Ice Plant Problems at Memorial Sports Centre

There may be no ice available at the Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances until the middle of September.

A burst tube within the ice plant's chiller caused an ammonia leak last week.

There's now concern about the condition of the other 100-plus tubes.

A report from Community Services manager Jason Kabel recommends the entire chiller be replaced at a cost of $84-thousand.

Fall and summer bookings are being moved to the 52 Canadians rink in the meantime.

Benefit Planned for Rainy River Woman

Friends and family of an area woman are rallying to help raise money for some specialized cancer treatment.

Cindy Asselin of Rainy River was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer in January 2011 and told by doctors in March there's no treatment left for her.

Her son Scott says she now has a chance to get treatment in California.

A benefit will be held July 17 at the Legion in Rainy River to raise the $38-thousand needed.

An account has also been set up at CIBC in Cindy's name for those who would like to donate money.

Courthouse Opens

Court proceedings expected to resume today back at the Fort Frances courthouse.

The building was shutdown over a week ago because of a water line break.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office says certain sections of the basement are still closed, including the Ontario Court of Justice courtroom  and the Intake Court.

Matters to heard by those courts are being rescheduled to other rooms.

Junkheap Removed From Road

Minn. State Patrol photo

Minnesota State Patrol is talking about this one that didn't get away.


Troopers stopped a Ford Pinto Canada Day on Highway 53 just south of International Fall for unsafe equipment.

Minn. State Patrol photo

Much of the vehicle, both outside and inside was rusted out with a tire holding up the driver's seat.

A gas can, located in the passenger seat, was rigged up to the engine.

 The car was impounded and the driver now faces several charges.

Youth Arrested

An area youth is facing several charges following an incident last night.

OPP say the youth was driving a pick-up truck officers attempted to stop when he fled, driving in a dangerous manner.

Police received several calls about the vehicle operating in the same manner before eventually arresting the driver.

Concern With Area Gold Project

A U.S. financial services group isn't optimistic Rainy River Resources will be on target to get its open-pit gold mine north of Barwick in operation.

UBS points to recent drops in gold prices.

It suggests with prices down 15 per cent off last year's highs, Rainy River Resources project will likely remain in a state of incubation until prices improve.

The company has targeted construction to begin in 2014 and is currently working towards the start of an environmental assessment.

Bridge Work Begins Today

Work to replace two bridges on Highway 11 east of International Falls is to begin today.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says traffic at the Tilson Creek and Jackfish Bay bridges will be reduced to one lane controlled by traffic signals.

More Forest Fires In Rainy River District

Another two forest fires on the weekend in the Rainy River district.

A small blaze near Manion Lake along the Turtle River Road was human caused and is under control.

Another lightning-caused fire near Clarkson Lake, east of Nestor Falls, is out.

The forest fire rating in the region is currently moderate.

Wind Power Not Working - MPP

A northern Ontario MPP says pristine locations are being sacrificed for a source of power that's failing Ontario residents.

Conservative Vic Fedeli says as demand topped 23-thousand megawatts yesterday, wind power was contributing just 77 of those megawatts.