Native Youth Centre Empty

2009-06-08

12:39:22

Officials with the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre in Fort Frances and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services are reviewing an incident that led to five youths assaulting two staff members.

A Ministry spokesperson says it happened Wednesday evening in the recreation yard.

One of the staff members required medical attention.

OPP were called to have the youth involved placed in their rooms before a decision was made to transport them and another youth who was not part of the altercation to Thunder Bay leaving the centre empty.

Ministry spokesperson Anne Smith says centre staff and Ministry personnel are currently meeting to discuss a possible return of the youth back to the Fort Frances centre in the near future.

The centre opened at the end of March.

Employment Opportunities for Youth

2009-06-08

12:35:53

The Ontario Provincial Police in Fort Frances have put out a call for young people interested in working with them this summer.

The Fort Frances detachment plans to hire three students for its marine and bicycle patrols.

Constable Anne McCoy says it's an great opportunity for young people interested in policing.

"They get a lot of real great hands on experience going out onto the boat," says McCoy, "learning about different vessel enforcement. Out on the bike patrol, learning how to do community policing initiatives and curbing certain areas of crime. It's very interesting work and a great experience."

Students between the age of 15 and 24 can apply for the marine program while those 14 to 17 are eligible for the bike patrols.

Resumes must be at the detachment by Wednesday.

New Forest Fire in Fort France district

2009-06-08

12:35:08

An unattended campfire has been listed as the cause of the latest forest fire in the Fort Frances district.

The fire occurred Saturday evening, and blackened about 0.1 hectare of land before it was extinguished.

The fire hazard is low in most parts of northwestern Ontario except the Fort Frances and Dryden Districts which are reporting a moderate hazard.

No Infrastructure Money Yet

2009-06-08

12:33:41

Still no word if infrastructure projects in the Rainy River district have been approved.

On the weekend, both the federal and provincial governments announced more than $3.4 billion in joint funding for nearly 14-hundred projects. The Cities of Kenora and Dryden, along with the towns of Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout and Atikokan were among those to receive money.

However, government officials have yet to say if any money is flowing elsewhere in the Rainy River district.

Town Council Meeting Tonight

2009-06-08

12:31:51

Fort Frances residents get their opportunity tonight to comment on the town's budget.

A public meeting will be held as part of tonight's council meeting. The town is calling for a 1.1 per cent hike in residential tax rates. It also plans to spend about $9.9 million in operating and about $15 million on the capital side. Just over a million of that would be funded through long-term debt over ten years.

Also tonight, Fort Frances town councillors will get an update on the progress of several work projects in the town. Council is also expected to formalize a contract with Bay City Contractors which is currently doing the road work on Victoria Avenue and Nelson Street, and later a section of Portage Avenue.

The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 6:00 p.m.

Drive to Work Caravan In Northwestern Ontario

2009-06-08

12:29:44

The Ontario Federation of Labour will roll its "Drive to Work" Caravan into Fort Frances later this evening.

The caravan is intended to draw attention to the need to sustain jobs across the province.

President Wayne Samuelson says they want to give people affected by the economic downturn a voice.

"My sense in travelling across Ontario is that people what to have their say," says Samuelson. "They want to be able to tell their government that they can let all of this roll on by. There needs to be clear action in how to deal with all of this."

The group will hold a BBQ at Pither's Point Park at 5 PM before heading to the Civic Centre where Samuelson will address Fort Frances town council.