Catholic School Trustees To Consider Stratton School Fate

A small catholic school in the Rainy River district could get a reprieve.

Trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board are to discuss tonight whether to keep open Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

Just 13 students are enrolled, but administration is asking trustees to postpone their decision, suggesting more time is needed to determine the potential for longer term enrolment growth.

It also suggests taking another look at the accommodation review done of the school in 2017.

Nurses Disappointed by Wage Offer

The Ontario Nurses Association is disappointed by the wage offer put forward by the province's hospitals.

A Ministry of Labour arbitrator heard from both sides over the weekend on the wage issue.

President of the Nurse's Association Linda Haslum-Stroud says the hospitals want to cut nurses' wages and benefits on the heels of a two year wage freeze.

The existing contract for nurses, including those who work in hospitals the Rainy River district, expires at the end of this month.

Fire Investigation Continues

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office and the OPP have wrapped up their investigation, at the scene at least, into last Thursday's motel fire in Fort Frances.

But the exact cause of the blaze at Reid's Voyageur Inn Motel is still not be released.

Meantime, a 39-year-old man who was taken to hospital is now in Thunder Bay.

His condition continues to be monitored.

Higher Fines For Distracted Driving Considered

New legislation to crack down on distracted driving in the province has been introduced at Queen's Park.

The bill proposes to increase the range of fines to between $300 and $1,000 and assign three demerit points against those caught using their cellphone or other electronic devices while driving.

The bill also requires drivers to keep at least one metre away when passing cyclists.

Violence In Treaty 3 Communities Tackled

A new strategy in is place to prevent violence in Treaty 3 communities.

The Green Light initiative was launched in Onigaming First Nation.

Karen Kejick says they need the support of the provincial and federal governments as well as others to put an end to violence.

The green light is a symbol of a community safe house for individuals who are in need of safety in the event of a domestic violence situation.

Surgeons Donate Research Dollars

A group of orthopedic surgeons is donating a total of two million dollars over the next ten years to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The money will be used to conduct a variety of orthopedic research projects.

One will look at diabetes patients and the high rate of amputations in northwestern Ontario.

NDP Offers Job Creating Incentive Plan

Ontario's New Democrats want to reward businesses and companies who create new jobs.

Leader Andrea Horwath is proposing a new job creation tax credit that would reimburse employers 10 per cent of a new workers salaries in their first year.

Horwath says it's a simple step that would get people working now.