Atikokan Renewable Fuels Still Waits for Wood

A partner in the company Atikokan Renewable Fuels says they've been forced to lay off most of their employees because they are still waiting for a wood allocation from the Province.

Ed Fukushima says the process is flawed and he's disappointed.

"It's problematic, "says Fukushima. "If there's a deadline set it should be met. We've got a major investment up there in Atikokan. It cost us to heat the building which is not producing any income. We're paying taxes up there and we have potential jobs for some northerners. There's no reason why this project shouldn't go forward."

The plant proposes to make pellets for Ontario Power Generation, but Fukushima says time is working against them.

New Detachment to Open Soon

Treaty Three Police Service is hoping to have their new detachment at Couchiching First Nations up and running in the near future.

Chief Conrad Delaronde says they are just putting the finishing touches to the facility.

"We should be taking possession of it hopefully in the early part of the new year," says Delaronde. "It's almost done. It's on Agency One land and it's going to be out southern detachment serving communities in that area."

Delaronde says they also want to expand their drug unit and enhance their administrative services in the new year.

Board Finances Strong

The Rainy River District School Board appears to be in a good financial position.

Audited statements to the end of August released show the board enjoyed a surplus of $1.9 million.

The surplus was due to an increase in government grants and a decrease in expenditures.

The money has been moved into the board's reserve fund for future use.

Violence Against Aboriginal Women Hearings

Violence against aboriginal women will be discussed in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay this week.

The Status of Women committee is traveling across Canada.

British Columbia MP Cathy McLeod says they want to hear from community members.

"(We want to) Naming violence and saying it's not okay and sharing that with the children," says McLeod. "How can we really take the good things that are happening and imbed it in a more widespread way."

McLeod says they will be releasing a report to the federal government in the spring.

Invasive Species Plan Unveiled

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has unveiled its plan to slow the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

It includes additional conservation officers to inspect boats and other vehicles that spread invasive species as well as increased fines for violations.

It will be presented to state lawmakers on Friday.

Ice Box Days Gets Attention in England

(City of International Falls photo)

Some International exposure over the weekend for International Falls and its Ice Box Days.

Chamber president Faye Whitbeck was the guest Saturday on a London, England based radio program to talk about the event.

Whitbeck says the hosts inquired mostly about turkey bowling, comparing the frozen birds to actual bowling balls and wondering where you placed your hands.