Missing Youth Sought

Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing area teenager.

13-year-old Michaela Smith of Watten Township was reported missing yesterday afternoon.

She was last seen at the Fort Frances Public Library.

The First Nations teen has black shoulder length hair and was last seen wearing dark blue pants and a black Adidas sweater.

Her photo can be seen on our website B93.ca

Ottawa Residents Donate Equipment to NW Ont. First Nations

Youth at four First Nations around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls are benefiting from a large donation of sports equipment from residents of Ottawa.

A truck load of equipment was distributed yesterday to children at Whitefish Bay, Northwest Angle #33 and #37 and Onigaming.

Peter White, an elder at Whitefish Bay, says it's a great gift.

White, along with former president of the Metis Nation of Ontario, Tony Belcourt, helped organize the drive.

Strongman Competition Returning

Some of the strongest men in the country may be returning to Fort Frances next spring.

A strongman competition is once again being planned as part of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Home and Leisure Show.

Organizer Luke Skaarup says the success of last May's event convinced them to stage another.

Skaarup was the winner of the inaugural event.

Whooping Cough Advisory

The Northwestern Health Unit is encouraging area residents to get immunized against pertussis or whooping cough.

The respiratory infection comes with severe spells of coughing followed a whoop sound before the next breath.

The Health Unit says it's noticed a slight increase in the number of cases this year.

Man Involved in Two Accidents on Same Night

One man was injured following a collision involving two snow machines on Rainy Lake.

It happened around 9:30 Wednesday night in the area of Hopkin's Bay.

While the ambulance was bringing the man to LaVerendrye Hospital for treatment, it was involved in an accident when the driver lost control near Reef Point Road because slippery road conditions.

One of the EMS personnel did sustain minor injuries.

Man Injured in Emo Accident

An man suffered serious injuries in a single vehicle accident Wednesday near Emo.

OPP says a pick-up truck rolled over on Off Lake Road, about 7 kilometres north of the community.

Some Trails Open in Park

Recent snowfall is helping to improve trail conditions at Voyageurs National Park.

The park reports that all of its snowshoe trails and some of the cross-country ski trails are open, but just one snowmobile trail is available for use.

Question of the Day - December 30

A large majority of 93.1 The Border listeners will be ringing in the new year at home.

94 per cent of respondents to our poll question said they'd be at home or at a house party than at a licenced drinking establishment.

Today's question - do you make new year's resolutions?

Tell us on our Facebook or website B93.ca

Strategic Plan Work Continues in 2012

Local officials are aiming to have a memorandum of understanding in place next spring that paves the way for a  district-wide strategic plan.

Rainy River town councillor Gord Armstrong says there were some talks about the plan this year.

He's hoping a more formal agreement keeps the process going.

He'd like to see more concrete plans in place by the end of 2012.

B-93 Becomes 93.1 The Border

There's a fresh, new look and name of an old friend on the air in Fort Frances and the Rainy River District.

Fort Frances heritage station CFOB-FM better known as B-93, is now officially known as 93-1 The Border.

Station Manager Leo Melanson says 93.1 The Border will continue to build on its reputation of community involvement and complete local news coverage.

Healthy Smiles in the Rainy River District

Northwestern Health Unit says it's getting a good responses to its mobile dental office.

The unit recently ended a lengthy visit to the Rainy River district.

Dental Health Program Manager Dawn Sauve says it saw a number of children who may not have been able to see a dentist otherwise.

The mobile unit is part of a project under the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Murder Charge Laid

A northwestern Ontario man faces a charge of 2nd degree murder.

The charge against 33-year-old Kelsey Jacob of Webequie is connected a December 17th incident at a Thunder Bay hotel in which a man was beaten.

53-year-old Barney Beaver later died in hospital.

DNR Officer Breaks Through Ice

A conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has escaped injury after breaking through thin ice on Lake of the Woods over the weekend.

The officer was checking fishing north of Warroad Saturday when his ATV broke through and sank to the bottom of the lake.

He was able to swim to the edge of the ice and pull himself out of the water to safety with ice picks.

He then used his radio to  call a state trooper for a ride.

Busy Year for Roy Tighe

A Fort Frances man who helped promote Mazda's inner driver campaign over a year ago could be back in the spotlight next year.

Roy Tighe is back home for a brief Christmas break and says a possible movie roll could be in his future.

He auditioned for a role in an upcoming Will Ferrell movie.

Tighe is also working to complete a documentary on comedian Richard Lett he's worked on for the past year.

Christmas Trees Ready for Discard

Christmas trees in Atikokan can be dropped off at the bottom of the Toboggan Hill at any time.

They'll be used as part of the Atikokan Lion Club's annual community bonfire scheduled for January 31st.

Question of the Day - December 29

93.1 The Border listeners took full advantage of Boxing Day sales this week.

88 per cent of respondents to our poll question said they sought out bargains.

Today question, where will you celebrate the New Year, at home or a house party or at a drinking establishment?

Tell us at B93.ca.

Report Recommends Hike in Water and Sewer Rates

A consultant's report is recommending the town of Fort Frances increase its water and sewer rates by five per cent for the next six years.

The report, accepted by town councillors at their meeting last week, says the increase will help the system achieve "financial sustainability."

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the report is one the town is obligated to forward to the provincial government, but it doesn't have to fully accept the recommendations.

Rates for the 2012 budget year will be set early in the new year.

RecycleYourElectronics Tour Not Certain for 2012

RecycleYourElectronics.ca photo

A group working to keep old electronic waste out of landfill sites isn't sure if it back in northwestern Ontario next year.

Ontario Electronic Stewardship has held its RecycleYourElectronics tour in the Rainy River district for the past two years.

Executive Director Carol Hachu says a third straight tour is still uncertain.

Hachu says electronics can be taken to area depots, but it's website lists just an Atikokan retailer as the only one in the Rainy River district.

2011 - Good Year for Atikokan

The Mayor of Atikokan says 2011 was a year of much accomplishment for his community.

Dennis Brown says the town was able to complete a number of projects they'd not been able to do for many years.

Brown says focus for 2012 will be on a start of the new wood pellet plant, support for Oskisko's gold exploration and the conversion of OPG's coal-fired generating station.

Watershed Report Delayed

It's going to be a little longer before a final report on the Lake of the Woods-Rainy River Watershed is released.

The International Joint Commission was hoping to submit its recommendations to the U.S. and Canadian governments by this month.

But the IJC says it still needs some time to complete its work and have now targeted the end of January for release.

Warm Boxing Day

Christmas day was warm, but boxing day in Fort Frances was a lot warmer.

Monday's high of 5.4 C surpassed a 17 year old record of 5 C set back in 1994.

Christmas Day reached a high of 1 C, but well short of 8 C set back in 1994 mark.

Tuition Rebates Coming

University and college students who aren't getting student loans will have to apply online for the tuition rebates set to start in the new year.

The Liberals promised rebates of 30 per cent for students whose family makes less than $160-thousand a year.

Those who now receive student loans are automatically enrolled in the program.

Question of the Day - December 28

Boxing Day sales lured hordes of shoppers to malls and stores across the country.

Did you take advantage of those sales?

That's our poll question on B93.ca

City Banks Wetland Credits

The city of International Falls is purchasing 200 hundred acres of cedar wetlands.

The deal with Forest Capital Partners allows the city to create a bank of wetlands credits that can be applied to developments impacting other areas.

City administrator Rod Otterness says some of first credits will be applied to the planned construction of a new seniors home and hospital.

Both projects had been delayed for several years because lands they want are considered wetland areas.

Final Shopping Days Before Christmas

Some store owners in downtown Fort Frances are feeling good about the Christmas season.

Many are expecting those last minute shoppers seeking out those final gift ideas today and tomorrow.

Richard Boileau, manager at McTaggarts, says sales have been brisk at his store.

Mark Howarth of Leon's Fort Frances says a lot of big ticket items are heading out his doors.

Many stores are staying open late in the final days before Christmas with some offering gift-wrapping services to ease their customers burden.

Motorists to Start New Year with Impaired Charges

Six motorists in the Rainy River district face impaired driving charges as a result of the OPP's Festive Ride program this month.

More than four-thousand vehicle checks conducted since OPP stepped up enforcement at the end of November.

Two separate drug investigations also stemmed from the checks with officers seizing quantities of Ecstasy and marijuana.

Question of the Day - December 23

In response to a poll we had on B93.ca, 60 per cent of respondents say we're doing enough to prevent drunk driving in Ontario.

40 per cent aren't so sure.

Our poll questions will take a holiday break and be back next week.

Ornge Salaries Under Investigation

Ontario's health minister is looking into executive salaries at the province's air ambulance service after receiving what she calls troubling and concerning information.

Deb Matthews says she's sending a team of forensic auditors to review the financial documents at Ornge to ensure taxpayers get the transparency and accountability they deserve.

Nexus Used for Flying In February

Canadians with Nexus cards will soon find it faster going through security when they fly to the United States.

The use of the cards will take effect in February at several airports, including Winnipeg and Toronto.

The Nexus program allows low-risk Canadians and Americans to the board faster.

The card costs 50-dollars, and is valid for five years.

Go Local Gets Support

A district-wide campaign aimed at encouraging local spending has got the attention of the province.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation has received Northern Ontario Heritage Fund dollars to further pursue the Go Local initiative.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says they're now hoping additional support from FEDNOR.

B93, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and the town of Fort Frances are also pledging support.

Good Things at Museum: Town Councillor

A Fort Frances councillor likes what he sees at the Fort Frances Museum.

Andrew Hallikas says, the hiring of a new curator this year, a renewed board and a new volunteer-support group are helping reinvigorate interest in the facility.

Donations to the museum are also up this year with a recent $500.00 gift presented by an anonymous donor.

Salvation Army Kettles Get Boost

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances is getting a boost to its Christmas Kettle Campaign today.

Walmart Canada says it will match any donation given by residents to the Kettles made today.

The agency had set a goal of $18-thousand, but only had a third raised going into the campaign's final week.

November Border Stats

More than 48-thousand travellers passed through the border at Fort Frances last month.

Statistics from the Canada Border Services Agency show twelve people being denied entry into the country because of a variety of admissibility issues.

Custom officers also made ten seizures of items because people tried to under value their worth or not declare them at all.

Health Officials Warn of Increased Teen Drinking at Christmas

A warning to parents about the pitfalls of teen drinking.

Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy Co-ordinator Patty Hajdu says the Christmas season often leads to high school parties.

Hajdu says for many teens it's about getting drunk as quickly as possible.

Hajdu is asking parents to pay close attention to their kids and know what's going on in their social circle.

Resolute Put on Notice

Unionized workers at Resolute Forest Products mills in Canada and the United States are putting the company on notice.

About one hundred union delegates, representing the companies operations, including those in Fort Frances, meet on the weekend in Montreal.

Communication Energy and Paperworkers President Dave Coles says they've came away with a solidary pledge to ensure the company isn't pitting mills, unions and communities against one another in future downsizing or rationalization discussions.

Coles says they're also demanding the unions be included in any future downsizing or rationalization.

Drivers Charged with Impaired

OPP say some people aren't getting the message.

Thirty-one people have been charged with impaired driving in northwestern Ontario since Police ramped up its Festive RIDE campaign at the end of November.

Traffic Staff Sergaent Ken Mantey says it's still too many.

Police say alcohol was also a factor in seven motor vehicle accidents investigated over the last month.

High Drunk Driving Rates in NW Ontario - Report

A published report suggests northwestern Ontario has the worst drunk driving rates in Ontario.

Global News bases its findings on the number of convictions of impaired driving between June 2010 and June 2011.

The west part of the Rainy River district came in 3.5 convictions for every one thousand drivers.

While the area to the east came in with a rating of 3.3.

The Fort Frances area had a rating of 2.6.

The provincial average was 1.7

Question of the Day - December 21

Are we doing enough to prevent drunk driving in Ontario?

That's our question on B-93.ca.

70 per cent of respondents to a question yesterday did not feel a report comparing the spending of Atikokan to that of Attawapiskat was fair?

Chair Responds to Theft Case

The chair of the Rainy River District School Board says it's time to move on.

Michael Lewis is happy there's been a conclusion to the case involving the theft of funds from Fort Frances High School three years ago.

He feels confident with new measures in place school funds are safe.

Lewis says all of the money, raised for students through fundraising, has since been recovered through insurance.

First Responders Recognized

A group of Fort Frances High School students has been recognized for efforts to keep their school safe.

Members of the First Responders Program have received an Ambassador for Safety Award from Safe Communities Canada and Safe Communities Rainy River.

Grade 12 student Ja Rong Wu says its great recognition

The members are trained in such areas as CPR and First Aid.

Hampers Distributed

205 needy families have received support from the Salvation Army in Fort Frances.

The agency handed out its hampers yesterday.

It's Christmas Kettle campaign will continue until Christmas Eve.

Natural Gas Rates Come Down

An early Christmas gift for Union Gas customers in Northwestern Ontario.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a reduction to the price of natural gas used by the gas company's customers.

Residential customers will pay on average about $28.00 less beginning January 1st.

Lower natural gas prices in North America are credited for the price drop.

Park Rezoning Likely Headed to OMB

Some Fort Frances residents says they'll consider an appeal through the Ontario Municipal Board to overturn a town decision to create housing lots on a neighbourhood park.

Fort France town council approved the rezoning of Nelson Street Park at their meeting Monday night.

Eric Rude says he's prepared for a further fight.

The residents also allege a conflict of interest within a town committee that played a role in identifying the park for housing development.

School Board Responds to Court Ruling

The Rainy River District School Board is publicly acknowledging the theft of funds from Fort Frances High School to be a systemic failure from the top down.

The board issued the statement yesterday after former school secretary Fawn Lindberg plead guilty last week to a charge of theft and given an 18-month conditional sentence.

Over $300-thousand was taken through the use of several pre-authorized blank cheques over a three year period.

The board says all of the money has since been recovered through insurance.

It states an auditor is now developing new guidelines regarding school funds.

FFCBC Considers Television Coverage

The chair of Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship says he will entertain discussions with Shaw Cable about having next year's tournament broadcast on television.

Shaw aired tournaments in Kenora and Dryden last year, but provided no live coverage to the Fort Frances event.

Gord Watson says part of the reason was because Shaw said it was unable financially to be an event sponsor and that its mobile unit may not be available.

Watson says the committee is interested in having the tournament covered but not at their expense.

Nearly $3,000 was paid to Shaw to have it on site for the 2010 tournament.

Mayor Questions Comparisons

The mayor of Atikokan says he's not sure why his community is being used as a comparison with the financial spending of troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

A published report notes Atikokan's operating budget to be a third of the remote northern community.

Dennis Brown says location may play a factor.

Brown says it's also difficult to compare budgets since Atikokan doesn't have all of the same financial responsibilities as Attawapiskat.

Victim in Incident at CN Rail yard Identified

Ontario Provincial Police says a Fort Frances man was killed after being struck by a train yesterday.

Ontario Provincial Police says 28-year-old Justin Degagne was walking along the tracks in the CN's rail yard, west of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, when he was hit by a westbound freight train leaving the yard.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. yesterday morning.

Police Release Accident Photo

Thunder Bay Police are releasing a disturbing photo of a vehicle that was involved in a drunk driving accident over the weekend.

Police Spokesperson Chris Adams hopes it will send a message to party goers.

The 21 year old woman lost control of her car causing it to flip several times and trap her inside.

Fatal Investigated

OPP and CN Rail police continue to investigate an apparent fatal incident on the CN line in Fort Frances.

Few details have been released, but investigators were on the scene yesterday near the area of Fourth Street West and York Avenue.

CFOB News has since learned the victim was a man.

More information is expected later this morning.

More Downtown at Fort Frances Mill

More downtime for Resolute Forest Products workers in Fort Frances.

The company says it will shutdown the kraft mill at Christmas, restarting at the end of January, depending on markets conditions.

About 300 workers will be impacted.

The company curtailed its paper making operations at the end of November with a projected restart in early January.

Industry Association Upset with Environment Commissioner

The Ontario Forestry Industry Association is adding its voice to concerns with the province's Environment Commissioner and his assertion that caribou protection measures won't harm forestry in northern Ontario.

Spokesperson Scott Jackson says the Commissioner is well off base.

The group says the regulations will reduce harvest volumes by more than twenty percent in some parts of the region.