Tourism Officials Welcome Border Initiative

Tourism officials in northwestern Ontario are welcoming a move by the federal government to make it easier for Americans with minor criminal offences to cross into Canada.

Tom Pearson, president of the Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association, says the plan takes direct aim at a issue they've long complained about.

Pearson says they're awaiting on the details of the plan, but it is expected to be come into effect this year.

Proclamation Request Signed

The mayors of Fort Frances and International Falls have given their signatures to a letter asking Prime Minister Harper and President Obama to proclaim July 2nd as Peaceful Borders Day.

Speaking to Fort council last night, Falls city Councilor Cynthia Jacksa says it helps build on the annual Tug of War.

The two communities, last year, asked the two leaders to participate in the event.

New Water Rates Approved

Residents in Fort Frances will be paying a little more for water and sewer services this year.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the rate increases add another $217-thousand for capital upgrades.

Homeowners will pay one per cent more while business and industry sees increases of 3 per cent.

A new institutional rate class has its rates increased 9 per cent.

Province to Keep All-day Kindergarten

Ontario will keep all-day kindergarten despite high-placed advice that the program should be scrapped.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan made the commitment ahead of a long-awaited report from former TD Bank economist Don Drummond.

That report comes out tomorrow.

Question of the Week - Week of February 13

Do you support the Finance's Minister decision to keep all-day kindergarten despite suggestions it be scrapped.

Let us know on our website 93.1 The Border.ca.

In a question from last week, 67 per cent of respondents support Fort Frances town council's decision to continue pursuing a regional airport concept with area municipalities.

Teachers' Union Denounced Wi-Fi

An Ontario teachers' union is calling for an end to new Wi-Fi setups in the province's Catholic schools.

The Ontario English Catholic Teacher's Association says computers in all new schools should be hardwired instead of setting up wireless networks.

The World Health Organization last year warned about a possible link between radiation from wireless devices such as cellphones and cancer.

New Border Plan

There's a new federal plan aimed at making it easier for Americans with minor criminal offenses to enter Canada.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says a new Tourism Facilitation Action Plan includes measures that also addresses those who might not have a passport.

The plan comes following years of complaints from tourism officials in northwestern Ontario about the number of Americans with often years old offences being turned back particularly at the Fort Frances border.

House Fire in Falls

A propane gas grill is being examined as a possible cause of a house fire in International Falls Saturday night.

Minimal damage was caused to the home located in the 1800 block of 11th Avenue.

Fire officials says the grill was not in use at the time of the fire.

No one was injured.

Wanted Man Arrested in International Falls

A man wanting in North Dakota for writing bad cheques is in back in jail after being captured in International Falls.

The 35-year-old was taken in custody Friday as he crossed at the U.S. border.

He'll remain behind bars until authorities from North Dakota arrive to transport him back.

Resolute Extends Offer Deadline Again

Resolute Forest Products, formerly known as AbitibiBowater, is giving more time for Fibrek to consider its hostile offer for the Canadian pulp producer.

It has extend yesterday's deadline to February 23, setting up a potential bidding war with Mercer International who put forward its offer last week.

Resolute's offer of $130-million is about 30 per cent lower than Mercer's bid.

Heart of the Arts Line Up Released

The line-up of talent has been set for this Thursday's Heart of the Arts in Fort Frances.

Brittany Hayes, who's serving as one of the main stage's performers and MC says a wide range of performers will come together to help raise money for the Metis Hall and the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Tickets for the event at the Townsend Theatre are still available at Northwoods  Gallery and Gifts.


Main stage musicians will include: Brittany Hayes, Sandra Allan, Charity Rose, Ericka Tymkin, Pat (Calder) Cupp, Abbey Calder, Allison Wannamaker, Larissa Desrosiers, Intyrely Mac, Ryan Hunter, Distant Legacy Band, and fiddler Elmer Whitefish.

In addition to musicians, there will be storytellers -- Gilbert Smith, and authors Levi Morris and Frances Shelfantook.

Actors Darryl Allan and Melanie Bodnar will add some comic relief.

Dancers will include Fort Dance Studio’s Highland Showcase Troup and some square dancers.

On the busker stage in the cafeteria, there will be dancer Eric Chapman, and musicians Carson Webber, Bridget Jorgenson, Jessica Desrosiers, Charlene Gustafson and John Reader.