Frustration Expressed at Forum

2009-05-22

11:59:25

There was plenty of frustration expressed over AbitibiBowater's move toward bankruptcy protection at a town hall meeting last night.

Over thirty contractors, mill workers and retirees attended. Robin Woolsley was among those to direct anger at the company for failing to communicate with local contractors.

"They knew they were going to go broke and none of them had the guts to come and give us a choice," said Woolsley. "They kept saying come in boys, the bridge is closed, but keep coming in. And I'm not the only one in this room who's got hundred thousand dollars plus tied up in this and all we keep hearing is next week, next week, next week."

Chris Pollard said local contractors are being left out in the cold 

"There's a complete lack of communication with Abitibi, with Ernst and Young," says Pollard. "Nobody has any answers. It's absolutely pathetic. I would really like some answers"

Communication, Energy and Papersworkers Union National Rep, Steve Boon says governments need to take more action to help those effected.

"As leaders we all know we're in a terrible time," says Boon, "but we need a government to get us through the trough and out the the other side because there is a future. But right now the government can't sit on the sidelines and say let's let the chips fall where they may as the Americans do the opposite and help their industry."

Area logging firms, who are owed thousands of dollars from AbitibiBowater, say all they're want is the money that's owed to them, and not a government handout.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty, who hosted the forum, says the future of AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances appears to be secure. Rafferty said he got that assurance from a company vice-president he spoke with earlier in the week week.

"I did get the definite feeling that when we were talking specifically about this Fort Frances mill that the company thinks very highly of it," said Rafferty. "I think I would have gotten, even over the telephone, a pretty good indication if this was one of the mills that would be on the chopping block and it didn't sound like it was."

But the future of the mill's number 6 paper machine resuming production in June looks dim. Mill workers say management has told them a planned start-up likely won't happen next month and may not even occur in July. The machine has not been running since March.

 

 

College Upgrades in Doubt

2009-05-21

08:23:24

The presidents of Ontario's 24 colleges say plans for infrastructure projects could be scuttled if they don't get government funding soon.

Colleges Ontario chair Anne Sado says the window of opportunity is starting to close, and summer is the only time when construction can be undertaken.

The colleges are waiting on two billion dollars allocated by Ottawa for infrastructure projects at colleges and universities, as well as $780 million dollars the province has committed over two years for capital projects.

Guiterrez Family Still Seeking Answers

2009-05-21

08:22:30

The family of Elisa Gutierrez says they will likely have to wait until mid-June for a report into her death.

The 25-year-old Thunder Bay woman was found dead on Christmas Day in an office at a Philippines resort.

Officials in the Philippines claim Gutierrez had committed suicide, but her family doubts that finding and has been asking the Canadian government to review the Manila investigation.

Dryden City Worker Facing Charges

2009-05-21

07:58:36

An employee with the city of Dryden faces several charges after police there found several items belonging to the city's Public Works department at the man's home.

Exactly what was found was not revealed, but Dryden City Police say further charges are pending.

City officials are also investigating.

New Agreement with Province

2009-05-21

07:57:38

There's a new agreement with the province aimed at improving the quality of life for First Nation communities in Grand Council Treaty 3.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Grand Council Treaty 3 Grand Chief Diane Kelly signed the
bilateral agreement yesterday during the Grand Council Treaty 3 Spring Chiefs Assembly in
Naicatchewenin First Nation.

The agreement sets out a road map to address the socio-economic issues affecting the 28 communities within Treaty 3.

 It's include continued dialogue on First Nation education, children and youth issues and economic sustainability.

Social Housing Repairs

2009-05-21

07:56:54

There will be some significant repairs done to social housing units in the Rainy River district.

The provincial government is providing the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars to make repairs to the nearly 480 units across the district.

The work will include roof, sidewalk and deck repairs as well as installing energy-efficient appliances, new elevators and furnaces.

Town Hall Meeting Tonight

2009-05-21

07:48:59

The forestry crisis will be the focus of a town hall meeting today hosted by Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty.

Rafferty says the aim is to hear from people who have been impacted by mill closures or shutdowns.

"What I'm going to do is put them all together on a DVD and distribute it to politicians and city council," says Rafferty. "We need to make sure people understand what this forestry crisis is doing to northwestern Ontario."

The meeting takes place at La Place Rendez-vous beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Nursing Program a Success

2009-05-21

07:40:02

A program established to train new nurses locally will likely be continued, but just not this year.

In 2005, the province funded a four-year community-based pilot program which was delivered at several Confederation College campuses including Fort Frances.

It gave students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lakehead University.

Campus Manager Anne Renaud says the program will be now evaluated before offered again.

"The great news is that we've just received accreditation for the program," says Renaud, "which is normally that it's done at the end of the program. It was a pilot, so we are going to be evaluating it in the next year and hoping to offer it again in 2010."

Five students enrolled in the program at the Fort Frances campus are expected to graduate next month.

Gas Prices Up

2009-05-20

09:19:16

Liberal MP and gas price watchdog Dan McTeague says drivers can expect a jump in price at the pumps this morning.

The price of oil has been rising on world markets, but McTeague says the real reason for the increase is "pure profit taking."

Here in Fort Frances, gas prices rose five cents a litre to 94.9 cents a litre.

In some parts of the province, the cost of gas has risen 15 cents a litre in just the last three weeks.

Human Rights Tribunal Issue for PC Leadership Hopefuls

2009-05-20

09:18:24

The province's Human Rights Tribunal is emerging as a divisive issue in the leadership race of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives.

Leadership hopeful Christine Elliott says a  proposal to scrap the tribunal could hurt the party in the next provincial election.

Two of her rivals, Randy Hillier and Tim Hudak, support abolishing the tribunal.

Both say Ontario should move such cases to the courts, but Elliott says most people can't afford to take discrimination cases there.

GM Dealerships to Close

2009-05-20

09:17:26

A report says letters bearing bad news will fan out across the country today and land at 264 General Motors dealerships.

A Toronto television news station says the letters will inform those dealerships that they're closing.

The closures come as GM and the Canadian Auto Workers union try to hammer out concessions so GM can be eligible for billions of dollars in government aid.

No word yet on where those letters are being sent.

Caution Advised Again

2009-05-20

09:16:44

The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued yet another warning to motorists about using caution when travelling on area bush roads.

A spokesperson says road conditions can change quickly and the potential of encountering washouts and flooded sections is very real.

Spring runoff from melting snow and significant rain has caused several washouts and road closures in the Atikokan area.

Entrepreneur Program Unveiled

2009-05-20

07:46:29

The Ministry of Northern Development has created a new entrepreneur program.

The Ministry's offering up to $125,000 thousand to help residents further their business ideas.

Minister Michael Gravelle says there's no age-limit to participate.

"The age limit was a real barrier to a number of people," says Gravelle, "particularly those people who are facing layoffs as a result of the forestry sector challenges, who had really great ideas. They just need support. They couldn't get the financial support from a bank or financial institution, but through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund now they can."

Gravelle says Northern residents can apply for funding immediately through the Ministry of Northern Development website.

 

Boston Pizza to Open in October

2009-05-20

07:28:59

The owners of  new Boston Pizza restaurant hope to be serving the first pizza to Fort Frances area customers in mid-October.

Yesterday, Dale and Elizabeth Fortes and their young daughter joined with local dignitaries in a ceremonial sod-turning to kick off construction.

Dale Fortes, a former assistant manager at the local Canada Safeway store, says the restaurant was an opportunity to return to the area.

"We always has a goal of coming back to Fort Frances," says Fortes. "We just had to find the right opportunity and this is it. We did a lot of research in terms of what kind of restaurant would work well here. The Boston Pizza brand with the Fort Frances market was a perfect relationship."

Fortes says they expect to hire between 60 and 100 people begin in July.

Mayors Meet Premier

2009-05-20

07:26:35

Mayor Roy Avis says he made the best of an opportunity to speak with Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty.

The Fort Frances Mayor joined his counterparts from Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout last Friday to sit down with the premier in Kenora.

"We were able to sit down for about 30 to 40 minutes with the premier," says Avis, "and just have a good general discussion on what's going on in northwestern Ontario. Where we need help in order to help our economy out. It was all very positive and very good dialogue."

Avis says McGuinty made no commitments, but showed a sincere concern for the north.

Town Budget Finalized

2009-05-20

07:22:30

There will be a modest tax increase for homeowners in Fort Frances.

After several month of discussion, town councillors finalized the budget yesterday which includes a one-point-one per hike in residential rates.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says slightly higher tax ratios for the industrial sector helped minimize the impact on  homeowners.

"We allocated our ratios across," says Witherspoon. "It shifted a small amount to residential, but we also raised our tax ratio for large industrial so we wouldn't have a large impact on residential, multi-residential and commercial."

Witherspoon says being able to present what she calls a bare-bones budget also helped keep rate down.

The town proposes to spend about $9.9 million in its operating budget

Of the $15 million dollars in capital expenditures, just over a million dollars will be funded through long term debt over a 10-year period.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the public during council's meeting on June 8.

Boat Checks Planned

2009-05-19

12:36:45

Officials in Minnesota will be checking boats at three popular lakes this weekend in an effort to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

The Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with law enforcement agencies to check boats at Lake Mille Lacs, Prior Lake in Scott County and Rice Lake near Brainerd.

The DNR wants boaters to "Pull the Plug" on aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels.

Fire Hazard High

2009-05-19

12:35:35

The fire danger in northern Minnesota has reached the high level.

Seven new fires were reported yesterday, including a one south of Ely at Mud Lake.

Here in the Rainy River district, two near fire starts were identified.

Both posing no problems for Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews.

New Banners

2009-05-19

12:34:58

New banners promoting northwestern Ontario are now up at the Canada-US border in Fort Frances.

Images showing boating, a native encampment and the Great Canadian Main Street in Fort Frances replace those destroyed by severe winds in January.

Town Council Meeting Today

2009-05-19

12:34:09

Homeowners in Fort Frances may learn later today exactly how much property taxes will be rising this year.

Town councillors are holding a special meeting this afternoon to go over the budget, which includes the projected 2009 tax Rates and levies.

Councillors are also expected to discuss potential financing options of local capital projects.

The meeting at the Civic Centre at begins at 4 p.m.
 

Condo Open House Planned

2009-05-19

12:33:18

Local residents will get an opportunity this week to meet the developer of the new condominium project in Fort Frances.

Robert Zanetti will be hosting on open house as part efforts to attract potential buyers.

The project is planned for property on Nelson Street.

Thursday's open house will be held at the Fort Frances Civic Centre beginning at 4 p.m.

"Dalton Sales Tax" Website

2009-05-19

11:55:08

Ontario's Tory's have launched a website to show residents what the impact will be from the planned merger of the provincial sales tax and the federal G-S-T - something Conservatives are calling D-S-T or the Dalton Sales Tax.

Interim Leader Bob Runciman says they felt it was their duty to provide a forum for residents to learn what the tax means to them.

They're also asking visitors to sign a petition against the merger.

 

Snowfall Record Set

2009-05-19

08:44:18

The National Weather Service says International Falls set a late season snowfall record over the weekend.

On Saturday, the weather service says 0.3 inches of snow fell.

That broke the old May 16 record of 0.1 inches of snow set in 1962.

The snowfall brings the total since last July to 125.6 inches, with almost 33 inches falling since March 1.

In northwestern Ontario, Pickle Lake residents were forced to bring out the snowblowers and shovels Saturday after being buried by almost 45 centimetres of snow.

 

Ag Coordinator Effective

2009-05-19

08:27:08

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is continuing its efforts to promote local foods and help the district's agricultural industry.

The corporation hired a rural ag coordinator three years ago.

Jeannette Cawston says her work is helping people better understand the value of the local farms.

"That's what we're hoping to do," says Cawston, "is bring more awareness to local foods and buy local products. Then it brings more of the economic value to our communities."

Cawston says local farmers are also doing more to increase their visibility in the district and elsewhere.

Green Energy Act Support

2009-05-19

08:13:46

A coalition of environment, labour and industry group is confident Ontario residents will embrace the new Green Energy Act.

The act became law last week.

Mike Layton with Environmental Defence says a recent survey found strong support for the act, especially in northern Ontario.

"We new that elements of the Green Energy Act really focus on getting jobs to where people need them," says Layton, "and northern Ontario is one area that is struggling in keeping manufacturing jobs and the forest industry. These are things that will stand to benefit under the Green Energy Act."

93-per cent of those surveyed in northern Ontario supported the act, the highest anywhere in the province.

Civil Marriage Changes

2009-05-19

07:50:36

The town of Fort Frances is going making it easier for people to get married in a civil ceremony.

A proposed change to current by-laws will see staff authorized to perform civil marriages allowed to do so after hours at the Civic Centre and on weekends at other locations.

Town clerk Glenn Treftlin says demand led to the change in policy.

"There has been a number of requests over the years since we started performing marriages," says Treflin. "I understand there have been fourteen requests for marriages other than what we were able to perform before under the current bylaw."

The cost of an after-hours civil marriage is $300 while a weekend ceremony will be $350.

Drinking and Driving Down

2009-05-19

07:49:35

Police are reporting fewer crashes related to alcohol on provincial roads this holiday long weekend.

But they say it's too early to determine whether Ontario's new drinking and driving penalties are playing a role in the downturn.

Since May 1 there's been at least 6-hundred people given three-day suspensions for driving while in the warn range.

Previously, motorists only received a 12-hour licence suspension for driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.

Ultrasound Fundraiser

2009-05-19

07:40:28

Another fundraiser for medical equipment in the Rainy River district is underway.

A area group is hoping to raise $50,000 for an Ultrasound unit for the emergency department of Riverside's Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.

Co-chair Larry Armstrong says it will help hospital patients who need a quick diagnosis.

"It's an ultrasound for the emergency room which allows for immediate diagnosis," says Armstrong."If somebody comes in with a stomach pain or they're bleeding, the doctors can then immediately do an ultrasound on it rather than try to determine and send them out for an ultrasound. We think it's a big step in the right direction."

"It allows for better patient management,” explained Dr Singleton. “As a physician, it is important to know what I am dealing with before deciding to send a patient to a larger centre or treating them within our hospital.”

An Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool. In most cases, x-ray technologists administer ultrasounds, however, it is becoming increasingly more common to see doctors utilizing this device in Emergency rooms.

 Dr. Beller concurred with Dr. Singleton about the need for an ultrasound in the ER department and and the potential for life-saving care. “This is a quick way to assist in diagnosing a patient.” “It has the potential to reduce unnecessary travel for the patient and will mean better patient care," said Beller. Tammy McNally, who is the Nurse Manager at Rainy River Health Centre, is pleased to have the community support of this project. “Our community has shown time and time again how much they value and support health care,” she enthused.

"The Auxiliary and Riverside Foundation partner to ensure our health care needs are met”, she said.

 The public is being asked to support this project by making a pledge over 3 – 5 years or a one-time donation. Armstrong is optimistic about reaching the target early this fall. “The sooner we reach our goal the sooner we get this equipment” stated Armstrong. “We have a committed group of individuals who will be working very hard over the next couple of months to solicit support."

The first public push for funds will happen Wednesday at the hospital Auxiliary's strawberry social.

Gun Amnesty Extended

2009-05-15

14:29:15

The federal government has once again extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't registered their firearms.

Treasury Board President Vic Toews says it's still the government's intention to kill the registry for long gun owners.

But for now the government is giving people another year to sign up their unregistered, non-restricted firearms.

It's also waiving fees for licence renewals and upgrades for another year.

LaVallee Township Bridge Replaced

2009-05-15

14:28:37

Replacement of the oldest bridge in LaVallee township will take place this year.

Township council agreed to award a tender to T and K Sharp Construction out of Stratton for the Black Bridge project on LaVallee Road South.

Funding from the provincial government is helping to cover the one-point-one million dollar price tag.

Fisheries Studies Planned

2009-05-15

14:28:04

Provincial fisheries staff will be out on nearly 100 area lakes this summer.

They'll be monitoring the lakes’ health and gathering information to help manage fish populations effectively.

Crews will survey lakes north of Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Kenora by plane and boat beginning tomorrow, collecting water samples and setting nets.

First Forest Fires of Season

2009-05-15

14:27:25

MNR forest fire fighters in the Fort Frances region were called out for the first time this season yesterday.

A fire located two kilometres south of Gore Bay Road in the Nestor Falls area was extinguished by M-N-R ranger crew.

Another fire at Little Pine Lake drew the actions of members of the Chapple township volunteer fire department.

Both were caused by high winds toppling trees onto power lines and small in size.

Keep Safe Weekend Tips

2009-05-15

14:21:29

It's expected many people will be using the May long weekend to opening their camps or venturing out to a favourite campsite.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority wants to ensure you a have a safe, fun-filled weekend

Spokesperson Bernadette Celis says make sure you a thorough check of your camp.

"Most importantly having any fuel fired appliances checked out and maintained during the season, that's really important," says Celis, "because that's certainly your first line of defence to making sure there isn't going to be any build-up of carbon dioxide in the cottage."

Celis says its also important to check for any damage to electrical lines and that bar-b-ques connections are secure and aren't leaking propane.

Other pointers for a safe, fun-filled weekend courtesy the Technical Standards and Safety Authority 

     At the Cottage and Campsite

     Now that you are planning that great city-escape, take along a few simple tips - and enjoy the great outdoors. Make safety second nature.

     Cottage

     -  check burners and exhaust systems of all appliances for blockages or obstructions such as insects, rodent nests, rust fragments or other debris that could lead to dangerous levels of CO;

     -  get your propane or gas-fired appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and/or repaired by a certified technician;

     -  replace batteries in your CO and smoke alarms and test them to ensure they are working properly;

     -  clean your barbecue and check for any fuel leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap; and 

    -  keep in mind that barbecues are approved for outdoor use only and should not be stored inside any structure.

     Campsite

     -  arrive with enough daylight left for a general safety check, and look for broken glass, sharp objects and natural hazards;

     -  ensure open-fires are permitted by local and provincial authorities. Clean up the fire pit and cut back any branches or brush that may have grown too close; and

     -  use only paper or kindling when starting a fire at your campsite. Be sure the fire is in a safe, open area, well away from flammables and other natural combustibles. Never leave a fire unattended.

     Portable Heaters

     While you may be tempted to pull out that portable heater, never use fuel-burning space heaters in any enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car, home or cottage. Every year, unsuspecting campers and cottagers are seriously injured - and, in some tragic cases, die - due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a result of improper use.

     If one of your last May 2-4 holiday stops happens to be a local LCBO store, look for TSSA's latest SummerSmart brochure for further safety tips on cottaging, barbequing, camping and RV use. You can also check it out on our website - www.safetyinfo.ca. Gain peace of mind, knowing you are protecting yourself and loved ones - and remember: safety is up to you.

Parks Open This Weekend

2009-05-15

14:18:04

It‘s camping season in the Northwest.

Provincial parks across the region will open this weekend, and Ontario Parks reminds campers that open liquor will be banned in several parks over the Victoria Day holiday weekend.

Northwest Zone Parks Manager Tim Sullivan says they want to keep the opening weekend a family event.

"Conservation officers, the park warden, the park superintendent or the OPP will, if they catch you with alcohol, fine you," says Sullivan. "That's the law and they will enforce it."

Parks that are under the four-day alcohol ban include Rushing River near Sioux Narrows and Blue Lake near Vermilion Bay.

Water Restrictions in Place

2009-05-15

14:17:23

Water restrictions for the town of Fort Frances kick in today.

Those who have odd numbered addresses may water lawns and gardens and wash vehicles at home on odd numbered calender days.

Even numbered homes can use water for non-essential use on even numbered days.

The restrictions are not in effect on the 31st of any month, but remain in place until the middle of September.

Steel Award

2009-05-15

14:16:40

The company involved in the replacement of the Sioux Narrows Bridge has been honoured by the Ontario Region of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.

McCormick Rankin Corporation won an Ontario Steel Design Award for its work to the 72-year-old structure by incorporating modern steel girders with timber trusses to help preserve the historical significance of the bridge.

Soft Roads

2009-05-15

14:16:11

The Ministry of Natural Resources is cautioning motorists to be aware of the potential of washouts and flooded sections of some access roads in northwestern Ontario.

Three roads in the Atikokan area remain closed.

The MNR says many other roads have soft sections and erosion, and travellers should use caution when travelling.

 

Illegal Cigarettes Seized

2009-05-15

14:14:54

An Ottawa man has been charged with hauling illegal cigarettes.

Police say officers found 81 cardboard boxes or 770,000 cigarettes in a trailer after stopping a vehicle near Thunder Bay.

A 35-year-old man was charged with four counts of possessing cigarettes and tobacco, as well as federal charges for possession of tobacco that wasn't legally stamped.

Forestry on Politicians Agenda

2009-05-15

14:09:55

Forestry was on the agenda both at Queen's Park and Ottawa yesterday.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton continued to question why the province has not offered AbitibiBowater similar restructuring funding given to Chrysler Canada.

"AbitibiBowater is also undergoing financial restructuring and 4,000 good jobs are at risk in communities like Thunder Bay," said Hampton, "yet the McGuinty Liberals have not advanced one penny in that financial restructuring. My question: Why is the McGuinty government completely missing in action in the financial restructuring of AbitibiBowater."

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says the province provided more than 150-million to the forestry company prior to its bankruptcy filing, and would be there to work with them as it works through its financial challenges.

In the House of Commons, the Harper government was attacked for not providing assistance to small businesses and suppliers impacted by the bankruptcy filings of both Abitibi-Bowater and Buchanan Forest Products.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says many small business in the district have been short-changed by both companies.

"The government's neglect of the forestry sector has hurt communities, workers, pensioners and now small companies," said Rafferty. "Small companies like T&M Logging in Atikokan are owed, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars by large bankrupt corporations like AbitibiBowater and Buchanan Forest Products. The proposed business credit availability program will be inaccessible to these smaller companies because they need overdraft limits of at least $400,000 to even apply. Where is the small in small business?"

Rafferty says the forestry crisis has also hit workers, pensioners and communities.

Shrine Circus A Success

2009-05-14

14:46:25

High-flying aerialists, jugglers and fire jumping dobermans were among several acts at this year's Shrine Circus held at the Memorial Sports Centre.

For the second year in a row, performers with the Cindy Mingly Circus from Sarasota Florida were on hand to thrill the hundreds who attended.

Ringermaster Timothy Tegge says they happy to help the Shriners raise money.

"The Shriner's use the circus as one of the major fundraising events out of the year," says Tegge. "They use the circus to raise funds to keep their operations going, and their operations are what feeds the money into the children's hospitals and burns centres around the country. Around the world, they do an outstanding job."

The Shrine Circus began its tour of northwestern Ontario in Thunder Bay last week with shows in Dryden Tuesday and Kenora today.

Forestry Protests Continue

2009-05-14

14:22:35

A group of forestry workers in northern Ontario say the only way they will stop protesting at a Thunder Bay provincial politician's office is when they get to work again.

Dozens of workers were back in front of the office of local M-P-P Michael Gravelle yesterday.

Protesters say many contractors haven't been paid for deliveries made to mills across the region because of the economic downturn, and they want the province to provide short-term funding.

A similar demonstration was held two weeks ago.

Rainy River Maintain EDO

2009-05-14

14:18:41

The Mayor of Rainy River says her town is seeing the benefits of having its own economic development officer.

Earlier this week, town councillors agreed to extend the contract of Community Coordinator and Economic Development Officer Anthony Mason until the end of the year.

Mayor Debbie Ewald says Mason has been a valuable asset since hired last year.

"With the economic development committee, any idea's that come up from that group, he does the research and the leg work and brings reports back to the group on what the viability of what we're working on is," says Ewald, "so it's been working good, I think." 

Ewald says the town's also seen vast improvements to its Railway Daze festival and the home show because of Mason's work.

More Youth Involvement Planned

2009-05-14

14:14:49

A northwestern Ontario lobby group is looking to include a youth voice to its organization.

The so-called Common Voice Northwest Initiative currently has municipal and First Nations representatives who help examine several key areas impacting northern Ontario. Chair and Thunder Bay Councillor Iain Angus says including a youth component is something other groups now do.

"Certainly we're seeing a lot of first nation's activity around consulting from youth and getting direction from them," says Angus, "so we can learn from their experience. We also want to learn from all young people in the region, not just those who call their municipalities home."

Angus says they're hoping to hold a series of youth forums across the region sometime in the fall.

Local Student Appointed to Provincial Body

2009-05-14

14:11:41

A Fort Frances student has been selected to sit on a provincial advisory committee that will provide advice into Ontario's education system.

Sydnee McLeod is one of sixty students across the province selected to the new Minister's Student Advisory Council. The grade 7 student at St. Francis School is excited being able to speak for students at her school.

"I wanted to make a difference because not every one gets to heard in the school," says McLeod. "Not every voice and I wanted to speak for my school about what they wanted different."

Sydnee and the other students held their first meeting in Toronto this week with Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. She is confident the Minister will listen to what the students have to say.

Phone Service Disrupted

2009-05-14

14:09:00

A severed line caused by road crews working in Fort Frances was to blame for yesterday's loss of telephone services at Riverside Health Care Facilities across the district

The incident happened yesterday afternoon to a line located near LaVerendrye hospital. But officials says because of recent changes to Riverside's phone system, the incident also impacted phone services at hospitals in Emo, Rainy River and Rainycrest, as well as LaVerendrye.

Phone services to all facilities were fully restored late last night.

Rail Crossing Repairs

2009-05-13

12:47:18

C-N Rail will be spending more than $250 thousand to upgrade a crossing in the town of Rainy River

The upgrades to the Government Road crossing include the installations of gates and new warning devices.

The funding for the work is provided from the federal government

Programs Kept through Reserve Funds

2009-05-13

12:44:00

Four educational programs, officials say are improving student achievement, will now be funding through the Rainy River District School Board's reserve fund.

Almost $300 thousand will be drawn each year for three years for programs initially started through one-time funding from the province. Education Director Jack McMaster says the programs have proven to be successful.

"Our government has been good at providing one-time over the last three or four years," says McMaster, "but we knew that would be slowing down because of the economy. We have some programs that have been supported over the last three or four years through this one-time funding, and we wanted to keep them going."

Trustees will still have the opportunity to review the results of each program at the end of every year before committing further funding.

CBC Meeting

2009-05-13

12:42:55

Representatives with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association joined with two northwestern M-P's met with CBC brass officials yesterday to state their opposition to recently announced service and staffing cuts to the crown corporation.

NOMA President Anne Krassilowsky called its a good meeting She says the CBC is seen as an essential service and should be protected.

The meeting was arranged with help from area's NDP members John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer.

Economic Asset Study Planned

2009-05-13

12:40:14

An economic asset analysis of what Fort Frances has to offer is being planned for this year.

The study will examine such things the costs of doing business and available lots, and compare them with communities of similar size. Development advisor for the Rainy River Future Development Corporation Geoff Gillon says there are some things they know that stand-out above other the rest already.

"Our power is one of the things that's cheaper than other parts of Ontario," says Gillon, "but we'll look at tax rates, natural gas prices and other things and come back with an analysis. It'll help us guide our marketing."

Gillon says is hoping the work will take place this summer with a report completed by the fall.

Boston Pizza Construction

2009-05-13

12:39:31

Construction on the new Boston Pizza in Fort Frances will officially kick off next week.

A company official says a sod-turning ceremony for the new restaurant will take place next Thursday. Site preparation for the work is currently underway.

The restaurant is expected to be open this fall.

Immigrant Study

2009-05-13

12:36:29

A study examining immigration trends in Ontario says growth in the larger urban centres could have a devastating impact on northwestern Ontario.

The reports says while many of area communities would welcome new immigrants, only a small handful of the province's new citizens are settling in the Rainy River district.

Co-author John Shields of Ryerson University says encouraging immigrants to choose the district and other smaller communities to live could help stem the tide of declining populations.

"Many of these communities which are generally smaller, rural and northern communities, could in fact benefit greatly from more immigrants coming to their communities," says Shields. "Certainly it's not the only solution for them, but immigrants could offer a lot of human capital value to these communities."

Shields says all levels of government need to come up with strategies that help direct  more immigrants the region.

Marketing Plans Continue

2009-05-12

07:51:11

Efforts to promote Fort Frances as a destination to visitors continue.

Early this year, the Rainy River Future Development Corporation helped two members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship to Louisianna to promote the tournament and the community.

Development Advisor Geoff Gillon says they're looking at similar junket to Birmingham, Alabama next year.

"It was loud and clear that we need to send at least two more people to work the businesses in the US that are associated with fishing to meet them, go to the receptions and to promote Fort Frances, says Gillon. "That's our goal, everything considered equal, we will be there." 

Gillon admits only time will tell exactly how successful they're are in attracting residents from those areas to the district.

Kiwanis Auction Successful

2009-05-12

07:46:11

The move from television to the world-wide web has been a good one for the Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances.

The local service club posted eighty-two items on E-Bay in its first ever on-line auction.

Event Chair Shanda Degagne says they managed to raised four-thousand dollars from the more than one-thousand bids received.

"I think we're quite excited," says Degagne. "It was a new venture for us going onto E-Bay and something most of us that weren't familiar with, so we were glad with the response we got from the community."

The auction, just 82 items, was about a third of the size of past events, but Degagne says limited overhead costs helped a larger percentage of the funds raised going to club activities. Degagne says the on-line auction also opened the event to people who had never seen the television version.

The auction had previously been run on Shaw-TV Channel 10, airing only to to cable customers in Fort Frances and Couchiching.

 

New Recreational Funding Available

2009-05-12

07:45:24

Another infrastructure program involving both the federal and provincial governments has been announced.

This time the focus will be on upgrading recreational facilities. Half-a-billion dollars is being set aside in a new Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario and the Ontario Recreation program.

Municipalities who submit applications before May 29 will be immediately reviewed.

Stimulus Website

2009-05-12

07:28:57

The provincial government is setting up a website to let people track how its spending the $24 billion to stimulate the economy.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan says the site -- which won't be up for at least another month, -- will have details on where the money is going.

The different government departments will also show how much remains and its impact.

 

Tax Ratios Approved

2009-05-12

07:28:08

Another step toward finalizing the 2009 budget was reached at last night's Fort Frances town council meeting.

Councillors approved the ratios used to determine how tax rates are calculated. Council has yet to decide on any tax levies at this time.

Another budget meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Transportation Key Stimulator

2009-05-12

07:24:32

Transportation will be a key component of economic development in the town of Fort Frances.

Speaking to town council last night, Development Advisor with the Rainy River Future Development Corporation Geoff Gillon says he hopes to bring a more detailed strategy aimed at making the town as transportation hub.

"We have already a significant number of company's running trucks out of Fort Frances back and forth," says Gillon. "We see the wind turbine parts sitting outside of town and our American friends will be blessing us with in the next few years with a four-lane highway to International Falls. So I think we as a community have to take a serious look at that.

Gillon says as part of the planning, the town has been represented at key transportation conferences in Washington and Edmonton and will be at another in Quebec this June.

Detachment Commander On the Job

2009-05-12

07:23:16

The new Detachment Commander for the Ontario Provincial Police in the Rainy River District was formally introduced to Fort Frances town council last night.

Inspector John Kendrick began his new role yesterday, and says he's looking forward to working with the town.

Kendrick comes to the area's detachment having most recently served as the OPP's regional traffic manager in Thunder Bay.

Fort Frances Crime Stats

2009-05-12

07:19:13

There has been a drop in the number of incidents of crime in Fort Frances this year.

In a report to town council last night, OPP acting Inspector Steve Shouldice said officers responded to 833 calls from January to March, down 80 over the same period last year. And that's translated to a decline in several areas.

"Assaults were down 31 per cent," says Shouldice. "Break and enters were down 43 per cent. Theft unders were down 38 per cent. Drug charges are down 63 per cent. Traffic charges are up 11 per cent and we've had no substantiated public complaints."

Shouldice adds the town also saw eight break and enters, two robberies and 32 assaults which was down from 47 in 2008.

Governor's Opener Coming North

2009-05-11

07:53:11

The Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener will headed back north.

Governor Tim Pawlenty announced Kabetogama would host the annual event next year. The small city, 30 miles southeast of International Falls, last played host to the Governor's opener in 1982.

At this year's event in White Bear Lake, the governor kicked off the fishing season by catching three northern pike and one bass.

NAFTA Deal Panned

2009-05-11

07:41:29

An outspoken opponent to the North American Free Trade Agreement is blaming the trade deal for the downturn in the forest industry in northern Ontario.

Maude Barlow suggests NAFTA has been bad for the local economy.

"I think NAFTA and the whole notion of free trade is part of a concept of letting the market make decisions," says Barlow, "making everything that's good for big corporations and making everything else adapt so it doesn't matter about the workers, it doesn't matter about justice and it doesn't matter about the environment. Everything has to be about setting the market conditions for big business to win."

Barlow is also worried the free trade deal discussed recently between Canada and the European Union could also have disastrous impacts on the economy.

Funding Provided to AbitibiBowater

2009-05-11

07:27:11

A federal government agency has revealed it provided AbitibiBowater with some short-term funding - to help it with its internally restructuring and to avoid bankruptcy protection.

Export Development Canada says it undertook two separate transitions in March.

Eighteen million dollars was provided in the form of a loan to help with the company's restructuring process. E.D.C.also offered up to $100 million to help the forestry company improve its credit structure, which would have been utilized had it been successful in restructuring its operations outside of bankruptcy protection.

The funds were never required.

Town Council Tonight

2009-05-11

07:26:19

Three by-laws come before Fort Frances town councillors when they meet tonight at the civic centre.

One pertains to an amendment to the town's dog by-law to better clarify the definition of a kennel. Another will establish the town's tax ratios.

Councillors will also discuss a proposed agreement with the township of Alberton regarding the maintenance of Oakwood Road.

The public portion of tonight's meeting begins about 5:40 p.m.

Infrastructure Funding Coming

2009-05-11

07:24:53

Federal Transport Minister John Baird says officials are working flat out to deal with a flood of requests for infrastructure money.

Only a small amount of the four billion dollars the government has earmarked for stimulus programs has trickled out so far. The cash, which is to be matched by provinces and municipalities, started flowing on Friday.

The town of Fort Frances is seeking approval on four applications. One for the new library and technology centre and three road's projects.

OMB Gives OK to Development

2009-05-11

07:24:01

The Ontario Municipal Board has dismissed an appeal by a Fort Frances resident to have a zoning by-law amendment reversed.

The decision paves the way for the United Pentecostal Church on Emo Road to be sold and turned into apartments by local developer Dave Petsnick.

At an O-M-B hearing last month, Larry Buttner, who lives near the church, identified a number of concerns he and other residents had with the proposed development.

But in his ruling issued last week, board chair Gary O'Connor said while the concerns were sincere, there was no land-use planning evidence to demonstrate the proposal should not be allowed to move ahead.

Rainy River Commencement Ceremonies

2009-05-08

13:42:35

It's graduation day for students at Rainy River Community College.

Degrees or certificates will be awarded to 133 graduates. Nine students are graduating from both their respective high schools and the college through the Post-Secondary Enrolment's Options Program.

The commencement ceremonies will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the college gymnasium.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony and a reception to follow.

More Native Officers to be Hired

2009-05-08

13:41:23

There will be more police constables working in First Nations communities in Ontario.

The province is receiving more than $150 million over five years as its share of the federal Police Officers Recruitment Fund for the hirings.

Eleven new officers will be hired by Nishnawbe-Aski First Nation Police Service. Eight will work Anishinabek Police Service and seven with Treaty Three Police. Lac Seul Police Service  will see one additional officer.

A third of all new hires will work for the Ontario Provincial Police.

Bottled Water Battle

2009-05-08

13:37:29

There's a war brewing over bottled water and municipal tap water.

The Council of Canadians and Canadian Union of Public Employees are heralding the positives of drinking tap water and talking about the pitfalls of bottled water. Nestle Waters Canada spokesperson John Challinor says the bottled water industry should be supported.

"It's a responsible industry because we are dealing with the bottle," says Challinor. "We are funding the recycling of the bottle across Canada through various forms whether it be depots, deposits or curb-side recycling. So its important that the industry be supported for the right reasons."

Challinor adds the campaign to ban bottled water is based on misinformation. He says there are 11,000 jobs related to the bottle-water industry and are provided a healthy product to Canadians.

CUPE and the Council are concerned about the testing regulations for bottled water and the amount of recycling done in the province.

 

Flu Numbers Up

2009-05-08

13:36:37

Ontario is confirming seven new cases of the swine flu, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 56.

A three-year-old child is among the people who have contracted the disease, but all of the cases are said to be mild. The new incidents of the virus were in communities that had previously reported cases, including Toronto and Sudbury.

So far, still no cases in northwestern Ontario.

Food Box Popular

2009-05-08

13:33:57

A monthly food box program established by the Clover Valley Farmer's Market is getting some strong interest in the region.

The program which started in the Rainy River district about a year ago, expanded to Kenora in December. Director Kim Cornell says they've also been asked to introduce the program elsewhere.

"We've actually had interest from other communities already," says Cornell. "We just got to make sure we got Kenora up and running and we have some sustainable numbers there before we start another community. I would suspect later this year we'll be in another community in the northwest."

Cornell says the program also has increased interest from local growers who help ensure local products in the healthy food boxes.

Atikokan Forest Roads Closed

2009-05-08

13:31:19

The spring run-off is starting to affect a number of forest access roads in the Atikokan area.

Twila Smitsnuk of the Ministry of Natural Resources says the East Pinecone Road, Crooked Pine Road and Stanton Bay Road have been closed to traffic.

"The roads that we're dealing with currently are located to the east of Atikokan," says Smitsnuk. "We've had high water levels in the river systems from rain and heavier snow and ice storm that went through in April that left us with a little bit more precipitation than other areas."

The M-N-R says several other area roads have also been washed out, and may also have to be shutdown.

 

Economy Forum in Thunder Bay

2009-05-07

10:13:23

The economy will be the focus of a meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce today in Thunder Bay.

President Barry Streib says the sessions will offer valuable, informative discussions on regional issues.

The conference will include delegates and corporate members representing about two-thousand businesses in the region.

Also on the agenda will be presentations by M.P.'s John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer and AbitibiBowater.

AbitibiBowater Gets Funding

2009-05-07

10:12:11

AbitibiBowater has received court approval for $100 million dollars in government-backed debtor funding for its Canadian subsidiary.

A Quebec Superior Court judge ruled yesterday that the funding for Abitibi-Consolidated is required to help the paper and lumber producer to restore stability as it attempts to hammer out a restructuring plan.

A potential duel between the judge and the Quebec government was averted when Premier Jean Charest's cabinet agreed to remove a contentious clause imposing its own monitor in case of default and the loan isn't repaid by November 1.

Hand Sanitizing Compliance Low at Riverside

2009-05-07

10:08:45

Riverside Health Care Facilities is trying to improve its compliance level of provincial hand hygiene standards in local hospitals.

Ministry of Health statistics show the number of health care workers in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances who did comply with the standard was much lower than the provincial average.

Infection Control Practitioner Jodi Jewell says they're are working to improve those numbers.

"We're rolling out education pertaining to the hand hygiene point of care, being that washing your hands at the patient environment before any aseptic practices," says Jewell. "We're also putting hand sanitizers at the bedside in each hospital."

Jewell says staff are washing their hands before and after making contact with patients, but the Ministry criteria calls for them to use the hand sanitizers.

 

Boshcoff Eyes Return to Federal Politics

2009-05-07

10:05:10

Ken Boshcoff is looking to running again in the next federal election.

Boschoff, who was MP for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding for four years, was defeated in last fall's election by NDP member John Rafferty. He says he's now planning to seek the liberal nomination once again.

"I think that my experience that I realize has really accumulated over the past number of years can be very helpful to helping northwestern Ontario rebuild," says Boshcoff." Now that I have the fire and the desire to keep serving, that's what I really want to do."

Boschoff feels another election is looming, and wants to be prepared well in advance by declaring his intentions at this time.

Money identified for Robert Moore School

2009-05-07

10:03:45

Rainy River District School Board now have a better idea as to how much money the Ministry of Education will provide for the construction of the new Robert Moore School.

Almost $11.5 million is an increase from the Ministry's initial commitment of $9.8 million. Education Director Jack McMaster says changes to the plan by the Ministry forced the need for additional dollars.

However, the money received does not include the cost of demolishing the existing school.

 

Board Receives Operational Review

2009-05-07

09:57:16

The Ministry of Education says the Rainy River District School Board is well managed.

An operational review conducted found the board has a clear articulate plan for student success, effective budget management and a strong leadership team that communicates effectively and shares a common objective.

Education Director Jack McMaster says he welcomes the findings.

"We see huge value in the report," says McMaster. "It tells us we're doing a very good job in all aspects of the board. It also shows us where we can get better."

The review was one of 72 conducted across the province in January. Four functional areas were reviewed: Governance and School Board Administration; Financial Management; Human Resources Management and School Staffing/Allocation; and School Operations and Facilities Management.

The report also highlighted a number of leading practices established by the Board, and makes recommendations for key opportunities for improvement. The Board is noted for key leading practices in Governance and School Board Administration.

Chair of the Board Dan Belluz was involved in the thorough review. He too was pleased with the outcome as it confirms his belief that this Board is functioning as expected in the Education Act.

 “Our trustees understand their role and work together to ensure that the Rainy River District School Board has the appropriate policies to enhance student success," says Belluz. "This review confirms our actions and encourages us to continue to support our staff in our desire to improve learning outcomes for students.”

One area of improvement from the report was that the Board should consider consolidating the business functions (such as human resources, finance and facilities) into the board system plan. This would enable the departments to link their respective operational plans to the annual plan, and align operational goals with an overarching strategic direction.

This is the third audit that the Board has undergone in a three year period, volunteering to pilot the first Operational Review two years ago. The Board also requested that it be one of the first Transportation Reviews, receiving, as a result, an additional $200,000 annually to meet transportation needs.

Residents Educated About Emergency sirens

2009-05-06

07:46:37

FORT SIRENS 2

Emergency personnel want residents to better understand the purpose of the monthly siren tests in Fort Frances.

During the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p-m, the sirens are sounded. Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service Fire chief Gerry Armstrong says the sirens were set up to alter citizens of an immediate danger.

"For the most part, that would be in the event of an approaching wind storm, or perhaps a transportation or industrial accident, that would be considered an immediate threat to people's health," says Armstrong.

Armstrong says when the do sirens sound, residents should tune to B-93 for further information, even during the testing, and refrain from calling emergency personnel unless absolutely necessary.

"Please do not contact local police, fire or ambulance, unless you have an emergency, because they're going to be busy doing a whole number of things. We want to ensure people the information will be coming through the radio station, B-93, and just stay tuned to that."

Chambers Expands Board of Directors

2009-05-06

07:44:06

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is expanding its board of directors

The chamber recently voted to add another three seats to its board. President Cathy Emes says two will be for representatives from the Sunset Country Metis Association and outlying first nations.

"Couchiching already has an appointed seat," says Emes, "but we wanted to open it up to other first nation communities so we can all work together to improve and maintain the quality of life that we have in this area."

The third ensures a spot at the table for the Rainy River Future Development Corporation

New Cell Services Poised to Go On-line

2009-05-06

07:40:31

Cell phone users in the Rainy River District will soon have some additional choice as to their provider.

Dryden Municipal Telephone System has been conducting tests to bring the Roger's service to the area. General Manager Peter Gillis says existing Rogers customers will likely be the first to access the system by the end of this month.

"We've also gone down the road with Bell Canada to interface into the 807 exchanges to get local calling in the Fort Frances and Atikokan areas," says Gillis. "That's scheduled to be completed the week of May 18. When that's completed, we can actually activate the site in Fort Frances and the Rogers' roamers can get service.

Gillis says they won't fully launch the service and open dealers elsewhere in the district until sometime in June and July when other cell towers come on line.

Environmental Film Festival Begins

2009-05-05

08:19:38

Roll out the red carpet.

J.W. Walker School will be hosting an environmental film festival today and tomorrow. Angela Petsnick says six films shown during the Toronto Film Festival will be viewed locally

"There's a film called 'Garbage Revolution.' It's from a Toronto filmmaker. We're going to show that film to three different audiences," says Petsnick. "There another movie called 'Slow.' It's about out water use and that film will be sent to Atikokan and Rainy River."

This morning, students from Fort Frances High School will have the opportunity to view the movie "Digital Cemeteries." In the afternoon, primary students from surrounding schools will be invited to view three short movies including, "Raising the Green Roof", "Intestines of the Earth" and "Squirm".

While most of the films will be viewed only by students, the public will have an opportunity to see the movie "Addicted to Plastics" and a series of short films produced by J-W Walker's grade 8 students tomorrow night at the Townsend Theatre.

Planet in Focus provided the funding for the school to host the event. It's just one of four school in Ontario to receive funding.

Mental Health Help

2009-05-05

08:09:49

Helping people deal with the economy is becoming the focus for mental health workers in the Rainy River District.

This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. Educator-trainer for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Fort Frances, Nancy Daley says its important to take care of yourself.

"Stress is a huge impactor on health on many, many way," says Daley, "physical and mental, emotional and spiritual. It really takes its toll if its not taken care off. The best thing to do is to keep people informed. If people know what's going on, know what to expect, they can handle it better."

Daley says the association offers a variety of information and services for workers and their employers to access.

 

Flu Cases Increase in Ontario

2009-05-05

07:58:40

There are no known cases in northwestern Ontario, but the number of H-1-N-1 flu cases elsewhere in the province has spiked sharply higher.

Most of the cases had been in the Toronto area, but Sudbury and Windsor are now reporting flu patients.

All 31 cases are considered mild and involve people who were in Mexico or had close contact with someone who did.

Government Bailouts

2009-05-05

07:56:47

Opposition critics say they're concerned about government plans to become more involved in businesses and pick "winners'' to invest.

Progressive Conservative finance critic Ted Chudleigh says it should be consumers, not the government, who pick which businesses should thrive. He says governments have typically picked the companies that cry the loudest - not the best ones.

N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath says taking any more taxpayer money to boost corporations amounts to stealing from the poor to give to the rich. She says the government should be focusing on ways to help struggling sectors instead of looking at specific corporations.

Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant says the crisis requires "reverse Reaganism'' and that the government must accelerate funds to help jump-start businesses.

Cable Commission Formed

2009-05-05

07:44:49

The city of International Falls is forming a cable commission to study ways of bringing more public access programming to its cable system.

The city is already responsible for approving cable operators.

The new commission will be tasked with making recommendations to council on all matters pertaining to the cable system, including increasing public access programming.

Policing Options Considered

2009-05-05

07:25:19

International Falls could be looking at different ways of policing its community in the future

The move comes after its deputy chief, Darryl Waller agreed to an early retirement package from the city. It end a 30-year policing career for the current acting chief and comes just days after Chief Chris Raboin retired after more than 10 years as the city's top cop, taking a similar early retirement package.

Mayor Shawn Mason says with the retirements of both its chief and now its deputy chief, the city will explore potential policing options.

"Should we remain as the International Falls Police Department? Should we find ways to collaborate with the Koochiching County Law Enforcement Operations? Those questions remain unanswered at this time," says Mason. "It is our responsibility to do some research, and discussion with the county board and discussions with the public."

Mason says if the city moves to consolidating services, residents would have the final say in a referendum. Meantime, the city will proceed with the search for a new chief. Mason says they'll ask its civil service commission to initiated that search,

"We are governed by civil service commission rules and regulations. We're going to be advertising for a police chief test that people can take if they're interested in the job of police chief."

Under regulations, a test has to be performed within 40 days of the chief retiring.

Library Debate Continues

2009-05-05

07:10:23

Fort Frances town councillors will await the outcome of a federal grant application before determining how to proceed with the new library and technology centre.

The town is seeking one-point-one million dollars from the Build Canada Fund. During a joint meeting of council and the library board yesterday, councillor Andrew Hallikas says they have some time to wait.

"There's an extension on the tender," says Hallikas. "That gives us a chance to see how this Build Canada thing comes through. If the build Canada thing comes through, it puts a completely differently complexion on the money."

The proposed contractor, Aurora Construction, has given the town an extra six weeks to make a decision to its contract. Council is hoping for news of its application soon. But while the councillors wait, they remained concerned with the library project.

At yesterday's meeting, some councillors reiterated their concerns about ongoing operating costs while Councillor John Albanese doesn't want to see it built at all.

And councillor Ken Perry says still thinks the proposed building's too big for the community.

"They're looking at these spacial requirements put out by a certain architectural or engineering company," says Perry, "saying 'this is what you need for the size of your new library.' But anybody who's building a new library right now or in the last three or four years have cut the sizes down drastically because they realize per capita, they can't afford the money."

Board members believe the new building will result in savings, and recommending a freeze on operating costs for a period of time to back their claims.

 

Broncos Sports Results

2009-05-04

07:56:42

A pair of shutout wins for the International Falls Broncos boys baseball team.

Friday, Chris Heibel gave up just one hit as the Broncos pounded Mesabi East 18-0 in five inning.

Here's the rundown in the game

Scoring:

        I'Falls:            14(11) 20x x - 18 17 1

        Mesabi East -- 000     000 0 -  0  0  6

Pitchers:

        I'Falls:              Chris Heibel complete game (W) 5 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 4BB, 5K

        Mesabi East:    Alex Rowbottom (L)  2 2/3 innings, 16 runs, 13hits, 3bb, 3K, 

                             Jamie Crieghton       1 1/3 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits, 0bb, 0k

    Hitters:             

         I'Falls;           Dan Eldien 4/4, 2-doubles, 3 rbi, 4 runs, 2 sb; Jake Casareto 3/4,

                               3-doubles, 4 rbi, 1 run; Willie Corrin & Jeff Hofius 2/2, 1-double;

                             Adam Potter & Mike Menard 2/3, Mike Jaksa & Chris Little each had 1 hit

        Mesabi East:  Garrett Larson 1-1b

    Scoring:

              Mesabi East -- 000     000 0 -  0

              I'Falls:            14(11) 20x x - 18

Then Saturday, Chad Little scattered three hits in a 9-0 shutout win over Duluth Marshall.

   Duluth Marshall;     000 000 0 - 0 3 2

  I'Falls;                    305 001 x - 9 9 1

 Pitchers:

        I'Falls;                   Chris Little (W)  7 innings (complete game) 0 runs, 3 hits, 4K, 0BB

        Duluth Marshall;     Zach Scalzo (L)  5 + innings, 9 runs, 9 hits, 2K, 4BB

                                   Josh Serre         1 inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 0K, 0BB 

    Hitters:

        I'Falls;                 Jake Casareto 3/4, 2-doubles, 2 runs, 2 rbi;  Ames Bryant 2/2,

                                     1-double, 2 runs, 1 rbi; Chris Little 2/4, 1 run, 1 rbi; Adam Potter

                                     1/3, 2 rbi; Nick Lagen 1/1

   

        Duluth marshall:     Dane Mann, Josh Serre, Matt Morsette each had a single.

   

The junior varsity Broncos were also victorious Saturday, earning a  16-5 win over Duluth Marshall's junior squad.