Survey Coming

Seniors will soon be asked for their opinions on what they need in Fort Frances.

The idea for a survey arose from a meeting yesterday of area organizations.

Erma Armit of the Assisted Living Action Group says it's important in achieving their goal of getting an assisted living facility built.

The survey will likely be done in the near future.

Fort Frances Next Mining District

Fort Frances is being promoted as the next mining district in Canada.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation has been attending mining conferences to deliver that message.

Client Services Manager Geoff Gillion says the town can benefit from an increase in the region's mining activity.

Gillon says they've already worked with a company interested in setting up operations in the Fort.

Freezing Warning in Effect

There's a freezing rain warning for the east end of the Rainy River district this morning.

A system is bringing a band of freezing rain and ice pellets towards the area between Mine Centre and Shebandowan.

Travellers should be prepared for poor travelling conditions as roads become icy.

Ministry Suggests Water Meters

The Ministry of Environment is recommending the town of Fort Frances install water meters in all homes and businesses.

It's comes out of a recent inspection of the town's water system that found it met all regulations and had no problems.

Along with water metres, the Ministry also suggests the need for a back-up generator at the water treatment plant.

Budget Meeting Attracts Little Interest

There was little interest from the public to a meeting last night on the town of Fort Frances 2012 budget.

A 20 minute presentation was given with only one other person in the audience other than the media.

Council is expected to give formal approval next month to the budget that includes a 2.49 per cent tax levy increase.

Reunion Meeting

A group planning a reunion of Fort Frances residents, past and president, in 2013, is in need of some manpower.

Dave Ashworth says they're holding a meeting tonight in hopes of attracting the interest of local residents.

The meeting at the La Place Rendezvous begins at 6:30 p.m.

There is also a video link to this meeting by clicking www.anytimemeeting.com/ReunionFort1.

Staff Training

Some staff with the Northwest Catholic District School Board will be getting some training around students with mental health needs.

The board is using a $20-thousand provincial grant to send its special education teachers, principals, vice-principals and others to a training program offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Fire Danger Reduced

A weekend of rain and cooler temperatures has reduced the forest fire danger in northeastern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has the danger at moderate with three new fires reported yesterday.

Meantime, the DNR has put in place burning restrictions in several counties.

Burning is permitted in Koochiching County with a permit.

Park Haze

State regulators are preparing to add some enforcement teeth to rules meant to cut the haze that sometimes clouds the views in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.

The haze comes mostly from the state's older coal-fired power plants and the taconite plants on the Iron Range.

But Environmental groups, along with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, say the proposed changes don't go far enough.