Expanded Role For Nurses Sought

An Ontario nurses union believes it has a solution to saving the health care system money and improving care for patients.

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario wants nurses to be more involved in primary care.

CEO Doris Grinspun says nurses talents aren't being fully utilized now.

The recommendation for a stronger role for nurses in primary care comes out of an Association task force's draft report that will be forwarded later to government.

Local Public Information Officers Trained

Some emergency planning for municipalities in the Rainy River district yesterday.

It focused on the communications.

Dale Smyk, a retired field officer with Emergency Management Ontario, says public information officers have important roles to play  in emergency situations

Participants also learned how to write news releases, about the need for updated to emergency plans and performed mock interviews with the help of CFOB-News.

Home And Leisure Show Begins Today

Area business will be showcasing their services this weekend in Fort Frances.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce Home and Leisure Show opens at 4 p.m. today at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason says there's over 50 booths to visit.

Saturday's strongman competition and a local take on the popular TV game show "Minute to Win It" highlight some of the events taking place today and tomorrow.

Arpin Back Home

A visit home by NASCAR driver Steve Arpin.

The Fort Frances native was at Boston Pizza last night to meet with familiar faces and sign autographs for local race fans.

Arpin races next week in the Nationwide series and has also confirmed a spot in a few races in the ARCA series.

More Questions Over Centres Closings

The provincial government is again being pressed for answers to why tourist information centres in Fort Frances, Kenora and Rainy River are being closed.

During debate at Queen's Park, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the centres are an important role in the region's tourism industry.

She says Tourism Minister Michael Chan needs to come clean explain why centres in her riding are closing while Pigeon River stays opens.

The Minister's Parliamentary Assistance Kim Craitor says Pigeon River is being left open because of it serves an important American market.

No Change to Bear Response By Police

Provincial Police aren't making any immediate changes to how they deal with nuisance bears.

The Ministry of Natural Resources did announce changes to its protocol, leaving police with the job of trapping and relocating bears in the near future.

Constable Anne McCoy says bear problems are still the responsibility of the MNR for now, but police will still response if the animals pose a risk to public safety.

McCoy says the province's hotline is also still active for people to report nuisance bears.

Question of the Week

Doctors don't seem to be getting much public support in their fight with the province over fee cuts and a freeze on wages.

80 per cent of respondents to a question on our website give support to the government.

What do you think?

Have your say at 931theborder.ca.