OPSEU Calls Government to "Come Clean"

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is calling on the Liberal government to "come clean'' about a police raid on provincial offices in Toronto last week.

President Smokey Thomas says the union has been told that its members were not the target of the OPP raid, but thousands of workers remain under a cloud of suspicion because the government won't state which ministries were targeted.

Eco Fees Lifted, But...

Ontario residents may not be paying the controversial eco fee at the cash register, but they're still on the hook for the program.

Environment Minister John Gerretsen lifted the fees yesterday, but says the government will fork over up to five-million dollars to keep the program going for the next three months.

He says the government will take that time to come up with a better plan to offset the cost of recycling potentially hazardous items.

Mine Centre School Tender Discussed

The start of construction of a new school in Mine Centre could get the green light today.

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board have called a special meeting for this morning to discuss a proposed tender.

The Ministry of Education previously announced it would provide 4.8 million dollars towards construction, but the board said back in February that final costs could come almost two million higher.

Water Restrictions Lifted

Water restrictions put in place at the end of June for Fort Frances and Couchiching First Nation have been lifted.

The removal of the ban on such things as filling swimming pools and washing vehicles at home comes following an inspection of a paint job inside the water tower.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the inspection showed no major problems.
Homeowners are still limited to watering the lawns on an odd-even basis until September 15.

Boyle Ends Career with City

(Retiring City Attorney Joe Boyle with International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason)


International Falls City council gave thanks last night to its retiring city attorney.

Joe Boyle attended his last council meeting in his official capacity, ending a more career with the that began in 1973.

"The city has allowed me to practice law as the part-time city attorney," says Boyle, "appearing in hundreds of cases, both civil and criminal and to go to seminars. I retire with great gratitude."

Mayor Shawn Mason and other councillors issued their thanks for the job performed over the many years.

Mason credited Boyle for helping the city begin to realize its dream of a developed waterfront.

While Boyle retires as the city's attorney August 1, he'll continue practicing law privately.

Busy Weekend for Fire Department

It was a busy weekend for the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service who responded to no fewer than five calls.

Saturday morning about 10 a.m., the department was called to a home on Kaitlyn Drive to deal with a kitchen fire.

The owners of the home had the blaze extinguished by the time firefighters arrived, but not before it caused some fire and smoke damage to the kitchen.

Early Sunday morning at about 5 a.m., the department responded to a call of smoke filling an apartment on 6th Street East.

The problem was pinpointed to a burned out furnace fan.

An hour later, crews rushed to a home in the 400 block of Church Street where an elderly woman was taken to hospital for treatment after fire started in a sofa and filled the home with smoke.

Within fifteen minutes of arriving, firefighters were dispatched to a smoke alarm in the 1100 block of Scott Street which turned out to a false alarm.

And last night at round 8:30 p.m., Fort Frances Fire was sent to Gillon's Insurance on Church Street where a burned out roof fan sent smoke into the building.

Damage was considered miminal.

Vikings Asked to Participate

The city of International Falls is hoping to enlist the help of the Minnesota Vikings in next year's tug of war between it and the town of Fort Frances.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says the invite to members of the football club is part of an effort to make the friendly competition between the two sister communities bigger and better.

International Falls won this year's event following two straight wins by Fort Frances.

Anglers Prep for Tournament

If prefishing is any indication, this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship could be a struggle for many anglers.

The field of more than one hundred teams begin its hunt for this year's title Thursday.

Two-time champion James Lindner says part of the key to winning is figuring out what works and what doesn't.

"A lot of times you can fish right through a lot of fish and not catch them, "says Lindner. "and then change baits, get the right bait on, and it's like magic. That's part of the whole deal with these guys here just trying to find the art of angling. It's the weirdest thing in the world. It changes every year."

Devlin's Bill Godin, who's fished the tournament since its inception and enjoyed four top ten finishes along the way, says it could be a struggle to find the big ones this year.

"We've been doing a lot of prefishing and it's been tough for us," says Godin. "We can catch a lot of fish, but we can't figure out where the big ones are."

Anglers gather tonight for the official rules meeting.

Changes to Moose Tag Transfers Considered

Ontario residents have until Thursday to comment on a proposed change that could impact the transfer of moose tags among hunters.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to prohibit hunters from passing their tags onto another in consecutive years.

Wildlife Management Coordinator Tosh Gierek says its based on input received at public meetings last year.

"The way it works right now is that they can transfer a tag as often as they wish," says Gierek. "What we heard from hunters was they had some concerns with that."

If approved, the new regulation could be in place for the 2011 hunting season.

Wage Freeze Talks Today

The Ontario government today begins the difficult task of preparing its public sector unions and employers for a wage freeze.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will meet union leaders and employers who run institutions such as hospitals, schools and universities to talk about capping salaries.

About 350,000 non-unionized public-sector workers had their wages frozen in the March budget.

Probe into Government Ministries Launched

The OPP plans to release more details today about a criminal probe into some financial deals involving government ministries and outside vendors.

Raids were conducted last Thursday at several ministries, but police won't comment on the allegations or if charges are pending.

A senior government source stressed that the investigation did not involve elected officials or political staff.

The raids took place around buildings in Toronto housing several ministries such as Energy and Infrastructure, Education and Consumer Services.

Kids Kick off Tournament

(Damon Nyberg (far right) poses with Kent (far left) and Steve Ballan after a first place finish in this year's Kids Pro Tournament)


An area youngster teamed up with former champions of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship to win this year Canada Safeway Kids Pro tournament.

Damon Nyberg, fishing with 2001 champs, Kent and Steve Ballan, combined for almost 12 pounds of fish in yesterday's event.



"We caught a pretty big one," says Damon. "Our awesome netter (Kent Ballan), one of the fish spit out the lure, as soon as he netted, spit out the lure, but he quickly got it. That was awesome."



A total of 30 kids took part.

Vote Fort Frances as Ultimate Fishing Town Canada

Fort Frances has now been nominated for the title as Canada's Ultimate Fishing town.

It's a contest sponsored by the World Fishing Network.

TV Host Mariko Izumi says the winner will get $25-thousand in prizes.

"Whether it be the photos, videos or essays, the main thing is to get as many people to submit as much content about your town," says Izumi. "If you do that, you have a good chance of winning, no matter where you are located."

Voting will start August 17.

Boat Operator Licensing Changes

Some changes are in store for the test to get a pleasure craft operator card.

That card is now needed to operator a motorized boat of any type.

Cameron Taylor of BOATSmart! Canada says Transport Canada is looking new test questions.

"BOATSmart Canada has been lobbying the government to make the exam questions more applicable and more difficult to really test the boater's knowledge," says Taylor.

The new tests, which increases the number of questions from 36 to 50, will be administered starting in September.

It's estimated thousands of Canadians are still do not have their operator's license.

The fine for not having an operator's card is $250.00.

Jeffrey Speaks with Native Leaders

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey is touring area first nations to discuss the Far North Act.

Jeffrey says she's been given a bum rap when it comes to consulting area first nations.

"Ideally we would have enough time that everyone would be able to get know the bill and be comfortable with it," says Jeffery. "I don't have that luxury. I have to be back in the legislature in September where they will be clause-by-clause consideration of the bill."

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says the Minister has to realize that decisions can't solely be made in Toronto and expect First Nations to accept them.

Hospital Losses Mounting

For the second year running, more than a third of Ontario hospitals are bleeding red ink.

Sixty-one of the province's 159 public hospitals reported a deficit in the last fiscal year that ended March 31, according to figures obtained from Ontario's 14 local health integration units.

Northern hospitals appear to be falling behind more than their southern counterparts.

In the four most northern regions of the province, 31 hospitals were in the red, up from 20 in the previous year.

Riverside Health Care Facilities reported a loss of $474-thousand dollars at its hospitals in Emo, Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Prescribed Burn Planned

An area of forest, knocked down by a huge wind storm five years ago, could be the site of a prescribed burn this fall.

Mike Kitney of the Ministry of Natural Resources says the proposed burn of 112 hectares near Pekagoning Lake, 50 kilometres northwest of Atikokan, will help them determine how fire reacts in the area.

"We have a fuel rating system known as the Canadian Forest Fire Danger rating system," says Kitney, "and the blowdown fuel type that we're seeing in the forest isn't actually recognized. So there's a bit of a knowledge gap. So the biggest thing we'll get out of this is bridging that knowledge gap."

Kitney says a successful outcome could lead to additional burning within the blowdown.

Firefighters Return

Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters who were helping fight fires in Manitoba are back home.

More than 60 firefighters and support staff along with equipment and aircraft had been in the province since June 20.

They return to a quiet fire situation with 13 active fires in northwestern Ontario, most in the remote north.

Bass Championship Set-Up

Set-up for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship at the Memorial Sports Centre is underway.

Both arenas will be utilized - the 52 Canadians Arena for the weigh-ins with entertainment happening in the Ice for Kids Arena.

Volunteers wanting to help out can do so by visiting the Sports Centre.

Kids Pro On Tap Sunday

Kid anglers will take to the waters this Sunday for the start of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

More than thirty youngsters will join pro-anglers in the annual Kids Pro tournament.

Organizer Linda Plumridge says the anglers involvement helps make the event a success.

"we have a great list of anglers from previous winners," says Plumridge. "I think the kids are going to have a great day."

The youngsters will be vying for a number of prizes in the catch-and release event.

While the main fishing tournament is happening at the Memorial Sports Centre, the weigh-ins for the Kids Pro take place at the Sorting Gap Marina 3:30 p.m.

Railroad Dazes Underway

Railroad Dazes are underway in the town of Rainy River.

Festivities today include a seniors' picnic this afternoon, a family fun carnival night at the arena and a slow pitch tournament.

The annual festival wraps up Sunday.

Missing Man Found

An 89-year-old Sioux Lookout man who had been the subject of a search yesterday has been found safe in Manitoba.

Police say Michael Marcyniuk was found near Falcon Lake after his vehicle was spotted on the side of the highway by an resident from Ignace.

Another Swimming Advisory Issued

Another beach in northwestern Ontario has been found with high levels of e-coli bacteria.

The Northwestern Health Unit is urging people not to swim at Ear Falls Beach.

Last week, swimming advisories were issued for beaches in Emo and Rainy River.

Herbicide Spraying Planned

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planning to apply herbicides to about 77 hectares of state land in the Baudette area over the next month.

It's done to help control vegetation and establish new forest.

Spraying will begin this month and end around August 15.

No Lyme Disease Detected Here

Health officials with the Northwestern Health Unit are on the watch following two confirmed cases of lyme disease in Thunder Bay.

Public Health Inspector Kurt Casey says so far, there's been no signs of the disease in this area.

"We don't have any confirmed cases of lyme disease for humans," says Casey. "Right now the Health Unit just practicing education for the public. Any time a deer tick is found on a human we send it away for testing for the bacteria."

Casey says the heavy season for deer ticks ends in mid-July.

Miss Teen Canada-World Prelims Start

It's a big day for Felicia Schmutz.

The district's hopeful at this year's Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in Toronto begins a preliminary event aimed at weeding the more than 60 girls entered to a final twenty for Saturday's final.

The 18-year-old Emo resident is hoping to be one of the finalists.

Public can also lend their support by voting for her on-line.

The top voter getting in the on-line vote earns a berth to the final.

Schmutz says the week so far has been chocked full of special events and she's forged new friendships with the other contestants.

Food Recalls Issued

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canada Safeway are warning the public not to serve or consume various store-made and Signature Cafe brand salads because they may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The recall is being initiated because the salads may contain a ready-to-eat romaine-based salad recalled by Fresh Express Incorporated of California.

The romaine-based salads come with a Best Before dates of July 14 and 15.

Brand-Product-Size-UPC

None - Garden Salad - 300 g - 214735
None - Busy Chef Salad - Various - 214516
None - Chicken Caesar Salad - Various - 219393
None - Greek Salad -Various - 210585
Signature Cafe - Asian Chicken Salad - 369 g - 0 58200 13080 5
Signature Cafe -Chicken Caesar Salad - 354 g - 0 58200 13086 7
Signature Cafe - Cobb Salad - 457 g - 0 58200 13082 9
Signature Cafe - Seafood Salad - 440 g - 0 58200 13107 9
Signature Cafe - Santa Fe Salad - 499 g - 0 58200 13084 3
Signature Cafe - Buffalo Chicken Side Salad - 215 g - 0 58200 13098 0
Signature Cafe - Caesar Side Salad - 140 g - 0 58200 13103 1
Signature Cafe - Garden Fresh Side Salad - 170 g - 0 58200 13105 5
Signature Cafe - Spicy Thai Chicken Side Salad - 200 g - 0 58200 13096 6


The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is also warning northwestern Ontario residents not to eat Freybe brand head cheese.

The Agency says the product may be contaminated with salmonella.

All products sold up to and including July 14 are affected by the recall.

The C-F-I-A says it may have been sold from deli counters or repackaged at the store.

MNR Employee Sentenced

A man working for the Ministry of Natural Resources in Thunder Bay has been convicted of child pornography charges and sentenced to 14 days in jail.

A government spokesman says David Laderoute's 18-year career with the public service has ended.

He used a computer at the Thunder Bay Ministry of Natural Resources office to access pornographic websites.

Ulitmate Fishing Town Contest

Several northwestern Ontario communities are battling for the title as Canada's Ultimate Fishing town.

It's a contest sponsored by the World Fishing Network with the winner getting 25-thousand dollars in prizes.

Bids so far have come from Kenora, Dryden and Thunder Bay, but none from the Rainy River district.

Nominations close August 2.

Steadystate Economic Promoted

A Toronto man is cycling across Canada trying to generate awareness of a concept that keeps the world economy stable than trying to make it grow.

In Fort Frances yesterday, Jordan Poppenk says increased interest in a green-economy is making it important to adopt a so-called steadystate economic.

"The arguments always given for the growth model is that its a way of increasing resources and reducing poverty," says Poppenk. "We haven't seen that happen. We could actually focus on those problems if we take the focus off of growth.

Poppenk is asking people to sign an on-line petition that will be forwarded to world leaders to consider.

Health Survey of Students Released

Junior and senior high school students in northern Ontario are more likely to be overweight or obese than there counterparts in southern Ontario.

Doctor Robert Mann of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health says that finding in a recent survey was somewhat surprising.

"I was a bit surprised," says Dr. Mann, "because I see the difference in the kinds of opportunities that young people have to go out and participate in unsupervised and unstructured physical activity outside in the north as compared to say in a dense, crowded, urban environment."

Mann says the survey also found a high number of students, 30 per cent, showing high rates of physiological stress.

Marriage Services Expanded

The town of Fort Frances will now offer civil marriage services in other communities.

New fees were put in place this week in response to a number of requests from non-resident couples seeking the town's marriage services.

The fees for services done in town range from $375 to $437.

Marriages performed outside the town will cost $490 plus extra costs for travel and time.

Atikokan EDC Receives Funds

The federal government is contributing $375-thousand to the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation.

The money allows the agency to offer new and existing small and medium-sized businesses repayable loans, equity and loan guarantees.

Similar funding last year helped the Corporation assist more than 17 area businesses and maintain 48 jobs.

Eye Van Visits Fort Frances

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind's Eye Van visits Fort Frances this week.

It will be located at Rainycrest Long Term Care beginning today until July 23rd.

Along with eye care services, specialized diabetes educators will be on site to provide diabetes screening.

The Fort Frances Community Clinic will also be providing lower leg assessments today and next Wednesday.

Outreach Program Gets Funds

Lakehead University will be providing science classes to kids across Northwestern Ontario for another three years.

The university received $36,000 in grant money for its outreach program.

L.U. student Brenda Magajna says the program is designed for grades 7 to 12.

"We're trying to give them a feel for what kind of things they could be doing if they went into the field of science and biotechnology," says Magajna. "We do an outbreak activity where all they are doing is exchanges pieces of paper and we discuss how germs are spread. So we're talking a little of epidemiology."

In the past, the workshops have been held in Fort Frances, Dryden and Atikokan.

Roller Derby Planned For September

The first ever roller derby game to be played in Fort Frances is being planned for this fall.

Officials with the Fort Freakshow Derby Dolls have set September 11 as a tentative date for their first game.

An opponent has yet to be determined.

Meantime, the Derby Dolls will continue fundraising efforts with its Black and Blue Ball scheduled for this Saturday night at the Fort Frances Legion.

Raw Sewage By-Passes Plant

The town of Fort Frances says it was forced to send more than 9-thousand cubic meters of untreated sewage into the Rainy River earlier this month.

The by-pass of the sewage treatment plant happened during two large rainfalls on July 1 and July 4.

Operations and Facilities manager Doug Brown says sump pumps still tied into the system were also a factor.

"We got a little scare here, but we have very little control," says Brown. "If we keep dumping our sump pumps from our ground water weeping tile systems for our foundations into the sanitary sewer system, we're still going to create these problems."

Brown says it was the first time the town has by-passed the plant since March 2006.

Abitibi Fined

Abitibi-Consolidated has been fined $125-thousand for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

It relates to an August 2008 incident at the Fort Frances mill in which three people, including a student worker, were injured by an arc flash while they were working on a paper machine.

The two electricians suffered first, second and third-degree burns while the student suffered first degree burns.

The company has since implemented a number of initiatives to prevent a similar occurrence.

Smoke Free Parks Promoted

The Northwestern Health Unit is asking area municipalities to help make its parks and playgrounds smoke free.

Chair, and Fort Frances Councillor John Albanese says they're calling for signs to be erected that asks people not to smoke in areas frequented by young people.

"(It's) to discourage people from lighting up a cigarette," says Albanese. "It's not enforceable. It's just a caution for people to respect the healthy lungs these young kids have."

Albanese says several communities including Fort Frances, Emo and Dryden are supporting the voluntary initiative.

The Health Unit is paying for the signs while participating communities cover the cost of installing them.

Third Street Repairs Continue

It's going to take another two days before repairs to a sink hole on Third Street East in Fort Frances are completed.

The hole was due to a break in a sanitary sewer pipe that was discovered Saturday.

Town officials says repairs, which have led to a closure of the road between Portage and Mowatt Avenues, should be finished by tomorrow night.

College Camps for Youngsters

Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances is providing a number of educational camps for young people this summer.

The first, a beginner culinary camp, began yesterday.

Program officer Kathy Egan says it expands on a program offered last year.

"I did culinary ones last year, "says Egan, "and they were so popular that I decided to open the selection up to this age group, 11 to 15 age-group, because there appears to be a need."

Egan says some, like the sports camp, are full, but others still have some spaces available.

Mining Deal Signed

Ontario has signed a memorandum of understanding with India's Ministry of Mines.

Minister Michael Gravelle says the agreement shows that the two can work together on a broad range of mineral projects.

"We have extra-ordinary high class technological expertise which is of great interest to the mining industry in India as they begin to develop and grow that industry," says Gravelle. "We see some opportunities certainly from our perspective in terms of job creation in our mining supply and services sector."

Gravelle says the agreement will also benefit the northwest by bringing more jobs to the region.

More Ticks in Thunder Bay

Another lyme disease positive tick has been turned in to the Thunder Bay Health Unit.

The tick was plucked off of a human who picked up the tick within Thunder Bay's city limits.

It's the second positive test for Lyme disease in a tick since the health unit started monitoring and testing in 2005.

Broadband Expansion

More homes in the remote northwest will be getting high speed internet.

Federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews says the project will be completed by the end of next year by three companies, TBay Tel, Spectrum Telecom Group, and Galaxy Broadband Communications.

There are about 45 hundred households that will benefit.

The over $8-million cost is being split between the federal and provincial governments.

Small Forest Fires Reported

Another relatively quiet weekend for forest fires in northwestern Ontario.

Just three new blazes were reported over the past three days.

One of the fires was located on an island on Lake of the Woods just north of Morson.

Life Jacket Use Promoted

The OPP Marine Unit has launched a new campaign on Lake of the Woods promoting life jacket use.

Members of the Marine Unit handed out red t-shirts over the weekend to kids proclaiming, "I got caught wearing my life jacket".

The OPP says while most of the t-shirts were handed out to youth, some adults were also rewarded.

Castin' For Cash Winners

Strong catches on both days of the tournament helped the team of Jon Evans and Gus McFaddin win Lake Despair Lodge's Castin' for Cash bass fishing tournament over the weekend.

The pair combined for a two-day weigh of 29.35 pounds of bass.

That was almost a pound more than the team of Kevin Caul and Ted Heyens who placed second.

A total of 68 teams competed.

Julian Austin to Judge Quest

One of the artists playing at this year Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship will also be a judge for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Quest for the Best.

Julian Austin will join John McEvoy, B-93's own Adam Armit and a presently unnamed individual in determining the best vocalist in the Borderland July 22st

Austin's will then perform the next night with George Canyon.

Swimming Advisories Issued

The Northwestern Health Unit has issued swimming advisories at two beaches in the Rainy River district.

Warning signs were posted at Emo beach and Rainy River beach late yesterday after higher than expected levels of E-coli bacteria were discovered during routine water testing.

High e-coli levels can pose a number of health issues for swimmers, including skin, eye, nose and throat infections and gastrointestinal illness.

The advisories will remain in effect until further testing reveals more satisfactory results.

Pither's Point Park Position Outlined

The town of Fort Frances has used a high-gloss pamphlet to outline its position regarding the issues around Pither's Point Park and surrounding lands.

The pamphlet was mailed to residents this week.

It says the town has made many attempts to settle disputes with area First Nations, including offering what it claims to be a financial proposal based on fair market value, but all of its proposals have been rejected.

The town recently won a court motion to continue operating the park which First Nations are attempting to appeal.

Bears Spotted

Officials in Fort Frances say the number of bear sightings in the town are in the "normal range'' this year.

There have been 20 reported sightings since the first one back on April 30.

Garbage is a big draw for the bruins.

Officials says people can help minimize the problem by putting out their garbage on the morning of collection.

Miss Northwestern Ontario heads to Toronto

(Photo Courtesy http://feliciaschmutz.onsugar.com/)

Felicia Schmutz heads to Toronto today where she's taking part in this year's Miss Teen Canada-World Pageant.

The representative for northwestern Ontario says she's received tremendous local support in her bid for the title and is looking forward to meeting the over 60 other young women who are taking part.

"I'm just so excited because of things I've hearing about the event," says Schmutz. "On Sunday night it's going to be a whole night about Free the Children. And also meeting these girls. I've been reading their blogs and got to know them."

Schmutz says she received tremendous support from the area and sponsors who helped her make the trip.

Area residents can show they're support for Schmutz by voting for her in the people choice category by going to http://www.missteencanadaworld.com/this_year/contestants

Teaching Jobs Limited

A federal agency is suggesting the prospects of finding a teaching job in an elementary school in northwestern Ontario over the next few years will be limited.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada says the profession currently is relatively young with only about a quarter of all teachers now employed over the age of fifty.

Declining enrolments and school closures are also cited as having on impact on job prospects.

The agency says prospects are better for teachers who willing to relocate to remote or First Nation communities or work casual or on-call.

Castin' For Cash Starts

Lake Despair Lodge, north of Devlin, kicks off its tenth annual Casting for Cash this weekend with over sixty angler teams competing in the annual bass fishing tournament.

Nellie Godin says there will be plenty of events around the two day tournament.

"After the weigh-ins on Friday evening there's a big fish-fry supper," says Godin. "There are food booths here who don't care for fish. Then there will be little music afterward. On Saturday after the weigh-ins and presentations we have some more music and dancing."

Fishing gets underway at 8 a.m. with the weigh-ins scheduled for 4 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

Access Roads in Rough Shape

The Ministry of Natural resources is advising people to use caution while travelling on resource access roads.

They say not all roads receive regular maintenance and could be a danger to travellers.

The risks include washouts, water over the road, and heavy rutting.

The advisory comes following last weekend's heavy rainfall across northwestern Ontario.

Fire Hazard Remains Low

High humidity levels are helping to control the forest fire hazard in northwestern Ontario.

Jeff Antoszek of the Ministry of Natural Resources says there is enough moisture in the air to keep forest from getting tinder dry.

"Even though it is hot and muggy out, the fire hazard isn't increasing at the same rate," says Antoszek. "In the spring time when it is very warm and dry, the fire hazard escalates very quickly."

The fire hazard in the Rainy River district is currently low.

Parade of Boats Returns

The Parade of Boats is returning to the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

It's being renamed the Boston Pizza Parade of Boats following a sponsorship agreement with the local restaurant operator Dale Fortes.

"When we learning it wasn't part of the Bass tournament last year we were disappointed but understood the reasons for it," says Fortes. "We have the opportunity with Boston Pizza to bring it back and make sure the fans are treated to the Parade of Boats."

As part of its commitment, the restaurant will award $1,000 in cash to the best dressed boat as voted by parade-goers.

Forest Tenure Opposed

The Ontario Forest Industry Association is calling on the provincial government to cancel its plans to reform the forest tenure process.

President Jamie Lim says it's going to have a negative impact on the forest industry.

"It's going to increase costs for the forest sector," says Lim. "It's going to reduce efficiencies. It's going to create a reduction in wood supply in the provincial and local levels. Most importantly it going to create an absolutely large degree of uncertainty."

The Association is part of a province wide coalition made up of unions, forestry groups, municipalities and business leaders voicing their opposition to the changes how the province's forest are allocated and managed.

However, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association isn't taking a stand for or against the province's proposed reforms.

President Anne Krassilowsky says there's too diverse a forest industry for them to determine if the province's proposed changes is right for the region.

New Attorney for I. Falls

(New City Attorney Steven Shermoen with International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason)


The city of International Falls has a new attorney.

Local lawyer Steven Shermoen takes over from Joe Boyle who will retire at the end of this month.

First Nations Leader Coming to Fort Frances

A British Columbia First Nations leader, who's been identified as one of the "Top Fifty Canadian to Watch" by MacLeans Magazine is coming to Fort Frances.

Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos will be a keynote speaker at the Northern Networks Trade Conference hosted by the town in September.

Since 1985, Louie's leadership has helped his band become a multi-faceted corporation that owns nine businesses employing hundreds of people.

Bass Tournament Nearing

Organizers of this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship are making a final push for more anglers, sponsors, volunteers and spectators.

The event will be held for the first time indoors at the Memorial Sports Centre in less than two weeks.

Chair Tom Fry says the need for volunteers is just a critical.

"There still some things happening at the Sorting Gap Marina," says Fry. "That's where the boats will be coming out and going in. All that stuff that took place before is still going to be happening but now we have to get them over to the arena and inside. It's split venue that's going to require a few more volunteers."

Fry says there's also room for more angler teams.

Those interested can register by visiting the Championship office at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce building or by calling 274-0316.

Rain Hurting Crop Research

The weather has not been a friend to the Emo Agricultural Research Station this year.

More than 90 mm or 3.5 inches of rain has been record in early parts of July already.

Research technician Kim Jo Bliss says rainfalls this summer are having a huge impact on their
ability to conduct research.

"Our crops are showing signs of stress, turning yellow and falling down, or lodging, because of the heavy rains," says Bliss. "We're late getting our forages, our hay and pasture crops off the ground and we're still trying to plant stuff."

Bliss says the area has tile drainage, but its been unable to cope with the amount water received.

She says the full impact of the excess water won't be known until they begin collecting data later in the year.

West June

The month of June turned out to be a wet month in the Borderland.

Climatologist Sandy Radecki says the 156 millimetres of rain that fell far exceeded normal levels.

"Typically you only get about 113 mm," says Radecki. "It came in the early part of the month. The latter part of the month was fairly dry. The first part of the month is seemed as if it was rainy every other day."

In fact, the weather station at the Fort Frances airport recorded rain on 21 of 30 days last month.

The average temperature for the month was 15 C, a degree lower than normal.

Caul Bridge Work Clarified

One lane of traffic will be kept open when work crews are on site at Caul Bridge on McIrvine Road in Fort Frances this summer.

Officials with the town and White Contracting confirmed the work schedule yesterday.

Northbound traffic will be required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Crews will not be on site on weekends allowing for both lanes to open.

The rehabilitation of the bridge is expected to complete by August 20.

Ball Fields Renamed

(One of two fields at Kerry Park to be renamed)


The city of International Falls is renaming two of its ball fields after two prominent figures in the city's sports community.

The fields at Kerry Park will be renamed in honour of Roger Jerome and Roger Bolstad.

Both men died earlier this year.

Jerome was active in many sports organizations, including the men's slow-pitch league.

Bolstad was prominent figure with the city's fastball teams.

A dedication ceremony is to be held at a later date.

Weststar Aquires Land

Another mining company is about to move into the Rainy River district.

Vancouver based Weststar Resources is paying out $175-thousand and 3-million in shares to acquire claims located north of Rainy River Resources' gold project in Richardson township.

The company has started the process towards further exploration.

Beardy Chats with Queen

The Grand Chief of the Nishbawbe Aski Nation is feeling good after his meeting with the Queen.

Stan Beardy met with her majesty prior to her departure from Toronto yesterday.

He says it was important she met with him because it means she respects First Nation's treaty rights.