First Nation leaders are upset with Premier McGuinty's move to combine aboriginal affairs with the attorney general's responsibilities.
Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy says it sends the wrong message to First Nations grappling with high suicide rates, economic hardship and long-standing treaty disputes.
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse says relations with First Nations have improved since the stand-alone ministry was created and the change could derail the efforts.
Attorney General Chris Bentley took over the post Monday during a cabinet shuffle.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cabinet Shuffle Not Impressing Hampton
The area's MPP isn't impressed with the changes made to the McGuinty Government's cabinet.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says Monday's cabinet shuffle does little to improve the region's economy.
"It completely ignores the issues of northern Ontario," says Hampton. "We have some really big issues to deal with - natural resources, the forest sector, the mining sector - and we have a Minister of Natural Resources whose from southern Ontario and probably doesn't know the difference between a hardwood and a softwood."
Hampton is also critical of the Native Affairs portfolio being handed to Attorney General Chris Bentley, suggesting it shows the province isn't serious about first nations issues.
Nursing Program Resuming
Confederation College and Lakehead University are now targeting this fall as the resumption of a community-based nursing program.
The program allows students to earn L.U.'s Bachelor of Nursing program at the College's regional campuses, including Fort Frances.
College president Pat Lang says they still need 32 students registered.
"We're at the stage now we're wanting to ensure we have sufficient number of students prepared and wanting to enroll," says Lang, "and also there will be job opportunities for those graduates in four years time."
Four students from the Rainy River district graduated from the pilot program which ended in the spring of 2009.
The program allows students to earn L.U.'s Bachelor of Nursing program at the College's regional campuses, including Fort Frances.
College president Pat Lang says they still need 32 students registered.
"We're at the stage now we're wanting to ensure we have sufficient number of students prepared and wanting to enroll," says Lang, "and also there will be job opportunities for those graduates in four years time."
Four students from the Rainy River district graduated from the pilot program which ended in the spring of 2009.
Mill Shutdown
A problem at the company's effluent treatment system has shutdown the AbitibiBowater Mill in Fort Frances.
A company spokesperson says its because the system exceeded its daily biochemical oxygen demand limit due to the cold weather.
The company won't say how long it will be down or how many of the 565 employees have been effected.
However, some workers tell B-93 they've told they could be back to work within two weeks.
A company spokesperson says its because the system exceeded its daily biochemical oxygen demand limit due to the cold weather.
The company won't say how long it will be down or how many of the 565 employees have been effected.
However, some workers tell B-93 they've told they could be back to work within two weeks.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Native Casino Opening
A new casino hotel and conference centre will officially open this week in the Red Lake, Minnesota Reserve, north of Bemidji.
The new Seven Clans Casino is the second casino in the state to be built with all native funds, using a 31-million dollar loan Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community, which runs Mystic Lake casino.
The complex is bringing 100 new full-time and part-time jobs to one of the poorest areas in Minnesota, with most of those jobs held by tribal members.
The new Seven Clans Casino is the second casino in the state to be built with all native funds, using a 31-million dollar loan Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community, which runs Mystic Lake casino.
The complex is bringing 100 new full-time and part-time jobs to one of the poorest areas in Minnesota, with most of those jobs held by tribal members.
OPG Fine
Ontario Power Generation has been fined one-hundred thousand dollars after pleading guilty to a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The violation related to a January 2008 workplace injury at its operating station in Atikokan in which an an employee suffered burns to his hand, arm and chest in January 2008 after shining a flashlight into an electrical unit that caused an arc flash of electricity.
It was revealed in court that the worker used a bypass key to circumvent a lockout system and opened the hatch door while the equipment was still energized.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the key used to bypass the system was available to all workers.
The violation related to a January 2008 workplace injury at its operating station in Atikokan in which an an employee suffered burns to his hand, arm and chest in January 2008 after shining a flashlight into an electrical unit that caused an arc flash of electricity.
It was revealed in court that the worker used a bypass key to circumvent a lockout system and opened the hatch door while the equipment was still energized.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the key used to bypass the system was available to all workers.
Local Sports for Tuesday January 19
Fort Frances Lakers begin an eight-game home stand tonight with a game against the Sioux Lookout Flyers.
Game time at the Ice for Kids Arena is 7:30 p.m.
International Falls Broncos girls hockey team hosts Lake of the Woods at Broncos Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Broncos boys basketball team hosts Hibbing - 7:30 p.m. at Falls High School - while the girls team travels to Tower-Soudan.
Last night in local girls hockey, the Rolling Lake Lightning tied Kaemingh Esso 2-2.
Emma Noga and Annalise Hayes did the scoring for their respective teams with two goals each.
Another local curling team in in position to vye for a provincial title.
Isaac Keffer finished with a 3-and 1 record at the Northern Ontario Curling Association's bantam boys inter-regional playdown in Thunder Bay on the weekend to earn one of two spots to the provincial event in Longlac next month.
On the girls side, Samatha Mueller of Fort Frances and Myan Miller of Stratton fell short in their bids to advance.
Game time at the Ice for Kids Arena is 7:30 p.m.
International Falls Broncos girls hockey team hosts Lake of the Woods at Broncos Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Broncos boys basketball team hosts Hibbing - 7:30 p.m. at Falls High School - while the girls team travels to Tower-Soudan.
Last night in local girls hockey, the Rolling Lake Lightning tied Kaemingh Esso 2-2.
Emma Noga and Annalise Hayes did the scoring for their respective teams with two goals each.
Another local curling team in in position to vye for a provincial title.
Isaac Keffer finished with a 3-and 1 record at the Northern Ontario Curling Association's bantam boys inter-regional playdown in Thunder Bay on the weekend to earn one of two spots to the provincial event in Longlac next month.
On the girls side, Samatha Mueller of Fort Frances and Myan Miller of Stratton fell short in their bids to advance.
Shared Costs Sought
The town of Fort Frances will be looking to the area school boards from some help in covering the costs of two proposed capital projects.
The town will again ask the school boards for a share in the cost of relocating the tennis courts to St. Francis Sports Fields - costing about half-a million dollar dollars.
It will also look for shared cost in replacing the stage floor at the Townsend Theatre.
The town will again ask the school boards for a share in the cost of relocating the tennis courts to St. Francis Sports Fields - costing about half-a million dollar dollars.
It will also look for shared cost in replacing the stage floor at the Townsend Theatre.
McDonald's Fundraising Figures
There's been a good show of support for McDonald's fundraising efforts for Haiti at its restaurants in Fort Frances and International Falls.
In the Fort, Seven-hundred and fifty dollars was raised for Doctors Without Borders through Friday's coffee sales.
Another five-hundred dollars was raised for the Salvation Army from the Hotcake sales on Sunday.
While in the Falls, six-hundred and 25 dollars was raised through both the coffee and hotcake sales for the Salvation Army.
Another $600 was collected by the Salvation Army's kettles at the restaurant.
All three restaurants will again be raising money through the sale of its Hotcakes this Sunday.
In the Fort, Seven-hundred and fifty dollars was raised for Doctors Without Borders through Friday's coffee sales.
Another five-hundred dollars was raised for the Salvation Army from the Hotcake sales on Sunday.
While in the Falls, six-hundred and 25 dollars was raised through both the coffee and hotcake sales for the Salvation Army.
Another $600 was collected by the Salvation Army's kettles at the restaurant.
All three restaurants will again be raising money through the sale of its Hotcakes this Sunday.
Cabinet Changes
Premier Dalton McGuinty has promoted four new faces to the Ontario cabinet and dropping three veterans in one of his largest shakeups ever.
Among the new faces are Carole Mitchell as the new minister of agriculture and Linda Jeffrey taking over natural resources from Donna Cansfield.
Brad Duguid becomes the new minister of energy and infrastructure, while Attorney General Chris Bentley will add Duguid's old aboriginal affairs portfolio to his duties.
Jim Bradley moves from transportation to municipal affairs and housing, Kathleen Wynne moves to transportation while former agriculture minister Leona Dombrowsky takes over education.
Michael Gravelle remains as Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
Among the new faces are Carole Mitchell as the new minister of agriculture and Linda Jeffrey taking over natural resources from Donna Cansfield.
Brad Duguid becomes the new minister of energy and infrastructure, while Attorney General Chris Bentley will add Duguid's old aboriginal affairs portfolio to his duties.
Jim Bradley moves from transportation to municipal affairs and housing, Kathleen Wynne moves to transportation while former agriculture minister Leona Dombrowsky takes over education.
Michael Gravelle remains as Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
Community Safety Zone on Hold
A proposal to establish a community safety zone in the west end of Fort Frances has yet to find its way into this year's budget.
Last fall, members of Safe Communities Rainy River and the town's active transportation committee suggested the zone around J.W. Walker School, St. Francis School and Fort Frances High School as a way of improving pedestrian safety.
But town councillors say more information regarding costs and funds are needed before a decision can be made.
Last fall, members of Safe Communities Rainy River and the town's active transportation committee suggested the zone around J.W. Walker School, St. Francis School and Fort Frances High School as a way of improving pedestrian safety.
But town councillors say more information regarding costs and funds are needed before a decision can be made.
Sunny Cove Upgrades
The town of Fort Frances is proposing $130-thousand in improvements to Sunny Cove Camp this year.
That would cover a number of electrical, mechanical and structural upgrades and changes to make facilities more accessible.
The town is also pegging operating costs at about $54-thousand which is about the same when the Camp was operated by the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club.
The town took ownership of the Camp in a deal with the Kiwanis late last year.
That would cover a number of electrical, mechanical and structural upgrades and changes to make facilities more accessible.
The town is also pegging operating costs at about $54-thousand which is about the same when the Camp was operated by the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club.
The town took ownership of the Camp in a deal with the Kiwanis late last year.
Waste Management Concerns
Declining revenues and higher operating costs for waste management within the town of Fort Frances is among issues impacting the budget.
Councillor Ken Perry says the town needs to find ways of generating revenue through recycling to help offset costs.
"We can't keep paying $4.00 a bag for recycling and $2.00 a bag for dumping garbage at the dump," says Perry. "It's going to get worse and worse."
Perry says there is some interest in the community to do a pilot project, but the proponent has yet to make his proposal public.
Councillor Ken Perry says the town needs to find ways of generating revenue through recycling to help offset costs.
"We can't keep paying $4.00 a bag for recycling and $2.00 a bag for dumping garbage at the dump," says Perry. "It's going to get worse and worse."
Perry says there is some interest in the community to do a pilot project, but the proponent has yet to make his proposal public.
Budget Work Underway
Fort Frances town councillors got down to business last night on the 2010 budget.
New numbers show a shortfall in the operating budget of about $530-thousand which Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon said is partly due to a change in provincial tax ratios.
"When I gave council the information in December I didn't have the new starting ratios the province was going to give us," say Witherspoon. "What I gave you was the estimates based on the 2009 tax rates."
Some reduced costs to proposed projects has trimmed the capital budget from $10.8 million in December to $10.
New numbers show a shortfall in the operating budget of about $530-thousand which Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon said is partly due to a change in provincial tax ratios.
"When I gave council the information in December I didn't have the new starting ratios the province was going to give us," say Witherspoon. "What I gave you was the estimates based on the 2009 tax rates."
Some reduced costs to proposed projects has trimmed the capital budget from $10.8 million in December to $10.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Local Sports for Monday January 18
Rainy River's Tim Nordin defeated Red Lake's Ken Anderson in the final of a Northern Ontario Curling Association's regional event in Red Lake. The win moves Nordin's team to a qualifying event to be played in Marathon next week.
More than 320 runners took part in this year' Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard runs in International Falls on Saturday.
Brian Davenport of Minneapolis was the winner in the 10-K race while Jennifer Jones of Florida was the top female finisher.
In the 5-K event, Tyler Lehman of Littlefork crossed the line first while Hailey O'Donnell of Fort Frances was tops among the women.
Fort Frances Lakers were dumped 7-2 by the Dryden Ice Dogs in Dryden Saturday.
Henry Guiterrez had both Laker goals.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA hockey team lost out in the semi finals of the Championship side of the Wayzata Junior Gold A Tournament to White Bear Lake in a shoot out. The final score was 2-1 with Dillan Grinsell getting the lone goal.
The Canadians went 2-0 in round robin play beating Burnsvlle 6-2 and St. Louis Park 4-2.
Fort Frances Muskies girls' hockey team split NORWOSSA league games on the weekend.
Muskies fell 5-0 to St. Thomas Aquinas of Kenora on Friday, but rebounded Sunday with a 6-3 win over Red Lake.
Carlee Bosma had a pair of goals in the game while Courtney Bethune, Taylor Dixon, Jillian Langtry and Ericka Tymkin added singles.
Rainy River Voyageurs women's hockey team split games against the University of North, winning 3-2 Saturday but dropping a 5-3 decision on Sunday.
Brittany Finnson, Stevie-Lee Langford, Brenley Anderson did the scoring in Saturday's game.
Courtney Scholler with a pair and Anderson had Sunday's markers.
In minor girls hockey, the Rolling Lake Lightning won a pair of games, first edging the Emo Penguins 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Annalise Hayes with 2 and Shannon Bird had the Lightning goals while Taylor Croswell and Avery Cates scored for the Penguins.
Sunday, the Lightning defeated the International Falls under-10 girls team 3 - 1 with Lauren Hamilton, Kassidy Fryer and Annalise Hayes doing the scoring.
At Falls High School Friday , the Broncos girls hockey team ended a four-game losing skid with a 5-1 win over Park Rapids.
Broncos boys basketball team won its third in a row with a 88-51 decision over Babbit-Embarrass.
Broncos girls basketball team lost its sixth straight 69-35 to Hibbing.
In college ball, the Rainy River Voyageurs men's basketball team fell 89-84 to Central Lakes in overtime on Friday, but rebounded for an 86-57 win over Itasca Saturday.
The women lost both of their games by identical 71-64 scores.
Fort Frances Muskies senior boys' basketball team earned a silver medal at a tournament in Thunder Bay on the weekend.
Muskies lost to host St. Ignatius in the final 54-33 after defeating St. Patrick's and Westgate in the opening rounds.
Fort Frances Muskies junior Girls Volleyball Team split into two squads for a tournament in Dryden on the weekend.
Team Black was knocked out of the playoffs by Churchill’s “A Team” in two sets while Team Gold reached the semi-finals before losing to Portage Collegiate's grade 10 team in two sets.
More than 320 runners took part in this year' Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard runs in International Falls on Saturday.
Brian Davenport of Minneapolis was the winner in the 10-K race while Jennifer Jones of Florida was the top female finisher.
In the 5-K event, Tyler Lehman of Littlefork crossed the line first while Hailey O'Donnell of Fort Frances was tops among the women.
Fort Frances Lakers were dumped 7-2 by the Dryden Ice Dogs in Dryden Saturday.
Henry Guiterrez had both Laker goals.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA hockey team lost out in the semi finals of the Championship side of the Wayzata Junior Gold A Tournament to White Bear Lake in a shoot out. The final score was 2-1 with Dillan Grinsell getting the lone goal.
The Canadians went 2-0 in round robin play beating Burnsvlle 6-2 and St. Louis Park 4-2.
Fort Frances Muskies girls' hockey team split NORWOSSA league games on the weekend.
Muskies fell 5-0 to St. Thomas Aquinas of Kenora on Friday, but rebounded Sunday with a 6-3 win over Red Lake.
Carlee Bosma had a pair of goals in the game while Courtney Bethune, Taylor Dixon, Jillian Langtry and Ericka Tymkin added singles.
Rainy River Voyageurs women's hockey team split games against the University of North, winning 3-2 Saturday but dropping a 5-3 decision on Sunday.
Brittany Finnson, Stevie-Lee Langford, Brenley Anderson did the scoring in Saturday's game.
Courtney Scholler with a pair and Anderson had Sunday's markers.
In minor girls hockey, the Rolling Lake Lightning won a pair of games, first edging the Emo Penguins 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Annalise Hayes with 2 and Shannon Bird had the Lightning goals while Taylor Croswell and Avery Cates scored for the Penguins.
Sunday, the Lightning defeated the International Falls under-10 girls team 3 - 1 with Lauren Hamilton, Kassidy Fryer and Annalise Hayes doing the scoring.
At Falls High School Friday , the Broncos girls hockey team ended a four-game losing skid with a 5-1 win over Park Rapids.
Broncos boys basketball team won its third in a row with a 88-51 decision over Babbit-Embarrass.
Broncos girls basketball team lost its sixth straight 69-35 to Hibbing.
In college ball, the Rainy River Voyageurs men's basketball team fell 89-84 to Central Lakes in overtime on Friday, but rebounded for an 86-57 win over Itasca Saturday.
The women lost both of their games by identical 71-64 scores.
Fort Frances Muskies senior boys' basketball team earned a silver medal at a tournament in Thunder Bay on the weekend.
Muskies lost to host St. Ignatius in the final 54-33 after defeating St. Patrick's and Westgate in the opening rounds.
Fort Frances Muskies junior Girls Volleyball Team split into two squads for a tournament in Dryden on the weekend.
Team Black was knocked out of the playoffs by Churchill’s “A Team” in two sets while Team Gold reached the semi-finals before losing to Portage Collegiate's grade 10 team in two sets.
Church Alcohol Purchases Questioned
Ontario's liquor agency is losing faith in the way churches buy their sacramental wine in the province.
An internal report for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario says the current rules are too lax and are being abused by some unscrupulous operators.
Priests, ministers, rabbis and others have long been allowed to buy sacramental wine, brandy, cognac and liqueur outside the otherwise strict rules set by the LCBO, as long as the products are used in religious ceremonies in a regular place of worship.
An internal report for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario says the current rules are too lax and are being abused by some unscrupulous operators.
Priests, ministers, rabbis and others have long been allowed to buy sacramental wine, brandy, cognac and liqueur outside the otherwise strict rules set by the LCBO, as long as the products are used in religious ceremonies in a regular place of worship.
Beer Name Challenged
Ontario's alcohol and gaming commission is taking shots at Alberta-based Boxer Beer.
The agency received a complaint that the beer's name could be construed as using sports to advertise -- which isn't allowed under Ontario's liquor regulations.
The brewing company says it's surprised by the investigation, noting that it worked with the agency for several months to make sure it had have all its approvals.
Sunset Country Talks with Government
The Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association plans to take part in the province's meetings on the new tourism region for all of Northern Ontario.
Gerry Cariou says despite their objections to the large tourism organization they still plan to voice their thoughts to the government.
"The province has decided one organization for the 80 per cent of the land mass is the right thing to do," says Cariou. "We disagree with that but we're participating anyway because it doesn't appear to be a democracy in Ontario. It appears to be an autocracy."
Cariou says Sunset Country will continue to exist on its own since 70 percent of its funding is based on memberships with the rest coming from the province.
Gerry Cariou says despite their objections to the large tourism organization they still plan to voice their thoughts to the government.
"The province has decided one organization for the 80 per cent of the land mass is the right thing to do," says Cariou. "We disagree with that but we're participating anyway because it doesn't appear to be a democracy in Ontario. It appears to be an autocracy."
Cariou says Sunset Country will continue to exist on its own since 70 percent of its funding is based on memberships with the rest coming from the province.
Budget Meeting Tonight
Fort Frances council will met tonight for the its first line-by-line discussion on the 2010 budget.
Going in, preliminary figures back in December showed the town's looking at an operating budget deficit of about $400-thousand.
About $11-million dollars in capital spending was also proposed.
Going in, preliminary figures back in December showed the town's looking at an operating budget deficit of about $400-thousand.
About $11-million dollars in capital spending was also proposed.
EDC Explored in Fort Frances
The chair of Fort Frances' economic development advisory committee says the town's study of a new economic development commission may benefit the town.
Bill Gushalak, whose committee recommended the study, says it could put the town in a better position to take advantage of future opportunities.
"We want to make sure that if we have an economic development commission in place that perhaps we can be a little more hand-ons for some of the existing businesses and industry here," says Gushalak, "so that as people reach ages of retirement or need assistance for new areas to delve into it would be wonderful to have a person on board."
Gushalak says he sees the creation of the new commission working cooperatively with the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, which now handles economic development for the town.
Bill Gushalak, whose committee recommended the study, says it could put the town in a better position to take advantage of future opportunities.
"We want to make sure that if we have an economic development commission in place that perhaps we can be a little more hand-ons for some of the existing businesses and industry here," says Gushalak, "so that as people reach ages of retirement or need assistance for new areas to delve into it would be wonderful to have a person on board."
Gushalak says he sees the creation of the new commission working cooperatively with the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, which now handles economic development for the town.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Local Sports for Friday January 15
Three district men's curling teams are taking part in a Northern Ontario Currling Association regional event in Red Lake, a step towards earning a spot at the provincials next month.
Rinks skipped Trevor Bonot of Stratton, Tim Nordin of Rainy River and Wayne Beacham of Fort Frances will open play tonight.
Four third period goals gave the K & A Wolverines a 7-4 win over the Fort Frances Lakers at the Ice for Kids Arena last night.
The Lakers are in Dryden tomorrow.
In High School action, Fort Frances Muskies junior boys' basketball team defeated Dryden 61-33 while the seniors were 36-23 winners.
The girls' volleyball teams were not as successful with both the senior and junior teams dropping 3-set matches to the Eagles.
Tonight, the Muskies girls' hockey team travels to Kenora to play St. Thomas Aquanis.
A busy today for Falls High School teams.
The Broncos girls' hockey team travels to play Park Rapids.
The boys' basketball team hosts Babbit-Embarrass - 7:30 at Falls High School while the girls team is in Hibbing.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA team heads to Wayzata, Minnesota to participate in a Junior Gold A tournament.
Canadians open play tomorrow morning against Burnsville.
Rainy River Community College basketball teams are at Central Lakes tonight and Itasca tomorrow.
Rinks skipped Trevor Bonot of Stratton, Tim Nordin of Rainy River and Wayne Beacham of Fort Frances will open play tonight.
Four third period goals gave the K & A Wolverines a 7-4 win over the Fort Frances Lakers at the Ice for Kids Arena last night.
The Lakers are in Dryden tomorrow.
In High School action, Fort Frances Muskies junior boys' basketball team defeated Dryden 61-33 while the seniors were 36-23 winners.
The girls' volleyball teams were not as successful with both the senior and junior teams dropping 3-set matches to the Eagles.
Tonight, the Muskies girls' hockey team travels to Kenora to play St. Thomas Aquanis.
A busy today for Falls High School teams.
The Broncos girls' hockey team travels to play Park Rapids.
The boys' basketball team hosts Babbit-Embarrass - 7:30 at Falls High School while the girls team is in Hibbing.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA team heads to Wayzata, Minnesota to participate in a Junior Gold A tournament.
Canadians open play tomorrow morning against Burnsville.
Rainy River Community College basketball teams are at Central Lakes tonight and Itasca tomorrow.
Crisis Centre Name Change
It's now official.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre's name change has been approved by the provincial government.
It's now called the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre's name change has been approved by the provincial government.
It's now called the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope.
Government Helping Native Business
The Ontario government want to give First Nation companies a better chance to bid on government contracts in their communities.
Native Affairs Minister Brad Duguid says he's putting into place a new procurement policy.
"That's going to give aboriginal businesses an opportunity to get a leg up on government contracts that impact aboriginal communities," says Duguid.
Duguid made the announcement during a native economic development forum in Thunder Bay yesterday.
Aboriginal leaders from across the region have gathered to begin work on a new economic strategy.
Duguid says its important to build strong aboriginal businesses.
"What we're doing here today is looking for other ideas and ways that we can work in partnership to build stronger aboriginal economies. We know that a strong aboriginal economic and community will contribute to a stronger Ontario economy."
Native Affairs Minister Brad Duguid says he's putting into place a new procurement policy.
"That's going to give aboriginal businesses an opportunity to get a leg up on government contracts that impact aboriginal communities," says Duguid.
Duguid made the announcement during a native economic development forum in Thunder Bay yesterday.
Aboriginal leaders from across the region have gathered to begin work on a new economic strategy.
Duguid says its important to build strong aboriginal businesses.
"What we're doing here today is looking for other ideas and ways that we can work in partnership to build stronger aboriginal economies. We know that a strong aboriginal economic and community will contribute to a stronger Ontario economy."
Natural Helpers Program
A group of students at Fort Frances High School are helping their peers deal with such issues as stress, relationships and even suicide.
It's part of a Natural Helpers program introduced in September.
Teacher advisor Shane Beckett emphasises says the students are not professionally trained counsellors, but have been given the resources to assist.
"Before these kids were helping their friends already," says Beckett. "They just didn't necessarily have training to identify the big red flags. They didn't know how to access local resources or how to refer them to those resources or other caring adults in the building. Now they have a little more confidence because they have some of that training."
Beckett says through the students help, the school has been able to better help those in need.
A total of 21 students are involved.
It's part of a Natural Helpers program introduced in September.
Teacher advisor Shane Beckett emphasises says the students are not professionally trained counsellors, but have been given the resources to assist.
"Before these kids were helping their friends already," says Beckett. "They just didn't necessarily have training to identify the big red flags. They didn't know how to access local resources or how to refer them to those resources or other caring adults in the building. Now they have a little more confidence because they have some of that training."
Beckett says through the students help, the school has been able to better help those in need.
A total of 21 students are involved.
More Fundraising For Haiti
There are more local efforts to raise money for earthquake stricken Haiti.
McDonald's Restaurants on both sides of the border are getting involved by donating the proceeds of all Hotcake sales sold during the next two Sundays and all coffee sales from today.
The Salvation Army will have kettles on site as well for restaurant patrons wishing to make additional donations.
Donation boxes for the Red Cross have also been set up at area LCBO outlets.
McDonald's Restaurants on both sides of the border are getting involved by donating the proceeds of all Hotcake sales sold during the next two Sundays and all coffee sales from today.
The Salvation Army will have kettles on site as well for restaurant patrons wishing to make additional donations.
Donation boxes for the Red Cross have also been set up at area LCBO outlets.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Local Sports for Thursday January 14
Fort Frances Lakers will host the K & A Wolverines at the Ice for Kids Arena tonight with a revamped line up.
Matthew Caulfield and Brett Williams are expected in the line-up following a recent trade that saw Conner Foster head to Dryden.
The Lakers also gave up their leading scorer Colton Kennedy to the Melville of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Game time tonight its 7:30 p.m.
Fort Frances Muskies boys' basketball and girls' volleyball teams host their Dryden counterparts at the High School this afternoon.
Matthew Caulfield and Brett Williams are expected in the line-up following a recent trade that saw Conner Foster head to Dryden.
The Lakers also gave up their leading scorer Colton Kennedy to the Melville of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Game time tonight its 7:30 p.m.
Fort Frances Muskies boys' basketball and girls' volleyball teams host their Dryden counterparts at the High School this afternoon.
Ice Box Days Underway
International Falls celebration of winter is underway.
The annual Ice Box Days kicked off yesterday with the creation of a snowman family by local youngsters at Smoky Bear Park and will culminate with the annual Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run Saturday morning.
Betsy Jensen of the Falls Chamber of Commerce says this year's event will get some national attention.
"We actually have CBS Sunday morning show coming here this year," says Jenson. "They've flying in Friday night and following us around all day and taking footage of all the events. Then they'll be live from here Sunday morning for the CBS Sunday Morning Show."
This year marks the event's 30-year.
The annual Ice Box Days kicked off yesterday with the creation of a snowman family by local youngsters at Smoky Bear Park and will culminate with the annual Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run Saturday morning.
Betsy Jensen of the Falls Chamber of Commerce says this year's event will get some national attention.
"We actually have CBS Sunday morning show coming here this year," says Jenson. "They've flying in Friday night and following us around all day and taking footage of all the events. Then they'll be live from here Sunday morning for the CBS Sunday Morning Show."
This year marks the event's 30-year.
Driven to Quit
The annual Driven to Quit challenge is once again being rolled out across northwestern Ontario.
The Canadian Cancer Society's health promotion campaign entices smokers to quit with a chance to win a new vehicle.
Becky Holden of the Northwestern Health Unit says the campaign is effective.
"It's just a great opportunity for people who are thinking about smoking to kind of have some extra motivation to get them going on their quit attempt," says Holden.
Smokers can register on line at www.driventoquit.ca or through area Health Unit offices before the end of February to be eligible.
The Canadian Cancer Society's health promotion campaign entices smokers to quit with a chance to win a new vehicle.
Becky Holden of the Northwestern Health Unit says the campaign is effective.
"It's just a great opportunity for people who are thinking about smoking to kind of have some extra motivation to get them going on their quit attempt," says Holden.
Smokers can register on line at www.driventoquit.ca or through area Health Unit offices before the end of February to be eligible.
Airline Cuts
Thunder Bay-based Wasaya Airways is temporarily laying off up to two dozen employees.
The layoff affects a cross-section of employees at bases in Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Timmins.
Wasaya president Tom Morris says the company is taking measures to ensure its future.
He says the winter road system cut into airline's freight business to remote aboriginal communities.
Over the next three months, the company plans to move from a five-day work week to four days, and reduce hours for some employees.
Wasaya Airways employs 340 people.
The layoff affects a cross-section of employees at bases in Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Timmins.
Wasaya president Tom Morris says the company is taking measures to ensure its future.
He says the winter road system cut into airline's freight business to remote aboriginal communities.
Over the next three months, the company plans to move from a five-day work week to four days, and reduce hours for some employees.
Wasaya Airways employs 340 people.
Gravelle Staying Put
Ontario's Northern Development Minister is setting the record straight regarding his political future.
Some publish report suggest Michael Gravelle may not be seeking re-election in 2011, something he says is not true.
"I don't quite understand quite frankly the rumour was out there," says Gravelle. "when anybody I've spoken to at any point I've always made it clear that I'm passionately engaged in the work of being an MPP, and I'm looking forward to seeking another term. My constituents will decide whether I'm successful of course"
However Gravelle would not speculate on whether his post remains safe with the Premier poised to shuffle the cabinet next week.
Local Haiti Support
Area residents can help with relief efforts in Haiti.
The Northwestern Ontario Branch of the Canadian Red Cross is now accepting donations in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti two days ago.
Its Dryden office coordinating the effort, or you can go online to http://www.redcross.ca/.
Walmart Canada has also announced a nationwide campaign to generate urgently needed funds for the massive relief.
The Northwestern Ontario Branch of the Canadian Red Cross is now accepting donations in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti two days ago.
Its Dryden office coordinating the effort, or you can go online to http://www.redcross.ca/.
Walmart Canada has also announced a nationwide campaign to generate urgently needed funds for the massive relief.
OPSEU Given Strike Mandate
Ontario's roughly 9,000 college instructors have given their union the green light to strike.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union said Wednesday night that about 57 per cent of members who voted supported strike action.
A total of 154 full-time instructors with Confederation College, including two at its Fort Frances campus, participated in the vote.
The vote on whether to give their union a strike mandate came after five months of talks with the colleges broke down December 15.
Ted Montgomery of the OPSEU bargaining team, which represents faculty members, has said a walkout wouldn't happen for at least a month.
For the union, key issues are workload, academic freedom and management's decision in November to impose its offer on the teachers without a vote.
The colleges said in a release that their offer increases salaries by eight per cent over four years and raises the maximum salary to $103,975.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union said Wednesday night that about 57 per cent of members who voted supported strike action.
A total of 154 full-time instructors with Confederation College, including two at its Fort Frances campus, participated in the vote.
The vote on whether to give their union a strike mandate came after five months of talks with the colleges broke down December 15.
Ted Montgomery of the OPSEU bargaining team, which represents faculty members, has said a walkout wouldn't happen for at least a month.
For the union, key issues are workload, academic freedom and management's decision in November to impose its offer on the teachers without a vote.
The colleges said in a release that their offer increases salaries by eight per cent over four years and raises the maximum salary to $103,975.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Local Sports for Wednesday January 13
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team blanked Babbit-Embarrass 4-0 at the 52 Canadians Rink last night.
Jillian Langtry, Jessie Baker, Nicole Beadle and Taylor Dixon did the scoring for the Muskies.
Dana Cridland had the shut out in net.
The boys team was also victorious, defeated Lake of the Woods Bears from Baudette 3-1.
Donovan Cousineau, Devan Ball and Davis Smith scored for the Fort.
In the Falls, Broncos boys basketball team won it's second in a row with a 69-41 decision over Greenway.
Jillian Langtry, Jessie Baker, Nicole Beadle and Taylor Dixon did the scoring for the Muskies.
Dana Cridland had the shut out in net.
The boys team was also victorious, defeated Lake of the Woods Bears from Baudette 3-1.
Donovan Cousineau, Devan Ball and Davis Smith scored for the Fort.
In the Falls, Broncos boys basketball team won it's second in a row with a 69-41 decision over Greenway.
Rainycrest Visits Restricted
Visitor restrictions have been imposed at Rainycrest Long Term Care Facility in Fort Frances.
Officials say the measures are necessary because of an increase in the number of confirmed cases of gastroenteritis.
Visitations are being limited to only family members and restricted to the resident's room.
Officials say the measures are necessary because of an increase in the number of confirmed cases of gastroenteritis.
Visitations are being limited to only family members and restricted to the resident's room.
Garbage Complaints
The town of Fort Frances says some residents aren't following rules regarding the disposal of their household waste.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says they're getting complaints of some not putting their garbage out by 8 a.m.
"Our contractor is continuously getting phone calls from people who say they've had it out," says Brown. "The contractor is now doing a survey to record if there have been any missed bags."
Brown says some residents are also placing extra bags to the curb without attaching bag tags.
He says bags without tags just won't be picked up.
The town is also issuing notices to residents who are not in compliance of the current by-law, and suggests charges may be pursued against repeat offenders.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says they're getting complaints of some not putting their garbage out by 8 a.m.
"Our contractor is continuously getting phone calls from people who say they've had it out," says Brown. "The contractor is now doing a survey to record if there have been any missed bags."
Brown says some residents are also placing extra bags to the curb without attaching bag tags.
He says bags without tags just won't be picked up.
The town is also issuing notices to residents who are not in compliance of the current by-law, and suggests charges may be pursued against repeat offenders.
Child Care Review
The move towards full-time kindergarten in the province has the town of Fort Frances looking at the future of child care services in the community.The town is hoping to secure funding to conduct a feasibility study involving the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board.
A committee that recently examined programs and services offered at the Fort Frances Children's Complex suggests a more comprehensive study would help determine program options as well as reviewing the current Best Star Hub and Outreach programs.
Boards Plan for All-Day Learning
The planning is now underway to implement a full-day kindergarten program at two schools in Atikokan.
The Rainy River District School Board will offer the program in the fall at North Star Community School.
Education Director Jack McMaster says it expands on the current half-day program.
"We know there's room in the facility," says McMaster, "and we'll work with the early learning programs in the community. We'll have to notify the parents that we're going from half-day instruction to full-day because North Star has traditionally been half-day instruction rather than alternative days like we run in Fort Frances. So it's a much easier transition for us."
McMaster says they're also looking to expand the program to the new unnamed elementary school in Fort Frances in 2011.
The Northwest Catholic District School Board was given approval to offer the full-day kindergarten at St. Patrick's school in Atikokan.
Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly says the transition there should also be smooth.
"We plan to have the E.CE. teacher working side by side with our kindergarten teacher," says Kelly. "The daycare portion of the project will take place at the local daycare provider. In the first year, we'll be working with the daycare provider to make sure there's a smooth transition between the daycare and the school program."
Kelly says they've also been approved for funding for the program to be offered at St. Francis School in Fort Frances in 2012.
Strike Vote Today
Instructors at two dozen community colleges across Ontario, including those at Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances, will vote today on whether to give their union a strike mandate.
Ted Montgomery, chair of the union bargaining team for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, says a strike wouldn't happen for at least a month.
He says talks with the colleges broke down December 15 and the key issues are workload, academic freedom and management's decision in November to impose its offer on the teachers without letting them vote on it.
The union is seeking a 2.5 per cent pay increase in each year of a three-year contract while the colleges are offering 1.75 per cent in each of the first two years and two per cent in the last two years of a four-year deal.
Montgomery says a walkout would affect 200,000 full-time day students but not so much the 300,000 night-time students because most of their teachers work part time and aren't part of the union.
About 4,100 of the 22,530 members of a Facebook group called Ontario College Students Against a Strike have signed an online petition calling on the colleges and the union to come to terms without a strike that students fear could cost them their semester.
Ted Montgomery, chair of the union bargaining team for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, says a strike wouldn't happen for at least a month.
He says talks with the colleges broke down December 15 and the key issues are workload, academic freedom and management's decision in November to impose its offer on the teachers without letting them vote on it.
The union is seeking a 2.5 per cent pay increase in each year of a three-year contract while the colleges are offering 1.75 per cent in each of the first two years and two per cent in the last two years of a four-year deal.
Montgomery says a walkout would affect 200,000 full-time day students but not so much the 300,000 night-time students because most of their teachers work part time and aren't part of the union.
About 4,100 of the 22,530 members of a Facebook group called Ontario College Students Against a Strike have signed an online petition calling on the colleges and the union to come to terms without a strike that students fear could cost them their semester.
Interim Tax Bills Out
The first tax bills of 2010 for property owners in Fort Frances will come out very shortly.
February's bill will be the first of two interim tax bill to be sent to local homeowners and will be based on last year's property assessment and tax rates.
The other will be due at the end of March.
Council will meet next week to begin working on a budget and this year's tax rate which won't be determined until some time later this spring.
February's bill will be the first of two interim tax bill to be sent to local homeowners and will be based on last year's property assessment and tax rates.
The other will be due at the end of March.
Council will meet next week to begin working on a budget and this year's tax rate which won't be determined until some time later this spring.
New Municipal Affairs Minister
Premier Dalton McGuinty has named Environment Minister John Gerretsen as Ontario's new interim minister of municipal affairs and housing.
This after former minister Jim Watson confirmed he's quitting cabinet and will resign as a member of the Ontario legislature shortly, to run for mayor of Ottawa.
McGuinty is expected to make a more permanent shuffle to his cabinet next week to replace former deputy premier George Smitherman who stepped down last week and Watson on a more permanent basis, but other significant changes are also expected.
This after former minister Jim Watson confirmed he's quitting cabinet and will resign as a member of the Ontario legislature shortly, to run for mayor of Ottawa.
McGuinty is expected to make a more permanent shuffle to his cabinet next week to replace former deputy premier George Smitherman who stepped down last week and Watson on a more permanent basis, but other significant changes are also expected.
Full-Day Kindergarten Announced
Two schools in Atikokan will be among the first in the Rainy River district to offer full-day learning to four and five-year olds.
North Star Community School and St. Patrick's School were among first six hundred in the province to offer the program this fall.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says it's critical for children to get a quick start.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says it's his goals to have the programs expanded into every school in the province by 2015.
North Star Community School and St. Patrick's School were among first six hundred in the province to offer the program this fall.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says it's critical for children to get a quick start.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says it's his goals to have the programs expanded into every school in the province by 2015.
Local Sports for Tuesday January 12
Former Fort Frances Muskies Joe Basaraba is ranked 39th among North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s Mid-Term Rankings.
That projection would put Basaraba, now skating for Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep School, as a likely second or third round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Basaraba has committed to playing for The University of Minnesota-Duluth next season.
Fort Frances Muskies hockey teams hit the ice tonight with games against Minnesota schools.
The boys team faces Lake of the Woods Bears of Baudette at Ice for Kids Arena at 7:30 p.m.
The girls will play Babbitt-Embarrass at the 52 Canadians Rinks at 7 p.m.
Over at Falls High School, the Broncos girls hockey team travels to Eveleth-Gilbert.
The girls basketball team is in Warroad while the boys team hosts Greenway - 7:30 p.m. at the High School.
In local girls hockey action, Kaemingh Esso blanked the Rolling Lake Lightning 2-0.
Scoring for Esso were Sara Jackson and Caitlyn Visser.
That projection would put Basaraba, now skating for Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep School, as a likely second or third round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Basaraba has committed to playing for The University of Minnesota-Duluth next season.
Fort Frances Muskies hockey teams hit the ice tonight with games against Minnesota schools.
The boys team faces Lake of the Woods Bears of Baudette at Ice for Kids Arena at 7:30 p.m.
The girls will play Babbitt-Embarrass at the 52 Canadians Rinks at 7 p.m.
Over at Falls High School, the Broncos girls hockey team travels to Eveleth-Gilbert.
The girls basketball team is in Warroad while the boys team hosts Greenway - 7:30 p.m. at the High School.
In local girls hockey action, Kaemingh Esso blanked the Rolling Lake Lightning 2-0.
Scoring for Esso were Sara Jackson and Caitlyn Visser.
Power Use Drops
The World Wildlife Fund says demand for electricity is dropping in Ontario because people are getting the message that conservation works.
But critics, say that's just wishful thinking and that the real story is economic devastation in power-sucking industries such as pulp and paper and manufacturing and mining.
NDP MPP Howard Hampton says he doesn't know what planet the World Wildlife Fund is on.
But critics, say that's just wishful thinking and that the real story is economic devastation in power-sucking industries such as pulp and paper and manufacturing and mining.
NDP MPP Howard Hampton says he doesn't know what planet the World Wildlife Fund is on.
I. Falls Paper Reduces Publications
The daily newspaper in International Falls ended its five-day-a-week schedule.
Beginning February 1, the International Falls Daily Journal will publish only on Wednesdays and Fridays as a renamed The Journal.
In a story published yesterday, Publisher Rob Davenport says the move was not prompted by slow ad sales, but rather an effort to focus more on local news.
Beginning February 1, the International Falls Daily Journal will publish only on Wednesdays and Fridays as a renamed The Journal.
In a story published yesterday, Publisher Rob Davenport says the move was not prompted by slow ad sales, but rather an effort to focus more on local news.
Another Cabinet Vacancy Expected
Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson will announce today that he will quit provincial politics to run for his old job as mayor of Ottawa.
A source tells The Canadian Press that Watson was happy in the McGuinty cabinet but not pleased with the way Ottawa has been run and wanted to help the city get back on its feet.
Watson's move and the earlier resignation of deputy premier George Smitherman, to run for mayor of Toronto, is forcing the premier to shuffle his cabinet.
Government sources say McGuinty does plan some major changes to the cabinet but won't make any moves before next week.
Gerry Phillips, who is temporarily minister of energy and infrastructure, is said to want a lighter workload and is expected to be dropped in the shuffle or return to be minister without portfolio.
A source tells The Canadian Press that Watson was happy in the McGuinty cabinet but not pleased with the way Ottawa has been run and wanted to help the city get back on its feet.
Watson's move and the earlier resignation of deputy premier George Smitherman, to run for mayor of Toronto, is forcing the premier to shuffle his cabinet.
Government sources say McGuinty does plan some major changes to the cabinet but won't make any moves before next week.
Gerry Phillips, who is temporarily minister of energy and infrastructure, is said to want a lighter workload and is expected to be dropped in the shuffle or return to be minister without portfolio.
Full-Day Kindergarten to be Announced
Premier Dalton McGuinty will announce today which Ontario schools will offer full-day kindergarten to four- and five-year-olds this fall.
A government source says 600 schools will be able to offer the new program in September, including North Star Community School in Atikokan.
At least one school from each board will have the program, which will be rolled out across the province over five years.
McGuinty, who's making the announcement in a Chatham school today, is moving ahead with the costly initiative despite an unprecedented $25-billion deficit.
The Conservatives say the program, which will cost about $1.5 billion a year, should be put off until the province is in better financial shape.
The New Democrats say some kids won't be getting equal access to the program this fall because their schools don't have extra space or adequate facilities.
A government source says 600 schools will be able to offer the new program in September, including North Star Community School in Atikokan.
At least one school from each board will have the program, which will be rolled out across the province over five years.
McGuinty, who's making the announcement in a Chatham school today, is moving ahead with the costly initiative despite an unprecedented $25-billion deficit.
The Conservatives say the program, which will cost about $1.5 billion a year, should be put off until the province is in better financial shape.
The New Democrats say some kids won't be getting equal access to the program this fall because their schools don't have extra space or adequate facilities.
Airport Fuel Rises
Price of airplane fuel is going up again the Fort Frances airport.
The cost of low lead will now be 33 per cent above the town's cost while the cost for Jet A fuel is 42 per cent above cost.
The changes reflects increased prices in the cost for fuel and compares with the cost paid at airports elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.
The cost of low lead will now be 33 per cent above the town's cost while the cost for Jet A fuel is 42 per cent above cost.
The changes reflects increased prices in the cost for fuel and compares with the cost paid at airports elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.
New Councillor Policies
New policies how Fort Frances councillors are reimbursed for meeting they attend on behalf of the hour are now in place.
Council approved the policy at its meeting Monday night.
Human Resources Manager Christine Ruppenstein says a per diem given to councillors to attend meetings has clarified.
"It's been taken out of the travel policy,"says Ruppenstein, "to further reflect that its not necessarily meant just for travel, but is for attendance at functions that have been authorized by resolution."
The report also reflects an increase in salaries for mayor and councillors, effective this December.
Council approved the policy at its meeting Monday night.
Human Resources Manager Christine Ruppenstein says a per diem given to councillors to attend meetings has clarified.
"It's been taken out of the travel policy,"says Ruppenstein, "to further reflect that its not necessarily meant just for travel, but is for attendance at functions that have been authorized by resolution."
The report also reflects an increase in salaries for mayor and councillors, effective this December.
Review of Board Terms Underway
Fort Frances town council will take a further look at the length of terms served by community members appointed to various boards and commissions.
Council was asked last night to reduce the current length from four years to two, but town clerk Glenn Treftlin did not think that would have helped fill vacancies during this current term.
"In fact they're traditionally the same committees that had difficulties with two year terms getting the full slate of people to fill the vacancies," said Treftlin.
Some councillors felt a shorter term for volunteer members would help attract more residents to serving.
Council was asked last night to reduce the current length from four years to two, but town clerk Glenn Treftlin did not think that would have helped fill vacancies during this current term.
"In fact they're traditionally the same committees that had difficulties with two year terms getting the full slate of people to fill the vacancies," said Treftlin.
Some councillors felt a shorter term for volunteer members would help attract more residents to serving.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Local Sports for Monday January 11
A 3-2 record was good enough for Judy LaBelle and her Fort Frances foursome at the Northern Ontario Curling Association's inter-regional senior curling playdowns at the Fort Frances Curling Club.
LaBelle finished in a four-way tie for first place on the women's side which earned her team a berth to the provincial event next month in Blind River.
Five of the six women's teams entered advanced.
On the men's side, Thunder Bay's Al Hackner went through the event undefeated, while Larry Chepsiuk also of Thunder Bay needed a tie-breaker win over Bruce Melville to advance.
Fort Frances' Ken McKinnon finished the playdown with one win and four losses.
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team beat the Beaver Brae Broncos of Kenora 8-5 at the Ice for Kids Arena Friday.
Shae-lynn Smith, Jessie Baker and Jillian Langtry had two goals each for the Muskies while Nicole Beadle and Courtney Bethune added singles.
International Falls Broncos boys team dropped a 6-3 decision to the Hermantown Hawks Saturday.
Matt Youso with a pair and Dylan Farmer scored for the Broncos.
Meantime, Broncos girls hockey team fell 8-1 to East Grand Forks Friday.
In the SIJHL, Fort Frances Lakers lost 8-3 to the Fort William North Stars.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA team won the championship of the Junior Gold Tournament in Brookings, South Dakota on the weekend.
The Canadians clinched the title with their third win of the tournament Sunday - a 4-1 decision over Mounds View, Minnesota.
Ryan Lundy had a hattrick while Brad McDonald added an empty netter in that game.
Fort Frances Boston Pizza Royals Pee-wee AA hockey team lost 4-1 to Kenora in the bronze medal game of its tournament at the Memorial Sport Centre.
The event was won by Dryden.
The Rolling Lake Lightning captured gold at a atom girls hockey tournament on the weekend beating the Lake of the Woods Flyers of Kenora 3-2 in the championship game.
Annalise Hayes had all three goals for the Lightning.
Kaemingh Esso beat the Emo Penguins in the bronze medal game 5-0.
Scoring for Esso were Alyssa Alderson with a hat trick, Caitlin Visser and Maighyn Degagne.
In college basketball, the Rainy River Voyageurs dropped both games played against Northland Community & Technical College Saturday.
The men lost 71-64 while the women fell 82-51.
LaBelle finished in a four-way tie for first place on the women's side which earned her team a berth to the provincial event next month in Blind River.
Five of the six women's teams entered advanced.
On the men's side, Thunder Bay's Al Hackner went through the event undefeated, while Larry Chepsiuk also of Thunder Bay needed a tie-breaker win over Bruce Melville to advance.
Fort Frances' Ken McKinnon finished the playdown with one win and four losses.
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team beat the Beaver Brae Broncos of Kenora 8-5 at the Ice for Kids Arena Friday.
Shae-lynn Smith, Jessie Baker and Jillian Langtry had two goals each for the Muskies while Nicole Beadle and Courtney Bethune added singles.
International Falls Broncos boys team dropped a 6-3 decision to the Hermantown Hawks Saturday.
Matt Youso with a pair and Dylan Farmer scored for the Broncos.
Meantime, Broncos girls hockey team fell 8-1 to East Grand Forks Friday.
In the SIJHL, Fort Frances Lakers lost 8-3 to the Fort William North Stars.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget AA team won the championship of the Junior Gold Tournament in Brookings, South Dakota on the weekend.
The Canadians clinched the title with their third win of the tournament Sunday - a 4-1 decision over Mounds View, Minnesota.
Ryan Lundy had a hattrick while Brad McDonald added an empty netter in that game.
Fort Frances Boston Pizza Royals Pee-wee AA hockey team lost 4-1 to Kenora in the bronze medal game of its tournament at the Memorial Sport Centre.
The event was won by Dryden.
The Rolling Lake Lightning captured gold at a atom girls hockey tournament on the weekend beating the Lake of the Woods Flyers of Kenora 3-2 in the championship game.
Annalise Hayes had all three goals for the Lightning.
Kaemingh Esso beat the Emo Penguins in the bronze medal game 5-0.
Scoring for Esso were Alyssa Alderson with a hat trick, Caitlin Visser and Maighyn Degagne.
In college basketball, the Rainy River Voyageurs dropped both games played against Northland Community & Technical College Saturday.
The men lost 71-64 while the women fell 82-51.
Stamps Go Up
It's going to cost more to mail a letter starting today.
The cost of sending a first-class letter within Canada will increase from 54-cents to 57.
Letters to the United States will cost one-dollar -- an increase of two-cents.
Canada Post says it needs the extra money to invest in new mail-processing equipment.
Legal Aid Boycott to Expand?
Low-income Ontarians charged with serious crimes could find themselves in an even tighter legal spot in two weeks.
Members of the Criminal Lawyers' Association have reportedly voted unanimously to expand their boycott.
A memo says a deal must be reached by January 24, otherwise the expansion of the boycott will go ahead.
Frank Addario, past president of the association who is involved in the negotiations with the Ministry of the Attorney General, won't confirm the deadline cited in the memo.
But he says lawyers, who are already boycotting homicide and gun and gang cases under legal aid, have been ready to widen the boycott since the fall.
The lawyers want the government to pay them more money for work done for legal aid cases and/or agree to a binding review mechanism for compensation.
Members of the Criminal Lawyers' Association have reportedly voted unanimously to expand their boycott.
A memo says a deal must be reached by January 24, otherwise the expansion of the boycott will go ahead.
Frank Addario, past president of the association who is involved in the negotiations with the Ministry of the Attorney General, won't confirm the deadline cited in the memo.
But he says lawyers, who are already boycotting homicide and gun and gang cases under legal aid, have been ready to widen the boycott since the fall.
The lawyers want the government to pay them more money for work done for legal aid cases and/or agree to a binding review mechanism for compensation.
H1N1 Flu Numbers
The incidence of the H1N1 flu has pretty much vanished in northwestern Ontario.
The Ontario Ministry of Health says there were no new cases reported anywhere in region over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
There have been 73 cases reported by the Northwestern Health Unit since the fall, but no new cases reported in the past four weeks.
The Ontario Ministry of Health says there were no new cases reported anywhere in region over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
There have been 73 cases reported by the Northwestern Health Unit since the fall, but no new cases reported in the past four weeks.
Fort Councillors Meet
A report that calls for an increase in the salaries earned by members of Fort Frances council comes to its meeting tonight.
A committee of council reviewing council remuneration last November recommended the mayors salary increase to $23,000 a year while councillors would receive $12,000.
The increases would be the first in six years and would take effect this December, following this year's municipal elections.
Tonight's council meeting begins at about 6:15 p.m.
A committee of council reviewing council remuneration last November recommended the mayors salary increase to $23,000 a year while councillors would receive $12,000.
The increases would be the first in six years and would take effect this December, following this year's municipal elections.
Tonight's council meeting begins at about 6:15 p.m.
Phone Outage
A line break near Orr is being blamed as the reason for an outage to Internet, long-distance phone and 911 service to Koochiching and northern St. Louis Counties Friday evening.
Service to the area was restored by 9:30 p.m. after being knocked out for almost four hours.
An official with the St. Louis Country Sheriff's Office said residents could still make local calls.
The sheriff's office said firefighters manned phone lines at local fire stations to handle any emergency calls while 911 service was out.
The outage also impacted the U.S. Border and Customs Services causing lengthier than normal waits time for travellers going into States.
Service to the area was restored by 9:30 p.m. after being knocked out for almost four hours.
An official with the St. Louis Country Sheriff's Office said residents could still make local calls.
The sheriff's office said firefighters manned phone lines at local fire stations to handle any emergency calls while 911 service was out.
The outage also impacted the U.S. Border and Customs Services causing lengthier than normal waits time for travellers going into States.
Mill Fire Fought
Members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service spent nearly twelve hours Friday dealing with a fire at the AbitibiBowater mill in Fort Frances.
The fire broke out about 8 o'clock Friday morning in the kraft mill.
Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof area of the seventh floor on the north side of the building.
The building fire sprinklers assisted in containing the fire and fire crews had it under control within three hour, but deep snow and other debris on the roof hampered fire fighters ability to remove large sections of the roof where fire had extended and was continuing to burn into the insulation.
Cause of the fire is still under investigation and the extent of damage to the mill has also not been determined.
The fire broke out about 8 o'clock Friday morning in the kraft mill.
Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof area of the seventh floor on the north side of the building.
The building fire sprinklers assisted in containing the fire and fire crews had it under control within three hour, but deep snow and other debris on the roof hampered fire fighters ability to remove large sections of the roof where fire had extended and was continuing to burn into the insulation.
Cause of the fire is still under investigation and the extent of damage to the mill has also not been determined.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Local Sports for Friday January 8
Judy Labelle's Fort Frances team opened the inter-regional senior curling playdowns at the Fort Frances Curling club with a win.
LaBelle's foursome defeated Marion Clark of the Port Arthur Curling Club 9-1.
Their next game is against Cristiene Hall-Teravainen also from the Port Arthur Club at 11 a.m. today.
On the men's side, Ken McKinnon's rink was defeated 10-2 in its opener by Red Lake's Ken Anderson.
McKinnon plays Randy Fossum of the Port Arthur Curling Club also this morning at 11 a.m.
Fort Frances Lakers were shutout yesterday in Thunder Bay by the K & A Wolverines 2-0.
The Lakers remain in the Lakehead for a game tonight against the Fort William North Stars.
International Falls Broncos boys hockey team won its third in a row with a 4-1 beating of the Eveleth Golden Bears.
Jon McDonald and Willie Corrin each scored twice for the Broncos who will face Hermantown tomorrow afternoon at Bronco Arena.
The Broncos girls hockey team is in action this evening in East Grand Forks while the Broncos girls basketball team is in Virginia.
Fort Frances Muskies junior boys basketball team defeated Beaver Brae 52-26 in a game played in Fort Frances.
The Muskies girls hockey team resumes NORWOSSA play with a game against Kenora at the Ice For Kids arena beginning at 7:15 p.m.
Boston Pizza Royals Pee-wee AA hockey team hosts a tournament this weekend at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The Royals open play this morning at 11:15 a.m. with a game against Dryden.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget Double A team travel to South Dakota for a tournament in Brookings.
LaBelle's foursome defeated Marion Clark of the Port Arthur Curling Club 9-1.
Their next game is against Cristiene Hall-Teravainen also from the Port Arthur Club at 11 a.m. today.
On the men's side, Ken McKinnon's rink was defeated 10-2 in its opener by Red Lake's Ken Anderson.
McKinnon plays Randy Fossum of the Port Arthur Curling Club also this morning at 11 a.m.
Fort Frances Lakers were shutout yesterday in Thunder Bay by the K & A Wolverines 2-0.
The Lakers remain in the Lakehead for a game tonight against the Fort William North Stars.
International Falls Broncos boys hockey team won its third in a row with a 4-1 beating of the Eveleth Golden Bears.
Jon McDonald and Willie Corrin each scored twice for the Broncos who will face Hermantown tomorrow afternoon at Bronco Arena.
The Broncos girls hockey team is in action this evening in East Grand Forks while the Broncos girls basketball team is in Virginia.
Fort Frances Muskies junior boys basketball team defeated Beaver Brae 52-26 in a game played in Fort Frances.
The Muskies girls hockey team resumes NORWOSSA play with a game against Kenora at the Ice For Kids arena beginning at 7:15 p.m.
Boston Pizza Royals Pee-wee AA hockey team hosts a tournament this weekend at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The Royals open play this morning at 11:15 a.m. with a game against Dryden.
Fort Frances Canadians Midget Double A team travel to South Dakota for a tournament in Brookings.
Ice Castles Constructed
(Courtesy: Angela Petsnick)Work is well underway on two ice-castles by students at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances.
The students started construction this week and hope to finish by the end of February.
Grade 4 student Emma Cole says they're using old milk containers filled with water in its construction.
"First you pour water and then you put snow and you put a brick on," says Cole. Then you put on another and fill in the cracks with water and snow."
Students are asking the public to help out by donating their used containers to the school.
Young Leaders of Today
Young people in Fort Frances are being encouraged to become the leaders of today.
That message from members of the international renowned children's organizations Me to We and Free the Children who were on hand for a student leadership forum hosted by the Northwest Catholic District School Board.
Britta Badour says young people have the ability to make real change now.
"It's not even about the future anymore," says Badour. "It's about doing things right now, right today. What we say in our speeches is that we are no longer the leaders of tomorrow, we're the leaders of today. We're the generation that we've been waiting for."
Galen Kerrick says already the world is seeing a growing number of youth groups involved in local, national and international causes.
That message from members of the international renowned children's organizations Me to We and Free the Children who were on hand for a student leadership forum hosted by the Northwest Catholic District School Board.
Britta Badour says young people have the ability to make real change now.
"It's not even about the future anymore," says Badour. "It's about doing things right now, right today. What we say in our speeches is that we are no longer the leaders of tomorrow, we're the leaders of today. We're the generation that we've been waiting for."
Galen Kerrick says already the world is seeing a growing number of youth groups involved in local, national and international causes.
Census Concerns
It's a census year for United States, and lawmakers in northern Minnesota says wants to ensure people who live part of the time in the region get counted here.
House Democrat Tom Anzelc says it could be the difference in government determining adequate representation in the State.
"It is possible because of population shifts we could lose representation," says Anzelc. "Our districts may get larger."
Anzelc says it could also impact the amount of money that's provided by senior levels of government to cities, counties and schools boards.
House Democrat Tom Anzelc says it could be the difference in government determining adequate representation in the State.
"It is possible because of population shifts we could lose representation," says Anzelc. "Our districts may get larger."
Anzelc says it could also impact the amount of money that's provided by senior levels of government to cities, counties and schools boards.
Clean Energy Funding
A clean energy project proposed for Koochiching County is receiving $950-thousand in federal funding.
The Renewable Energy Clean Air Project proposes to turn municipal waste into synthetic gas and steam for industrial use or electrical generation.
The grant will cover about a third of the cost of the project's feasibility study, permitting, design and other pre-construction costs.
The Renewable Energy Clean Air Project proposes to turn municipal waste into synthetic gas and steam for industrial use or electrical generation.
The grant will cover about a third of the cost of the project's feasibility study, permitting, design and other pre-construction costs.
Namakan River Project Comment Sought
A public comment period for a proposed hydro development project on the Namakan River is now underway.
Ojibway Power and Energy Group, a partnership between Lac La Croix First Nation and Chant Construction of southern Ontario, recently released the project's draft environmental report.
The project proposes to divert water through an intake facility and powerhouse at Bill Lake and returned west of High Falls, site of a generating station.
Ojibway Power hopes to begin construction this spring.
Ojibway Power and Energy Group, a partnership between Lac La Croix First Nation and Chant Construction of southern Ontario, recently released the project's draft environmental report.
The project proposes to divert water through an intake facility and powerhouse at Bill Lake and returned west of High Falls, site of a generating station.
Ojibway Power hopes to begin construction this spring.
More HST Concerns
Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak says his party's fight against the HST isn't going to end.
Speaking to members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Hudak says the north will be particularly hard hit.
"After all a family in Fort Frances will heat their home for six to eight weeks longer than in Toronto," says Hudak, "and next winter you'll be paying more to stay warm. Also for commuting, whether to drop the kids off for hockey or go to the grocery store, eight per cent more will be slapped down on the price of gasoline."
Hudak adds native residents won't be receiving exemptions at the till and will be forced to submit receipts for a refund on taxes paid.
Speaking to members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Hudak says the north will be particularly hard hit.
"After all a family in Fort Frances will heat their home for six to eight weeks longer than in Toronto," says Hudak, "and next winter you'll be paying more to stay warm. Also for commuting, whether to drop the kids off for hockey or go to the grocery store, eight per cent more will be slapped down on the price of gasoline."
Hudak adds native residents won't be receiving exemptions at the till and will be forced to submit receipts for a refund on taxes paid.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Local Sports for Thursday January 7
Rainy River Voyageurs split basketball games played against Mesabi Range yesterday at the Rainy River Community College. The men's team earned a 74-73 victory, but the women fell 66-61.
Fort Frances Lakers return to Thunder Bay today for a game against the K & A Wolverines. The
Lakers won their last meeting Sunday.
High School sports in the Falls sees the Broncos boys hockey team traveling to Eveleth while the Broncos girls basketball team hosts Virginia at Falls High School at 7:30 p.m.
Fort Frances Lakers return to Thunder Bay today for a game against the K & A Wolverines. The
Lakers won their last meeting Sunday.
High School sports in the Falls sees the Broncos boys hockey team traveling to Eveleth while the Broncos girls basketball team hosts Virginia at Falls High School at 7:30 p.m.
PC Leader Visits Fort Frances
The Progressive Conservatives bring their economy strategy for northern Ontario to the Rainy River district today.
Leader Tim Hudak and Northern Development critic Randy Hillier will be outlining the plan to members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce later today.
The Tories plan calls more private sector investment into boosting the region's economy
Tour de Fort Funding
(Canadian country singer Aaron Lines among performers as part of the Tour de Fort Concert Series at the Townsend Theatre in 2009)
Federation Supporting "RainY River" Use
It appears the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture won't be trying to stop a company from calling itself "Rainy River Cereal" after all.
The federation was concerned the name gave the impression the product had a connection to the district.
But president Rick Neilson says they've now learned that an individual from the district who is in the process of developing a wild rice cereal is seeking use of the name.
The Toronto address on the application for the trade-mark turned out to be that of his father - a retired lawyer.
The federation was concerned the name gave the impression the product had a connection to the district.
But president Rick Neilson says they've now learned that an individual from the district who is in the process of developing a wild rice cereal is seeking use of the name.
The Toronto address on the application for the trade-mark turned out to be that of his father - a retired lawyer.
Reserve Funds Being Used
The Rainy River District School Board is planning to invest more than $.2.5 million from its reserve fund back into the classroom.
The money is to be spend on a number of initiatives over the next few years.
About a million dollars will go into increasing the availability of technology in the classrooms which includes the so-called SMART boards. The school board says the funding will bring the technology into every one of its school classrooms.
Other funds will be allocated to teacher coaching at the elementary and secondary levels to augment professional development.
The Board is also directing funds to hire an Aboriginal Immersion Lead who will support the immersion classes currently in place at Mine Centre School.
Pikangikum Deliveries Handed Out
The community of Pikangikum is now in the process of doling out the hundreds of donations of clothes, diapers and food items from the Rainy River district.
Executive Director of Family and Children Services Vik Nowak says they're working with community members to distribute the items.
"We're working with North-South Partnership as well as Tikinagan (Child and Family Services) and the band," says Nowak. "The plan for us is to deliver most of the supplies to the community centre in Pikangikum."
Nowak says they're also helping to fill specific needs identified by local school officials and the OPP.
The items were collected last month by FACS and delivered to the remote community yesterday.
Executive Director of Family and Children Services Vik Nowak says they're working with community members to distribute the items.
"We're working with North-South Partnership as well as Tikinagan (Child and Family Services) and the band," says Nowak. "The plan for us is to deliver most of the supplies to the community centre in Pikangikum."
Nowak says they're also helping to fill specific needs identified by local school officials and the OPP.
The items were collected last month by FACS and delivered to the remote community yesterday.
Unsolved Cases Go On-line
OPP are petitioning area residents for information into eleven unsolved homicide cases in northwestern Ontario.
Sergeant Shelley Garr says they've posted information about the cases on their website http://www.opp-ca/ in hopes of soliciting tips from the public.
"Some of these cases date back to 1966," says Garr, "and all of these cases are unsolved at these time. Our hope is that someone will look through some of these cases and something will jog their memory. We're hoping they will call their local police or Crimestoppers and pass that information along"
Among the cases on the website is the 1985 death of John Bonnefoy in Atikokan.
Death of Baby Investigated
OPP in Fort Frances are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a one month old baby girl.
She died in a Winnipeg Hospital Monday.
Cause of death has not be released, but a post-mortem exam was conducted Tuesday - the results of which are not yet complete.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Local Sports for Wednesday January 6
International Falls Broncos boys hockey team were again victorious in a cross-border match-up with the Fort Frances Muskies, winning 4-1 last night at the Ice for Kids Arena.
Willie Corrin scored twice while Jon McDonald and Michael Bounds added the others for the Broncos.
Devon Ball had the lone goal for the Muskies.
Fort Frances Muskies court teams earned three of four wins against Dryden.
Senior boys basketball team defeated the Eagles 41-29 while the junior boys were 48-11 winners.
The junior girls volleyball team lost its first two sets, but rallied for three straight in its match with Dryden while the senior girls team fell in three sets.
The International Falls Broncos girls basketball team lost to Babbit-Embarrass 69-43.
For the second time this year, Bentley Hylton has been named northern division player of the week by the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
The sophomore guard with the Rainy River Voyageur's men's basketball team averaged 28 points and 10 rebounds last week.
Tonight, Hylton and the rest of Voyageurs take on Mesabi Range at the College.
Willie Corrin scored twice while Jon McDonald and Michael Bounds added the others for the Broncos.
Devon Ball had the lone goal for the Muskies.
Fort Frances Muskies court teams earned three of four wins against Dryden.
Senior boys basketball team defeated the Eagles 41-29 while the junior boys were 48-11 winners.
The junior girls volleyball team lost its first two sets, but rallied for three straight in its match with Dryden while the senior girls team fell in three sets.
The International Falls Broncos girls basketball team lost to Babbit-Embarrass 69-43.
For the second time this year, Bentley Hylton has been named northern division player of the week by the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
The sophomore guard with the Rainy River Voyageur's men's basketball team averaged 28 points and 10 rebounds last week.
Tonight, Hylton and the rest of Voyageurs take on Mesabi Range at the College.
Tree Collection This Weekend
Members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will hold its annual Christmas tree pick-up this Saturday afternoon.
Residents looking to get rid of their trees can place them on the curb for firefighters to collect.
While the service is free, donations can be made to brigade members at the door or by leaving it in an envolope in the mail box.
Money collect is later given to a worthy community cause.
Residents looking to get rid of their trees can place them on the curb for firefighters to collect.
While the service is free, donations can be made to brigade members at the door or by leaving it in an envolope in the mail box.
Money collect is later given to a worthy community cause.
Baiting Citations
Minnesota conservation officers issued 129 citations and seized 140 firearms for baiting during the state's 2009 deer hunting seasons.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says its officers received 545 baiting complaints.
The DNR says nearly 60 percent of the hunters who were cited admitted that they knew baiting was illegal, but did it anyway.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says its officers received 545 baiting complaints.
The DNR says nearly 60 percent of the hunters who were cited admitted that they knew baiting was illegal, but did it anyway.
Chronic Pain Workshop Planned
The area's Chronic Disease Management Network is again holding a workshop aimed at helping individuals, family members and caregivers of people with long-term illness
The six week program begins Monday.
Workshop participants learn about living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart problems, diabetes and pain.
They will also be given the tools for self-management of long-term conditions.
Bev Thomson of the Fort Frances Community Clinic and a co-facilitator of the program says it is designed to help people live well and is a great way to start the New Year.
"We hope that participants will improve their healthful behaviours," says Thompson. "Studies have shown that people who have attended this program improved in areas such as exercise and coping skills”.
There is no charge for the workshop.
To register or for more information call Bev Thomson at 274-3287, Ext. 271.
The six week program begins Monday.
Workshop participants learn about living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart problems, diabetes and pain.
They will also be given the tools for self-management of long-term conditions.
Bev Thomson of the Fort Frances Community Clinic and a co-facilitator of the program says it is designed to help people live well and is a great way to start the New Year.
"We hope that participants will improve their healthful behaviours," says Thompson. "Studies have shown that people who have attended this program improved in areas such as exercise and coping skills”.
There is no charge for the workshop.
To register or for more information call Bev Thomson at 274-3287, Ext. 271.
Parliament Delay Supported
Conservative member Greg Rickford is defending Prime Minister Harper's decision to suspend the current sitting of Parliament until March.
The MP for Kenora says it will give more time for other parliamentarians to consult with constituents on an upcoming budget.
"First of all the budget would have been scheduled to come out in early March, early April anyway," says Rickford. "We're taking this opportunity to do further consultations and I think that's important."
Rickford admits some bills will fail to get passed, but says a private members bill aimed killing the long-gun registry won't be impacted by the Common's delay.
Pikangikum Donations on the Road
Hundreds of tonnes of children's clothes, diapers and food items collected by Family and Children Services Rainy River last month are on their way to Pikangikum.
They're being delivered in two trailers provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.
Constable Anne McCoy is one of four officers making the trip.
"We're all going to take the cargo in two of our emergency response trailers," says McCoy, "and haul them up with our suburbans in a convoy that includes representatives from Family and Children's Services with us."
The trailers were loaded yesterday afternoon by FACS staff and OPP, along with members of the Fort Frances Lakers.
The group will leave Fort Frances this morning, arriving in the remote community north of Red Lake later this afternoon.
They're being delivered in two trailers provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.
Constable Anne McCoy is one of four officers making the trip.
"We're all going to take the cargo in two of our emergency response trailers," says McCoy, "and haul them up with our suburbans in a convoy that includes representatives from Family and Children's Services with us."
The trailers were loaded yesterday afternoon by FACS staff and OPP, along with members of the Fort Frances Lakers.
The group will leave Fort Frances this morning, arriving in the remote community north of Red Lake later this afternoon.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Local Sports for Tuesday January 5
Fort Frances and International Falls will renew acquaintances on the ice tonight as the Muskies host the Broncos in boys hockey at the Ice for Kids Arena at 7 o'clock.
The Broncos won a 4-3 game on Boxing Day.
The Muskies boys basketball and girls volleyball teams resume their NORWOSSA play today with games in Dryden.
The Broncos girls basketball team is on the road to Babbitt-Embarrass and the Broncos boys swim and dive team is in Eveleth for a meet.
The Broncos won a 4-3 game on Boxing Day.
The Muskies boys basketball and girls volleyball teams resume their NORWOSSA play today with games in Dryden.
The Broncos girls basketball team is on the road to Babbitt-Embarrass and the Broncos boys swim and dive team is in Eveleth for a meet.
First District Baby Born
It took just three days into the new year for the Rainy River district to welcome the first baby of 2010.
Princess Lillian Gibbins was born at La Verendrye Hospital 2:33 a.m. Sunday weighing in at 7 pounds 13 ounces.
Little Princess is the third child of Jocelyn Gibbins and Ryan Big George of Big Island First Nation.
Princess Lillian Gibbins was born at La Verendrye Hospital 2:33 a.m. Sunday weighing in at 7 pounds 13 ounces.
Little Princess is the third child of Jocelyn Gibbins and Ryan Big George of Big Island First Nation.
Torch Run Leaves Ontario
The Olympic torch begins its final Ontario leg this morning in Kenora.
It then heads to Manitoba, ending the day in Winnipeg.
Sadly, bitter cold forced the torch celebrations indoors yesterday in Dryden.
An outdoor site had been turned into an Olympic grounds, with five two-metre ice Inukshuks that were painted in Olympic colours.
It then heads to Manitoba, ending the day in Winnipeg.
Sadly, bitter cold forced the torch celebrations indoors yesterday in Dryden.
An outdoor site had been turned into an Olympic grounds, with five two-metre ice Inukshuks that were painted in Olympic colours.
RIDE Stats for NWO Released
OPP in Northwestern Ontario nabbed 43 driver for impaired driving over the past month.
The charges stem from a stepped up enforcement during the Holiday season.
Another 43 motorists had their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level in the so-called warn range.
The charges stem from a stepped up enforcement during the Holiday season.
Another 43 motorists had their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level in the so-called warn range.
Men's Hockey Planned at Rainy River College
A new men's hockey program is in the works for Rainy River Community College.
Jeff Wickstrom says they're hopeful to begin play as early as this month.
"We ended up with quite a few students on campus this year that are hockey players due to the baseball program," says Wickstrom, "and local players who decided to stay in the area. I working to put together a team for the spring semester."
Last night, International Falls city council agreed to provide a one-time grant of $3,600 for start-up costs.
Wickstrom says the goal is to have the program fully funded through the College.
He's hoping to follow the path taken by the College's women's hockey program which won two national championships just a few years after being developed.
Unallotment Ruling Discussed
Minnesota legislators say they still trying to determine the impact of a recent court ruling that declared Governor Tim Pawlenty overstepped his bounds by using the executive power of unallotment to unilaterally reduce spending.
Speaking at International Falls city council last night, house representative Tom Anzelc said civic leaders need to have patience while the issue gets sorted out.
"I'm advising all local election officials, school boards, county commissioners, city councils, town board just to be patience because we don't know where this will take Minnesota," said Anzelc.
Pawlenty is appeal the ruling which Anzelc hopes can be dealt with shortly.
Name Use Opposed
The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture says it will oppose a plan by a Toronto-area company to use the term Rainy River in its name.
The federation recently learned the firm based in Maple, Ontario registered with Industry Canada to use the name Rainy River Cereal.
But president Rick Neilson says there's no connection to the district's own agricultural industry.
"It's really identify theft," says Neilson. "It's taking our good name and using it without any connection to the Rainy River district or products in the district. It's only logical that any thing with Rainy River on it should have some connection to Rainy River."
The group has until February 9 to file its opposition.
The federation recently learned the firm based in Maple, Ontario registered with Industry Canada to use the name Rainy River Cereal.
But president Rick Neilson says there's no connection to the district's own agricultural industry.
"It's really identify theft," says Neilson. "It's taking our good name and using it without any connection to the Rainy River district or products in the district. It's only logical that any thing with Rainy River on it should have some connection to Rainy River."
The group has until February 9 to file its opposition.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Local Sports for Monday January 4
A four-goal third period powered the Fort Frances Lakers to a 5-1 win over the K-and-A Wolverines in Thunder Bay yesterday afternoon.
Justin Erhart, Conner Foster, Jordan Carne and Colton Kennedy scored in the third to break a 1-1 tie. Byron Katapaytuk scored the Lakers other goal. Jameson Shortreed stopped 36 shots in net for the win.
Saturday, the Lakers were thumped 11-3 by the Fort William North Stars.
It was a weekend split for the Fort Frances Thunderhawks in Kenora.
Saturday night, the Thunderhawks were blanked 7-0 by the Thistles, but rebounded for a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon.
The Nor-Fab Flames won the pee-wee title at a girls' hockey tournament in Fargo, North Dakota on the weekend with a 6-1 drubbing of the Bismark Chill in the final.
Madisyn DeGagne had 3 goals in the game with Amber Jourdain, Jessica Coran and Madyson Weir getting the others.
During the tournament, the Flames outscored their opponents 36 to 2 with netminders Kate Parsons and Shanleigh Fryer each recording shut-outs along the way.
The Dynamic Homes Hurricanes brought home Silver medals on the Atom side of the same tournament, losing to Grand Forks 2-1 in overtime.
Alyssa Alderson scored for the Hurricanes.
The Boston Pizza Pee-wee AA boys' team won the B-side of a tournament in Bemidji, defeating Cloquet 1-0 in the final. Graeme Kitt scored the lone goal.
Boston Pizza actually went undefeated in round-robin play and tied for first in its division, but dropped to the B-side bases on its goals for and against.
Justin Erhart, Conner Foster, Jordan Carne and Colton Kennedy scored in the third to break a 1-1 tie. Byron Katapaytuk scored the Lakers other goal. Jameson Shortreed stopped 36 shots in net for the win.
Saturday, the Lakers were thumped 11-3 by the Fort William North Stars.
It was a weekend split for the Fort Frances Thunderhawks in Kenora.
Saturday night, the Thunderhawks were blanked 7-0 by the Thistles, but rebounded for a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon.
The Nor-Fab Flames won the pee-wee title at a girls' hockey tournament in Fargo, North Dakota on the weekend with a 6-1 drubbing of the Bismark Chill in the final.
Madisyn DeGagne had 3 goals in the game with Amber Jourdain, Jessica Coran and Madyson Weir getting the others.
During the tournament, the Flames outscored their opponents 36 to 2 with netminders Kate Parsons and Shanleigh Fryer each recording shut-outs along the way.
The Dynamic Homes Hurricanes brought home Silver medals on the Atom side of the same tournament, losing to Grand Forks 2-1 in overtime.
Alyssa Alderson scored for the Hurricanes.
The Boston Pizza Pee-wee AA boys' team won the B-side of a tournament in Bemidji, defeating Cloquet 1-0 in the final. Graeme Kitt scored the lone goal.
Boston Pizza actually went undefeated in round-robin play and tied for first in its division, but dropped to the B-side bases on its goals for and against.
Polar Plunge Nets Nearly $14,000
It may have been cold, but 45 people still took up the challenge to go jump into Rainy Lake on New Year's Day as part of the Voyageur Lion's Club's Polar Plunge.
A total of $13,600 was raised with the Muskies Sports Association raising $2,000, the most by participating groups.
Top individuals were Lion President Jim Martindale with $1,800 and Reverend Barb Miller who took in $1,150 for her plunge into the water.
Costume prizes were awarded to Maureen Hahkala, David Filleul and Jayde Wright.
A total of $13,600 was raised with the Muskies Sports Association raising $2,000, the most by participating groups.
Top individuals were Lion President Jim Martindale with $1,800 and Reverend Barb Miller who took in $1,150 for her plunge into the water.
Costume prizes were awarded to Maureen Hahkala, David Filleul and Jayde Wright.
Festive RIDE Campaign Ends
More than a million vehicles were stopped by OPP across the province as part of their festive RIDE campaign
A total of 277 motorists were charged with impaired driving while another 700 had their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level in the so-called warn range.
The numbers for northwestern Ontario were not readily available.
A total of 277 motorists were charged with impaired driving while another 700 had their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level in the so-called warn range.
The numbers for northwestern Ontario were not readily available.
Falls Councillors Meet Tonight
International Falls City councillors will hold their first meeting of 2010 tonight.
Their agenda includes visits by Senator Tom Saxhaugh and House representative Tom Anzelc as as a prelude to the upcoming session at the State capital in February.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Falls City Hall.
Their agenda includes visits by Senator Tom Saxhaugh and House representative Tom Anzelc as as a prelude to the upcoming session at the State capital in February.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Falls City Hall.
More Power Problems
More power problems for the Rainy River district this morning.
Hydro One spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says the outage impacts residents between Fort Frances and Rainy River.
"We had 3,770 customers without power," says Gauvin. "The extremely cold weather conditions overloaded one of the transformers."
The outage occurred short after 7:30 a.m.
Hydro One was able to restore power to effected areas within an hour.
The outage did impact some area schools, but none were closed by the public or catholic boards.
However, some bus companies did not run or were running late because of the weather.
Hydro One spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says the outage impacts residents between Fort Frances and Rainy River.
"We had 3,770 customers without power," says Gauvin. "The extremely cold weather conditions overloaded one of the transformers."
The outage occurred short after 7:30 a.m.
Hydro One was able to restore power to effected areas within an hour.
The outage did impact some area schools, but none were closed by the public or catholic boards.
However, some bus companies did not run or were running late because of the weather.
Cold Day for Torch Relay Through NWO
The Olympic torch relay has a long and cold day ahead in northwestern Ontario.
The day starts with a visit to Fort William First Nation and the Bombardier plant in Thunder Bay before heading on to Kakabeka Falls.
The relay then heads to Upsala, Ignace, Dryden, Vermilion Bay and ends the day in Kenora.
This afternoon, Fort Frances campus manager Anne Renaud will carry the torch for a short distance through Vermilion Bay.
Thousands lined the streets in Thunder Bay yesterday and many sang ``O Canada'' when the torch arrived at the Terry Fox Lookout.
DriveTest Workers Back to Work
DriveTest workers, including those in Fort Frances, are expected back to work this morning after a long strike.
Workers have ratified a new contract after a strike that had prevented many Ontario residents from getting new drivers' licenses or renewals since August.
Some 590 DriveTest employees walked off the job August 21st after talks with their employer, Serco, collapsed.
Workers have ratified a new contract after a strike that had prevented many Ontario residents from getting new drivers' licenses or renewals since August.
Some 590 DriveTest employees walked off the job August 21st after talks with their employer, Serco, collapsed.
Fort Mayor Pondors Budget
A new budget will be one of the first major issues tackling the Fort Frances town councillors in 2010.
Mayor Roy Avis is hoping any tax increase will be modest.
"I would like to see us stay as close to zero as possible," says Avis. "I know the index is 1.8 per cent, but if we can maintain that or less we have to look at our services. We might have to restrict services slightly, but if we do that it becomes a light hardship on resident in the community so we have to balance that."
Council will begin its budget deliberations January 18.
Mayor Roy Avis is hoping any tax increase will be modest.
"I would like to see us stay as close to zero as possible," says Avis. "I know the index is 1.8 per cent, but if we can maintain that or less we have to look at our services. We might have to restrict services slightly, but if we do that it becomes a light hardship on resident in the community so we have to balance that."
Council will begin its budget deliberations January 18.
Weather Records Set
Bitterly cold air that spread across northern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario over the weekend broke weather record in International Falls.
Temperatures in International Falls hit 37 below F both Saturday and Sunday morning.
Saturday's low broke the mark of 34 below F set both in 1979 and 1968 while Sunday's low passed the previous record for January 3rd set back in 1911 by one degree.
Temperatures in International Falls hit 37 below F both Saturday and Sunday morning.
Saturday's low broke the mark of 34 below F set both in 1979 and 1968 while Sunday's low passed the previous record for January 3rd set back in 1911 by one degree.
Power Outage Hits District
Nearly four-thousand Hydro One customers in the Rainy River district were left without lights and some without heat for a few hours last night.
A hydro spokesperson says the cold weather was to blame, causing a piece of equipment on a main line to malfunction.
This caused the entire district, including the town of Fort Frances, to go dark shortly after 7 p.m.
The outage in the Fort lasted for only about 15 minutes while Hydro One crews were able to restore power to the rest of the district by midnight.
A hydro spokesperson says the cold weather was to blame, causing a piece of equipment on a main line to malfunction.
This caused the entire district, including the town of Fort Frances, to go dark shortly after 7 p.m.
The outage in the Fort lasted for only about 15 minutes while Hydro One crews were able to restore power to the rest of the district by midnight.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Local Sports for Thursday December 31
Fort Frances Muskies boys hockey team ended its appearance at the Hilltopper Classic with a 3-2 shoot out win over Appleton Wisconsin.
The Muskies went undefeated in three games.
Jordan Christianson had a hat trick - all unassisted - and Brett Musich scored once as International Falls beat Richfield 4-2 for third place in the Class A bracket of the Kiwanis Festival in Rochester.
The Broncos girls hockey team finished second at the Sertoma Shootout in Rochester after dropping a 3-2 decision to Central Wisconsin Storm in the final.
Mackenzie Raboin and Ashley Bahr scored for the Broncos.
In high school basketball, the Broncos boys team fell 75-65 to Roseau at the Can-Am tournament final.
Shawn Filipiak led the team with 25 points.
Falls High School boys swim and dive time finished third at a tournament hosted by the Broncos.
First place showings were earned by Alex Henningson in diving and Joe Baron in both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle swims.
Ryan Faragher has been selected to play in the North American Hockey League Top Prospects tournament in Ann Arbor Michigan next month.
The event showcases the league's best players to U-S College and NHL scouts.
The former Fort Frances Sabre, who now plays for the Bismark Bobcats, is among the top goaltenders in several league categories this season.
The Muskies went undefeated in three games.
Jordan Christianson had a hat trick - all unassisted - and Brett Musich scored once as International Falls beat Richfield 4-2 for third place in the Class A bracket of the Kiwanis Festival in Rochester.
The Broncos girls hockey team finished second at the Sertoma Shootout in Rochester after dropping a 3-2 decision to Central Wisconsin Storm in the final.
Mackenzie Raboin and Ashley Bahr scored for the Broncos.
In high school basketball, the Broncos boys team fell 75-65 to Roseau at the Can-Am tournament final.
Shawn Filipiak led the team with 25 points.
Falls High School boys swim and dive time finished third at a tournament hosted by the Broncos.
First place showings were earned by Alex Henningson in diving and Joe Baron in both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle swims.
Ryan Faragher has been selected to play in the North American Hockey League Top Prospects tournament in Ann Arbor Michigan next month.
The event showcases the league's best players to U-S College and NHL scouts.
The former Fort Frances Sabre, who now plays for the Bismark Bobcats, is among the top goaltenders in several league categories this season.
December Weather
Despite the huge dump of snow on the Christmas weekend, December will not go down as the snowiest on record in International Falls.
A total of 21 inches or about 53 centimetres, of the white stuff has fallen this month, making it the tenth snowiest on record.
The snowiest December was back in 1992 when the Borderland was covered with a total of 43 inches or 109 centimetres
A total of 21 inches or about 53 centimetres, of the white stuff has fallen this month, making it the tenth snowiest on record.
The snowiest December was back in 1992 when the Borderland was covered with a total of 43 inches or 109 centimetres
Parliament Prorogued
Opposition MP's are accusing Prime Minister Harper of abusing his power by suspending Parliament.
The commons won't return to business until March which Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says it makes no sense.
"When parliament gets prorogued we're stopped from doing the business we need to do," says Rafferty. "There's still lots of other business yet to do in the meantime, but its non-democratic to do that and it appears he's making it a habit."
Rafferty says the delay is Harper's attempt to avoid discussion on the Afghan detainee issue.
Rafferty noted Harper imposed similar action a year ago to avoid a possible non-confidence vote and election.
Tax Cuts Coming
There should be some good news in paycheques starting next month.
Revenue Minister John Wilkinson says almost all Ontario residents will get a modest income tax cut starting in 20-10 because of the new harmonized tax.
But Kevin Gaudet, of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, says no matter how the government tries to spin it, the single 13 per cent tax will hurt consumers.
Revenue Minister John Wilkinson says almost all Ontario residents will get a modest income tax cut starting in 20-10 because of the new harmonized tax.
But Kevin Gaudet, of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, says no matter how the government tries to spin it, the single 13 per cent tax will hurt consumers.
Mayor's Look Back
Mayor Roy Avis says 2009 was a challenging one for the town of Fort Frances.
In a year-end interview with B-93, Avis says the recession and AbitibiBowater's decision to seek bankruptcy protection had the biggest impacts on the community.
"With those happening, it reflected quite a bleak picture within the community for quite some time," says Avis, "but we have banded together and we came up with a very good year end and that reflects on the citizens of this community wanted to get together and work as a whole."
Avis says the town was fortunate to see its major employer continue to operate while others around it shutdown or took lengthy downtime.
Avis also points to a busy construction season causing some challenges for area motorists in 2009, but was pleased to see the end of work at the Portage Avenue underpass which took three years to complete.
In a year-end interview with B-93, Avis says the recession and AbitibiBowater's decision to seek bankruptcy protection had the biggest impacts on the community.
"With those happening, it reflected quite a bleak picture within the community for quite some time," says Avis, "but we have banded together and we came up with a very good year end and that reflects on the citizens of this community wanted to get together and work as a whole."
Avis says the town was fortunate to see its major employer continue to operate while others around it shutdown or took lengthy downtime.
Avis also points to a busy construction season causing some challenges for area motorists in 2009, but was pleased to see the end of work at the Portage Avenue underpass which took three years to complete.
OPP on Watch Tonight
Residents across the borderland will be celebrating in their own way tonight the end of a year and the first decade of the 21st century.
But the OPP want you to do it in a safe manner.
Constable Anne McCoy says they'll be continuing to maintain a zero tolerance approach towards drinking and driving this new year's eve.
"We're trying to encourage people to take the initiative to not drink and drive," says McCoy. "We want them to plan ahead. If you're going out with your friends and family during the holiday season we want you to make smart decisions. Not drink and drive."
To date, over 61-hundred vehicles have been stopped in RIDE spotchecks in the Rainy River district since the end of November resulting in two charges and three licences suspensions.
But the OPP want you to do it in a safe manner.
Constable Anne McCoy says they'll be continuing to maintain a zero tolerance approach towards drinking and driving this new year's eve.
"We're trying to encourage people to take the initiative to not drink and drive," says McCoy. "We want them to plan ahead. If you're going out with your friends and family during the holiday season we want you to make smart decisions. Not drink and drive."
To date, over 61-hundred vehicles have been stopped in RIDE spotchecks in the Rainy River district since the end of November resulting in two charges and three licences suspensions.
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