Falls Company Fined By MPCA

An International Falls chemical processing plant has ran afoul of Minnesota's air quality permit limits.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Specialty Minerals has agreed to pay a 24-thousand dollar civil penalty after it was found to have exceeded its air emissions permit limit between September 2011 and 2012.

SMI uses carbon dioxide and other byproducts from the Boise mill to create a wide variety of products.

The company also agreed to submit a plant to ensure its operation hours aren't exceeded in the future and to submit a permit application that would change its current permitted emissions limit.

Both of the required actions have already been completed.

Power Project To Be Discussed

Residents of Koochiching County will get an update this week on a proposed new transmission line through Minnesota that will connect to Manitoba.

Minnesota Power in the planning stages of a 500 kiloVolt line with potential routes identified through the County.

Power officials will talk about the project Thursday during a luncheon hosted by the International Falls Chamber of Commerce.

You must register with the Chamber of Commerce is you want to attend.

Tory Candidate Ready

Still lots of chatter of a possible fall election campaign in Ontario.

The Conservatives held their policy convention during the weekend in London.

Kenora-Rainy River candidate Randy Nickle says they've been on alert for a while now.

The NDP and Liberals also have their candidates in place with MPP Sarah Campbell looking for a second term while Emo councillor Anthony Leek is ready to run again for the Grits.

New Trade Strategy

Ontario wants to expand its exports in the global market.

It's revealed a new trade initiative called the Going Global Trade Strategy.

It has particular focus on small and medium size businesses.

Part of the strategy includes working with the federal government on new trade deals with the European Union, India, Japan and South Korea.

Smile Cookies Now Available

File photo

Here's your chance to put a smile on a local child's face!

Tim Hortons is holding its annual 'Smile Cookie' campaign this week.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says proceeds from all sales from the Fort Frances store will go toward the Respect Technology program.

It's the third year Tim Hortons has backed the program through its campaign.

College Still Reviewing Float Plane Program Options

Confederation College is hoping to decide where to locate its float plane training classes in the next couple of months.

The College agreed to move the course from its current location on Eva Lake near Atikokan following numerous complaints from cottagers.

President, Jim Madder says they've received a lot of interest from communities interested in hosting the program.

Committee Co-chair Ready To Get To Work

A long time coming.

That's how Alvin Fiddler feels about a new provincial committee set up to ensure stronger first nations representation to juries.

The Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishinawbe-Aski Nation has been appointed co-chair.

The 11-member committee will implement the recommendations of a report submitted earlier this year by Justice Frank Iacobucci.

NOMA President Supports Pipeline Project

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Association is throwing his support behind the proposed Energy East pipeline.

Dave Canfield says the pipeline to move oil from Alberta to the east coast has multiple benefits.

Canfield any proposed line shouldn't interfere with local watersheds.

Provincial Clarifies Minister's Comments

The Energy Minister's office is clarifying Bob Chiarelli's recent comments about the Thunder Bay Generating Station.

Last Thursday, he indicated the plant would run six HOURS a year, instead of saying six TIMES a year.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he was trying to stress that the provincial government will provide a stable and cost effective supply of electricity for the Northwest.

Gravelle says no decision has yet been made about the  power plant.

Proponents says a conversion of the coal-fired plant is needed to meet the region's future energy demands.

Torys Election Ready

Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives have some new ideas and their party's next campaign platform following a weekend meeting in London.

Hundreds of delegates from across the province had their say on a list of about two dozen policy ideas, from cutting income taxes to selling beer and wine in corner stores.

Ghost Tour

The ghosts of Voyageurs National Park are being summoned.

The park is setting up a ghost tour as a means of teaching people the history of the park and surrounding area.

The Park's Chris Amidon says a number "ghosts" will greet people who participate in the walk.

The event goes later this week, but you have to call the Park office to reserve a spot.

Boise Mill Purchase

New owners for the Boise mill in International Falls.

Packaging Corporation of America is purchasing all of Boise Inc. mills in a deal worth about $2-billion.

Boise spokesperson Virginia Aulin says it's was a good offer to accept.

The deals comes as the International Falls mill prepares to close two of its paper machines and layoff 265 employees.

There is some optimism among the area's leaders over the planned ownership change.

Mayor Bob Anderson feels there will be benefits that help the paper mill becoming profitable.

Anderson says it's still important. though. to continue the work of finding ways to diversify their local economy in light of the mill's restructuring.

Grant Concerns Expressed

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A request for over half a million dollars from the federal government to help offset layoffs at the Boise mill is drawing concerns from an International Falls city councillor.

Cynthia Jacksa sees the application incomplete because it was done without the inclusion of the areas economic development officers.

She also believes many of the initiatives identified for funding are already taking place.

Both councillor Pete Kalar and Mayor Bob Anderson defend the application saying the initiatives covered under the grant were once put forward by subcommittees formed by a joint County-City task force.

PC's Release Northern Ontario Policy

Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak wants to give more decision making power to people in this part of the province.

Hudak has taken the wraps off a new policy platform for the the north and natural resources.

Hudak says he's committing to giving northerners more say over such areas as wildlife and hunting management and cottage development.

Boil Water Advisory Ends

A boil water advisory issued for residents of Emo has now been lifted.

The advisory was been put is place last Tuesday because of emergency repairs required at the township's water treatment plant.

That work is now complete.

Catholic Women's League Celebrates

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The Catholic Women's League in Rainy River is celebrating a milestone.

It was formed 60 year ago.

The League celebrated Sunday with special recognition given to some long time members, including Bernice Olinyk, who is a charter member.

Millie Kucha was honoured for 58 years membership while Donna Noga and Gayle Yuryk received
pins for 50 years.

Fake Survey

A survey from RBC appears to be phony.

An email from someone claiming to be from RBC sent to our news room asks to update our profile and for personal information.

It also claims Bank of Montreal will credit our account with money for taking part.

RBC says no such survey is taking place and would not ask for information that way.

Kiss 'n' Ride Warning Period Over

No more warnings.

That from OPP to motorists who don't heed parking restrictions in place around three elementary schools in Fort Frances.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says there's been a lot of publicity and education around the Kiss 'n' Ride initiative at J.W. Walker, Robert Moore and St. Francis Schools that people should be know be aware of the restrictions.

The initiative went into place at the start of school to ensure a safer drop off and pick up of children and to ease traffic congestion around the schools.

Health Unit Losing Its Medical Officer Of Health

The Northwestern Health Unit is losing its Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. James Arthurs will be retiring next March.

Arthurs came to the Health Unit in 2009 after working in the U.S. as a family and emergency room physician and Medical Director.

The Board of Health has already started the recruitment process.

NDP Critical Of Province On Power Plant

NDP leader Andrea Horwath is again chastising the Liberal government for its foot dragging on the conversion of Ontario Power Generation's coal-fire station in Thunder Bay.

Horwath says it's time the Premier tells us what the government's plans are once and for all.

Horwath was in Thunder Bay on the weekend to attend the NDP's Northern Council meeting.