Osisko Ending Drilling

Osisko Mining will be ending drilling operations at its Hammond Reef project near Atikokan in the near future.

President Sean Roosen says much of the focus now will be completing feasibility and environmental impact assessment studies.

The company is also expected to update the anticipated size of its gold deposit by the end of the year.

Billionth Tree Planted

Photo courtesy MPP Sarah Campbell

Resolute Forest Products is celebrating the planting of one billion trees in northern Ontario.

Two-meter tall white spruce trees were planted in Fort Frances, Iroquois Falls and Thunder Bay Friday to mark the achievement.

More Donors Still Wanted

The Canadian Blood Services begins the first of two blood donor clinics today in Fort Frances.

Eighty-five appointment spaces are still to be filled.

As incentives, Boston Pizza is coming on board to to give out discount coupons towards a meal to anyone who gives blood.

Fort Floral will give a rose to each donor.

You can still call register by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.

Former City Mayor Enters Race

Bob Anderson

A former Mayor of International Falls is entering this fall's mayoral race.

Bob Anderson was the city's mayor from 1982 to 1986.

Willi Kotsiuk has announced he'll be seeking the city's councillor at large position this November.

Kostiuk recently retired from the city's police department.

Firefighters Riding For Muscular Dystrophy

Reagan Breeze (l) and Graham Warburton

An Atikokan firefighter will be hitting the road next month to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.

Graham Warburton will join Reagan Breeze of Dryden on a bicycle ride from Kenora to Thunder Bay, beginning September 10.

Warburton says they're attendance to a recent M.D. conference convinced them of the need to do the ride.

They're now accepting donations which can be made through Muscular Dystrophy Canada website or at the Atikokan Fire Hall.

New Food Program Introduced

A new food program aimed at children at risk is being introduced to Koochiching County this fall.

The United Way's Buddy Backpack program gives youngsters each Friday a backpack full of nutritious, child-friendly, non-perishable food items.

Spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson says it enhances existing in-school breakfast and lunch programs.

The United Way will raise money for the initiative through its annual "Kooch County Cruise."

Classic cars and motorcycle riders will travel throughout the County on September 8.

Register at Northern Auto Parts or the International Falls Chamber office in the Falls, or the United Way's website.

Road Closure

Motorists who travel Highway 602 will find themselves having to take an alternative route for the next few weeks.

A section of the highway west of Fort Frances is being closed between Oakwood Drive and Bone Road

It's to permit to install a new bridge over a Rainy River tributary.

The road will be closed to traffic until August 27.

Governments' Acceptance Of Task Force Recommendations Applauded

Area agencies are applauding federal governments on both sides of the border for agreeing to recommendations of an International Joint Commission task force.

It included a new management board for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River watersheds.

Kelli Saunders, who was on that task force, is please to see their work becoming a reality.

Saunders is hoping that a water quality summit announced will happen soon that later.

Group Donors Program Established

Canadian Blood Services is asking you to become a "partner for life".

It's the name of a program being launched in northwestern Ontario to increase the number of donors.

Spokesperson Harvey Heather says the campaign encourages groups of people to become regular donors.