Volunteers Awards Presented

2009-05-29

07:52:46

Volunteers from across the district were honoured last night for their long participation with a number of area organizations.

Colleen Moran of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration says more than one hundred volunteers received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards pins recognizing years of service between five and fifty years.

"We're very pleased to recognize these wonderful people," says Moran. "They've contributed much to their communities and to give so many years to a wonderful organization. Often these volunteers volunteer for more than one organization as well.

Moran noted the volunteers recognized combined for more than 17-hundred years of volunteer service in the Rainy River district.

Here is the list of all volunteers recognized.

Recipient -Nominating Organization - City-Award

Mrs. Denise Donaldson-4-H Association - Rainy River District-Devlin-5 Year Award

Mrs. Kathy Stahn-4-H Association - Rainy River District-Devlin-5 Year Award

Mrs. Ellen Chojko-Bolec-4-H Association - Rainy River District-Pinewood-30 Year Award

Mrs. Louise Bliss-4-H Association - Rainy River District-Emo-20 Year Award

Mrs. Tracy Hyatt-4-H Association - Rainy River District-Devlin-10 Year Award

Mrs. Angela Sharbot-Atikokan Lutheran Ladies (TALL)-Atikokan-20 Year Award

Mrs. Judy Kruger-Atikokan Lutheran Ladies (TALL)-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Elizabeth Montgomery-Atikokan Lutheran Ladies (TALL)-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Ms. Elizabeth Mitchell-Bergland Friends of Recreation-Sleeman-5 Year Award

Mrs. Sheila Gate-Bergland Friends of Recreation-Sleeman-15 Year Award

Mrs. Jody Gouliquer-Bergland Friends of Recreation-Sleeman-15 Year Award

Mrs. Yvonne Gouliquer-Bergland Friends of Recreation-Sleeman-10 Year Award

Mrs. Marlene McQuarrie-Beta Sigma Phi-Fort Frances-50 Year Award

Mr. Latimer Steven-Community Living Fort Frances and District-Devlin-5 Year Award

Mrs. Denise Bliss-Community Living Fort Frances and District-Fort Frances-15 Year Award

Ms. Jenny Greenhalgh-Community Living Fort Frances and District-Fort Frances-10 Year Award

Mr. Willie Cole-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Bob Hammond-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Peter Neilson-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Tom Rawn-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Ken Wright-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Kirby Ewald-Council for the Township of Alberton-Fort Frances-10 Year Award

Mrs. Carrie Baker-Emo Chamber of Commerce-Emo-5 Year Award

Mrs. Mary Goodman-Emo Chamber of Commerce-Emo-5 Year Award

Mr. Paul Koomans-Emo Chamber of Commerce-Emo-5 Year Award

Mr. Arnold Kaemingh-Emo Chamber of Commerce-Emo-10 Year Award

Mr. Timothy Rosengren-Emo Walleye Classic-Emo-Youth Award

Mr. Jason Tessier-Emo Walleye Classic-Devlin-5 Year Award

Mr. Myles Kinnear-Emo Walleye Classic-Emo-5 Year Award

Mr. Peter McQuaker-Emo Walleye Classic-Emo-5 Year Award

Mrs. Wendy Rosengren-Emo Walleye Classic-Emo-5 Year Award

Mr. Al McIvor-Emo Walleye Classic-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Rod Cupp-Emo Walleye Classic-Stratton-5 Year Award

Mrs. Janice Splawski-Faith Lutheran Church-Atikokan-40 Year Award

Mr. Jack Kosola-Faith Lutheran Church-Atikokan-20 Year Award

Mr. Charles McOrmond-Faith Lutheran Church-Atikokan-15 Year Award

Ms. Cathy Emes-Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Geoff Gillon-Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce-Fort Frances-10 Year Award

Mrs. Mary Desaulniers-Friends of the Atikokan Public Library-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Lil Devisscher-Friends of the Atikokan Public Library-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Evelyn Human-Friends of the Atikokan Public Library-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Marnie Cumming-Girl Guides of Canada - Ontario Council - Community 36-Fort Frances-50 Year Award

Mrs. Sylvia Brandrich-Girl Guides of Canada - Ontario Council - Community 36-Atikokan-20 Year Award

Mr. John Callan-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mrs. Laurie Callan-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Bob Katona-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mrs. Jan Luchka-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Jim Luchka-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Ken Stanley-Halkirk Fire Protection Team-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mrs. Vivian O'Donnell-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-40 Year Award

Mrs. Nellie Shybyski-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-40 Year Award

Mrs. Jean Church-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Evelyn Goldamer-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Astrid Sobkowicz-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Donna Wasykowski-Horticultural Society - Fort Frances-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Shanda Degagne-Begin-Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Ms. Angie Korzinski-Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Robert Sletmoen-Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Rob Tovey-Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Kyle Kellar-Knox United Church-Devlin-Youth Award

Mrs. Luella Kellar-Knox United Church-Devlin-5 Year Award

Mrs. Rhoda Dickson-Knox United Church-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Dona Pollard-Knox United Church-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mr. Calvin Thorpe-Knox United Church-Fort Frances-30 Year Award

Mrs. Ruth Brockie-Knox United Church-Fort Frances-20 Year Award

Mrs. Barb Cousineau-Knox United Church-Fort Frances-20 Year Award

Mrs. Marnie Miller-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-25 Year Award

Mrs. Betty Cox-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-20 Year Award

Mrs. Jane McLeod-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-20 Year Award

Mrs. June Parnell-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-20 Year Award

Mr. Barry Cox-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-15 Year Award

Mrs. Florence Hill-La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary-Fort Frances-15 Year Award

Mrs. Julie Peacosh-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-50 Year Award

Mrs. Joanne Albrecht-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-40 Year Award

Mrs. Gayle Dutka-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-40 Year Award

Mrs. Dawn McKinnon-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-25 Year Award

Mrs. Roselyn Ritchat-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-15 Year Award

Mrs. Helen Cook-Legion Ladies Auxiliary-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Angela Sharbot-Lions Club of Atikokan-Atikokan-5 Year Award

Ms. Elizabeth Shine-Lions Club of Atikokan-Atikokan-5 Year Award

Mr. Perry Sharbot-Lions Club of Atikokan-Atikokan-20 Year Award

Mrs. Angela Kooper-Pioneer Club Atikokan-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Virginia Leif-Pioneer Club Atikokan-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Mrs. Lotte Piechota-Pioneer Club Atikokan-Atikokan-10 Year Award

Ms. Phyllis Callaghan-Rainy Lake Conservancy-Fort Frances-10 Year Award

Mrs. Joan McIntosh-Rainy River District Community Legal Clinic-Atikokan-5 Year Award

Mr. Robert Bombay-Rainy River District Community Legal Clinic-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mrs. Nancy Gillon-Rainy River District Community Legal Clinic-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Tom Morrish-Rainy River District Veterinarian Services Committee-Devlin-10 Year Award

Ms. Kim Jo Bliss-Rainy River District Veterinarian Services Committee-Emo-10 Year Award

Mr. Ralph Hunsperger-Rainy River District Veterinarian Services Committee-Emo-10 Year Award

Mr. Nicko Veldhuisen-Rainy River District Veterinarian Services Committee-Emo-10 Year Award

Mrs. Kristine Carpenter-Rainy River District Veterinarian Services Committee-Pinewood-10 Year Award

Mr. George Hyatt-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Devlin-30 Year Award

Mr. Tom Morrish-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Devlin-30 Year Award

Mr. Wayne Flatt-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Emo-30 Year Award

Mrs. Gladys Smith-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Emo-30 Year Award

Mr. Stanley Armstrong-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Sleeman-30 Year Award

Mr. Bernie Zimmerman-Rainy River Federation of Agriculture-Emo-20 Year Award

Mr. John Beaton-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mrs. Jeanette Cawston-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Ms. Caroline Spencer-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-5 Year Award

Mr. Doug Anderson-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-15 Year Award

Mrs. Grace Silander-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-15 Year Award

Mr. Hugh Dennis-Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition-Fort Frances-10 Year Award

Mrs. Joan Mudge-Rainycrest Long Term Care Facility Auxiliary-Fort Frances-30 Year Award 

 

Second Murder Charge in Sioux Lookout Death

2009-05-29

07:51:59

A second person has been charged in the death of Barbara Loon.

The body of the Cat Lake First Nation woman was found in a Sioux Lookout apartment May 9.

Police have now charged 22-year-old Mary Keewasin-Gliddy of Wunnumin Lake First Nation with second degree murder.

Earlier this month, OPP charged 37-year-old Jemima Sakakeep of Sioux Lookout.

Both women are in custody.

Drug Charges Laid

2009-05-29

07:50:36

An investigation into several break-ins in the Rainy River district resulted in OPP discovering a hydroponics grow operation.

Police say their probe into the break-ins led them to a home in Rainy River where they discovered several stolen items and 212 marijuana plants.

Police estimate the street value of the marijuana at over $212 thousand.

27-year-old John Kirkrude will appear in court in September on drug and break and enter charges.

NDP Members to Support Conservative Bill

2009-05-29

07:47:43

Two northwestern Ontario M-P's have come out in support of a Conservative private members bill to scrap the long-gun registry.

N-D-P Members John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer say they will vote in favour of the bill when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons.

Rafferty says felt it was necessary to clarify his position.

"Over the last couple of week, there were editorials and letters to the editors wondering whether I would be supporting the bill," says Rafferty, "so I figured I better get out and let every know."

Rafferty says decided to offer his support after conducting a survey that found 93-per cent of respondents in favour of scrapping the registry.

He expects a vote to come before the house in October.

Safe Routes Examined

2009-05-29

07:45:33

A Fort Frances school is investigating what the town can do to make it safe for pedestrians.

Students at J.W. Walker are involved in a program that's examining and documenting the issues pedestrians faces around their school.

O-P-P Constable Anne McCoy, whose working with the students, says their work could result in some advocacy for change.

"What we're doing is we're going to use this as a tool for change," says McCoy. "We're going to look at what we can do as partners in our community to make these pedestrian routes safer."

McCoy says to support their arguments, students have photographed selected areas and are writing what each photograph shows and what improvements could be made.

Y.A.A. Ending

2009-05-29

07:41:32

The Ministry of Health is getting rid of a major Northwestern Health Unit initiative.

The Youth Action Alliance program will cease at the end of August. Tobacco Strategy Manager Jennifer McKibbon says its devastating to see such a successful program come to an end.

"I'm just deeply disappointed about the fact they have cancelled the program," says McKibbon. "We have been working with youth for about four years and what a difference this made to the deliver of some of the programs, particularly around tobacco prevention."

"You know faced with the fact that a number of people are going to be laid off, and that's always tough." 

The program employees two full time and one part-time staff, along 16-part time youth staff across northwestern Ontario.

Emo Walley Classic Kicks Off

2009-05-28

12:43:58

More than 60 angler teams will be vying for more than $40 thousand dollars in cash prizes at this year's Emo Walleye Classic.

It kicks off with a boat parade down Front Street beginning at around 5:30 p.m.

At the Emo-LaVallee Arena, the penny table opens with raffle tickets available. The Muskies Girls Hockey Club will be holding its fish fry beginning at 5 p.m.

Volunteer check-in will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The anglers meeting will happen at 7:30 p.m. with awards presented to the parade participants.

The actual fishing on the Rainy River begins tomorrow with the first boats leaving the Front Street boat launch at 8:00 a.m. 

Atikokan Museum Funding

2009-05-28

12:43:18

A renovation of Atikokan's Centennial Museum has been helped by some federal dollars.

The museum will use about $35 thousand toward its plans to upgrade equipment and create new exhibition space.

Two new permanent exhibition halls will be created as well as a gallery for temporary exhibits.

Ear Falls Mill Still Down

2009-05-28

12:42:41

Downtime at the Ear Falls Sawmill has been extended.

The Domtar operation was scheduled to come back on-line shortly, but the start-up date has been pushed back to July 6.

The Mill has been shut down since early April.

The Dryden Pulp Mill is scheduled to re-start in early July as well.

 

Border Crossings Down

2009-05-28

12:42:01

Some early indication of what it may be like for the tourist industry in Rainy River this year.

Statistics Canada says the number of American visitors crossing into the district at Fort Frances and Rainy River during the first three months of this year was down about 16 per cent over the same quarter a year ago.

The number of Canadians passing through the two border points was down 10 per cent.

Customer Service Awards

2009-05-28

12:32:41

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation handed out its annual awards for customer service last night.

Fifteen businesses received awards or honourable mentions.

Coordinator Wanda Botsford says as well as visiting participating businesses, mystery shoppers checked out the websites that some businesses promoted.

"In those cases, our secretive shoppers evaluated the website," says Botsford. "They also checked to see how they were responding to e-mails. They sent out e-mails to the businesses and tracking how long it took to get answers back."

Botsford says businesses were also evaluated on how well they responded to customer inquirers over the telephone and what they did to help the disabled and seniors.

The top 10 business, in no particular order, were Cloverleaf Grocery (Emo), Enterprise Rent-a-Car (Fort Frances), Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary, Fort Frances General Supply, NCDS (Fort Frances), Northridge Funeral Home (Emo), Revco Carpet Centre (Fort Frances), Super 8 (Fort Frances), Woods Quality Bakery (Rainy River), and Northern Lights Credit Union, Rainy River branch.

Honourable Mentions went to Celestes (Fort Frances), Crozier Warehouse/Busy Bee Auto Glass (Fort Frances), Northwoods Gallery and Gifts (Fort Frances), Vianet Internet Solutions (Fort Frances), and Warehouse One (Fort Frances). 

 

Chamber President Stepping Down

2009-05-28

12:31:53

A recognized leader for northwestern Ontario's business community is leaving the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Long-Irwin, who has served as president of the chamber for the past nine years, will step down at the end of June.

Long-Irwin says it was a difficult decision to make, but felt it was time to move on to something new.

Sexual Assault in Dryden

2009-05-28

12:31:09

A Florida man is behind bars in northwestern Ontario, charged with attempted sexual assault in a case involving a 16-year-old girl.

Police say the man posed as a grocery store security guard in Dryden.

He allegedly lured the teen into his car on May 5, but the girl managed to escape unharmed.

Sixty-seven-year-old Kenneth Luedtke appears in court Friday.

Police say the man has a summer home in the Dryden area.

West Nile Surveillance Changes

2009-05-28

12:27:50

West Nile season is approaching!

Northwestern Health Unit Environmental Health Officer Al Mathers says there will be changes to the surveillance program this year.

"The bird collection program has been scrapped," says Mathers. "It really is not necessary anymore. We know the virus does circulate through the avian population so the data we would collect is redundant. The mosquito trapping will be the only surveillance program for vector-borne diseases right now.

Mathers says mosquito trapping will be taking place in Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances starting in July.

 

Regional Hospital Impacted by Chalk River Shutdown

2009-05-28

12:26:36

Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre says the shortage of medical isotopes may force it to postpone some of its procedures that require the isotopes.

The Chalk River reactor, that produces half the global supply of radioactive isotopes used in medical imaging, will be down for at least three months for repairs.

It was shut down May 15 after a power outage in parts of eastern Ontario and a heavy-water leak was detected the next day.

Hospital officials say they've received about half of the isotopes they usually gets, forcing them to identify priority cases to maximize supply.

Foundation Hands Over Money

2009-05-28

12:23:01

Riverside Foundation for Health Care has turned over money raised last year to Riverside Health Care Facilities.

The funding totals 391-thousand dollars.

Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says its the public that has to be applauded for the money.

"Absolutely," says Hazel. "All of the donations to the hospital come through the hospital auxiliaries, Rainycrest Auxiliary, service clubs, individuals, organizations, in memoriam donations, donations in honour of people. It just shows how much those donations make a difference in our health care system."

Three hundred thousand dollars covers part of the Foundation's $1.5 million pledge made for the new CT Scanner at LaVerendrye hospital.

The remaining $91 thousand will be used on other equipment purchases at all three area hospitals and Rainycrest.

Food Bank Numbers Up

2009-05-28

12:20:57

The Salvation Army says its seeing a rise in the number of people using its food bank.

Captain Angel Sandoval says they've seen a 20 per cent jump over the past couple of months.

He attributed the increase to the economy.

"With the economic situation we live with right now," says Sandoval, "it's really difficult, especially for families with kids and those who have lost their job. I think together we can do something different for them and continue helping them."

The Salvation Army is near the funding of its Red Shield Appeal Campaign, but Sandoval says the appeal for help is becoming a year round.

 

Literacy Nights Recognized

2009-05-27

07:26:37

Some recognition for students and staff at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The school was recently cited by Northwest Catholic District School Board trustees for its family literacy nights.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says children and their parents benefited from the activities.

"It engages the parents in the school," says Kelly. "When the students are engaged with their parents in reading, we know it makes an impact on the student's positive outlook on education. The children's achievements are improving and the parents are supporting their children's reading at home. The families have lots of fun when they come to the school."

Kelly says staff organized a number of interactive events that helped make learning fun.
 

 

New Vice-Principal

2009-05-27

07:25:49

There will be a new vice-principal at Robert Moore School in September.

Cam Keast moves to the position after serving as an intermediate teacher at the Fort Frances school for the past sixteen years.

Operational Plan Developed

2009-05-27

07:22:08

There's still another month of school left, but the Rainy River District school board is looking ahead to the next year.

Work is underway on a new operational plan for the 09-10 school year.

Education director Jack McMaster says next month, the board will be review comments recently received on a proposed plan.

"We've gone out to five communities," says McMaster, "and met with community members to receive their feedback in terms of what they liked what we did this year and what we should be doing next year. We'll take that feedback, along with the feedback from our principals and staff and fold that in to our operational plan."

McMaster says there will also be additional input from principals before the plan is presented to trustees in the fall.

New Passport Rules Coming

2009-05-27

07:12:26

The U-S Homeland Security chief says the new passport rules that go into effect June 1 are common sense.

As of next Monday, travellers to the U-S will need a passport or an enhanced drivers licence to cross the border. Janet Napolitano says card readers have been distributed and travellers have been warned of the changes for months.

Napolitano is meeting again today with her Canadian counterpart, Peter Van Loan in Ottawa, to go over border concerns. The two were in Detroit and Windsor yesterday to boost policing
on the water.

An agreement now allows Mounties and the U.S. Coast Guard to ride on each other's vessels for joint patrols. Their vessels must currently stop at the border and call the other country's agencies for help.

Meantime, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association doesn't anticipate any problems with American tourists getting stranded next week in Canada because they don't have a passport.

Executive Director Doug Reynolds says they have been working on this issues for several years now.

"We and lots of other folks have tried to get the word out that this requirement has been coming," says Reynold, "and it's been coming for some time. We've also reminded folks as well it's a U.S. initiative, not a Canadian initiative. They don't need a passport to get into Canada. They need a passport to get back home." 

Reynolds suggests that high gas prices and the recession will likely have a bigger impact on travel plans by American tourists this summer than the new passport requirements. 

Rural Communities Need Help

2009-05-26

12:55:05

A new report says rural communities across the country are in crisis.

The report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urges the federal government to develop a long-term plan to diversify rural economies.

Rural areas have been struggling for decades with shrinking populations and tax bases,  lower-than-average incomes, and higher rates of poverty and chronic health problems.

The federation says rural communities need `a champion' at the federal cabinet table to ensure their priorities receive the proper resources and attention.

Missing Woman Found

2009-05-26

12:54:14

Police have found the body of a 61-year-old woman from Orillia in the bush in northwestern Ontario.

The body of Nancy Stafford was recovered near Angler Creek, west of Marathon, late last night.

Provincial police started searching the area Saturday, one week after Stafford's empty van was spotted on the Trans-Canada Highway.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today in Thunder Bay although investigators don't suspect foul play.

Highway 502 MVA

2009-05-26

12:53:39

Some American anglers escaped serious injury following an accident on Highway 502 early yesterday morning.

Provincial police say a truck, towing a boat, left the highway near Rattlesnake Creek, and struck a rock cut after the driver swerved to avoid a bear.

Both the truck and boat suffered extensive damage.

Native School Study

2009-05-26

12:52:51

A new report suggests the Harper government is shortchanging native schools while cutting the number of new ones that get built.

The parliamentary budget officer says Indian Affairs built an average of 35 schools a year on reserves under the Liberals.

Eight have been finished since the Conservatives took power in 2006.

Another 10 new schools have been announced but the report says there's no clear criteria to justify where they will be built.

Area Trustee Named to Provincial Board

2009-05-26

12:52:18

The vice-chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board has been appointed to a provincial board.

John Borst will serve as a director-at-large for region 3 for the Ontario Catholic District School Trustees Association.

The appointment was made at the association's recent meeting in Toronto.

Drive to Work Caravan Coming

2009-05-26

12:44:30

Ontario's labour groups will be given area residents another avenue to talk about how the economy is hurting them.

The Ontario Federation of Labour will kick off its "Drive to Work" caravan in Kenora on June 8th with stopped planned in Dryden, Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Luc Quesnel of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union says the campaign will help get northerners concerns heard.

"The noise and the publicity we're going to get," says Quesnel, with the president of the OFL going on this campaign starting in Kenora, it will be a good response especially with the way a lot of the industries are going and there's starting to be some talk federal and provincially. We'll see what happens."

Labour officials will also be promoting a buy-Ontario policy to the area's municipal leaders.
 

Interim Deputy Mayor Appointed

2009-05-26

12:43:43

John Albanese will be taking over the role as deputy mayor for the town of Fort Frances on an interim basis.

The move was made after town councillors were informed current deputy mayor, councillor Sharon Tibbs would be away from council for the next six weeks due to medical reasons.

Council agreed to hand duties of deputy mayor to the chair of the committee of the whole meeting, a post currently held by Albanese.

Concessions Contract Renewed

2009-05-26

12:42:54

Fort Frances town council has approved a new contract with the operator of the concessions at the Memorial Sports Centre.

The three-year deal with Carol's Canteen will see the town receiving 12-per cent of all sales generated.

Progress Made in Road Work

2009-05-26

12:37:50

Significant progress is being reported at the only road project underway in Fort Frances.

At town council last night, Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown said along with the roadwork on Victoria Avenue and Nelson Street, a new parking lot in the area is taking shape and some of new sewer line has been installed.

"There's been two crews working," says Brown. One started at the intersection of Veterans Drive and Nelson and moving eastward. They've installed 93.8 metres of 450 millimetre diameter sewer pipe. The other crew was at Victoria and Nelson. As of Sunday, they had 76 metres of 250 millimetre diameter pipe in place."

Brown says work at the Portage Avenue underpass is still anticipated this year, but is still waiting for a work schedule from the contractor. The town was hoping to begin repairs to Scott Street between Reid Avenue and Colonization Road East, but Brown says provincial money for it has yet to arrive.

"There's been several letters written to the Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley and there's been no response. We have a short construction season and we have to get on with it if we're going to do the work this year."

Fire Master Plan Delivered

2009-05-26

12:27:36

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service is looking to the future.

It's put forward a comprehensive Master Plan for council's to consider. Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong says it gives the department some direction on where it wants to be in five years.

"So we have some idea of where we're going to be, what we're going to be doing," says Armstrong. "and how we're going to be able to sustaining our present services to the level we can provide them."

Armstrong says the document also reflects changes in legislation and the changing role of fire services.

"For the most part it's an administrative kind of plan which is the biggest part of our legislative requirement right now that we must provide specifics in public education and enforcement. Suppression is certainly part of the service we must provide, but it's at a lesser focus than some of the other things."

The plan includes efforts to expand the department's service training capabilities and increase the  sharing of resources with nearby communities. Armstrong says increasing capital costs may lead area communities to reconsider how future purchases are made and relying more on each others resources.

"Who's to say Fort Frances may own one pumper truck, maybe Alberton owns a tanker truck and LaVallee owns a different kind of fire vehicle and we share it. So when Fort Frances needs a tanker, Alberton comes. When Alberton needs a pumper, Fort Frances arrives and we share the costs."

Armstrong says they're already working toward an administrative district fire service with the town now providing administrative services to seven area municipalities.

Emo Walleye Classic Coming Up

2009-05-25

13:30:18

The countdown begins for the first fishing tournament of the year in the Rainy River district.

The Emo Walleye Classic will kick off Thursday with the annual boat parade. As many a 60 teams will take to Rainy River Friday and Saturday. Co-chair Ed Carlson says water levels should not be a problem for anglers this year.

"The river is high this year," says Carlson, "but it's clear and clean. One of the good things about it being high is that it's been high all year and all of the debris in the river has washed away."

Carlson says the event can still use volunteers. Anyone wanting to help out can visit the Emo-LaVallee arena anytime this week.

Steve Ballan and Doug McBride return as defending champions.

Labour Talks for LCBO Workers

2009-05-25

13:29:15

The LCBO and the union representing thousands of workers are meeting tomorrow for contract talks.

If those negotiations fail, workers have voted 93 per cent in favour of striking.

The union says full-time positions are being replaced by part-time and contract work.

But the LCBO says contract jobs are necessary because there's a peak in demand at certain times of the year, such as Christmas and summer.

The contract for about six-thousand LCBO workers expired at the end of March.

Scare at Ignace LCBO

2009-05-25

13:28:21

A nervous incident for LCBO workers in Ignace.

OPP were called to the town's LCBO outlet last Friday after staff found a black wire coming out of the cap of a wine bottle that was attached to a plastic device with touch pad buttons.

An investigation revealed the device was a temperature data tracker that had been put in some global shipments as an experiment to record temperatures.

The LCBO said it was not aware of such experiment.

College Program Returns

2009-05-25

13:26:10

Confederation College is bringing back a developmental service worker program to the campus in Fort Frances.

It's been nearly a decade since the campus offered the two-year diploma program. Kim Lepine of the Association for Community Living Fort Frances and District welcomes its return.

"Our agency loves to hire people who are trained in this area, as well as other social services areas," says Lepine. "Schools will look for these people as well as other social services agencies."

The college is currently accepting applications for the fall program.

Catholic Board Budget Proposed

2009-05-25

13:20:33

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is out with a balanced budget.

Revenues and expenditures total more than 16 and a half million dollars.

Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly says they balanced the budget, despite a number of challenges that stood in their way.

"Despite a $122 thousand reduction in the transportation funding, our transportation costs are anticipated to rise by about $28 thousand next year," said Kelly. "This is the primarily the result of some increased costs associated with our noon hour transportation because our board does continue to offer the lunch hour kindergarten transportation and our administration and our board continue to support that initiative."

Textbook and classroom expenditures will decrease by $6,000 in response to a grant reduction of $151 thousand.

Trustees will vote on the budget June 20.

Council Meeting in Fort Frances

2009-05-25

13:17:45

The construction season is now upon us.

Tonight, Fort Frances town council will get an update on work taking place or planned this year from Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown. So far, the only road work underway is along Victoria Avenue and Nelson Street near AbitibiBowater's biomass boiler. Union Gas has also started its replacement of old gas lines and metres.

A number of by-laws are also before town councillors. One formalizes the contract with Tom Jones Corporation for the second phase of the Heritage Tourism Project. This includes the moving of the tugboat Hallet and former fire tower to the waterfront. Council is also expected to support a by-law allowing authorized town staff to perform civil marriages after hours and on weekends.

During the in-camera portion session of their meeting, councillors will be discussing an issue surrounding the Kiwanis' Sunny Cove Camp. Later council will look at a infrastructure grant application for the park.

The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at around 6:25 p.m. 

Young Women's Conference

2009-05-22

12:56:48

Building self-confidence among young women is one of the objectives of a gathering this weekend in Sioux Narrows.

About 60 girls from across the Rainy River district in grades 7 to 12 will be participate  in the annual Young Women's Conference's coordinated by the area's school boards.

Dana Kosowich, one of the teachers involved, says the event has proved to be successful.

"It really does build that self-confidence with the girls," says Kosowich. "They have a great time. It's really interesting to see their growth over the weekend and just how excited they are. They start out really quiet and then just come into their own and get a lot out of the conference.

The event includes a variety of workshops and presentations.

Tory Contenders Propose Cutting PST

2009-05-22

12:55:19

Two of the four Progressive Conservative leadership hopefuls are promising to cut Ontario's eight per cent sales tax if the party wins the 2011 election.

During a debate in London, all four Tory leadership contenders said they opposed harmonizing the PST with the federal goods and services tax.

But Frank Klees and Randy Hillier went beyond vowing to fight harmonization by pledging to cut the provincial tax, with Hillier going so far as to say he'd cut it by three percentage points.

Jail Fire Recommendations

2009-05-22

12:54:35

An inquest into the deaths of two men in a jail on a northern Ontario reserve is calling on Ottawa and Ontario to shut down all unsafe holding cells.

The inquest was held in Toronto following the deaths of Ricardo Wesley and Jamie Goodwin on the Kashechewan First Nation.

The men, both in their early 20's, were trapped in their cells as flames tore through the jail in January 2006.

The inquest jury also says First Nations deserve the same level of policing services as non-aboriginal communities.

Condo Units Up For Sale

2009-05-22

12:52:09

The developer of a condominium project in Fort Frances feels there is strong interest.

Robert Zanetti was in town yesterday to promote the project to prospective buyers.

He says he'd like to see at least twenty of the twenty-units available sold before building commences.

"If seventeen, eighteen, nineteen people step up and say yes this is a marketable commodity, then we pretty much know that by the time we finish the rest of the building, we'll be okay," says Zanetti.

Construction could begin as early as this fall.

Frustration Expressed at Forum

2009-05-22

11:59:25

There was plenty of frustration expressed over AbitibiBowater's move toward bankruptcy protection at a town hall meeting last night.

Over thirty contractors, mill workers and retirees attended. Robin Woolsley was among those to direct anger at the company for failing to communicate with local contractors.

"They knew they were going to go broke and none of them had the guts to come and give us a choice," said Woolsley. "They kept saying come in boys, the bridge is closed, but keep coming in. And I'm not the only one in this room who's got hundred thousand dollars plus tied up in this and all we keep hearing is next week, next week, next week."

Chris Pollard said local contractors are being left out in the cold 

"There's a complete lack of communication with Abitibi, with Ernst and Young," says Pollard. "Nobody has any answers. It's absolutely pathetic. I would really like some answers"

Communication, Energy and Papersworkers Union National Rep, Steve Boon says governments need to take more action to help those effected.

"As leaders we all know we're in a terrible time," says Boon, "but we need a government to get us through the trough and out the the other side because there is a future. But right now the government can't sit on the sidelines and say let's let the chips fall where they may as the Americans do the opposite and help their industry."

Area logging firms, who are owed thousands of dollars from AbitibiBowater, say all they're want is the money that's owed to them, and not a government handout.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty, who hosted the forum, says the future of AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances appears to be secure. Rafferty said he got that assurance from a company vice-president he spoke with earlier in the week week.

"I did get the definite feeling that when we were talking specifically about this Fort Frances mill that the company thinks very highly of it," said Rafferty. "I think I would have gotten, even over the telephone, a pretty good indication if this was one of the mills that would be on the chopping block and it didn't sound like it was."

But the future of the mill's number 6 paper machine resuming production in June looks dim. Mill workers say management has told them a planned start-up likely won't happen next month and may not even occur in July. The machine has not been running since March.

 

 

College Upgrades in Doubt

2009-05-21

08:23:24

The presidents of Ontario's 24 colleges say plans for infrastructure projects could be scuttled if they don't get government funding soon.

Colleges Ontario chair Anne Sado says the window of opportunity is starting to close, and summer is the only time when construction can be undertaken.

The colleges are waiting on two billion dollars allocated by Ottawa for infrastructure projects at colleges and universities, as well as $780 million dollars the province has committed over two years for capital projects.

Guiterrez Family Still Seeking Answers

2009-05-21

08:22:30

The family of Elisa Gutierrez says they will likely have to wait until mid-June for a report into her death.

The 25-year-old Thunder Bay woman was found dead on Christmas Day in an office at a Philippines resort.

Officials in the Philippines claim Gutierrez had committed suicide, but her family doubts that finding and has been asking the Canadian government to review the Manila investigation.

Dryden City Worker Facing Charges

2009-05-21

07:58:36

An employee with the city of Dryden faces several charges after police there found several items belonging to the city's Public Works department at the man's home.

Exactly what was found was not revealed, but Dryden City Police say further charges are pending.

City officials are also investigating.

New Agreement with Province

2009-05-21

07:57:38

There's a new agreement with the province aimed at improving the quality of life for First Nation communities in Grand Council Treaty 3.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Grand Chief Diane Kelly signed the
bilateral agreement yesterday during the Grand Council Treaty 3 Spring Chiefs Assembly in
Naicatchewenin First Nation.

The agreement sets out a road map to address the socio-economic issues affecting the 28 communities within Treaty 3.

 It's include continued dialogue on First Nation education, children and youth issues and economic sustainability.

Social Housing Repairs

2009-05-21

07:56:54

There will be some significant repairs done to social housing units in the Rainy River district.

The provincial government is providing the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars to make repairs to the nearly 480 units across the district.

The work will include roof, sidewalk and deck repairs as well as installing energy-efficient appliances, new elevators and furnaces.

Town Hall Meeting Tonight

2009-05-21

07:48:59

The forestry crisis will be the focus of a town hall meeting today hosted by Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty.

Rafferty says the aim is to hear from people who have been impacted by mill closures or shutdowns.

"What I'm going to do is put them all together on a DVD and distribute it to politicians and city council," says Rafferty. "We need to make sure people understand what this forestry crisis is doing to northwestern Ontario."

The meeting takes place at La Place Rendez-vous beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Nursing Program a Success

2009-05-21

07:40:02

A program established to train new nurses locally will likely be continued, but just not this year.

In 2005, the province funded a four-year community-based pilot program which was delivered at several Confederation College campuses including Fort Frances.

It gave students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lakehead University.

Campus Manager Anne Renaud says the program will be now evaluated before offered again.

"The great news is that we've just received accreditation for the program," says Renaud, "which is normally that it's done at the end of the program. It was a pilot, so we are going to be evaluating it in the next year and hoping to offer it again in 2010."

Five students enrolled in the program at the Fort Frances campus are expected to graduate next month.

Gas Prices Up

2009-05-20

09:19:16

Liberal MP and gas price watchdog Dan McTeague says drivers can expect a jump in price at the pumps this morning.

The price of oil has been rising on world markets, but McTeague says the real reason for the increase is "pure profit taking."

Here in Fort Frances, gas prices rose five cents a litre to 94.9 cents a litre.

In some parts of the province, the cost of gas has risen 15 cents a litre in just the last three weeks.

Human Rights Tribunal Issue for PC Leadership Hopefuls

2009-05-20

09:18:24

The province's Human Rights Tribunal is emerging as a divisive issue in the leadership race of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives.

Leadership hopeful Christine Elliott says a  proposal to scrap the tribunal could hurt the party in the next provincial election.

Two of her rivals, Randy Hillier and Tim Hudak, support abolishing the tribunal.

Both say Ontario should move such cases to the courts, but Elliott says most people can't afford to take discrimination cases there.

GM Dealerships to Close

2009-05-20

09:17:26

A report says letters bearing bad news will fan out across the country today and land at 264 General Motors dealerships.

A Toronto television news station says the letters will inform those dealerships that they're closing.

The closures come as GM and the Canadian Auto Workers union try to hammer out concessions so GM can be eligible for billions of dollars in government aid.

No word yet on where those letters are being sent.

Caution Advised Again

2009-05-20

09:16:44

The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued yet another warning to motorists about using caution when travelling on area bush roads.

A spokesperson says road conditions can change quickly and the potential of encountering washouts and flooded sections is very real.

Spring runoff from melting snow and significant rain has caused several washouts and road closures in the Atikokan area.

Entrepreneur Program Unveiled

2009-05-20

07:46:29

The Ministry of Northern Development has created a new entrepreneur program.

The Ministry's offering up to $125,000 thousand to help residents further their business ideas.

Minister Michael Gravelle says there's no age-limit to participate.

"The age limit was a real barrier to a number of people," says Gravelle, "particularly those people who are facing layoffs as a result of the forestry sector challenges, who had really great ideas. They just need support. They couldn't get the financial support from a bank or financial institution, but through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund now they can."

Gravelle says Northern residents can apply for funding immediately through the Ministry of Northern Development website.

 

Boston Pizza to Open in October

2009-05-20

07:28:59

The owners of  new Boston Pizza restaurant hope to be serving the first pizza to Fort Frances area customers in mid-October.

Yesterday, Dale and Elizabeth Fortes and their young daughter joined with local dignitaries in a ceremonial sod-turning to kick off construction.

Dale Fortes, a former assistant manager at the local Canada Safeway store, says the restaurant was an opportunity to return to the area.

"We always has a goal of coming back to Fort Frances," says Fortes. "We just had to find the right opportunity and this is it. We did a lot of research in terms of what kind of restaurant would work well here. The Boston Pizza brand with the Fort Frances market was a perfect relationship."

Fortes says they expect to hire between 60 and 100 people begin in July.

Mayors Meet Premier

2009-05-20

07:26:35

Mayor Roy Avis says he made the best of an opportunity to speak with Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty.

The Fort Frances Mayor joined his counterparts from Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout last Friday to sit down with the premier in Kenora.

"We were able to sit down for about 30 to 40 minutes with the premier," says Avis, "and just have a good general discussion on what's going on in northwestern Ontario. Where we need help in order to help our economy out. It was all very positive and very good dialogue."

Avis says McGuinty made no commitments, but showed a sincere concern for the north.

Town Budget Finalized

2009-05-20

07:22:30

There will be a modest tax increase for homeowners in Fort Frances.

After several month of discussion, town councillors finalized the budget yesterday which includes a one-point-one per hike in residential rates.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says slightly higher tax ratios for the industrial sector helped minimize the impact on  homeowners.

"We allocated our ratios across," says Witherspoon. "It shifted a small amount to residential, but we also raised our tax ratio for large industrial so we wouldn't have a large impact on residential, multi-residential and commercial."

Witherspoon says being able to present what she calls a bare-bones budget also helped keep rate down.

The town proposes to spend about $9.9 million in its operating budget

Of the $15 million dollars in capital expenditures, just over a million dollars will be funded through long term debt over a 10-year period.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the public during council's meeting on June 8.

Boat Checks Planned

2009-05-19

12:36:45

Officials in Minnesota will be checking boats at three popular lakes this weekend in an effort to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

The Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with law enforcement agencies to check boats at Lake Mille Lacs, Prior Lake in Scott County and Rice Lake near Brainerd.

The DNR wants boaters to "Pull the Plug" on aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels.

Fire Hazard High

2009-05-19

12:35:35

The fire danger in northern Minnesota has reached the high level.

Seven new fires were reported yesterday, including a one south of Ely at Mud Lake.

Here in the Rainy River district, two near fire starts were identified.

Both posing no problems for Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews.

New Banners

2009-05-19

12:34:58

New banners promoting northwestern Ontario are now up at the Canada-US border in Fort Frances.

Images showing boating, a native encampment and the Great Canadian Main Street in Fort Frances replace those destroyed by severe winds in January.

Town Council Meeting Today

2009-05-19

12:34:09

Homeowners in Fort Frances may learn later today exactly how much property taxes will be rising this year.

Town councillors are holding a special meeting this afternoon to go over the budget, which includes the projected 2009 tax Rates and levies.

Councillors are also expected to discuss potential financing options of local capital projects.

The meeting at the Civic Centre at begins at 4 p.m.
 

Condo Open House Planned

2009-05-19

12:33:18

Local residents will get an opportunity this week to meet the developer of the new condominium project in Fort Frances.

Robert Zanetti will be hosting on open house as part efforts to attract potential buyers.

The project is planned for property on Nelson Street.

Thursday's open house will be held at the Fort Frances Civic Centre beginning at 4 p.m.

"Dalton Sales Tax" Website

2009-05-19

11:55:08

Ontario's Tory's have launched a website to show residents what the impact will be from the planned merger of the provincial sales tax and the federal G-S-T - something Conservatives are calling D-S-T or the Dalton Sales Tax.

Interim Leader Bob Runciman says they felt it was their duty to provide a forum for residents to learn what the tax means to them.

They're also asking visitors to sign a petition against the merger.

 

Snowfall Record Set

2009-05-19

08:44:18

The National Weather Service says International Falls set a late season snowfall record over the weekend.

On Saturday, the weather service says 0.3 inches of snow fell.

That broke the old May 16 record of 0.1 inches of snow set in 1962.

The snowfall brings the total since last July to 125.6 inches, with almost 33 inches falling since March 1.

In northwestern Ontario, Pickle Lake residents were forced to bring out the snowblowers and shovels Saturday after being buried by almost 45 centimetres of snow.

 

Ag Coordinator Effective

2009-05-19

08:27:08

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is continuing its efforts to promote local foods and help the district's agricultural industry.

The corporation hired a rural ag coordinator three years ago.

Jeannette Cawston says her work is helping people better understand the value of the local farms.

"That's what we're hoping to do," says Cawston, "is bring more awareness to local foods and buy local products. Then it brings more of the economic value to our communities."

Cawston says local farmers are also doing more to increase their visibility in the district and elsewhere.

Green Energy Act Support

2009-05-19

08:13:46

A coalition of environment, labour and industry group is confident Ontario residents will embrace the new Green Energy Act.

The act became law last week.

Mike Layton with Environmental Defence says a recent survey found strong support for the act, especially in northern Ontario.

"We new that elements of the Green Energy Act really focus on getting jobs to where people need them," says Layton, "and northern Ontario is one area that is struggling in keeping manufacturing jobs and the forest industry. These are things that will stand to benefit under the Green Energy Act."

93-per cent of those surveyed in northern Ontario supported the act, the highest anywhere in the province.

Civil Marriage Changes

2009-05-19

07:50:36

The town of Fort Frances is going making it easier for people to get married in a civil ceremony.

A proposed change to current by-laws will see staff authorized to perform civil marriages allowed to do so after hours at the Civic Centre and on weekends at other locations.

Town clerk Glenn Treftlin says demand led to the change in policy.

"There has been a number of requests over the years since we started performing marriages," says Treflin. "I understand there have been fourteen requests for marriages other than what we were able to perform before under the current bylaw."

The cost of an after-hours civil marriage is $300 while a weekend ceremony will be $350.

Drinking and Driving Down

2009-05-19

07:49:35

Police are reporting fewer crashes related to alcohol on provincial roads this holiday long weekend.

But they say it's too early to determine whether Ontario's new drinking and driving penalties are playing a role in the downturn.

Since May 1 there's been at least 6-hundred people given three-day suspensions for driving while in the warn range.

Previously, motorists only received a 12-hour licence suspension for driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.

Ultrasound Fundraiser

2009-05-19

07:40:28

Another fundraiser for medical equipment in the Rainy River district is underway.

A area group is hoping to raise $50,000 for an Ultrasound unit for the emergency department of Riverside's Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.

Co-chair Larry Armstrong says it will help hospital patients who need a quick diagnosis.

"It's an ultrasound for the emergency room which allows for immediate diagnosis," says Armstrong."If somebody comes in with a stomach pain or they're bleeding, the doctors can then immediately do an ultrasound on it rather than try to determine and send them out for an ultrasound. We think it's a big step in the right direction."

"It allows for better patient management,” explained Dr Singleton. “As a physician, it is important to know what I am dealing with before deciding to send a patient to a larger centre or treating them within our hospital.”

An Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool. In most cases, x-ray technologists administer ultrasounds, however, it is becoming increasingly more common to see doctors utilizing this device in Emergency rooms.

 Dr. Beller concurred with Dr. Singleton about the need for an ultrasound in the ER department and and the potential for life-saving care. “This is a quick way to assist in diagnosing a patient.” “It has the potential to reduce unnecessary travel for the patient and will mean better patient care," said Beller. Tammy McNally, who is the Nurse Manager at Rainy River Health Centre, is pleased to have the community support of this project. “Our community has shown time and time again how much they value and support health care,” she enthused.

"The Auxiliary and Riverside Foundation partner to ensure our health care needs are met”, she said.

 The public is being asked to support this project by making a pledge over 3 – 5 years or a one-time donation. Armstrong is optimistic about reaching the target early this fall. “The sooner we reach our goal the sooner we get this equipment” stated Armstrong. “We have a committed group of individuals who will be working very hard over the next couple of months to solicit support."

The first public push for funds will happen Wednesday at the hospital Auxiliary's strawberry social.

Gun Amnesty Extended

2009-05-15

14:29:15

The federal government has once again extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't registered their firearms.

Treasury Board President Vic Toews says it's still the government's intention to kill the registry for long gun owners.

But for now the government is giving people another year to sign up their unregistered, non-restricted firearms.

It's also waiving fees for licence renewals and upgrades for another year.