B-93 News Top Stories - December 2010

Here is a list of some of the top news stories from the Rainy River district in December 2010.

Garry Donald Mathewson was sentenced to 66 months in jail and ordered to register with the Sexual Offenders Information Registry after being found guilty of three counts of Sexual Exploitation and a charge of Sexual Interference. The sentence relates to sexual assaults against three youths that took place in the Rainy River and Thunder Bay districts between 1992 and 1999.

The first ever Acts of Kindness fundraiser collected almost 20-thousand dollars for the Fort Frances Community Chest.

Newly elected municipal councils took office in December. Morley township councilors select Moe Henry as their new reeve, filing a vacant from the October municipal election.

Atikokan trustee Mike Lewis took over as chair of the Rainy River District School Board while Fort Frances trustee Anne-Marie Fitzgerald was re-elected chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

A group of parents whose children ride the bus to school called for changes to the Rainy River District School Board's transportation policies. Parents said existing policies don't meet their student needs.

Pam Cain announced she's stepping down as Fort France Museum curator to become the new executive director of the Thunder Bay-based Community Arts and Heritage Education Program.

Osisko Mining and several area First Nations signed a Resource Sharing agreement pertaining to Osisko's Hammond Reef project.

Nick Beyak, current owner of the GM dealership in Dryden, announced he's taking ownership of Sunset Country Ford in January.

Area residents help stuffed four OPP cruisers, 14 times with food and gifts for five area agencies as part of a Stuff-A-Cruiser campaign.

The town of Fort Frances purchased the former library building for a dollar, although exact plans for the building have not been determined.

The town of Fort Frances called for provincial help in dealing with rising policing costs.

A report from the Northwestern Health Unit suggested the cost for families in the Kenora-Rainy River district to eat healthy each month has risen 11 per cent over the past year.

The Rainy River District School Board and the Ontario Provincial Police secured $100-thousand in funding to train school staff in the area of threat assessment.

Fort Frances town councillors accepted a report in principal aimed at increasing the amount of materials collected for recycling in the town. The report makes nine recommendations.

The city of International Falls brought forth its 2011 budget that sees no levy increase.

Riverview Manor in Rainy River is among three facilities in the Kenora and Rainy River districts that will receive funding to expand home-care services.

Margaret Sedgwick, chief librarian at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre was identified as the winner of a distinguished award from the Ontario Library Boards' Association.

B-93 Top News Stories - November 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from November 2010.

The Rainy River District School board said it would to accelerate implementation of the third year in the province's early learning program. An additional class is to be established at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in September 2011.

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship adopted a new format for the 2011 tournament. It limits the field to 120 teams, giving more anglers a shot at winning a share of the prize money.

Joyce Cunningham was named the 23rd recipient of the Fort Frances Citizen of the year award.

International Falls' new border patrol facility officially opened. US Border Patrol staff share offices with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Vandals struck Pither's Point Park.

The town of Fort Frances estimates repairs to be as high as $5,000.

Fort Frances Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong announced his retirement. He's to end five years at the helm at the end of the year.

Fort Frances town councillors approved increases to the fees paid on most programs and services. Most fees go up about 1.7 per cent.

Safe Communities Rainy River District received a perfect score in a report card from Safe Communities Canada on the local groups efforts.

Family and Children Services Rainy River District celebrated 75 years with open houses in Fort Frances and Atikokan.

The town of Fort Frances called on Ottawa and the province for help in dealing with lineups of vehicles waiting to cross into the United States. Officials says taxpayers have been footing the entire bill for policing and managing the lines at the border, and believe the senior levels of government should contribute.

A Fort Frances woman won $25-thousand playing McDonald's Monopoly. Harriett Wagner uncovered the instant win prize during a recent visit to the McDonald's restaurant at the Fort Frances' Walmart.

Fort Frances town council finalized its purchase of the former F.H. Huffman School. Mayor Roy Avis says it's still uncertain what they will do with the site.

Richard Kabatay was arrested on a charge of attempted murder after a man was stabbed and another barricaded himself inside a home for several hours before surrendering to police.

B-93 Top Stories in October 2010

Here is a list of some of the top news stories in the Rainy River district from October 2010.

A coroner's jury made eight recommendations following an inquest in the August 2009 death of 21-year old Dylan Wreggitt at the Fort Frances jail.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton questioned Health Minister Deb Matthews in the legislature why some seniors in Fort Frances received letters suggesting they could leave the community and access a long-term care beds in Terrace Bay.

Riverside Healthcare Facilities officially opened a new comfort care room at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances for patients suffering with an illness and nearing their end of life.

Fort Frances High School's music department received a $10-thousand dollar Band Aid grant from MusiCounts for new instruments.

Community members and medical professionals gathered to bid Doctor Angus MacIntosh best wishes on his retirement. MacIntosh ended 39 years of medical practice in Fort Frances.

Former Fort Frances resident Roy Tighe man is seen appearing on television commercials for Mazda.

Fort Frances town councillors voted to rescind a previous decision to delay council pay hikes for two years and put them back in place for this December.

The Riverside Breast Health Program, which helped in the Rainy River district with early detection of breast cancer celebrated its 25th year.

211 service became available in the Rainy River district. It's a phone helpline that residents can call to access information on a variety of services and programs.

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board spent more than $430-thousand modifying some of the apartment for people using assisted devices.

Some new faces were elected to area municipalities and school boards in Civic Elections. Vince Sheppard was elected new Mayor of Emo. Ross Donaldson was elected Reeve of LaVallee township. Valerie Pizey in Lake of the Woods and Dennis Brown of Atikokan returned as mayors of their communities.

No elections were held in Fort Frances and Alberton where existing councils were acclaimed for another four years.

No one stepped forward for Reeve of Morley township, forcing council to decide how to fill the seat when they take office in December.

The Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team announced it received provincial funding to help keep the group active until next March. It also allow it to maintain coordinator Hugh Dennis.

The Valley Adult Learning Association opened the doors of its new surroundings in Fort Frances.

Leon's Fort Frances officially opened its doors to the public.

B-93 Top News Stories from September 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from September 2010.

Industry Minister Tony Clement visited Fort Frances. No local announcements were made, but Clement said it gave him an opportunity to view projects that had received FEDNOR money in the past.

Fort Frances welcomed a new doctor. Doctor Cynthia Saliba is a recent graduate of the University of Ottawa's medical school.

Teresa Hazel announced she was leaving as Riverside Foundation for Health Care director to take on a new position as CEO of Good Life for Young People Foundation.

Construction of the new school in Mine Centre got under.

Ontario Power Generation celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its coal-fired generating station in Atikokan with an open house.

Roller Derby came to Fort Frances with the newly formed Borderland Roller Derby team competing at the 52 Canadians Arena against a team from Winnipeg.

Weechi-ti-te-win Family Services is receiving $192-thousand from the province's aboriginal victims support grant program for a variety of programs.

Tour de Fort warns that if it doesn't sell more season-passports for this year, it won't be operating next season.

Fort Frances hosted Northern Network's Trade Conference with over 125 delegates from Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin attending.

Four area first nations lose an attempt to have a court ruling over the operation of Pither's Point Park overturned. The bands, along with the federal and provincial governments, launched an appeal after a court judge in April granted the town of Fort Frances the right to continue operating the park as a municipal park until the issue of ownership was resolved.

New organizers, a different route and good weather attracted over one-hundred people who raise over $11-thousand in the Terry Fox run in Fort Frances.

Rainy Lake Medical Centre curtails much of its operations after a water break floods the International Falls hospital. Patients are transferred to other hospitals until repairs can be completed.

Rainy River First Nation implemented a new employee drug program.

The town of Rainy River got some national exposure with a crew from the fishing program the Dimestore Fishermen in town to film segments around the Rainy River Walleye Tournament.

For the third time this year, the town of Fort Frances was forced to dump partially-treated sewer directly into the Rainy River because of a rain storm.

B-93 Top News Stories from August 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in August 2010.

Emo celebrated the opening of a new spray park at its waterfront.

Discussions got underway between Riverside Health Care Facilities, the Northwest Local Health Integration Network and the Health Ministry to find cost savings at Rainycrest Long Term Care. Nearly half of Riverside's $1.1 million shortfall this year is attributed to the Fort Frances home.

A grand opening of the Charleson Recreation Area in Atikokan was held.

The provincial government gave the go-ahead to plans by Bending Lake Iron Ore Group that could lead to a rehabilitation of the former Steep Rock Mine site in Atikokan.

International Falls city administrator Rod Otterness suggests the Fort and Falls work toward making the annual tug-of-war event into an international festival.

Tourist outfitters concerned about border policies were highlight when Illinois resident Paul Pepper speaks out about his experience at the Fort Frances crossing. The 55-year-old claims he was denied entry because of a criminal report dating back to his time in high school.

Area Conservatives selected Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann as their candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River in the next federal elections.

A total of ten people had to be rescued after strong winds capsized three boats on Rainy Lake near Brule Narrows.

Howarth's Home Centre announced it would become a Leon's store in September.

More details were released on the plan to bring Family and Children's Services Rainy River together with Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services next April. Officials say it will done with a clean financial sheet and no job loss.

Workers at the Ainsworth Mill in Barwick accepted a new four-year deal, avoiding a possible strike.

Canada's Ambassador to the United States Gary Doer visited International Falls and said he would look at how Canada can make it easier for Americans with minor convictions to cross the border.

Fort Frances and Atikokan began a study of their blue box recycling program that will help secure funding it receives from Waste Diversion Ontario.

Ontario Power Generation got provincial approval to its plans to convert the Atikokan coal-fired plant to burn biomass fuel.

A task force set up by the International Joint Commission began its work reviewing the management of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds with a series of public meetings.

The town of Fort Frances asked municipalities to contribute to the operating costs of its airport.

One person was killed in an industrial accident at the Boise mill in International Falls. The man was an outside contractor doing work in the lime recovery kiln.

B-93 News Top Stories from July 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from July 2010.

A wet start to the month with more than 6-centimetres of rain falling in less than three hours on Canada Day. The town of Fort Frances later revealed it was forced to send more than 9-thousand cubic meters of untreated sewage into the Rainy River because of the rains.

Weather also impacts research crops at the Emo Agricultural Research Station and area farmers' hay seasons.

Some residents lined-up to watch the Canada Day parade in Fort Frances were also witness to a float plane crashing into Rainy River yesterday morning. Two U.S. men escaped unharmed.

OPP divers recovered the body 43-year-old Robert Mainville of Couchiching First Nation who fell into the lake on Canada Day.

The Rainy River District School Board says it won't be offering any before or after school care for students attending full-day junior kindergarten at Atikokan's North Star School this fall because of a lack of interest from parents.

The Fort Frances Lions Club helped out an 11-year-old area boy hear many sounds for the first time. Carter Kinnear sports new hearing aids, paid for in part by the Lions.

Jon Evans and Gus McFaddin won Lake Despair Lodge's Castin' for Cash bass fishing tournament.

Abitibi-Consolidated has been fined $125-thousand for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act relating to an August 2008 incident at the Fort Frances mill in which three people, including a student worker, were injured by an arc flash while they were working on a paper machine.

Emo's Felicia Schmutz competed at the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in Toronto.

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board yesterday awarded a contract worth $5.9 million to Thunder Bay-based Finnway General Contractor to build a new school in Mine Centre.

Cloverleaf Grocery proposed to set up a recycling collection depot and allowing non-profit groups to reap the benefits of items collected.

Unionized employees with the town of Fort Frances accepted a new two-year deal with a 3.5 per cent wage increase.

Provincial Police in Fort Frances charged 43-year-old Garry Donald Mathewson with a series of sex offence, some dating back almost twenty years ago.

Dorian Lindholm of Fort Frances with long-time fishing partner Bill Wilcox of Texas captured the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

A local manufacturing company Abzac is is sold to South Carolina-based Sonoco with most of the employees expected to lose their jobs by the end of October.

B93 Top News Stories for June 2010

Here are some of the top news stories from the Rainy River district in June 2010.

Members of the Couchiching First Nations brought down their toll booth on Highway 11 after nine days.

The Rainy River District School Board announced it would renamed the primary wing at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in honour of F.H. Huffman School that closes at the end of the month.

More than 280 residents gathered at the Memorial Sports Centre for a community appreciation dinner in honour of doctors in the Fort Frances area.

Rain forced official opening ceremonies of the tower and tugboat Hallet to be held indoors.
Dignitaries gathered at the Ontario Travel tourism centre to cut the ribbon for the two landmarks.

A soldier from the Fort Frances area has finally received his Medal of Military Valour.
Sergeant Russell Gregoire was presented the award for helping a group of soldiers to safety in Afghanistan in 2008.

Over $53-thousand was raised for the Canadian Cancer Society during the first ever Relay for Life event in Rainy River.

Movie Gallery Canada announced the closing its store in Fort Frances by the end of July. It's the town's last remaining video rental store.

Students and teachers, past and present, gathered to reminisce and enjoy talent from current students at an event to recognize the closing of Robert Moore School.

Library patrons and supporters gathered with staff, board members and dignitaries to mark the official opening of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.

Barbara Kwasnicia of Atikokan won Confederation College's highest awards a graduating student can receive - doing so by taking the Social Service Worker program through distance education - a first for the College.

Family and Children Services Rainy River and the Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services announced they're seeking provincial approval to merge next April.

The town of Atikokan begins the process of looking to replace its arena.

Alberton township council voted to allow group homes, but within certain parts of its township.
Changes to its zoning by-law came almost a year after Weechi-ti-win Family Services' failed attempt to relocate its training and learning center to the rural community.

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association voted to continue operating without the services of a full-time coordinator.

Employees and their families and area residents gathered in International Falls to mark the 100th anniversary of the paper mill in their community.

Provincial Police recovered the body 24-year-old Clayton Windigo from Rainy Lake. Windigo was diving from a bridge on Highway 11 in the area of Bear's Pass when he entered the water and failed to resurface.

B-93 Top News Stories for May 2010

Here are some of the top stories from Rainy River district in May 2010.

Ontario Provincial Police have charged one of their own in connection with two domestic dispute cases. His name nor the detachment where the seven-year OPP veteran worked was released in order to protect the name of the victim.

The town of Fort Frances sought federal funding to help chase deer away from the airport. The town is also seeking approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources on plans to deal with deer if funding doesn't come through.

A house fire in Atikokan has claimed the live of a woman in that community. 31-year-old Amy Rachel Lee was inside a home on MacKenzie Avenue East. An unidentified man was taken to Atikokan hospital and later transported to Winnipeg in serious condition.

Holocaust survivor Doctor Eva Olsson visited Fort Frances to help educate others about the consequences of hate and racism.

The owners of the former Fort Frances High School say they have plans to knock the old school down this year. Charlie Morken says its demolition may help them attract interest in the property.

Two Fort Frances landmarks re-opened to the public for the first time in more than a decade. A user pay system is put in place to climb the tower and board the Hallet on the waterfront.

Fort Frances Public Library staff and volunteers spent a weekend helping in the move of boxes of books and other materials to the new facility.

A new memorandum of understanding was signed between Rainy River Resources and seven area First Nations pertaining to the company's gold project north of Barwick.

Fort Frances town council finalized its 2010 budget bring forward an increase about about 3 per cent for most homeowners.

Riverside Foundation for Health Care received a sizable contribution from a long-time Fort Frances couple Eric "Doc" Johnson and his wife Sandra to establish an endowment fund for use at La Verendrye Hospital.

Couchiching First Nation followed through with its plans to set up a toll boot on Highway 11 near the Noden Causeway. OPP issued notices to those manning the toll to "discontinue their interference with traffic," but no arrests were made. The toll generates considerable discussion on the streets and on website discussion sites.

Municipalities agreed to a change in how they provide funding to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, despite concerns from Fort Frances. Councillor Sharon Tibbs says she was able to delay implementation until next year.

B93 Top Stories for 2010 - April

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in April 2010.

An early spring is good news for area golfers as Kitchen Creek opened the first week in April, its earliest ever.

The Rainy River District School Board promoted Heather Campbell as its new Education Director after serving as Superintendent of Education for the past four years.

Voyageur's National Park celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary in April while the Seven Generations Education Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Ten employees with North Air Taxi, including owner Paul Bock, received a million dollars after learning in March they'd won a 2009 Encore draw.

Derrick Lindgren became the new manager of AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances.

Some Fort Frances business owners proposed a revamp of the Downtown Business Improvement Association by setting up new committees overseeing BIA activities without paid staff.

Marie and Lynwood Anderson end their fight over a fence to keep deer off their property by announcing their picking up stakes and moving to New Brunswick.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board votes to re-designate trustee seats, moving a seat giving to Fort Frances to Sioux Lookout and adding a new seat to Atikokan.

Brendan Hyatt, principal of Our Lady of the Way School in Atikokan, was recognized by the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario as a regional principal of the year.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation proposed an enhancement of economic development services for the town of Fort Frances that includes more involvement by the town's economic development advisory committee.

A volunteer committee tasked with organizing Fun in the Sun and Canada Day Celebrations in Fort Frances says the event may not happen without financial support from the town and more volunteers by May.

18-year-old Felicia Schmutz of Emo earned the right to represent northwestern Ontario at the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in July after competing for the Manitoba title in Winnipeg.

Couchiching First Nation announced plans to set up a toll both on Highway 11 near the Noden Causeway in May in their fight over unresolved issues with both the provincial and federal governments.

The town of Fort Frances is granted the right to continue its use and maintenance of Pither's Point Park. A Superior Court Judge who rules in favour of the town's request until either the issue of ownership can be resolved by the courts or by a further court order.

B93 Top Stories in 2010 - March

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in March 2010

The Rainy River District School Board stayed with Robert Moore as the name of its new elementary school in Fort Frances. A section of the school to open in September will be renamed after F.H. Huffman.

Rainy River Community College announced it would be reduce the tuition paid by new Ontario students to the same level paid by Minnesota students. The move is aimed at attracting more Canadians to the International Falls college.

A report commissioned by the town of Fort Frances makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the town's ability to attract and retain physicians. The key recommendation is creating an environment that welcomes doctors.

Former NHLer Theoren Fleury visits the Rainy River district to help promote his book "Playing with Fire" that outlines his career and past additions to drugs and alcohol. Fleury visited area schools, met with local hockey teams and spoke at a community forum.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty called on the public to make implementation of the harmonized sales tax an election issue. The two held an on-line discussion on the merging of the provincial and federal goods and services sales tax this July.

Area municipalities were being asked to reconsider the formula used to determine how much money they contributed toward social services in the district. The town of Atikokan put forward a formula based on each municipalities assessment.

An area businessman called on the town of Fort Frances reconsider any discussions of tearing down the former Rainy Lake Hotel. Mario Galluzo, president of Causeway Insurance, suggested the hotel could be renovated into a facility that helps foster the development of small businesses.

The town of Fort Frances opts not to accept any further weddings at Sunny Cove Camp after hearing concerns from an area hotel owner. Paul Noonan of La Place Rendez-Vous said catered weddings at the camp placed the town in direct competition with the private sector.

Osisko Mining takes over Brett Resources in an all-share deal worth $372-million. The deal includes Brett's Hammond Reef exploration project near Atikokan.

The forest fire season in northwestern Ontario got an early start with some of the first fires breaking out in the Rainy River district. It prompted municipalities to impose burning bans until the situation eased.

B93 News Top Stories for 2010 - February

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in February 2010.

Tragedy on the trails in early February. 33-year-old Aaron Hyatt was killed following a collision of two snowmobile on a trail in Couchiching First Nation.

Construction estimates for a new school in Mine Centre came well over the the $4.8 point million provided by the Ministry of Education. The Rainy River District School Board said talks with the Ministry regarding the overruns continue.

Fort Frances town council gave approval to a 2 per cent increase in rates paid by homeowners for water and sewer, but a 17 per cent increase on the rates impacting the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown said it's to bring cost to provide services to the two sectors more aligned with each other.

A Fort Frances resident felt the inability to attract new doctors to the community is reaching a crisis stage. Allan Bedard also raised concern with the ownership of the Fort Frances Community Clinic during a meeting of town council.

A road seen an important link between Atikokan and a mineral exploration project north of the community opened. The rehabilitation of 26-kilometres of Sawbill North road was done to provide a shorter link to Brett Resources mineral properties in the Hammond Reef Area.

The Rainy River District School Board's Education Director announced his resignation. Jack McMaster would leave to board in March to take on the role with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

Fort Frances and the Rainy Lake were showcased in Birmingham, Alabama. Members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce were at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in Birmingham Alabama, promoting the area as a tourist destination and a place to do business.

Family and Children Services Rainy River and Wee-chi-ti-win Family Services received a share of the one-time funding from the province to help cash strapped children's aid societies. But FACS lost its appeal to reverse the loss of $600-thousand in government funding cut from its 2009 budget.

Residents of Couchiching First Nation are re-elect Chuck MacPherson as their Chief for another term.

An open house for a proposed hydro-electric project is held in Fort Frances. Critics have environmental concerns, but the chief of Lac La Croix First Nation Leon Jourdain says the project is both socially and economically important to his community.

B93 News Top Stories for 2010 - January

Here are some of the top stories from 2010 in January

Forty-five people braved the cold on January 1st by taking part in Voyageur Lion Club's annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge.

A total of 13-thousand 6-hundred dollars was raised for local charities.

Princess Lillian Gibbins, born on January 3rd, was the first baby born in the Rainy River district in 2010. She's the third child of Jocelyn Gibbins and Ryan Big George of Big Island First Nation.

Hundreds of tonnes of children's clothes, diapers and food items collected by Family and Children Services Rainy River were delivered to Pikangikum. They're being delivered in two trailers provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.

OPP in Fort Frances were looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a one month old baby girl from Fort Frances. Cause of death has never been released.

The Rainy River District School Board announced plans to invest more than two-and-a-half million dollars from its reserve fund back into the classroom. About a million dollars was earmarked for the so-called Smart Board technology.

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak paid Fort Frances. Hudak vowed to continue his fight against the planned harmonizing of the provincial and federal goods and services sales taxes.

New policies how Fort Frances councillors are reimbursed were put in place. The policies clarified how councillors are reimbursed to attend meetings. A pay increasse was also planned for December.

Two schools in Atikokan were selected to be the first in the Rainy River district to offer full-day learning to four and five-year olds. North Star Community School and St. Patrick's School were among first six hundred in the province to offer the program this fall.

Area residents mobilized to help quake victims in Haiti. Several businesses and schools raise hundreds of dollars for relief efforts through various events.

The Atikokan Crisis Centre's name change has been approved by the provincial government. It's now called the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope.

A problem at the company's effluent treatment system shutdown production briefly at the AbitibiBowater Mill in Fort Frances. A company spokesperson says its because the system exceeded its daily biochemical oxygen demand limit due to the cold weather.

More Snow Today

New Year's Eve celebrations in the Rainy River district and Koochiching County will begin today with snow shovelling.

As much as 15 centimetres, or 5 inches, have fallen in most areas so far, but Alyssa Young of Environment Canada says blowing snow makes it look like more.

"Because this low is fairly deep there's a strong pressure grading," says Young. "As a result, we've got strong winds and then blowing snow both with the falling snow and with the snow that picking up off the ground."

At least another five centimetres is expected before another weather system moves in tonight with some areas seeing up to 30 centimetres.

Winter Storm warnings, issued yesterday, remain in effect for the entire Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

Poor Road Conditions

There are no road closures to report but the Ministry of Transportation says all highways in the Rainy River district are snow covered with snow packed sections and poor visibility.

Driving conditions are also difficult in Koochiching County where drifting snow is reported on highways there.

Motorists needing to travel are being reminded to reduce their speed and take extra time to reach your destination.

Licensing Changes Planned

The fishing and hunting license system in Ontario is undergoing changes.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is scrapping it's paper system for a new automated one.

Spokesperson Burton McClelland says the changes have been a long time coming.

"We had a report done in 2001 that recommended we move forward with this," says McClelland. "About two-thirds of the States and a number of other Canadian provinces have this service now."

The change will be made by the fall of 2011.

Polar Plunge Celebrates 10 years

An anniversary tomorrow for the Voyageur Lion's club's Polar Plunge in Fort Frances.

It was 10 years ago that club first invited people to jump in Rainy Lake to start the new year.

Event Chair Jim Martindale says it's raised thousands of dollars for local charities since.

"Initially it was a fundraiser for our club and we shared that with the (Fort Frances) Aquanauts," says Martindale. "Then we decided it would be better to share with all non-profit groups that wish to participate and give them fifty per cent back. The other fifty per cent comes to our club and we use that locally."

The first jump attracted nine people raising $6,000.

Last year, 59 people took part to collect $14,000.

Fort Frances Mayor 2010 Look back

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is looking back at 2010 as a good year for the town.

Avis says one of the highlights was the town's ability to stay within budget.

"We we're very frugal," says Avis. "We're always looking for savings wherever we can. I think our management team has done a very good job reducing costs and keeping us at a marginally increase in the budget every year."

Avis expects the town to be facing more financial challenges in 2011, especially with rising costs to agencies not controlled by council.

New Year Resolution Failures

Canadians make them, but most don't keep New Year's resolutions.

A poll taken this month for Sun Life Financial Canada finds a lack of willpower or motivation as the big reason.

Spokesperson Lori Casselman says that's why it's better if you don't try to make a big lifestyle change all by yourself.

"We know from experience that it's a lot easier to stay motivated and on track when you make lifestyle changes together with the friend or loved one," says Casselman, "so you can support one another through the process."

Forty per cent of all Ontarians surveyed planned to exercise more in 2011.

Snow Warnings for Area

Snow Fall and Winter storm warnings have been issued by weather offices in both Ontario and Minnesota for the Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

Arnold Ashton of Environment Canada says its due to a low pressure system that's moved into the area.

"Actually it's a bit moisture starved," says Ashton. "During the day today the snow will get a little more organized and fall a bit more steadily. We'll get several centimetres accumulated today with the bulk of it falling tonight.

Today's snow will taper off by tomorrow morning, but Ashton says it will be followed by a second one that will bring even more snow on New Year's Eve.

Pay Attention to the Road

Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibilities from snow and local blowing snow are expected with a snow storm moving in the Borderland.

Paying attention and having the right type of tire can help you avoid an accident.

Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Colorado says too many drivers get into trouble when they're not focused on road and weather conditions.

"That's the one most common mistake we see in every type of driving, not just winter," says Cox. "It takes 4 to 10 times longer to stop on ice and snow so you have to be looking that much farther to ahead to respond accordingly"

Cox also supports making the switch to winter tires instead of using all-season tires, as long as they are in good condition.

E-Books Now Available

Patrons of the Fort Frances Library Technology Centre now have access to a large catalogue of e-books.

The Library launched the service yesterday.

Community Rob Matheson says users can access hundreds of titles through the comfort of their home or office.

"You'll be able to download e-books on your compatible e-reading devices from the Ontario Library Services website," says Matheson. "You can find that directly through the Fort Frances Public Library website."

Matheson says users will need a valid library card, but the books are free to access for up to 14 days.

Matheson explains the process in this demonstration

Election Talk in Ottawa

(Photo: Copyright Library of Parliament / Mone Cheng)

Election talk is springing up again in Ottawa.

As MP's started their Christmas Break, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff suggested Canadians are ready for an election.

But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty disagrees

"I'm certainly ready and the NDP is ready for an election," says Rafferty, "but I don't want an election. I don't hear a lot of people in the riding clamouring for an election."

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says while the opposition has been chomping at the bit to force a spring vote, the government has been more focused on improving the economy of Canada.

Minnesota Legislators Prepare for Session

Democrat and Republican leaders in Minnesota are entering 2011 with high hopes and a cooperative tone, but with key differences on legislative priorities.

House Speaker-Designate Kurt Zellers says Republicans plan to hold down government spending and make Minnesota a friendlier place for businesses.

House Minority Leader-Elect Paul Thiessen says DFLers will measure their performance in the upcoming session by how well they protect middle-class families from potentially painful budget cuts.

The new session begins Tuesday.

More Support for Mental Health Programs

An expert panel set up by the Ontario government says people with mental health issues need more support in the community.

The panel says the lack of community support means the courts and hospital emergency rooms are spending too much time dealing with the mentally ill.

The advisory group is calling for more investment in community-based services.

Cigarette Package Labels Changing

Cigarette packages in Canada are about to get a lot more explicit.

The Harper government today will unveil new rules that will force tobacco companies to print even bigger and more graphic warning labels.

The new labels are also to include a toll-free phone number for a national quit-smoking hotline.

I. Falls Man Found Dead in Hotel Fire

An elderly man was found dead following a fire at an International Falls hotel early yesterday morning.

Fire investigators say 70-year-old Runo Korpi died from medical complications while at the Budget Host Inn.

A cigarette he was smoking at the time of his death is believed to have started the fire which broke out just before 4 a.m. Tuesday.

The blaze was contained to the one room.

Several other quests were evacuated and sent to another hotel

More Snow Expected

Another significant snowfall is being predicted for the Rainy River District and Koochiching County.

Environment Canada says a low pressure system developing over the southern plains States is expected to track northeast to Minnesota tonight and into northwestern Ontario early tomorrow morning.

As much as ten to fifteen centimetres of snow if expected.

Deficit Reducing Plan Called Window Dressing

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says the public shouldn't be fooled by the province's plan reduce the deficit.

The plan, announced before Christmas, included eliminating some government agencies.

Hampton says it's nothing more than window dressing.

"This is a government that has created literally dozens of new agencies and commissions," says Hampton. "Many of those agencies and commissions have racked up millions of dollars of expenses and cost. Just before an election to say (they're) going to reduce by a handful is really just window dressing."

Hampton says none of the agencies targeted for closure will have any impact on the public.

L.U. Seeks Out More Aboriginal Students

Lakehead University is focusing on attracting more Aboriginal students.

President Brian Stevenson says he's looking at starting the recruitment process early.

"So the idea is to start approaching students in the fourth, fifth and six grades," says Stevenson, "to show them what the university can do for them and what kinds of programs they can be involved in."

There are currently about one thousand aboriginal students at L.U.

E-Health Records Project

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is taking the first step towards creating electronic health records.

A pilot project called "Doorways" will mean information will follow mental health and addiction patients.

Spokesperson Dan Muraw says it's a vast improvement from the old system.

"The information would faxed over and generally would take about three to five days," says Muraw. "With the implementation of a new portal that information is in near real time. You can imagine that the time saving with respect to work that had to be done by the provider."

The project includes agencies in Thunder Bay before being expanded elsewhere.

Librarian Wins Provincial Award

(Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre photo)


The chief librarian and C.E.O. of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre has won a distinguished award from the Ontario Library Boards' Association.

Margaret Sedgwick is being awarded the W.J. Robertson Medallion for outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library services.

She's to receive the award when at an event in Toronto in February.

Sedgwick is the first northwestern Ontario recipient since former Atikokan Librarian Doris Brown earned the award in 1997.

Final Shopping Day for Christmas

It's the final shopping day before Christmas, and retailers in both Fort Frances and International Falls are reporting brisk business this week.

Most stores though will close early today so time for last minute shoppers will be precious.

In the U.S., the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday spending will reach $451.5 billion dollars this year.

That would be the biggest year-over-year increase since 2006.

Don't Drink and Drive

Ontario Provincial Police are warning party goers to not drink and drive.

Sergeant Ken Mantey says the message is simple.

"We don't want to have any more victims of drinking and driving," says Mantey. "It's 100 per cent preventable and that's why it's important."

O.P.P. will be out in force this holiday weekend.

Slippery Roads in Borderland

O.P.P. are reminding motorists in the Borderland to drive carefully this morning.

Freezing rain is reported in parts of the district, making roads very slippery.

Police says motorists should reduce their speed and drive according to road conditions.

Drive Safe on Roads

Area highways can be pretty busy during the holiday season and the OPP are reminding the public to take their time.

Constable Carol Michtics says road conditions can change quickly.

"Plan your trip before starting out," says Michtics. "You can visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's website for road conditions or call 1-800-268-4686 for the current road conditions."

Michtics says make sure you dress for the weather and drive according to the road and weather conditions.

Fort Frances Student to Visit Africa

While most students are enjoying their Christmas break a grade 10 student at Fort Frances High School is already looking ahead to his summer vacation.

Dexter Fischuk is hoping to travel to Africa to take part in a humanitarian program sponsored by the group International Volunteer H.Q.

"I want to go to Kenya to teach music at an orphanage for a month," says Fischuk. "I'll have experience of what that country is like. When I come back I'm planning to go to schools across the Rainy River district and speaking about it."

Fischuk is now in the process of raising the $3,000 needed to pay for his trip.

Donations Head North

Fort Hope and Pickle Lake children will be having a Merry Christmas this year thanks to the Nishnawbe Aski Police.

Thousands of dollars of toys were delivered to both communities.

Twelve-hundred pounds of donations were sent to Fort Hope, and over 3-thousand dollars worth of toys made it up to Pickle Lake.

NORAD Watching Santa

The North American Air Defence Command is ready to keep Santa Claus safe as he travels around the world tonight.

NORAD is responsible for keeping the airspace safe in North America, and tracks Santa's movements every Christmas Eve.

Lt. Stacey Knott says NORAD's fighter jets will intercept him to wish him a safe journey.

"We are going up and meeting him with our fighter aircraft to make sure that he travels safely across our country," says Knott, "and then kind of tipping the wings to him, to say 'hello' from our jets."

Children can also track Santa's movements by going to NORAD's website as well.

CDAT Stats Released

Nearly half a million dollars in illegal drugs were taken off the streets in the Rainy River district as a result of investigations by the Fort Frances Community Drug Action Team in 2010.

Much of it was marijuana, but police also seized quantities of prescription drugs, ecstasy and cocaine.

O.P.P. Constable Anne McCoy says the team's work is making a difference.

"We had over 41 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges laid," says McCoy. "We had over 23 Criminal Code charges and there were 10 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants."

The team was formed just over a year to focus on the area's illegal drug trade.

Home Care Services Expanded

Riverview Manor in Rainy River is among three facilities in the Kenora and Rainy River districts that will receive funding to expand home-care services.

Northwestern Independent Living Services will use $120-thousand to provide its services to residents living in the home.

Executive Director Kristen Miclash says it allows seniors to remain in their communities longer.

"We're really excited to be develop this project in partnership with the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board," says Miclash. "In this new project we have the opportunity to provide a bitter higher care needs for higher care need people because four of the units have been modified."

The funding is through the Northwest Local Health Integration Network's Aging at Home Initiative.

Apartments Get Go Ahead

The town of Fort Frances has given the green light for construction of a 10-unit residential complex in the town's north end.

Councillors this week approved a zoning by-law amendment for the project proposed by the Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaiganun Corporation at the intersection of York Avenue and Eighth Street West.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring.

Residents Get Help with Recycling

Residents in the Fort Frances area will soon be getting some tips on how to keep more of their waste out of the landfill site.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the annual garbage pick-up schedule, a fridge magnet and some info on local recycling programs will soon be delivered to area homes.

"The availability of what recycling, hazardous waste days that are going to happen in the next two years," says Brown. "The free tipped days at Hallowe'en, which places where you can drop off tires. All of the little tidbits about recycling."

A grant from Waste Diversion Ontario helped cover the cost of the materials.

Keep Gas Metres Free of Snow

A Minnesota agency is urging residents to check their outdoor gas meters to make sure they're free of ice and snow buildup.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Pipeline Safety says accumulated ice and snow can block the regulator vent, leading to the potential of gas leaks inside the home or a lack of gas flow resulting in frozen pipes and no heat.

Hydro Costs Increasing

The new year will bring higher electricity bills to Hydro One Network customers.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a $7 per cent increase on the delivery portion of electricity bills effective January 1st.

That equates to about annual increase of $4.51 on the average residential bill.

Delivery accounts for about 38 per cent of the total charges.

International Falls Budget

The city of International Falls will collect just over $2-million through taxation to help its books balance.

City councillors approved the budget earlier this week.

Chair of the city's Finance Committee, Councillor Cynthia Jacka, the levy and the budget remains the same as in 2009.

The city is expected to receive almost four million dollars in local state aid.

Gravelle Fights for regional E.F.O.

Michael Gravelle says he's fighting to keep a regional emergency field officer in Thunder Bay.

The Northern Development Minister says he's doing everything he can behind the scenes keep the position here from being eliminated.

"I am working and lobbying very hard Jim Bradley, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services," says Gravelle. "I believe that it is a very important position."

The current officer is due to retire at the end of January and the McGuinty government has no plans to replace him.

Minnesota Water Water Discharge Permits Violated

Minnesota is being accused of not being aggressive enough in cracking down on water polluters in the state.

A Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy report suggests two-thirds of Minnesota companies had at least one violation over the past five years.

But Author Michael Schmidt says few faced any penalty.

"The State has the authority and the obligation to make sure the facilities comply with their permits," says Schmidt. "and having 2/3rds out of compliance shows they are not doing that."

The report claims Boise's Mill in International Falls was among few companies with violations that actually had enforcement action taken against them.

Minnesota Hold Seats in Washington

Minnesota won't lose any representation in the U.S. House.

In the first data released from the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau says the state's population grew 7.8 per cent - to 5.3 million - since 2000, allowing it retain the eight seats in Washington.

Gov.-elect Mark Dayton says with the state facing a huge deficit and sluggish economy, it couldn't afford to lose a voice in Washington nor any of $400 billion in federal money allocated based on the census data.

NOMA Presidency Decided Next Month

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is expected to elect a new president next month.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is now filling the position on an interim basis, but says he'll stay on it no one else wants the job.

"I don't know how it will turn out," says Brown. "If there's nobody wants that wants do it until the annual meeting in April, I'd be prepared to do that."

Brown took over the president's role after Anne Krassilowski was defeated in the mayoral race in Dryden.

Rafferty on Year at Ottawa

MP's are back home for their Christmas break.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he was hoping the past session of Parliament would have been a little more productive than it was.

"A lot of legislation has not been passed that we would have liked passed," says Rafferty. "Sometimes that happens in minority governments but we're still working to pass legislation that we know is good for Canadians."

Rafferty says many pieces of legislation including his own private member's bill protecting workers pensions have been slowed by various means.

Kettle Campaign at Half-Way Mark

(Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis helped kick off the Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign earlier this month)

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances is just over the half-way mark towards meeting its financial goal in this year's Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Captain Angel Sandoval says just over $8-thousand has been raised since the campaign kicked off at the beginning of the month.

"Things are a little slow," says Sandoval. "We can ask the public that if they have any spare change to put it in the kettles. Everything is going to help pay the expense of the campaign."

The Kettle Campaign comes to an end this Friday afternoon.

Recycling Report Accepted in Principal

Fort Frances town councillors have accepted a report in principal aimed at increasing the amount of materials collected for recycling in the town.

The report makes nine recommendations.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says its now up to council to decided how it will proceed with the report.

"This is a ten year strategy," says Brown. "Every one of the strategies will cost the community more money so what (council) will have to decide is which one strategy we're going to do in 2011 for the coming year."

Requiring businesses to ban the use of plastic shopping bags is among proposed recommendations.

Police Costing Concern Resolution Passed

Fort Frances town councillors supported a resolution last night calling on the province for more money to help with local policing costs.

The cost of contracting police services to the OPP has risen 47 per cent over the past decade and the town's concerned with the impact a recent 5 per cent wage increase given to OPP officers across the province will have on its budget.

The town is expected to receive about $940-thousand from the province for policing in 2011.

Fan Club Seeks By-Law Exemption

Fort Frances Lakers Fan Club is calling on the town of Fort Frances for an exemption to the town's new sign-by-law.

The by-law, effective January first, puts a 180 day a year limit on the use of so-called portable signs at any one location.

The Lakers Fan Club currently uses signs at Canadian Tire and the White Pine Inn to promote the team's games and other activities year round.

I. Falls Man Faces Sex Assault Charges

An International Falls man who works as a Customs Border Protection Officer is facing charges of sexual assault.

The Koochiching County Sheriff's Office arrested 45-year-old Patrick Hamburg in mid-November, but only charged him last Thursday.

According to a criminal complaint, Hamburg is alleged to have sexually assaulted a young girl over a four year period beginning in 2005.

Natural Gas Prices to Drop

Union Gas customers in northwestern Ontario will see a slight decrease in their bills in the new year.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a decrease of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre on the price paid for natural gas effective January 1st.

A drop in the price paid by Union Gas will mean its customers will save about 9 dollars over the year on the price they pay.