Freezing Rain Warning

Area roads could a little slick this morning.

Freezing rain has been falling across much of the Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

It's associated with a low pressure system that's moving in from northern Minnesota.

The Ministry of Transportation reports Highways 11 and 602 to be mainly bare and wet with slushy sections.

Other secondary highways are listed as being snow covered.

Highways in Koochiching County report being wet with icy sections.

LHINS Take On Doc

Ontario's local health integration networks will be given responsibility for family doctors.

The CEO of the Northwest LHIN, Laura Kokocinski, says her organization is prepared to make it work.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the LHIN's will help ensure patients have a more seamless experience between doctor and hospital.

Riding Changes Possible

There could be changes coming to federal ridings in northwestern Ontario as the government looks to add 15 new seats for Ontario

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty foresees at least part of his riding being added to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty also envisions northern Ontario losing one of two ridings.

Little Interest in Regional Airport Concept

There hasn't been an overwhelming favourable response from communities elsewhere in the Rainy River district to help fund the Fort Frances airport.

The town has been trying to promote the idea of a regional airport for more than a year, but CAO Mark McCaig says only Chapple and Emo has expressed interest.

McCaig says there has also been some interest from area First Nations.

Police Step up Drunk Driving Enforcement

Motorists traveling to Duluth may see an increased police presence.

St. Louis County is one of thirteen Minnesota counties where efforts to curb drunk driving will be stepped up.

Officers will use electronic message boards and heavy patrols.

Media ads will also encourage people to avoid driving while impaired.

Snowarama Success

Organizers of the Snowarama for Easter Seals in Atikokan hit their fundraising goal.

Sixty-five snowmobilers helped to raise over $20-thousand in Saturday's ride.

That's over the $19,700 raised last year by about the same number of riders.

Audit Committee Needs Member

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is still looking to add a community member to a newly formed Audit Committee.

The committee is responsible for reviewing how well the board manages its finances.

It's been in place since September.

Area Mayors Seek Faster Uploading of Court Costs

Municipal leaders from the Rainy River district want the province to take back the cost of court security quicker than it is.

The uploading of those costs will be done over six years, starting this year.

But the area municipal representatives want the cost of those services taken back in full immediately.

Girl Struck By Vehicle near Duluth

A Fort Frances girl has escaped serious injury after being struck by a pick-up truck north of Duluth.

The incident happened Friday afternoon..

Minnesota State Patrol says the 12-year-old ran in front of traffic while her mother had stopped to assist another vehicle that left Highway 53 near Cotton.

Police says the girl had ignored a warning from her mother to stay in the vehicle.

She was taken to hospital in Virginia where she was treated and released.