Transport Driver Found

OPP say they've been able to identify the transport driver seen on a recent Youtube video, passing a snowplow, as another transport was approaching.

Police says charges are now pending against the 31-year-old Toronto area man.

His name has not yet been released.

The incident, which occurred in early January north of Nipigon on Highway 11, was captured on video by the other driver who had to take evasive action to avoid a head on collision.

Northern Development Minister Concern Aboot highwya Maintanence

Ontario's Northern Development Minister is adding his voice to those concerned about the snowplowing of the region's highways this winter.

Gravelle says he felt winter road maintenance hasn't been up to what it has been in the past and addressed his concern to Transportation Minister Glen Murray last week.

He says he brought with in several letters and emails from constituents. 

Gravelle says the fact fines have been given out to contractors shows Murray is taking the issue very seriously.

But he says if things don't improve, he'll back to see Murray to suggest changes may have to be made.

Safety Program Coming To High School

OPP are bringing their winter driving campaign into area high schools.

The first of the presentations in this region by the Highway Safety and Education Committee take place at Fort France and Rainy River High Schools next week.

Constable Anne McCoy says they're aiming the safe driving message at the region's youngest drivers.

Part of the campaign will encourage high school students to create a public service announcement to be produced by Acadia Broadcasting's radio stations, including 931theborder.

Water Rate Discussed

New water and sewer rates could be forthcoming in the Fort Frances.

Councillors, this week, were  presented with a range of potential increases, ranging from one to eight dollars a month for homeowners.

No decisions were made, but most councillors were supportive of an increase at the lower end of the scale.

LHINs Get Review

A provincial legislative committee is reviewing concerns about the Local Health Integration Network.

It held public meetings in Thunder Bay yesterday.

Jules Tupker with the Thunder Bay Health Coalition says they see a need for improved communication with the regional health authority.

The Ontario Native Women's Association spokesperson Kezia Picard says they want a change in how services are delivered.

Tentative Deal Reached For CN Workers

A potential strike by CN Rail workers has been avoided.

A tentative deal between the company and the Teamsters union  was reached yesterday.

No details will be released until the 3-thousand conductors and yard workers have had a chance to vote.

The workers were prepared to walk off the job as early as this weekend.

The federal government says a work stoppage would have had damaging effects the economy and were prepared to intervene if necessary.

NDP Tour Ring Of Fire

The NDP will have several members of Parliament touring the Ring of Fire today.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John is joining them and says they'll be visiting regions key to the projects development.

Some of the communities being toured include Koper Lake and Fort Hope as well as a flight over both the north and south corridors of the Ring of Fire.

Colder And Wetter January

An analysis of last month's weather from the National Weather Service in Duluth finds January was colder and wetter than normal in International Falls.

The average temperature was -3.7 F, more than 8 degrees colder than normal.

The area also receive almost 17 inches of snow, two inches above the norm.

Medical School Dean Recognized

Some international recognition for the dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Doctor Roger Strasser has received one of seven Special Awards for Outstanding Health Professional Educators at a recent conference in Thailand.

Strasser has been with the Medical School, first hired in 2002 to help in its development as its Founding dean.

Town Identifies Priority Projects

The demolition of the former Rainy Lake Hotel and market square development among priority projects Fort Frances council is hoping the Ontario government can assist with.

The town intends to highlight several projects in a letter as it hopes to take advantage of government interest in light of the recent shutdown of Resolute Forest Products.

Mayor Roy Avis says projects that involve other partners may hold more favour.

Road improvements to the east end of Scott Street and Front street and the acquisition of the tourism bureau among other projects to be highlighted.