Lobby Group Warns Of Hospital Cuts

The Ontario Health Coalition is warning of cuts effecting hospital in northwestern Ontario.

It says it's because the province is cutting health spending by more then three-billion-dollars.

Coalition director Natalie Mehra says expects changes at some hospitals.

The Coalition intends to hold a day of action Monday to draw further attention.

Koochiching Ending Home Care Services

Some of the last residents receiving home care services through Koochiching County will soon be receiving them elsewhere.

The County intends have five home care maintenance clients serviced by other home care agencies at the end of March.

Public Health Director Susan Cosgrove admits its a tough decision to make.


Three part-time homemakers who have been servicing the clients are finding employment elsewhere.

The move is part of changes initiated by the County about six years ago.

Cuts At U.S. Border Possible

Deep spending cuts by the U.S. Government could be felt along the border in International Falls.

Janet Napolitano, the Obama Administration's homeland security chief, says spending will be slashed by 85-billion dollars on Friday unless Congress reaches a deal to avert the planned cuts.

Napolitano says if the cuts go ahead, the equivalent of five-thousand border patrol agent positions will be eliminated.

Charged Laid In Accident

A Fort Frances woman has been charged with dangerous driving after a pedestrian was nearly struck earlier this month.

The incident happened two weeks ago in the downtown area of Fort Frances.

OPP also charged the 21-year-old with driving while under suspension and breach of probation.

Teachers Return An Individual Choice

The local representative with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation says it's going to be an individual choice whether area teachers resume participation in extra-curricular activities.

They've got the green light to take part.

Local union president Kent Kowalski says there's still a lot of anger among teachers.

Kowalski says still feels the decision to withdraw from extracurricular activities in protest over legislated contracts was effective.

School Board Ready To Welcome Teachers Back Behind the Bench

The Rainy River District School Board is welcoming the decision by the high school teachers union to allow its members to participate again in extracurricular activities.

Education Director Heather Campbell says she's hasn't heard how local teachers will respond.

Volunteers took over the management of some sports teams this month.