Forest Tenure Act Introduced

The Provincial Government is taking the necessary steps towards changing the way area forests are managed.

The Liberals introduced their Ontario Forest Tenure Modernization Act in the legislature last week.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he welcomes the opposition's comments.

"Always constructed debate surrounds something as historic as this," says Gravelle. "This is a recommendation to move to a modernized and somewhat different forest tenure model. I have no doubt that my critics have some suggestions how this can be improved. I look forward to that."

Gravelle says the legislation will come up for second reading soon.

Area Politicians at OGRA/ROMA

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association continues to fight for an improved transmission line.

NOMA is speaking with the Energy Minister at this week's Ontario Good Roads and Rural Ontario Municipal Conference in Toronto.

President Ron Nelson says there will be some topics that require multiple ministries.

"The Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Natural Resources, we have the topics of the northern growth plan, energy and the caribou habitat," says Nelson.

NOMA will also be speaking with the Social Services Minister about housing.

Atikokan Visitors Arrive

Sixteen students and two teachers from Ahousat First Nation, British Columbia, are now in Atikokan.

Their arrival Sunday is part of an student exchange with Atikokan High School.

Atikokan Teacher Peter Burton says plenty of activities have been lined up for their visitors.

"For them they're pretty excited to have the opportunity to get into some winter activities," says Burton. "We're going to have some cross country skiing, snow shoeing, downhill skiing and curling. One premier day is going to be on Tuesday. We're going to head north of town and we're going to have a full day of dog sledding and ice fishing."

A community event at the Atikokan Legion is also planned for Wednesday.

Old Bag Lunch Back

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is back its Old Bags Lunch fundraiser.

The event, though, is being renamed "Mama needs a new (or gently) used Bag Lunch.

Director Nicke Baird says donations are now being accepted.

"We're looking for more bag donations for the different categories this year," says Baird, "which are evening purses, everyday purses, designer backs, kids bags, beach bags and also local designer bags from local artists."

Donations can be dropped off in the garage at 911 Frenette, 525 Scott or the Foundation Office in Fort Frances or by calling 274-4803.

Atikokan Singer Nominated

An Atikokan singer has been nominated for an Independent Music Award.

Sunday Wilde is up for Blues song of the year for her song "That Man Drives Me Mad."

The winners will be announced later this month.

She's also eligible for the Fan Favourite award.

The public can cast ballots until July 11 by linking to the Independent Music Awards website.

OPP to Meet with Town Council

Ontario Provincial Police plan to make a presentation to Fort Frances town councillors to help them understand policing costs and the level of service provided.

Speaking at this morning Police Service Board meeting, Acting Inspector Steve Shouldice has offered to bring in the person in charge of contracting policing to help answer the town's questions.

It came as the board reviewed a town resolution asking for clarification on the OPP's manpower requirements.

Shouldice says the 20 officers assigned to Fort Frances is based on calls for service.

Loverboy Concert Update

Ticket sales for this summer's Loverboy concert in International Falls are reportedly going well.

City councillor Tim McBride is anticipating a sell out.

"We printed 3,000 tickets," says McBride. "Our goal is to sell 2,300 because we know we can put them in the bowl and on the outside a little bit. Comfortably and visibly we feel we can put in 3,000 in the peripheral of the Amphitheatre."

The Canadian rock band will be performing July 2 to help open the new Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

Abuse Study Launched

A study is underway to look at the needs of victims of abuse in the Rainy River district.

Donna Kroocmo of the Rainy River District Shelter of Hope says they hope to better understand the extent of abuse and the issues behind it.

"we know there's problems of drug abuse, domestic violence and dating violence," says Kroocmo. "Those are the things we traditionally deal with women's abuse issues. But we've expanded now because we know each generational cycle of abuse could also result in drug addiction, alcohol addition and violence in the home and we want to address of of it."

The findings are to be released at the end of March.

Osisko Announces Results

Osisko Mining says the initial results of a drilling program at its Hammond Reef gold project, north of Atikokan, are encouraging.

The company has released the findings from 41 of 324 holes drilled last fall.

All but four intersected significant mineralization.

Further drilling is planned this year with eighteen drills on site.

Student Survey

A survey of Ontario high school students shows the majority think sex-ed classes should include all sexualities, but cellphones have no place in the classroom.

More than 26-hundred students from 69 of the province's 72 school boards took part in the survey organized by the Ontario Student Trustees' Association.

Zane Schwartz, a student trustee who led the project, says students are the best measure of how education policies play out in the classroom.

Pay Freeze Lifted

The city of International Falls is lifting a pay freeze imposed on some of its city workers.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says its removal comes with a wage increase this year.

"City council recognizes that at some point it's important to bring compensation up to appropriate levels," says Otterness. "After two years, beginning with this year, those employee groups will be getting a 2 per cent pay increase."

The increase impacts firefighters, police officers and non-unionized staff.

Smoking Crackdown

The town of Fort Frances is planning to crack-down on smokers who fail to comply with the town's smoking by-law at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Smokers must be at least 9 metres from entrances before they can light up.

CAO Mark McCaig says too many aren't complying.

"If you're inclined to smoke within that distance that's contravening the bylaw, bylaw enforcement officers will be enforcing the bylaw in the next little while," says McCaig, "and it does carry with it a substantial fine."

McCaig says the problem with smokers is more pronounced during weekend tournaments.

New Booze Laws Panned

Opposition leaders say they're not convinced the government is serious about modernizing liquor laws.

The government says it will study a number of changes, such as allowing people to wander freely with drinks at festivals and events.

The opposition says the move is a ploy to distract voters in the lead-up to the October election.

Forest Tenure Legislation Introduced

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would establish new governance models for managing and harvesting Ontario's forests.

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle is hoping that overhauling the province's forest tenure system will create more competition and new jobs in the sector.

If passed, the bill would establish local forest management agencies to manage Crown forests and oversee timber sales.

Soldi Ventures Starts Drilling

BC Based Soldi Ventures has started its drilling program in the Rainy River district.

The company's exploring areas around Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls and in the west end of the district.

Both areas are believed to be rich in gold mineralization.

Moose Permits to be Cut

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say it will likely cut the number of moose hunting permits in half for this fall's moose season.

That follows the latest moose population survey, which shows moose numbers continuing to decline in northeastern Minnesota.

The DNR is expected to issue just over one hundred permits for the bulls-only moose season.

Former CFOB Employee Honoured

A former CFOB employee is being honored by the Radio Television News Directors Association.

Jim Smalley is receiving a lifetime achievement award from the organization.

Smalley started his career in Dryden before moving to Fort Frances in 1973 where he was an on-air host and read news.

He worked in Regina for the past 40 years.

Hydro Rates to Increase

Hard-pressed electricity ratepayers in Ontario should brace for more price increases.

The Ontario Energy Board says utilities can raise rates to cover $18-million in fines and court costs they had to pay after the courts ruled they were charging too high an interest rate on late payments.

The energy board is also expected to rule shortly on a request from Ontario Power Generation for a 6.2 per cent increase in electricity rates effective March 1.

Canada Day Group Needs People

The committee tasked with organizing Canada Day festivities in Fort Frances is again facing a manpower shortage

The group has a few individuals taking on specific roles, such as entertainment and fireworks, but several members from last year have stepped down and the committee is currently without a chair.

A meeting is planned for next Tuesday at the 52 Canadians Meeting room in hopes of attracting more help.

Residents Fight for Sidewalk

A group of Fort Frances residents wants the town to reconsider plans to remove a section of sidewalk on their street.

Marlene Deschamps says the north sidewalk on Third Street East between Portage and Mowat Avenues is vital to pedestrian traffic in the area.

"Foot traffic on this street is not light, it's heavy," says Deschamps. "It's convenient for exiting the underpass because you only have a sidewalk on the west side and the natural when you leave you walk on the north side of the sidewalk. You don't cross the street."

Deschamps says the sidewalk was also part of a local improvement project paid for by area residents.

Former Library Being Sold Off

The former Fort Frances Library building will be put up for sale by the town.

Town councillors approved last night an administration report that the town seek expressions of interest for the vacant building.

The town purchased the building from the Fort Frances Library Board for a dollar last fall.

Union Gas Replacement Work to Resume

(Union Gas photo)

Union Gas will resume its work in May to replace its aging infrastructure in Fort Frances.

Construction Manager Luke Skaarup says part of the work this year includes the abandonment of old underground natural gas pipe.

"Basically cut the main into sections," says Skaarup. "The sections will be every block or no more than 150 metres. Purge all of the gas out of it, cap it with wooden plugs, back fill and compact it."
Union Gas has already installed several kilometres of pipe and hundreds of new gas metres.

Head Librarian Honoured by Town

Another honour for Ontario's Public Librarian of the Year.

Fort Frances' Head Librarian Margaret Sedgwick was recognized by town council last night.

Mayor Roy Avis presented a plaque on behalf of the town last night.

"You're dedication to the town of Fort Frances is sincerely appreciated," said Avis. "On behalf of the town, thank you very much. You've done a wonderful job and we're seeing excellent results."

Sedgwick received the W.J. Robertson Medallion from the Ontario Public Library Boards' Association earlier this month.

Queen's Park Resumes

Ontario politicians head back to work today as the clock counts down to the fall election.

The opposition parties are expected to sharpen their attacks on the governing Liberals, who will seek a third term on October 6.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says his Conservatives want to make sure families get relief from rising household costs.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says her party wants to talk about jobs, eroding health care services and how voters are struggling to pay the bills.

But Premier Dalton McGuinty says he's not interested in getting down and dirty, because voters want him to attack things like wait times and an aging electricity system.

Buyers Identified

The buyers of AbitibiBowater's hydroelectric assets in Ontario have been disclosed.

In a regulatory filing, the company identifies Infra H2O GP Partners, Infra H2O LP Partners and BluEarth Renewables forming a consortium that is purchasing 75 per cent interest in A-C-H Limited which holds AbitibiBowater's assets in Ontario.

They include the hydro dam in Fort Frances.

AbitibiBowater Posts Results

AbitibiBowater has posted its strongest operating performance in four years.

The company reports $19-million U.S. in operating income in the fourth quarter of 2010 when it emerged from creditor protection.

A strong contribution from market pulp helped.

Agent Orange Probe Expanded

Government officials say Ontario has widened its probe of Agent Orange spraying to include all areas of the province.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reportedly planning to release details of its toxic chemical spraying operations this week.

A report last week revealed Agent Orange was used to strip Crown land in Northern Ontario during the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

Coordinator Hired

A regional tourism initiative, spearheaded by the town of Atikokan, is about its next step.

A full-time coordinator has been hired help work on the Path of the Voyageur initiative.

Councillor Marlene Davidson says part of the work will be to develop a strategic plan.

"we're going to be looking at determining at least a couple of themes that are predominate in the area," says Davidson. "Not just the Voyageur theme, like the history, but also other themes like hunting and fishing, and all kinds of tournaments."

Davidson says the coordinator will also promote the themed tourism route to area communities.

More Interest in Workshops Wanted

Eleven area organizations received certificates for completing a workshop to help them deal with domestic violence in the workplace legislation.

The Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope put on the workshops last fall.

Executive Director Donna Kroocmo hopes to attract more interest this year.

"Where hoping for more organizations in attendance," says Kroocmo, "and for the organizations today that received the Level 1 or Level 2 certificate that next year they can bump that up to a Level 2 or Level 3."

Kroocmo says the workshops help businesses and organizations recognize the signs of abuse and how to take action.

Premier Responds to Agent Orange Report

Premier Dalton McGuinty is trying to reassure retired government forestry workers.

It comes after a report that says they may have been exposed to the cancer causing chemical Agent Orange during their work years.

McGuinty says the government is interested in getting information.

"If anybody feels their health has been compromised as a result of working with that particular compound, it's something we no longer use obviously," says McGuinty, "they should contact the MNR so we can begin to build up a data bank and assess what we're looking at here."

Speaking in Thunder Bay, the Premier says he was only recently made aware of the issue.

Premier Attract Protesters

Premier Dalton McGuinty's appearance to Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's nomination meeting last night drew some protesters.

Sandra Snider of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says their pickets were a stand against the Province's tax cuts.

"Their tax cuts mean service cuts," says Snider. "You cut revenue you have to cut services somewhere. All we know is that when you take $23-million dollars out of the provincial budget, you have to get revenue from somewhere."

Mauro defends the cuts.

"It's important to remind people that our corporate tax cuts are important now as we come out of the recession to attract business and job growth back to the province," says Mauro. "It's also important to remind people that there is no reduction in services."

Mauro was unopposed in his bid to carry the Liberal banner in the upcoming provincial election.

Cold Weather Back

After a brief mild spell, winter is back in the Rainy River district with a drastic drop in temperature.

This has left some area highways extremely slippery and forced at least two bus cancellations in the Atikokan area.

Lynn Miles AKQ run and the RCS bus driven by Kurt Miller has been cancelled.

Seine River's Handicap bus is also not running.

Bad weather also forced the temporary closure of the Trans Canada Highway near Kenora early this morning.

The road has since reopened.

Forestry Aid Program Questioned

NDP's Natural Resources critic wants the McGuinty Liberals to come clean on which forestry companies are benefiting from a $500-million grant and loan guarantee program.

The program was established in 2006 to help the struggling forestry sector.

But Howard Hampton says government documents show more than half of the fund remains unused.

Horwath Visits Fort Frances

A visit to Fort Frances today by the provincial NDP leader.

Andrea Horwath is meeting with community leaders this morning.

She's also planning to visit a local store to highlight the impact of the HST on small businesses.

Pension Bill Vote in Spring

An altered version of John Rafferty's pension bill is facing its final hurdle.

The Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP will see his bill head back to the House of Commons for a final vote sometime this Spring.

A different version of the private member's bill was already voted down once before.

Local Organizations Honoured

Several agencies across the Rainy River district will be recognized today for their involvement in a provincial-wide campaign to combat domestic violence in the workplace.

Donna Kroocmo of the Rainy River District Shelter of Home says the groups participated in workshops to help with deal with new provincial legislation.

"The onus is now on an employer to take steps to keep that worker save," says Kroocmo. "Even if the partner is making harassing phones calls to work, they've got to take some action to stop it. The Neighbours, Friends and Family campaign teaches employers that will help them do that."

Today's ceremony in Fort Frances is one of just eight taking place across Ontario.

Art Centre Future Discussed

(Atikokan Arts Centre photo)

Officials with the Atikokan Art Centre are sitting down today with an unnamed community organization to discuss a possible takeover of the facility.

Chair Jada Siegfried says they'll be bringing forward a proposal that would see the building and land donated to the group.

Siegfried says it's not certain if a final decision will be made today.

The Centre's is facing the threat of running out of money at the end of this month.

District Population on Decline

A new report shows the population in the Rainy River district still in decline.
Statistics Canada says the district's population last year at just over 21-thousand - a 12 per cent drop from 2009 and the loss of nearly one- thousand people from five years ago.

Most of the decline is being attributed to people moving to other centres in Ontario.

The report also shows the average age in northwestern Ontario at about 41 years with almost 15 per cent of the population over the age of 65.

Local Food Act Required

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton wants to see more Ontario food used by government departments and agencies.

Hampton says the province is encouraging voluntary purchasing, but feels a procurement policy would better suit farmers.

"Why don't we start paying attention to what local producers can produce right now," says Hampton. "and put in place the purchasing strategies and the marketing strategies to make this happen in a way that benefits consumers and benefits our farmers."

Hampton says the province should follow the examples set by Nova Scotia and Illinois that require their agencies to purchase at least 20 per cent of foods from local sellers.

Native Housing Funding

Just over $14 million is being handed out to Ontario's First Nations for social housing projects.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford made the announcement at a Northern Ontario Housing Conference in Thunder Bay.

Rickford says the money will help improve the housing situation on many First Nations.

"This is going to go a long way to create not just social housing," says Rickford, "but opportunities for the Bands to stabilize housing challenges in their communities."

Couchiching First Nations is among area First Nations to benefit, receiving $402-thousand.

Readerboard Repairs Sought

Municipalities and First Nations promoted on an electric readerboard at the Fort France border are being asked to help pay for some recent repairs.

The Rainy River Futures Development Corporation say it had to replace a faulty circuit board that caused the board malfunction for a short period of time.

It's now asking Kenora, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Dryden and Fort Frances, along with two First Nations organizations, to share in the 42-hundred dollars cost.

U.S. Visitor Fee Suggested

President Barack Obama is floating the idea of charging a fee for every Canadian entering the U.S. by air or sea.

The proposal is outlined in the 2012 federal draft budget he submitted to Congress on Monday.

The $5.50 fee would not apply to visitors arriving in private vehicles.

Visitors from Canada, Mexico and a number of Caribbean countries are currently exempt from ``passenger inspection fees.''

Obama's budget blueprint proposes lifting those exemptions and using the revenue from the charges to support air passenger inspections which have recently grown more intensive.

Weather Records Set

Another unusual warm February day resulted in more weather records in the Borderland.

Atikokan was the hot spot in Ontario yesterday with a high of 15.1 C.

That shattered the 1981 record of 9.6 C.

International Falls' high of 48 F tied a 1981 record.

There was no record in Fort Frances, but the thermometer did reach 8.5 C.

The warm weather, however, won't last.

Temperatures well below Zero arrive tomorrow.

No Bids for Fort Frances Landmark

An attempt to sell the former Rainy Lake Hotel in Fort Frances has attracted no buyers.

The attempted tax sale by the town received fleeting interest from thirty-two parties, but none submitted bids by yesterday's 3 p.m.deadline.

Tax Administrator Tara Redford says the fate of the 82-year-old landmark now lies with town council who has the option of attempting another tax sale or taking ownership itself to determine a next step.

The hotel has been closed since 2005.

Firefighters Union Responds to Award

The Fort Frances Professional Fire Fighters Association is responding to an Arbitration Award that gives its members a new four year deal.

The agreement, retroactive to 2009, includes wage increases totalling 16 per cent plus recognition pay based on years of service.

In a brief one-paragraph statement, the Association says the award is "a direct reflection of the industry norm," and similar to that received by other departments of similar size.

CAO Mark McCaig said Monday the cost of the deal is forcing the town to conduct a review of its Fire Department for potential savings.

Uploading Clarification Sought

There continues to be questions about the savings the town of Fort Frances should be realizing from the provincial uploading of the costs for social services programs.

Councillor Ken Perry says the town should be getting back $897-thousand but is being told otherwise.

"I'm being stonewalled and being told that we're only getting $440-thousand," says Perry. "The $440-thousand is extra this year, more than we got last year. The problem is when the Province starting uploading this funding to the DSSAB (Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board) we didn't get a benefit out of it."

Perry is seeking a clarification from the Province.

Bayfield in Top 50

A mining company doing work in the Rainy River district has been named to this year's TSX Venture 50.

Bayfield Ventures is listed third among ten mining companies in the annual ranking of the strongest performing companies listed on the TSX Venture exchange.

Bayfield has a gold project north of Barwick.

Boil Water Advisory Continues

The town of Rainy River remains under a boil water advisory.

The advisory was imposed last week after a major waterline break forced the town to shut off its water treatment plant for several hours.

A town official says the advisory could be lifted by the end of week depending on the outcome of tests conducted.

Stewardship Council Increases Awareness

(David May (r) speaking recently at Rainy River District Municipal Association meeting)

The Ministry of Natural Resources is working to increase the awareness of the Rainy River Stewardship Council.

The group has been around for the past two years.

Coordinator David May says its goal it work with the public in identifying local environmental concerns and finding solutions.

"We're looking to engage folks to find ways to decrease their impact on the nature world," says May. "It's really about private land stewardship - things that people can do on their own property and in their own lives to reduce their impact on our natural world."

The council's projects have included tree planting and building pine marten nest boxes.

Firefighters Get New Deal

Unionized members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service have a new contract, but the town of Fort Frances isn't happy.

CAO Mark McCaig says the four-year deal, being imposed by an arbitrator is going to be costly to the town.

"There's some retroactive pay involved and then the costs over four years and there's some new costs the town has to address as listed in the reward," says McCaig. "Being such as significant cost implication as it is, we're taking a look at fire services as a whole in the town of Fort Frances."

The deal, retroactive to 2009, includes a 16 per cent wage increase over the length of the agreement, recognition pay and a full benefit plan for retiring firefighters.

Policing Numbers Called into Question

Questions are being raised about the number of OPP officers patrolling the streets of Fort Frances.

A new contract is being considered with the O-P-P offering an option of reducing the number of officers to 19.

Councillor Ken Perry says that's still above the national average.

"The average police officer in Canada per capita is 2 per thousand (residents)," says Perry, "and in Ontario it's 2 per thousand. I'm asking we investigate and ask our police force why we have to be at 2.34 if we go to 19. Right now we're at 2.58 officers per thousand."

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says because the contract is based on calls for service, the number of officers required may be warranted.

Water Rate Hike in Fort Frances

Water and sewer rates are going up next month in Fort Frances.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs says the 2 per cent increase on the residential bills only amounts to a few dollars per year.

"Its $15.71 a year on the base of the residential," says Tibbs. "That equates to a 2 per cent increase."

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the increase to all sectors will bring an additional $155-thousand to help replace aging infrastructure.

FedNor Bill Proceeds in Ottawa

The goal of making FedNor a permanent regional economic development agency for northern Ontario is a step closer.

Liberal MP Anthony Rota's private member's bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons.

"By becoming an agency then it has to report to Parliament," Says Rota. "Any changes that are made to that mandate have to made by all of Parliament and not by just one individual like FedNor is now."

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says establishing FedNor as a permanent regional economic development agency does nothing but add an unnecessary level of bureaucracy to the system.

Dayton Budget Comes Today

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton brings down his proposed budget today.

District 3 Senator Tom Saxhaugh expects it to contain cuts and tax increases.

"You have to come up with a total package," says Saxhaugh. "You don't just come up with a cut bill, then a another cut bill and another cut bill. We know right now the majority in the Legislature isn't enthused about coming up with additional revenue but it's got to be part of the package."

Last week, Dayton used his Veto power to kill a budget approved by the Republican-led House.

Dam Sold

AbitibiBowater is selling off 75-per cent of its interest in its hydro assets in Ontario.

This includes the hydro dam in Fort Frances.

The deal with an unnamed Canadian institutional investor and a private Canadian renewable energy company is worth $300-million.

Part of the proceeds will be used to pay down the company's debt.

AbitibiBowater says power produced from the hydro dam in Fort Frances will continue to supply its mill under the terms a long-term power purchase agreement.

Contract Dispute Hearing This Week

Two labour unions head to a hearing this week in Thunder Bay in their dispute with AbitibiBowater over the interpretation of an agreement signed four years ago by mill workers in Fort Frances.

Brian Short of the International Association of Machinists Union says the company is trying to impose a new pension plan which he says, contravenes the deal signed in 2007.

"A new pension plan is excluded from being carried over unless the unions want to open up the issue for bargaining," says Short. "It is the position of the I.A.M and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that we do not want to open the issue of pensions."

Short says all sides agreed to a moratorium on pensions until 2014.

Fort Frances Paper Mill Takes Shutdown

AbitibiBowater is temporarily halting paper production at its Fort Frances mill next week.

A two week shutdown, beginning February 21, is due to market conditions.

Company officials says the Kraft mill will continue to operate during this time.

Paper machines at the mill are expected to be back in production March 7.

Energy Task Force Formed

A group of northwestern Ontario political leaders is now part of a new Energy Task Force.

It consists of the Municipal Association, Chambers of Commerce, the city of Thunder Bay and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

NOMA president Ron Nelson says they'll fight for an energy plan for the northwest.

"We are hear together because energy issues, relevant to northwest region, lead all of us to realize that the municipalities, the business communities and the area First Nations will be best heard if we speak with a common voice."

Nelson says the northwest needs it's own plan for electricity generation, transmission and pricing.

Q-Gold Finds Partner

Q-Gold Resources is selling off some of its interest in a mining project near Mine Centre.

A letter agreement sees Vancouver-based First Star Resources earning 43 per cent interest in Q-Gold's McKenzie Grey properties.

Q-Gold released drilling results recently identifying strong gold, silver and zinc mineralization in the area.

Quit Smoking Help

Butting out may get a little easier in Ontario.

The province reportedly eyes covering the costs of smoking cessation prescription drugs.

An advisory committee has given a positive review to the anti-smoking drug Champix and is now studying Zyban.

Anti-cancer groups feel covering smoking cessation drugs is a positive move.

New Weather Temperatures

Yesterday's warm temperatures resulted in a new weather record for the city of International Falls.

The city hit 46 F, breaking the old record of 44 F set back in 1983.

Fort Frances recorded a high of 7.5 C, tying a 1983 record.

Firefighter Support Sought

More federal support is being sought for volunteer fire departments.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty wants the Harper government to work with the province and municipal governments to ensure they are properly funded.

Rafferty says the fact that fire departments respond to a high number of incidents on major highways corridors such as 17 and 11 show the need for federal support.

Military Help to Watch Border

Some American senators want the military to help curb the flow of illicit drugs entering the U-S from Canada.

Among other things they want to use military radar to ground low-flying aircraft carrying drugs.

New York Senator Charles Schumer says figures show drug smuggling from Canada into the U-S has risen dramatically during the past five years.

New Program to Deal with Abuse Among Native Women

A new program has been rolled out across northwestern Ontario that helps deal with the issue of abuse among aboriginal women.

Executive Director of the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances Sheila McMahon says Kanawayhitowin brings more awareness of the signs of abuse.

"That's why it's so important," says McMahon, "because we do know within our communities there are a lot of signs. To get those signs out there and to teach the public of the signs of the abuse and what we can do is important."

Representatives from Centres in Fort Frances, Dryden and Atikokan gathered yesterday to discuss how best to promote the program in their communities.

Health Panel Visits Northwestern Ontario

The one and only stop in northwestern Ontario for the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel took place in Dryden yesterday.

Liz Sandals, the Health Minister's Parliamentary Assistant, says non-urgent medical transportation was one of the key issues discussed.

"The problem of you need health care. It's not an emergency so you can't get an ambulance. How do you get to where the doctor is?," says Sandals. "How do you get to where the dietitian is?"

The panel will make its recommendations to the Legislature later this year.