Area Mayors Support Need for Resident Judge

Municipal leaders across the Rainy River district are supporting calls for the reappointment of a permanent resident judge for the district.

A lengthy resolution was passed at their weekend meeting in Devlin that will be forwarded to the Attorney General and the Regional Chief Justice.

Fort Frances lawyer Wes Derkson encourages area mayors and reeves to keep up the fight.

The province intends to have the appointment relocated to the Kenora district after the current judge leaves the area in May.

Extra Ambulance Costs Consider

The head of ambulance services for the Rainy River district says it could cost $640-thousand extra to deal with a potential closure of the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department.

Dan McCormick says another ambulance unit would be needed to help deal with patient transfers if the hospital can't find the doctors it needs.

McCormick says about 35 per cent of the estimated ambulance costs would be borne by area municipalities who will likely have to lobby the province for help.

Health Minister Speaks Today

Health Minister Deb Matthews will outline some of the Liberal government's plans to transform Ontario's health care system in a Toronto speech today.

But the Ontario Health Coalition is not happy to hear Matthews' speech will be to the Toronto Board of Trade -- calling it inappropriate.

HST Increase Panned

Atikokan is receiving virtually no support from elsewhere in the Rainy River district to its idea of having the HST increased a per cent to help pay for infrastructure projects.

Area municipal leaders voted against the proposal at their weekend meeting in Devlin.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown says based on the lack of support, it's doubtful they will pursue the idea further.

Kendrick Gone

Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a new Detachment Commander for the Rainy River district.

Inspector John Kendrick has been transferred to Thunder Bay where he's become the OPP's Regional Director of Operations Support.

Steve Shouldice, who's been serving in an acting capacity since last October, will remain as Detachment Commander until a permanent selection is made.

Heart of the Arts Benefit Concert

Planning for the first ever ‘Heart of the Arts’ Benefit Concert continues.

Wanda Botsford, one of the organizers, says they're still looking for people interested in participating in the February 16 event.

The event is being used to showcase local talent and raise funds for the Sunset Country Métis and the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Question of the Day - January 30

78 per cent of respondents to our poll question don't think last week's meeting between the Prime Minister and First Nations leaders was beneficial.

Today's question, should the federal government move the eligibility age for Old Age Security from 65 to 67?

Let us know on our website www.931TheBorder.ca.

Job Cuts at Resolute

Some numbers are starting to emerge from ongoing talk of suspected jobs cuts at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.

National president for the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union Kim Ginter says 45 members within the mill's CEP's locals are being let go .

He says some may be allowed early retirement packages.

The kraft mill resumed operations on this weekend.

Provincial Liberals Stronger in Riding

Provincial Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River riding are looking to increase its membership base.

A newly formed riding Association set its objectives following a recent meeting in Dryden.

It's president, Anthony Leek of Emo, says the main goal is to provide a link between the Riding and government.

Leek says the Association also wants to be better prepared for the next provincial election.

Hudak Wants More Skilled Workers

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition wants changes to the apprenticeship program.

Tim Hudak was in Thunder Bay Thursday and says a major shortage in skilled workers needs to be addressed.

Hudak is hoping the McGuinty government adopts his plan that will create 200 thousand new jobs in the skilled trades.

C-Sections Not Delisted

C-sections are not on the table as the province looks for ways to rein in the deficit.

That's the word from Health Minister Deb Matthews.

The minister had suggested earlier last week that caesarean sections could be delisted.

She now says OHIP will keep paying for C-sections, but she left the door open to having the procedure covered only when it's deemed medically necessary.

Oberholtzer Home Getting Upgrade

The former Rainy Lake home of Ernest Oberholtzer will get some much needed upgrades this year.

The Foundation bearing the name of the well-known architect, explorer and conservationist has received a $48-thousand grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Society.

Director Mary Swalla-Holmes says the money will be used to repair the home's fireplace and chimney.

The work on the home on Mallard Island will be done in the fall.

Gun Bill Passes

A Minnesota state House committee has passed a bill that would let county attorneys carry guns on the job.

The House Public Safety Committee's vote Thursday comes a month after the courthouse shooting in Grand Marias.

The firearms bill would exempt county attorneys from a statute that prohibits local government employees from carrying firearms.