Stuff-a-Cruiser Launched

Several area agencies will benefit from a Christmas fundraiser being put on by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Details of the Stuff-a-Cruiser initiative were released today.

Constable Anne McCoy says area residents are being asked to purchase items to be stuff into four police cruisers placed around Fort Frances and Emo.

Items collected with be shared among the Salvation Army, the United Native Friendship Centre, the Sunset Country Metis Association, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau for its Community Dinner and a food bank in Emo run by the Anglican Church.

Preferred items include canned soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, baked beans, canned meat, turkey, ham, Kraft dinner, pasta, spaghetti sauce, instant potatoes, cereal, peanut butter, jam, tea, coffee, packets of sugar, canned pasta, cranberry sauce, Stove Top stuffing, pancake mix and syrup, powered milk and packets of salt and pepper.

Man Identified in Weekend Stand-Off

OPP are now confirming the identified of a man involved in an assault and lengthy stand-off with police that occurred Saturday in Fort Frances.

30-year-old Richard Edward Kabatay has been charged with attempted murder and remains in custody at the Fort Frances District Jail.

As B-93 first reported, Kabatay made his first court appearance Monday and will return next Monday.

Police also say the man injured in the assault was stabbed and remain in hospital with serious injuries.

Recycling Options Get Public Review

Residents in Fort Frances and Atikokan got their chance this week to comment on a study aimed at increasing recycling in their communities.

John Smith of Trow Engineering says many of the options are based on what's being tried elsewhere.

"There are a number of best practices that have been flushed out from municipalities in Ontario that can help towns like Atikokan and Fort Frances," says Smith.

It's suggested Fort Frances ban recycling materials from landfill and the use of plastic bags in stores while Atikokan consider a promotional and educational program to increase recycling.

Plant Conversion Underway

Ontario Power Generation says it's work to convert the coal-fire plant in Atikokan is well underway.

It's to burn biomass fuel by 2013.

C.E.O. Don Mitchell says part of the work includes developing an energy supply agreement and seeking pricing bids for fuel.

"We are excited about the conversion project in Atikokan," says Mitchell. "What we need to do is to establish a solid business case and then negotiate the agreement to proceed."

Mitchell says a number of bids were received in their call from suppliers.

Atikokan Town Council Sworn-In

Inauguration ceremonies for Atikokan's newly elected municipal council takes place tonight.

Mayor Dennis Brown, councillors Bud Dickson, Bob Gosselin, Mary Makarenko, Marj Lambkin, Marlene Davidson and newcomer Jerry Duhamel will be officially sworn into office.

It happens at the Atikokan town hall beginning at 5 p.m.

Rec Study in Rainy River

The town of Rainy River has received $25-thousand from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to conduct a structural assessment of its recreational facilities.

The study will look at the town's community centre, arena and curling rink with an aim towards developing a long-term replacement plan.

Salvation Army Kettles Ring Today

The Salvation Army will kick off its 2010 Kettle Campaign in Fort Frances today.

They'll be located at Walmart, Canada Safeway, Canadian Tire, LCBO and outside area banks.

Captain Angel Sandoval says more manpower is still needed.

"We need volunteers," says Sandoval. "Volunteers are the stone for this campaign."

Sandoval says they've set $15-thousand dollars as a campaign goal, the same as 2009.

Lakes Closed to Tourist Outfitters Only?

The NDP is concerned about reports that some tourist outfitters are being given exclusive access to Northern lakes and crown land.

Natural Resources Critic Gilles Bisson says he's been contacted by many people who have seen signs at some lakes restricting access to Tourist outfitters only.

"We understand tourist outfitters need to make a living," says Bisson, "but that should not be at the exclusion and access of everybody else."

Bisson says most of the restricted lakes are in the Wawa area, but suspects some lakes in northwestern Ontario may have also been closed off to the public.