A Shoal Lake First Nation man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2007 death of Ashley Smith of Naicatchewenin First Nation.
Bronson Green was to face a trial by jury last week, but opted to appear before a Superior Court judge alone and pleaded guilty on last Thursday.
He'll be sentenced November 25th.
Green was charged after Smith's body was found in the bush near the main community road on Naicatchewenin in October 2007.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fort Frances Council Meets Tonight
Parking on Nelson Street and the pending closure of a secondary runway at the Fort Frances Airport are some of the issues on the agenda for tonight's meeting of Fort Frances town council.
Council will also hear presentations from Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong on local plans for Fire Prevention Week and James McPherson of the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Beta Sigma Phi will also be recognized for its 10 years of volunteer service at the Townsend Theatre.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 5:55 p.m.
Council will also hear presentations from Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong on local plans for Fire Prevention Week and James McPherson of the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Beta Sigma Phi will also be recognized for its 10 years of volunteer service at the Townsend Theatre.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 5:55 p.m.
Forestry Issues Outlined
The manager of AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances say energy costs continue to be the biggest threat to the forest industry in northwestern Ontario.
Speaking at the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting, John Harrison says north has an abundance of power, yet government still refuses to establish a regional pricing policy that help industry remain competitive.
"We need something in the range of $45 per megawatt," says Harrison. "That takes the uncertainty out of making business decisions on manufacturing and operating strategies and would put the industry in a favourable position relative to the other jurisdiction we're competing with in North America."
Harrison says Ontario has the highest energy costs for industry in the Canada.
AbitibiBowater is giving its support to a government review of how it allocates the province's timber resources.
Public consultations on so-called tenure are currently underway.
Harrison says area mills still need to have a strong and reliable fibre source to be competitive.
"We support a review of the tenure process with the understanding that it deliver a competitive long term supply. We need a certainty of fibre supply at an affordable cost without another level of bureaucracy and without a bunch of restrictions about what we can do."
Harrison also questions the motives behind agencies who send e-mails that ask the recipient not to print them.
He says its suggestion that it's not an environmental sound practice, a position he says should not be accepted in the northwest.
He says a vast majority of the recycled paper is turned into other products after its original use.
Speaking at the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting, John Harrison says north has an abundance of power, yet government still refuses to establish a regional pricing policy that help industry remain competitive.
"We need something in the range of $45 per megawatt," says Harrison. "That takes the uncertainty out of making business decisions on manufacturing and operating strategies and would put the industry in a favourable position relative to the other jurisdiction we're competing with in North America."
Harrison says Ontario has the highest energy costs for industry in the Canada.
AbitibiBowater is giving its support to a government review of how it allocates the province's timber resources.
Public consultations on so-called tenure are currently underway.
Harrison says area mills still need to have a strong and reliable fibre source to be competitive.
"We support a review of the tenure process with the understanding that it deliver a competitive long term supply. We need a certainty of fibre supply at an affordable cost without another level of bureaucracy and without a bunch of restrictions about what we can do."
Harrison also questions the motives behind agencies who send e-mails that ask the recipient not to print them.
He says its suggestion that it's not an environmental sound practice, a position he says should not be accepted in the northwest.
He says a vast majority of the recycled paper is turned into other products after its original use.
Growth Plan Release Nears
A draft of the Northern Ontario Growth Plan could be released within the next six weeks.
David Lindsay, Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Deputy Minister, told delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting in Fort Frances that final work on the economic blueprint for the north is nearing completion.
Lindsay says it will be a document that will be up to everyone to help carry out.
"It's a motivation document to get them to look to the future and the economic opportunities by giving them a motivational platform that everyone can work together on," says Lindsay.
Lindsay warns though not to expect the plan to become a sole grant program for northern Ontario economic development.
David Lindsay, Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Deputy Minister, told delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting in Fort Frances that final work on the economic blueprint for the north is nearing completion.
Lindsay says it will be a document that will be up to everyone to help carry out.
"It's a motivation document to get them to look to the future and the economic opportunities by giving them a motivational platform that everyone can work together on," says Lindsay.
Lindsay warns though not to expect the plan to become a sole grant program for northern Ontario economic development.
Revenue Minister Sells Tax Reforms
Ontario's Revenue Minister was in Fort Frances Friday to sell the planned harmonization of the provincial sales tax with the federal GST.
Speaking at the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce meeting, John Wilkinson says the HST will bring many benefits to businesses and changes to a 40 year old tax that has brought hidden costs to both business and consumers.
"Our companies, particularly our exporters, are hampered by some $5-billion worth of a hidden layer of tax that the consumer pays and doesn't even know is there. That's why we've decided to take this bold step."
Wilkinson says having one tax will save businesses and consumers money and put Ontario on a competitive level with other countries and their tax structures.
But Wilkinson says blending the provincial sales tax with the GST is only a part of a more comprehensive tax reform package that others aren't talking about.
He says the reforms come with measures to help people cope with taxing of goods now exempt from the PST.
"We're adding an additional rebate of some $260 each and every year for every person in the family. For seniors we're doubling the property tax credit."
Wilkinson says there will also be new tax grants for families, especially those who have a lot of children.
The changes take effect next July.
Voyageur Hits the Water
There is a new tour boat at Voyageur National Park.
The Voyageur has made her maiden voyage on Rainy Lake Saturday.
Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, who help secured federal funding for the vessel, says it took a lot of work and effort to the voyage a reality.
"It's here and well worth the effort," says Oberstar, "While it may have taken seven years to get to this point, this vessel with good care can last 70 years.
The 49-passenger vessel adds to the fleet for two 24-passenger pontoon boats the park has used as tour boats for the past few years.
The park will begin offering public tours on the boat next June.
Waterfront Development Kicked off
(Area dignitaries join in a sod-turning ceremony for the start of waterfront development in International Falls)The first phase of waterfront development on the American side of Rainy River was kicked off Saturday.
The project will include new head office for Voyageur's National Park and an amphitheatre to be named in honour of the late Irv Anderson, a long-time Minnesota house representative for the area.
International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason says Anderson's dream of telling the story of the Voyageur is being realized.
"And he had a dream to build the Voyageur Heritage Centre," says Mason, "and believe it not his dream location was right here."
Park superintendent Mike Ward says the project is the start of a new relationship between the park and the city.
"This is a wonderful day for Voyageurs and for International Falls," says Ward. "I look forward to celebrating the ribbon-cutting of the new building and any of the other wonderful ideas we can come up with to ensure that the park and the community co-exist in a great way."
A deal between the city of International Falls and U.S. government will see the $11.5 million project built without the need for local taxpayer dollars.
Revenue Minister Downplays Tax Opposition
Revenue Minister John Wilkinson says the results of a survey showing small business owners are worried about the harmonized sales tax is a sign those entrepreneurs need to learn more about the tax changes.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 75 per cent of those surveyed are concerned that charging consumers the blended 13 per cent sales tax could harm their business.
Wilkinson says the survey shows people don't understand that the Liberal government's tax reform package includes cuts to small business taxes and income tax reductions.
Wilkinson is expected to talk more about the planned H-S-T to area business leaders when he attends today meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce in Fort Frances.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 75 per cent of those surveyed are concerned that charging consumers the blended 13 per cent sales tax could harm their business.
Wilkinson says the survey shows people don't understand that the Liberal government's tax reform package includes cuts to small business taxes and income tax reductions.
Wilkinson is expected to talk more about the planned H-S-T to area business leaders when he attends today meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce in Fort Frances.
Flu Vaccine Changes
In a mid-course change, Ontario is delaying its seasonal flu vaccine program for most people until after the swine flu vaccine is administered.
Dr. Arlene King, the province's chief medical officer, says people 65 and older, who are at greater risk from seasonal flu, will get their traditional flu shots starting in October.
When the swine flu vaccine becomes available in November, all the people who want to be vaccinated will be given access to those shots.
Once that's finished the seasonal flu shot program will resume.
King says they're making the adjustments because studies suggest the swine flu may hit children and adults under 60, while seasonal flu primarily seems to target people over 65.
Dr. Arlene King, the province's chief medical officer, says people 65 and older, who are at greater risk from seasonal flu, will get their traditional flu shots starting in October.
When the swine flu vaccine becomes available in November, all the people who want to be vaccinated will be given access to those shots.
Once that's finished the seasonal flu shot program will resume.
King says they're making the adjustments because studies suggest the swine flu may hit children and adults under 60, while seasonal flu primarily seems to target people over 65.
New Park Facilities Celebrated
A new tour boat and the start of construction of a new park headquarters for Voyageurs National Park will be celebrated tomorrow.
Separate events are planned.
Park Superintendent Mike Ward says the new headquarters staff will mean more efficiencies for park staff.
"It's not necessarily an expansion of programs," says Ward. "It's really just making sure that our headquarters in terms of the people who work hear everyday have a little more efficient place and have a (place with a )little more update to standards."
The kick of construction on the waterfront, directly across from the Sorting Gap Marina in Fort Frances, happens tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
Earlier in the day, the Park will unveil its new tour boat to the public.
The park will christen the new 49-passenger boat at a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. before offering public tours.
Ward says they received deliver of the boat only a few weeks ago.
"We've been going through a lot of training and Coast Guard trails and certification. We're rehabilitating our docks because this boat is much larger than anything we've had."
Separate events are planned.
Park Superintendent Mike Ward says the new headquarters staff will mean more efficiencies for park staff.
"It's not necessarily an expansion of programs," says Ward. "It's really just making sure that our headquarters in terms of the people who work hear everyday have a little more efficient place and have a (place with a )little more update to standards."
The kick of construction on the waterfront, directly across from the Sorting Gap Marina in Fort Frances, happens tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
Earlier in the day, the Park will unveil its new tour boat to the public.
The park will christen the new 49-passenger boat at a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. before offering public tours.
Ward says they received deliver of the boat only a few weeks ago.
"We've been going through a lot of training and Coast Guard trails and certification. We're rehabilitating our docks because this boat is much larger than anything we've had."
Health Integration Moves Forward
The CEO of Rainy Lake Medical Centre says challenges in health care in the United States have made it necessary for the integration of medical facilities in International Falls.
The former Falls Memorial Hospital joined with the Duluth Clinic on July 1st.
Brian Long says the integration is moving along and doing what they can to achieve efficiencies.
"Right now we are probably operating in an environment very similar to we're used to," says Long, "but where that environment is going under some of new national directions is uncertain."
Long says they're also still in the planning stages of a new single facility which could be at least a couple of years ago.
The former Falls Memorial Hospital joined with the Duluth Clinic on July 1st.
Brian Long says the integration is moving along and doing what they can to achieve efficiencies.
"Right now we are probably operating in an environment very similar to we're used to," says Long, "but where that environment is going under some of new national directions is uncertain."
Long says they're also still in the planning stages of a new single facility which could be at least a couple of years ago.
Muskies Football Future Uncertain
The future of Muskies high school football is to be discussed at a meeting on Monday.
A rash of injuries and a lack of players has forced the Fort Frances Muskies football team to forfeit today's game against the River East Kodiaks in Winnipeg.
School officials say they remain committed to the program, but the team has experienced quite a few injuries and don't have enough students at this time to participate in a football game safely.
Monday's meeting is inviting parents, coaches and players to look at options for the rest of the season.
That meeting happens in room 138 at the school beginning at 4 pm.
The Muskies are now winless in 3 games.
A rash of injuries and a lack of players has forced the Fort Frances Muskies football team to forfeit today's game against the River East Kodiaks in Winnipeg.
School officials say they remain committed to the program, but the team has experienced quite a few injuries and don't have enough students at this time to participate in a football game safely.
Monday's meeting is inviting parents, coaches and players to look at options for the rest of the season.
That meeting happens in room 138 at the school beginning at 4 pm.
The Muskies are now winless in 3 games.
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