OFAH Seeks Moose Study From MNR

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is expressing its disappointment over the reduction of moose hunting tags for this coming season.

The province says its because of declines in the moose population.

OFAH's senior wildlife biologist Mark Ryckman says it doesn't fully address the all of issues impacting moose which the MNR needs to study further.

Overall the reduction in tags is about 11 per cent, but some wildlife management areas will see greater decreases such as 11A and 9B, two popular hunting spots in the Rainy River district.

International Falls Received Federal Aid

The city of International Falls is receiving some federal dollars to assist with its economic recovery.

Mayor Bob Anderson says the $200-thousand will be used to develop an economic development strategy in hopes of attracting new business to offset the job lost from last year's layoffs at the Packaging Corporation of America mill, formerly owned by Boise.

The funding is matched by funding from both the city and Koochiching County.

Minnesota DOT Seeking Vounteers

Minnesota is looking for more volunteers to help clean up its highways.

It's part of the State's Adopt a Highway program.

More than 49-thousand volunteers representing businesses, non-profits, families and individuals now participate.

The Department of Transportation says they've helped the State save $6-million annually.

College Happy With Report

Confederation College is tooting its own horn.

It's celebrating mostly good marks in the Ontario Key Performance Indicators Report.

President Jim Madder says they are especially pleased with their ranking in grad employment rates which has them number one in the province.

Student completion rates were down, but Madder says that's because students are getting hired in their field before graduating.

Local Performers Wanted

Local performers are wanted for this summer's Harmony of Nations Music Festival in Fort Frances.

Organizer Shannon Darby says selected musicians will perform between sets of the headliner during this July's event.

Interested musicians are asked to submit two You Tube performances, one being an original or innovative submission, to staff@golocalfortfrances.com by May 14.

Border Entry Point Extends To Summer Hours

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is preparing to re-open its Inspection Station at Ely for the summer season.

The station serves as an entry point in and out of the Boundary Water Canoe Area.

The station, along with others at the Ely Municipal Airport and Shagawa Seaplane Base open May 24 until September 6.

Program Helping Youth Employment

The Ontario government says its been able to find more than 10-thousand jobs for young people through its Youth Employment Fund.

The program, launched last September, provides money to employers who offer four- to six-month job placements for young people looking for work, and assistance to young employees to cover certain expenses

The province is hoping it will help 25-thousand within the first two years of the programs' existence.

Spring Bear Hunt Goes To Court

Two animal activists are seeking legal action to stop the Ontario spring bear hunt.

Animal Alliance of Canada and Zoocheck Canada have served the Minister of Natural Resources and Attorney General with an application for a judicial review.

Three judges are scheduled to hear the application April 29 in Toronto.

Festival Wraps Up

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up its competitions.

The last of the awards in English drama were presented last Wednesday with Robert Moore School classes taking a total of three first place finishes while St. Michael's School earned two.

The best of the best will perform for the highlights concert May 4 at the Townshend Theatre.

Premier To Visit

Fort Frances plays host to Ontario's Premier this week.

Kathleen Wynne is in town to attend the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

NOMA vice-president and town councillor Andrew Hallikas says it's hoped her attendance will lead to a few cabinet ministers showing up.

Hallikas says Wynne is confirmed to attend NOMA's banquet Thursday night, but it's not certain if she'll participate in the question and answer session of the meeting.

FFHS To Host Mini-We Day

On the heels of a successful mini-We Day in Baudette, Fort Frances High is preparing for an event of its own next month.

This one will be focused on grade 8 students entering high school next fall.

Student Chelsea Skirton says they're making use of current students to speak.

Molly Burke with the organization Me-to-We will be the key note speaker.

Rainy River High School and Baudette's Lake of the Woods High School staged an event earlier this month.