Assessment Appeal Begins

The first meeting of what could be a lengthy process has been held in Abitibi-Bowater's appeal of the assessed value of its Fort Frances mill property.

The province's Assessment Review Board held a teleconference this week and set dates for future meeting for next spring.

The company, now known as Resolute Forest Products, feels the value of its properties for last three years was assess too high.

The town has said it stands to lose as much as 800-thousand dollars in taxes if the company wins its case.

Economic Opportunities Explored

The township of Emo is looking to the future.

Last night, the community held a public meeting to gather input on future economic development opportunities.

Mayor Vince Sheppard says the township wants to expand.

Sheppard says council will review comments received to determine the next steps.

Atikokan Gets Provincial Dollars

The provincial government is helping the town of Atikokan identify potential investment opportunities.

Funding will help the town develop a new community Geographic Information System that can be used for site selectors and potential investors.

A study of accommodation and housing needs is also being done.

Mining Focus for Chamber

One of the companies poised to open a gold mine in the Atikokan area will outline its project to members of the Fort Frances business community today.

Officials with Osisko Mining are the guest speakers at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason says the Chamber wants to keep people informed about what going on in mining.

The meeting at the La Place Rendez-Vous begins at 4 p.m.

Mineral Mountain Expands

Mineral Mountain Resources is adding to its land base in the Rainy River district.

The BC-based mining company is acquiring ten mining claims located around its Straw Lake gold project from a resident of Emo.

The company believes the area to be similar to one nearby being explored by Manitou Gold.

Benefit for Heart Transplant Patient Planned

A benefit dinner is being planned for a Fort Frances woman recovering from a heart transplant.

25-year-old Samantha Pearson has been in an Ottawa hospital room since the October 22 operation.

Her cousin, Chad Canfield says family and friends are looking to raise some funds for her and her family.

The dinner will be held at Fort Frances High School December 8 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Advance tickets can be picked up at the Great Bear, NCDC, Northwoods Gallery and Gifts, Emo Drug and Cooper Chiropractic