Gravelle Working To Help Fort Frances

Ontario's Northern Development  Minister says he's ready to help support Fort Frances with its economic recovery effort.

Michael Gravelle says down with council and its economic development committee yesterday to discuss the impact of the recent shutdown at Resolute Forest Products and the town's plans to create new growth.

Gravelle says sees some support forthcoming.

He says there are some specific applications being made, but won't be in a position to make any announcement until sometime in the near future.

Gravelle says there are also other projected he intends bring to the attention of other Ministers for their support.

Premier Promising More Accountability

Ontario's Ombudsman could soon have new powers over municipalities and schools board.

It's part of legislation the Liberal government intends to bring forward.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says it's about bringing more accountability, oversight and transparency to government and the broader public sector.

The legislation would also review the compensation given to senior executives  and give powers to Ontario's Integrity Commissioner to review expenses of all provincially-funded agencies.

Hockeyville Announces Sweet 16 Tomorrow

We will know tomorrow if Fort Frances advances to the next round in the Kraft Hockeyville Contest.

CBC is to announce during Hockey Night in Canada the 16 communities that will seek the public's vote to move further.

Organizer of the local bid Jonathan Glueheisen says they're prepared.

Glueheisen says while people can vote on-line from the comfort of their home, they will also have a voting area at the Memorial Sports Centre ready to go as well.

Careful Driving Today

Highways across northwestern Ontario are reported being snow covered or partly covered following the fall of snow overnight.

Caution is advised while on the road, especially this morning.

Environment Canada is forecasting the potential of freezing rain in parts of the district.

Gillon's Expansion Continues

Gillons' Insurance continues work to completing its insurance network across northwestern Ontario.

The company is a month about away from opening its office in Thunder Bay.

Chief Executive Officer Duane Cridland says their services will have a local feel.

Gillons' already has offices in places such as Fort Frances, Dryden, Red Lake and Emo.

Tax Relief Bill Passes House

More than half-a-million dollars in tax relief for Minnesota ratepayers and businesses has passed through the House floor at the State capital.

It now moves to the Senate.

The bill includes a plan to repeal business taxes on repair and maintenance of equipment, and warehousing and storage that were meet with great opposition when imposed last year.

Chamber Awards Presented

The region's best has been honoured in Fort Frances.

Betty's of Fort Frances was named business of the year at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce business awards.

Christine Krueger of the Fort Frances Dental Centre was named employee of the year.

Business woman of the year is Jennifer Horton, owner of Curvy Chick and Chick with a Camera.

Ben Morelli of From the Grind Up was selected Entrepreneur of the Year.

Small Business Trainer of the Year is Bobbie Parker of Mr. Sub.

Home Based Business Award went to Kupila's Sound Centre and Miles Kupila.

Donna Lowey of Lowey's Greenhouse and Tompkins Home Hardware received customer service awards.

Kayne Shaw was presented with the Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award.

Spring Forward

It's time to get ready for longer days.

We will spring ahead when daylight savings time begins Sunday.

It means you will have to push your clock ahead an hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Cell phones, laptops, computers will automatically update.

Falls Chamber Introduces New Award

International Falls Chamber of Commerce is creating a new award to honour its strongest supporters.

The new Pillar award replaces the small business and large business of the year awards traditionally handed out each spring.

The first recipients are Boise Paper, Bremer Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling, The Journal, Mid-Continent Communications and KGHS-KSDM radio.

The Chamber will still issue an award for Citizen of the Year.

Nominations for this year are now being accepted