Rachel's Challenge Coming to I. Falls

Officials in International Falls are hoping to tackle local issues of bullying through the legacy of a victim from the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

LeeAnn Meer of Friends Against Abuse says area residents will get to learn more a program called Rachel's Challenge next month.

"Rachel Scott was the first student killed at Columbine," says Meer. "Her family has taken her story and turned it into one of the most powerful school program in the country. It is traveling the country and we have them coming to International Falls October 5."

The program is based on an essay written by Scott a month before the shooting which challenged people to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.

More Drills Proposed by Osisko

More drills could be working on Osisko Mining's Hammond Reef project north of Atikokan by the end of the year.

Osisko acquired the project following its takeover this year of Brett Resources.

Jean-Sébastien David, a company vice-president, says they already have thirteen drills in place.

"We will add a couple of more drills before Christmas," says David. "We might have fifteen drills which would make it one of the biggest drilling programs in Canada."

David says results of the program will help in the development of a feasibility study for the project.

More Approvals Given to AbitibiBowater Plan

AbitibiBowater has achieved another step towards its exit from bankruptcy protection this fall.

The company says creditors in the United States gave its stamp of approval to a reorganization plan this week.

It received approval from Canadian creditors last week.

The plan still needs court approval in both the United States and Canada.

Natural Gas Rate Change Approved

The cost of natural gas is coming down, but Union Gas customers in northwestern Ontario may still see their bills increase.

The cost of a cubic metre of natural gas will drop 3-cents beginning October 1.

The Ontario Energy Board says customers bills may still rise by about four to seven dollars over the next year.

Spokesperson Vanda Wall says it relates to a price difference Union Gas paid for natural gas over the past three months and the price it expects to pay in the next quarter.

Quetico Park Plan Reviewed

Residents in Atikokan will get a chance to comment on a new management plan for Quetico Provincial Park.

An open house will be held today at the Atikokan Arts Centre from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The plan includes the proposed creation of a new wilderness recreation zone, the elimination of two aircraft landings, and a re-opening of old logging roads to hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.

Rewards Program Promoted

A rewards program that encourages local shopping is being promoted in the Rainy River district.

The program in place in Sonoma, California.

Terry Garrett of Sustaining Technologies says shoppers earn rewards each time they shop at participating businesses.

"You could earn them at one business and spend them at another," says Garrett. "That way it unites all of the businesses together with the general public to recirculate, applying the local economic multiplier effect which means the money gets spent local and stays locally."

The idea was put forward to delegates attending last week's Northern Network's Trade Conference.

Falls Concerned About Out-of-town Businesses

International Falls city council will look at its rules governing out-of-town firms that conduct business in the city.

In narrowly approving a business licenses for one such business Monday night, city councillors expressed concern about how some transient businesses have conducted themselves in the past and the impact they have on local businesses.

Mayor Shawn Mason says they can't legally prevent those businesses from setting up shop, but may be able to take steps that protect local residents.

Another Company Joins Gold Search

Another company is getting ready to enter the search for gold north of Barwick.

Soldi Ventures says in acquired 471 hectares of land, immediately south of Rainy River Resources project.

The British Columbia based junior mining company is also in negotiations to acquire additional land.

Rainy River Resources and Bayview Ventures are currently conducting separate exploration activities nearby.

Ambulance Department Expects to be Busy

The city of International Falls is preparing its ambulance department for an increase in patient transfers.

Officials with Rainy Lake Medical Centre say patients needing hospital care will be sent to hospitals elsewhere until it can get a handle on damages caused by Sunday's water line break.

Speaking to city councillors Monday night, Fire Chief Jerry Jensen says ambulance personnel are being readied.

"I think they're pretty dedicated and step up pretty solid as it is," says Jensen, "(but we've asking) to be a little more diligent in telling us when they're in service and out of service. Also to let them know that they might be bringing a patient to the hospital and they might be diverted as soon as they stabilize a patient to where every they're going."

City council also agreed to adjust the schedule of its paramedics to 12 hour shifts until the number of patient transfers decreases.

Immigration Portal Getting Response

A website set up to entice immigrants to northwestern Ontario is attracting some interest.

The Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal, which provides information about the region, went online in March and is managed by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association.

Executive Director Kathy Woodbeck says they've been dealing with about 3 to 5 inquiries each day since.

"We've had individuals communities requested," says Woodbeck. "We've had people asking about their professions if they are needed in this region and how they can connect with economic development corporations in the communities."

Woodbeck says the site has also attracted people living elsewhere in Canada to the northwest.