Emo Walley Classic Kicks Off

2009-05-28

12:43:58

More than 60 angler teams will be vying for more than $40 thousand dollars in cash prizes at this year's Emo Walleye Classic.

It kicks off with a boat parade down Front Street beginning at around 5:30 p.m.

At the Emo-LaVallee Arena, the penny table opens with raffle tickets available. The Muskies Girls Hockey Club will be holding its fish fry beginning at 5 p.m.

Volunteer check-in will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The anglers meeting will happen at 7:30 p.m. with awards presented to the parade participants.

The actual fishing on the Rainy River begins tomorrow with the first boats leaving the Front Street boat launch at 8:00 a.m. 

Atikokan Museum Funding

2009-05-28

12:43:18

A renovation of Atikokan's Centennial Museum has been helped by some federal dollars.

The museum will use about $35 thousand toward its plans to upgrade equipment and create new exhibition space.

Two new permanent exhibition halls will be created as well as a gallery for temporary exhibits.

Ear Falls Mill Still Down

2009-05-28

12:42:41

Downtime at the Ear Falls Sawmill has been extended.

The Domtar operation was scheduled to come back on-line shortly, but the start-up date has been pushed back to July 6.

The Mill has been shut down since early April.

The Dryden Pulp Mill is scheduled to re-start in early July as well.

 

Border Crossings Down

2009-05-28

12:42:01

Some early indication of what it may be like for the tourist industry in Rainy River this year.

Statistics Canada says the number of American visitors crossing into the district at Fort Frances and Rainy River during the first three months of this year was down about 16 per cent over the same quarter a year ago.

The number of Canadians passing through the two border points was down 10 per cent.

Customer Service Awards

2009-05-28

12:32:41

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation handed out its annual awards for customer service last night.

Fifteen businesses received awards or honourable mentions.

Coordinator Wanda Botsford says as well as visiting participating businesses, mystery shoppers checked out the websites that some businesses promoted.

"In those cases, our secretive shoppers evaluated the website," says Botsford. "They also checked to see how they were responding to e-mails. They sent out e-mails to the businesses and tracking how long it took to get answers back."

Botsford says businesses were also evaluated on how well they responded to customer inquirers over the telephone and what they did to help the disabled and seniors.

The top 10 business, in no particular order, were Cloverleaf Grocery (Emo), Enterprise Rent-a-Car (Fort Frances), Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary, Fort Frances General Supply, NCDS (Fort Frances), Northridge Funeral Home (Emo), Revco Carpet Centre (Fort Frances), Super 8 (Fort Frances), Woods Quality Bakery (Rainy River), and Northern Lights Credit Union, Rainy River branch.

Honourable Mentions went to Celestes (Fort Frances), Crozier Warehouse/Busy Bee Auto Glass (Fort Frances), Northwoods Gallery and Gifts (Fort Frances), Vianet Internet Solutions (Fort Frances), and Warehouse One (Fort Frances). 

 

Chamber President Stepping Down

2009-05-28

12:31:53

A recognized leader for northwestern Ontario's business community is leaving the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Long-Irwin, who has served as president of the chamber for the past nine years, will step down at the end of June.

Long-Irwin says it was a difficult decision to make, but felt it was time to move on to something new.

Sexual Assault in Dryden

2009-05-28

12:31:09

A Florida man is behind bars in northwestern Ontario, charged with attempted sexual assault in a case involving a 16-year-old girl.

Police say the man posed as a grocery store security guard in Dryden.

He allegedly lured the teen into his car on May 5, but the girl managed to escape unharmed.

Sixty-seven-year-old Kenneth Luedtke appears in court Friday.

Police say the man has a summer home in the Dryden area.

West Nile Surveillance Changes

2009-05-28

12:27:50

West Nile season is approaching!

Northwestern Health Unit Environmental Health Officer Al Mathers says there will be changes to the surveillance program this year.

"The bird collection program has been scrapped," says Mathers. "It really is not necessary anymore. We know the virus does circulate through the avian population so the data we would collect is redundant. The mosquito trapping will be the only surveillance program for vector-borne diseases right now.

Mathers says mosquito trapping will be taking place in Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances starting in July.

 

Regional Hospital Impacted by Chalk River Shutdown

2009-05-28

12:26:36

Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre says the shortage of medical isotopes may force it to postpone some of its procedures that require the isotopes.

The Chalk River reactor, that produces half the global supply of radioactive isotopes used in medical imaging, will be down for at least three months for repairs.

It was shut down May 15 after a power outage in parts of eastern Ontario and a heavy-water leak was detected the next day.

Hospital officials say they've received about half of the isotopes they usually gets, forcing them to identify priority cases to maximize supply.

Foundation Hands Over Money

2009-05-28

12:23:01

Riverside Foundation for Health Care has turned over money raised last year to Riverside Health Care Facilities.

The funding totals 391-thousand dollars.

Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says its the public that has to be applauded for the money.

"Absolutely," says Hazel. "All of the donations to the hospital come through the hospital auxiliaries, Rainycrest Auxiliary, service clubs, individuals, organizations, in memoriam donations, donations in honour of people. It just shows how much those donations make a difference in our health care system."

Three hundred thousand dollars covers part of the Foundation's $1.5 million pledge made for the new CT Scanner at LaVerendrye hospital.

The remaining $91 thousand will be used on other equipment purchases at all three area hospitals and Rainycrest.

Food Bank Numbers Up

2009-05-28

12:20:57

The Salvation Army says its seeing a rise in the number of people using its food bank.

Captain Angel Sandoval says they've seen a 20 per cent jump over the past couple of months.

He attributed the increase to the economy.

"With the economic situation we live with right now," says Sandoval, "it's really difficult, especially for families with kids and those who have lost their job. I think together we can do something different for them and continue helping them."

The Salvation Army is near the funding of its Red Shield Appeal Campaign, but Sandoval says the appeal for help is becoming a year round.

 

Literacy Nights Recognized

2009-05-27

07:26:37

Some recognition for students and staff at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The school was recently cited by Northwest Catholic District School Board trustees for its family literacy nights.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says children and their parents benefited from the activities.

"It engages the parents in the school," says Kelly. "When the students are engaged with their parents in reading, we know it makes an impact on the student's positive outlook on education. The children's achievements are improving and the parents are supporting their children's reading at home. The families have lots of fun when they come to the school."

Kelly says staff organized a number of interactive events that helped make learning fun.
 

 

New Vice-Principal

2009-05-27

07:25:49

There will be a new vice-principal at Robert Moore School in September.

Cam Keast moves to the position after serving as an intermediate teacher at the Fort Frances school for the past sixteen years.

Operational Plan Developed

2009-05-27

07:22:08

There's still another month of school left, but the Rainy River District school board is looking ahead to the next year.

Work is underway on a new operational plan for the 09-10 school year.

Education director Jack McMaster says next month, the board will be review comments recently received on a proposed plan.

"We've gone out to five communities," says McMaster, "and met with community members to receive their feedback in terms of what they liked what we did this year and what we should be doing next year. We'll take that feedback, along with the feedback from our principals and staff and fold that in to our operational plan."

McMaster says there will also be additional input from principals before the plan is presented to trustees in the fall.

New Passport Rules Coming

2009-05-27

07:12:26

The U-S Homeland Security chief says the new passport rules that go into effect June 1 are common sense.

As of next Monday, travellers to the U-S will need a passport or an enhanced drivers licence to cross the border. Janet Napolitano says card readers have been distributed and travellers have been warned of the changes for months.

Napolitano is meeting again today with her Canadian counterpart, Peter Van Loan in Ottawa, to go over border concerns. The two were in Detroit and Windsor yesterday to boost policing
on the water.

An agreement now allows Mounties and the U.S. Coast Guard to ride on each other's vessels for joint patrols. Their vessels must currently stop at the border and call the other country's agencies for help.

Meantime, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association doesn't anticipate any problems with American tourists getting stranded next week in Canada because they don't have a passport.

Executive Director Doug Reynolds says they have been working on this issues for several years now.

"We and lots of other folks have tried to get the word out that this requirement has been coming," says Reynold, "and it's been coming for some time. We've also reminded folks as well it's a U.S. initiative, not a Canadian initiative. They don't need a passport to get into Canada. They need a passport to get back home." 

Reynolds suggests that high gas prices and the recession will likely have a bigger impact on travel plans by American tourists this summer than the new passport requirements. 

Rural Communities Need Help

2009-05-26

12:55:05

A new report says rural communities across the country are in crisis.

The report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urges the federal government to develop a long-term plan to diversify rural economies.

Rural areas have been struggling for decades with shrinking populations and tax bases,  lower-than-average incomes, and higher rates of poverty and chronic health problems.

The federation says rural communities need `a champion' at the federal cabinet table to ensure their priorities receive the proper resources and attention.

Missing Woman Found

2009-05-26

12:54:14

Police have found the body of a 61-year-old woman from Orillia in the bush in northwestern Ontario.

The body of Nancy Stafford was recovered near Angler Creek, west of Marathon, late last night.

Provincial police started searching the area Saturday, one week after Stafford's empty van was spotted on the Trans-Canada Highway.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for today in Thunder Bay although investigators don't suspect foul play.

Highway 502 MVA

2009-05-26

12:53:39

Some American anglers escaped serious injury following an accident on Highway 502 early yesterday morning.

Provincial police say a truck, towing a boat, left the highway near Rattlesnake Creek, and struck a rock cut after the driver swerved to avoid a bear.

Both the truck and boat suffered extensive damage.

Native School Study

2009-05-26

12:52:51

A new report suggests the Harper government is shortchanging native schools while cutting the number of new ones that get built.

The parliamentary budget officer says Indian Affairs built an average of 35 schools a year on reserves under the Liberals.

Eight have been finished since the Conservatives took power in 2006.

Another 10 new schools have been announced but the report says there's no clear criteria to justify where they will be built.

Area Trustee Named to Provincial Board

2009-05-26

12:52:18

The vice-chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board has been appointed to a provincial board.

John Borst will serve as a director-at-large for region 3 for the Ontario Catholic District School Trustees Association.

The appointment was made at the association's recent meeting in Toronto.

Drive to Work Caravan Coming

2009-05-26

12:44:30

Ontario's labour groups will be given area residents another avenue to talk about how the economy is hurting them.

The Ontario Federation of Labour will kick off its "Drive to Work" caravan in Kenora on June 8th with stopped planned in Dryden, Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Luc Quesnel of the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union says the campaign will help get northerners concerns heard.

"The noise and the publicity we're going to get," says Quesnel, with the president of the OFL going on this campaign starting in Kenora, it will be a good response especially with the way a lot of the industries are going and there's starting to be some talk federal and provincially. We'll see what happens."

Labour officials will also be promoting a buy-Ontario policy to the area's municipal leaders.
 

Interim Deputy Mayor Appointed

2009-05-26

12:43:43

John Albanese will be taking over the role as deputy mayor for the town of Fort Frances on an interim basis.

The move was made after town councillors were informed current deputy mayor, councillor Sharon Tibbs would be away from council for the next six weeks due to medical reasons.

Council agreed to hand duties of deputy mayor to the chair of the committee of the whole meeting, a post currently held by Albanese.

Concessions Contract Renewed

2009-05-26

12:42:54

Fort Frances town council has approved a new contract with the operator of the concessions at the Memorial Sports Centre.

The three-year deal with Carol's Canteen will see the town receiving 12-per cent of all sales generated.

Progress Made in Road Work

2009-05-26

12:37:50

Significant progress is being reported at the only road project underway in Fort Frances.

At town council last night, Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown said along with the roadwork on Victoria Avenue and Nelson Street, a new parking lot in the area is taking shape and some of new sewer line has been installed.

"There's been two crews working," says Brown. One started at the intersection of Veterans Drive and Nelson and moving eastward. They've installed 93.8 metres of 450 millimetre diameter sewer pipe. The other crew was at Victoria and Nelson. As of Sunday, they had 76 metres of 250 millimetre diameter pipe in place."

Brown says work at the Portage Avenue underpass is still anticipated this year, but is still waiting for a work schedule from the contractor. The town was hoping to begin repairs to Scott Street between Reid Avenue and Colonization Road East, but Brown says provincial money for it has yet to arrive.

"There's been several letters written to the Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley and there's been no response. We have a short construction season and we have to get on with it if we're going to do the work this year."

Fire Master Plan Delivered

2009-05-26

12:27:36

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service is looking to the future.

It's put forward a comprehensive Master Plan for council's to consider. Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong says it gives the department some direction on where it wants to be in five years.

"So we have some idea of where we're going to be, what we're going to be doing," says Armstrong. "and how we're going to be able to sustaining our present services to the level we can provide them."

Armstrong says the document also reflects changes in legislation and the changing role of fire services.

"For the most part it's an administrative kind of plan which is the biggest part of our legislative requirement right now that we must provide specifics in public education and enforcement. Suppression is certainly part of the service we must provide, but it's at a lesser focus than some of the other things."

The plan includes efforts to expand the department's service training capabilities and increase the  sharing of resources with nearby communities. Armstrong says increasing capital costs may lead area communities to reconsider how future purchases are made and relying more on each others resources.

"Who's to say Fort Frances may own one pumper truck, maybe Alberton owns a tanker truck and LaVallee owns a different kind of fire vehicle and we share it. So when Fort Frances needs a tanker, Alberton comes. When Alberton needs a pumper, Fort Frances arrives and we share the costs."

Armstrong says they're already working toward an administrative district fire service with the town now providing administrative services to seven area municipalities.

Emo Walleye Classic Coming Up

2009-05-25

13:30:18

The countdown begins for the first fishing tournament of the year in the Rainy River district.

The Emo Walleye Classic will kick off Thursday with the annual boat parade. As many a 60 teams will take to Rainy River Friday and Saturday. Co-chair Ed Carlson says water levels should not be a problem for anglers this year.

"The river is high this year," says Carlson, "but it's clear and clean. One of the good things about it being high is that it's been high all year and all of the debris in the river has washed away."

Carlson says the event can still use volunteers. Anyone wanting to help out can visit the Emo-LaVallee arena anytime this week.

Steve Ballan and Doug McBride return as defending champions.

Labour Talks for LCBO Workers

2009-05-25

13:29:15

The LCBO and the union representing thousands of workers are meeting tomorrow for contract talks.

If those negotiations fail, workers have voted 93 per cent in favour of striking.

The union says full-time positions are being replaced by part-time and contract work.

But the LCBO says contract jobs are necessary because there's a peak in demand at certain times of the year, such as Christmas and summer.

The contract for about six-thousand LCBO workers expired at the end of March.

Scare at Ignace LCBO

2009-05-25

13:28:21

A nervous incident for LCBO workers in Ignace.

OPP were called to the town's LCBO outlet last Friday after staff found a black wire coming out of the cap of a wine bottle that was attached to a plastic device with touch pad buttons.

An investigation revealed the device was a temperature data tracker that had been put in some global shipments as an experiment to record temperatures.

The LCBO said it was not aware of such experiment.

College Program Returns

2009-05-25

13:26:10

Confederation College is bringing back a developmental service worker program to the campus in Fort Frances.

It's been nearly a decade since the campus offered the two-year diploma program. Kim Lepine of the Association for Community Living Fort Frances and District welcomes its return.

"Our agency loves to hire people who are trained in this area, as well as other social services areas," says Lepine. "Schools will look for these people as well as other social services agencies."

The college is currently accepting applications for the fall program.

Catholic Board Budget Proposed

2009-05-25

13:20:33

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is out with a balanced budget.

Revenues and expenditures total more than 16 and a half million dollars.

Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly says they balanced the budget, despite a number of challenges that stood in their way.

"Despite a $122 thousand reduction in the transportation funding, our transportation costs are anticipated to rise by about $28 thousand next year," said Kelly. "This is the primarily the result of some increased costs associated with our noon hour transportation because our board does continue to offer the lunch hour kindergarten transportation and our administration and our board continue to support that initiative."

Textbook and classroom expenditures will decrease by $6,000 in response to a grant reduction of $151 thousand.

Trustees will vote on the budget June 20.

Council Meeting in Fort Frances

2009-05-25

13:17:45

The construction season is now upon us.

Tonight, Fort Frances town council will get an update on work taking place or planned this year from Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown. So far, the only road work underway is along Victoria Avenue and Nelson Street near AbitibiBowater's biomass boiler. Union Gas has also started its replacement of old gas lines and metres.

A number of by-laws are also before town councillors. One formalizes the contract with Tom Jones Corporation for the second phase of the Heritage Tourism Project. This includes the moving of the tugboat Hallet and former fire tower to the waterfront. Council is also expected to support a by-law allowing authorized town staff to perform civil marriages after hours and on weekends.

During the in-camera portion session of their meeting, councillors will be discussing an issue surrounding the Kiwanis' Sunny Cove Camp. Later council will look at a infrastructure grant application for the park.

The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at around 6:25 p.m. 

Young Women's Conference

2009-05-22

12:56:48

Building self-confidence among young women is one of the objectives of a gathering this weekend in Sioux Narrows.

About 60 girls from across the Rainy River district in grades 7 to 12 will be participate  in the annual Young Women's Conference's coordinated by the area's school boards.

Dana Kosowich, one of the teachers involved, says the event has proved to be successful.

"It really does build that self-confidence with the girls," says Kosowich. "They have a great time. It's really interesting to see their growth over the weekend and just how excited they are. They start out really quiet and then just come into their own and get a lot out of the conference.

The event includes a variety of workshops and presentations.

Tory Contenders Propose Cutting PST

2009-05-22

12:55:19

Two of the four Progressive Conservative leadership hopefuls are promising to cut Ontario's eight per cent sales tax if the party wins the 2011 election.

During a debate in London, all four Tory leadership contenders said they opposed harmonizing the PST with the federal goods and services tax.

But Frank Klees and Randy Hillier went beyond vowing to fight harmonization by pledging to cut the provincial tax, with Hillier going so far as to say he'd cut it by three percentage points.

Jail Fire Recommendations

2009-05-22

12:54:35

An inquest into the deaths of two men in a jail on a northern Ontario reserve is calling on Ottawa and Ontario to shut down all unsafe holding cells.

The inquest was held in Toronto following the deaths of Ricardo Wesley and Jamie Goodwin on the Kashechewan First Nation.

The men, both in their early 20's, were trapped in their cells as flames tore through the jail in January 2006.

The inquest jury also says First Nations deserve the same level of policing services as non-aboriginal communities.

Condo Units Up For Sale

2009-05-22

12:52:09

The developer of a condominium project in Fort Frances feels there is strong interest.

Robert Zanetti was in town yesterday to promote the project to prospective buyers.

He says he'd like to see at least twenty of the twenty-units available sold before building commences.

"If seventeen, eighteen, nineteen people step up and say yes this is a marketable commodity, then we pretty much know that by the time we finish the rest of the building, we'll be okay," says Zanetti.

Construction could begin as early as this fall.

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.