Candidates Debate in Dryden

Health care was a main topic of discussion at an all-candidates debate in Dryden for those seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River.

Liberal Anthony Leek says he'd make sure there's good use of existing health care dollars.

Progressive Conservative Rod McKay wants to see money wasted elsewhere is put back on the front lines.

Sarah Campbell of the NDP wants to see more nurse practitioners hired to ease the pressure on doctors.

Candidate Debate in Atikokan

Candidates in Thunder Bay-Atikokan tackled a number of economic development issues in a debate last night in Atikokan.

Questions about forestry and mining were fielded in the debate sponsored by the Atikokan Chamber of Commerce.

No Debate in Fort Frances

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has opted for a more informal event to help educate local voters about the candidates in Kenora-Rainy River.

Manager Anthony Mason says the September 28 mix and mingle takes the place of a candidates debate.

Candidates will be allowed ten minutes to outline their platforms and have their own booths to meet voters one-on-one.

Bed Shortage Concerns

Ontario's politicial partys are being asked to address the shortage of acute care beds in local hospitals.

Judy Bain of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions says they're concerned with the number of elderly who are forced to stay in hospital while waiting for a long term care bed to open up.

The Council brought its campaign to northwestern Ontario yesterday.

Ontario Election Day 10

Day 10 of the provincial election campaign will see the party leaders campaign across the province.

NDP Leaders Andrea Horwath visits Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay on the heels of the Premier's visit.

Dalton McGuinty is in Windsor and Cambridge.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is focusing on voters in the Toronto area.

Support Received for Minnesota Fire

Teams of elite firefighters have arrived to a wildfire in northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

One hundred highly trained firefighters from Arizona were to be deployed to the fire last night.

Another highly experienced crew of fire managers from the Rocky Mountains has taken over command of the blaze which is at about one-hundred thousand acres.

More Forest Fires Sparked

Five new fires have popped up in the Rainy River district.

There are now twelve active fires in the district, nine within Quetico Provincial Park.

All are lighting strikes from previous storms.

Rachel's Challenge Tickets Available

Tickets for the Rachel's Challenge presentations in Fort Frances are now available.

Steve Latimer of the United Native Friendship Centre says he's excited about the support to bring the positive peer-pressure initiative to the region.

Tickets can be obtained on a first-come first-service at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts, United Native Friendship Centre and at Cloverleaf Grocery in Emo.

Green's Select New Candidate

The Green Party has apparently found someone to run in Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

Jonathan Milnes is the party's replacement for Russ Aegard who stepped down last week because of personal commitments.

Governor Plans Visit

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will be in International Falls Monday.

He'll be at Rainy River Community College in the latest stop of a state-wide economic development summit aimed at gathering ideas on job creation.

It will also be his first visit to the Falls since becoming Governor last fall.

Atikokan B & E's Investigated

OPP have called in their Rural and Agricultural Crime Team and Forensic Identification Services to assist with the investigation of a series of break-ins in Atikokan.

Seven separate homes and businesses were targets of thieves between September 5 and September 12.

Copper Theft Arrests

Two Atikokan residents have been charged in connection with the theft of copper wire from Atikokan Hydro.

A 27-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman will appear in court next month on break and enter, theft and possession of stolen property charges.

Borders to Share Officers

United States and Canada plan to designate officers who can work investigations on both sides of the border in a new pilot program next year.

The initiative stems from broad agreement earlier this year by both countries to co-operate more on law enforcement.

Details of the pilot program, including precisely where and when it will begin, were not disclosed.

Yeah! It was That Cold!

International Falls is living up to its moniker as the "Icebox of the Nation."

The National Weather Service says the thermometer dipped to minus 7 C or 19 F yesterday morning, the earliest ever temperatures have dropped to the teens in September.