Board Responding To Teachers Protests

The Rainy River District School Board say it will do what it can to keep schools functioning safely as teachers ramp up their protest against Bill 115 and in efforts to seek a new contract.

Chair Mike Lewis says those sanctions began with elementary and secondary school teachers being placed in legal strike positions last week.

Lewis expects the public will place blame on both teachers and the board when it should be directed toward the government for circumventing the collective bargaining process in the passing of Bill 115.

Board Elections Held

There's no change in the leadership of the Rainy River District School Board.

Mike Lewis, trustee from Atikokan, was acclaimed a chair while Dianne McCormack of Rainy River returns as vice-chair in elections held at the board meeting last night.

Atikokan Playground Group In Running For Funding

An Atikokan group is making a push for votes in an effort to win money in an on-line contest.

People For Playgrounds is in the finals of the Aviva Community Fund.

Committee member Anita Lyon says many existing parks aren't suitable anymore and they're proposing to create one large park.

Lyon is asking the public to vote for their project daily on Aviva's website until December 12th.

Here is the link: http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13929.

Top ten finishers in earn $5,000 for their project with the top vote getters in line for full funding.

Commission Hears About Residential School Experiences

Residents across northwestern Ontario are sharing their stories about how the residential school system impacted their lives.

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission is holding hearings in Thunder Bay.

Sharon Wolf says the upbringings of her parents and other family members who went to residential schools led to some unhealthy behaviour.

David Achneepineskum told the commission about beatings he would receive for not responding to a name he was registered under at a school.

The hearing wraps today.

First Nations Cancer Patients To Get Help

The regional cancer centre in Thunder Bay is hiring two new people to handle how aboriginals are receiving cancer treatment.

Cancer Care Northwest Vice President Mark Henderson says one position will help guide First Nations patients through the system.

Union Denounces PC Privatization Plans

The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the Tory plan to privatize the LCBO  could destroy as many as 10-thousand jobs across the province.

Warren "Smokey" Thomas says women -- who make up the majority of employees at the LCBO -- could be hit hardest by the job losses.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said yesterday he would consider selling part or all of the LCBO, and allow beer, wine and spirits to be sold in corner stores and grocery aisles.

Credit Union Launches Drive

A Fort Frances financial institution is throwing its support behind the Salvation Army.

The Northern Lights Credit Union is conducting a food and gift drive.

Residents are being asked to donate non-perishable food items and small unwrapped children's gifts into a shopping cart being donated by Canada Safeway.

Smiles For OPP

Plenty of Smiles for the OPP today from Tim Hortons in Fort Frances.

Store Owner Gord McQuarrie says the store raised $4,900 through the sale of its Smile Cookies back in September for OPP's Respect Technology Program.

OPP Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says the funding will help create multi-media presentations of the programs now being delivered in area schools.

Accidental Shooting In International Falls

An International Falls man has been airlifted to hospital in Duluth after being shot accidentally.

International Falls Police says it happened Monday afternoon inside a home on 7th Street.

The 19-year-old suffered a wound to his abdomen.

Police says no charges have been laid, but don't consider the incident to be suspicious or a suicide attempt.

Elementary Teachers Casting Votes

Elementary Teachers are currently voting on whether to stage a full-day political protest should the Liberal government impose a collective agreement or end planned strike action using Bill 115.

Nearly 45-thousand of the 76-thousand members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario had cast ballots Monday, forcing the Federation to extend voting by another day.

The EFTO says it will announce further details regarding previously announced one-day rotating strikes later this week.

Hudak Proposed Beer and Wine Sales In Corner Stores

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is floating the idea of giving corner stores the ability to sell beer and wine.

He says he wouldn't get the government out of the booze business completely, but would consider selling part of the LCBO or some of its stores.

It's the latest proposal from the Tory Leader he says will help the province concentrate on core services like health care and education.

Honorary Council Position Created

International Falls City council is looking at adding some new faces to the table.

Council has given approval to adding an honorary council member.

Mayor Tim McBride says members could provide input, but would not receive voting privileges.

McBride says it may help groom potential candidates in future elections.

The city's now in the process of soliciting interest.

Open Houses Planned

MPP Sarah Campbell photo

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is getting into the Christmas spirit.

She's holding a series of open houses beginning this Friday across the riding as a way of hearing from  constituents or just wishing them holiday greetings.

In the Rainy River district, they'll be held next Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Super 8 Motel in Fort Frances and at the Royal Canadian Legion in Rainy River the next night.

Your encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or toy for Campbell's Support Our Local Economy food drive.