Memorandum of Understanding Signed

(Left: Rainy River Resources President Raymond Threlkeld and Rainy River First Nations Chief Jim Leonard (right) sign Memorandum of Understanding)

There is a new memorandum of understanding in place between mining company Rainy River Resources and seven area First Nations.


It was signed yesterday afternoon at the company's gold properties, 20 kilometres north of Barwick.


Company president Raymond Threlkeld says it's important to work with the Native communities as they move forward on the development of possible mines.



"They're one of the largest stakeholders around here," says Threlkeld, "and for us to move forward we have to be partners."



Rainy River First Nations Chief Jim Leonard says its an important document to have.



"It means we're able to participate in this mining activity from a sense of providing some employment to our community," says Leonard. "And also gaining a knowledge of the mining industry and exploration work."



Leonard says it also provides for area First Nations to have input and dialogue into the operations.



The document outlines such things as consultation, employment opportunities and ways to resolve disputes.

Library Begins Move

It's moving day at the Fort Frances Public Library.

Staff , along with several volunteers, will be taking boxes of books to the new facility.

Chief Librarian Margaret Sedgewick says the current library will still be open until Sunday for people to access materials.

"We're allowing the double number of DVDs people can take out," says Sedgewick. "As many books as they want just to make sure they are well stocked."

The current library will close for good on Monday with the new facility expected to open June 1.

Landmarks Re-open

Two Fort Frances landmarks re-open to the public today for the first time in more than a decade.

Fort Frances Museum curator Pam Cain says there will be a user pay system in place for people to climb the tower or board the Hallet.

"People will be getting a tag that has an access code," says Cain. "The tower and Hallet have a punch-code system for people to access. They've be getting a code that's good for the day when they purchase their admission. That admission will be good for the Tower, Hallet and Museum.

Admission is $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children.

There is also a special rate for families and purchases are made at the Sorting Gap Marina or Museum.

An official opening of the two landmarks will be held June 4.

Accident Shuts down Trans Canada

OPP say a section of the Trans Canada Highway near Kenora may not re-open until noon today.

Two transports collided at the intersection of Highway 17-A and the Minaki Highway around 2 a.m. today.

Injuries were minor, but the clean-up of a chemical spill is keeping the highway closed.

Ontario Man given Probation

An Ontario man who stood by while his wife committed suicide in a Thunder Bay hotel room has been sentenced to one year of probation.

Peter Fonteece of Waterloo, pleaded guilty in February to criminal negligence causing death.

His wife Yanisa took as many as 40 sleeping pills while Fonteece stood by silently, at her request.

Work Sites Need to be Safer

A group that represents construction workers is calling for action to make Ontario work sites safer.

The call from the Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario follows an inspection blitz by government inspectors.

The inspectors found fall hazards at 63 per cent of the more than 39-hundred construction sites they visited across the province.

Minnesota Fishing Opener Festivities

Festivities get under today at Lake Kabetogema, south of International Falls, for this year's Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener.

The fishing doesn't begin until the season opens tomorrow, but various community events and a picnic are set for today.

Both Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau are scheduled to attend, but the Governor's schedule may be in flux due to the ongoing budget talks at the Capital.

Charity Run Planned

Local runners will pounding the pavement to help local children.

Jackie Lampi-Hughes of Energy Fitness says it happens tomorrow.

"We have a 5-K in May event," says Lampi-Hughes. "All of the money will go to the Jump Start program which helps local kids in financial need go into sporting events."

Tomorrow's run costs $20.00 and starts at the Sorting Gap Marina beginning at 9 a.m.

A one-K run for the youngsters takes place at 8:30 a.m.