IJC Submits Watershed Report

The final report into the management of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins is now off to the Canadian and U.S. governments.

The International Joint Commission's report is based on work done by a previous task force.

Spokesperson Bernard Beckhoff says the IJC's report doesn't deviate much the task force suggestions.

It's now up to governments on both sides of the border to determine if the IJC can proceed with the 184-page report.

Action Requested on False Alarms

The Fort Frances Police Services Board will be asking town council to consider a by-law aimed at reducing the number of false alarm calls for Provincial Police.

OPP say they responded to 129 false alarms in Fort Frances last, 149 the year before.

The board says hitting people in the pocket book with fines might go along way to reducing that number.

Question of the Day - February 1

Do you think Fort Frances should consider issuing fines for false alarms?

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

In a previous poll question, 92 per cent of respondents don't think the eligibility age for Old Age Security should be increased to 67.

Man charged in January Break-In

A 20-year-old man from Stratton will make a court appearance next week in connection with a January 22 break-in in the north end of Fort Frances.

OPP say as officer arrived to a garage on the 1000 block of Armit Avenue, the man fled.

He was eventually captured in the 800 block of Third Street East.

The man faces several charges including break-and-enter, possession of stolen property and theft.

New Economic Development Agency Promoted

A new regional economic development agency for northern Ontario is being pitched to Rainy River district towns.

Consultant Patricia Forrest says the group can bring many benefits to the area.

Forest says they'll be seeking approval  in March from the province to work on implementing the new organization by the end of this year.

Respect Campaign Ready to Rol

Celebrating Diversity is getting ready to roll out its "Respect Campaign."

Member Linda Plumridge says the campaign that encourages dignity, respect and inculsivness will be promoted across the district starting February 16.

Part of the campaign will include workshops with interested groups and organizations.

Drug Charges

Three people, including two from Atikokan, face drug charges after police intercepted a shipment of oxycodone Monday.

Over 470 oxycondone and 47 Ritalin pills, street valued at about 6-thousand dollars, were found in a vehicle stopped just west of Thunder Bay.

Police also seized the truck and 22-hundred dollars in cash.

The man and woman from Atikokan, both aged 55, and the 42-year-old Thunder Bay woman will appear in court in March.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted

Visitor Restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances have been lifted.

The restrictions had been in place since the middle of January because of an increase in the number of case of gastroenteritis.

Although the restrictions are lifted, officials says people who have any flu-like symptoms should still refrain from visiting until they feel better.

Fishing Violations Up in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing a jump in fishing violations on Lake of the Woods this winter.

The DNR recently seized 234 walleye and sauger for various violations on the Minnesota side of the lake.

Conservation officers investigated over 50 incidents last week ranging from over-fishing, to anglers fishing without a license.