OPP Take Proactive Approach to Oxycontin End

An end to oxycotin production in Ontario has provincial police in the Rainy River district taking action to deal with possible repercussions.

Increases in theft, break-ins and overdoses have been noted elsewhere.

Constable Anne McCoy says their work here includes talking with area pharmacies who may be potential targets.

McCoy says police are also watching for illegal shipments of the drug coming from areas where the prescription pain medication may still be in full supply.

DSSABs Unite

The agencies responsible for the delivery of social services programs in northwestern Ontario have joined as one in a call for more funding.

Representatives from the Thunder Bay, Kenora and Rainy River district Social Services Administrative Boards presented a united front in a recent meeting with the province.

Deb Ewald, a member of the Rainy River board, says it was the first time all three have come together.

Driver's Fees Going Up

The province says higher driver and licence fees will help pay for the maintenance of provincial roads and bridges.

A new driver's licence will cost five dollars more next year while vehicle registrations in northern Ontario increase four dollars.

NDP critic Gilles Bisson says the Liberals are piling new costs on struggling families.

Conservative Frank Klees says instead of taking more money from taxpayers, the government should curb spending.

Fishing Licenses in Minnesota Going Up

An increase in the fishing and hunting license fees in Minnesota is possible.

A Minnesota State panel has given it blessing to hikes to avert potential deep cuts to the state's fisheries and wildlife programs.

More Great Weather

More weather records for the Rainy River district.

Yesterday's high of 12.6 C in Fort Frances just edged the old mark of 12.5 C set back in 1995.

Atikokan's high of 11.4 C was a full degree over the previous record set in 2007.

Putting the "Home" Back in the Home Show

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is hoping to put a little more "Home" into this year's Home and Leisure Show.

Manager Anthony Mason says they aim to have this May's show focus heavily on the home improvement side.

The show will be held May 10 and 11, a week later than usual to avoid conflicts with other home shows.

Question of the Week

A number of community organizations in the Fort Frances area are struggling to find volunteers.

Do you see the problem being a lack of interest or a lack of time?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Medical Officer of Health Seeks Input

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit says its going to take a community-wide approach in dealing with the withdrawl of oxycontin.

But Doctor James Arthur says placing blame on the reasons for its high use in Ontario is not the answer.

Arthurs is inviting area residents to offer their opinions through an email set up on the Health Unit's website.

He's encouraging people to identify solutions than offer criticism to talkpublichealth@nwhudot.on.ca.

Task Force Seeks Input

A task force wants to hear from area residents about incidents of abuse and neglect in the long term senior homes.

A number of high profile cases led to the independent committee being formed.

Chair Gail Donner says they've set up a website to gather comment.

Comments to  longtermcaretaskforce.ca must be made by next Monday.

Volunteers Wanted

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River has launched a recruitment drive.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says they are looking for all kinds of help.

Moffatt says one-on-one with volunteers ensures they are matched with an enjoyable and appropriate position.

For more information, call 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail info@alzheimerkrr.com

Most Won't Miss an End to Canada Day Events

The Fun in the Sun Committee's decision to curtail plans for this year's Canada Day celebrations in Fort Frances isn't getting much null from local residents.

A poll by 931theborder.ca finds 60 per cent of respondents saying they won't miss events not being held.

The volunteer-run committee ended plans because it couldn't find enough volunteers to run events.

Students Earn Visit to South America

Two Confederation College students from the Fort Frances area are looking to further their education opportunities in Chile and Brazil.

Kristina Webb and Sherry Sinclair have been chosen to take part in a summer studies program.

They'll be learning Spanish and Portuguese while teaching English and volunteering on a number of projects.

They're now working to raises money for the trip.

The first year students of the Police, Security and Investigations program will hold a spaghetti dinner next Tuesday at the East End Hall to raise funds for the trip.