Hospital's Interim CEO To Leave

Rainy Lake Medical Centre in International Falls is having to fill its top administrative position once again.

Stephen Erixon, who had been serving as the hospital's CEO in an interim capacity, will leave next month to take on the job full-time at a hospital in Lander, Wyoming.

Erixon has been Rainy Lake Medical Centre interim CEO since January 2011.

Diabetes Association Still Likes The Penny

The government is giving up on the penny, but the Canadian Diabetes Association still has interest.

Community Initiatives Coordinator Alexandra Erickson says they're asking people to donate as many of the one cents coins they want to the Association.

Erickson says they're foregoing setting up coin boxes to instead ask people directly to send their unwanted pennies, or any other coins, they're not certain what they want to do.

You can contact the Association's Thunder Bay office if you interested in donating.

Former Bank Note

A piece of local history has been picked up off the auction block.

A 10-dollar bill issued by the former First National Bank of International Falls was sold for an undisclosed amount of money.

Brendan Meehan of Connecticut acquired the bill, dated 1902, from another collector before selling it off himself.

It's one of only ten known to be still in existence.

The Bank was formerly located near the existing Well-Fargo and operated until the 1930's.

College Hires

Rainy River Community College has added to its recruitment staff.

Lucy Nevanen joins as a limited-term recruiter for the Science and Math Education programs.

Molly Franz will join the College's team in June and represent it at College and job fairs.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels Close To Contracts

The start of production at Atikokan Renewable Fuels could right around the corner.

The company says its close to nailing down some contracts with businesses interested in buying their wood pellets.

President Ed Fukushima says deal from Europe could be finalized within the next 30 days.

Fukushima says they also still working on a deal with Ontario Power Generation.

Lakers Need More Fans

A call for more fan support for the Fort Frances Lakers junior A hockey club.

Team president Milt Strachan says while the club has improved its on-ice performance in its three past season, lower than expected attendance is body-checking its financial picture in the red.

Strachan says the team is averaging close to 350 people a game, but far less than what they'd like to see.

The club is also looking at new fundraising opportunities and cutting costs to help improve the bottom-line.

More Charges Against former NWO man

A former Anglican Church minister and boy scout leader in northwestern Ontario is facing more sexual assault charges.

72-year-old Ralph Rowe will appear in Kenora Court at the end of this month.

The charges stem from incidents that allegedly took place between 1973 and 1986 in several remote First Nations.

Rowe was found guilty on more than 50 similar charges in two previous court cases.

He's currently living in the Vancouver area.

Communication Towers Proposed

Koochiching County is being asked to help the Minnesota Department of Transportation with plans to set up a tower along the Rainy River.

Environmental Services Manager Dale Olson says MIN-DOT would like to use an existing tower owed by Boise, and has asked the County to assist in kicking starting failed talks.

Meantime, AT & T is pursuing plans to set up a tower to improve cell-phone service near Rainy Lake Houseboats.