Public Meetings On Sturgeon Creek School Wrap Up

A committee reviewing Sturgeon Creek Public School in Barwick is expected to present its final recommendations to the Rainy River District School Board next month.

The committee held its final public meeting last night.

Many presenters want the school kept open citing the academic achievements and its importance to the surrounding community.

Other are worried of long-bus rides for students if they're required to attend school elsewhere.

The committee will meet next week before presenting its recommendation to the board at its February meeting.

Teachers Get Local Support

Local teachers seem to be getting plenty of support.

Most respondents to a question posed on our Facebook page side with teachers in their labour dispute with the province.

Some place blame on the shoulders of the Liberal government and Bill 115.

Native Protests Planned For Today

Possible traffic delays on the Trans-Canada in northwestern Ontario.

First Nations protests are planned for the Kenora area where demonstrators intend to halt all commercial traffic near the Ontario-Manitoba border later this afternoon.

A similar protest is also planned in the Nipigon area, east of Thunder Bay.

Problem Identified At 52 Canadian Rink

Another problem with a rink ice plant has been identified at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

An ammonia leak from a condenser in the 52 Canadians Rink was discovered over the Christmas holidays.

Community Services Manager Jason Kabel says the company that made repairs say the arena good to use the rest of the season.


Kabel says they'll budget for a more permanent fix later this year.

Kabel says the part is different from one they had to replace in the Ice for Kids Arena last year.

OPP Commissioner Defends Force

Ontario's top police officer says provincial police are handling Idle No More protests and blockades with discretion, refusing to take what he calls ``unnecessary, aggressive action.''

OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis posted a video message on YouTube, responding to criticism of what some perceive as a failure by Police to act.

He says police have a framework for dealing with aboriginal incidents.

OPP were slammed by an Ontario judge recently for not enforcing an injunction right away to end an aboriginal protests in southern Ontario.

Here is the full video

Anderson Appointed To Advisory Committee

A political appointment for International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson.

He's been selected to Minnesota's Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

The council provides recommendations to the Legislature on how money from its Outdoor Heritage Fund should be used.

Choppers For Children

There's a group of women from International Falls who will participate in the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run this Saturday for children.

Cheryl Miller says they're attempting to raise money to purchase warm Canadian-made leather mitts, nicknamed Choppers, for area kids.

Betsy Zeren says the Salvation Army will help distribute the "Choppers."

The women are hoping to make their fundraiser an annual one.

Those wanting to assist financial can call the Falls Chamber office.

Boise Mishap Investigated

Tony Pearson photo (Facebook)

Officials with Boise in International Falls are still looking into why a transport truck hauling wood chips jack-knifed while on a dump lift high in the air.

The incident happened early Monday morning, leaving the cab of the truck to dangle.

No one was injured.

A company spokesperson say workers were able to lower the lift and use a crane to safely remove the truck.

The lift has been taken out of use until inspectors examine it and determine why the incident happened.

Town Writes Off Unpaid Fines

Town of Fort Frances is having to write-off more than $78-thousand in unpaid fines.

The fines have been in default since 2006, and are considered uncollectable after all means of collection have been exhausted.

The move is done for accounting purposes only and does not absolve those who owe the money.

Minnesotans Told To Check Their Credit Records

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is telling about 5-thousand Minnesotans to watch their credit reports after an employee accessed their driving and motor vehicle records without authorization.

The DNR says it found no indication the data was sold, disclosed to others or used for criminal purposes, but the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating.

The employees now longer working for the department.