Rainy River Seeking Tourism Centre

The town of Rainy River is expressing interest in taking ownership of one of Ontario's now-shuttered tourism centres.

The centre in Rainy River was among those closed in May as part of costing-saving measures.

Mayor Deb Ewald says they've since inquired about buying it for a dollar.

Ewald says part of their plans would be to reopen as a tourist centre and possible have the local Chamber of Commerce relocated there.

Ewald says the Province is now considering their offer.

Gymnasium Expansion Planned

An expansion of the gymnasium in Mitaanjigaming First Nation, northwest of Fort Frances, is in the works.

The Band is receiving funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to expand the facility into a multi-use one that will include conference, technology and kitchen facilities.

Renovations are expected to be finished by December.

Minnesota Election

The field of candidates for civic elections in International Falls this November is set.

Current Councillor Paul Eklund and former Mayor Bob Anderson are making a bid for the mayor's seat.

Willi Kostiuk and Peter Kalar are running for the Councillor at Large seat.

In yesterday's primaries in Minnesota, Rick Nolan won a tight three-way Democrat race for the 8th Congressional District which includes Koochiching County.

Nolan beat out rivals Tarryl Clark and Jeff Anderson for the right to challenge Republican Rep. Chip Cravaak in November's election.

Elsewhere, Wayne Skoe was the top voter getter in the primary for the District 5 seat on the Koochiching County's Board of Commissioners.

He and Linda Dreher, who was second, move on to November's ballot.

International Falls lawyer Dan Griffifth was a distance second behind incumbent Lorie Gildea in a primary for Chief Justice, but will be on the ballot in November.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Kurt Bills breezed to Senate primary victories and will challenge each other this November.

Teachers Talks Continue

Local negotiations between the Rainy River District School Board and its teachers groups continue.

The province is giving boards until the end of this month to reach deals.

In a statement, the Board says it's working to find a solution that supports student achievement and well-being while respecting both the teachers and the negotiating process.

Most Civil Servants Getting Bonus

It appears most Ontario Public Service managers eligible to receive bonuses last year got them.

This despite assurances from the cash-strapped Liberal government that it's serious about freezing pay in the broader public sector.

According to documents, the province paid out bonuses to 87-hundred of 89-hundred eligible workers, costing more than $35-million dollars.

Fairmont Begins Exploration Program

Fairmont Resources has started a reconnaissance prospecting and soil sampling program in an area near Atikokan.

The work will explore areas of the Marmion South Property in preparation for a fall drill program.

The property is located near Osisko's Hammond Reef Gold project.

Christmas This Weekend At Area Farm

It's Christmas in the Rainy River district this Sunday.

A number of local performers will gather at Cornell Farms in LaVallee township to record a live Christmas CD and DVD to be available to the public later this year.

Tom Foley, one of those involved, says it's a good way of promoting local talent.

Musical Director John Dutton says many well-know singers will be participating.

Cornell's Barn will be decorated in a Christmas theme with money raised  from the sale of CDs and DVDs going towards the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Fund.

First Day Blood Donor Clinic Numbers

Canadian Blood Services is slightly off the pace of meeting its goals after first day of blood donor clinics in Fort Frances.

A total of 137 donors contributed 108 units of blood, just a little below the 119 units the C.B.S. was hoping to collect Monday night.

It's two-day goal is 297 units.

Figures for yesterday's clinics are to be released later today.

Food Shelves Getting Money

Nearly 300 food shelves around Minnesota will be getting a nice boost this week.

Minnesota FoodShare is sharing a record $900-thousand build up within its food fund.

Director Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer says it helps agencies at a time when donations are general slow, but demand continues.

There were more than 3 million visits to food shelves statewide in 2010, up 62 percent from just two years before.