DSSAB Discusses Housing Plan in Atikokan

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board holds another public session on a new housing and homelessness plan.

It's this morning at the Atikokan General Hospital from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

The board say input will help them clarify Rainy River's housing needs and organize efforts to deal with homelessness.

More Forest Fires

Six new forest fires have sparked in Northwestern Ontario.

None are in the Rainy River district.

Most were lightning caused.

Northern Mayor Present Priorities To Government

The mayors of northern Ontario's largest cities are giving the provincial Government a piece of their mind.

They've presented seven members of Premier Wynn's cabinet a document entitled Northern Priorities.

It asks to focus on several key northern needs, including infrastructure, energy and a fair share of resource revenue.


The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities.

More Candidates In Minnesota Election Races

A school teacher from Hibbing is throwing his name in the race for Minnesota governor.

Rob Farnsworth is the fifth person to seek the Republican endorsement to challenge Democratic incumbent Mark Dayton next year.

Meantime, another Republican has jumped into the race for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Al Franken.

St. Louis County Commissioner Chris Dahlberg joins three others also hoping to unseat Franken.

Cruisin' For A Cause Today

You can grab a bite to eat and help out a good cause today by stopping by A&W.

It's the fifth year for A&W's Cruisin for a Cause for the MS Society.

A dollar from every Teen Burger sold today will be donated to help end MS.

Food Drives Started As Part of Kraft Tour

Local food banks will benefit as a result of the upcoming Kraft Celebration Tour.

Two Fort Frances insurance companies are tying their window displays into food drives.

Causeway Insurance is hoping to fill its store front with Kraft food items.

Gillions' Insurance is also collecting non-perishable food items.

Both are having draws for those who donate.

Missing Man Pulled From Water

OPP have recovered the body of a missing man from Lake of the Woods.

52 year old Gary Dueck of Steinbach was paddle boarding Monday in the area of Pine Portage Bay when fell into the water and failed to resurface.

NOMA Happy With Minister Meetings

Some positives signs for Northwestern Ontario.

President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says the Liberal government appears to more focused on the interests of our region.


Canfield's comments came after NOMA delegates meet with seven different cabinet ministers and PC leader Tim Hudak at this week's meeting of Ontario Municipalities in Ottawa.

Rickford OK With Prorogued Parliament

A Conservative MP calls it smart.

Kenora's Greg Rickford sees no problem with Prime Minister Stephen Harper deciding to prorogue parliament until mid-October.

The opposition is accusing the P-M of hiding from them and being afraid to answer questions about the Senate expense scandal.

New Sculpture Planned For International Falls

A new sculpture is expected to be on display in International Falls in the near future.

It was designed by a pair of students, selected in a contest run by the Northland Arts Society.

Member Denise Kulig says the nearly 7-foot structure will commemorate summer and feature an oversized beach ball, chair and sun.

A site for the sculpture has yet to be decided

Blood Donor Clinics Fall Short Of Goal

The Canadian Blood Services fell short on its goals, but is still pleased with the response it received at blood donor clinics in Fort Frances.

A total 250 people donated 210 units of blood over the past two days.

Spokesperson Mike Choi says they wanted 240 units, but hospital won't suffer as they expect the shortfall can be picked up at clinics elsewhere.

The blood collected is being tested before shipped for use at hospitals across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

New Bicycle Map For Minnesota

Some help for bicyclists on where to travel in Minnesota.

The Department of Transportation has published an updated edition of the state's bicycle map.

It includes areas to ride safely across Koochiching County

The map is available both in paper and electronic formats.

Health Group Holds Poster Contest

A regional health care agency is turning to students for help with an upcoming conference.

The Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health is conducting a poster competition with the theme related to palliative care.

The submissions will be showcased at an event in Thunder Bay this November with the winner earning $100.

Deadline to enter is September 16

Call 1-807-766-7182 for more details.

Minister Responds To Criticism

Ontario Natural Resources Minister is responding to criticism over a recent round of cuts within the MNR.

The union representing workers says layoff notices were issued to 103 employees last week, including two at the Fort Frances office.

In a open letter, David Oriazetti says the MNR is in the midst of implementing a three-year transformation plan, designed to modernize the way the ministry does business and reduce costs.

Oriazetti says once the reorganization is complete next spring, the MNR will have approximately the same number of field operations staff and science and research staff as we do now.