IJC Submits Watershed Report

The final report into the management of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins is now off to the Canadian and U.S. governments.

The International Joint Commission's report is based on work done by a previous task force.

Spokesperson Bernard Beckhoff says the IJC's report doesn't deviate much the task force suggestions.

It's now up to governments on both sides of the border to determine if the IJC can proceed with the 184-page report.

Action Requested on False Alarms

The Fort Frances Police Services Board will be asking town council to consider a by-law aimed at reducing the number of false alarm calls for Provincial Police.

OPP say they responded to 129 false alarms in Fort Frances last, 149 the year before.

The board says hitting people in the pocket book with fines might go along way to reducing that number.

Question of the Day - February 1

Do you think Fort Frances should consider issuing fines for false alarms?

Let us know on our website www.931TheBorder.ca.

In a previous poll question, 92 per cent of respondents don't think the eligibility age for Old Age Security should be increased to 67.

Man charged in January Break-In

A 20-year-old man from Stratton will make a court appearance next week in connection with a January 22 break-in in the north end of Fort Frances.

OPP say as officer arrived to a garage on the 1000 block of Armit Avenue, the man fled.

He was eventually captured in the 800 block of Third Street East.

The man faces several charges including break-and-enter, possession of stolen property and theft.

New Economic Development Agency Promoted

A new regional economic development agency for northern Ontario is being pitched to Rainy River district towns.

Consultant Patricia Forrest says the group can bring many benefits to the area.

Forest says they'll be seeking approval  in March from the province to work on implementing the new organization by the end of this year.

Respect Campaign Ready to Rol

Celebrating Diversity is getting ready to roll out its "Respect Campaign."

Member Linda Plumridge says the campaign that encourages dignity, respect and inculsivness will be promoted across the district starting February 16.

Part of the campaign will include workshops with interested groups and organizations.

Drug Charges

Three people, including two from Atikokan, face drug charges after police intercepted a shipment of oxycodone Monday.

Over 470 oxycondone and 47 Ritalin pills, street valued at about 6-thousand dollars, were found in a vehicle stopped just west of Thunder Bay.

Police also seized the truck and 22-hundred dollars in cash.

The man and woman from Atikokan, both aged 55, and the 42-year-old Thunder Bay woman will appear in court in March.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted

Visitor Restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances have been lifted.

The restrictions had been in place since the middle of January because of an increase in the number of case of gastroenteritis.

Although the restrictions are lifted, officials says people who have any flu-like symptoms should still refrain from visiting until they feel better.

Fishing Violations Up in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing a jump in fishing violations on Lake of the Woods this winter.

The DNR recently seized 234 walleye and sauger for various violations on the Minnesota side of the lake.

Conservation officers investigated over 50 incidents last week ranging from over-fishing, to anglers fishing without a license.

Freezing Rain Warning

Area roads could a little slick this morning.

Freezing rain has been falling across much of the Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

It's associated with a low pressure system that's moving in from northern Minnesota.

The Ministry of Transportation reports Highways 11 and 602 to be mainly bare and wet with slushy sections.

Other secondary highways are listed as being snow covered.

Highways in Koochiching County report being wet with icy sections.

LHINS Take On Doc

Ontario's local health integration networks will be given responsibility for family doctors.

The CEO of the Northwest LHIN, Laura Kokocinski, says her organization is prepared to make it work.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the LHIN's will help ensure patients have a more seamless experience between doctor and hospital.

Riding Changes Possible

There could be changes coming to federal ridings in northwestern Ontario as the government looks to add 15 new seats for Ontario

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty foresees at least part of his riding being added to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty also envisions northern Ontario losing one of two ridings.

Little Interest in Regional Airport Concept

There hasn't been an overwhelming favourable response from communities elsewhere in the Rainy River district to help fund the Fort Frances airport.

The town has been trying to promote the idea of a regional airport for more than a year, but CAO Mark McCaig says only Chapple and Emo has expressed interest.

McCaig says there has also been some interest from area First Nations.

Police Step up Drunk Driving Enforcement

Motorists traveling to Duluth may see an increased police presence.

St. Louis County is one of thirteen Minnesota counties where efforts to curb drunk driving will be stepped up.

Officers will use electronic message boards and heavy patrols.

Media ads will also encourage people to avoid driving while impaired.

Snowarama Success

Organizers of the Snowarama for Easter Seals in Atikokan hit their fundraising goal.

Sixty-five snowmobilers helped to raise over $20-thousand in Saturday's ride.

That's over the $19,700 raised last year by about the same number of riders.

Audit Committee Needs Member

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is still looking to add a community member to a newly formed Audit Committee.

The committee is responsible for reviewing how well the board manages its finances.

It's been in place since September.

Area Mayors Seek Faster Uploading of Court Costs

Municipal leaders from the Rainy River district want the province to take back the cost of court security quicker than it is.

The uploading of those costs will be done over six years, starting this year.

But the area municipal representatives want the cost of those services taken back in full immediately.

Girl Struck By Vehicle near Duluth

A Fort Frances girl has escaped serious injury after being struck by a pick-up truck north of Duluth.

The incident happened Friday afternoon..

Minnesota State Patrol says the 12-year-old ran in front of traffic while her mother had stopped to assist another vehicle that left Highway 53 near Cotton.

Police says the girl had ignored a warning from her mother to stay in the vehicle.

She was taken to hospital in Virginia where she was treated and released.

Area Mayors Support Need for Resident Judge

Municipal leaders across the Rainy River district are supporting calls for the reappointment of a permanent resident judge for the district.

A lengthy resolution was passed at their weekend meeting in Devlin that will be forwarded to the Attorney General and the Regional Chief Justice.

Fort Frances lawyer Wes Derkson encourages area mayors and reeves to keep up the fight.

The province intends to have the appointment relocated to the Kenora district after the current judge leaves the area in May.

Extra Ambulance Costs Consider

The head of ambulance services for the Rainy River district says it could cost $640-thousand extra to deal with a potential closure of the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department.

Dan McCormick says another ambulance unit would be needed to help deal with patient transfers if the hospital can't find the doctors it needs.

McCormick says about 35 per cent of the estimated ambulance costs would be borne by area municipalities who will likely have to lobby the province for help.