Man in Custody on Attempt Murder Charge

(A section of Scott Street was blocked off due to Saturday's a lengthy stand-off between a man and police)


A man will return to Fort Frances court next Monday on several charges including attempted murder.

Richard Kabatay made an initial court appearance yesterday.

It comes following an incident in which a man was seriously injured during an assault Saturday in Fort Frances and another man barricaded himself inside a home for several hours before surrendering to police.

OPP, though, have not confirmed whether Kabatay is connected to that incident.

More Snow

Motorists across the Rainy River district are being advised to use caution when on the roads this morning.

Heavy snow blanketed the region overnight with more expected today.

Environment Canada says Atikokan snowfall totals for yesterday reached 12 centimetres.

Fort Frances received about six.

There are two school bus cancellations to report.

The Stanjikoming First Nation and the Seine River Handicap buses will not be running.

Initiatives in Place to Slow Motorist Down

Two new initiatives have been launched aimed at slowing motorists down on Fort Frances roads.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says one seeks motorists to sign up as part of a Pace Car Initiative.

"When one signs up you make a commitment to obeying the speed limits and other rules of the road," says McCoy, "and you literally setting the example for other motorists."

The other program, "Ticket or Teaching," allows motorists caught breaking the law to avoid a ticket by attending a class showing them the importance of obeying the rules of the road.

Library Struck by Vandals

The new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre has been the target of vandals.

Chief Librarian Margaret Sedgwick says some small trees and an outdoor chess table were broken while a letter was taken from its sign in recent months.

"We have such a beautiful building," says Sedgwick. "It's really disheartening to think that people have broken off some of our small birch trees and jumped on one of the chess tables."

Sedgwick says they are now looking at installing surveillance cameras in hopes of determining further acts.

They're also appealing to resident to watch over the building, especially on weekends.

F.H. Huffman Purchase Finalized

Fort Frances town council has finalized its purchase of the former F.H. Huffman School.

The $158-thousand for the purchase will come out of reserves.

Mayor Roy Avis says its still undecided what they will do with the site.

"We've lost some park space with the new library going next to the arena," says Avis. "Could be consideration for a subdivision plan. There are many things we could do with the building and council felt it was in the best interest that we purchase that property."

Avis says the town also plans to maintain and cover the costs of heating the former school.

Health Unit Accredited

The Northwestern Health Unit says its the first in the region to be accredited by the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation.

Alex Berry was the team lead for the accreditation process and says it took about three years to complete.

"What it really tells the community is that we have met the standards of excellence for public health in Ontario," says Berry, "and that as an organization we are committed to ongoing quality improvement and ongoing managing of our services and evaluating of ours services to know that we are doing good work."

Of the 36 health units in the province, just fourteen are accredited.

Man Arrested in Fort Frances Stand-Off

One man in is custody while another taken to hospital following an incident in the 800 block of Scott Street in Fort Frances Saturday that lasted nearly 12 hours.

Police were initially called to an assault involving two men about 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

One man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

His condition is not immediately known.

The other man barricaded himself inside a home, forcing police to close a section of the street off to traffic and evacuate nearby homes.

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the scene.

The unnamed man eventually surrendered to police without incident.

More details, including pending charges, may be released later today.

Below - video of area blocked by Police on Saturday.

More Winter on the Way

Northwestern Ontario is going to be getting all kinds of precipitation over the next few days.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region

Areas north and west of Lake Superior to the Manitoba border will get more than 10 centimetres of snow.

Ice pellets and wet snow are expected to hit Atikokan to Geraldton.

Meantime, the National Weather Service in the United States has issued a winter storm advisory for International Falls.

It's forecasting up to six inches of snow and strong winds to reach the area by six this evening

Area MPP Seeks Rebate for Snow Tire Users

A northwestern Ontario MPP wants more northerners to use snow tires.

Liberal Bill Mauro is calling on insurance companies to offer a rebate for those motorists who pay extra for the heavy duty tires.

"If more people in the province of Ontario are in fact using winter tires there will be fewer claims," says Mauro. "There will be lower costs associated with those fewer claims for the insurance companies. This is from my perspective about making the roads safer and trying to save some lives in the process."

Mauro introduced a motion in the Legislature last week.

Acts of Kindness Fundraiser Nears

(Act of Kindness being offered by Fort Frances General Supply - www.acts-of-kindness.ca photo)

The Acts of Kindness fundraiser for the Fort Frances Community Chest is fast approaching.

It happens Friday at the Fort Frances Legion.

Committee member Tannis Drysdale says about one-hundred acts will be auctioned off.

"We will have any number of acts of kindness available," says Drysdale. "Just last week we received a series of cellphones from TBay Tel. Don't forget about our fishing trips. You can start bidding on those any time now. Just give the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce at phone call."

Tickets can still be obtained at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts, the Rainy River Future Development Corporation office or the Fort Frances Chamber office.

Commission Ends Hearings in Thunder Bay

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is moving on.

It spent last week in Thunder Bay gathering statements from residential school survivors.

Chair Murray Sinclair says the stories of abuse heard have many similarities

"They're generally stories about the kinds of experiences that people had," says Sinclair, "but more importantly they talk about the impact the time they had upon their lives as parents and grandparents."

Sinclair says the affects will be felt for many generations.

Parade of Lights Winners

Several groups took home awards for their floats in Saturday's Parade of Lights in Fort Frances.

Robert Moore Builders' Club was named best church or school group.

The Fort Frances Girl Guides float was selected the best among non-profit organizations.

The Borderland Skating Club had the best float among recreational groups.

Shoppers Home Health Care was selected the best among businesses float.

The best dressed individual entry was that of the Fort Frances Mini King and Queen while the Fort Frances High School Saving Faces group recognized for the best presentation of music.

Black Friday

It's one of the busiest shopping days in America as stores open early for customers looking for great deals.

Menard's in International Falls is among stores area shoppers will be visiting on Black Friday.

General Manager Matt Winkler says his staff are ready.

"All of our cash registers will be going," says Winkler. "Every register has a backer and a carry out to get their products to where they are going to. We'll have our shopping carts spread out and ready to go."

The Canada Border Services Agency won't be dealing with Canadian shoppers until they return but says they too are prepared for the rush.

Local Black Friday

Not to be outdone by Black Friday, merchants in the Fort Frances' downtown area are hosting sales of their own this weekend.

Chair of the Downtown Business Improvement Association Connie Cuthbertson says many stores are holding tax free sales and other special events.

"We've been working hard, actually of the businesses working together trying to come up with some ideas to showcase what they have to offer," says Cuthbertson.

Cuthbertson says many stores started their sales yesterday and will stay open late tonight.

International Falls Parade Tonight

(International Falls Chamber photo)


The annual "Twas the Lights Before Christmas" parade in International Falls take place tonight.


Floats, vehicles, animals and walkers are welcome to participate right up until the parade starts at 7 p.m.


It will travel down main street from the Falls Chamber Office to Forestland Sales and Service.


Following the parade, the community will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies at Smoky Bear Park and visits with champion musher Jamie Nelson and her team of Alaskan huskies.

Woman Wins at McDonald's Monopoly

A Fort Frances woman is $25-thousand richer after 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.

"I looked at it, showed my husband and asked him to ask the manager to see if it was true," says Wagner, a mother of four with another on the way. "He did and the manager said it was a sure ticket."

It's believed to be the first time a person from northwestern Ontario has won a major prize playing the the McDonald's contest.

Safe Communities Board Appointed

There is a new chair for Safe Communities Rainy River District.

Peggy Loyie joins Bob Swing in heading the local organization board.

Previous co-chair, Gerry Armstrong remains as a director.

He's joined by Anne McCoy, Becky Holden, John Beaton. Freeda Carmody and Judith Lindholm.

Native Group Upset with Bell

First Nations telephone customers are alleging Bell Canada of not refunding the provincial sales tax portion of the Harmonized Sale Tax on their bills.

All telecommunications for First Nations citizens in Ontario were to be PST exempt starting September First.

But Anishinabek Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare says he's heard from many native people who claim to have spent hours on the phone trying to get the PST removed.

First Nations customers had to submit documentation to confirm their status, but Hare says Bell is telling some they don't have the information and to resubmit it again.

Border Concerns

The town of Fort Frances is calling on the Ottawa and the province for help 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 have a financial and operation obligation to make sure border traffic is safe and orderly.

They say the federal government's Intelligent Transportation System strategy _ meant to facilitate efficient border traffic flow using technology _ has never been deployed at the Fort Frances border crossing.

Local Interested in Minnesota Steel Project

Rainy River Futures Development Corporation is taking great interest in a steel project in Minnesota's Iron Range.

Geoff Gillon says the Essar Steel project is something that could have direct benefits to Fort Frances.

"Not only are we a community in northwestern Ontario that has the current mining activity, whether its Rainy River Resources or the Hammond Reef in Atikokan, they're all within 100 mile radius," says Gillon, "we also have the East Indian company of Essar Steel spending over a billion dollars 150 miles south of Fort Frances."

Gillon says they'll be meeting with company officials in the coming months to better determine exactly how local businesses can benefit

Salvation Army Appeal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances is putting out a call for help across the Rainy River district.

It's asking people to participate in a number of programs aimed at helping the area's needy.

Captain Angel Sandoval expects demand to be high.

"Last year we helped close to 750 families during the entire year," says Sandoval. "During Christmas, we had 220. We expect at least the same number this year."

Families wanting hampers this year can pick up application Thursday and Friday at Fort Frances Citadel or the Ontario Works office in Rainy River.

FACS Celebrates

An anniversary for Family and Children Services Rainy River District.

It was 75 years ago that the Children's Aid Society was incorporated.

Administration Manager Wendy Brunetta says a lot has changed over that time.

"Back in the early '50's is was mainly focused on the protection of children and investigations," says Brunetta. "Now we're actually branched out. In the early '80's we amalgamated many other services for children including developmental services and mental health services."

Wednesday, an open house was held to celebrate while staff and retiring employees were recognized Thursday night.

Next April, the agency is merging with Kenora and will operate under a new name.

More Snow Expected in Borderland

More snow is on the way.

Environment Canada says another significant snowfall could hit the area beginning later today.

The snowfall is expected last into tomorrow with more than 10 centimetres hitting the ground in some areas.

Hydro Rates to Double

The average electricity bill will double in Ontario over the next 20 years under an $87-billion plan to modernize the province's electricity system.

The Liberal government's energy plan, released Wednesday, calls for $33 billion in investments by government and the private sector to build two new nuclear reactors and refurbish 10 older units.

The plan also calls for $14 billion to be spent on wind power, $9billion on solar energy, and $4.6 billion on new hydro-electric projects.

Conservation programs are getting a $12 billion commitment.

The plan confirms Ontario's intentions to keep getting half of the province's electricity from nuclear generation and to phase out coal-fired generation, including at Ontario Power Generation's plant in Thunder Bay, by 2014 at the latest.

AbitibiBowater Restructuring Plan Approved

Company officials expect AbitibiBowater to be reborn as a profitable and less indebted company in early December.

Yesterday, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court endorsed its restructuring plan, overruling creditor objections to sanction the company's plan that sheds about five-and-a-half billion dollars in unsecured debt.

The company also hopes its efforts to reduce costs and improving market conditions will help it to generate steady operating profits.

C.E.O. David Paterson says they plan to address declining paper demand by converting some production to undisclosed other product, which should prevent the need for further plant closures or layoffs.

Good Year for Safe Communities Rainy River

Another successful year for Safe Communities Rainy River District.

The organization outlined its accomplishments during its annual meeting held yesterday in Fort Frances.

Chair Bob Swing says being able to secure funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention Team was among its biggest achievements.

"It makes a big difference," says Swing. "It's why we get looked at nationally and internationally as a district how we leverage so much work out of so many different programs. That's why."

The group also scored perfect marks in a national report card done by Safe Communities Canada.

DSSAB Funding for Solar Panels

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board has received government funding to install solar panels at two facilities within the district.

The more than $190-thousand from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will be used to install the panels at Queen Street Manor in Emo and the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope in Atikokan next spring.

Electricity produced will be sold back to the grid.

Residential School Survivors Meet Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is in Thunder Bay today to listen to the stories from residential school survivors.

Commission spokesperson Alvin Fiddler says it's part of the healing for First Nations people

"A lot of people, myself included, look at it as an historic opportunity for many of the survivors, who have waited a long time to tell their story," says Fiddler.

The Commission was invited by officials of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

User Fees Increasing

The fees paid on most programs and services in the town of Fort Frances are going up January 1.

Last night, council approved the increases to user fees, which Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says will go up an average of about one-point-seven per cent.

"Every division took a thorough look at user fees," says Witherspoon. "I know in my area it was 1.7 per cent. There was a few things that we felt - staff time - that the user fee covered it without raising it. There was just a few exceptions where it wasn't."

The changes do not include water and sewer rates which will be passed at a future date.

Committees Still Need People

Fort Frances town council made appointments to a number of town committees and boards last night, but some positions remain vacant.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs is hoping others individuals will come forward to fill the spots.

"If there was any of those that you're interested in or if want to call one of the councillors or the mayor and ask what might be involved in the committee you might be interested in, please feel welcome to do so," says Tibbs.

A recent change now requires most positions to be filled for only two years.

Toronto Developer Eyes Rainy River District

(Geoff Gillon of Rainy River Futures Development Corp. speaking recently to Fort Frances town council)

The Rainy River District is getting a close look by a Toronto developer.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says they've be in contact with the unnamed developer who made an initial visit to area back in August.

"And he came here as a breath of fresh air," says Gillon. "He's very, very positive and with new flights from Porter Air out of Centre Island to Thunder Bay, he thinks there's potential for the future."

Gillon says the developer has an eye on both business and condominium projects.

Winter is Here

Residents in the Rainy River district are digging out today after a system passing through the area yesterday dumped as much as 10 centimetres of snow in some areas.

Environment Canada says Fort Frances received six centimetres.

Both Atikokan and Mine Centre have snowfalls measuring in at 10 centimetres

The system is to move away from the area later this morning, but more snow is expected tomorrow.

Energy Plan Detailed Today

Ontario is expected to release its long-term energy plan today.

Parts of it, including changing when less expensive off-peak hours kick in, have already been reported.

Specific announcements for northwestern Ontario are being made this morning in Thunder Bay.

Pension Bill Debate Resumes

Committee discussion resumes today on Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill.

The private member's bill aims to protect workers pensions when companies restructure or enter bankruptcy.

Rafferty is optimistic about it becoming law.

"I'm hopeful we're going to get it through committee," says Rafferty, "perhaps with some amendments or changes. I'm don't know. We'll have to wait and see. We'll still get it back to the House for a third reading vote and hopefully off to the Senate."

The committee may make a final recommendation Thursday.

Weekend Busy for Cops

A busy weekend for OPP officers in the Rainy River district.

Officers responded to sixty-eight calls for service between Friday and Sunday.

Police say the calls were diverse, ranging from thefts to assaults and domestic disturbances and included a number of motor vehicle accidents, four involving wildlife.

In another accident, a women fell asleep at the wheel causing her vehicle to leave the road and strike a fence.

She was charged with Careless Driving and Driving While Under Suspension.

Police also conducted four RIDE programs in Morley Township and Fort Frances.

Stuff a Cruiser Planned

OPP are looking to stuff-a-cruiser.

Constable Anne McCoy says the aim is to fill cruisers placed throughout the district with food or clothes that would be distributed to needy families across the Rainy River district.

"The concept of stuff-a-cruiser is to heighten awareness that there is people in need in our community," says McCoy, "especially with the economic times that we're all facing. We want to make sure that we not only heighten the awareness, but also bring to the attention that there's things that people can do in the community to help people in need."

An information meeting is planned for 10 a.m. today at the Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre.

Fort Frances Fire Chief Retires

(Gerry Armstrong (l) receives plaque from C.A.O Mark McCaig

The town of Fort Frances is losing its fire chief.

Gerry Armstrong is retiring at the end of this year after five years at the helm.

"It's something I've been thinking about now for the last number of months," says Armstrong. "I guess my return to Fort Frances as fire chief was one of those things that really was not probably going to be a long term situation."

Armstrong joined the fire department in 1976, leaving in 1986 to take a position with the Ontario Fire Marshall's office before returning as fire chief.

Citizen of the Year Recognized

(Committee Chair Bill Gushalak (l) with Mark Kowalchuk who accepted award for Joyce Cunningham on her behalf)


The town of Fort Frances honoured its retiring employees and volunteers at its appreciation dinner Friday night.

The town also recognized its Citizen of the Year, Joyce Cunningham.

Chair of the selection committee Bill Gushalak says her work on the new town Library makes her deserving of the award.

"Always mindful of what the project could and would do for all age levels within our community and surrounding district, our recipient persevered," says Gushalak. "She dedicated herself and through this dedication was able to attract and inspire a strong committee to get the job done."

Cunningham was unable to attend due to a prior commitment as chair of the Ontario Library Board Association.

Act of Kindness Website Online

(Sherri Loveday of Suds and Tubs is donating laundry services for the Act of Kindness Community Chest fundraiser - photo courtesy http://www.acts-of-kindness.ca/)


A new website has been established for next week's Act of Kindness fundraiser in support of the Fort Frances Community Chest.

Committee member Dale Fortes says they're using it to play a form of Tag in hopes of generating more interest in the December 3 event.

"You can go on there and we're going to start a new process of tagging where we're encouraging people to take a picture of themselves in the act of kindness they're going to donate," says Fortes, "and challenging a friend, a co-worker or another business."

So far, more than sixty services and products will be up for bidding ranging from rides for seniors to fishing trips to area lodges.

Park Bursary Awarded

(Left to Right - Nick Lawrence, Partner Representative, Van Houtte Inc.; Adair Ireland-Smith, Director, Ontario Parks; Theresa McDonald, bursary recipient; John Winters, Bursary Chair; and Virginia West, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources - supplied photo)

An Atikokan woman is among forty students receiving educational bursaries for their work at Ontario Parks this past summer.

Melissa Miller, a student at Confederation College, was employed at Quetico Provincial Park.

Winners were nominated by park visitors as well as the students' peers and supervisors for their dedication, customer service, initiative and leadership.

Hydro Rates Changing

The expensive hours for using electricity will change slightly next spring as the Ontario government moves to cut soaring hydro bills.

Government sources say that starting in May, off-peak electricity rates in Ontario will start at 7 p.m. instead of at 9.

An official announcement is expected today.

Hydro Rebates Coming

Electricity consumers in Ontario will get 10 per cent rebates on their bills starting in January to offset a projected 46per cent hike in hydro rates over the next five years.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan says the rebates should help keep increases in electricity rates to about 3.6 per cent a year as Ontario moves to green energy sources.

Duncan admits the switch to renewable energy is responsible for more than half of the projected increase.

But he says there are financial and human savings to getting out of coal-fired generation.

He asks if it's worth three billion dollars a year in health costs to the province just to keep burning coal to generate electricity.

The Tories and New Democrats say the rebates are clearly designed to help the Liberals overcome voter anger over skyrocketing hydro bills in advance of next fall's election.

Wind power opponents say the so-called Clean Energy Benefit is an attempt to hide the true cost of green energy.

They say it "won't stem the anger, solve the problem or spare the Liberals in 2011.''

Area Liberals Support Rebates

Northwestern Ontario Liberals are quick to promote the 10 per cent rebate on electricity bills.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says some consumers may not see the reduction right away.

"Depending on how quickly the electricity distributors can get their billing changes in place," says Gravelle. "Even if it doesn't show up until March, it will still be reflective of each month from January 1 on."

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the rebate is something northern Liberals had been lobbying for.

Area Roads Slippery

A blanket of snow is leaving roads across the Rainy River district a little slippery this morning.

About five to ten centimeters fell in most parts of the district overnight and continues to falls this morning with freezing rain.

Sanders are on the roads, but the OPP say motorists should adjust their driving habits according to road and weather conditions.

Outdoor Cards Fraud Reviewed

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is looking into ways to prevent fraudulent use of its Outdoors Card.

The relative ease with which an Outdoors Card can be obtained for improper use came to light after a card-bearing Chicago-area angler told a conservation officer in northwestern Ontario he was from Mississauga.

The man, who had been using a fraudulent card for 17 years, pleaded guilty earlier this month and fined $5,000.

A ministry spokeswoman says the Ministry believes there are only a few cases of fraud.

Treaty Three Applauds Declaration

Grand Council Treaty Three is applauding the United Nations for approving its Declaration of rights for Indigenous People.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly says the expectations of Treaty Three residents have been raised by Canada's endorsement of the declaration last week.

Kelly is hoping it marks a new era in the relations between Treaty Three and government and will lead to a new, better and strengthened economy in northwestern Ontario.

Restructuring Plan Hearing Adjourned

AbitibiBowater's restructuring plan still awaits U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval after a hearing yesterday was adjourned until next week.

A telephone hearing with company lawyers and a number of creditors is scheduled to resume Tuesday.

Company spokesman Seth Kursman says it's unknown when the judge will rule on the plan, but the company is still hoping to emerge from bankruptcy protection by the end of the year.

Clean Energy Benefit Details Today

Electricity consumers in Ontario will find out detailstoday on how the Liberal government intends to lower their bills by10 per cent.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will announce the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit in his fall economic update, promising to lower hydro bills starting in the new year.

Premier Dalton McGuinty wouldn't confirm details, but says the government knows people are struggling with soaring electricity bills.

He says cutting electricity bills is about understanding the pressures on families and providing them with "a little bit of help.''

However, the Opposition says cutting electricity rates 11 months before an election smacks of a desperate attempt to help the Liberals win a third term in office.

3-G Coming Soon

Thunder Bay Telephone has launched it's latest cellphone technology.

President Don Campbell says the 3-G mobility service is now up and running in Thunder Bay.

"Actually it's being expanded throughout the next couple of months to six months into the entire region," says Campbell. "Thunder Bay is now operational. Customers are going onto the network and accessing all of the features of the much higher speed network."

The service will be offered to the Atikokan, Fort Frances and Rainy River areas by January.

First Snow Storm of Winter Approaching

Time to get those snow shovels and snow blowers out of storage.

Environment Canada says a significant snowfall is in the cards across northwestern Ontario.

An Alberta clipper is expected to scoot eastwards along the border today accompanied by a band of snow.

Snow, occasionally heavy, is to fall near the Manitoba border late this afternoon or early this evening and quickly envelop northwestern Ontario tonight.

Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres are expected.

Climate Change Bill Killed in Senate

A northwestern Ontario MP is condemning Prime Minister Harper.

Bruce Hyer's climate change legislation died in the Senate earlier this week.

The MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North calls Harper bad for the environment

"The unelected, unaccountable Senate has ambushed the country's only federal climate change legislation and killed it," says Hyer, "without hearing evidence or hearing any due consideration."

Hyer hopes to re-introduce the bill sometime in the future.

Highway Renamed After Long-time MPP

The King of the North will have a highway named his honour.

The announcement came Wednesday while MPP's paid tribute to the late Leo Bernier at Queen's Park.

Highway 664, which runs from Sioux Lookout to Hudson will be renamed in honour of the long-time politician who died this past summer.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team event today at Fort High

The Rainy River District Detachment of the OPP is pleased to announce the continuation of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team as a result of a successful funding opportunity through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

For the past eleven years member of SAPT had been working together as one of the province's 22 FOCUS community projects, with programs working to prevent injury and reduce harm as it relates to alcohol and other drug use, as well as raising awareness of substance misuse as a risk factor in chronic disease. The Fort Frances Police Services Board has received $99thousand to help sustain the team.

Constable Anne McCoy says the event planned today at the Fort Frances high school is helping to celebrate those initiatives.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Team is planning to use funding to purchase much needed equipment to enhance local programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and the Preventing Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth Program (PARTY). Some of the equipment includes computers, presentation equipment, furniture for a resource centre and training tools including SIDNE (a battery powered vehicle that simulates the effects of distracted and impairment from alcohol and other drugs on a motorist's driving ability.

A meet and greet with the team starts at 10am at the Fort Frances High School Atrium. From 10:30-12:30 there will also be displays and electronic games demonstration featuring Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience®, or SIDNE.

"'Together is Amazing"

The Shaw 'Together is Amazing' food drive wrapped up on Monday.

With help from local schools, businesses and citizens approximately 7100 pounds of food was gathered for the national campaign. That amount will be tripled with help from Shaw Communications and Campbell's Canada.

Last chance to "Fill the Food Banks"

Today is the last day to help Shaw Communications, Campbell's Canada and Canada Safeway "Fill the Food Banks."

The national campaign aims to collect one million pounds of food across the country by the end of the day.

In Fort Frances, drop off locations include Shaw's retail outlet, the library, the Place, Family and Children's Services and Robert Moore School.

Muskie Theatre presents Scheherazade this weekend at the Townshend Theatre

The Townshend Theatre will play host to the Muskie Theatre production of Scheherazade and the legend of the Arabian Nights this weekend.

Melissa Fletcher, who plays Scheherazade says “it’s about a king who is taking revenge on all of the women in his kingdom and it’s up to Scheherazade to save the day.”

The large cast has been hard at work for the last 8 weeks on the play, the story of which comes from 1001 Arabian Nights.

The show happens tonight and tomorrow at 7 at the Townshend Theatre.

Neil McQuarrie in Fort Frances this weekend

Fort Frances native Neil McQuarrie will be at Northwoods tomorrow for a signing of his sixth book entitled the Parry Sound Woodcutter's War.

The book is based on co-author Don Macfie's diary, which he kept during his five years of service, and hundreds of letters which he exchanged with his family in Parry Sound.

McQuarrie says that personal first-hand accounts of wartime such as this is extremely important to document.

“If we don’t document them there’s that much better chance we’ll forget them," he says. "And especially at this time of year, we have to sit back and try to imagine and remember what it was like and what the sacrifices were that these people made.”

McQuarrie will also be speaking at the Library on Sunday.

Damage at Pither's Point

Damage to Pither's Point Park near the baseball diamond will cost the town of Fort Frances as much as $5000 to repair.

The repairs to the public green space cost everyone in the community and could easily have been avoided by having more respect.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says not much can be done until the spring to repair the eyesore.

“In the spring we’ll have to go in there and landscape it basically. Put it back to the proper levels, take all the ruts out, fill the holes and plant sore grass. It’s an eyesore for everyone that goes up to the Point.”

The park is in the process of filing an official report with the OPP and is asking for any information related to the incident.

Weather records continue to fall across Northwestern Ontario

According to Bill Laidlaw of signal weather services, more temperature records in the Rainy River district tumbled yesterday.

Fort Frances hit 14.2C, shattering the old record of 12 set 1999.

Atikokan hit 15.6C. The old record, set in 1969 was 13.3. Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake also enjoyed strikingly warm weather. Dryden beating a record set in 1931.

And Sioux Lookout almost made it to the list - they got to 13.7, the old record was 13.9 set 1969.

Signal Weather services' Bill Laidlaw says that we should see another round of records broken today, but the weather will start to change drastically by tomorrow.

"There's a weak cold front coming out og Maintoba that's going to slide across us tomorrow. With that, temperatures start to drop and we'll be down to zero by suppertime."

Atikokan Renewal Committee Meeting tonight

The Atikokan Renewal Committee will meet informally tonight to discuss future projects for the beautification of the community.

The Committee maintains projects intended to spruce up Atikokan as companies such as Osisko move into the region. That includes such projects as tree planting and the recent renewal of Main Street.

Gord Knowles, the Community Development Advisor for the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation also acts as a resource for of the Committee. He says the Committee is always looking for input and volunteers.

"There's always a need for volunteers whether it's getting in and doing physical work or contributing ideas; we're always looking for input from the community, from business people, from local government..."

He added that the meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Outdoorsman restaurant is an excellent forum for that.

New International Falls Border Facility

International Falls' new border patrol facility is officially open.

The US Border Patrol in International Falls is responsible for 143 miles of border and is the busiest in Minnesota.

The opening of the state of the art facility was years in the making and marked yesterday afternoon with a ceremony and tours.

It's 33,000 square feet and boasts new training rooms, and easy access to waterways with room for expansion.

The new Border Station is also home to the Minnesota State Patrol, making it the first of its kind in the US and precedent setting.

Fort Frances Citizen of the Year-Joyce Cunningham

Last night at town council, Joyce Cunningham was named the 23rd recipient of the Fort Frances Citizen of the year award.

The selection committee included citizen of the year 2000 Bill Gushalak, Mayor Avis and councillor Sharon Tibbs.

Cunningham was one of 17 nominees and will be officially honoured at the town's annual appreciation banquet on November 19th.

Cunningham will likely also participate in the Parade of Lights on the 27th.

Northwestern Ontario shatters weather records

It was a record-breaking weekend across northwestern Ontario in terms of weather.

A number of communities across the region set temperature records including Atikokan.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the region will continue to shatter records this week.

"We're going to pushing the record country Monday, Tuesday and probably Wednesday as well that's as we get get this warm air. It's just ahead of a cold front. So I'll be keeping an eye on this over the next couple of days and we'll see what shakes out."

Laidlaw says Atikokan broke it's 2009 record of 12.8C yesterday with a high of 14.2C.

And the Fort and the Falls narrowly missed breaking the old record of 16.5 set in 1999 with 16C.

International Falls Border Patrol Facility opens today

The new Border Patrol Facility officially opens in International Falls today.

The grand opening is being marked by a closed ceremony at 1pm this afternoon followed by a press conference and a facility tour.

Rainy River District School Board workshop

The Rainy River District School board is hosting a workshop today to discuss new ways to settle conflict.

The workshop is an introduction to alternative dispute resolution and restorative practise, which is an approach to discipline where the offender, the offender's parents and school staff are part of the process.

The community is invited to learn more about the use of restorative practise in the school environment.

The workshop happens this afternoon at 1pm at La Place Rendez Vous.

Angler Survey

The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to hear about anglers experiences in 2010.

Spokesperson Helen Ball says they'll be sending out surveys in January that look at a variety of aspects of fishing.

The survey is conducted every five years and will be sent out to 15 hundred anglers.

The Royal WInter Agricultural Fair has strong Northern Ontario Involvement

As the Royal Winter Agrigultural Fair, the largest indoor fair is set to start it's 88th year in Toronto, Director of Marketing Scott McConnel, says the fair boasts a very heavy involvement from Northern Ontario.

"This will be the 10th year that we have a Northern Ontario Pavillion at the Royal," says McConnel. "And it's something that we're very excited about. It's a huge exhibit and features almost 50 exhibitors from all accross Northern Ontario and there are at least nine districts represented."

The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair starts today and runs until Sunday November 14th at Exhibition Direct Energy Place in Toronto.

National Health Food Month

November is National Health Food month and nutritionists are encouraging parents help their young children boost, fuel and maintain their overall health.

Jane Dummer, a registered dietician, says it can begin by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA.

"Fish is a great source of natural DHA," she says, "However fish is not a food that every young child likes nor is it an everyday food in the home. Fortunately there are kid friendly Omega 3 DHA rich foods that can be found in the dairy aisle such as milk, yogurt and cheese."

Dummer also encourages parents to ensure their children start the day with a healthy breakfast and enjoy healthy snacks.

Soaring Hydro Rates

The Provincial NDP is continuing its attack on the McGuinty Liberals over the issue of soaring hydro rates.

The McGuinty Government has rejected an NDP Motion to take the HST off of hydro.

At Queen's Park Tuesday, leader Andrea Horwath raised the concerns of two area residents.

"They just can't make ends meet anymore," she said. "They're just unable to have a positive outlook for the future because costs are just too high. And we're saying to the government there's an easy straight forward way of addressing this where people don't have to jump through hoops applying for tax credits and things. You can make some real impact on their monthly bills by just taking the HST off of their monthly hydro bills."

Horwath noted that families are seeing their hydro bills skyrocket now that winter is fast approaching.

Boosting Tourism in Northewestern Ontario

The Ministry of Tourism is currently reviewing eight projects that could boost tourism in Northwestern Ontario.

Paul Pepe, a member of the transition team for the new Northern Ontario Tourism Zone, said a variety of initiatives were received.

"Not just marketing, but things like product development and training," Pepe said. "The industry needs training, needs customer service training, needs web marketing training. So there will be dollars allocated to those sort of initiatives."

Other projects include a big-game hunting proposal, motorcycle tours and marketing strategies into Manitoba and the northern U.S.

Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Adopts new format

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is adopting a new format for 2011.

It includes dividing the 120-teams on the final day into three fields based on total catches from the first two days. Weights are then wiped clean with winners determined in each field based on catches in the final day.

In a four-page release outlining the format, newly-elected president Gord Watson said it's based on angler input and gives all anglers an opportunity to earn money with more prizes awarded each day.

The championship is also capping the teams at 120.

Early Learning in the Rainy River District

The Rainy River District School board plans to accelerate implementation of the third year in the province's early learning program.

Education Director Heather Campbell said an additional class will be established at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances where earlier learning starts next year.

"We have to absord some of the costs for year two," she said, "But it's minimal overall impact to the board as far as far as the actual costs of it's full implementation in year two."

Campbell noted that the move also meets certain Ministry of Education requirements for the program.

I.J.C. Gets Praise

A Task Force looking at water quality issues on the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds has wrapped up a round of public meetings.

The group is to report back to the International Joint Commission by next July.

Todd Sellars of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is impressed with its work so far.

"The public is concerned about the lake and the watershed and wants some concrete options to consider and comment on," says Sellars. "It sounds like the task force is planning to adjust its plans and get back with an interim options paper early in the new year."

The Task Force was set up based on suggestions from the Foundation and others.

Illegal Smokes Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit has been launched in Federal Court against Ottawa for failing to collect taxes from illegal smoke shacks.

It's similar to another lawsuit on behalf of tobacco farmers that was filed last year in Ontario court against both the federal and provincial governments.

Court documents accuse Ottawa of ignoring ``flagrant violations''of the prohibition on the sale of contraband tobacco.

The $500-million suit also claims the government allowed the open trade of these products on First Nation reserves through illegal outlets established off reserve.

The allegations have not been proven in court.