Snow Warnings for Area

Snow Fall and Winter storm warnings have been issued by weather offices in both Ontario and Minnesota for the Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

Arnold Ashton of Environment Canada says its due to a low pressure system that's moved into the area.

"Actually it's a bit moisture starved," says Ashton. "During the day today the snow will get a little more organized and fall a bit more steadily. We'll get several centimetres accumulated today with the bulk of it falling tonight.

Today's snow will taper off by tomorrow morning, but Ashton says it will be followed by a second one that will bring even more snow on New Year's Eve.

Pay Attention to the Road

Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibilities from snow and local blowing snow are expected with a snow storm moving in the Borderland.

Paying attention and having the right type of tire can help you avoid an accident.

Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Colorado says too many drivers get into trouble when they're not focused on road and weather conditions.

"That's the one most common mistake we see in every type of driving, not just winter," says Cox. "It takes 4 to 10 times longer to stop on ice and snow so you have to be looking that much farther to ahead to respond accordingly"

Cox also supports making the switch to winter tires instead of using all-season tires, as long as they are in good condition.

E-Books Now Available

Patrons of the Fort Frances Library Technology Centre now have access to a large catalogue of e-books.

The Library launched the service yesterday.

Community Rob Matheson says users can access hundreds of titles through the comfort of their home or office.

"You'll be able to download e-books on your compatible e-reading devices from the Ontario Library Services website," says Matheson. "You can find that directly through the Fort Frances Public Library website."

Matheson says users will need a valid library card, but the books are free to access for up to 14 days.

Matheson explains the process in this demonstration

Election Talk in Ottawa

(Photo: Copyright Library of Parliament / Mone Cheng)

Election talk is springing up again in Ottawa.

As MP's started their Christmas Break, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff suggested Canadians are ready for an election.

But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty disagrees

"I'm certainly ready and the NDP is ready for an election," says Rafferty, "but I don't want an election. I don't hear a lot of people in the riding clamouring for an election."

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says while the opposition has been chomping at the bit to force a spring vote, the government has been more focused on improving the economy of Canada.

Minnesota Legislators Prepare for Session

Democrat and Republican leaders in Minnesota are entering 2011 with high hopes and a cooperative tone, but with key differences on legislative priorities.

House Speaker-Designate Kurt Zellers says Republicans plan to hold down government spending and make Minnesota a friendlier place for businesses.

House Minority Leader-Elect Paul Thiessen says DFLers will measure their performance in the upcoming session by how well they protect middle-class families from potentially painful budget cuts.

The new session begins Tuesday.

More Support for Mental Health Programs

An expert panel set up by the Ontario government says people with mental health issues need more support in the community.

The panel says the lack of community support means the courts and hospital emergency rooms are spending too much time dealing with the mentally ill.

The advisory group is calling for more investment in community-based services.

Cigarette Package Labels Changing

Cigarette packages in Canada are about to get a lot more explicit.

The Harper government today will unveil new rules that will force tobacco companies to print even bigger and more graphic warning labels.

The new labels are also to include a toll-free phone number for a national quit-smoking hotline.