Festival - Wednesday Results

2009-04-17

07:26:19

Fort Frances High School bands captured honours in five separate divisions as the instrumental portion of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts opened Wednesday.

It was also the final day for vocal competitions with Lauren Gurski and Kaitlyn Shortreed each earning top marks in three categories.

The instrumental competitions continue Thursday at Knox United Church with the drama division beginning in the morning at the Townsend Theatre. Here as the results from Wednesday's competition.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, VOCAL DIVISION, Wednesday, April 15, 2009

 

CLASS V152

                First – Dylan Ossachuk

CLASS V153        

                First – Isaac Firth

                Second – Chantal Perrault

CLASS V154

                First – Sydney Martel

CLASS V131

                First – Phoebe Firth

CLASS V132

                First – Kailey Curtis

                Second – Jessica Whalen

CLASS V133

                First – Lauren Gurski

CLASS V163

                First – Katelyn Shortreed

CLASS V139

                First – Lauren Gurski

CLASS V207        

                First – Phoebe Firth and Isaac Firth

                Second – Jessica Whalen and Ericka Tymkin

CLASS V195        

                First – Lauren Gurski

CLASS V189

                First – Katelyn Shortreed

                Second – Lauren Gurski

CLASS V176

                First – Anne Jean

                Second – McKenna Begin

CLASS V177

                First – Taylor Shouldice

                Second – Maggie Gauthier

CLASS V178

                First – Ericka Tymkin

                Second – Caitlin Sande

CLASS V179

                First – Katelyn Shortreed

                Second – Jessica Whalen

FESTIVAL RESULTS, INSTRUMENTAL DIVISION, Wednesday, April 15, 2009

 

CLASS B300

                First – Fort Frances High School Beginner Band (Grade 9), Director:  John Dutton

                Second – Robert Moore School Band (Grade 7), Director:  Michelle Cain

CLASS B301

                First – Fort Frances High School Junior Band (Grade 10), Director:  John Dutton

                Second – Robert Moore School Band (Grade 8), Director:  Michelle Cain

CLASS B302

                First – Fort Frances High School Intermediate Band, Director:  John Dutton

CLASS B303

                First – Fort Frances High School Senior Band, Director:  John Dutton        

CLASS B307

                First – Fort High Jazz Band, Director:  Christina Sletmoen

CLASS S1303

                First (Tie) – Michelle Cain and Nicole Murray

CLASS B504

                First – Ensemble - Dan Vos, Mark Loney, John Dutton, Christina Foreman, Alex Marusyk

CLASS B306

                FIRST – Borderland Community Orchestra

Ralph Rowe Back in Court

2009-04-17

07:25:05

A former northwestern Ontario Anglican Church Minister is back in a Kenora court this week.

Ralph Rowe faces eleven sexual assault charges against seven individuals from remote northern first nation communities. The one-time boy scout master has already gone through two trials, most recently two years ago, for sexually abusing young boys in northern Ontario communities during the 1970's and 1980's.

He is currently serving a three year sentence.

Hydro Rates to Increase

2009-04-17

07:20:58

An increase in residential hydro rates is on the way, albeit a small one.

The Ontario Electricity Board has announced new prices that take effect May 1. The point-one per cent increase per kilowatt hour represents about a dollar more each month for the average homeowner.

A change in the threshold for the lowest electricity price from one-thousand to 600 kilowatts will add another $3.60 to monthly bills.

Bass Tournament Funding

2009-04-17

07:18:35

A significant cash infusion for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The local fishing tournament will receive more than $41,000 from the provincial government. The funding was part of an announcement Wednesday by the province to support community events across Ontario.

New Parking Lot

2009-04-17

06:58:34

There will be a new parking lot behind St. Mary's Church in Fort Frances later this year.

The 70-space lot is being built as part of the $5.4 million dollar road improvement project around the AbitibiBowater biomass boiler. C.A.O. Mark McCaig say it will help make a section of Nelson Street between Victoria and Portage Avenues safer for heavy trucks.

"When there's cars parked on both side of the road it's almost impassable," says McCaig. "What we're look at is having trucks go down that stretch of Nelson and onto Victoria out Front Street with a widen road, minimal and limited parking so that it's safe."

Construction costs of the parking lot will be paid by Abitibi-Bowater as part of an agreement made when it assumed ownership of the portions of Sinclair Street and Portage Avenue by the boiler.

Terry Evanshen Opens Conference

2009-04-17

06:53:56

The man who lost himself will open today's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Fort Frances.

More than 10 years ago, C-F-L Hall-of-famer Terry Evanshen awoke from a coma not knowing who he was, his family or his football past. Evanshen, who has been on a slow recovery since, says its important to be the best one can be.

"We're all going through very difficult time right now," says Evanshen, "but when you look at my life and how I had to rebuild myself again that we try to put things in proper perspective. Try to look within ourselves and realize it's not the highs or low which happen to you in your life, but what you do with it that really counts."

Evanshen's life has been the subject of a made-for TV movie. He now now travels the country as a motivational speaker.
 

NOMA Opens

2009-04-17

06:49:42

'Global Challenges, Regional Strengths, Northwestern Solutions.'

That's the theme for this year's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Conference. The conference Thursday today in Fort Frances.

President, and Dryden Mayor, Anne Krassilowsky says there will be several issues discussed.

"For this year, we'll be addressing the forest value-added projects around the community and how to get them started," says Krassilowsky. "We'll work with the minister to find some kind of answer. We'll also be looking at tourism. We've all seen Greg Sorbara's tourism report. One of the biggest concerns is that we don't want to see Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association disappear. It's part of our identity."

Today's sessions include how to build healthy relations with native communities and the emerging bio-economy in northwestern Ontario.

Tourism Minister View Centre

2009-04-17

06:23:34

It appears the town of Fort Frances will get an opportunity to lobby the province's tourism minister directly for changes to the local tourist information centre.

Monique Smith is expected to tour the centre with town officials today. The town has been seeking changes that improves the centre's access.

The number of visitors to the centre has been dropping in recent years.

Pither's Point Park Stays Open

2009-04-16

06:41:50

Pither's Point Point will remain open this year.

The town of Fort Frances announced yesterday in a short one paragraph news release that an agreement with four area first nations communities will see the town continuing to operate the park this year. No other details were provided.

The announcement came as a court hearing scheduled for yesterday to deal with a town request to continue operating the park was moved to the end of July.

Residential Meeting In Vatican

2009-04-15

07:22:19

After two years of pushing, a delegation of Canadian residential-school survivors has been granted a rare private audience with the Pope.

The April 29th meeting at the Vatican is fuelling hope that Pope Benedict might apologize for abuse in aboriginal institutions run by Roman Catholic missionary congregations, including those in northwestern Ontario.

He's also expected to present survivors with a signed declaration of the church's will to work toward reconciliation

Music Festival Results Day 2

2009-04-15

07:19:09

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Robert Moore School's choirs walked away with four honours Tuesday during the second day of competition at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

The school's senior kindergarten, Grade 3 and 4, and both the boys and girls grades 4 to 8 choirs earned top marks in their respective categories. The second day for the vocal competitions at Donald Young School also saw Taylor Shouldice and Kennedy Latimer earn double honours.

The festival continues today with more vocal competitions at Knox United Church. The first day of instrumental events goes Wednesday at the Townsend Theatre and Donald Young School. Here is a list of all winner from Tuesday.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, VOCAL DIVISION, Tuesday, April 14, 2009

 

CLASS V220

                First – Donald Young School, Grades 3 to 8, Director: Katherine Williams

CLASS V274E

                First – Nestor Falls School – Director: Ken Brown

CLASS V223E

                First – Robert Moore School, SK, Director:  Michelle Cain

CLASS V241-II

                First – Robert Moore School, Grades 3 and 4, Director:  Mrs. Beckett

CLASS V249E

                First – Robert Moore School, Grades 4 to 8 Girls, Director:  Nathalie von Niebelschutz

CLASS V251E

                First – Robert Moore School, Grades 4 to 8 Boys, Director:  Nathalie von Niebelschutz

CLASS V248F

                First – Riverview French Choir, Grades 3 to 8, Director:  Anne Carradice

CLASS V116

                First – Kenzie Godin

CLASS V117

                First – Kennedy Latimer

CLASS V161

                First – Taylor Shouldice

                Second – Maggie Gauthier

CLASS V162

                First – Kennedy Latimer

                Second – Phoebe Firth

CLASS V129

                First – Taylor Shouldice

                Second – Kennedy Latimer

CLASS V200

                First – Kennedy Latimer

CLASS V208

                First – Scott Barker and Lauren Gurski

CLASS V180

                First – Lauren Gurski

                Second – Melissa Friesen

CLASS V181

                First – Brittany Hayes

                Second – Debbie Friesen

CLASS V205

                First – Melissa Friesen

CLASS V165

                First – Ken Brown

CLASS V222

                First – Renee Martin-Brown and Ken Brown

CLASS V173

                First – Debbie Friesen

 

 

Smoking Charge

2009-04-15

07:09:05

O-P-P have laid what may be the first charge in northwestern Ontario under the new provincial law prohibiting smoking in a vehicle with children inside.

It came in the Thunder Bay area Sunday when police spotted a male passenger smoking in a vehicle with two people under the age of 16 in the car.

The new law came into effect in January.

Forestry Funding Reaction

2009-04-15

06:55:13

There is mixed reaction to yesterday's announcement by the federal government how it will role out 170-million dollars to help the ailing forest industry.

President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Anne Krassilowsky says its a step in the right direction.

"It is good help," says Krassilowsky, "but let's see what it really means. I'm looking at $120 million to go to the development of new products. Is that value-added? That would be my first question. And how is that going to work in northwestern Ontario would be my second question."

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty isn't as welcoming. He says the federal government should be offering more loan guarantees, as well as holding a national summit to develop a more long-term strategy for the industry.

 

Portage Avenue Traffic Delays

2009-04-15

06:53:35

There will be some traffic delays on Portage Avenue at the underpass for the next couple of day.

Crews will be on site to conducts tests of the soil anchors installed last year on the east wall.

As a result, the road will be reduced to one lane from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. both Wednesday and Thursday.

Fort Frances in Court Today

2009-04-15

06:52:41

The town of Fort Frances has a date with a court judge this morning.

Town lawyers will be asking the judge to consider a notice of motion filled in court last week that would allow the town the ability to continue operating Pither's Point Park. A lease signed by the town in 1908 expires at the end of this month.

The town is asking for the right to continue operating the park until litigation between area native bands who surrendered title to the land, and the federal, provincial and municipal governments is resolved, or for as long as an Ontario Order in Council that declared the site a park - remains.

Fundraising Chair Speak Out

2009-04-15

06:41:19

The fundraising chair for the new Fort Frances Library and technology centre wants town council to hold a special meeting to reconsider its decision to reject the project's construction contract.

Mark Kowalchuk says he was shocked by Monday's decision, but feels there is some hope to have it built this year

"The good news is that there may still be a very small window of opportunity to build the library-technology centre as designed," says Kowalchuk. "If, after council’s decision to kill the project, they realize the full financial and political implications for now and many years to come, this project could still move ahead."

"We had corporate sponsorship, and provincial and federal sponsorship on this project, along with the local fundraising efforts, and I just think that there's more to this decision to whether or not this library get built. I think the ramifications can be extreme." 

Kowalchuk says project also represents an opportunity to foster new business and attract new investment.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is confident construction of the library and technology centre can be built this year. Avis says there is council support for a new library and with a little Avis feels a little fine-tuning of the numbers will help deliver a plan council can live with.

"We have to look at the municipal portion, the ongoing maintenance costs in the years to come," says Avis. "I think with a little bit of fine tuning we can get it back on the right tracks."

Avis is also hopeful those who contributed to the project financially will continue to do so.

Meantime, one of the main contributors to the Fort Frances library project won't be withdrawing its funding just yet.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines says until there is an official announcement from the town that the project will not proceed, the Ministry remains committed to the nearly 440-thousand dollars announced in January.

But Anne-Marie Flanagan confirmed the money can not be used for anything else and would have to be forfeited if the project does not go ahead.

Festival Opens

2009-04-14

07:57:54

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts is underway.

The event opened with vocal competitions yesterday with Anne Jean, Caitlin Sande and Lauren Gurski each winning honours in two separate categories.

The vocal competitions continue Tuesday at Donald Young School. Here is a list of all winners from the first event's first day.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, VOCAL DIVISION, Monday, April 13, 2009

 

CLASS V175

                First – Karrigan Johnston

CLASS V100

                First – Naomi Carradice

                Second – Karrigan Johnston

CLASS V101

                First – Star Jewell Martin

CLASS V102        

                First – Anne Jean

CLASS V103

                First – Alyssa Van Drunen

CLASS V104

                First – Isaac Firth

CLASS V106

                First – Emily Brown

CLASS V107

                First – Phoebe Firth

                Second – Ericka Tymkin

CLASS V108

                First – Caitlyn Sande

                Second – Jessica Whalen

CLASS V109

                First – Lauren Gurski

                Second – Katelyn Shortreed

CLASS V144

                First – Anne Jean

CLASS V145

                First – Maggie Gauthier

CLASS V146

                First – Caitlin Sande

                Second – Ericka Tymkin

CLASS V148

                First – Lauren Gurski

CLASS V168

                First – Dylan Ossachuk

CLASS V169

                First – Taylor Shouldice

                Second – Kenzie Godin

CLASS V170

                First – Ericka Tymkin

                Second – Phoebe Firth

CLASS V171

                First – Katelyn Shortreed

                Second – Jessica Whalen

CLASS V172

                First – Melissa Friesen

                Second – Rebecca Sokoliuk

CLASS V173

                First – Debbie Friesen

Zebra Mussels Found

2009-04-14

07:51:38

A recent discovery of zebra mussel shells in a Minnesota lake has the state's Department of Natural Resources issuing warnings to boaters of the importance of making sure their vessels are free of invasive species before launching.

The D.N.R. is not certain if the shells found in Prior Lake were from living mussels or were brought there, the department says its likely the lake is infested.

Zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota 20 years ago in the Duluth harbour and have since spread to a number of inland lakes.

Road Work Starts in May

2009-04-14

07:39:44

A major road project is about to begin in Fort Frances next month.

The $5.4 million dollar project will see upgrades to Portage Avenue beginning at First Street, Nelson Street and parts of Victoria Avenue. Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says a public meeting will be held in the near future to discuss the work because of the impact it will have to several facilities.

"We are going to affect (access to) the hospital, police station, fire hall, and others," says Brown. "A preconstruction meeting is of the essence so that we haven't forgotten something."

The town has secured more than $2 million in government grants for the project with a large portion of the remaining costs being covered through its share of the federal gas tax allocation. C-A-O Mark McCaig says the project will address a number of safety issues in the area.

"There's going to be a lot of trucks travelling from the biomass land-mining sites at the landfill," says McCaig. "There's going to be travelling under our underpass and the road needs to be truck ready."

Work is to begin May 4 with a target end date of September 18.

Hallet and Fire Tower Contract Decision Delayed

2009-04-14

07:25:24

There was no decision from Fort Frances town councillors Monday night on a contract to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower from Pither's Point Park to the waterfront.

Community Services Manager George Bell says a conference call with the contractor to get further information had to be postponed until next week. That will delay council's decision on the proposed $1.3 million contract until its next week in two weeks.

Councillor Paul Ryan questioned whether the pending end of a lease for Pither's Point Park would impact the project.

"If we do do this job and the contract is awarded, there could be a possibility our assets are on somebody else's property, said Ryan. "I'm just wondering if that will create a problem when we go on the property and try to get our stuff off of it."

The town's lease for the Park expires at the end of the month. Town lawyers will be in court Wednesday seeking an extension.

 

Council Says No to Building Contract

2009-04-14

06:51:19

Fort Frances town councillors voted down last night a construction contract for the new library and technology centre.

Nearly fifty library supporters left dejected after a 5 to 2 vote against accepting the $3.7 million contract. Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says it was the overall costs of $4.7 million and the town's portion that swayed him to vote no.

"My concern is that if you look at the potential expenditure of this project," say Wiedenhoeft, "the potential expenditure could be in the high of $1.5 to $1.6 million....if things don't fall into place. I think if you look at a project of this size, you have to look at the potential expenditure as being a possibility."

Councillor Ken Perry also felt the town was not in a position to proceed.

"I think the plan for the library is too grand of scheme for us," says Perry. "I'm afraid that down the road we're not going to be able to afford the budget of a new library. When you build a bigger building, the budget for the new building is bigger than the old one and that's what's going to happen here."

Chair of the Fort Frances Library Board Joyce Cunningham was disappointed by the decision. The board's been working toward a new library for nearly 15 years. Cunningham doesn't believe there's anything more than board can do.

"This is something that would be good for the citizens of the community, but it would also be an economic stimulus," says Cunningham, "and in fact when we received the $1.6 million (from the Ministry of Culture) that was a major part of the reason we got that. so I'm extremely disappointed by what has happened."

Cunningham also stands by comments made last week that a no vote would essentially kill the project. The decision by council came as word of a $25,000 donation from an unidentified donor was set to be announced.

While all of council agreed there was a need for a new library, only councillors Sharon Tibbs and Andrew Hallikas felt council should have accepted the contract.

On-Line Passport Service Shutting Down

2009-04-13

12:31:42

In a couple of weeks, it'll be the end of the line for Passport On-Line.

Passport Canada says it will stop accepting online applications at the end of the month. The move to cancel the service follows complaints from Canada's privacy commissioner about sloppy security and an embarrassing online security breach more than a year ago.

 

Support for Christine Elliot

2009-04-13

12:30:45

Christine Elliott picked up a couple of endorsements today in her bid to become the new Ontario's Progressive Conservative leader.

Both Janet Ecker and David Tsubouchi _ cabinet ministers in the Ernie Eves and Mike Harris governments _ say they'll vote for Elliott. Elliott _ the wife of federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty _ is one of four declared candidates vying to replace John Tory as party leader.

The others are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees and Randy Hillier.

U-I Claims Up in Koochiching County

2009-04-13

12:29:55

More than 200 claims for unemployment insurance were made in Koochiching County during the month of March.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, that's almost double from February's figure of 104.

Seatbelt Blitz

2009-04-13

12:28:48

The Ontario Provincial Police will be on the lookout for drivers who fail to wear their seatbelts.

The OPP's Spring Seatbelt campaign gets underway this week, and officers will be checking for proper seatbelt use. The annual campaign also targets children's car seats.

The blitz will run from Wednesday through to April 26.

More Council Decisions

2009-04-13

12:27:42

The proposal to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower is also up for discussion at tonight's council meeting.

That project also faced opposition at last week's meeting - most aimed at the fire tower with some councillors suggesting it not be saved.

Also tonight, the Northwest Youth Action Alliance will be recognized for its promotion of no-smoking at the Memorial Sports Centre. The town recently changed its by-laws to prohibit smoking in front of the centre's doorways.

The public portion of tonight meeting begins about 5:45 p.m.

 

Chamber Supports Library Project

2009-04-13

12:24:58

Monday night's Fort Frances town council meeting could have a very large audience on hand.

Members of the Library Board are expected to be joined by members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce in a show of support when council decides if it will move forward on the new Library and Technology Centre.

President Cathy Emes says council should proceed.

"All of the time and effort and fundraising that's gone into it," says Emes, "as well as the need for a new library. It's not just the library, it's the technology centre, that's important for the community."

Council deferred making a decision on a construction contract at a meeting last week after some councillors expressed concern with the town's commitment toward the project estimated at little more than a million dollars.

Sunset Country Bowlers Win Team Title

2009-04-13

07:21:55

Members of the Men's Sunset Country Bowling team captured the team title at the Northern Ontario provincial 5-pin bowling championships held in Dryden on the weekend.

The team, which included Fort Frances' Andrew Stamarski, defeated a team representing the North Bay area.

Medical Officer of Health Welcoming Role

2009-04-13

07:17:41

The Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit is settling into to his position just fine.

Doctor James Arthurs has been the region's acting chief medical officer since January 1st, and says its been a rewarding experience so far.

"I'm really having a good time," says Arthurs, " and enjoying learning more about where Kenora fits into the northwest, where the northwest fits in with the province and how all of us need to work together for better health for all of us who live here"

Arthurs is not sure when the "acting" part of his title will be removed. The Minister of Health still has to confirm his appointment.

Minnesota Elk Public Meeting

2009-04-13

06:57:28

Minnesota’s elk management plan will be the focus of an upcoming public meetings to be held by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Greenbush.

The D-N-R says the plan will address population levels, crop depredation and hunting season management of wild elk in northwestern Minnesota.

Elk are native to the state but faced near extinction in the early 20th century.

Ontario Graduation Rates

2009-04-13

06:56:30

Five years after Ontario eliminated Grade 13, only 69 per cent of students completed the four-year high school program in four years.

The Education Ministry reported a 77 per cent graduation rate for Ontario high schools last month, but that included students who go back for a fifth year.

Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says both graduation rates are good news because they show more students are completing high school.

Confederation College Graduate Survey

2009-04-13

06:53:46

Confederation College has scored high marks from its graduates and the companies who hire them.

A survey conducted by College's Ontario says almost 87 per cent of the graduates were satisfied with the education received at the college. Eight per cent seemed pleased with the overall quality of services, programming and resources available.

Almost 98 per cent of employers, the highest of any college in Ontario, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the educational preparation of Confederation's graduates.

 

 

Koochiching County Road Work

2009-04-13

06:52:03

Two projects in the Koochiching County area are among this year's work planned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

This July, M-DOT will begin replacement of a bridge on Highway 11 in Clementson at a cost of $2.9 million dollars.

M-DOT also plans to dismantle the historic Silverdale Bridge on Highway 65 in August. The bridge will be moved to the St. Paul area where it will reconstructed as a recreational trail bridge. 

Emergency Food Program Assistance

2009-04-13

06:50:57

Koochiching County is receiving some federal dollars to assist with area emergency food and shelter programs.

The county received almost $12,000 through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board and another $5,600 in federal stimulus dollars.

The money will be disbursed among local service agencies.

Robert Moore School Goes to Tender

2009-04-13

06:46:29

The Rainy River District School Board is planning to seek tenders this week on the new Robert Moore School.

Manager of Plant operations, Raymond Roy says prospective contractors will have about a month to make their submissions. Roy says site preparation continues.

"We've elected to use a strategy known as pre-loading," says Roy. "We've preloaded the site of the new school. This generally that will consolidate the soils. We had two options to do the current pre-load option or go with piles."

Roy says because of the soils, using piles would have driven up the cost of construction significantly. Construction of the school could begin as early as this June.

 

Council Meets Monday Night

2009-04-13

06:43:56

The fate of two projects in Fort Frances could be decided Monday night when town councillors gather for their regular meeting of council at the Civic Centre.

Council will review a Fort Frances Library Board recommendation to accept a tender with Aurora Construction for the building of the new library and Technology Centre at a cost of $3.7 million. At a special meeting last week, some councillors expressed concern with the town's commitment of a about a million dollars toward the total budget of $4.7 million.

Council is also expected to discuss a proposed contract to refurbish and relocate the tugboat Hallet and fire tower. At last week's meeting, some councillors felt the fire tower should not be saved. Tonight's meeting begins at about 5:45

Town of Fort Frances Heads to Court over Pither's Point Park

2009-04-13

06:42:50

The town of Fort Frances is headed to court this week over Pither's Point Park.

Legal representatives for the town will be asking a court judge Wednesday to consider a notice of motion that would allow the town the ability to continue operating the park until litigation between area native bands and the federal, provincial and municipal governments is resolved, or for as long as an Ontario Order in Council that declared the area a park - remains

The notice of motion was filed in court last week. A 99-year leased signed by the town is set to expire at the end of this month.

Attawapiskat

2009-04-09

07:48:09

If Ottawa gives the O-K, Ontario says it is prepared to take a larger role in Attawapiskat -- the northern aboriginal community that's being plagued by toxic fumes.

Community Safety Minister Rick Bartolucci says if community leaders ask the feds for help, it's possible Ottawa could ask Ontario to do more. The fuel fumes -- leaking into homes and the elementary school -- stem from an underground leak that took place 30 years ago.

Marathon Pulp Profits

2009-04-09

07:46:14

A northwestern Ontario pulp company that filed for bankruptcy this year is showing a tidy profit.

The accountants are now scrambling to correct the report, which had told creditors Marathon Pulp lost nearly nine-million dollars by the end of September 2007. But information released this week by the operation's trustees shows the mill had net earnings of 6-point-2 million.

Officials attribute the difference in numbers to a typo.

Legal Clinics Merge

2009-04-09

07:42:11

The Kenora and Rainy River community legal clinics have united to enhance their services.

The Kenora, Fort Frances, and Atikokan offices are now known as the Northwest Community Legal Clinics. Kenora Clinic Spokesperson Nan Norman says it will help them better serve the area.

"It's the best scenario following the departure of our previous director," says Norman. "And as staff we're happy. For the public, there's more resources than there were previously."

Staff at the three locations will share clients and manage workloads together.

Highway Project to Continue

2009-04-09

07:38:28

Koochiching County commissioners had decided to proceed with their plans for a reroute of the northern section of Highway 332.

A request to end that project was rejected by a 4-1 voted at their meeting this week.

Chair Mike Hanson says they were advised to continue and let litigation through the Minnesota Court of Appeals to continue.

"We're in proverbial limbo right now," says Hanson. "As long as litigation is ongoing, the county board has been advised by its legal folks when we make our comment to make them on what we know and not to form an opinion on something that may nor may not happen."

International Falls City Council is appealing a Minnesota Department of Transportation decision that supported the county's position on the project. Several businesses have voiced their opposition.

 

Tourism Outlook Dismal

2009-04-09

07:22:14

The Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association is bracing for a slow tourist season.

With North America experiencing a recession, the tourism group expects this summer's tourist season to be a bust. Executive Director Gerry Cariou says there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think this is going to be the low of the low, "says Cariou, "in terms of the cycle of travellers to here because where the low of the recession, especially in our key market the United States. So were going to have to hang on this year, but I do expect things picking up next year."

Cariou says in 2010, the tourism industry will have to deal with the impact of the a 3 percent increase in taxes on accommodations resulting from the merger of the provincial sales tax and the federal goods and services tax.

Smart Board Gift

2009-04-09

07:17:47

So-called smart boards are coming to Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board has received a more than $10,000 from the Rainy River First Nation for the purchase of the equipment that includes the touchscreen white-boards.

The board hopes to have the new equipment in place by the fall.

More Defibs Coming

2009-04-09

07:14:52

There are more defribrillators coming to the Rainy River District.

A media conference Thursday morning will announce the placement of the life-saving units in local schools. In February, funding through the Heart and Stroke Foundation helped with twenty units being placed in several municipal facilities across the district, including three in Fort Frances.

Details will be revealed at 10:00 a.m. at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.

Budget Talks Continuing

2009-04-09

06:52:10

It's looking a little better for residential ratepayers in Fort Frances.

While an exact tax rate has yet to be finalized, preliminary figures suggest homeowners could be paying less than one per cent more than last year - depending on which taxing option council selects. Meantime, the operating budget will see the town spend about one-hundred thousand dollars less than it did last year. Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says changes in costs has driven up this year's capital spending.

"The total budget for capital went from $13,909,000 to $14,655,000," says Witherspoon. "The long term debt has changed from $1,497,000 to $2,131,000."

Council is still waiting for some additional information from the province before it can finalize the budget.

New Taxing District in International Falls Area

2009-04-08

07:46:22

A group looking to establish a special taxing district to help fund emergency medical services in the International Falls area got its blessing from the city this week.

Officials say it will help with local efforts to bring an advanced life support service to the Falls Ambulance Service. Terry Ehrman, chair of the group, says the district will help bring a services that 's badly needed.

"We feel it is the best way in try to move forward with funding this endeavour," says Ehrman. "and ensure the Ambulance Service of International Falls and ALS to the community."

Ehrman says the new district would governed by a board with representing Koochiching County and the cities of International Falls and Ranier. The group hopes to obtain grants for  start-up costs.

Softwood Lumber Dispute

2009-04-08

07:44:34

The U-S is slapping a 10 per cent duty on Canadian softwood lumber imports in a test of the 2006 softwood lumber agreement.

The United States Trade Representative says the U-S is owed almost $55-million U-S in penalties  from four provinces, including Ontario, for not sufficiently lowering exports of lumber as prices dropped. In February, an international tribunal found that Canada didn't properly calculate quotas on exports for the first six months of 2007.

Canada plans to appeal the new tax.

College Policies Under Review

2009-04-08

07:26:52

Confederation College is reviewing its policies after a student stole a plane and flew over three states Monday.

Officials say the pilot, 31 year old Adam Leon, was trying to commit suicide by having U-S fighter jets shoot down his plane. College president Pat Lang says Leon had not shown any questionable behaviour.

"He was a good student," says Lang. "He was described as being very personable, very polite, very pleasant, very engaged. He's was described as an excellent students by his faculty members."

While the college is reviewing its policies, Lang says security was not compromised because aviation students have access to the airport hangar. Leon has been charged with transportation of stolen property and illegal entry. He'll appear in court in St. Louis on Friday.

Beef Recall

2009-04-08

07:24:40

There's a warning about some beef products sold at Canada Safeway.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat certain lean ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli. The agency says the meat was prepared for certain Canada Safeway stores in northeastern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The affected packages bear a best before date of March 19th.

There has been no reported illness linked with consumption of this product.

Causeway Work to Continue

2009-04-08

06:56:16

The second phase of work on the Noden Causeway is expected to take place this year.

The work includes further repairs to the steel piles that support the structure. Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the northern Highway's budget is still being reviewed, but he's committed to keeping the work moving.

"This is a project we remain committed to," says Gravelle. "It's one that's very, very important. And there's a certain sense of urgency which is why we're continuing to support it in a very significant way."

Last year, Gravelle announced the province would help fund the work over a five year period.

E. Coli Warning

2009-04-08

06:55:28

There's a warning this morning about some beef products sold at Canada Safeway.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat certain lean ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli.

The meat was prepared for certain Canada Safeway stores in northeastern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The affected packages bear a best before date of March 19th.

There has been no reported illness linked with consumption of this product.

Police Chief to Retire

2009-04-08

06:54:19

The city of International Falls has asked its police chief to take an early retirement.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says the retirement of Chief Chris Raboin is being made strictly for financial reasons and not personal.

Raboin's retirement at the end of April is expected to save the city more than 300-thousand dollars over the next five years.

Raboin has been the police chief for International Falls since 1998.

Tenders for Road Work Opened

2009-04-08

06:49:06

Another major capital project in Fort Frances now has some costs attached.

Tenders for road and sewer and water repairs around Abitibi-Bowater's biomass boiler were opened Tuesday afternoon. The four bids will be reviewed before a final selection is recommended to council later this month. The bids are;

LTL Contracting Ltd., Thunder Bay - $6,332,935.04

K.R. Wagner - $6,490,214.13

Bay City Contractors, Thunder Bay - $5,415,588.15

George Armstrong Co. Ltd., Fort Frances - $6,820,983.75

 

 

New Sideway for Lion's Park

2009-04-07

08:55:12

A new sidewalk proposed for Lion's Park in Fort Frances will get built this year.

The Fort Frances' Lions Club's commitment to the project was boosted after the Ontario Trillium Foundation announced the club would be getting $15,000 for the project.

President Jacques Fiset says its makes the park truly accessible to everyone.

"We have enough money set aside to go ahead and finish the project so people who are in wheelchairs can enjoy the park like everyone else," says Fiset.

Fiset says new concrete walkway will go from the children's play-area at the west end to the washrooms and gazebo to the east.

Ignace Water Plant on Hold

2009-04-07

08:54:15

Operation of the new Water Treatment Plant in Ignace has been delayed, yet again.

The community was hoping to have the facility up and running on April first. Mayor Lionel Cloutier says a number of issues need to be addressed before commissioning can take place. Cloutier says some deal with the compliance of Health and Safety laws and to meet regulations under the Clean Water Act.

Ignace residents have been forced to boil their water since July 2007.

 

Stolen College Plane Lands in Missouri

2009-04-07

08:48:01

The suspected pilot of a small plane stolen from Confederation College's flight school in  Thunder Bay is in custody in Missouri.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Marty Elmore says authorities arrested 31-year-old Adam Dylan Leon near Ellsinore in southeastern Missouri. Military officials say the four-seat Cessna plane was stolen from Thunder Bay Monday afternoon. Confederation College vice-president Judy Maundrell says a man was seen climbing a fence at the college's flight centre, and taking off with the plane.

American F-16 fighters intercepted the Cessna, which flew erratically through three American states and prompted the evacuation of the Wisconsin capitol. But the pilot did not respond to radio calls or other signals before landing on a road in Missouri and fleeing.

According to a report out of the U-S, Leon is a former Turkish national who became a Canadian citizen last year.

It's not clear why he took the plane in the first place.

Health Unit Budget

2009-04-07

08:13:23

The Northwestern Health Unit says it has no plans to increase its municipal levy this year.

The Health Unit has finalized its 2009 budget. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jim Arthurs says local towns and cities don't have to worry about a hike in their contribution.

Instead, the province has promised to increase its share of its funding to health units across Ontario by three percent this year.

 

Gateway Corridor Project

2009-04-07

07:58:31

The refurbishing of a fire tower located on the American side of the border is part of an improvement project being examined in the International Falls area.

The Gateway Corridor proposes to improve the area between Highway 53 along Highway 11 to Voyageur's National Park. It includes renovating a State-owned building at the corner of Highways 53 and 11 intro a Central Wayside Rest. The plan also proposes corridor streetscapes and an extension of the bike trail from Voyageur's National Park to the city, signage, along with the improvements to the former fire tower located near the park.

Task Force Chair Terry Stone says the next step is to identify champions to help move the projects forward. Stone says many of the projects would qualify for federal funding.

Fire Tower Move Questioned

2009-04-07

07:49:32

Members of Fort Frances town council are expressing concerns with plans to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower from Pither's Point Park to the Fort Frances Waterfront.

Community Services Manager George Bell told councillors at their meeting Monday night Tom Jones Construction will do the work for 1-point-4 million dollars. While there was support for moving the Hallet, some councillors weren't as keen on the fire tower.

Councillor Ken Perry says it has no historical significance to the town.

"The boat is significant to this area and we should save it," says Perry. "The tower should come down, yes, but not resurrected."

Councillor John Albanese called the project a waste of money. Bell says much of the project costs would be covered through provincial dollars with the town on the hook for about $230,000.

New Library Debated

2009-04-07

07:27:21

The chair of the Fort Frances Library Board is warning the project could die if town council fails to accept a $3.7 million contract to build the new library and technology centre.

Joyce Cunningham made those remarks as council debated yesterday a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Aurora Construction. The library board has been working towards a new library for 13 years. Cunningham says the town can't afford further delays.

"The longer you wait, the higher the price goes up," warned Cunningham. "That (provincial funding) money  was given to use, all of the money was given to us, was for a stand alone library and that's where we are. Today, if we don't go ahead, the project is dead."

Cunningham adds that if the town doesn't proceed, all of the provincial money previously received will have to be returned. About $3 million has been received from Northern Development and Mines and the Culture Ministries.

But some councillors are concerned with the town's portion of the overall costs, estimated at about $1 million. Councillor Paul Ryan fears that portion could rise if federal funding can't be found and the existing facility can't be sold.

But Cunningham warned the commitment made today would be far less than what the town may have to spend to bring the existing library into compliance with provincial laws.

"I have told you about the Accessibility for Ontario Disabilities Act. It's moving through the process."

"We can number crunch. We can project. We can go on forever, " says Cunningham. "The time (to build) is now."

Council is to make a final decision on Monday. 

Snowy Fort Frances

2009-04-06

12:56:41

There was definitely a low of snow in the Fort Frances area in March.

Environment Canada says the area saw a total of 74 centimetres of snow - well above the monthly average of 13.

Meteorologist Sandy Radeki says the numbers were boosted by two significant storms.

"You had snow fall events reported on March 9th and 10th," says Radeki. There was 25 centimetres one day, and then 15. And on March 31st the area had 19 centimetres of snow."

Combined with a mid-month rainfall, the area saw more than 110 centimetres of precipitation in March.

Snowy International Falls

2009-04-06

12:55:39

There's also been a lot of snow in International Falls this year.

Last week's winter storm brought the city's seasonal snowfall to just over 121 inches - breaking the old record of 116 set back in the winter of 1995-96. Since November 1st, the city has  reported snow on 110 of the 151 days through to the end of March.

Local Foods Promoted in Schools

2009-04-06

12:54:21

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he hopes an Ontario apple a day will keep the recession away.

The premier is defending a $24-million investment over three years to help make Ontario-farmed foods available in more jails, schools and hospitals. He says that, in the past, provincial institutions have opted to buy whatever was easiest to get.

Now that the province is in the midst of a crippling recession, McGuinty says it's important to understand that buying Ontario apples, potatoes and lamb will help the economy. He says he's not taking aim at items like B.C. apples but simply wants to move his province's produce to forefront - just like the province did with Ontario wines.

And while he concedes it's difficult to get Ontario fruit in the winter and acknowledges some contracts may end up being more expensive, McGuinty says there are opportunities to promote
homegrown product everywhere food is served.

Green Energy Act Claims Disputed

2009-04-06

12:52:21

A new report commissioned by the Opposition says Ontario's Green Energy Act could hike electricity bills by hundreds of dollars a year.

The report says the average additional cost per household ranges from $280 to $780 per year
between 2010 and 2025. The study, which is being released later this month, says those
costs don't include the impact of tax harmonization, which will tack on another eight per cent on home heating costs starting in 2010.

The report says government claims that the legislation will create more than 50,000 jobs over three years are unsubstantiated. It says the act could actually costs jobs if the province becomes less competitive as a result.

The Progressive Conservatives say the report shows the legislation will add another burden to consumers struggling in tough economic times.

Rainy River Grant

2009-04-06

12:50:54

The township of Rainy River is receiving some money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

It will use more than $37 thousand dollars toward the purchase and installation of equipment  in the arena and community centre.

Riding Program Funding

2009-04-06

12:49:42

Northwestern Independent Living Services in Kenora-Rainy River will be hiring a coordinator for its equine (eh-queen) therapeutic riding program.

Funding for the hire will come out of a $97 thousand Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. Part of that money will also be used to purchase equipment, attract participants and volunteers.

Emergency Response Reviewed

2009-04-06

12:36:41

The Northwestern Health Unit is changing the way how it responses to medical and public health emergency situations.

Traditionally, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has also been on call year round. Doctor James Arthurs says the workload will now be spread among other senior managers.

"The change was made to spread that responsibility around," says Arthurs, "and begin communication between all of us who are cross-trained and able to do things in vacation or family-issue absents because one person can't do it all."

Arthurs says they are also looking at improvements in other areas such as environmental protocols, and after-hours incidents.

International Falls Cuts Considered

2009-04-06

12:35:56

The city of International Falls is considering delaying the purchase of several capital expenditures to deal with a potential half-a-million-dollar loss in local government aid.

City councillors will discuss the cuts at their meeting tonight. The proposal includes halting capital expenditures previously budgeted from the general government buildings, police, fire and ambulance departments.

Library Tender Being Reviewed

2009-04-06

12:33:53

Members of the library board will be on hand Monday afternoon to submit their recommendation on a preferred contractor for the new Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre to Fort Frances town councillors.

A special committee of the whole meeting at the Civic Centre is scheduled for 4:00 pm. Six companies submitted bids on March 17 with the lowest coming in at about $3.8 million.

Council will also discuss a contract for the moving of the tugboat Hallett and fire tower to the waterfront. The lowest bid for that work is about $1.2 million.

Preliminary operating and capital budgets will be discussed for what should be one final time before council seeks public comment.
 

Jenson Jumps for Gold

2009-04-06

07:29:32

Jake Jenson was the bright spot for the Falls High School track and field team at the Lion's Invite at Bemidgi State University on Friday.

Jenson captured first in the Pole Vault with a jump of 12 feet. The boys team finished 8th overall.

The girls team managed just a single point during the event with a 9th place finish by the girl's 4-by-800 relay team.

New Bells for Rainy Lake Ringers

2009-04-06

07:19:52

Rainy Lake Ringers Handbell Choir will be getting some new equipment.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving the group $12,000 to purchase new handbells to replace those the choir is now borrowing.

"We're very thrilled to have gotten our Trillium funding," says choir leader Diane Maxey. "We've been hoping it would go through. That will be the start of us owning our own bells. Now, we have to start raising some money locally to purchase the accessories that go along with that."

Choir leader Diane Maxey estimates the group needs to raise at least $6,000.

"We need to purchase music, books and stands," says Maxey.

The fundraising will be start in the coming months. Maxey hope to have the new equipment in place by the fall.

New Faces to Crimestoppers

2009-04-06

07:18:27

Some new faces to the Crimestoppers of Northwest Ontario and Northern Minnesota.

Terence Douglas of Kenora and Shirley Keesic of Red Lake were elected to the board of directors. One of the founding members, Bill Harrington of Dryden, has returned after a brief hiatus.

Summer Job Funding

2009-04-06

07:11:43

The federal government has added an extra $32 thousand to help students find summer jobs in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.

A total of $237 thousand will be available to the riding's Canada Summer Jobs program. The money comes from the extra $20 million over the next two yeas set aside in the recent federal budget in recognition of the recession.

Spring Bear Hunt Cancellation a Mistake

2009-04-06

06:53:29

A Conservative MPP is admitting the Harris government was wrong in cancelling the Spring Bear Hunt ten years ago.

Randy Hillier, a candidate in the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race, is vowing to bring back the hunt if he wins the leadership race.

Hillier says the evidence today shows cancelling the hunt was a bad decision.

"It was the wrong decision back in 1999," says Hillier, "we know that to be truthful now. So it's incumbent upon us to fix those mistakes that we've created."

Hillier says reinstating the hunt will ease of burden for municipalities dealing with nuisance bears and help northern Ontario lodge owners.

"This is just not a problem in the far north. In my riding, Lanark-Frontenac, we have a number of tourist outfitters and a number of farms who've suffered significant crop damage. So it make senses everywhere (to reinstate the hunt).

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters is among organizations that have welcomed the call for the hunt to be reinstated. 

Medical School Dean Remains

2009-04-06

06:51:19

The founding dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will remain a fixture of the school for another five years.

Doctor Roger Strasser was reappointed by the school's board of directors for a term that will end in June 2014.

Medical School Concerns

2009-04-06

06:43:20

Concerns are being raised that some of the graduating students from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine might not end up working in the north.

Several municipalities, including the town of Fort Frances, have supported Sault Ste. Marie's request for the Health Minister to ensure med students who continue specialist training in the south return to the north. Sault Ste. Marie Mayor John Roswell fears cuts to hospital funding will prevent them from coming back.

"We set up the northern Ontario school of medicine to give us family doctors," says Roswell, "and they will be here for us, I know that. But the specialists that we need as bad as family doctors - there won't be positions for them to come home to because of the cutbacks in health care in northern Ontario with the hospitals."

"There is a real problem. There's a total disconnect right now because we're going to have our students, who are set up with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to look after us as doctors in the north, not coming home because there's not going to be a specialty service in that town or city."

Roswell says the region is facing a shortage of specialists, and the province's policies only undermine the Medical School's full potential.

International Falls City Council Meet

2009-04-06

06:41:27

City councillors in International Falls also meet Monday night.

Their agenda includes a discussion of the Highway 53-11 Gateway Task Force recommendations and a report from the Advanced Live Support Task Force. Councillors will also look at proposed budget reductions to help deal with a loss in local government aid.

The meeting begins at 6:30 pm. 

 

Contractors to be Revealed

2009-04-06

06:40:15

Construction contracts for both the new Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre and the second phase of the Heritage Tourism project will be discussed at a special meeting of Fort Frances town council tonight.

Six firms were seeking to build the new library while five companies bid on the tourism project which includes the refurbishing and relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower.

Councillors are also expected to finalize both the operating and capital budgets before seeking public comment.

The meeting at the Civic Centre begins at 4:00 pm.

Arpin 17th in Salem.

2009-04-05

14:50:06

A crash midway through the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 in Salem, Indiana, Sunday left Steve Arpin with a 17th place finish in his second ARCA-Remax race of the season.

Arpin started the race 10th following Saturday's qualifying session. He had worked his way up to the 2nd spot before the lap 94 accident forced him into the pits with a severely crumbled race car. It took more than 30 laps before his crew could finish repairs and get the Fort Frances native back on the track, minus the hood and front fenders of his Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota. He re-entered the race 21st and picked up four positions by passing drivers who had retired from the race.

Prior to the accident, Arpin managed to avoid potential disaster on two separate occasions. On lap 12, Arpin was involved in an incident with Ken Weaver that brought out the one of the first caution periods of the day. Sixty laps later, Aprin escaped a potentially race ending incident when he managed to avoid hitting Brett Hudson who spun directly in front of him on corner four. It was that accident that helped move Arpin into second.

Patrick Sheltra was the eventual winner in the race that included NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader in the line-up.

The next ARCA-Remax race for Aprin is April 19th at Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina.