The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a 10-year forest resources management plan for a group of ecological subsections in northern Minnesota.
Referred to as the North 4 subsections, the areas include the St. Louis Moraines, Tamarack Lowlands, Nashwauk Uplands, and Littlefork-Vermilion Uplands.
The draft plan covers strategies for about 1.17 million acres.
The plan also calls for field examination of about 13,000 acres of DNR forest lands per year to identify treatment needs.
The public comment period continues until August 24th.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Lightning Strike in Dryden
Four Dryden men are recovering after their golf game was unexpectedly disrupted yesterday by a lightning strike.
Lightning struck an area near a steel fence, knocking the four men to the ground.
All are currently recovering from burns and various other injuries.
Lightning struck an area near a steel fence, knocking the four men to the ground.
All are currently recovering from burns and various other injuries.
Limerick Retires
A long time employee with the Northwestern Health Unit is retiring.
Bill Limerick has worked in the public health field for the past 38 years, most recently as the health unit's director of Environmental Health.
He doesn't officially retire until the end of this year, but with holidays factored in, his last day on the job was July 15th.
Bill Limerick has worked in the public health field for the past 38 years, most recently as the health unit's director of Environmental Health.
He doesn't officially retire until the end of this year, but with holidays factored in, his last day on the job was July 15th.
L.U. Orientation Offered for New Students
Lakehead University is giving students enrolling in classes at its Thunder Bay campus an opportunity to get familiar with the surroundings well before the start of classes.
Every Friday until the end of August, students can visit the university to register for their student identification and tour the facilities.
Student Orientation officer Brendan Hughes says they can also help students with questions about courses.
"During the summer, some people have questions regarding registration or what courses they should be in," says Hughes. "or maybe they thought they wanted to go into one program but they're mulling over a different choice. We do have academic advisers on hand to able to see new students and give that guidance."
Hughes says students can also receive tours of residence, but won't be allowed to move in until later in August.
Every Friday until the end of August, students can visit the university to register for their student identification and tour the facilities.
Student Orientation officer Brendan Hughes says they can also help students with questions about courses.
"During the summer, some people have questions regarding registration or what courses they should be in," says Hughes. "or maybe they thought they wanted to go into one program but they're mulling over a different choice. We do have academic advisers on hand to able to see new students and give that guidance."
Hughes says students can also receive tours of residence, but won't be allowed to move in until later in August.
Man Charged for Skipping on Cab Fare
A refusal to pay for a cab ride in Fort Frances led to a man being taken into police custody.
Provincial police say the man took a cab early Saturday morning, but left the car without paying when it reached his destination.
The taxi driver followed the passenger into a Fort Frances establishment where an altercation took place between the two over the outstanding cab fare.
Police arrived to take the passenger into custody and charge him with being intoxicated in a public place.
Provincial police say the man took a cab early Saturday morning, but left the car without paying when it reached his destination.
The taxi driver followed the passenger into a Fort Frances establishment where an altercation took place between the two over the outstanding cab fare.
Police arrived to take the passenger into custody and charge him with being intoxicated in a public place.
Deer Strikes Motorcyclist
A Fort Frances man escaped serious injury after a motorcycle was struck by a deer.
The accident happened on Mill Road last Friday afternoon.
The man was transported by ambulance to LaVerendrye Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident happened on Mill Road last Friday afternoon.
The man was transported by ambulance to LaVerendrye Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Fire Tower Faces Probable Paint Job
Difficulties in removing the paint from the former fire tower at Pither's Point Park could lead to the tower being repainted.
Original plans called for the tower only to be pressure-washed before its relocated to the Fort Frances waterfront.
Community Services Manager George Bell told council last night that's proving more tougher than expected.
"We continue to have an issue with the paint removal on the tower," said Bell. "We're struggling getting it off with the water pressure. We're going to be looking at a bio-degradable paint stripper this week."
Bell says it may come down to the tower being painted.
He says expected saving from having fewer banners and post may help cover the cost.
"We've dramatically reduced the number of new posts that we will require," said Bell. "We're just going to do them along Scott Street, Mowat and the way-finding area. The original plan identified 49. I think we're looking at 29 and their $3,000 each."
The repainting of the tower had initially been identified at about $40,000.
Original plans called for the tower only to be pressure-washed before its relocated to the Fort Frances waterfront.
Community Services Manager George Bell told council last night that's proving more tougher than expected.
"We continue to have an issue with the paint removal on the tower," said Bell. "We're struggling getting it off with the water pressure. We're going to be looking at a bio-degradable paint stripper this week."
Bell says it may come down to the tower being painted.
He says expected saving from having fewer banners and post may help cover the cost.
"We've dramatically reduced the number of new posts that we will require," said Bell. "We're just going to do them along Scott Street, Mowat and the way-finding area. The original plan identified 49. I think we're looking at 29 and their $3,000 each."
The repainting of the tower had initially been identified at about $40,000.
Underpass to Shutdown
There will be another closure of the Portage Avenue underpass next week.
This time, the underpass will be completely shutdown for two to three days beginning next Wednesday so crews can replace sanitary sewer lines under the road bed.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says emergency vehicles to access the north end through a rail crossing at Victoria Avenue.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
This time, the underpass will be completely shutdown for two to three days beginning next Wednesday so crews can replace sanitary sewer lines under the road bed.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says emergency vehicles to access the north end through a rail crossing at Victoria Avenue.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
Portage and Scott Closing Next Tuesday
There will be some disruption to a traffic along Scott Street next week.
The closure of the intersection of Scott at Portage Avenue is to facilitate the continuance of road work in that area.
As a result, trucks will go through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veteran's Drive, a portion of Sinclair Street now owned by Abitibi-Bowater and Front Street.
When the intersection is closed next Tuesday, access along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage will still be permitted.
The closure of the intersection of Scott at Portage Avenue is to facilitate the continuance of road work in that area.
As a result, trucks will go through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veteran's Drive, a portion of Sinclair Street now owned by Abitibi-Bowater and Front Street.
When the intersection is closed next Tuesday, access along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage will still be permitted.
Donation to Flight Group Accepted
A group of airplanes returning from a cross country flight celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada will get a financial contribution from the town of Fort Frances.
In a 4-to-3 vote, council narrowly approved last night to give the group 8 cents for every litre of gasoline the planes take on when they land at the airport next week.
Mayor Roy Avis says about 30 planes are expected and feels the contribution is good p.r.
"I know that we said no the first time," says Avis, "but I think there is some impact for us. We can maybe get some mileage out of it."
The group organizing the flight had asked council for a reduced charge on fuel costs.
Avis noted the flight was being documented for a future television program.
But councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he's doesn't see how giving them a break in fuel prices would benefit the town.
"I question whether or not the bang for our buck will be worth it," says Wiedenhoeft. "Call me a skeptic, but this is probably going to be a money making issue when he sells the rights of the trip to CBC, CTV or the Discovery Channel. I don't know if the bang for the buck is going to be worth it if we give him a slight discount."
About 30 were to land in Fort Frances are part of the flight to Nova Scotia last week, but poor weather led to just five planes showing up.
In a 4-to-3 vote, council narrowly approved last night to give the group 8 cents for every litre of gasoline the planes take on when they land at the airport next week.
Mayor Roy Avis says about 30 planes are expected and feels the contribution is good p.r.
"I know that we said no the first time," says Avis, "but I think there is some impact for us. We can maybe get some mileage out of it."
The group organizing the flight had asked council for a reduced charge on fuel costs.
Avis noted the flight was being documented for a future television program.
But councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he's doesn't see how giving them a break in fuel prices would benefit the town.
"I question whether or not the bang for our buck will be worth it," says Wiedenhoeft. "Call me a skeptic, but this is probably going to be a money making issue when he sells the rights of the trip to CBC, CTV or the Discovery Channel. I don't know if the bang for the buck is going to be worth it if we give him a slight discount."
About 30 were to land in Fort Frances are part of the flight to Nova Scotia last week, but poor weather led to just five planes showing up.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Paramedics' Seek Essential Service Status
The Ontario Paramedic Association is asking the McGuinty government to grant the province's paramedics essential service status.
The association says it's a matter of public safety and security.
It says the designation would ensure paramedics would report to work regardless of any labour issues within the various municipalities.
Paramedics were classed as a public safety occupation at the federal Level in 2005 and the O-P-A wants the province to follow suit.
The association says it's a matter of public safety and security.
It says the designation would ensure paramedics would report to work regardless of any labour issues within the various municipalities.
Paramedics were classed as a public safety occupation at the federal Level in 2005 and the O-P-A wants the province to follow suit.
Mining Compny Fined
The death of a worker has led to a $130 thousand fine against a mineral exploration company.
Conquest Resources hired an independent contractor in December 2007 to construct an ice road on Sturgeon Lake, 70 kilometres east of Sioux Lookout.
But when the man drove his plow onto the lake, it broke through the ice, and the man drowned.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found the worker hadn't been given accurate information about the thickness of the ice.
Conquest Resources hired an independent contractor in December 2007 to construct an ice road on Sturgeon Lake, 70 kilometres east of Sioux Lookout.
But when the man drove his plow onto the lake, it broke through the ice, and the man drowned.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found the worker hadn't been given accurate information about the thickness of the ice.
Body Found in Winnipeg River
OPP have found the body of a missing Winnipeg man near Minaki.
The body of 25-year-old Dave Christopher Pundyk was found Saturday afternoon in the Winnipeg River.
The man was thrown from a boat into the river after two boats travelling together collided on July 18th.
The body of 25-year-old Dave Christopher Pundyk was found Saturday afternoon in the Winnipeg River.
The man was thrown from a boat into the river after two boats travelling together collided on July 18th.
Illegal Baitfish Traps Found
(Photo courtesy Ministry of Natural Resources)The discovery of a number of illegal baitfish traps in the Dryden area has prompted the Ministry of Natural Resources to issue a warning.
The M-N-R says traps must be clearly labelled with the name of the user and must not exceed the maximum permitted size.
The Ministry says its also received several complaints of individuals selling baitfish without a licence.
New regulations are in place to protect rare and endangered species.
Emo Speedway Celebrates
Three of the original drivers who raced at Emo Speedway 55 years ago made a return Saturday to help celebrate the tracks anniversary.
Among them 91-year-old Raoul Cayer who won the track's first title in 1954.
"We got together with Russ Cruchaine," recalls Cayer, "Russ decided we should go into Winnipeg to buy a car. So we drove into Winnipeg and bought a car. Brought it back and fixed it up and started racing.
The track opened to stock car racing in July of 1954.
Lyle Busch was one of the original drivers who helped get racing going with Sid Asselin
"We brought Sid's car down here to the grandstand on Saturday afternoon," says Busch. "Run that thing around and pretty soon we had over a hundred people here."
Busch says that appearance eventually led to regular racing at the track.
The evening also featured photographs and articles of the track over its more than 5 decades.
Among them 91-year-old Raoul Cayer who won the track's first title in 1954.
"We got together with Russ Cruchaine," recalls Cayer, "Russ decided we should go into Winnipeg to buy a car. So we drove into Winnipeg and bought a car. Brought it back and fixed it up and started racing.
The track opened to stock car racing in July of 1954.
Lyle Busch was one of the original drivers who helped get racing going with Sid Asselin
"We brought Sid's car down here to the grandstand on Saturday afternoon," says Busch. "Run that thing around and pretty soon we had over a hundred people here."
Busch says that appearance eventually led to regular racing at the track.
The evening also featured photographs and articles of the track over its more than 5 decades.
Drivers go Hand-Free October 1
Ontario drivers have until October to go hands-free.
That's when the province's ban on the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other hand-held electronic devices by drivers will take effect.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says motorists can expect an education period, which means police will show some leniency when the ban first takes effect.
That's when the province's ban on the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other hand-held electronic devices by drivers will take effect.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says motorists can expect an education period, which means police will show some leniency when the ban first takes effect.
Health Officials Meet Today
Health officials from across the province are to meet in Windsor today for talks on Ontario's response to the H1N1 flu pandemic.
Chief medical officer of health Doctor Arlene King will discuss the H1N1 Influenza virus with health professionals from Ontario's 36 public health units.
The province's latest statistics show there have been about 39-hundred confirmed cases of H1N1 in Ontario, seventy in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area.
Chief medical officer of health Doctor Arlene King will discuss the H1N1 Influenza virus with health professionals from Ontario's 36 public health units.
The province's latest statistics show there have been about 39-hundred confirmed cases of H1N1 in Ontario, seventy in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area.
More Help to B.C.
More firefighting reinforcements from Ontario have headed to British Columbia.
An additional 172 Ministry of Natural Resources personnel left for Kamloops yesterday.
They join the 122 who arrived in B.C. Friday.
That group is currently working out of Merritt, in the south-central interior of the province.
An additional 172 Ministry of Natural Resources personnel left for Kamloops yesterday.
They join the 122 who arrived in B.C. Friday.
That group is currently working out of Merritt, in the south-central interior of the province.
Portage Avenue Underpass Closure
A reminder to motorists, the Portage Avenue Underpass will be closed to traffic this week today to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
Fort Frances Town Council Tonight
Fort Frances town councillors will receive another update on construction projects when they meet for their regular meeting tonight at the Civic Centre.
Councillors will also consider the purchase of a new ice resurfacer for the Memorial Sports Centre.
A request from some residents on First Street East for trees in their area is also on the agenda.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 7:00 p.m.
Councillors will also consider the purchase of a new ice resurfacer for the Memorial Sports Centre.
A request from some residents on First Street East for trees in their area is also on the agenda.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 7:00 p.m.
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