Kircher Found in Violation of Code of Conduct

Fort Frances public school board trustee David Kircher has been found to have breached the trustee code of conduct.

In a 4-2 vote, Rainy River District School Board trustees approved the motion last night related to Kircher's release of information pertaining to a November in-camera session by the previous board.

Chair Mike Lewis, who voted against the motion, says Kircher has fourteen days to respond.

"At the next board meeting, April 5, we can then vote to confirm or reject the motion that was passed tonight," says Lewis. "If it's confirmed, then a recommendation will be for a consequence."

Kircher was surprised by the outcome, but insists no wrongdoing.

School Board Seeks Pepsi Dollars

Three school-based environmental projects are among the finalists in the latest Pepsi Refresh Everything Contest.

Angela Petsnick of the Rainy River District School Board says one seeks $25-thousand for area schools to produce films about the environment.

"Each school will be able to create a green film with a film maker," says Petsnick. "We have done this in the past with J.W. Walker School but we would like to try and do this with all of the schools in the district."

Other projects include creating an outdoor classroom and starting a vermicompost project both at Fort Frances High School.

The public can vote for the submissions by clicking this link to the Pepsi Refresh Everything website.

Atikokan Metis Council Installed

(John Rafferty photo)

The Atikokan Metis Council is now officially part of the Ontario Metis Nation of Ontario.

The council, formed over a year ago, had been given interim status before a chartering ceremony could be held on weekend.

President Marlene Davidson says it's an important designation for the Metis people in the Atikokan area.

"That means we have all the backing of the Metis Nation of Ontario," says Davidson, and can take part in any of the projects going on and have the support of the Metis Nation."

Davidson says more than 60 families have registered as being Metis with the Council so far.

Peaceful Borders Day

Fort Frances and International Falls are asking U.S. President Obama to declare July 2 International Peaceful Borders Day.

International Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness says it's part of the ongoing effort to increase national exposure of the annual tug-of-war between the two border communities.

"The exciting and positive events that we're able to engage in on a daily basis with our friends in Fort Frances does reflect upon the broader meaning of just how lucky both the United States and Canada area," says Otterness.

Otterness says he'd like Canadian Prime Minister Harper to sign a similar declaration