one per cent.

Mayor Roy Avis says given where the numbers were at the start of the discussions, he's happy.

He notes it was also done without having to cut services.

The town will spent almost $23-million in the operating budget.

Another $8.6 million has been earmarked for capital projects.

The town is still awaiting final figures from the province affecting the industrial rate before it's in a position to pass the budget later this month.

Provincial Budget Coming May 1

It appears a provincial budget is coming May 1.

The Progressive Conservatives says documents obtained reveal a so-called  "Budget Leaking Team" intended to roll out it's components through a variety of announcements in the weeks leading up to the release.

They say it also includes $5.7 billion in new spending.

The Tories says the Liberals are co-opting the civil service to help generate publicity in advance of a spring election.

What Do You Think Of Kiss And Ride

Proponents of the Kiss and Ride initiative in Fort Frances want to know how its working.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says the local traffic safety committee is conducting a survey to determine what the public thinks of the new rules for dropping off and picking up students at Fort Frances schools.

The survey can be found on the Rainy River District School Board and the Northwest Catholic District School Board websites.

Festival Results From Wednesday

Brianna Eldridge, Tayler Shouldice and Maggie Gauthier the only multi-winners from the second day of vocal competitions at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Eldridge and Shouldice won their awards in solos categories.

Eldridge also won twice on the festival's first day.

Gautheir earned a first in a solo category and later in a duet on an original composition written and sung with Lisa Loney.

The choirs take over the competitions this morning at Robert Moore School before the vocalists return to the stage at Knox United Church this afternoon.

Here is a list of all winners from Wednesday.

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 1
FIRST:  Paiten Kinnear
SECOND:  Jaycee Mose

Musical Theatre, Up-Tempo, Solo, 9 and 10 years
FIRST:  Christian Wiedenhoeft
SECOND: (Tie) Kenzie Begin, Janaya DeBenetti, Mya Davis

Musical Theatre, Ballad, Solo, 9 and 10 years
FIRST:  Joelle Bruyere

Musical Theatre, Up-Tempo, Solo, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND:  (Tie) Bianna Eldridge, Carmen Hebert, Star Martin, Callahan Wiedenhoeft

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 5
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  Katelyn Bruyere

Musical Theatre, Ballad, Solo, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  Carmen Hebert

Musical Theatre, Up-Tempo, Solo, 13 and 14 years
FIRST:  Emma Dykstra
SECOND: (Tie) Emily Loney, Caitlin Anderson

Musical Theatre, Ballad, Solo, 13 and 14 years
FIRST:  Abigail Lücke
SECOND:  Jillian Armstrong

Musical Theatre, Solo, 19 years and over
FIRST: Betty Ann Lücke

Musical Theatre, Ballad, Solo, 15 and 16 years
FIRST:  McKenna Begin
SECOND: (Tie) Isaac Firth, Faith Pollard

Musical Theatre, Up-Tempo, Solo, 15 and 16 years
FIRST:  Kenzie Godin
SECOND: (Tie) Isaac Firth, McKenna Begin

Musical Theatre, Ballad, Solo, 17 and 18 years
FIRST:  Taylor Shouldice
SECOND:  Danielle Pearce

Musical Theatre, Up-Tempo, Solo, 17 and 18 years
FIRST:  Taylor Shouldice

Contemporary Solo, 17 and 18 years
FIRST:  Maggie Gauthier
SECOND: (Tie) Alisha Hunter, Taylor Shouldice

Original Composition, 19 years and over
FIRST:  Lisa Loney and Maggie Gauthier

County To Help College Find Space

Koochiching County is offering some help to find extra space for Rainy River Community College.

The College had expressed interest in a former Armory building for an industrial maintenance program.

Commissioner Wade Pavleck feels putting a proposal to the State for a new building might be a better route.

The College says it has 22 students planning to take the course this fall.

New CEO At Rainy Lake Medical Centre

Rainy Lake Medical Centre has a new Chief Executive Officer.

Dan Odegaard takes over from Bob Haley who had been serving in an interim capacity for the past couple of years.

Odegaard comes to the International Falls hospital after serving as CEO at Bigfork Valley Hospital for the past eleven years.

Police Numbers Drop In February

The cold weather likely having an effect on the need for provincial police in the Fort Frances area in February.

OPP handled around 270 calls.

That's about 50 less than in February of last year.

Police laid a total of 64 charges during the month, 15 fewer than in 2013.

They also responded to 33 motor vehicle accidents, up from the 29 in January and the 30 in February 2013.

Woman Held In Police Custody Dies

A woman who had been held in custody by the Koochiching County Sheriff's Office has died.

Authorities says the woman was found hanging in a cell at the County jail last Tuesday night.

28-year-old Kathryn Schneider was eventually airlifted to hospital in Duluth where she was pronounced dead on Saturday.

Police say the woman had turned herself in last Tuesday on a parole violation.

Watch For The Lake Ice To Go

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking citizens to document when the ice disappears from lakes on its side of the border.

The agency says it helps identify changing climate trends.

The MPCA collects both lake ice-on and ice-off data and makes it available for use by researchers and the State Climatology Office.

Festival Results For Tuesday April 1

A trio of wins by two young vocalists highlighted the opening day of the vocal competitions at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

 

Callahan Wiedenhoeft and Piper Likea each scored three first place finishes.

 

The vocal competitions continue today at Knox United Church starting at 9 AM.

 

Here is a list of all winners from Monday.

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Christian Wiedenhoeft
SECOND:  Maya Davis

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 2
FIRST:  Morgan Beckett

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 4
FIRST:  Carmen Hebert

Secular Solo, 9 and 10 years
FIRST:  Christian Wiedenhoeft

Secular Solo, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft

Sacred Solo, Examination Courses, Introductory Grade
FIRST:  Piper Lidkea

Sacred Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 5
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft

Traditional Folk Song, Examination Courses, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Piper Lidkea

Contemporary Solo, 7 and 8 years
FIRST:  Piper Lidkea

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 6
FIRST:  Emma Dykstra

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 7
FIRST:  McKenna Begin

Secular Solo, 15 and 16 years
FIRST:  Isaac Firth

Secular Solo, Examination Courses, Grade 6
FIRST:  Emma Dykstra

Sacred Solo, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge

Traditional Folk Song,  Examination Courses, Grade 2
FIRST:  Kenzie Begin

Traditional Folk Song, Examination Courses, Grade 5
FIRST:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft
SECOND:  Brianna Eldridge

Traditional Folk Song, Examination Courses, Grade 7
FIRST:  McKenna Begin

Traditional Folk Song, 11 and 12 years
FIRST:  Callahan Wiedenhoeft

Traditional Folk Song, 15 and 16 years
FIRST:  Isaac Firth

Traditional Folk Song, 17 and 18 years
FIRST:  Taylor Shouldice

Roads Closed

Travel in the Rainy River district is slowly come back.

Traffic is flowing again on Highway 71 and a section of Highway 11 between Atikokan to Rainy River is also open.

Both those roads had been closed for nearly 14 hours because of the weather.

However, travel farther east to Thunder Bay and the use of Highway 502 is still restricted.

Schools Closed

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

The Rainy River District School Board has just announced its closing all of its schools because of the weather.

No word yet from the Northwest Catholic District School Board about its schools

Confederation College has also closed its Fort Frances campus.

The aboriginal head start program in Fort Frances is also closed as is the Countryview Child Care Centre in Devlin.

Couchiching First Nation's Child Care Centre is closed.

Schools in International Falls and Indus are starting classes two hour later than normal.

Forest Fire Season Starts This Week

Believe it or not forest fire season officially begins tomorrow.

Fire information officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources Debbie MacLean admits it could be a while before there are any fire starts in northwestern Ontario given the amount of snow in the forest.

Still, she says the MNR will prepare for the season as normal, noting activity picked up quickly after a slow start back in 2012.

$100,000 Club Grows

The region's education sector is seeing an increase in employees earning over $100,000 a year.

 

The disclosure of public sector salaries shows 39 employees with the Rainy River District School Board over the $100-thousand salary threshold.

 

That's up from 35 employees in 2012 and the 22 disclosed two years ago.

 

The Northwest Catholic District School Board has 13 employees on the list, down one from 2012.

 

Riverside Health Care Facilities shows 20 over the magic number, including 9 nurses.

 

The town of Fort Frances has five on the list.

PSB Appointment

A member of the Fort Frances Police Services Board is back for another term.

 

Ron Scofield has been reappointed to the Board by the province for another two year term.

 

It will be his sixth year with the Board.

 

Meantime, another provincially-appointed seat is still vacant.

 

It became empty after former Mayor Glenn Witherspoon ended his term last year.

Premier Seeks At Legal Advice

Premier Kathleen Wynne is seeking legal advice regarding comments from the Progressive Conservatives over the gas plant scandal.

 

The provincial Liberals say an email from the PC Party last week and subsequently posted on its website, claims Wynne "oversaw and possibly ordered" an individual to delete records in former Premier Dalton McGunity's office.

 

Premier Wynne denies the allegations and has written Tory Leader Tim Hudak to stop making the false and defamatory accusations.

School Bus Cancellations For Monday March 31

Here is a list of school bus cancellations in the Rainy River District this morning.

 

All Iron Range Bus lines in Fort Frances area only

All Dimit Bus Lines

Shane McDonald's SM 235

Keith Jolicoeur - KJ220

Bruce Nielson - BN245

Murray McDonald - MM230

Bill Romyn - BR260

Greg Ferris - GF200

Jody Goliquer - Big Grassy to Rainy River H.S.

Ken Fisher - KRF205

Les Fraser - FK225

Murray Nielson - MN251

Darryl Dyck - MN250

Jack Medwechuk - JM240

Bob Johnson - BJ215

Kaylene Johnson - BJ216

Seine River handicap bus

Seine River high school and elementary buses

Northwest Bay's elementary and the high school buses

Stanjikoming First Nations

Red Gut Bay - both buses

Aboriginal Head Start bus

Public Sector Pay Freeze Proposed

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak wants the Liberal government to expand on its plans to freeze MPP wages.

He says all public sector workers should have their wages frozen as well.

The Tories says the MPP freeze will only save the province about $350-thousand a year when it's facing a nearly $11-billion deficit.

Hudak is also suggesting the pay of Cabinet members be slashed further for every year the government runs a deficit.

Public Workers Union Votes For Job Action

Public sector supervisory and other staff have given their union a mandate to stage job actions and other workplace disruptions to back contract demands.

Members of the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario voted 94 per cent this past week in support.

It's the first time the Union has had such a vote.

President Gary Gannage says calls a government demand for benefit cuts a "declaration of war" on union members and their families.

Council Pay Revealed

More than $116-thousand was paid out in salaries and expenses for members of Fort Frances town council last year.

Mayor Roy Avis was the top wage earner at $32-thousand for serving on council as well on the Fort Frances Power Corporation and Police Services Board.

He also incurred $8,500 in expenses to attend a variety of meetings on behalf of the town outside the region.

Most other councillors earned around the $13-thousand mark with Rick Wiedenhoeft's pay coming in at $16-thousand as he too sits on the Police Services Board.

Road Maintenance Criticized

The opposition is throwing blame on the Liberal government for poor winter road maintenance this winter.

PC Critic Jeff Yurek attributes complaints about snow plowing practices to changes the Liberals made four years to how those contracts are awarded.

Transportation Minister Glen Murray says they're now delivering road maintenance at a lower cost value than when the Conservatives began contracting out services in 1998..

Road Work Planned

Some new passing lanes will be part of improvements planner for US Highway 53 south of International Falls.

Minnesota Department of Transportation's Walter Leu says most of the highway within Koochiching County and 11 miles into St. Louis County will get attention next year.

The work will include new turning and by-pass lanes.

Leu says total cost of the work is estimated to be about $25-million

Rainy River Resources Take-over Highlighted

The publication "Business in Vancouver" is listing New Gold's acquisition of Rainy River Resources as the fifth most-expensive mining acquisition in Canada in 2013.

New Gold acquired Rainy River Resources and its signature project near Barwick for $400-million in a cash and stock transaction, which closed in October.

First Quantum Minerals acquisition of Inmet Mining for $5.1 million is at the top of the magazine's annual review.

Outdoor Expo Gets Underway Today

An expo for area outdoor enthusiasts gets underway today in Internationals Falls.

The annual Outdoor Expo begins at 4 PM this afternoon at the Evangelical Covenant Church.

It continues from 9 AM to 4 PM tomorrow.

Organizer Tom Holt says it will include a number of speakers, demonstrations and displays.

Admission is free, but your encouraged to bring a non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army.

Canada Win Softwood Lumber Ruling

Canada likes it, but the U.S doesn't.

The London Court of International Arbitration is supporting Canada over export charges related to the Softwood Lumber Agreement.

Canada argued it shouldn't have applied the charges when a 2011 decision ruled subsidies to struggling companies in Ontario and Quebec violated the agreement because they came before the deal was been extended.

Canada's is now refunding companies their money.

The decision can not be appealed.

Boil Water Advisory Lifted

A boil water advisory at Rainy River Health Centre has been lifted.

The advisory was put in place last Thursday because of a water main break near the Rainy River hospital.

Riverside Health Care had taken precautions, including bringing in bottled water, during the advisory.

Food Insecurity Growing

A new report suggests food insecurity is becoming a serious problem in Canada's northern and remote First Nations communities.

The Council of Canadians Academies says the number of aboriginal households lacking access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food is growing at a rate more than double that of non-aboriginal households.

The Council says while there is no single solution, cooperation among various agencies and governments is key to reversing the trend.

New Program At Rainy River Community College

A new early childhood education program is being offered at Rainy River Community College in International Falls.

It's partnering with Virginia's Mesabi Range College on the degree program.

Graduates can also use the course to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education through Southwest State University.

Some of the courses are also transferable to a program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Opposition Wants Fine Details Disclosed

The opposition is pushing the government to reveal how much contractors, responsible for plowing provincial highways, were fined this winter for failing to meet provincial standards.

NDP critic John Vantof says there's conflicting information about the reason for those fines that needs to be cleared up.

Transportation minister Glenn Murray is only saying the government has spent $10 million more this winter so contractors could purchase additional snow plows.

Three Arrested In Drug Bust

Three people are facing charges following a drug bust at a Fort Frances home this week.

Members of the Combined Forces Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau executed a search warrant at an Armit Street home Tuesday to find 555 grams of marijuana, street-valued at $11-thousand, and over $1,800 in cash.

Two Winnipeg residents, ages 20 and 42, and a 47-year-old Fort Frances man were arrested and are awaiting court appearances.

Ring of Fire Advances Another Step

Another step is being taken in making sure First Nations concerns are heard in the Ring of Fire negotiations.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the province and Mattawa First Nations have signed an agreement to move forward with a negotiating process on the issues they find crucial to them.

New Director Appointed To Riverside Foundation For Health Care

Riverside Foundation for Health Care has a new director.

Samatha Manty takes over the position Monday, replacing Nicke Baird who left to become the executive director at NCDS.

Manty, who's a graduate of Montreal's Dawson College, will wrap up her currently job at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce this week.

Koochiching County To Add New Social Worker

Another child and family social worker is being added to Koochiching County's community services department.

Director Terry Murray says it allows for some cases handled by outside agencies to be dealt again by county workers.

He says the additional staff person will also ease the workload of its other two social workers.

Festival Line-up Nearly Complete

Organizers of the newest summer festival to Fort Frances says they'll be in position to announce their line-up next month.

The Harmony of Nations! Music Festival is set for July18 and 19 at the Sorting Gap Marina.

Coordinator Shannon Darby says because of the event's uniqueness, it's been relatively easy lining up the acts.

The festival will also include a public workshops with artists.

A new website has also been brought on-line that will have further information on the festival as its made available.

Skating Club Wins

The Border Skating Club has been selected the grand prize winner in the Tbaytel For Good initiative.

The club wins $5,000 to help replace its audio equipment at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Rainy River Recreation Board receives $2,000 for reaching the semi-final round.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Budget Progressing

It could be another month before the Municipality of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls passes it's budget.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they are making good progress, but suggests they still need to make some last minute changes. 

A review of the changes is expected at council's next meeting, but Thompson says final approval may not come until the end of April.

Park Fees For Houseboats Not In Place Yet

Voyageurs National Park says it won't be charging a new reservation fee to houseboats this year.

The park had indicated the $10.00 charge would be part of a new reservation and fee program taking effect this season.

It says that fee if for private houseboats and won't be in place until next spring.

The Park says it's still talking with area houseboat companies about the fees and a plan for visitors who rent from companies who operate within the park.

Pennies Gathered For Leukemia Research

Supplied photo

Students at Rainy River Community College have gathered their pennies in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A fundraiser promoted by the College's Student Senate this month brought in $227.49 for blood-born cancer research.

The Pennies for Patients included a battle of the sexes component with the women collecting $112 to the men's 105.

Condo Project To Get A Further Review

A proposed condominium project for Fort Frances is going to get a further review by town council.

 

Thunder Bay-based Northern Superior Structural Solutions is proposing a 24-unit project on Front Street.

 

Mayor Roy Avis says the idea will get look over from its various committees first before council makes a firm decision.

 

Company officials are currently promoting the project on its website as "The Vu by the River. "