Tennis Courts to Close

2009-04-29

08:14:03

The town of Fort Frances is closing its tennis courts this year.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the move is for health and safety reasons.

"The tennis courts are in total disarray," says Wiedenhoeft. "There are holes. There are gouges. There are cracks. It's really a health and safety issue. We have to close them for the health and safety of our citizens."

Wiedenhoeft says he will continue to lobby the Rainy River District School Board in partnering with the town on a plan to construct new courts near the high school. The town is also looking for potential grants for the project as well.

 

Falls High School Boys Track Team 5th

2009-04-29

07:58:09

The Falls High School boys track and field team finished 5th at a meet in Grand Rapids yesterday.

Jake Jenson was the only member of the team to capture a first place finish by taking the pole vault event with a jump of 11' 6".

The Bronco's 4-by-800 and 4-by-100 relay teams did earn silver medals in their events.

Lee Inducted to Hall of Fame

2009-04-29

07:57:20

An area woman is being inducted into the Ontario College Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Angela Lee of Stratton will enter the hall as skip of Confederation College's ladies curling team that won three provincial titles in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
 
The induction ceremonies take place tonight in Windsor.

Seatbelt Campaign Results

2009-04-29

07:56:33

O-P-P say still too many people are taking risks with their lives by not wearing a seatbelt.

Police across northwestern Ontario laid more than 275 charges against drivers and passengers for not wearing a seatbelt during their spring seatbelt campaign last month. More than 35-thousand vehicles were checked.

Another eight charges were laid for not having a properly installed or secured child restraint.

Joint Meeting Planned

2009-04-29

07:49:48

It took a recorded vote, but Fort Frances councillors have agreed to arranging a meeting with their library board to discuss the new library and technology project.

A date must still be determined, but councillor Andrew Hallikas feels it will allow members of the library board and council to better understand each other's position.

"I believe that both parties are coming at this from different point's of view," says Hallikas, "and I would like both parties to be able to hear each other. And hopefully by talking to each other and listening to each other's passionate comments, we can reach a better understanding and move forward with this very important project."

Only Councillor John Albanese voted against the meeting taking place.

Residents Happy with Riverside

2009-04-29

07:45:42

Officials with Riverside Health Care Facilities are pleased with the results of a recent satisfaction survey.

More than 400 people responded to the survey conducted at the end of February. Completed surveys from all sites totalled over four hundred. The overall level of satisfaction was 4.64 out of a possible 5, with five being ‘Very Satisfied’.

“The survey results and comments indicate our staff are doing a great job in ensuring the Riverside experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible for our customers… patients, clients, visitors, consumers and residents”, says Wayne Woods, President & CEO.

“We have top-notch staff who are committed to our vision…to be the centre of excellence in providing a continuum of service in Rural/Northern health care”.

The survey did identify a problem with parking around the Riverside Community Counselling and Valley Diabetes Education Centre.

Riverside says its is working with the town on a plan to alleviate that concern.

Swine Flu - Ontario

2009-04-29

07:40:54

Ontario has confirmed its first cases of swine flu.

There are four cases, all in the Toronto area. Doctor David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health, says all of the cases are considered mild, and the four people are recovering at home.

Meantime, the Northwestern Health Unit says its prepared to deal with any possible cases of Swine Flu. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Arthurs says it's very possible the unique strain of influenza could reach this region.

"The reality is that any individual around the world can be in contact with any other individuals within 24 hours," says Arthurs, "so it would be highly unusual that we would not get cases confirmed."

The health unit says its daily contact with local hospital officials and the Ministry of Health. It has also released a list of proper hygiene tips that can be viewed on its website.

Low Labour Growth

2009-04-29

07:40:05

A new report says the labour force in the Rainy River district grew at a far lower rate than the rest of Ontario between 2001 and 2006.

The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board says the less than one-per cent growth was well below the provincial average was more than 8-per cent.

While the number of people employed in Finance and insurance, public administration and health care increased, those gains were offset by losses in the manufacturing and retail trade sectors.

Regional Cooperation Needed

2009-04-29

07:26:26

A call for stronger cooperation in the Rainy River district.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, president Cathy Emes says the current economic situation requires that cooperation more than ever.

"We with the uncertain surrounding our largest employer, it is now time to strengthen our commitments to work together in partnership to develop a plan for the future," says Emes, "to ensure our businesses and citizens have the opportunity to remain in their communities and they can thrive and prosper."

Last year, the chamber worked with area groups on a business expansion and retention plan. Emes says recommendations from that are currently being acted upon.

Swine Flu Given New Name

2009-04-28

07:25:03

Minnesota's agriculture commissioner has a new name for swine flu.

In interviews, Gene Hugoson repeatedly refers to the illness as "North American influenza." He says there's absolutely no health risk whatsoever to eating pork products. Hugoson adds the outbreak is not directly related to swine, nor has their been a confirmed case been found in a herd.

The industry is a billion-dollar component of the state's agricultural economy.

College Trip Cancelled

2009-04-28

07:24:30

A group of college students from Thunder Bay have decided to hold off on a planned trip to Mexico.

About eleven business students were to attend a course in Mexico City, but opted to hold off because of the swine flu outbreak.

Spokesperson Miriam Wall says it's hoped something can be salvaged for the summer.

Canada Travel Advisory

2009-04-28

07:23:57

Canadians are being advised to rethink any non-essential travel to Mexico.

Canada has joined the U-S in issuing a travel advisory warning people to avoid going to Mexico due to the massive outbreak of swine flu in that country.

The number of confirmed cases of the disease remains at six in this country -- four in Nova Scotia and two in B-C.

Swine Flu - Premier

2009-04-28

07:22:27

Premier Dalton McGuinty is urging people to remain calm in the face of swine flu, and says Ontario is acting on lessons it learned during the deadly SARS outbreak in 2003.

There are still no confirmed cases of swine flu in Ontario and only six in all of Canada - four in Nova Scotia and two in British Columbia.

McGuinty says Ontario has more personnel, more technology, more know-how and a better understanding of how to deal with health emergencies because of its experience with SARS.   He says there is a real concern with swine flu, but adds it's not a cause for undue alarm.

McGuinty says he wants to reassure families that public health officials are executing a plan that is based on the `painful lessons that we learned six years ago.'

The SARS outbreak in the spring of 2003 claimed 44 lives and made hundreds more sick.

 

Vaccine Depot Moved

2009-04-28

07:21:27

The Northwestern Health Unit has decided to move its vaccine depot from Fort Frances to Kenora.

Currently, all vaccines are delivered to Fort Frances before shipped across the region. The Health Unit says since Kenora uses about a third of all vaccines, the changes will reduce the amount of vaccines that need to be shipped.

A plan is also in place to avoid job loss through attrition.

 

Volunteers Honoured

2009-04-28

06:59:17

Volunteers with the Rainy River District Victims Services Program were honoured yesterday.  

About twenty were recognized for their participation with the program. Program Manager Peggy Loyie says volunteers play a vital role when called to an emergency.

"They would provide those practical supports," says Loyie, "like to be there for emotional support whether it be there to help them make phone calls or just sit and be with somebody until someone more familiar with the victim or family comes along."

Loyie says they are also looking for more help. Volunteers are provided with the necessary training and must commit to at least two twelve-hour shifts a month.

Target Zero

2009-04-28

06:55:25

Members of the C-N Police Service are working toward reducing the number of trespassing and railway crossing accidents to zero this year.

They'll be joined by other law enforcement agencies for their annual safety blitzes this week as part of Rail Safety Week. In the Rainy River District, Constable Pete Ledrew says today, they'll be at the crossing in Couchiching First Nation.

"During the safety blitzes, we're going to handing out pamphlets explaining our program," says Ledrew, "and reminding the public not be trespassing, obeying the warning bells and lights at railway crossings, make sure you wait for the crossing gates to be fully raised before crossing and not taking short cuts across the tracks or through railway property. It's not worth the risk."

A similar blitz will be conducted in Emo on Friday.

 

Union Gas Work Outlined

2009-04-28

06:53:43

Union Gas will spend more than 10 million dollar over the next two years replacing old gas lines, meters and regulators in Fort Frances.

Company officials updated council on their plans last night. Director of Engineering Doug Alexander says the work should begin by the middle of May.

"Roughly in the that long weekend in May, you should see crews begin to work on the project," says Alexander.

Union Gas plans to start in the north end of town before shifting crews to the west end by the end of July. The east end and the downtown core will be completed next year.

Build Canada Applications

2009-04-28

06:51:07

Four applications for funding under a government infrastructure program will be made by the town of Fort Frances.

At last night's council meeting, council agreed to submit requests for three roads projects and the new  library. C-A-O Mark McCaig says its priorities had to be reworked, though.

"We had indicated that the first priority would be the 5th Street project," says McCaig, "As we were going through the process, we were beginning to see it didn't have a great chance of success." 

Instead, council will seek funding for the sewer and water components of the proposed work on Scott Street and the Biomass Roads Project, as well as work on Front Street.

Riverside Takes Precautions

2009-04-28

06:48:07

Due to the heightened concern, Riverside has implemented precautionary measures at Emo, Health Centre, Rainy River Health Centre, La Verendrye Hospital and Rainycrest Long Term Care.

Visitors are reminded to not visit if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, cough, and diarrhea. All visitors to the hospital are asked to stop at the information desks that have been set-up to self-screen and wash their hands before proceeding to Reception. All visitors must check-in at reception before entering patient care areas.

All patients reporting to Emergency must not be accompanied unless with a minor or someone requiring assistance. Patients must self-screen before entering by answering the following questions:

 1.      Do you have a NEW or WORSE cough or shortness of breath?

 2.      Are you feeling feverish?

Patients who answer yes to the first question will be required to put on a mask and perform

hand hygiene. Those answering yes to both questions are asked to inform the receptionist or nurse right away.

 Members of the public who may have symptoms but have not been admitted to the hospital are reminded to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. Cough into a tissue or your arm/sleeve (not your hand). Minimize contact with family members and do not go into public places. Do not go to work until symptoms have resolved.

Ontario Swine Flu Reaction

2009-04-28

06:46:30

Ontario's top medical official says there is no need for the public to panic over the swine flu.

Dr. David Williams says there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Ontario and, at this point, it's a situation of increased surveillance. The province's acting chief medical officer of health adds given the size of Ontario, he expects there will be cases in the province.

As of Monday, Canada had a half-dozen confirmed cases of the illness - in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Swine flu has killed as many as 150 people and sickened nearly 2,000 in Mexico.

Williams says it's a good thing the cases appearing in Canada and the U.S. are mild and moderate ones.

Fort Frances Death Follow

2009-04-28

06:45:16

A post-mortem is being conducted to determine how a woman found in a Fort Frances home on the weekend died.

The body of 23-year-old Courtney Jack was discovered Sunday afternoon in a Sixth Street West home.

The circumstances surrounding her death have not been revealed.