Internet Safety Program

Provincial Police are working to keep the information super highway safe.

They've rolled out a new crime prevention program called Cyber Awareness Protection and Enforcement.

Constable Anne McCoy says it's aimed at sharing information with others in on safe internet use.

A number of area groups have gathered for a two-day workshop in Fort Frances to learn more about the initiative

Tim Hortons Brings Smile to Internet Safety Program

A campaign to promote Internet safety in the classroom has received a financial boost from Tim Hortons in Fort Frances.

43-hundred dollars will go to a "Respect Technology" program, being now promoted by the OPP in schools across the Rainy River district.

The money was raised through a recent sale of Tim Hortons Smile Cookies.

Golf Courses Open

It may be a little wet today, but area golf courses are opening because of the warm weather we've had this month.

Tom O'Connell of the Falls Golf and Country Club says it's the earliest opening for the International Falls course.

Kitchen Creek Golf Course in Alberton was to be ready for play this morning.

Manager Glen Kellar says it comes with a decrease in the membership prices.

Heron Landing will open tomorrow, weather permitting.

Records Falls Again

Weather records continue to fall in the Rainy River district.

Atikokan and Fort Frances ended the day with recorded highs of 20 C, surpassing marks set back in 1987.

The Fort temperature might be higher, but recording equipment at the Fort Frances airport went down during the afternoon when higher temperatures are recorded.

Meantime, International Falls hit 72 F to break a 12 year old record.

Wolf Attack in Kenora

There's been a wolf attack on a pet in the Kenora area.

A dog was allegedly grabbed by the neck by a wolf at a trailer park where several citings has been reported over the past couple of weeks.

The wolf bolted before doing serious harm when a resident slammed a door to scare the animal.

The dog suffered only a couple of bite marks.

Sunshine List Out Today

The so-called sunshine list of Ontario public employees who earned more than $100,000 in 2011 is to be released today.

There were over 71-thousand public sector workers on the 2010 list, up 11 per cent from 2009.

Crop Walk Planned

A walk to raise awareness and money to combat hunger goes in International Falls in May.

The Crop Walk for Hunger has been going on since 1994.

Coordinator Pat Nordy says participants can now register and collect pledges.

You can call Nordy at 218-283-4113 or the First Lutheran Church to register.

A portion of proceeds stays in the Falls to the Salvation Army's Food Shelve.

First Fire of Season Record

Northwestern Ontario has recorded its first fire of 2012.

It was a small grass fire near Ingolf, a small community near the Ontario-Manitoba border.

Ministry of Natural Resources spokesperson Debbie MacLean says with a recent rapid drying of the region, they'll bring on their fire rangers a week earlier than normal.

Health Minister Asked to Resign

The opposition parties are demanding Health Minister Deb Matthews resign after a scathing auditor's report into Ontario's air ambulance service.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the report shows the government did a poor job of overseeing executives at Ornge who were using taxpayers money in some questionable deals.

The Progressive Conservatives accuse the Liberals of hiding the findings on Ornge until after last fall's election.

Highway Open

Highway 11 east of Atikokan is now open.

A section between Quetico Park and Kashabowie was closed Wednesday night while emergency personnel dealt with a burning vehicle.

No other details of the incident are immediately available.

New Group Takes Over Canada Day Planning

A new group of volunteers has stepped forward to take on some of the planning for Canada Day celebrations in Fort Frances.

The volunteer group intends to host the parade, children's activities and entertainment at Pither's Point Park.

They came together after the "Fun in the Sun" committee announced earlier this month that it couldn't find the volunteers they needed to continue on.

At least two other well-established organizations have also expressed interest in hosting Canada Day events, but have yet to finalize their plans.

Community Consultation on City Services

International Falls residents will get a chance next month to provide input on how their city delivery's services.

City councillor Cynthia Jacksa says it's part of an event sponsored by the municipal lobby group the League of Minnesota Cities.

The League will hold four community consultations April 11 and 12.

Jacksa says the city is one of a select few chosen for the consultations.

Ashton Gets Support

NDP leadership hopeful Niki Ashton is getting the support of our area MPP.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says Ashton's understanding of northern and rural issues make her the best person to lead the federal party.

The NDP elect their new party leader Saturday.

More Records Fall

Temperature records continue to fall in the Rainy River.

Fort Frances set its 9th straight record Wednesday when its high reached 20.2 C.

That passes the old mark of 11.7 C set back in 1987.

Atikokan's high of 15.9 C broke a 1987 record of 12.5 C -  the sixth straight weather record for that community.

More Moose Collared

Wildlife officials have captured and collared six more moose in Voyageurs National Park.

It's part of attempts to study the effects of climate change on the animals.

A total of 18 moose are now wearing GPS collars in the park.