Policing Cost Concerns

Fort Frances wants the province to help small municipalities struggling to pay for policing.

In a resolution heading to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association for support, the town points to economic and financial challenges that impact on that ability to pay.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas, who serves on the NOMA board, says for some communities, it's becoming too bearable.

The town's also concerned what the impact will be when OPP officers receive an 8.5 per cent wage increase next year.

More Cuts Backs At Treaty Three Police Service

More cutbacks for the Treaty Three Police Service.

Public Service Alliance of Canada's Judith Monteith-Farrell says the service's employer has announced a massive rollback in salaries, benefits, and hours.

First Nation Chiefs whose communities are patrolled by the Police Service are meeting Monday to discuss how to proceed with the service.

Safeway Stores Under New Ownership

The parent company of Sobeys is acquiring the Canadian assets of Safeway.

The 5.8-billion-dollar deal is aimed at giving Nova Scotia-based Empire a foothold in Western Canada where Safeway has 213 stores, including one in Fort Frances.

Sobeys owns or franchises more than 13-hundred stores across Canada.

It hasn't decided if the Safeway name will disappear.

"Little Free Libraries" Established

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There are some new libraries popping up around the International Falls area.

"Little Free Libraries" have been set up at City Beach and the Ranier Community Building with more in the works.

Steward Lindsay Goulet says they're small sites where the public can access books in unique locations and run volunteers and stocked through donations by the public..

A stocking of the little library at City Beach will take place tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Promoted

Breast cancer awareness and prevention will be promoted today at "Market Thursday" in downtown Fort Frances.

Members of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network will be putting a particular focus on men, asking them to remind the women in their lives to do a thorough breast exam.

The network says men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Seven Generations Education Institute Graduation

Seven Generations Education Institute celebrates a milestone today.

It will hold its 25th graduation ceremony at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

93 graduates who enrolled in a variety of secondary and post secondary programs offered at all of Seven Gens sites will be recognized.

Youth Helped Through Lacrosse

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The sport of lacrosse is giving youth at the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre in Fort Frances a chance of learn new life skills

The organization Right to Play and members of the National Lacrosse League are delivering the development program.

Right to Play Manager Lauren Simeson says it's also helps youth identify positive role models.

Aspects of the sport were taught by member of the Lacrosse league.

Andrew McBride, a member of the Calgary Roughnecks, believes it's making a difference.

McGuinty Resigns

Former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has formally announced he's resigning as the member of provincial parliament for Ottawa South.

McGuinty says it's a good time for him to step down after nearly 23 years, including ten as premier.

The opposition says he leaves with a cloud of controversy over his head because of gas plant scandal.

Campbell Supports Provincial Budget

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says passing of the provincial budget is good news for hardworking families across northern Ontario.

Campbell joined with her fellow NDP colleagues in supporting the Liberals.

She says feedback from her constituents made it clear they favoured negotiation and compromise over an election.

College Program Staying Despite Concerns

Confederation College says it's too late to move its float plane training program.

The College set up operations at Eva Lake, east of Atikokan, drawing the ire of area cottagers.

College spokesperson Sue Prodaniuk says they understand the cottagers concerns, but the program has to stay where it is for this season.

The cottagers don't feel they were properly consulted by the College.

Native Housing Project Gets Green Light

Fort Frances council has given a native development organization the green-light to begin construction of another multi-unit complex in the town's north end.

Council gave approval to a rezoning request at its meeting last night.

Town planner Faye Flatt says drainage issues brought up by some area residents will be addressed.

Fort Frances Native Urban Waihkaihganan Corporation is proposing a 6-unit building near an existing 10 unit built last year.

Ombudsman Report Targets Jail Guards

Some harsh words from Ontario's ombudsman in a report about jail guards.

Andre Marin says correctional staff are brutalizing inmates and then covering up the abuse in what he calls a "code of silence.''

His report says the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services confirmed excessive force was used against inmates in 26 of the 55 cases it investigated and 31 staff were fired as a result.