Opposition Wants Fine Details Disclosed

The opposition is pushing the government to reveal how much contractors, responsible for plowing provincial highways, were fined this winter for failing to meet provincial standards.

NDP critic John Vantof says there's conflicting information about the reason for those fines that needs to be cleared up.

Transportation minister Glenn Murray is only saying the government has spent $10 million more this winter so contractors could purchase additional snow plows.

Three Arrested In Drug Bust

Three people are facing charges following a drug bust at a Fort Frances home this week.

Members of the Combined Forces Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau executed a search warrant at an Armit Street home Tuesday to find 555 grams of marijuana, street-valued at $11-thousand, and over $1,800 in cash.

Two Winnipeg residents, ages 20 and 42, and a 47-year-old Fort Frances man were arrested and are awaiting court appearances.

Ring of Fire Advances Another Step

Another step is being taken in making sure First Nations concerns are heard in the Ring of Fire negotiations.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the province and Mattawa First Nations have signed an agreement to move forward with a negotiating process on the issues they find crucial to them.

New Director Appointed To Riverside Foundation For Health Care

Riverside Foundation for Health Care has a new director.

Samatha Manty takes over the position Monday, replacing Nicke Baird who left to become the executive director at NCDS.

Manty, who's a graduate of Montreal's Dawson College, will wrap up her currently job at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce this week.

Koochiching County To Add New Social Worker

Another child and family social worker is being added to Koochiching County's community services department.

Director Terry Murray says it allows for some cases handled by outside agencies to be dealt again by county workers.

He says the additional staff person will also ease the workload of its other two social workers.

Festival Line-up Nearly Complete

Organizers of the newest summer festival to Fort Frances says they'll be in position to announce their line-up next month.

The Harmony of Nations! Music Festival is set for July18 and 19 at the Sorting Gap Marina.

Coordinator Shannon Darby says because of the event's uniqueness, it's been relatively easy lining up the acts.

The festival will also include a public workshops with artists.

A new website has also been brought on-line that will have further information on the festival as its made available.

Skating Club Wins

The Border Skating Club has been selected the grand prize winner in the Tbaytel For Good initiative.

The club wins $5,000 to help replace its audio equipment at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Rainy River Recreation Board receives $2,000 for reaching the semi-final round.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Budget Progressing

It could be another month before the Municipality of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls passes it's budget.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they are making good progress, but suggests they still need to make some last minute changes. 

A review of the changes is expected at council's next meeting, but Thompson says final approval may not come until the end of April.

Park Fees For Houseboats Not In Place Yet

Voyageurs National Park says it won't be charging a new reservation fee to houseboats this year.

The park had indicated the $10.00 charge would be part of a new reservation and fee program taking effect this season.

It says that fee if for private houseboats and won't be in place until next spring.

The Park says it's still talking with area houseboat companies about the fees and a plan for visitors who rent from companies who operate within the park.