Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Festival - Monday Piano Results

2009-04-21

08:10:20

The ivories were tinkling yesterday at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

The first day of competitions in the piano division took place with Alexis Sharp the only multiple winner. Sharp won top honours in two categories.

There is more piano competitions today at the Townsend Theatre and tonight at Knox United Church. Here are all winners from Monday

FESTIVAL RESULTS, PIANO DIVISION, Monday, April 20, 2009

 

CLASS P801

                First – Rachel Lipinski

                Second – (TIE) Ursula Chojko-Bolec and Courtney Peters

CLASS P701

                First – Kimika Alexander

                Second – Rylea Lauzon

CLASS P601

                First – Audrey Chojko-Bolec

                Second – (TIE) Anika Alexander and Krista Emond

CLASS P802

                First – Courtney Peters

                Second – (TIE) Ursula Chojko-Bolec and Chelsea Carlson

CLASS P702

                First – Alexis Sharp

                Second – Caitlin Sande

CLASS P602

                First – Anika Alexander

                Second – (TIE) Audrey Chojko-Bolec and Courtney Bethune

CLASS P502

                First – Lucas Koomans

                Second – (TIE) Kacia Veldhuisen and Kaitlyn Chiasson

CLASS P402

                First – Jared Bethune

                Second – Robert Empey

CLASS P401

                First – Jared Bethune

CLASS P707

                First – Alexis Sharp

                Second – Kimika Alexander

CLASS P1704

                First – Chelse Carlson and Rachel Lipinski

                Second – (TIE) Krista Emond and Caitlin Sande AND Christina Empey and Meagan Empey

CLASS P1703

                First – Maxwell Williams and Lucas Koomans

                Second – Courtney Bethune and Caitlin DeBenetti

CLASS P1702

                First – Paige McNally and Erika Sheppard

                Second – Caley Harland and Cara Sane-Calder

CLASS P1701

                First – James Blattner and Conner Pocock

                Second – Brianna Eldridge and Alina Eldridge

CLASS P1302

                First – Maxwell Williams

                Second – Taylor Shouldice

 

Boston Marathon Finishers

2009-04-21

08:08:42

They weren't last, but they did finish the Boston Marathon.

47-year-old Conne Badiuk and 46-year-old Lori Green were among 25-thousand people to take part in the world's oldest marathon. Badiuk completed the course in 3 hours and 53 minutes while Green was a little farther back finishing in a time of 4 hours and 13 minutes.

 

Domtar Fined

2009-04-21

07:57:50

Domtar has been fined $87 thousand after an arc flash burned a worker's hand and face.

The incident happened in March of 2007 when an electrician was doing maintenance work at its mill in White River. While the worker was testing the voltage inside an electrical panel when an electrical blast occured.

A labour ministry investigation found the worker was not wearing rubber gloves or a shield.

Ontario Water Quality Report

2009-04-21

07:56:32

A new government report says more needs to be done to clean up the Great Lakes and other water resources in Ontario.

The study says government regulations and programs have helped to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals such as mercury and P-C-Bs that are found in Ontario's lakes, rivers and streams.

But the study also says new chemicals used in consumer and building products have been found in increasing concentrations in the environment.

Environment Minister John Gerretsen says the latest report on water quality doesn't mean there is a need to strengthen a bill aimed at curbing the use of harmful chemicals.

Boil Water Advisory Lifted in Atikokan

2009-04-21

07:55:55

Its safe again to drink tap water in Atikokan.

The Northwestern Health Unit lifted a boil water advisory late yesterday.

The advisory was issued last week following a mechanical problem at the town's water treatment plant.

Rafferty Slams Government over Forestry Strategy

2009-04-21

07:49:53

Thunder Bay-Rainy River John Rafferty says the Harper government isn't doing enough to help forestry workers caught in the wake of mill closures and bankruptcies.

Speaking the house of the commons yesterday, Rafferty accused the federal government for failing to bring forward a national forestry strategy.

"Over the last five years 45,000 jobs have been lost, large producers like AbitibiBowater and smaller producers like Buchanan Forest Products are going bankrupt," says Rafferty.

" Where was the elimination of the waiting period for employment insurance for forestry workers in communities right across Thunder Bay—Rainy River who have to go a full two weeks without any income when they are laid off? Where are the loan guarantees for healthy and profitable small businesses that are seeing their access to credit dry up"

"The government is apparently not interested in helping all forestry producers, communities and families get through this crisis. If the government wants to consider itself a truly national party in government, now is the time for a national forestry strategy."

Rafferty says his request for a national forestry summit was recently turned down by the federal Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt.

 

Road Funding/Support Sought

2009-04-21

07:48:26

Meantime, the city of International Falls is searching for some federal funding and county support for the construction of an industrial truck route to its foreign trade zone.

The city is applying for nearly $1.7 million from the U.S. government. Because a portion of the road will run outside city boundaries, the city is asking Koochiching County to share in the local cost instead of spending it toward a proposed by-pass.

The city says the country would save almost half-a-million dollars by supporting the proposed truck route instead.

Police Chief Retires

2009-04-21

07:47:23

The city of International Falls has accepted the retirement of its chief of police.

Chris Raboin will step down at the end of this month after eleven years as the city's top cop. The moved follows a decision by city council earlier this month to ask Raboin to take an early retirement package to help it save money.

Deputy Chief Darryl Waller will serve as acting chief until a more permanent replacement is found.

Library Questions Posed

2009-04-21

07:45:20

Members of the Fort Frances Library Board says they need some some clear direction from town council before they can determine the next step in building the new library and technology centre.

During a meeting yesterday, the board says it wants to know exactly how much money the town is prepared to contribute.

Project Manager Brian Avis says that will help determine what changes need to be made.

"Once the contribution is there, it will reasonably impact on the building footprint," says Avis.

Avis says if those two issues can be resolved soon, there is a good chance for construction to start this summer.

Councillor Ken Perry says the current size of the building and the total budget costs of $4.7 million remain two key areas of concern for members of council who rejected a construction contract last week.

College Plane Back Home

2009-04-20

The plane taken from Confederation College's aviation school in Thunder Bay and flown to the U-S more than a week ago has been returned to the College.

College officials retrieved the plane from Missouri last week. Officials say there was some minor damage to a wing tip, which has since been repaired.

Adam Leon, a student of the college, remains in a St. Louis jail, on charges of transportation of stolen property and illegal entry.

 

Pole Replacement Progressing

2009-04-20

07:43:30

Hydro One is past the half-way point in its project to replace a number wood hydro poles and transmission arms in northwestern Ontario.

Work has been completed on more than 175 structures along hydro one's 230-kilovolt power line between Atikokan and the Manitoba border.

Another 120 wood pole structures located between Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances are scheduled for replacement later this year.

Pension Support Needed

2009-04-20

07:42:49

A coalition of labour and retiree organizations are calling on the Ontario and federal governments to protect pensions in the face of the economic crisis.

Canadian Auto Workers president Ken Lewenza says retirees helped to build Canada and should be guaranteed a secure source of income. The coalition was formed after Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said the province's pension guarantee fund won't be able to support retirees if General Motors were to go out of business.

The coalition will hold a rally at Queen's Park on Thursday.

Municipals Seek More Help with Infrastructure Projects

2009-04-20

07:39:56

Municipal leaders are looking for a new funding formula to help cover the costs of local infrastructure projects.

Currently, federal, provincial and municipal governments each share one-third of the total cost. But Reeve of Machin township Garry Parkes says many smaller communities like his can't afford the local share.

"Shovel ready projects are great for larger communities," says Parkes, "but they are unavailable to the small population with a small tax base. What we need is some kind of change in the formula to deal with our issues in small communities. You give us the money, we'll do the project."

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he is giving communities an opportunity to cover one-half of their share through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

 

Festival Results - Friday

2009-04-20

07:27:21

The first week of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up.

Drama competitions closed out the week. Here is a list of all winners.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, DRAMA DIVISION, Friday, April 17, 2009

 

CLASS A204

                First – Felicia Schmutz

                Second – Kayla Gardiman

CLASS A110-A

                First – Kayla Gardiman

                Second – Emily Donaldson

CLASS A110-B

                First – Michael Brady

                Second – Kasemer Hawrylak

CLASS A110-C

                First – Jonathan McCoy

CLASS A110-D

                First – (TIE) Justine Christie and Felicia Schmutz

CLASS A1301

                First – Melissa Fletcher

CLASS A1302

                First – Justine Christie

                Second – (TIE) Jonathan McCoy, Felicia Schmutz, Kasemer Hawrylak

CLASS A1306

                First – (TIE) Justine Christie and Michael Brady

 

FESTIVAL RESULTS, FRENCH DRAMA, Friday, April 17, 2009

CLASS F105-B

                First – Justine Christie

                Second –Kasemer Hawrylak

CLASS F203-B

                First – Michael Brady

CLASS F102-B

                First – Jade Green

CLASS F102-DI

                First – Wyatt McLeod

                Second – (TIE) Abigale McLeod and Avery Wilson-Hands

CLASS F102-DII

                First – Mackenzie Wright

                Second – Eric Matthews and Aiden Tullio

CLASS F103-A

                First – Maddie Sanders

                Second – Alyssa Chiasson

CLASS F103-C

                First – Shanleigh Fryer

CLASS F105

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

 

 

Local Entries in Boston Marathon

2009-04-20

07:26:21

It's a day of pounding the pavement in Boston for two area women.

Lori Green and Conne Badiuk are among the thousands taking part in the annual Boston Marathon.

The race begins at 9 this morning central time.

Arpin 10th

2009-04-20

07:24:57

It was a successful day at the track for Steve Arpin.

Arpin earned his first top-ten finish in ARCA-Remax Sunday at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina.

The 10th place showing also moved Arpin up to 10th place in the overall standings.

Teacher Deal in Keewatin-Patricia

2009-04-20

07:23:57

Elementary school teachers with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board have reached a tentative contract agreement.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says it reached the deal Saturday night. Ratification votes are scheduled for later this month.

Meantime, talks with teachers in the Rainy River district continue.

Hospital Funding Announced

2009-04-20

07:20:06

Area Hospitals are getting more money.

The North West Local Health Integration Network is providing nearly $3 million for thirteen regional hospitals for hospital upgrades.

Riverside Health Care Facilities will receive more than $545 thousand. Atikokan General Hospital will get $186 thousand.

Changes to Bass Championship

2009-04-20

07:17:53

There's going to be a new look to this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The event is being shortened with the tournament starting in the middle of the week. Some events, such as the Parade of Boats and teen dance, have been eliminated. President Tom Fry says the changes reflect public concerns that a week-long event was too long.

"That's the message we we getting from the public," says Fry, "that there was too many nights involved. That was one of the reasons we saw a fall off of attendance in the first couple of days."

Fry says the elimination of the parade of boats was based on declining participation from anglers and lower than expected attendance at the tent site.

NOMA Executive Elected

2009-04-20

07:16:30

Dryden Mayor Anne Krassilowsky will continue as the president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

Joining her on NOMA's executive include Morley township Reeve Gary Gamsby who will serve in an vice-presidency capacity.

Also on the board from the Rainy River district include Rainy River Mayor Debbie Ewald, Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown and Emo C-A-O Brenda Cooke.

 

Municipalies Request Involvement in Land Claims

2009-04-20

07:07:58

Municipalities in the Rainy River district have renewed calls for more involvement in local land claims.

Stanjikoming First Nation is in the midst of a claim. President of the Rainy River district municipal association, Emily Watson says recent government correspondence leaves out municipal involvement in those talks.

"this letter is from Lees Hanson who is the senior negotiator, negotiations from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. She closes by saying 'I would like to assure you that I will continue to keep you updated as negotiations progress," says Watson. "Keep us updated? No mention of inclusion once again."

Watson says she did attend a meeting last June, but is waiting for an invite to further talks.

Minister Considers Tourist Centre Options

2009-04-20

06:52:56

Ontario's tourism minister says she'll consider ways of attracting more people to the province's tourist information centre in Fort Frances.

Monique Smith made the comments after touring the area Friday with Fort Frances town officials.

"We've got some work to do to better access the tourist information centre," says Smith, " and we're going to look at some creative solutions."

Mayor Roy Avis says better signage that directs people to the centre was among the ideas discussed. He says her tour of the centre gave the minister of a better understanding of the town's concerns.

"We've put forward briefs to the ministry of tourism many, many times," says Avis, "Now she's walked through it. She's seen it. Now she has a better understanding of what our problem is."

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

 

Regional Government Proposed

2009-04-20

06:45:07

The development of a regional government is being floated by some elected officials in northwestern Ontario.

The idea was discussed on the weekend by delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Fort Frances. Schreiber councillor Patrick Halonen says it may give them more control over how provincial policies are implemented in the north.

"I believe right now that southern Ontario does really understand the north, and we're being dictated to," says Halonen. "They are making moves that effect northern Ontario people. Not southern Ontario people."

NOMA president Anne Krassilowsky doesn't fully support the idea of a regional government, but understands why its being discussed now.

"There is such a frustration of job loss, and direct and indirect businesses that are disappearing," says Krassilowsky. "I can understand that part, but we just can not create something we can't afford either and adds another cost to communities."

Thunder Bay councillor Iain Angus says the idea of a form of third-level government was reviewed when NOMA established the so-called Common Voice Initiative, but quickly dismissed.

"It would require a constitutional amendment," says Angus. "We choose the path, let's fix what we can to help the people today than some esoteric concept that might come in to being in 15 or 20 years." 

 

 

Monday, April 20, 2009

Tourism Regions Discussed

2009-04-17

13:12:54

A request to maintain Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association is getting a cool reception from the province's tourism minister.

The province is looking at merging Sunset Country into a much larger tourism marketing organization for the entire northwest. Monique Smith says new body will be effective.

"The larger regions allow for better marketing for better products to be developed," says Smith, "and for a broader, more bank for your buck. So we want to work with our existing destination marketing organizations and with the regions that don't have anyone representing them to make sure we can marketing every part of region effectively."

Smith says the ministry will be discussing its proposal with industry officials later this month in Kenora and Thunder Bay.

Province Helping Forest Industry: Cansfield

2009-04-17

13:09:47

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says Ontario's not ignoring the province's forest industry.

Critics have argued the province isn't doing en ought to help the industry financially.

Speaking to area mayors and reeves in Fort Frances, Cansfield said her Ministry provided AbitibiBowater, in particular, with more than $150 million, including $20 million for its new biomass boiler in Fort Frances.

"We have been with them as they started to make their transition," says Cansfield. "The challenge they've got, in Abitibi's case, is that their entire global market has collapsed."

Cansfield expects the forest sector to survive, but will have a different look.

Crimestoppers Clearing the Air

2009-04-17

13:06:32

Northwestern Ontario-Northern Minnesota Crimestoppers is "clearing the air".

Coordinator Gary Potter is touring the region speaking to High School students about the program.

Potter says its vitally important to reach out to our youth.

"I believe historically we haven't spent enough time passing on this information in depth enough," says Potter, "so that people can really understand it. As these high school students mature and get older, hopefully they're going to have a better understanding of Crimestoppers than you and I did."

Potter says he also wants to ensure High School students feel comfortable about calling the anonymous hotline.

 

Hunting Fine

2009-04-17

13:05:36

A Sioux Narrows man has learned the hard way to clean up his mess.

A court fined 27-year-old Jess Swenson 600-dollars for failing to restore a conservation reserve site to its original condition. Swenson was ordered to remove the material he left behind at his deer hunt camp at Calendar Island in the Lake of the Woods Conservation Reserve.

The man was warned by the Ministry of Natural Resources before he was slapped with the fine.

 

Call for Federal Attention to Forestry

2009-04-17

12:51:13

Start paying attention to the Forest industry!

That was the direct comment made by Liberal Natural Natural Resources Critic Geoff Regan who met with some of the area forestry officials in Dryden yesterday. Regan says the Conservatives are virtually ignoring the struggling sector.

"We learned this week that there was a meeting the government held last month in Thunder Bay with four stakeholders," says Regan, "Now we had a meeting this morning with about twenty. It's not hard to get them to come to a meeting if you ask them. So I can't understand why the government would hold a meeting with only four stakeholders if their really want to hear from people and get a range of views.

Regan says the Grits are developing their platform for the next election by listening to people involved in the industry.

Longer Trucks Proposed

2009-04-17

12:50:24

A pilot project will see as many as 100 double tractor-trailers on some Ontario roads starting this summer.

The aim is to see how well they fare on the province's highways, as the government says the longer vehicles are more efficient.

The program will include restrictions on where and when the vehicles can travel and what they can carry.

Pit Bull Ban Challenged

2009-04-17

12:49:34

Civil rights lawyer Clayton Ruby is taking his fight to overturn Ontario's pit-bull ban to the highest court in Canada.
 
Ruby says the legislation which assumes that it's the nature of the breed that creates danger is wrong.

He's asking the Supreme Court to review of an Appeal Court decision last October that upholds the province's ban.

Falls High School Boys win track meet

2009-04-17

12:34:45

It was a great day on the track yesterday for Falls High School.

The boys track and field team finished first overall at a meet in Deer River. The Broncos earned gold medals in several events.

Jake Jensen won two golds with a 12-foot leap in the pole vault and as part of the 4-by-400 relay team.  Here is a list of all medal winners for the Broncos

4X800  Meter Relay team - 1st - 9:15.0

110 Meter Hurdles - Aaron Skoglund - 2nd - 17.5 seconds

110 Meter Hurdles - Ryan Tomevi - 3rd - 19.0 seconds

100 Meter Dash - Jake Jensen - 2nd - 11.7 seconds

4X200 Meter Relay Team - 2nd - 1:41.0

1600 Meter Run - John Sobczynski - 1st - 5:20.0

4 X 100 Meter Relay team - 3rd - 52.6 seconds

400 Meter Dash - Aaron Marx - 2nd - 58.6 seconds

300 Meter Hurdles - John Sobczynski - 3rd - 50.1 seconds

800 Meter Run - Thomas Briggs - 2nd - 2:18.0

800 Meter Run - Alex Marx - 3rd - 2:23.0

200 Meter Dash - Brandon Richards - 2nd - 24.7 seconds

3200 Meter Run - Zach Severson - 1st - 11:32.5

3200 Meter Run - Myles Walden - 3rd - 12:07.2

4 X 400 Meter Relay Team - 1st - 3:52.9

Shot Put - Brandon Richards - 2nd - 40'10"

Discuss - Ryan Tomevi - 2nd - 109'9"

Triple Jump - Ryan Tomevi - 2nd - 35'4"

Triple Jump - Aaron Skoglund - 3rd - 34'1"

Long Lump - Ryan Tomevi - 1st - 17'8"

Long Jump - Thomas Brigs - 3rd - 17'5"

High Jump - Shawn Filipiak - 1st - 5'8"

High Jump - Aaron Skoglund - 3rd - 5'4"

Pole Vault - Jake Jensen - 1st - 12'3"

Pole Vault - Kyle Askey - 2nd - 7'6"

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.