MPP's Back To Work

MPP's are back at Queen's Park today with the intend of discussing a bill proposing to impose new contracts on public school teachers.

The Progressive Conservatives have signalled they're willing to ensure the bill passes, but will seek amendments.

New Democrat Gilles Bisson say there's no need for the legislation, and suggests the Liberals continue negotiations with teachers.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has said she will not support the legislation.

Wait Lists For Social Housing Grows

The wait list for social housing in Ontario continues to grow.

The Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association says the number seeking housing was up 2.9 per cent in 2011, but was down slightly in the Rainy River district.

Executive Director Shared Karur says the economy is part of the reason in terms of people being able to afford housing.

He says incomes are also failing to keep pace with the rise of inflation and the cost of housing.

The Association says 29 people were on wait lists in the Rainy River district, compared with 37 in 2010.

Three Fires In Rainy River District On Weekend

Ministry of Natural Resources forest firefighters in the Rainy River district found themselves busy with three new fires on the weekend.

Small lightning caused fires near Marmion Lake, north of Atikokan and near Ottertail Lake, north of Devlin are both out.

Another within Quetico Provincial Park near Basswood Lake, close to the Ontario-Minnesota border, is being monitored.

MNR Crews Return From B.C.

MNR file photo

Forest Firefighters who were working in British Columbia are expected back in Ontario today.

They had been in B.C. since August 19 to help with fires in that province.

Fort Frances Takes To Social Media

Social media is now playing a key part in promoting Fort Frances.

Sites on twitter, Pinterest and a photo blog are now showcasing the community.

Economic development consultant Tannis Drysdale says the web is becoming a major source of information for people thinking of moving here.

The twitter site is twitter@ fort_frances.

The town's photo blog can be found at http://fortfrancesontariocanada.blogspot.ca

The town is also on Pinterest  http://pinterest.com/fortfrances/.

Musician Allows Public To Help Finance Album

An Atikokan musician is giving area residents a chance to invest in her music.

Blue artist Sunday Wilde will use Seine River Lodge as a backdrop to record her fourth album in October.

She's set up a website allowing people to contribute financially as little as two dollars.

Contributors of larger donations can receive digital copies of the album to house concerts and even being named executive producer on the album.

Minnesota Author Visits

A Minnesota children's author makes a visit to the Fort Frances Public Library today.

Phyliss Root has authored more than 30 children's books.

Root says it's a passion she'd developed early on in her writing career.

She'll be reading some of her works at the 2 p.m.