College Numbers Strong

Confederation College continues to ride a first year enrolment wave.

Vice President of Student and Corporate Services Bob Backstrom says this year's levels have remained even with last year, but that is still very high.

The college's Rainy River campus has 74 first-year students, a nearly 50 per cent increase over last fall's numbers.

Youngsters Win Contest

Two Atikokan youngsters are getting a chance to pursue their idea that promotes Atikokan as the Canoeing Capital of Canada.

10-year-old Charlotte Arnold and her brother 12-year-old Jacob, were among winners of an Atikokan Economic Development Corporation contest.

Charlotte says they're idea was simply to have the town's logo on hats and toques.

They also plan to donate their proceeds to the new Arena project.

Women Sought for Trades

Skills Canada wants to see more young women in the Rainy River district to consider careers in the trades and technology.

Spokesperson Jessica Murphy says they're be hosting an event Thursday in Fort Frances that gives female students a chance to meet woman already working in those areas.

Murphy says only 3 per cent all jobs in the trades are now are held by woman.

Minister Requests Meeting

Municipal leaders across the region are being invited to meet with federal transport minister Denis Lebel this week.

Lebel will be in Red Lake Thursday for an official opening of the town's new airport terminal.

He's also giving area mayors and councillors a chance to sit down and discuss issues of concern.

Fort Frances council is to discuss at its meeting tonight if it will send anybody.

Question of the Day - October 24

In our poll question from Friday, 57 per cent of respondents don't think the McGuinty government should have a separate minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

Today's question at B93.ca, the town of Sioux Lookout is no longer banning plastic bags in its community. Do you think a ban on plastic bags should be considered in the Rainy River district?

New Senior's Home for International Falls

The Good Samaritan Society is set to start construction of a new senior's facility in International Falls next April.

The new 54 bed centre will be ten less than its current one.

Administrator Adam Coe says there will also be a new 24-unit assisted living facility.

The Society hopes to raise one-million dollars locally towards the 18-million dollar project.

Aboriginal Affairs Appointment Not Welcomed

The Chief of Couchichinhg First Nation isn't pleased that the Premier has Kathleen Wynne overseeing both the Aboriginal Affairs and Municipal Affairs Portfolios.

Chuch McPherson believes she'll be conflicted with land claims issues such as the one his band is dealing with over Pither's Point Park with the town of Fort Frances.

Gravelle Ready for New Role

The new Minister of Natural Resources is ready to get down to business.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says has no trouble with his new responsibility.

Gravelle expects a smooth transition given that many issues will carry over from his former post as Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

Fire Under Control

The US Forest Service is preparing to leave it to winter to kill the last remnants of a forest fire that
blackened nearly 145 square miles in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Officials say the fire is 91 per cent contained and will be attacked by air, if necessary, until the snow douses it for good.

Hockey Coaches Meet

Minor hockey coaches from across the Rainy River district are gathering in Fort Frances this weekend.

Ron McKinnon of Hockey Northwestern Ontario says it's to help them become certified.

The weekend conference will include both on and off ice sessions,.

Pink Broncos

Members of the Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team will be sporting Pink went they hit the ice for a season opening tournament this weekend at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Alexis-Faith Perreault says it to help raise awareness of total breast health.

Players will be sporting pink ribbons and pink hockey tape and encourage spectators to wear pink.