Appeal Assessment Influencing Budget Talks

AbitibiBowater's appeal of its assessment of the Fort Frances mill is weighing heavily on town councillors as they begin budget discussions next week.

Treasure Laurie Witherspoon says a decision on the appeal won't be known for some time, but a reduction of any kind will have a significant impact.

A decision on the company's appeal could come later this year.

Preliminary figures show a current shortfall in the proposed operating budget for 2012 of about $300-thousand, but doesn't take into account the outcome of that appeal which is still before the Assessment Review Board.

Infiltration Report Expected Soon

A study exploring why Fort Frances treats more water than it produces is expected out soon.

Councillor Paul Ryan says the amount of water treated last year was staggering.

Over 887-thousand cubic metres more went through the town's treatment plant than was produced.

Ryan says the town is committed to acting on correcting the problem.

Town to Help with Snow Sculptures

The Rainy River Arts Collective will receive help from Fort Frances in its plans to create a number of snow sculptures around town.

Town council last night gave their blessing to have five of the sculptures created on town owned properties.

The town will also help move snow from the airport.

Work on the sculptures is expected in early February.

More Weather Records

Another weather record in Fort Frances yesterday.

The high of 4.6 C or 40 F eclipsed the old mark of 3.5 C set back in 1986 and tied in 2002.

Question of the Day - January 10

68 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll question feel the lack of the snow this year has not been a good thing for the Rainy River district.


Today question - do you thing the federal government has a role in combating childhood obesity.

Let us know on our Facebook page or website www.931TheBorder.ca.

Health Unit Says Check 'Em

It's "MANuary"!

The Northwestern Health Unit is trying raise awareness of testicular cancer.

Public Health Nurse Patty Foster says they were surprised at the lack of awareness among men in our communities.

Foster says a Facebook campaign and visits to high schools are planned to heighten awareness.