Provincial Liberals Look to Reorganize

Liberals in Kenora-Rainy River are looking to reorganize.

A provincial riding association meeting is planned for January 17th in Dryden.

Anthony Leek, who represented the party in last October's election, says it's important to have a strong local riding association in place.

Leek admits the association was not that active in the years leading up to last fall's election.

Osisko Faces "Mini-Tender" Offer

Osisko Mining has become the target of an unsolicited mini-tender offer.

The company, proposing an open-pit gold mine near Atikokan, says it neither recommends nor endorses the bid from TRC Capital.

TRC wants to acquire up to $5-million in Osisko shares at a discounted rate.

Mini-tender offers are designed to seek less than 5 per cent of a company's outstanding shares.

Hunter Fined

A northwestern Ontario woman has been fined $1,500 for hunting violations relating to an incident last fall in the Sioux Narrows area.

Trisha Brackett was charged in October after a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation revealed the resident of Marathon had fired from and across a road at a deer.

She later killed the animal, despite not having a proper tag.

Rainy River Man Charged

A man from Rainy River will appear in a Steinbach court room in February on a charge of trying to bring a prohibited weapon into Canada.

RCMP say the 66-year-old was initially detained December 20th by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Sprague, Manitoba, point of entry for failing to declare a gun.

The unnamed man also faces five other firearms related charges.

Cultural Plan Explored

A final draft of a new municipal cultural plan is now in the hands of Atikokan township councillors.

It makes 33 recommendations aimed at promoting and using the town's cultural assets as an economic development tool.

Mayor Dennis Brown says the township will be able to carry out some, but not all of the recommendations.

Council will hear more about the plan when it's author visits next Monday night.

Trail Development Still Planned

The city of International Falls is still hoping to proceed with a proposed trail system along its waterfront despite being denied State funding.

Applications for funding for trail development and upgrades to City Beach Park were both rejected.

City administrator Rod Otterness says the city will still explore doing a portion of the trail work with existing funds this year.

Question of the Day - January 5

83 per cent of respondents to our online poll questions support making the salaries and contracts of hospital executives public.

Today's question, how do you feel about the economy going into the 2012?

Tell us on Facebook or our new website 931The Border.ca.

Salvation Army Falls Short of Campaign Goal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances fell a bit short in its Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The agency collected just over $15,000.

It was aiming for $18,000.

The agency uses the money to carry out programs to those in need.

Virtual Dementia Tour Planned

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River is giving area residents an opportunity to experience what it may be like to live with the dementia.

Eleanor Barron, public education coordinator, says they're working with the Rainycrest Family Council in presenting a virtual dementia tour.

Participants will wear special equipment and attempt to carry out a variety of simple tasks.

To register for next Wednesday's event at the Super 8 in Fort Frances you're asked to contact Barron via e-mail eleanor@alzheimerkrr.com or the Society's office in Kenora 1-800-682-0245.

Snow Helping Trail Development in Minnesota

Recent snowfalls are helping get more snowmobilers on the trails in Minnesota.

The department of Natural Resources says trail conditions, though, continue to be poor at best and any trails that are open should be used with caution.

Meantime, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club groomed trails in the Rainy River district are still closed.