Border Plans Held Up

There appears to be a set back in plans to build a new customs facility in International Falls.

During a recent trip to Washington, area officials were told the project likely won't proceed any time soon because of its high costs.

Koochiching County's Commissioner Brian McBride says its disappointing news.

The federal government had hoped to begin construction on the $100-million facility by 2014.

Grandparents Scam on Rise

OPP are growing concern with a rise in the number of people becoming victims of the so-called grandparents scam.

It's where someone will call claiming to be a relative in trouble and seeking money.

Detective Constable Dave Felstead with the OPP's anti-rackets branch says the con artists have become very sophisticated but police have the tools to track them down and bring them to justice.

More than 460 people in Ontario fell victim to the scam last year, being bilked for over $2.5 million.

More Burning Cancelled

Another community in the Rainy River district is banning open air burning until at least April 1st.

Emo has joined the townships of LaVallee and Dawson in prohibiting burning because of recent warm temperatures.

Fort Frances has suspended burning permits until further notice.

More Weather Records

It was a weekend of more record-breaking temperatures.

International Falls reached 79 F yesterday, breaking the 1918 record of 66 F.

Fort Frances hit 26.4 C, more than doubling the old mark of 13 C set in 2010.

Atikokan hit 24.7 C, breaking the old mark of 13.1 C also set in 2010.

Saturday, Fort Frances was the hot spot in Canada with its high of 24.8 C, blazing past the 2009 record of 13.4.

Atikokan was just a shy cooler at 24.6 C, compared to last year's high of 12.2 C.

International Falls hit 77 F, a full 22 degrees above the previous record set in 1968.

Question of the Week

It appears our listeners are almost split as to the reasons why so many organizations in Fort Frances struggle for volunteers.

55 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll blame it on a lack of time.

45 per cent feel it's due to a lack of interest.

Trapper Embark on Public Awareness Campaign

Area trappers are making themselves more public.

The Rainy River District Trappers Council has been around for many years, but few people know they still exist.

President Brian Love says they're working to change that.

The Council will hold a workshop for the public this Saturday at Donald Young School in Emo.

Health Care Troubles

An unflattering picture of health care planning in the northwest is being painted by a Hamilton newspaper report.

It says the Northwest Local Health Integration Network is having trouble coordinating health care for chronic ailments like heart disease and diabetes.

CEO Laura Kokocinski says it actually shows the value of the organization.

Kokocinski insists, however, residents here are getting their money's worth in health care services.

Kraft Mill Down

A lack of qualified personnel has put a halt to production at Resolute Forest Products kraft mill in Fort Frances.

In an email to CFOB News, company spokesperson Pierre Choquette says the mill doesn't have enough 2nd class stationary engineers needed to run the plant.

Such personnel are often trained in several areas as mechanical, chemical and electrical.

Choquette says they're evaluating operations to determine their best course of action.

Production on the paper side is not effected.

Fire Restrictions in Minnesota

Spring fire restrictions are also in effect in Minnesota

The Department of Natural Resources says it's already seeing wildfire activity in some parts of the States.

Eight fires have occured in the northeast region.

The DNR is advising owners to minimize the risk by cleaning their property of debris and disposing it safely.

Burning Permits Cancelled

Burning permits are being temporarily suspended in the town of Fort Frances.

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says the recent rise in temperatures has forced them to take action.

Burning is also prohibited in the Emo as well as in the townships of LaVallee and Dawson until at least April 1st.

Other municipalities outside of Fort Frances don't issue permits until then.

Health Care Access Improving

The provincial Liberal riding association in Kenora-Rainy River is out defending the McGuinty government's record on heath care.

President Anthony Leek admits there's more work to do, but much has been done to improve access to care in the region.

It includes the creation of Family Health teams which Leek says have brought eight new doctors to Fort Frances.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell the creation of those teams is a part of the problem to the doctor issue in the region.

Custom Officers Doing What They Have to

The Port director at the U.S. Border in International Falls makes no apologies for how her staff performs.

Chris Lessard told an International Falls Chamber of Commerce gathering U.S customs officers have been often described as rude, sarcastic and intimidating.

Lessard says the public needs to know, officers do have a job to do.

Still, Lessard says complaints from the public are taken seriously and officers can face discipline or improved training if they're legitimate.

Man Picked Up For Impaired

A 53-year-old man will make a court appearance next month on an impaired driving charge.

OPP arrested the man Wednesday night in Fort Frances after a vehicle failed to stop for a pedestrian using the light activated crosswalk on King's Highway.

Police says breath samples taken from the driver were found to be twice the legal limit.

Oxy Panel Set Up

The provincial government is setting up an expert panel to deal with the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit Dr. James Arthurs says Thunder Bay's Dr. David Williams will help lead the new panel.

Health officials met Thursday by video-conference to talk about issues surrounding the end of oxycontin production in Ontario.

Weather Record - Thursday

Add another daily weather record to the books for Fort Frances.

Thursday's high of 13.5 C tied the mark set in 2009.

Expo Returns

An International Sportsman's Expo is returning to International Falls.

The event, held for the first time last year, will take place in April to showcase the area's outdoor opportunities.

President Tom Holt says 26 different vendors and several guest speakers will be on hand.

The event will also collect food items for the Salvation Army's Food Shelve and donations to a campaign to bring kidney dialysis to the Falls.

The event at the Evangelical Covenant Church takes place April 14.