Northwestern Ontario Economy Forecast

It could be a volatile year for the economy in Northwestern Ontario.

That's the prediction from Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo.

He says construction should continue to provide a boost to the economy, but forestry remains an area of concern.

Di Matteo notes the minority provincial government remains a wild card.

Question of the Day - January 6

64 per cent of respondents to a question on our website were not so optomistic about the economy.

Today's question for the weekend, with tax time is approaching, do you plan to contribute to an RRSP this year?

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

Not All Public Services to be Touched

Premier Dalton McGuinty is hinting his government may not follow all the recommendations of economist Don Drummond to overhaul the province's public services.

Drummond suggests he'll be making some difficult and unpopular recommendations in a report later this month.

But McGuinty promises to protect health care and education.

Weather Records Set

Years old weather records fell with yesterday's unseasonably warm weather.

A high of 8.2 C or 46 F in both Fort Frances and International Falls smashed the previous records of 39 F and 36 F respectively set back in 1984.

Freeze Yer Gizzard Run Approaching

It's hard to say if you'll Freeze Yer Gizzard this year, but the annual race in International Falls with the same name goes later this month.

Falls Chamber manager Faye Whitbeck says they're already expecting a record turnout with over half of last year's participants already registered.

Registration can be made through the run's website or calling the Chamber office.

International Falls Mayor Looks Ahead

The Mayor of International Falls says 2011 was one of the history books.

Shawn Mason says the city's success was measured through several official openings.

Mason is hoping the momentum continues with the anticipation of the start of several projects in 2012.

It's a Girl!!

Courtesy Riverside Health Care

It took a while, but the first baby of the New Year has been born in the Rainy River district.

Elsie Faith Nighswander was born 12:19 p.m. yesterday at La Verendrye Hospital, weighing in at a healthy 7 lbs 6 ounces.

Her parents are David and Pauline of Barwick and she becomes a sister to 3-year-old Sylvia.

David,  himself, is a New Year's baby born in Emo 33 years ago.

Tuition Rebates Now Available

Ontario students can go online to apply for a rebate on their tuition fees.

The McGuinty government is making good on a campaign promise to take 30 per cent off the average cost of tuition.

No Store for Thunder Bay Yet

Minneapolis-based department store chain Target has announced where the first 24 of its stores will open in Canada.

All of them are in southern Ontario.

Target plans to open up to 135 stores in Canada beginning next year, including at least one in Thunder Bay.

Minnesota DFLers Seek Wolf Hunting Season

Two Minnesota Iron Range legislators are planning to introduce a bill that establishes new wolf hunting and trapping seasons in northern Minnesota.

The proposal from Democrats House Reps. Dave Dill and Tom Anzelc follows a recent federal delisting of the gray wolf in Minnesota from the endangered species list.

Anzelc says the number of wolves in the State is nearly twice the size a Department of Natural Resources management plan suggests and their bill will help get the situation in check.

More Trails Open

Two more snowmobile trails have been opened at Voyageurs National Park.

The Park says improved ice and snow conditions have allowed for the opening of the Purple Trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls and the Yellow Trail from Ash River to Kettle Falls.

Riders are still advised to use the trails with caution.