2009-04-21
12:24:20
This July marks the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Provincial Police.
As part of the celebrations, the OPP Museum is creating a time capsule to be opened in 50 years. Constable Dave Cain says northwestern Ontario residents can contribute.
More information on the project, click the link to www.opptimecapsule.ca
2009-04-21
12:21:33
The rapid melt of snow in northern Minnesota has forced the Department of Natural Resources to impose burning restrictions in three counties.
Effective this Friday at 8 in the morning, restrictions will be imposed in Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, and Roseau counties.
Officials says the restrictions will remain in effect until the threat of wildfires decreases.
2009-04-21
12:20:47
Young drivers in Ontario will soon be facing new restrictions now that a government bill has passed in the provincial legislature.
The new rules impose a zero blood-alcohol limit for all Ontario drivers aged 21 and under.
But drivers aged 16 to 19 with a G2 licence won't be limited to just one other teen in the vehicle.
The government put the brakes on that proposal following a public uproar on the social networking website Facebook.
2009-04-21
12:19:54
The province is putting up $550 million over two years to make one-thousand Ontario schools more energy efficient.
The money will be spent to retrofit buildings with new energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and boilers.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says the effort will create and sustain some 5,500 new jobs in the green economy.
2009-04-21
12:19:17
Attempts by Ontario's Liberal government to ram through its budget blew up in the legislature today as the Speaker twice lost control of the house during angry opposition heckling.
Speaker Steve Peters was forced to call two 10-minute recesses after the New Democrats pounded their desks so loudly they drowned out questions.
Several Progressive Conservatives joined in the ruckus, asking the Liberals to hold public hearings into the budget.
2009-04-21
08:10:20
The ivories were tinkling yesterday at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.
The first day of competitions in the piano division took place with Alexis Sharp the only multiple winner. Sharp won top honours in two categories.
There is more piano competitions today at the Townsend Theatre and tonight at Knox United Church. Here are all winners from Monday
FESTIVAL RESULTS, PIANO DIVISION, Monday, April 20, 2009
CLASS P801
First – Rachel Lipinski
Second – (TIE) Ursula Chojko-Bolec and Courtney Peters
CLASS P701
First – Kimika Alexander
Second – Rylea Lauzon
CLASS P601
First – Audrey Chojko-Bolec
Second – (TIE) Anika Alexander and Krista Emond
CLASS P802
First – Courtney Peters
Second – (TIE) Ursula Chojko-Bolec and Chelsea Carlson
CLASS P702
First – Alexis Sharp
Second – Caitlin Sande
CLASS P602
First – Anika Alexander
Second – (TIE) Audrey Chojko-Bolec and Courtney Bethune
CLASS P502
First – Lucas Koomans
Second – (TIE) Kacia Veldhuisen and Kaitlyn Chiasson
CLASS P402
First – Jared Bethune
Second – Robert Empey
CLASS P401
First – Jared Bethune
CLASS P707
First – Alexis Sharp
Second – Kimika Alexander
CLASS P1704
First – Chelse Carlson and Rachel Lipinski
Second – (TIE) Krista Emond and Caitlin Sande AND Christina Empey and Meagan Empey
CLASS P1703
First – Maxwell Williams and Lucas Koomans
Second – Courtney Bethune and Caitlin DeBenetti
CLASS P1702
First – Paige McNally and Erika Sheppard
Second – Caley Harland and Cara Sane-Calder
CLASS P1701
First – James Blattner and Conner Pocock
Second – Brianna Eldridge and Alina Eldridge
CLASS P1302
First – Maxwell Williams
Second – Taylor Shouldice
2009-04-21
08:08:42
They weren't last, but they did finish the Boston Marathon.
47-year-old Conne Badiuk and 46-year-old Lori Green were among 25-thousand people to take part in the world's oldest marathon. Badiuk completed the course in 3 hours and 53 minutes while Green was a little farther back finishing in a time of 4 hours and 13 minutes.
2009-04-21
07:57:50
Domtar has been fined $87 thousand after an arc flash burned a worker's hand and face.
The incident happened in March of 2007 when an electrician was doing maintenance work at its mill in White River. While the worker was testing the voltage inside an electrical panel when an electrical blast occured.
A labour ministry investigation found the worker was not wearing rubber gloves or a shield.
2009-04-21
07:56:32
A new government report says more needs to be done to clean up the Great Lakes and other water resources in Ontario.
The study says government regulations and programs have helped to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals such as mercury and P-C-Bs that are found in Ontario's lakes, rivers and streams.
But the study also says new chemicals used in consumer and building products have been found in increasing concentrations in the environment.
Environment Minister John Gerretsen says the latest report on water quality doesn't mean there is a need to strengthen a bill aimed at curbing the use of harmful chemicals.
2009-04-21
07:55:55
Its safe again to drink tap water in Atikokan.
The Northwestern Health Unit lifted a boil water advisory late yesterday.
The advisory was issued last week following a mechanical problem at the town's water treatment plant.
2009-04-21
07:49:53
Thunder Bay-Rainy River John Rafferty says the Harper government isn't doing enough to help forestry workers caught in the wake of mill closures and bankruptcies.
Speaking the house of the commons yesterday, Rafferty accused the federal government for failing to bring forward a national forestry strategy.
"Over the last five years 45,000 jobs have been lost, large producers like AbitibiBowater and smaller producers like Buchanan Forest Products are going bankrupt," says Rafferty." Where was the elimination of the waiting period for employment insurance for forestry workers in communities right across Thunder Bay—Rainy River who have to go a full two weeks without any income when they are laid off? Where are the loan guarantees for healthy and profitable small businesses that are seeing their access to credit dry up"
"The government is apparently not interested in helping all forestry producers, communities and families get through this crisis. If the government wants to consider itself a truly national party in government, now is the time for a national forestry strategy."
Rafferty says his request for a national forestry summit was recently turned down by the federal Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt.
2009-04-21
07:48:26
Meantime, the city of International Falls is searching for some federal funding and county support for the construction of an industrial truck route to its foreign trade zone.
The city is applying for nearly $1.7 million from the U.S. government. Because a portion of the road will run outside city boundaries, the city is asking Koochiching County to share in the local cost instead of spending it toward a proposed by-pass.
The city says the country would save almost half-a-million dollars by supporting the proposed truck route instead.
2009-04-21
07:47:23
The city of International Falls has accepted the retirement of its chief of police.
Chris Raboin will step down at the end of this month after eleven years as the city's top cop. The moved follows a decision by city council earlier this month to ask Raboin to take an early retirement package to help it save money.
Deputy Chief Darryl Waller will serve as acting chief until a more permanent replacement is found.
2009-04-21
07:45:20
Members of the Fort Frances Library Board says they need some some clear direction from town council before they can determine the next step in building the new library and technology centre.
During a meeting yesterday, the board says it wants to know exactly how much money the town is prepared to contribute.
Project Manager Brian Avis says that will help determine what changes need to be made.
"Once the contribution is there, it will reasonably impact on the building footprint," says Avis.
Avis says if those two issues can be resolved soon, there is a good chance for construction to start this summer.
Councillor Ken Perry says the current size of the building and the total budget costs of $4.7 million remain two key areas of concern for members of council who rejected a construction contract last week.
2009-04-20
The plane taken from Confederation College's aviation school in Thunder Bay and flown to the U-S more than a week ago has been returned to the College.
College officials retrieved the plane from Missouri last week. Officials say there was some minor damage to a wing tip, which has since been repaired.
Adam Leon, a student of the college, remains in a St. Louis jail, on charges of transportation of stolen property and illegal entry.
2009-04-20
07:43:30
Hydro One is past the half-way point in its project to replace a number wood hydro poles and transmission arms in northwestern Ontario.
Work has been completed on more than 175 structures along hydro one's 230-kilovolt power line between Atikokan and the Manitoba border.
Another 120 wood pole structures located between Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances are scheduled for replacement later this year.
2009-04-20
07:42:49
A coalition of labour and retiree organizations are calling on the Ontario and federal governments to protect pensions in the face of the economic crisis.
Canadian Auto Workers president Ken Lewenza says retirees helped to build Canada and should be guaranteed a secure source of income. The coalition was formed after Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said the province's pension guarantee fund won't be able to support retirees if General Motors were to go out of business.
The coalition will hold a rally at Queen's Park on Thursday.
2009-04-20
07:39:56
Municipal leaders are looking for a new funding formula to help cover the costs of local infrastructure projects.
Currently, federal, provincial and municipal governments each share one-third of the total cost. But Reeve of Machin township Garry Parkes says many smaller communities like his can't afford the local share.
"Shovel ready projects are great for larger communities," says Parkes, "but they are unavailable to the small population with a small tax base. What we need is some kind of change in the formula to deal with our issues in small communities. You give us the money, we'll do the project."
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he is giving communities an opportunity to cover one-half of their share through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
2009-04-20
07:27:21
The first week of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up.
Drama competitions closed out the week. Here is a list of all winners.
FESTIVAL RESULTS, DRAMA DIVISION, Friday, April 17, 2009
CLASS A204
First – Felicia Schmutz
Second – Kayla Gardiman
CLASS A110-A
First – Kayla Gardiman
Second – Emily Donaldson
CLASS A110-B
First – Michael Brady
Second – Kasemer Hawrylak
CLASS A110-C
First – Jonathan McCoy
CLASS A110-D
First – (TIE) Justine Christie and Felicia Schmutz
CLASS A1301
First – Melissa Fletcher
CLASS A1302
First – Justine Christie
Second – (TIE) Jonathan McCoy, Felicia Schmutz, Kasemer Hawrylak
CLASS A1306
First – (TIE) Justine Christie and Michael Brady
FESTIVAL RESULTS, FRENCH DRAMA, Friday, April 17, 2009
CLASS F105-B
First – Justine Christie
Second –Kasemer Hawrylak
CLASS F203-B
First – Michael Brady
CLASS F102-B
First – Jade Green
CLASS F102-DI
First – Wyatt McLeod
Second – (TIE) Abigale McLeod and Avery Wilson-Hands
CLASS F102-DII
First – Mackenzie Wright
Second – Eric Matthews and Aiden Tullio
CLASS F103-A
First – Maddie Sanders
Second – Alyssa Chiasson
CLASS F103-C
First – Shanleigh Fryer
CLASS F105
First – St. Francis School, Grades 4 and 5 – Director: Solange Busch
2009-04-20
07:26:21
It's a day of pounding the pavement in Boston for two area women.
Lori Green and Conne Badiuk are among the thousands taking part in the annual Boston Marathon.
The race begins at 9 this morning central time.
2009-04-20
07:24:57
It was a successful day at the track for Steve Arpin.
Arpin earned his first top-ten finish in ARCA-Remax Sunday at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina.
The 10th place showing also moved Arpin up to 10th place in the overall standings.
2009-04-20
07:23:57
Elementary school teachers with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board have reached a tentative contract agreement.
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says it reached the deal Saturday night. Ratification votes are scheduled for later this month.
Meantime, talks with teachers in the Rainy River district continue.
2009-04-20
07:20:06
Area Hospitals are getting more money.
The North West Local Health Integration Network is providing nearly $3 million for thirteen regional hospitals for hospital upgrades.
Riverside Health Care Facilities will receive more than $545 thousand. Atikokan General Hospital will get $186 thousand.
2009-04-20
07:17:53
There's going to be a new look to this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
The event is being shortened with the tournament starting in the middle of the week. Some events, such as the Parade of Boats and teen dance, have been eliminated. President Tom Fry says the changes reflect public concerns that a week-long event was too long.
"That's the message we we getting from the public," says Fry, "that there was too many nights involved. That was one of the reasons we saw a fall off of attendance in the first couple of days."
Fry says the elimination of the parade of boats was based on declining participation from anglers and lower than expected attendance at the tent site.
2009-04-20
07:16:30
Dryden Mayor Anne Krassilowsky will continue as the president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
Joining her on NOMA's executive include Morley township Reeve Gary Gamsby who will serve in an vice-presidency capacity.
Also on the board from the Rainy River district include Rainy River Mayor Debbie Ewald, Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown and Emo C-A-O Brenda Cooke.
2009-04-20
07:07:58
Municipalities in the Rainy River district have renewed calls for more involvement in local land claims.
Stanjikoming First Nation is in the midst of a claim. President of the Rainy River district municipal association, Emily Watson says recent government correspondence leaves out municipal involvement in those talks.
"this letter is from Lees Hanson who is the senior negotiator, negotiations from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. She closes by saying 'I would like to assure you that I will continue to keep you updated as negotiations progress," says Watson. "Keep us updated? No mention of inclusion once again."
Watson says she did attend a meeting last June, but is waiting for an invite to further talks.
2009-04-20
06:52:56
Ontario's tourism minister says she'll consider ways of attracting more people to the province's tourist information centre in Fort Frances.
Monique Smith made the comments after touring the area Friday with Fort Frances town officials.
"We've got some work to do to better access the tourist information centre," says Smith, " and we're going to look at some creative solutions."
Mayor Roy Avis says better signage that directs people to the centre was among the ideas discussed. He says her tour of the centre gave the minister of a better understanding of the town's concerns.
"We've put forward briefs to the ministry of tourism many, many times," says Avis, "Now she's walked through it. She's seen it. Now she has a better understanding of what our problem is."
The number of visitors to the centre has been dropping in recent years.
2009-04-20
06:45:07
The development of a regional government is being floated by some elected officials in northwestern Ontario.
The idea was discussed on the weekend by delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Fort Frances. Schreiber councillor Patrick Halonen says it may give them more control over how provincial policies are implemented in the north.
"I believe right now that southern Ontario does really understand the north, and we're being dictated to," says Halonen. "They are making moves that effect northern Ontario people. Not southern Ontario people."
NOMA president Anne Krassilowsky doesn't fully support the idea of a regional government, but understands why its being discussed now.
"There is such a frustration of job loss, and direct and indirect businesses that are disappearing," says Krassilowsky. "I can understand that part, but we just can not create something we can't afford either and adds another cost to communities."
Thunder Bay councillor Iain Angus says the idea of a form of third-level government was reviewed when NOMA established the so-called Common Voice Initiative, but quickly dismissed.
"It would require a constitutional amendment," says Angus. "We choose the path, let's fix what we can to help the people today than some esoteric concept that might come in to being in 15 or 20 years."
