H1N1 Flu Numbers Increase

2009-06-05

12:48:25

The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed two new cases of the H-1-N-1 virus in this region.

That brings the number to three of confirmed cases in this region.

Medical officer of health, Dr. Jim Arthurs says they still don't know how the virus made it into northwestern Ontario.

"What we do know is that there has not travel to Mexico," says James, "but we've had several weeks of person to person spread within Ontario and obviously across Canada. That's not concerning. The puzzle is where is come from into the Northwestern Health Unit area and we don't know that yet."

Arthurs says all three people who came down with the virus have since recovered, and their symptoms were considered mild.

 

Gas Prices to Rise

2009-06-05

12:46:47

Watch for another rise in the price of gasoline soon.

After jumping almost $2.70 yesterday, the price of oil is up 15-cents this morning.

Oil is trading at just under 69 dollars U-S a barrel.

GasBuddy.com says the average price of regular gasoline across Canada is a $1.02 a litre -- up 1.7 cents in the past week.

In the Rainy River district, a litre of gas was selling at the pumps for about a dollar.

South of the border, the average price of regular is $2.57 US per American gallon which converts to about 74 cents a litre in Canadian money.

Ombudsman Investigation

2009-06-05

12:46:12

A probe by the ombudsman is underway into Ontario's limited funding of a drug for colon cancer patients.

Andre Marin says he's reviewing the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's policies for Avastin.

Under current rules, the funding is limited to 16 two-week cycles, regardless of how a patient responds to treatment.

Camp Day Success

2009-06-05

12:44:52

Wednesday's Camp Day at Tim Horton's proved to be a huge success.

More than five-thousand dollars was raised through coffee sales and other activities held at the Fort Frances store.

It included $810 raised by baker Jessie Carmody who had his head shaved.

The money raised will help send two local youngsters to one of the Tim Horton's camps this summer.

 

Reserve Recruiting

2009-06-05

12:40:56

The Kenora Army Reserve is looking for new recruits.

Bombardier Lynne Danielson, a recruitment officer with the reserve, says it's a great part time job for students.

"It's not mandatory for us to deploy reserves overseas in times of combat," says Danielson, "It's for people 16 years and over, fifteen high school credit. In the summer they go away for training. When they are members of the unit for a year, and they return to post secondary education, we will contribute $2,000 toward their tuition."

Danielson says the military offers solid employment, and is a good fit for those who have been laid off from forestry related jobs.

Infrastructure Funding Announced

2009-06-05

12:38:06

Atikokan is getting money, but we can't tell you if others in the Rainy River district have benefit from today's roll-out of infrastructure money.

Atikokan will receive more than two-million dollars in provincial and federal dollars for repairs to its Main Street and its municipal office.

The township must still contribute a million dollars toward the projects.

Meantime, a government spokesperson with federal Infrastructure Minister John Baird says announcements pertaining to our area would be made through the local MP and MPP offices.

However John Rafferty's office says its still trying to learn find more details themselves.

Vet Office Closed

2009-06-05

12:32:11

An area veterinary office has been shutdown.

Court officers seized equipment and boarded up the office Rainy Lake Veterinary Services in Crozier Wednesday.

Doctor Richard Herbert says it stemmed from a financial matter with a bank while operating a previous clinic elsewhere in Hearst.

"They called they loan," says Herbert."We went through process, but I did not know we were at that point in the process. I thought we had room to negotiate, and there was none. So, it was complete and total shock when they showed up at my door saying 'that's it, it's over, your out right now."

Herbert says he spent much of the day trying to contact his customers so they could make alternative arrangements for their animals.

Herbert says customers who have not acquired records yet can still do so by calling 275-6474 and  supplying both their and the animal's name.

Hebert calls the situation regrettable, but thanked the region for their ongoing support.