Wolf Numbers Drop in Minnesota

Wildlife managers say Minnesota's wolf population has fallen by about 700 animals over the past five years.

The Department of Natural Resources estimates the population now at about 22-hundred.

A smaller deer population, the wolves main food source, and last years return of wolf hunting are citing as contributing factors to the drop.

Red Lake Area Forest Fire Focus For MNR

A large forest fire near Red Lake has become a priority for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The lightning-caused blaze has scorched more than 11-thousand hectares and is listed as not under control.

The fire is 40 kilometers southwest of Red Lake and 30 kilometers northeast of Pikangikum First Nation, but neither community is currently at risk.

Ride For Memories Accepting Registration

An annual motorcycle ride across northwestern Ontario in support of the Alzheimer Society returns.

The Ride for Memories and Poker Derby through the Kenora and Rainy River districts takes place August 24.

The Society's Rossana Tomashowski says registration can be made by calling its Kenora office or through its website.

The ride is one of the Society's biggest fundraisers.

This year's goal is to raise $50-thousand.

Firefighters Deal Reached

A tentative agreement has apparently been reached between the town of Fort Frances and its firefighters.

No details are being revealed until ratification of the deal has been made by members of the Fort Frances Professional Firefighters Association

Fort Frances council gave its blessing Monday night.

Thunder Bay Prepare To Fight Assessment Appeal

Thunder Bay City Council is getting ready to do battle with Resolute Forest Products.

As it did in Fort Frances, the company is appealing the assessed value of its Thunder Bay mill.

Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the city is looking at working with other municipalities facing similar situations.

Resolute wants to have its assessment  lowered from $72-million.

Food Bank Challenge Underway

Donations to a couple of agencies in International Falls can be that much more important this month.

Any funds received by the Falls Hunger Coalition or Salvation Army will be matched by the group "Open Your Hearth to the Hunger and Homeless."

Spokesperson Kristen Zoellner says every little bit helps.

The agency has increased its Food Bank Challenge to a $150-thousand in response to record demands by food banks.

Council Consider Rezoning Of Garden Site

Supporters of the Fort Frances Community Garden want their garden to be a permanent fixture in town.

They're hoping council will agree to a rezoning of the property on Lillie Avenue to make that happen.

Krista Neilson of the Northwestern Health Unit says a move to a new location would be a set back.

Neilson says interest in the garden blossomed since it started three years ago with a new kids club numbering 35 going this year.