More Help to Alberta

The Ministry of Natural Resources is send more personnel to the forest fire fight in Alberta.

Another one-hundred and two fire staff are expected to leave Ontario tomorrow, replacing some of those who have been in the western province for the past two weeks.

Eight-five of the 190 Ontario personnel now in Alberta are expected to return later this week.

Search Continues

A search for a missing American angler continues near Morson.

Provincial Police were back in Lake of the Woods yesterday looking for 69-year-old Richard Herman.

The Illinois man was with another fishing on the lake last Monday.

Their capsized boat and the body of a 73-year-old man were found by police the next day.

NAN Upset with Awards

The head of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a decision to reward some OPP officers last week sends a wrong message to First Nations.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy says the commendations are glorified and unnecessary

One award was given to an officer involved the shooting of a First Nations woman brandishing a knife in Kenora.

More Officiers Wanted

The help wanted sign is up at Ontario Provincial Police.

Commissioner Chris Lewis says staffing levels are a concern for him and the OPP are looking to fill expected vacancies.

"We're losing about 400 people to retirement this year," says Lewis, "so we're recruiting actively. We've hired a number of experienced officers from other police departments. We're also recruiting new recruits. We have a number of good applicants."

Lewis says part of the emphasis is encouraging more people from northern Ontario to consider the OPP as a career.

MSA Golf Tournament Coming

Golfers are being sought for the Muskies Sports Association's upcoming golf tournament.

Shane Bliss, one of the event's organizers says it will happen June 4 at Kitchen Creek Golf Course.

People can call myself 274-0502 or Kitchen Creek 274-4653 to sign up for the golf tournament," says Bliss

Part of the $100-dollar entry fee is used to fund Fort Frances High School sports teams except hockey and football.

Motorists Charged

Two motorists face charges following separate incidents over the weekend in the Rainy River district.

One was charged Friday for failing to stop for a school bus in Atikokan.

Police says the charge stemmed from a complaint that a vehicle had driving through the flashing red lights while students were boarding.

And Sunday, OPP charged a driver with being impaired after he was found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle that was stopped on the road near the overpass in Fort Frances.

Blue's Artist Hit's Number 1

More recognition for Atikokan blue's artist Sunday Wilde.

Her self-titled album has hit the number spot on the Global Blues Charts on AirplayDirect.

The chart is based on downloads by radio stations around the world.

Wilde performs in her hometown Wednesday.

Sunday Wilde Goes Number 1

More recognition for Atikokan blue's artist Sunday Wilde.

Her self-titled album hit the number spot on the Global Blues Charts on AirplayDirect.

The chart is based on downloads by radio stations around the world.

Wilde performs in her hometown Wednesday.

Relay For Life Atikokan

A highly successful Relay for Life event in Atikokan on the weekend.

Thirteen teams raised more than $32-thousand for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Motorists Charged

Two motorists face charges following separate incidents over the weekend in the Rainy River district.

One was charged Friday for failing to stop for a school bus in Atikokan.

Police says the charge stemmed from a complaint that a vehicle had driving through the flashing red lights while students were boarding.

Sunday, OPP charged a driver with being impaired after he was found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle that was stopped on the road near the overpass in Fort Frances.

Search Resumes

Provincial Police says they've still found no sign of a missing Illinois man on Lake of the Woods.

OPP have resumed their search today for 69-year-old Richard Herman.

He was fishing with another man on the lake, southwest of Morson.

O-P-P found their capsized boat last Tuesday and later, the body of 73-year-old James Wealther, also of Illinois, on the shore of Village Island.

Dam Sale Finalized

AbitibiBowater has completed the sale of its hydro-electric assets in Ontario which include the dam at Fort Frances.

The company is receiving 300-hundred million dollars for the sale to a consortium of a Canadian investor and a private Canadian renewable energy company.

Chief executive officer Richard Garneau says it allows the company to reduce its debt and help improve its finances.

Local officials have said the sale of the Fort Frances dam will not impact on a long-standing power agreement.

Border Meeting Planned

A meeting is being planned to discuss the issue of border access at the Fort Frances and International Falls points of entry.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he's hoping to meet with U.S. Senator Al Franken in early July.

"A lot of the border crossings right across Canada are being tightened," says Rafferty, "and those are issues that I'm concerned about. I know that Senator Franken has heard from people in his State about those particular issues."

Rafferty is also trying to access information on the number of Americans turned back at the border compared with other locations.

Task Force Releases Draft Report

A task force set up to look at a management strategy for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins has issued its final draft report.

Kelli Saunders, the Canadian secretary for the International Joint Commission formed task force, says one of the main recommendations is increased representation from First Nations.

"One thing that was really clear to us was they want to be involved in a technical level," says Saunders, "but most importantly they want to be involved at the decision-making table."

Other recommendations, include streamlining the number of agencies now working in the basin and reviewing water level guidelines.

Waterfront Still A Focus

Development of the waterfront continues to be a major focus for the city of International Falls.

Mayor Shawn Mason is hoping the next major project will be construction of a new hotel and conference centre.

"We're still working hard behind the scenes with a prospective developer that will put a hospitality complex on the waterfront right next to the (Voyageur's National Park headquarters)," says Mason. "We're optimistic there will be some form of announcement hopefully this summer"

Mason says the city is also working on plans for another piece of waterfront property just to the west of the city.

Electronic Depots to be Set Up

Residents in the Rainy River district will get another chance this year to get rid of that old electronic equipment.

Ontario Electronic Stewardship will have collection depot set up in Rainy River and Fort Frances to collect old, used and unwanted televisions, computers and dozens of other items free of charge.

The events will coincide with the Bass Championships in Fort Frances and Railroad Dazes in Rainy River.

Hospital Funding

Area Hospitals are receiving cash from the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

Riverside Health Care Facilities is getting more than $640-thousand while Atikokan General Hospital is accepting more than $214-thousand.

The money is for hospital upgrades.

Students Write Tests This Week

The provincial testing of students with the Rainy River District School Board begin this week.

Between now and June 10, students in grades 3 and six will write the tests in reading, writing and math.

Grade 9 students will write the standardized math tests beginning Thursday.

The results will be released in September.

Boating Accident Names Released

OPP have released the names of two men who were on a boat found capsized on Lake of the Woods earlier this week.

The body of 73-year-old James Wealther of Addison Illinois was found on the shore of Village Island, southwest of Morson, Tuesday

Police are still searching for 69-year-old Richard Herman of Peoria, Illinois.

The two were reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip Monday.

OPP Considers Axing DARE Program

Ontario Provincial Police are considering eliminating the highly popular DARE Program in schools as a way of meeting the requirements of a new policing contract with the town of Fort Frances.

The program, introduced to area schools over a decade ago, provides young people with advice on avoiding in drugs, gangs, and violence.

Inspector John Kendrick says the program could be replaced with a less resource dependant program.

Border Concerns From I. Falls Mayor

A new tourism season has brought new concerns about the border at Fort Frances.

This time from the city of International Falls.

Mayor Shawn Mason says persons who are turned back at the Canadian border is not just bad news for northwestern Ontario.

"we love to be a very busy vacation destination in International Falls, Minnesota," says Mason, "but we like repeat visitors. When that type of situation occurs that people are going to Canada and get turned back, it just creates this perception that this you need to stay away from this area."

Mason says mirroring regulations on both sides of the border might be a way of allowing more people to cross.

Rafferty Not Part of Shadow Cabinet

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty isn't upset about being overlooked in the new 39 member NDP shadow cabinet.

Rafferty says it will give him more freedom to focus on his riding.

"Actually I'm not disappointed at all," says Rafferty. "Shortly after the election, I indicated that I want to have the opportunity to work on local and regional issues."

Rafferty says one of those issues is improving border access.

Housing Development Explored

The town of Fort Frances wants to investigate the need for more housing.

The town has eight areas were new homes could be construction, four of which are held by private development.

Officials first want to talk with Rainy River Resources to see determine what impact its gold project will have on housing.

Council also wants housing a part of its strategic planning session next month.

If there's favourable response, the town will then talk with the developers on their plans for the sites.

Phone Fixed

Riverside Health Care Facilities telephone message system is working again.

For the past week, callers to Riverside operated facilities in Emo, Rainy River and Fort Frances were unable to leave a voice message.

Officials says the system has now been restored and is functioning normally.

NDP Suggests Higher Corporate Taxes

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says corporations could expect higher taxes under a New Democrat government.

Horwath says the NDP would reverse a Liberal plan to cut corporate taxes by four per cent.

Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne says the cuts are important to bring companies to Ontario.

Atikokan Writer Recognized

An Atikokan writer has won two awards from the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop.

John Pringle earned both the first and third place prizes in the scriptwriting category.

Pringle won for his script entitled "The Goodness Inside of You."

U.S. Tug of War Celebs Revealed

The list of celebrities pulling for International Falls in this year's Pulling for Peace Tug of War with Fort Frances has been released.

It includes six former Minnesota Vikings football players, led by Matt Blair who will captain the team, and former Saturday Night Live cast member and now U.S Senator Al Franken.

The Fort France team is still looking to complete its list and hopes to finalize it soon.

Here is the complete list for Team USA

Captain "Mighty" Matt Blair, Vikings Alumni

1) Shawn "The Muscle" Mason, Mayor
2) "Pumped Up" Paul Eklund, City Council
3) Gail "Running Wild" Rognerud, City Council
4) Cynthia "Jumping Jaksa Flash", City Council
5) Jerry "Smokin" Jensen, Fire Chief
6) Mike "The Man" Musich, Chief of Police
7) "Flamin' Frank Youso, Vikings Alumni
8) Brian "The Brawn" Youso, Frank’s son
9) Jake Youso, Brian’s son
10) Matt Youso, Brian’s son
11) "Benchwarmer" Bob Lurtsema, Vikings Alumni
12) Greg "Coffin Corner" Coleman, Vikings Alumni
13) "Stunning" Stu Voigt, Vikings Alumni
14) "Thundering" John Swain, Vikings Alumni
15) "Dangerous" Dione Wessels, American Strongman President
16) Mary Casanova, author
17) Senator Amy "Armstrong" Kobuchar
18) Senator Al "Funnyman" Franken
19) State Representative Tom "The Annihilator" Anzelc
20) State Senator "Toughman" Tom Saxhaug

Search Resumes

An OPP dive team is expected on Lake of the Woods today in search of a missing boater.

The man was with another fishing on the lake near Morson and reported overdue Monday.

OPP found their capsized boat Tuesday.

The body of the other man was located on the shore.

Their names nor their hometowns have been released.

Fire Cause Determined

(Supplied photo)

Fire Investigators says an electrical fire was to blame for Monday's blaze that destroyed a downtown business in International Falls.

Falls Fire Chief Jerry Jenson says the fire started underneath a stairwell on the first floor of the building housing the store No Place Like Home before spreading to the upper floors.

Jenson says the concern now is the integrity of the burned out building.

He says a decision will be made shortly on possible demolition.

Sewage Upgrades

Atikokan is getting help to improve its sewage treatment system.

The province is providing the town with $700-thousand towards the upgrade of its plant and sewage pumping stations.

Total cost of the project is slightly more than a million dollars.

Solar Panel Contract Accepted

A Thunder bay firm has been selected to install solar panels on four municipal buildings in Fort Frances.

Solar Logix's bid of $363-thousand was $50-thousand higher than the lowest received, but selected partly because of its understanding of the project and the ability to have it completed by September.

The company was involved in a pre-study that identified panels for the Memorial Sports Centre and the town's Water Treatment Plant, Public Works Garage and daycare centre.

More Help to Ontario

(MNR Supplied photo)

Ontario is sending more help to battle forest fires in Alberta.

Eight-two Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters and support staff are to leave today, joining the 89 who have been in the western province for over a week.

Half of the personnel will come from northwestern Ontario where only two fires are active.

Sobriety Walk

A Sobriety Walk was held in Fort Frances yesterday to draw attention to the issue of alcohol and drug abuse.

Albert Calder, an addictions program worker in Couchiching First Nations, says that abuse leads to other concerns.

"With that comes violence, break-ins and elder abuse," says Calder. "People have to be aware of what these drugs are doing to our people."

About thirty people took part in the walk.

Mine Centre Open House

Students and staff, past and present, will get a chance to say good-bye to Mine Centre school this afternoon.

Principal Leslie Barr-Kellar says the school is hosting an event as it prepares to move to new facilities.

"We're getting ready actually for our opening of the new building in the fall," says Barr-Kellar, "and it's just an opportunity for any community member who's had any affiliation with the school over the past forty years to come and mix and mingle and say farewell to the old building as it will be coming down during the summer."

The event goes from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Customer Service Awards

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation has recognized ten businesses for outstanding customer service.

Board Chair George Emes says this year's winners were based on customer votes.

"I think it probably makes it more meaningful if we have the actual public coming forward and having the opportunity to vote," says Emes. "We did have some hitches with some people who didn't have access to Internet and we did have a few complaints. It's something we'll rectify in the future so that everybody gets the opportunity to vote."

Emes says the awards help draw awareness to how well area businesses are doing.

Canada Day Get Cash

The town of Fort Frances is providing the group responsible for Canada Day festivities with some cash.

Fort France councillors agreed last night to provide the July 1st organizing committee with an annual grant of five-thousand dollars towards the fireworks display.

An additional five-thousand will be provided for operating expenses.

The committee had indicated it would be willing pay the town back once it was able to source out additional dollars through grants or sponsorships.

New Fire Equipment

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will be getting some new equipment to help deal with incidents involving hazardous materials.

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says the equipment will ensure they can safely deal with such incidents both here in town and across the border with the International Falls department.

"They currently operate an operations level hazardous material program," says Sheppard. "That was put into our establishing regulating by-law in May and these are sort of gaps that needed to be filled as far as equipment and maintenance of equipment."

A federal grant will help cover half of the over $99-thousand cost.

Bulk Fuel Depot Planned

A bulk fuel depot is being proposed for the west end of Fort Frances.

It's to go next to the Farmer's Market on McIrvine Road.

Dave Kaemingh helped Thunder Bay Truck Centre with the proposal.

"I think there was some concerns about tank size," says Kaemingh. "It's not going to be like the Emo bulk plant with 30 foot tall tanks. They'll be tanks similar to what are at the Sorting Gap (Marina) and airport except maybe a little bit bigger."

A public meeting last night drew no opposition.

No Cut in Fees

The Borderland Roller Derby League won't be getting a break on the fees it pays to use the Memorial Sports Centre.

The league said it was paying $240 per week or $60 per hour for use of the Fort Frances facility.

A town administration report says they'll actually paying $50 an hour which is the same rate charged to a former summer ball hockey program.

Silver Advisory Established

Ontario is planning to introduce a new system to help track down Alzheimer's patients who wander off.

It will involve issuing a so-called "Silver Advisory'' to notify the public when a person is reported missing.

It's similar to the current Amber Alert system used when a child disappears and will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Accident Victim Identified

A Morley township man has been identified as the victim of a collision involving a vehicle and a train Friday night.

92-year-old Donald Robert Bolen was killed in the accident that occurred at a CN Rail crossing on Highway 617 in Stratton.

Both OPP and CN Rail Police have determined the red lights at the crossing were flashing and operating property at the time.

A post mortem examination is taking place in Kenora.

Freighter Names After Minnesota Congressman

A Great Lakes freighter has been renamed the Honorable James L. Oberstar, the former Minnesota congressman who spent decades as a leading player in U.S. transportation policy.

His wife formally rechristened the ore carrier during a ceremony yesterday in Duluth harbor.

The 76-year-old Oberstar says he's humbled by the honor.

Thefts Investigated

OPP are investigation two thefts that occurred in the Rainy River district over the past couple of months.

One happened May 13 at the Hydro One compound at Holmes Avenue in Fort Frances.

Police says two individuals cut a hole in the fence and stole five Husqvarna chainsaws from a service truck.

The other theft occurred at a cottage at Pipestone Lake back on March 28.

The owners say a water pump, solar panel and battery were taken.

National Attention for Area Musician

An Atikokan blues artist is getting some national attention.

Sunday Wilde was home briefly following a month long tour of the Toronto area.

She tells B-93 News that her music could be part of a television show involving actress Glenn Close.

"It hasn't happened yet," says Wilde, "but the guy who signed me up with the songs and said "I think they're going to like their music, and placed music in that show lots.' If that happens that mean my music will be broadcast all over the world on television."

Wilde was also featured on a syndicated radio program hosted by Dan Akroyd.

She's now back on tour, this time through northwestern Ontario with stops in Rossport, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Atikokan over the next month.

One Killed in Vehicle-Train Accident

The investigation continues into a collision involving a vehicle and a train that killed one person in Stratton.

A CN train hit the vehicle on the tracks at Highway 617 Friday night.

OPP are trying to determine if the crossing lights were working at the time.

The name of the victim has not be released.

Falls Downtown Business Hit by Fire

Investigators are expected back on the scene today of a fire that caused extensive damage to a downtown building in International Falls.

Firefighters were called out early yesterday morning to the building on 3rd Street that houses the store No Place Like Home.

Additional assistance was received from fire departments in Littlefork and Fort Frances.

The fire was brought under control late yesterday afternoon.

It's cause is not immediately known.

Streets around the charred building remain closed.

More MNR Help to Alberta

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending more equipment to Alberta.

One-hundred pumping units, three-thousand lengths of hose and portable water tanks are scheduled to leave Thunder Bay.

Another twenty firefighters were dispatched to the western province on the weekend.

Forest Fire Burns in Wabakimi

A large forest fire is burning in Wabakimi Provincial Park.

The fire is burning near fly-in-lodges and a rail line and forced the temporary evacuation of residents.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the fire had grown to over 14-hundred hectares in size as of yesterday.

Liquor Laws Changing

It looks like changes are finally coming to Ontario's liquor laws.

Attorney General Chris Bentley says it would include allowing adults to wander around at festivals with a drink in hand.

He hasn't set a date for the changes but says they should take effect in time for the summer.

Institute Takes Shape

The Northern Policy Institute is starting to take shape.

The Institute was one of the key promises contained in the Northern Growth Plan released earlier this year.

Vice-president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says they've been able to provide some input into its development.

Rafferty Sworn-In

(Photo courtesy John Rafferty)

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking forward to the new session of Parliament which opens June 2.

The NDP member expects much of his early time will be spent helping the new members learn the ropes.

"Certainly our mentoring roles that we'll have will be working with all of the newcomers and getting them up to speed as quickly as possible," says Rafferty.

He was sworn into office Saturday.

Roller Derby Still Seeking a Home

The Borderland Roller Derby League continues to look for a permanent home.

The Fort Freak Show is back practicing at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

Coach Aurora Derkson says they're limited where they can go.

"The school's are unavailable for us due to the flooring," says Derkson, "and some of the buildings for rent are just very, very pricey. A lot more than we can afford since we donate half our money to the community"

The league has asked town council for a break on their rental of the Sport Centre.

Tax Appeal Worrisome

Concern is being expressed by the town of Fort Frances over AbitibiBowater's decision to appeal its property assessment back to 2009.

Mayor Roy Avis says if the company is successful, the loss in tax revenue would equate to an 8-point-4 per tax increase.

"That's on the $800-thousand the town would lose on an annually basis," says Avis. "We would still have to pick up the $2.2-million adjustment for the three years previously."

There is no word yet when the Assessment Review Board will discuss the appeal.

Hydro Rebate

Fort Frances Power Corporation customers will be receiving a big rebate on their bills next month.

CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says it's the result of lobbying to have a provincial global adjustment dropped.

"This piece of legislation was revised and we were able to influence the revised version that was announced in 2010 to properly address the historic power agreement," says Ruppenstein. "Under the spirit of the agreement, it is exempt from this charge."

Ruppenstein says the rebate of $288.00 will be credited to customers bills over the next two months.

Forest Fire Declared Out

A forest fire that was burning 45-kilometres north of Fort Frances has now been declared as being held.

The fire scorched about four hectares and needed aggressive ground and air attack.

Cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Parks Open

Parks across Ontario opened for the first time on the weekend.

Manager of Operations for Ontario Parks Bruce Van Staalduinen is anticipating a good year.

"Reservations to date have been very strong," says Van Staalduinen. "We've processed 135-thousand reservations since January. That's about a 9-thousand increase from last year. The gas prices and the cool wet weather this spring haven't had an impact as this point in time."

There are still several vacancies available at parks across the region.

Check Your Cottages

With many residents heading to their cottages, the Ontario Provincial Police has come out with annual suggestions on cottage safety.

Police say you should make-up a check-list if you haven't already to ensure buildings are safe.

OPP say thieves usually target electronics and alcohol, so you shouldn't leave them around when you're not there.

Big Bike Successful

The totals aren't available, but the Heart and Stroke Foundation says its Big Bike riding in Fort Frances was a success.

Jack Junkin, a beneficiary of Foundation research, drove the bike for the groups and says their fundraising efforts are working.

"It's very important," says Junkin. "Everyone who's on the planet has a heart. Sometimes they're not in the best of conditions and we need the research and money to keep things going."

The Foundation says it would like to bring the bike back to Fort Frances more frequently.

Regional College Campuses Important

The in-coming president of Confederation College sees it's regional campuses playing an important role in the College's success.

Jim Madder replaces the retiring Patricia Lang in July.

He says wants to build on the regional relationships the College now enjoys.

"I'm looking forward to working more with the local communities to establish exactly what is needed and to figure the best way to deliver it," says Madder, "not just from Confederation College but to also facilitating other institutions in those communities as well."

Madder says he saw first hand the success of distance education while with Sir Sandford Fleming College in the delivery of an aquaculture program to the Rainy River region several years ago.

Border to get Busy

Officials in both Canada and the U.S. are warning of longer than usual lines at the Fort Frances-International Falls border this May long weekend.

They expect the amount of traffic crossing the border to start increasing as early as today.

They say wait times to cross could reach up to 45 minutes long during peak times.

Enforcement Numbers Released

Canada Border Services Agency has released the results of an enforcement blitz conducted during the Easter long weekend at the Fort Frances border.

98 per cent of the 900 vehicles and 18-hundred travellers checked were found complying with border regulations.

Officers did have to seize some undeclared and prohibited goods while refusing entry to four individuals.