Busing Policy Changes Expected

Some changes to the Rainy River District School Board's busing policy could be forth coming.

The board's transportation committee conducted a review of the existing policy prior to the Christmas.

It's looking at, among other things, changes that addresses the busing needs of students in a joint custody situation, require a brief change to where they're picked up or dropped off or want a ride to work.

The review came after some parents expressed concerns the existing policy was not flexible enough.

The committee is expected to review the proposed changes again later this month.

Natural Gas Bills Dropping

Union Gas customers in northwestern Ontario will see a slight decrease in their bills this month.

Spokesperson Kerry Dudley-Tatsu says it's good news especially during the cold winter months.

"For customers in the northern area, they're going to see a decrease of about a dollar per year on their total annual natural gas bill for the average customer for Union Gas," says Dudley-Tatsu.

The Ontario Energy Board approved a decrease in the cost of natural gas of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre.

Minnesota Legislature Opens

Minnesota legislators start a new session today.

House Democrat Tom Anzelc expects most of the debate this year centered around the state's massive deficit.

"we are $6.2 billion short," says Anzelc, "and we have anticipated build-in spending projected at about $38 billion for the next two year period. That's a very, very serious situation."

Anzelc, who represents Koochiching County, also anticipates a planned redraw of the legislative and congressional boundaries that could result in his district becoming larger.

Record Number of Jumpers at Polar Plunge

A record 71 participants jumped in Rainy Lake on New Year's Day as part of the annual Polar Plunge organized by the Voyageur Lions Club.

They raised a combined total of about $13,500 for various charities.

The Muskies Sports Association, comprised of students representing various Fort High teams, collected a high of $3,400 dollars.

Maureen Hahkala, dressed as the “Cat in the Hat,” raising money for the Rainy River District Festival for the Performing Arts was the winner of the best costume award.

The Voyageur Lions Club beat out the Emo Lions in their friendly challenge to earn a meal from the Emo club.

First Baby of 2011

The first baby born at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances was a boy.

Jaxson Speaker was born at 5:40 p.m. Saturday, weighing in at eight pounds, five ounces.

The proud parents are Whitney and Jeremiah Speaker of Rainy River, along with older sister, Kathleen.

1931 New Year's Day Baby Celebrates

(Dr. Robert Lidkea with wife Marg and granddaughter Piper)


One of the area's oldest New Year's Day babies celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday.


Fort Frances optometrist Dr. Robert Lidkea was the first baby born in North Bay in 1931.

He recalls the gifts given to his parents in honour.

"I got a small baby's diamond ring," says Lidkea, "and a supply of supply of bread, a supply of milk and diapers. Different gifts from the merchants in town."


Lidkea says he lost the diamond ring when he was a child.



He moved to Fort Frances upon his graduation from university in 1952.