Loverboy to Open New Amphitheatre.

The city of International Falls is turning to a well-known Canadian band to help open the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre this summer.

Loverboy will perform July 2.

Councillor Tim McBride says the city's proximity to Canada helped secure the Canadian rock band.

"Describing to their manager out in Vancouver where this is taking place, she called Reno and Dean up and they felt, yea, that a really appropriate place," says McBride.

Details on where to get the $20 U.S. ticket will be released later this month.

Assisted Living Facility Sought

There's a strong push in Fort Frances to develop an assisted living facility in the community.

The issue arose during discussions by a new seniors group that's looking at the safety of the town's seniors.

Chair Robert Schwartz feels there is a great need.

"Right now, once you're in your home or in a living facility the only other option is Rainycrest," says Schwartz. "A lot of people really don't want that. They want to stay in their own home. If they can't, they don't have much alternative."

Schwartz says among the issues being explored is the availability of funding.

School Board Meeting Interupted

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board made the unusual move of going behind closed doors midway through their meeting last night.

In-Camera discussions are normally held at the end of the regular agenda.

But chair Mike Lewis asked that the closed-door session to be moved up in case any decisions arising could be dealt in the open session before the public.

However, most of media and public attending, left before the in-camera session ended.

Greyhound Passengers Consider Lawsuit

Greyhound Bus passengers are considering legal action after being stranded for 15 hours on the weekend in White River, Ontario.

Paul Hitchin says they felt simply abandoned by the driver and got no help from the company.

"It was just a brutal experience," says Hitchin. "I've never seen a company do something like that to people and not care anymore. It's brutal.''

Greyhound is now apologizing, blaming weather for the delay, and says it is reviewing its protocols.

Pre-Budget Hearings Planned

Thunder Bay will be the only stop in northwestern Ontario for the province's pre-budget consultations later this month.

A provincial finance committee will hold hearings in several cities during the week of January 24.

Those wanting to make an oral presentation must contact the clerk of the committee by January 17.

Ice Box Days Approaching

(City of International Falls photo)

The city of International Falls is gearing up for another Ice Box Days.

The 31st annual affair begins January 12 with the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run the signature event.

Chamber President Faye Whitbeck is anticipating another large turnout.

"It's going along just great," says Whitbeck. "We're getting people entering every single day and for quite a few weeks now."

Registration can be done right up until race day, but on-line registration will come to an end this Friday.