Monday, April 20, 2009

Festival Results - Thursday

2009-04-17

12:32:21

There were several multiple winners during yesterday's competitions in the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Ryan Shouldice captured four first-place finishes in the instrumental category. Taylor Shouldice and Sarah Bagacki each earned three honours.

On the Drama side, Robert Moore School's drama clubs captured four separate honours with Kasemer Hawrylak earned three honours in solo readings.

The drama competitions continue today at the Townsend Theatre. Here are the complete results from Thursday's competitions.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, INSTRUMENTAL DIVISION, Thursday, April 16, 2009

 

CLASS B401

                First – Sarah Bagacki

CLASS B405        

                First – Taylor Shouldice and Carrie Shouldice

CLASS S705

                First – Ryan Shouldice

CLASS S2402

                First – Ryan Shouldice

CLASS S1250

                First – Taylor Shouldice

CLASS S1400

                First – Taylor Shouldice

CLASS S1201

                First – Sarah Bagacki

CLASS S1401

                First – Sarah Bagacki

CLASS S1302

                First – Ryan Shouldice

CLASS S2502A

                First – Ryan Shouldice

CLASS S2502B

                First – John Jankiewicz

CLASS B107

                First – Jade Green

CLASS S1100

                First – Lemuel Carradice

CLASS S1101

                First – Hunter Neilson

CLASS B400

                First – Moriah Carradice and Lemuel Carradice

                Second – Brendan Morand and Brady VanUden

CLASS B700

                First – Kelly Dyke

CLASS B401

                First – Cynthia Hudson and Meghan Metke

CLASS B703

                First – Jahn Jankiewicz

FESTIVAL RESULTS, DRAMA DIVISION, Thursday, April 16, 2009

 

CLASS A705-A

                First – St. Francis School, Grades 4 and 5 – Solange Busch

CLASS A705-C

                First – J. W. Walker School, Grades 4 and 5 – M. Armour and J. Johanson

CLASS A706-C   

                First – J. W. Walker School – E. Cain and J. Johanson

CLASS A805

                First – St. Francis School, Grades 4 to 6, Ojibwe Class – C. Bannon

CLASS A104-A

                First – Emma Dystra

                Second – Wyatt McLeod

CLASS A104-B

                First – Mackenzie Wright

                Second (TIE) – Michael Drouin and Maggie Gurski

CLASS A105-A

                First – Maddie Saunders

                Second – Brielle Byma

CLASS A504-D

                First – Michael Brady

                Second – Jonathan McCoy

CLASS A504-E

                First – Kasemer Hawrylak

CLASS A703-A

                First – Robert Moore School, Grade 3 – Alexis Norris

CLASS A704-C

                First – Robert Moore School, Grade 4 – L. Fryer

CLASS A704-B

                First – Robert Moore School, Grade 4 – L. Fryer

CLASS A1200

                First – Robert Moore School, Grades 3 and 4 – C. Donald and K. Beckett

CLASS A504-A

                First – Kasemer Hawrylak

CLASS A504-B

                First – Justine Christie

CLASS A504-C

                First – Felicia Schmutz

CLASS A402

                First (TIE) – Randi-Rae Lee and Jonathan McCoy

CLASS A103-B

                First (TIE) – Jocelyn George and Olivia DeBenedet

CLASS A104-D

                First – Trustin Bruyere

CLASS A106-D

                First – Andrew Eldridge

                Second – Shanleigh Fryer

CLASS A501-A

                First – Andrew Eldridge

CLASS A1502

                First – Kasemer Hawrylak

                Second (TIE) – Justine Christie and Michael Brady

Boil Water Advisory in Atikokan

2009-04-17

12:30:31

There has been another boil water advisory issued for the town of Atikokan.

The Northwestern Health Unit issued the advisory yesterday afternoon after the town's water plant experienced a mechanical problem.

A power failure that impacted the plant last month forced the need for an advisory that lasted almost two weeks.

Native Housing Money

2009-04-17

12:27:52

The province also committed 80-million dollars to support off-reserve housing.

Housing Minister Jim Watson says in many cases aboriginal housing isn't fit to live in.

"And that's no fault of the aboriginal community," says Watson. "t's the fault of the fact previous governments just never put enough money in native housing. If we can get our act together and allow the aboriginal community, in this case, to control their own destiny, it's a win-win."

The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, Metis Nation of Ontario, and Ontario Native Women's Association will screen applications and distribute money.

 

Native Relations Renewed

2009-04-17

12:26:38

The provincial government says it will work with Grand Council Treaty 3 to improve economic opportunities for First Nation communities in treaty 3 territory.

Yesterday, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield and Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle gathered with the area's native leaders in Stanjokoming to sign a letter of intent to improve and enhance their working relationships.

The goal is to help Treaty 3 communities in the area of forestry, mining , fish and wildlife and other business opportunities.

Tourism Minister To View Centre

2009-04-17

12:25:31

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.

NOMA discusses AbitibiBowater

2009-04-17

12:23:09

The AbitibiBowater situation could be front and centre at today's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference in Fort Frances.

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield will be among four members of the McGuinty cabinet on hand for the annual so-called bear-pit session. NOMA president Anne Krassilowsky says the question and answer period is one of the most important parts of the conference.

"It's a long costly way to Toronto," says Krassilowsky, "and this way our communities and councillors have an opportunity to speak to the minister's almost in their back yard."

Also attending are Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle, Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson and Tourism Minister Monique Smith.

AbitibiBowater Workers Reassured

2009-04-17

12:17:52

There was some reassurance for AbitibiBowater employees coming out of yesterday's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting.

Sue Prodaniuk, a company spokesperson in Thunder Bay, told mayors and reeves gathered in Fort Frances, there will be no immediate changes to the company's workforce.

"This point in time, all of our operations are continuing to operate. All of our employees continue to be employed," said Prodaniuk, "and as we go through this process that will continue."  

Meantime, AbitibiBowater in Fort Frances is in the midst of a partial shutdown with operations at one of its paper machines expected to resume production May 4.

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2009

Bankruptcy Impact to Northwestern Ontario

2009-04-17

07:58:45

Fort Frances and Thunder Bay face an uncertain future following Thursday's announced plans by AbitibiBowater e company to file court protection against its creditors.

Vice-President Seth Kursman says it's unclear what the outcome will be for any of the company's northern Ontario plants.

"Let's not speculate in the future about what actions will be taken at any given facility or across the company," says Kursman.

Kursman says it will likely be several months before a restructuring process unfolds, and the full impact of yesterday's announcement seen.

But he says it will be business as usual as the mills and payroll obligations will be met.

 

Greenhouse Proposed

2009-04-17

07:55:53

Fresh veggies are on the menu for residents living in Big Trout Lake.

The remote community, north of Pickle Lake, has received $34,000 to launch a greenhouse research project. The project included the building of a small-scale commercial greenhouse that would distribute its produce across the north.

Bass Funding Welcomed

2009-04-17

07:54:15

More news how the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will use a 40-thousand dollar provincial grant.

The Tourism Ministry announced the grant Wednesday as part of an 11-million dollar cash infusion to events and festivals around Ontario. Championship Committee President Tom Fry says the money will be used to enhance both the nightly entertainment and daytime activities.

Call to Support NOMA

2009-04-17

07:49:18

The president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says the municipal lobby group is more important than ever.

This year, some municipalities have sent only one or two delegates with some not represented at the annual conference in Fort Frances. Anne Krassilowsky says because of the important role NOMA plays, it's incumbents upon all municipalities to keep the organization active.

"I think the connectivity that the NOMA conference brings for communities," says Krassilowsky, "that are right now challenged by how many councillors or representatives they can send, I think the solution is made up of all of the communities. It's absolutely essential that we find as much money as we can for councillors to attend."

Wednesday's sessions were kicked off by a motivational speech from CFL Hall-of-Famer Terry Evanshen.

Union Reaction to Bankruptcy Decision

2009-04-17

07:46:04

The union representing workers at AbitibiBowater says the impact of the company's decision to bankruptcy protection won't be immediately felt. But Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union vice-president Kim Ginter says it shouldn't be seen as a total shock.

"The last couple of weeks the company's been getting extensions," says Ginter. "What people are most nervous about is that we don't know what the outcome will be after the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act  protection."

Ginter says the union intends to hold a national conference in the middle of the May to access the impact further.

AbitibiBowater Files for Bankruptcy Protection

2009-04-17

07:41:56

Debt-strapped newsprint giant AbitibiBowater has filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors in Canada and the United States.

The company says it had no other options after failing to refinance debts at its Bowater and Abitibi-Consolidated subsidiaries. It will restructure under court supervision under Chapter 11
laws in the United States and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada.

AbitibiBowater says it plans to use the restructuring process to deal decisively with its debt burden. Normal day-to-day operations will continue during the restructuring process.

In a related matter, the company says it has struck a deal with Fairfax Financial Holdings, a major shareholder, and other investors for about $200 million in emergency financing.

Assisted Suicide Accused Free on Bail

2009-04-17

07:40:17

A Waterloo man accused of helping his wife commit suicide is free on bail in Thunder Bay.

Peter Fonteece is due back in court on May 7. He is charged with criminal negligence causing death and assisted suicide in the death of 38-year-old Yanisa Fonteece in a Thunder Bay motel.

Badminton Champions

2009-04-17

07:29:15

Three Fort Frances High School Badminton teams are heading to the northwestern Ontario high school championship.

The junior girls doubles team of Jillian Berry and Hannah Taylor - Senior girls doubles Kimika Alexander and Chelsea Carlson and the senior boys doubles team of Tim Desjardins and Rory Bagacki will play for NWOSSAA titles in Thunder Bay next week.

The three teams went undefeated in the NORWOSSA championship held Wednesday in Dryden.

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.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

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.

Monday, April 13, 2009

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.