A last minute switch in music helped Brittany Hayes of Fort Frances win last night's Casting Call talent show in International Falls
Hayes captured the one-thousand dollar first place price with her rendition of Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Hayes planned to reprise the song she sang to win the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Quest for the Best in June, but changed selections after the background music for Janis Joplin's Cry Baby failed to work due to technical problems.
John Strieff of International Falls took 2nd singing Jerry Lee Louis' "Great Balls of Fire", and third place went to Mark Gierszewski and Dean Piekarski who brought Billy Currington's "People are Crazy" to life.
For the first time ever, the People's Choice award was a tie with the prize split between 86-year-old Corrine "Corky" Brindos who sang Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" and Gierszewski and Piekarski.
Dylan Ossachuck, also of Fort Frances, won the teen idol portion of the competitions.
Friday, August 28, 2009
International Falls Bass Fishing Begins
The fishing gets underway this morning at the 5th annual International Falls Bass Championship.
Sixty teams will fish either Rainy River or Rainy Lake today then switch bodies of water the next day.
President Gary Potter says water levels could be a factor for anglers.
"The river has thrown us a curve ball this summer," says Potter. "Everyone's wishing for more water in the river well this year they got it. It's about 8 feet higher than its ever been and the fish have changed position. The water's about a foot higher in the lake, at least a couple of feet, it's at the top of the rule curve and I think the fish have changed positions in the lake as well."
Weigh-ins at Smoky Bear Park begin at about 3 p.m. both days.
The Sioux Narrows team of Dave Bennett and Mike Salvador are the defending champions.
Sixty teams will fish either Rainy River or Rainy Lake today then switch bodies of water the next day.
President Gary Potter says water levels could be a factor for anglers.
"The river has thrown us a curve ball this summer," says Potter. "Everyone's wishing for more water in the river well this year they got it. It's about 8 feet higher than its ever been and the fish have changed position. The water's about a foot higher in the lake, at least a couple of feet, it's at the top of the rule curve and I think the fish have changed positions in the lake as well."
Weigh-ins at Smoky Bear Park begin at about 3 p.m. both days.
The Sioux Narrows team of Dave Bennett and Mike Salvador are the defending champions.
High School Teachers Plan for H1N1
Their union says Ontario high school teachers who are pregnant or immune-compromised should not have to work in a school where they would be exposed to H1N1 flu.
The president of the Secondary School Teachers' Federation says they're developing plans in case an H1N1 pandemic materializes in schools this fall and winter.
Teachers who are considered vulnerable would be taken out of class if there is an "elevated'' chance of contracting the illness.
The president of the Secondary School Teachers' Federation says they're developing plans in case an H1N1 pandemic materializes in schools this fall and winter.
Teachers who are considered vulnerable would be taken out of class if there is an "elevated'' chance of contracting the illness.
Support for Program
There appears to be strong interest for Lakehead University and Confederation College to resume a community-based nursing program in Fort Frances.
About a dozen potential students attending a meeting yesterday to learn more about the program that allows them to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from L-U through the local college campus.
LU's Director of Nursing Karen Poole says the program is still undergoing a review because they can proceed with registration.
"It will be evaluated this fall," says Poole, "and we hope the result will come as early in the winter as possible. We'll then have some decision making to consider as far as the costs and feasibility of another intake. The earlier possible delivery is September 2010."
Poole says students interested should still prepare by ensuring they meet entrance criteria and have the financial resources to enroll.
About a dozen potential students attending a meeting yesterday to learn more about the program that allows them to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from L-U through the local college campus.
LU's Director of Nursing Karen Poole says the program is still undergoing a review because they can proceed with registration.
"It will be evaluated this fall," says Poole, "and we hope the result will come as early in the winter as possible. We'll then have some decision making to consider as far as the costs and feasibility of another intake. The earlier possible delivery is September 2010."
Poole says students interested should still prepare by ensuring they meet entrance criteria and have the financial resources to enroll.
Transformer Station Planning Continues
Hydro One is now evaluating comments received at this week's public meeting into its plans for a new transformer station for the Rainy River district.
About 20 people attended the meeting in Barwick.
Community Relations officer Marylena Stea says they're now work to complete an environmental study report.
"Probably in November we will release a draft environmental study report," says Stea, "which will be available for thirty days that anyone can look at. If people have comments on the questions they can send them to us."
Hydro One has identified a potential site in Barwick near Westover Road as a preferred location for the station.
Construction would begin in 2011.
About 20 people attended the meeting in Barwick.
Community Relations officer Marylena Stea says they're now work to complete an environmental study report.
"Probably in November we will release a draft environmental study report," says Stea, "which will be available for thirty days that anyone can look at. If people have comments on the questions they can send them to us."
Hydro One has identified a potential site in Barwick near Westover Road as a preferred location for the station.
Construction would begin in 2011.
Forestry Meetings Planned
A series of consultations have been announced by the province to look at modernizing the system it uses to determine how wood supplies are licensed, allocated and priced.
The hearings will begin September 17th in Sault Ste. Marie with session planned later for Dryden and Thunder Bay.
Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says the review will help create a stronger environment for new and emerging opportunities in the industry.
But NDP's Economic Development and Trade critic Howard Hampton worries the plan will lead for more privatization of forests with increased ownership by American interests.
The hearings will begin September 17th in Sault Ste. Marie with session planned later for Dryden and Thunder Bay.
Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says the review will help create a stronger environment for new and emerging opportunities in the industry.
But NDP's Economic Development and Trade critic Howard Hampton worries the plan will lead for more privatization of forests with increased ownership by American interests.
Papermachine to Resume
A paper machine that's been down at the Fort Frances mill since March is being restarted.
AbitibiBowater says it will restart the number six machine for three weeks.
Initial reports suggest that start-up will be September 8th, but at least one a published report says it will now happen this weekend.
With the exception of a week of test runs in July to determine if the machine could be used to produce a different type of paper, the machine has been idled since March 6th.
AbitibiBowater says it will restart the number six machine for three weeks.
Initial reports suggest that start-up will be September 8th, but at least one a published report says it will now happen this weekend.
With the exception of a week of test runs in July to determine if the machine could be used to produce a different type of paper, the machine has been idled since March 6th.
House Fire Follow
A man who was killed in a house fire in Pickle Lake last weekend, died as a result of smoke inhalation.
The cause of death was determined following a post-mortem held yesterday in Toronto.
But the man's identity has not been revealed.
The coroner is using dental records to assist with the identification process.
Cause of Saturday's fire is still under investigation.
The cause of death was determined following a post-mortem held yesterday in Toronto.
But the man's identity has not been revealed.
The coroner is using dental records to assist with the identification process.
Cause of Saturday's fire is still under investigation.
More Charges Laid
More sex-related charges have been laid by provincial police in an ongoing investigation into historical sexual offences against a retired OPP officer who once worked in northwestern Ontario.
Police charged 62-year-old Robert George Lewis with indecent assault, grossy indency and two counts of sexual assault in connection with incidents that occured in the 1980's in the city of Kawartha Lakes.
Lewis already faces more than 25 sex-related charges for incidents in southern Ontario dating back to the 1960's.
Police has since widened their investigation to other communities where Lewis was stationed, including the Minaki area in 1976.
Police charged 62-year-old Robert George Lewis with indecent assault, grossy indency and two counts of sexual assault in connection with incidents that occured in the 1980's in the city of Kawartha Lakes.
Lewis already faces more than 25 sex-related charges for incidents in southern Ontario dating back to the 1960's.
Police has since widened their investigation to other communities where Lewis was stationed, including the Minaki area in 1976.
Library Equipment purchased
Equipment for the self-checkout unit at the new Fort Frances library and technology centre is being ordered.
Costs came in at $92-thousand dollars, which falls well below the estimated 100-thousand dollars budgeted.
Community Services Manager George Bell says the equipment needed to be purchased early to be incorporated into the early parts of the facilities construction.
Costs came in at $92-thousand dollars, which falls well below the estimated 100-thousand dollars budgeted.
Community Services Manager George Bell says the equipment needed to be purchased early to be incorporated into the early parts of the facilities construction.
Abitibi-Union Meet in Ottawa
Union and company officials aren't saying much after they met in Ottawa over the future of AbitibiBowater, and its struggling Thunder Bay operation in particular.
A Union official would only say they are now preparing for bargaining with the company on October 26th.
The purpose of yesterday's meeting was supposed to have given C.E.P. officials a better idea of the company‘s outlook.
Union vice-president Kim Ginter didn't say what the union learned.
A Union official would only say they are now preparing for bargaining with the company on October 26th.
The purpose of yesterday's meeting was supposed to have given C.E.P. officials a better idea of the company‘s outlook.
Union vice-president Kim Ginter didn't say what the union learned.
LU Aboriginal Alumni Group Formed
There is a new aboriginal alumni chapter at Lakehead University.
The chapter of LU's Alumni Association is designed to connect the university's aboriginal graduates with each other and the institution.
Manager of Alumni Relations, Richard Longtin says it's an efforts to get the students more involved with the university.
"So it was a partnership with Aboriginal Initiatives, an office on campus," says Longtin, "and the Alumni Association department to get more aboriginal graduates to be mentors and to be more involved with the campus as a whole."
Longtin says like other organizations, the chapter will host a variety of events and activities for its members.
The chapter of LU's Alumni Association is designed to connect the university's aboriginal graduates with each other and the institution.
Manager of Alumni Relations, Richard Longtin says it's an efforts to get the students more involved with the university.
"So it was a partnership with Aboriginal Initiatives, an office on campus," says Longtin, "and the Alumni Association department to get more aboriginal graduates to be mentors and to be more involved with the campus as a whole."
Longtin says like other organizations, the chapter will host a variety of events and activities for its members.
International Falls Bass Tournament Kicks Off
It's the start of another bass fishing tournament today.
The 5th annual International Falls Bass Championship kicks off tonight with its local singing competitions at Smoky Bear park.
President Gary Potter says there are a few new things at the tournament this year.
"We do have a car club that's putting on an early iron car show this year," says Potter. "That's going to be on Saturday. We also have for this year for first place in our talent show called Casting Call somebody could win $2,000."
Fishing on Rainy Lake and Rainy River begins tomorrow morning for the 60 teams entered who are vying for the 10-thousand dollar first place prize.
The 5th annual International Falls Bass Championship kicks off tonight with its local singing competitions at Smoky Bear park.
President Gary Potter says there are a few new things at the tournament this year.
"We do have a car club that's putting on an early iron car show this year," says Potter. "That's going to be on Saturday. We also have for this year for first place in our talent show called Casting Call somebody could win $2,000."
Fishing on Rainy Lake and Rainy River begins tomorrow morning for the 60 teams entered who are vying for the 10-thousand dollar first place prize.
Duncan Dismisses Tory Claims
Ontario's Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is dismissing the claims of federal Tories who say Ottawa had nothing to do with the province's decision to harmonize its sales tax with the G-S-T.
Duncan says some Tories are trying to have it both ways by encouraging provinces to move to a single sales tax, then speaking out against it when their constituents complain.
Ottawa provided the province $4.3 billion dollars to move ahead with tax harmonization.
Duncan says some Tories are trying to have it both ways by encouraging provinces to move to a single sales tax, then speaking out against it when their constituents complain.
Ottawa provided the province $4.3 billion dollars to move ahead with tax harmonization.
Mining Protests Resume
The protest over mining in northern Ontario is heating up again.
Members of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation prevented a floatplane carrying Platinex officials from landing on a lake near the company's mining claims yesterday.
While OPP officers watched from the shore, residents operating boats made it impossible for the plane to land safely.
The company is blaming the provincial government for the situation.
Members of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation prevented a floatplane carrying Platinex officials from landing on a lake near the company's mining claims yesterday.
While OPP officers watched from the shore, residents operating boats made it impossible for the plane to land safely.
The company is blaming the provincial government for the situation.
Federal Dollars for Rainy River
More federal dollars are coming to the Rainy River district.
About 600-thousand dollars from the federal government's community adjustment fund will be shared by three communities.
The lion's share, about $318-thousand , will be used by Couchiching First Nation to upgrade hydro and roads infrastructure on the reserve.
The Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives received $166-thousand to develop a strategic plan.
And the township of Emo will use $111-thousand dollars to extend water, sewer and streetlights on Byng and Adelaide Streets to service its industrial park and the agricultural fairground.
About 600-thousand dollars from the federal government's community adjustment fund will be shared by three communities.
The lion's share, about $318-thousand , will be used by Couchiching First Nation to upgrade hydro and roads infrastructure on the reserve.
The Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives received $166-thousand to develop a strategic plan.
And the township of Emo will use $111-thousand dollars to extend water, sewer and streetlights on Byng and Adelaide Streets to service its industrial park and the agricultural fairground.
Tower Work Underway
With the tugboat Hallet now in place at the Fort Frances waterfront, attention now switches to the relocation of the former fire watch tower.
The town's community services manager George Bell says painting of the tower should happen this week after recent adhesion tests.
"Some of the tests came out marginally," says Bell. "That was at the lower base part. Painters will have to redo that part when it comes to preparation for the painting. They will do that either by pressure-washing or with the biodegradable paint stripper."
Bell says the adhesion tests on the rest of the tower far exceeded minimum requirements.
The town's community services manager George Bell says painting of the tower should happen this week after recent adhesion tests.
"Some of the tests came out marginally," says Bell. "That was at the lower base part. Painters will have to redo that part when it comes to preparation for the painting. They will do that either by pressure-washing or with the biodegradable paint stripper."
Bell says the adhesion tests on the rest of the tower far exceeded minimum requirements.
Nursing Program Meeting Planning
Confederation College and Lakehead University are looking at bringing back a community-based nursing program to the College's campus in Fort Frances.
They're holding an information session at the college today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to determine interest.
The program allows students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from LU through the college campus.
In June, five students from the Rainy River district graduated from a four-year pilot.
The program is expected to be offered again in 2010.
They're holding an information session at the college today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to determine interest.
The program allows students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from LU through the college campus.
In June, five students from the Rainy River district graduated from a four-year pilot.
The program is expected to be offered again in 2010.
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