Old School Coming Down

The owners of the former Fort Frances High School say they have plans to knock the old school down this year.

Speaking to Fort Frances council last night, Charlie Morken says its demolition may help them attract interest in the property.

"Our intent would be that if we demolish that building what would happen is that we would get some activity and it would be the first step in moving with the old tech wing that is along second street," says Morken.

Morken says demolition could happen within the next two months.

Curling Club Seeks Payment Extension

Fort Frances town council is looking at giving the Fort Frances Curling Club some extra time to pay the first instalment of an outstanding tax bill.

The club was to pay the first $6,1000 of the $30-thousand bill in July, but wants to delay payment for at least two months.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says it would help the club financially.

"In July they don't really have cash flow," says Wiedenhoeft. "They do have a cash flow problem if the payment is made in July where they wouldn't have a cash flow problem if the payment is made in July.

But Councillor Ken Perry feels the club had plenty of time to prepare.

"They've had since 2007 since this agreement was struck to start putting this money aside," says Perry. "I don't know how two months is going to help them to that great extent."

The issue is going back to the committee level for further discussion.

Church Water Rates to Decrease

Places of worship in Fort Frances will get a break on their sewer and water rates.

Effective this September, churches will be charged the same flat rate as residential customers.

The change is a 29.3 per cent reduction from the rate they now pay.

More Money for Fireworks

The group organizing Canada Day festivities in Fort Frances will get more money from the town.

Council agreed last night to provide up to an additional $5,000 more in one-time funding, over the $5,000 agreed to last month.

It's also asking Rainy River Future Development Corporation to see if the group could be eligible for any supplemental funding.

Mill Workers Accept Deal

A new deal for workers at AbitibiBowater.

Members of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers union voted 63-point-5 per cent in favour of the new five year deal.

It includes cost reductions for the company, but protects pensions for retirees and workers.

The agreement also includes a 10 per cent wage rollback with increases to resume in 2012 and 2013.

President Dave Coles calls its a painful adjustment with a company under bankruptcy protection and that acceptance of the deal is still conditional upon approval from both the Quebec and Ontario governments.

Holocaust Survivor Visits Fort Frances

A holocaust survivor is using her experiences to education others about the consequences of hate and racism.

Doctor Eva Olsson spoke to students at Fort Frances High School yesterday and says young people need to speak up against violent acts in their communities.

"Go to your teacher. Go to your principal, your parents, but you must not remain silent," says Olsson, "because the bully gets away with it. That's what happened in Europe. The bullies got away with it and there were so many bystanders and the rest of the world stood silent."

Olsson says without immediate action to combat hatred and racism, she fears history could end up repeating itself.

Gold Exploration Resumes

There's going to be plenty of exploration in the Rainy River district this summer.

Vancouver-based Bayfield Ventures says its planning a minimum 20-thousand meter diamond drilling program on its gold properties, north of Barwick.

Work is to start later this month.

Contact North Registrations Up

Contact North says demand for its services is growing across northern Ontario.

The Distance Education and Training Network is reporting a 61 per cent increase in course registrations during this past winter compared with 2009.

It follows a 35 per cent increase seen last fall.