Rafferty Responds

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is brushing aside comments made about him by Industry Minister Tony Clement as simply politicing.

During a visit to Fort Frances Tuesday, Clement told a group of area leaders the local MP's decisions in Ottawa are not consistent with the values and principals of the riding.

Rafferty says it's just a desperate attempt to take a riding they know then can't win.

"There numbers are not going anywhere in the polls," says Rafferty. "The prospect of an election in the spring continues to loom and quite frankly they're running a little scared."

Rafferty adds he's been pretty true to the wishes of his constituents.

Full Candidate Slate in Atikokan

There's been a rush of candidates stepping forward in Atikokan.

Former mayor Bob Davidson has filed his nomination papers and will challenge incumbent Dennis Brown for the mayor's chair

Seven have filed for the six council seats up for grabs.

Incumbents Marlene Davidson, Bud Dickson, Sherwin Durand, Marj Lambkin and Bob Gosselin join fellow incumbent Mary Makarenko and Gayle Green on the October 25 ballot.

And Teresa Larson has filed for the new trustee position for Atikokan opening on the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

Hazel Says Goodbye

(Teresa Hazel (l.) with Dr. Cynthia Saliba)

The outgoing director of Riverside Foundation for Health Care says she's leaves with no regrets.

Teresa Hazel takes on her new position as CEO of Good Life for Young People Foundation next week.

She says she's looking forward to the new challenges after eleven years with Riverside.

"I'm exciting about where I'm going," says Hazel. "I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge. I look back at those eleven years with a lot of pride and gratitude for what this community has accomplished working together."

Hazel will remain with the Riverside Foundation in a part-time capacity for the next few weeks to assist in the transition of a yet to be selected new director.

New Parliamentary Assistants Named

There's are a number of new Parliamentary Assistants to Ministers on the McGuinty Cabinet.

The premier has given eleven MPP's new responsibilities.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro keeps his duties as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Government Services.

Donors Needed

Canadian Blood Services is looking forward to another strong turnout of donors at its Fort Frances clinics next week.

Spokesperson Harvey Heather says they're hoping for over 300 donors to clinics at the Fort Frances High School as the demand for blood continues to grow.

"We need about 1,200 donations of blood each week," says Heather, "to look after patients in about 90 hospitals in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario including the hospitals in the Rainy River district."

Heather says they're also hoping to see at least forty new donors to clinics that happen next Wednesday night and Thursday.

Some walk-in spots are available, but Heather says it's best to book an appointment in advance by calling 1-888-2-DONATE - that's 1-888-236-6283.

Three Vie for Catholic Trustee Seat

Another candidate has entered the race the two trustee seats open in the Fort Frances area on the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

Paul Cousineau filed his nomination papers Thursday.

He's been on the board for the past two years.

He joins current board chair Anne Marie Fitzgerald and trustee Harold Huntley on the October 25 ballot.

New AbitibiBoard Board

AbitibiBowater has established a new board of directors to oversee the company as it prepares to exit creditor protection.

The nine members will serve with company president and CEO David Paterson and chair Richard Evans.

They include just two holdovers from current board and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins.

The new board takes over following approval of the company's restructuring plan by creditors and courts in the U-S and Canada which is expected this fall.

Grandparents Scam Reached Rainy River District

The so-called grandparents scam is apparently reaching some residents in the Rainy River district.

Provincial police says they've received a number of complaints about a man calling, claiming to be a grandchild jailed in Montreal and asking to wire bail money.

In once case, the man sought five-thousand dollars.

Police say residents should not be pressured into giving information or money to anyone.

New Doctor Welcomed

(Dr. Cynthia Sabila (c.) with Dr. Robert Algie and Dr. Elaine Spencer)


Fort Frances' new doctor is now in.

Doctor Cynthia Saliba began seeing her first patients Wednesday.

The recent graduate of the University of Ottawa's medical school says the selection of Fort Frances to start her practice was an easy one.

"The community looked beautiful," says Saliba. "The people were very encouraging and enthusiast."

Saliba and her husband were officially welcomed to the community at a gathering Wednesday night.