Area MPP Supports Legislated Teachers Deal

A northwestern Ontario MPP hopes public school teachers don't hate him for the McGuinty  government's plans to force a contract on them.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan's Bill Mauro defends passage of the bill and thinks teachers will remember what the Liberals have done for education in the province.

The legislature is being recalled next week for a vote on the teachers bill.

Child's Death Investigated

Dryden City Police are investigating the death of a one-month old baby boy.

Police were called Monday about the death of Christian Desgagne.

The circumstances leading to his death have not been revealed.

A post mortem exam is being conducted in Toronto today.

More Jail Staff Needed

Koochiching County may have to hire more staff for its jail.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections says its because the jail is averaging more than 5 inmates per day.

The county says that will be huge financial hit, but Diane Grinde, a department inspector, says it will improve safety and security.

The jail is now manned by two correctional officers during the day and one at night with another who also provides dispatch services.

Cellphone Tower In Koochiching County Approved

AT&T has been given approval by Koochiching County to erect a 199 foot cellphone tower along the shores of Rainy Lake.

Company consultant Shane Begley says a much larger tower near Rainy Lake Houseboats would have been preferred to improve service in the area east of International Falls.

The County says the tower could be expanded in the future.

Tower Near BWCA To Go

An  AT&T cellphone tower near the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness has the go ahead.

The State's Supreme Court has denied a request to hear the case, allowing a June ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeal to stand.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness opposed the 450-foot tower, saying its lights would be visible within the protected area.

MNR Help Extinquish Fire In Minnesota

MNR file photo

Ministry of Natural Resources personnel were called upon to deal with a forest fire in Minnesota.

A waterbomber and a birddog aircraft were deployed from Dryden after a 2-hectare fire was spotted just south of Quetico Provincial Park on the U.S. side of the border.

Meantime, two small fires on Rainy Lake and Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe, are now listed as being out.

New Health Unit Office In Sioux Narrows

The Northwestern Health Unit is moving to new digs in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

It's taking over the former Travel Information Centre building in Sioux Narrows.

It's existing offices will be closed the rest of this week to allow for the move.

Health Study Underway

The regional health authority wants your opinion on health care in the northwest.

Laura Kokocinski of the Local Health Integration Network says an on-line survey is being launched to get public feedback on its new three year plan.

A link to the survey can be found by clicking this here.

Campbell Not Supporting Teacher Legislation

The Liberals won't be getting the support from our MPP in legislating a contract for Ontario's teachers.

MPP's are being hailed back to Queen's Park Monday to deal with the unresolved teachers deals.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says it's a wrong tact to take.

Campbell says she can't support the legislation and will vote against it when the time comes.

Hospital Status Questioned

The city of International Falls is hoping to learn more about the status of a new hospital in its city.

City council intends to invite officials with Rainy Lake Medical Centre to a future meeting.

Plans to replace the Falls hospital have been in place for several years, but there's been no indication as to when construction may begin.

Mayor Tim McBride says he's fielded a number of calls from residents concerned about the hospital's future.

Council Vacancy Filled

A vacant seat on International Falls Council has been filled.

Jerry Franzen has been appointed to serve as councillor at large until elections this November.

The vacancy came about by Tim McBride taking on the Mayor's position, left open by the resignation of Shawn Mason who became the city's economic and community development manager.

New Fires Reported

MNR file photo

Two new forest fires have popped up in the Rainy River district.

One is located on an island on Rainy Lake, east of Brule Narrows.

The other is burning on Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe.

Both are small in size and posing no issues.

Vintage Snowmobile Show

An event to bring together some of the oldest snowmachines in the Rainy River district is being organized for next month.

The first ever vintage snowmobile show and swap meet will take place at Pither's Point Park September 15..

Organizer Pat McPherson says his own interest led him to setting up the event.

Those wanting to take part are asked to call Pat at  274-8483.