Boise Mill Purchase

New owners for the Boise mill in International Falls.

Packaging Corporation of America is purchasing all of Boise Inc. mills in a deal worth about $2-billion.

Boise spokesperson Virginia Aulin says it's was a good offer to accept.

The deals comes as the International Falls mill prepares to close two of its paper machines and layoff 265 employees.

There is some optimism among the area's leaders over the planned ownership change.

Mayor Bob Anderson feels there will be benefits that help the paper mill becoming profitable.

Anderson says it's still important. though. to continue the work of finding ways to diversify their local economy in light of the mill's restructuring.

Grant Concerns Expressed

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A request for over half a million dollars from the federal government to help offset layoffs at the Boise mill is drawing concerns from an International Falls city councillor.

Cynthia Jacksa sees the application incomplete because it was done without the inclusion of the areas economic development officers.

She also believes many of the initiatives identified for funding are already taking place.

Both councillor Pete Kalar and Mayor Bob Anderson defend the application saying the initiatives covered under the grant were once put forward by subcommittees formed by a joint County-City task force.

PC's Release Northern Ontario Policy

Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak wants to give more decision making power to people in this part of the province.

Hudak has taken the wraps off a new policy platform for the the north and natural resources.

Hudak says he's committing to giving northerners more say over such areas as wildlife and hunting management and cottage development.

Boil Water Advisory Ends

A boil water advisory issued for residents of Emo has now been lifted.

The advisory was been put is place last Tuesday because of emergency repairs required at the township's water treatment plant.

That work is now complete.

Catholic Women's League Celebrates

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The Catholic Women's League in Rainy River is celebrating a milestone.

It was formed 60 year ago.

The League celebrated Sunday with special recognition given to some long time members, including Bernice Olinyk, who is a charter member.

Millie Kucha was honoured for 58 years membership while Donna Noga and Gayle Yuryk received
pins for 50 years.

Fake Survey

A survey from RBC appears to be phony.

An email from someone claiming to be from RBC sent to our news room asks to update our profile and for personal information.

It also claims Bank of Montreal will credit our account with money for taking part.

RBC says no such survey is taking place and would not ask for information that way.

Kiss 'n' Ride Warning Period Over

No more warnings.

That from OPP to motorists who don't heed parking restrictions in place around three elementary schools in Fort Frances.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says there's been a lot of publicity and education around the Kiss 'n' Ride initiative at J.W. Walker, Robert Moore and St. Francis Schools that people should be know be aware of the restrictions.

The initiative went into place at the start of school to ensure a safer drop off and pick up of children and to ease traffic congestion around the schools.

Health Unit Losing Its Medical Officer Of Health

The Northwestern Health Unit is losing its Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. James Arthurs will be retiring next March.

Arthurs came to the Health Unit in 2009 after working in the U.S. as a family and emergency room physician and Medical Director.

The Board of Health has already started the recruitment process.

NDP Critical Of Province On Power Plant

NDP leader Andrea Horwath is again chastising the Liberal government for its foot dragging on the conversion of Ontario Power Generation's coal-fire station in Thunder Bay.

Horwath says it's time the Premier tells us what the government's plans are once and for all.

Horwath was in Thunder Bay on the weekend to attend the NDP's Northern Council meeting.