High School Report Card Released

It's back to school for students across the Rainy River district today with news area high schools aren't getting the best of grades from a conservative think-tank.

The Fraser Institute has released its latest report card on secondary schools and how well their students performed in recent provincial tests.

Co-author Peter Cowley says Fort Frances High School is among schools that haven't seen seen much improvement over the past five years.

Snow Coming

Weather warnings have been issued on both sides of the border as a winter storm makes its way through our area.

It's expected to bring significant snowfalls and strong winds.

As much as 15 centimeters is expected in the Rainy River district while U.S. forecasters call for as much as 25 centimeters in some parts of northern Minnesota.

Accident Sends Three To Hospital

Three people are recovering from injuries following a motor vehicle accident in Atikokan.

OPP say early Friday morning, a car traveling on Mercury Ave. lost control and came into collision with an oncoming truck.

The vehicles' occupants were taken to Atikokan Hospital for treatment.

No charges have been laid.

Bridges To Get Fix Up

Eleven bridges in northwestern Ontario, including one in the Rainy River district, are getting a fix up.

The federal and provincial governments are contributing $61-million to the projects.

Federal Transport Minister Steven Fletcher says it's critical to keep our roads in good condition.

The project in this district is a $1.7 million improvement at the Log River Tributary Culvert  on Highway 71.

Ontario Wants Help With Corporate Tax Dogdging

Ontario is asking the federal government for help in clamping down on corporate tax dodging.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa wants the feds to close loopholes that allow corporations to avoid paying taxes by shifting their profits and losses across Canada.

Sousa says it could bring in $200 million by 2017.

Governor To Tour State On Budget

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will travel the state starting this week to make the case for his budget.

The tour starts with a town hall meeting in Duluth on Wednesday with future meetings to be announced.

Dayton's office says that these ``Meetings with Mark'' are an effort to engage Minnesotans in personal
conversations about his proposed spending increases on education, economic development and local government aid.

Virtual Conference Planned

Leaders from across northern Ontario are expected to take part in a virtual conference discussing how they can improve the region.

Organizer Frank Roch says there will be representatives from many sectors taking part.

There is no meeting location for next month's event with registrants given video and teleconferencing instructions to join.

Fur Trappers To Hold Community Workshop

Your chance to learn more about the local trapping industry.

The Rainy River District Trappers Council is bringing back a community workshop this Saturday at Crossroads School in Devlin.

President Brian Love says it builds on the success they had last year.

The event will include displays and workshops on fur handling, beaver skinning and activities for young people.

There's no charge to attend.

Question Of The Week

Should Fort France town council abandon plans its plans for a housing subdivision in favour of other uses for the former Huffman School property?

That's our question on our website 93.1 The Border.ca

In response to last week's question, 69 per cent don't think the province's review of how paper mills in northern Ontario were assessed will lead to any help for the communities affected.

Alternative Use For Huffman Presented

An alternative use the former Huffman School is being offered up.

The Fort Frances seniors advisory committee would like the building used as a temporary second location to the Sister Kennedy Centre.

Al Bedard says it would enhance programs and services for seniors until an expansion of the currently facility can be done.

Town council is reviewing the proposal with the group to make a formal presentation at the next council meeting.

Candidates Named

We now know the names of the four candidates seeking the open seat on Fort Frances Council.

Arlene Georgeson, Doug Kitowski, Ed Haglund and Joe Galbraith will be interviewed by the remaining members of council in the coming days.

The selection of a preferred candidate will be made by the end of this month.

The vacancy was created by the sudden death of Sharon Tibbs in January.

No Smoking Ban Expanded

A ban on smoking in front of the doors at the Memorial Sports Centre is being extended to other locations.

Fort Frances council has approved a by-law amendment that prohibits smoking within 9 metres of any entrance or exit of a town-owned building.

There had been some consideration for a complete ban of smoking on town-property but that provision would have also applied to parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreational fatalities.