Atikokan Council Sworn In

Atikokan's Mayor says the township's new council's enters with more hope for a better future than ever before.

Dennis Brown and his council were officially sworn into office last night.

Brown says they take office with the community on the verge of a boom.

"All we need to do is to see them come to fruition," says Brown. "I'm talk about initiatives in the mining with Osisko and Bending Lake. I'm talking about the wood biomass at the former particleboard plant and the opportunities that could exist at the O.P.G plant. These are all good news stories."

Brown says plans for a new arena, maintaining medical services and continuing infrastructure work are other priority areas.

DMTS On-Line in Rainy River District

DMTS is looking to make its presence felt in the Rainy River district.

The city of Dryden-owned municipal telephone system has been offering cell services to the district since last October.

Marketing manager Tyler Peacock feels they can be competitive.

"Coverage, pricing, selection. Like I said before," says Peacock, "I think we have a great line up as far as a product line goes. Our prices are very competitive and we're here to stay."

Peacock says a new roaming agreement was also signed with AT&T that gives its customers better service in the U.S.

Dietary Allowance Remains

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the Ontario government has done the right thing by keeping a special dietary allowance for welfare recipients.

The province says it's revising the allowance, which remains capped at a maximum of 250-dollars a month.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services had considered cutting the program after costs jumped from $6-million to more than $200-million a year.

Court Ruling Today

A decision is expected today on the status of prostitution laws in Ontario.

Ontario's highest court will rule on a lower court's decision on the laws that control prostitution.

The courts have said the laws could stay in effect until today.

Government lawyers have argued the lower court ruling should be put on hold while they appeal it.

Carbon Monoxide Bill Debate

Making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in Ontario may move a step closer to becoming the law today.

A Progressive Conservative MPP's private member's bill is up for second reading.

It would amend the building code to put detectors in homes, condos and rental apartments.

Energy Credits Issued

Eligible Northern Ontario residents who applied for the Northern Energy Tax Credit can expect their first payout this month.

Single residents, 18 and older, with an income of $35,000 to $48,000 will receive up to $130.

Families with a household income of $45,000 to $65,000 are eligible for up to 200-dollars.

Residents have until the end of next June to apply for the credit.