Snow Removal Policies Discusssed

The town of Fort Frances is adding more resources to help deal with snow removal this winter.

Five contractor trucks will join town crews over the next ten days.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says they understand the frustration by some residents, but the town is following its policies.

"We know that we have to react," says Brown, "but there's nothing telling us, other than our policy to prioritize, there's no regulation that we're not meeting. We are doing it to the best of our ability in the most cost effective manner for our community."

Brown says Fort Frances has seen more snow this year than it has over the past few winters.

The town budgets about $500-thousand each year for snow removal.

Brown says it spent more than $320-thousand in 2010, compared with the $47-thousand in 2009.

More Surveillance Cameras Installed

There will be more eyes watching over Fort Frances' Memorial Sport Centre and Public Library.

The town is spending over 6-thousand dollars to install more surveillance cameras.

Mayor Roy Avis says it may help curb acts of vandalism.

"The community service committee sat down and looked at it and felt this was a good way in order to track the damage that's being done at that facility," says Avis, "and being done at the new Public Library."

Two of the six new cameras will be pointed at the Library and Skate Park.

More Wood Allocations Coming: Gravelle

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says he understands Atikokan Renewable Fuel's disappointment.

The company says it was forced to lay off staff because it hasn't received a wood allocation from the province.

Gravelle says announcements are coming soon.

"I know they're very, very keen to get the results of our wood supply competition," says Gravelle. "I'm very conscience of the urgency for Mr. Fukushima and to know where things are at. I'm doing what I can to get that resolved as quickly as possible."

Gravelle says he did meet with forestry officials in Toronto to discuss future wood allocations.

Oberstar to be Honoured

The city of International Falls is planning to name its new riverfront complex project in honour of long-time U-S Congressman James Oberstar.

Mayor Shawn Mason says Oberstar was instrumental in helping the city get the project off the ground.

"He understood our vision and he embraced it," says Mason, "and he said what can I do to help."

Oberstar will be honoured when the first phases of development which include the new Voyageur National Park headquarters and amphitheatre are opened July 2.

Oberstar was defeated in November's general election after more than 36 years as the area's representative in Washington.

NOMA Happy with Lobby Efforts

Area municipal officials believe the advocacy work of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is paying off.

Acting president and Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown says NOMA's ability to speak directly to provincial cabinet ministers allowed them to tackle several issues of concern in 2010.

"From all of these meetings we've noticed some changes made for the betterment," says Brown. "We have the ability to meet with the ministers when there is a need to do and we'll continue to do that in 2011."

Brown feels with a provincial election on the way, NOMA will like get increased attention from all parties.

Deer Study

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota are launching a pilot research project to better understand the movements and habitat of white-tailed deer in northwestern Minnesota.

Researchers plan to place satellite-linked radio collars to track the movement of eighteen deer over the next fifteen months.

Part of the study is to determine if deer are using farmed areas more frequent than nearby forest and wildlife management areas.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels Still Waits for Wood

A partner in the company Atikokan Renewable Fuels says they've been forced to lay off most of their employees because they are still waiting for a wood allocation from the Province.

Ed Fukushima says the process is flawed and he's disappointed.

"It's problematic, "says Fukushima. "If there's a deadline set it should be met. We've got a major investment up there in Atikokan. It cost us to heat the building which is not producing any income. We're paying taxes up there and we have potential jobs for some northerners. There's no reason why this project shouldn't go forward."

The plant proposes to make pellets for Ontario Power Generation, but Fukushima says time is working against them.

New Detachment to Open Soon

Treaty Three Police Service is hoping to have their new detachment at Couchiching First Nations up and running in the near future.

Chief Conrad Delaronde says they are just putting the finishing touches to the facility.

"We should be taking possession of it hopefully in the early part of the new year," says Delaronde. "It's almost done. It's on Agency One land and it's going to be out southern detachment serving communities in that area."

Delaronde says they also want to expand their drug unit and enhance their administrative services in the new year.

Board Finances Strong

The Rainy River District School Board appears to be in a good financial position.

Audited statements to the end of August released show the board enjoyed a surplus of $1.9 million.

The surplus was due to an increase in government grants and a decrease in expenditures.

The money has been moved into the board's reserve fund for future use.

Violence Against Aboriginal Women Hearings

Violence against aboriginal women will be discussed in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay this week.

The Status of Women committee is traveling across Canada.

British Columbia MP Cathy McLeod says they want to hear from community members.

"(We want to) Naming violence and saying it's not okay and sharing that with the children," says McLeod. "How can we really take the good things that are happening and imbed it in a more widespread way."

McLeod says they will be releasing a report to the federal government in the spring.

Invasive Species Plan Unveiled

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has unveiled its plan to slow the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

It includes additional conservation officers to inspect boats and other vehicles that spread invasive species as well as increased fines for violations.

It will be presented to state lawmakers on Friday.

Ice Box Days Gets Attention in England

(City of International Falls photo)

Some International exposure over the weekend for International Falls and its Ice Box Days.

Chamber president Faye Whitbeck was the guest Saturday on a London, England based radio program to talk about the event.

Whitbeck says the hosts inquired mostly about turkey bowling, comparing the frozen birds to actual bowling balls and wondering where you placed your hands.

NDP Promise HST Cut on Energy Bills

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath continues to attack the McGuinty Government's failure to remove the HST from hydro, and home heating bills.

Horwath says northerners especially are struggling and need a break.

Horvath says if her party is elected she would remove the HST from home heating oil and natural gas.

McGuinty Future

A broadcast report says Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is hinting that he may not serve a full third term if his Liberal party wins re-election in October.

In an interview with CTV News, McGuinty hedged about his future when asked if he would serve out four years.

McGuinty said he was " not going to speculate as to how long,'' but was committed to seeing through the policies the Liberals have put in place.

McGuinty first led to Liberals to power in 2003.

Natural Helpers Program at Fort High

(Fort Frances High School teacher Shane Beckett explaining Natural Helpers Program at recent Rainy River District School Board meeting)


Students at Fort Frances High School are benefiting from a program that offers help from their own peers.

The Natural Helpers program was established two years and involves a group of students selected in part by the student body.


Grade 11 student Kennadi Herbert says there's satisfaction to lending a hand.

"It's hard helping people and hard constantly being there and listening to every one's problems," says Hebert, "but when you get that thank you or that smile or that 'you helped me so much' it makes it all worth it."

The group participates in monthly training sessions, including on suicide identification.

Limited Snowmo Trails Open in Park

(Voyageurs National Park photo)


Voyageurs National Park is reporting many of ski and snowshoe trails are open, but only two of its snowmobile trails are fit for use.

Among them, the entire 50 mile length of the Green Trail from Rainy Lake, through the Kabetogama Lake and Ash River communities and on to Crane Lake.

The Park says thin ice conditions are preventing other trails from opening.

DNR Commish Named

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has selected a seasoned conservationist to head the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Tom Landwehr, formerly of the Nature Conservancy's Minnesota chapter, becomes commissioner of natural resources, a position that requires balancing varied economic and recreational interests.

Landwehr expects the state's deficit and two pending precious metals mining projects in northeastern Minnesota to be a big part of his new job.

Alzheimer Education

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora and Rainy River Districts is trying to raise awareness of the disease in 2011.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says a new survey suggests that 23 percent of baby boomers don't know some of the early signs of the disease.

"Some of the ten warning signs are memory loss that effect day to day abilities," says Moffatt. "Difficulty performing regular and familiar tasks such as preparing a meal or playing a game even."

Moffat says the risk of getting the disease also increases with age.

Prevention Program Put in Place

Riverside Health Care Facilities is taking a holistic approach in preventing patients from getting pressure ulcers.

They're often inflicted on those who remain in one position for too long.

Dee O'Sullivan-Drombolis says the new program benefits both patients and staff.

"It encompasses a lot of education," says O'Sullivan-Drombolis, "not just for staff, but also for patients and making sure you really understand what's going on and also implementing personalized care plans. First of all to be comfortable and to prevent from getting a fresh ulcer."

Staff recently completed a series of education sessions to implement the program this year.

Medical Hostel Suggested

A member of the Atikokan General Hospital board feels there's a need for an affordable place to stay in Thunder Bay for regional patients and their families traveling for medical purposes.

Marlene Davidson says a medical hostel could be an alternative to those who can't afford the $75 to $100 a night hotels.

"There should be a regional spot in Thunder Bay, like a hostel, where people can go to if they have someone in the Regional Hospital," says Davidson, "or someone who is doing testing or just coming out of the hospital that needs to have another day or two before they get on the road to go back to their own community."

Davidson envisions the hostel being similar to one in Thunder Bay set up for aboriginal people.

Collection Depot Open

Fort Frances' new recycling collection depot is now open.

The town's environmental superintendent Doug Herr says the facility on Sixth Street West allows residents to drop of acceptable recyclables at any time of the day.

"There are four bins that you feed through the fence to put your recycling in to," says Herr. "When the bins are full we'll dump them into the recycling building on the same property and put the bins back.

Herr says the town will be monitoring the site regularly to ensure things such as tires and household waste aren't dropped off.

A $75-thousand grant from Waste Diversion Ontario aided in the facilities construction.

Emergency Aid Fund Bolstered

KOOTASCA Community Action has received financial support from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

The foundation is giving the Koochiching County agency $20-thousand.

The money will be set aside for eligible residents facing emergency or crisis situations and needing financial help for such things as heating, housing or transportation.

NAN Chief Heading Down Under

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is traveling to New Zealand next week.

Stan Beardy will be taking part in a conference that will look at environmental issues.

He'll be one of the panel speakers representing first nations living in the boreal forest.

Shaw E-Mail Coming to Internet Users

Shaw Cable will be sending its Internet customers warnings about illegal downloading.

Warner Brothers Entertainment is apparently asking Shaw to send emails advising customers that it is illegal to download copyrighted music and movies.

Shaw president Peter Bissonette says the company is simply complying with a copyright agreement between all broadcast distributors and copyright holders.

New Fishing Summary Released

The new Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary is now out.

There are no changes to the rule governing lakes in the Rainy River district, but MNR Biologist Amy Godwin says that could change in the future.

"They're currently working on the management plan for the zone," says Godwin. "From there they will implement changes to the regulations if need be."

Godwin says the only change of any significant in northwestern Ontario for this year was a clarification of the northern pike season at Eagle Lake near Dryden.

Snow-a-Rama Approaching

Easter Seals is putting out a call for participants to this year's Snow-a-rama in Atikokan.

The January 29 event is a one hundred kilometre ride allowing snowmobilers to raise money for Easter Seals kids programs in northwestern Ontario.

Rhonda Harrison of the Easter Seals Thunder Bay office says it's one of their signature events.

"Atikokan is like the second biggest of all of Ontario," says Harrison. "It's one of the original Snow-a-Rama events. It's quite a following. It has people coming from all over to participate."

Registration and pledge forms can be found by going to the website http://www.snowarama.org/

Loverboy to Open New Amphitheatre.

The city of International Falls is turning to a well-known Canadian band to help open the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre this summer.

Loverboy will perform July 2.

Councillor Tim McBride says the city's proximity to Canada helped secure the Canadian rock band.

"Describing to their manager out in Vancouver where this is taking place, she called Reno and Dean up and they felt, yea, that a really appropriate place," says McBride.

Details on where to get the $20 U.S. ticket will be released later this month.

Assisted Living Facility Sought

There's a strong push in Fort Frances to develop an assisted living facility in the community.

The issue arose during discussions by a new seniors group that's looking at the safety of the town's seniors.

Chair Robert Schwartz feels there is a great need.

"Right now, once you're in your home or in a living facility the only other option is Rainycrest," says Schwartz. "A lot of people really don't want that. They want to stay in their own home. If they can't, they don't have much alternative."

Schwartz says among the issues being explored is the availability of funding.

School Board Meeting Interupted

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board made the unusual move of going behind closed doors midway through their meeting last night.

In-Camera discussions are normally held at the end of the regular agenda.

But chair Mike Lewis asked that the closed-door session to be moved up in case any decisions arising could be dealt in the open session before the public.

However, most of media and public attending, left before the in-camera session ended.

Greyhound Passengers Consider Lawsuit

Greyhound Bus passengers are considering legal action after being stranded for 15 hours on the weekend in White River, Ontario.

Paul Hitchin says they felt simply abandoned by the driver and got no help from the company.

"It was just a brutal experience," says Hitchin. "I've never seen a company do something like that to people and not care anymore. It's brutal.''

Greyhound is now apologizing, blaming weather for the delay, and says it is reviewing its protocols.

Pre-Budget Hearings Planned

Thunder Bay will be the only stop in northwestern Ontario for the province's pre-budget consultations later this month.

A provincial finance committee will hold hearings in several cities during the week of January 24.

Those wanting to make an oral presentation must contact the clerk of the committee by January 17.

Ice Box Days Approaching

(City of International Falls photo)

The city of International Falls is gearing up for another Ice Box Days.

The 31st annual affair begins January 12 with the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run the signature event.

Chamber President Faye Whitbeck is anticipating another large turnout.

"It's going along just great," says Whitbeck. "We're getting people entering every single day and for quite a few weeks now."

Registration can be done right up until race day, but on-line registration will come to an end this Friday.

Busing Policy Changes Expected

Some changes to the Rainy River District School Board's busing policy could be forth coming.

The board's transportation committee conducted a review of the existing policy prior to the Christmas.

It's looking at, among other things, changes that addresses the busing needs of students in a joint custody situation, require a brief change to where they're picked up or dropped off or want a ride to work.

The review came after some parents expressed concerns the existing policy was not flexible enough.

The committee is expected to review the proposed changes again later this month.

Natural Gas Bills Dropping

Union Gas customers in northwestern Ontario will see a slight decrease in their bills this month.

Spokesperson Kerry Dudley-Tatsu says it's good news especially during the cold winter months.

"For customers in the northern area, they're going to see a decrease of about a dollar per year on their total annual natural gas bill for the average customer for Union Gas," says Dudley-Tatsu.

The Ontario Energy Board approved a decrease in the cost of natural gas of about 2.3 cents per cubic metre.

Minnesota Legislature Opens

Minnesota legislators start a new session today.

House Democrat Tom Anzelc expects most of the debate this year centered around the state's massive deficit.

"we are $6.2 billion short," says Anzelc, "and we have anticipated build-in spending projected at about $38 billion for the next two year period. That's a very, very serious situation."

Anzelc, who represents Koochiching County, also anticipates a planned redraw of the legislative and congressional boundaries that could result in his district becoming larger.

Record Number of Jumpers at Polar Plunge

A record 71 participants jumped in Rainy Lake on New Year's Day as part of the annual Polar Plunge organized by the Voyageur Lions Club.

They raised a combined total of about $13,500 for various charities.

The Muskies Sports Association, comprised of students representing various Fort High teams, collected a high of $3,400 dollars.

Maureen Hahkala, dressed as the “Cat in the Hat,” raising money for the Rainy River District Festival for the Performing Arts was the winner of the best costume award.

The Voyageur Lions Club beat out the Emo Lions in their friendly challenge to earn a meal from the Emo club.

First Baby of 2011

The first baby born at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances was a boy.

Jaxson Speaker was born at 5:40 p.m. Saturday, weighing in at eight pounds, five ounces.

The proud parents are Whitney and Jeremiah Speaker of Rainy River, along with older sister, Kathleen.

1931 New Year's Day Baby Celebrates

(Dr. Robert Lidkea with wife Marg and granddaughter Piper)


One of the area's oldest New Year's Day babies celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday.


Fort Frances optometrist Dr. Robert Lidkea was the first baby born in North Bay in 1931.

He recalls the gifts given to his parents in honour.

"I got a small baby's diamond ring," says Lidkea, "and a supply of supply of bread, a supply of milk and diapers. Different gifts from the merchants in town."


Lidkea says he lost the diamond ring when he was a child.



He moved to Fort Frances upon his graduation from university in 1952.

B-93 News Top Stories - December 2010

Here is a list of some of the top news stories from the Rainy River district in December 2010.

Garry Donald Mathewson was sentenced to 66 months in jail and ordered to register with the Sexual Offenders Information Registry after being found guilty of three counts of Sexual Exploitation and a charge of Sexual Interference. The sentence relates to sexual assaults against three youths that took place in the Rainy River and Thunder Bay districts between 1992 and 1999.

The first ever Acts of Kindness fundraiser collected almost 20-thousand dollars for the Fort Frances Community Chest.

Newly elected municipal councils took office in December. Morley township councilors select Moe Henry as their new reeve, filing a vacant from the October municipal election.

Atikokan trustee Mike Lewis took over as chair of the Rainy River District School Board while Fort Frances trustee Anne-Marie Fitzgerald was re-elected chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

A group of parents whose children ride the bus to school called for changes to the Rainy River District School Board's transportation policies. Parents said existing policies don't meet their student needs.

Pam Cain announced she's stepping down as Fort France Museum curator to become the new executive director of the Thunder Bay-based Community Arts and Heritage Education Program.

Osisko Mining and several area First Nations signed a Resource Sharing agreement pertaining to Osisko's Hammond Reef project.

Nick Beyak, current owner of the GM dealership in Dryden, announced he's taking ownership of Sunset Country Ford in January.

Area residents help stuffed four OPP cruisers, 14 times with food and gifts for five area agencies as part of a Stuff-A-Cruiser campaign.

The town of Fort Frances purchased the former library building for a dollar, although exact plans for the building have not been determined.

The town of Fort Frances called for provincial help in dealing with rising policing costs.

A report from the Northwestern Health Unit suggested the cost for families in the Kenora-Rainy River district to eat healthy each month has risen 11 per cent over the past year.

The Rainy River District School Board and the Ontario Provincial Police secured $100-thousand in funding to train school staff in the area of threat assessment.

Fort Frances town councillors accepted a report in principal aimed at increasing the amount of materials collected for recycling in the town. The report makes nine recommendations.

The city of International Falls brought forth its 2011 budget that sees no levy increase.

Riverview Manor in Rainy River is among three facilities in the Kenora and Rainy River districts that will receive funding to expand home-care services.

Margaret Sedgwick, chief librarian at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre was identified as the winner of a distinguished award from the Ontario Library Boards' Association.

B-93 Top News Stories - November 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from November 2010.

The Rainy River District School board said it would to accelerate implementation of the third year in the province's early learning program. An additional class is to be established at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in September 2011.

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship adopted a new format for the 2011 tournament. It limits the field to 120 teams, giving more anglers a shot at winning a share of the prize money.

Joyce Cunningham was named the 23rd recipient of the Fort Frances Citizen of the year award.

International Falls' new border patrol facility officially opened. US Border Patrol staff share offices with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Vandals struck Pither's Point Park.

The town of Fort Frances estimates repairs to be as high as $5,000.

Fort Frances Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong announced his retirement. He's to end five years at the helm at the end of the year.

Fort Frances town councillors approved increases to the fees paid on most programs and services. Most fees go up about 1.7 per cent.

Safe Communities Rainy River District received a perfect score in a report card from Safe Communities Canada on the local groups efforts.

Family and Children Services Rainy River District celebrated 75 years with open houses in Fort Frances and Atikokan.

The town of Fort Frances called on Ottawa and the province for help in dealing with lineups of vehicles waiting to cross into the United States. Officials says taxpayers have been footing the entire bill for policing and managing the lines at the border, and believe the senior levels of government should contribute.

A Fort Frances woman won $25-thousand playing McDonald's Monopoly. Harriett Wagner uncovered the instant win prize during a recent visit to the McDonald's restaurant at the Fort Frances' Walmart.

Fort Frances town council finalized its purchase of the former F.H. Huffman School. Mayor Roy Avis says it's still uncertain what they will do with the site.

Richard Kabatay was arrested on a charge of attempted murder after a man was stabbed and another barricaded himself inside a home for several hours before surrendering to police.

B-93 Top Stories in October 2010

Here is a list of some of the top news stories in the Rainy River district from October 2010.

A coroner's jury made eight recommendations following an inquest in the August 2009 death of 21-year old Dylan Wreggitt at the Fort Frances jail.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton questioned Health Minister Deb Matthews in the legislature why some seniors in Fort Frances received letters suggesting they could leave the community and access a long-term care beds in Terrace Bay.

Riverside Healthcare Facilities officially opened a new comfort care room at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances for patients suffering with an illness and nearing their end of life.

Fort Frances High School's music department received a $10-thousand dollar Band Aid grant from MusiCounts for new instruments.

Community members and medical professionals gathered to bid Doctor Angus MacIntosh best wishes on his retirement. MacIntosh ended 39 years of medical practice in Fort Frances.

Former Fort Frances resident Roy Tighe man is seen appearing on television commercials for Mazda.

Fort Frances town councillors voted to rescind a previous decision to delay council pay hikes for two years and put them back in place for this December.

The Riverside Breast Health Program, which helped in the Rainy River district with early detection of breast cancer celebrated its 25th year.

211 service became available in the Rainy River district. It's a phone helpline that residents can call to access information on a variety of services and programs.

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board spent more than $430-thousand modifying some of the apartment for people using assisted devices.

Some new faces were elected to area municipalities and school boards in Civic Elections. Vince Sheppard was elected new Mayor of Emo. Ross Donaldson was elected Reeve of LaVallee township. Valerie Pizey in Lake of the Woods and Dennis Brown of Atikokan returned as mayors of their communities.

No elections were held in Fort Frances and Alberton where existing councils were acclaimed for another four years.

No one stepped forward for Reeve of Morley township, forcing council to decide how to fill the seat when they take office in December.

The Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team announced it received provincial funding to help keep the group active until next March. It also allow it to maintain coordinator Hugh Dennis.

The Valley Adult Learning Association opened the doors of its new surroundings in Fort Frances.

Leon's Fort Frances officially opened its doors to the public.

B-93 Top News Stories from September 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from September 2010.

Industry Minister Tony Clement visited Fort Frances. No local announcements were made, but Clement said it gave him an opportunity to view projects that had received FEDNOR money in the past.

Fort Frances welcomed a new doctor. Doctor Cynthia Saliba is a recent graduate of the University of Ottawa's medical school.

Teresa Hazel announced she was leaving as Riverside Foundation for Health Care director to take on a new position as CEO of Good Life for Young People Foundation.

Construction of the new school in Mine Centre got under.

Ontario Power Generation celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its coal-fired generating station in Atikokan with an open house.

Roller Derby came to Fort Frances with the newly formed Borderland Roller Derby team competing at the 52 Canadians Arena against a team from Winnipeg.

Weechi-ti-te-win Family Services is receiving $192-thousand from the province's aboriginal victims support grant program for a variety of programs.

Tour de Fort warns that if it doesn't sell more season-passports for this year, it won't be operating next season.

Fort Frances hosted Northern Network's Trade Conference with over 125 delegates from Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin attending.

Four area first nations lose an attempt to have a court ruling over the operation of Pither's Point Park overturned. The bands, along with the federal and provincial governments, launched an appeal after a court judge in April granted the town of Fort Frances the right to continue operating the park as a municipal park until the issue of ownership was resolved.

New organizers, a different route and good weather attracted over one-hundred people who raise over $11-thousand in the Terry Fox run in Fort Frances.

Rainy Lake Medical Centre curtails much of its operations after a water break floods the International Falls hospital. Patients are transferred to other hospitals until repairs can be completed.

Rainy River First Nation implemented a new employee drug program.

The town of Rainy River got some national exposure with a crew from the fishing program the Dimestore Fishermen in town to film segments around the Rainy River Walleye Tournament.

For the third time this year, the town of Fort Frances was forced to dump partially-treated sewer directly into the Rainy River because of a rain storm.

B-93 Top News Stories from August 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in August 2010.

Emo celebrated the opening of a new spray park at its waterfront.

Discussions got underway between Riverside Health Care Facilities, the Northwest Local Health Integration Network and the Health Ministry to find cost savings at Rainycrest Long Term Care. Nearly half of Riverside's $1.1 million shortfall this year is attributed to the Fort Frances home.

A grand opening of the Charleson Recreation Area in Atikokan was held.

The provincial government gave the go-ahead to plans by Bending Lake Iron Ore Group that could lead to a rehabilitation of the former Steep Rock Mine site in Atikokan.

International Falls city administrator Rod Otterness suggests the Fort and Falls work toward making the annual tug-of-war event into an international festival.

Tourist outfitters concerned about border policies were highlight when Illinois resident Paul Pepper speaks out about his experience at the Fort Frances crossing. The 55-year-old claims he was denied entry because of a criminal report dating back to his time in high school.

Area Conservatives selected Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann as their candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River in the next federal elections.

A total of ten people had to be rescued after strong winds capsized three boats on Rainy Lake near Brule Narrows.

Howarth's Home Centre announced it would become a Leon's store in September.

More details were released on the plan to bring Family and Children's Services Rainy River together with Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services next April. Officials say it will done with a clean financial sheet and no job loss.

Workers at the Ainsworth Mill in Barwick accepted a new four-year deal, avoiding a possible strike.

Canada's Ambassador to the United States Gary Doer visited International Falls and said he would look at how Canada can make it easier for Americans with minor convictions to cross the border.

Fort Frances and Atikokan began a study of their blue box recycling program that will help secure funding it receives from Waste Diversion Ontario.

Ontario Power Generation got provincial approval to its plans to convert the Atikokan coal-fired plant to burn biomass fuel.

A task force set up by the International Joint Commission began its work reviewing the management of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds with a series of public meetings.

The town of Fort Frances asked municipalities to contribute to the operating costs of its airport.

One person was killed in an industrial accident at the Boise mill in International Falls. The man was an outside contractor doing work in the lime recovery kiln.

B-93 News Top Stories from July 2010

Here is a list of some of the top stories in the Rainy River district from July 2010.

A wet start to the month with more than 6-centimetres of rain falling in less than three hours on Canada Day. The town of Fort Frances later revealed it was forced to send more than 9-thousand cubic meters of untreated sewage into the Rainy River because of the rains.

Weather also impacts research crops at the Emo Agricultural Research Station and area farmers' hay seasons.

Some residents lined-up to watch the Canada Day parade in Fort Frances were also witness to a float plane crashing into Rainy River yesterday morning. Two U.S. men escaped unharmed.

OPP divers recovered the body 43-year-old Robert Mainville of Couchiching First Nation who fell into the lake on Canada Day.

The Rainy River District School Board says it won't be offering any before or after school care for students attending full-day junior kindergarten at Atikokan's North Star School this fall because of a lack of interest from parents.

The Fort Frances Lions Club helped out an 11-year-old area boy hear many sounds for the first time. Carter Kinnear sports new hearing aids, paid for in part by the Lions.

Jon Evans and Gus McFaddin won Lake Despair Lodge's Castin' for Cash bass fishing tournament.

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

Emo's Felicia Schmutz competed at the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in Toronto.

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board yesterday awarded a contract worth $5.9 million to Thunder Bay-based Finnway General Contractor to build a new school in Mine Centre.

Cloverleaf Grocery proposed to set up a recycling collection depot and allowing non-profit groups to reap the benefits of items collected.

Unionized employees with the town of Fort Frances accepted a new two-year deal with a 3.5 per cent wage increase.

Provincial Police in Fort Frances charged 43-year-old Garry Donald Mathewson with a series of sex offence, some dating back almost twenty years ago.

Dorian Lindholm of Fort Frances with long-time fishing partner Bill Wilcox of Texas captured the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

A local manufacturing company Abzac is is sold to South Carolina-based Sonoco with most of the employees expected to lose their jobs by the end of October.

B93 Top News Stories for June 2010

Here are some of the top news stories from the Rainy River district in June 2010.

Members of the Couchiching First Nations brought down their toll booth on Highway 11 after nine days.

The Rainy River District School Board announced it would renamed the primary wing at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in honour of F.H. Huffman School that closes at the end of the month.

More than 280 residents gathered at the Memorial Sports Centre for a community appreciation dinner in honour of doctors in the Fort Frances area.

Rain forced official opening ceremonies of the tower and tugboat Hallet to be held indoors.
Dignitaries gathered at the Ontario Travel tourism centre to cut the ribbon for the two landmarks.

A soldier from the Fort Frances area has finally received his Medal of Military Valour.
Sergeant Russell Gregoire was presented the award for helping a group of soldiers to safety in Afghanistan in 2008.

Over $53-thousand was raised for the Canadian Cancer Society during the first ever Relay for Life event in Rainy River.

Movie Gallery Canada announced the closing its store in Fort Frances by the end of July. It's the town's last remaining video rental store.

Students and teachers, past and present, gathered to reminisce and enjoy talent from current students at an event to recognize the closing of Robert Moore School.

Library patrons and supporters gathered with staff, board members and dignitaries to mark the official opening of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.

Barbara Kwasnicia of Atikokan won Confederation College's highest awards a graduating student can receive - doing so by taking the Social Service Worker program through distance education - a first for the College.

Family and Children Services Rainy River and the Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services announced they're seeking provincial approval to merge next April.

The town of Atikokan begins the process of looking to replace its arena.

Alberton township council voted to allow group homes, but within certain parts of its township.
Changes to its zoning by-law came almost a year after Weechi-ti-win Family Services' failed attempt to relocate its training and learning center to the rural community.

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association voted to continue operating without the services of a full-time coordinator.

Employees and their families and area residents gathered in International Falls to mark the 100th anniversary of the paper mill in their community.

Provincial Police recovered the body 24-year-old Clayton Windigo from Rainy Lake. Windigo was diving from a bridge on Highway 11 in the area of Bear's Pass when he entered the water and failed to resurface.

B-93 Top News Stories for May 2010

Here are some of the top stories from Rainy River district in May 2010.

Ontario Provincial Police have charged one of their own in connection with two domestic dispute cases. His name nor the detachment where the seven-year OPP veteran worked was released in order to protect the name of the victim.

The town of Fort Frances sought federal funding to help chase deer away from the airport. The town is also seeking approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources on plans to deal with deer if funding doesn't come through.

A house fire in Atikokan has claimed the live of a woman in that community. 31-year-old Amy Rachel Lee was inside a home on MacKenzie Avenue East. An unidentified man was taken to Atikokan hospital and later transported to Winnipeg in serious condition.

Holocaust survivor Doctor Eva Olsson visited Fort Frances to help educate others about the consequences of hate and racism.

The owners of the former Fort Frances High School say they have plans to knock the old school down this year. Charlie Morken says its demolition may help them attract interest in the property.

Two Fort Frances landmarks re-opened to the public for the first time in more than a decade. A user pay system is put in place to climb the tower and board the Hallet on the waterfront.

Fort Frances Public Library staff and volunteers spent a weekend helping in the move of boxes of books and other materials to the new facility.

A new memorandum of understanding was signed between Rainy River Resources and seven area First Nations pertaining to the company's gold project north of Barwick.

Fort Frances town council finalized its 2010 budget bring forward an increase about about 3 per cent for most homeowners.

Riverside Foundation for Health Care received a sizable contribution from a long-time Fort Frances couple Eric "Doc" Johnson and his wife Sandra to establish an endowment fund for use at La Verendrye Hospital.

Couchiching First Nation followed through with its plans to set up a toll boot on Highway 11 near the Noden Causeway. OPP issued notices to those manning the toll to "discontinue their interference with traffic," but no arrests were made. The toll generates considerable discussion on the streets and on website discussion sites.

Municipalities agreed to a change in how they provide funding to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, despite concerns from Fort Frances. Councillor Sharon Tibbs says she was able to delay implementation until next year.

B93 Top Stories for 2010 - April

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in April 2010.

An early spring is good news for area golfers as Kitchen Creek opened the first week in April, its earliest ever.

The Rainy River District School Board promoted Heather Campbell as its new Education Director after serving as Superintendent of Education for the past four years.

Voyageur's National Park celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary in April while the Seven Generations Education Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Ten employees with North Air Taxi, including owner Paul Bock, received a million dollars after learning in March they'd won a 2009 Encore draw.

Derrick Lindgren became the new manager of AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances.

Some Fort Frances business owners proposed a revamp of the Downtown Business Improvement Association by setting up new committees overseeing BIA activities without paid staff.

Marie and Lynwood Anderson end their fight over a fence to keep deer off their property by announcing their picking up stakes and moving to New Brunswick.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board votes to re-designate trustee seats, moving a seat giving to Fort Frances to Sioux Lookout and adding a new seat to Atikokan.

Brendan Hyatt, principal of Our Lady of the Way School in Atikokan, was recognized by the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario as a regional principal of the year.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation proposed an enhancement of economic development services for the town of Fort Frances that includes more involvement by the town's economic development advisory committee.

A volunteer committee tasked with organizing Fun in the Sun and Canada Day Celebrations in Fort Frances says the event may not happen without financial support from the town and more volunteers by May.

18-year-old Felicia Schmutz of Emo earned the right to represent northwestern Ontario at the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant in July after competing for the Manitoba title in Winnipeg.

Couchiching First Nation announced plans to set up a toll both on Highway 11 near the Noden Causeway in May in their fight over unresolved issues with both the provincial and federal governments.

The town of Fort Frances is granted the right to continue its use and maintenance of Pither's Point Park. A Superior Court Judge who rules in favour of the town's request until either the issue of ownership can be resolved by the courts or by a further court order.

B93 Top Stories in 2010 - March

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in March 2010

The Rainy River District School Board stayed with Robert Moore as the name of its new elementary school in Fort Frances. A section of the school to open in September will be renamed after F.H. Huffman.

Rainy River Community College announced it would be reduce the tuition paid by new Ontario students to the same level paid by Minnesota students. The move is aimed at attracting more Canadians to the International Falls college.

A report commissioned by the town of Fort Frances makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the town's ability to attract and retain physicians. The key recommendation is creating an environment that welcomes doctors.

Former NHLer Theoren Fleury visits the Rainy River district to help promote his book "Playing with Fire" that outlines his career and past additions to drugs and alcohol. Fleury visited area schools, met with local hockey teams and spoke at a community forum.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty called on the public to make implementation of the harmonized sales tax an election issue. The two held an on-line discussion on the merging of the provincial and federal goods and services sales tax this July.

Area municipalities were being asked to reconsider the formula used to determine how much money they contributed toward social services in the district. The town of Atikokan put forward a formula based on each municipalities assessment.

An area businessman called on the town of Fort Frances reconsider any discussions of tearing down the former Rainy Lake Hotel. Mario Galluzo, president of Causeway Insurance, suggested the hotel could be renovated into a facility that helps foster the development of small businesses.

The town of Fort Frances opts not to accept any further weddings at Sunny Cove Camp after hearing concerns from an area hotel owner. Paul Noonan of La Place Rendez-Vous said catered weddings at the camp placed the town in direct competition with the private sector.

Osisko Mining takes over Brett Resources in an all-share deal worth $372-million. The deal includes Brett's Hammond Reef exploration project near Atikokan.

The forest fire season in northwestern Ontario got an early start with some of the first fires breaking out in the Rainy River district. It prompted municipalities to impose burning bans until the situation eased.

B93 News Top Stories for 2010 - February

Here are some of the top stories from the Rainy River district in February 2010.

Tragedy on the trails in early February. 33-year-old Aaron Hyatt was killed following a collision of two snowmobile on a trail in Couchiching First Nation.

Construction estimates for a new school in Mine Centre came well over the the $4.8 point million provided by the Ministry of Education. The Rainy River District School Board said talks with the Ministry regarding the overruns continue.

Fort Frances town council gave approval to a 2 per cent increase in rates paid by homeowners for water and sewer, but a 17 per cent increase on the rates impacting the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown said it's to bring cost to provide services to the two sectors more aligned with each other.

A Fort Frances resident felt the inability to attract new doctors to the community is reaching a crisis stage. Allan Bedard also raised concern with the ownership of the Fort Frances Community Clinic during a meeting of town council.

A road seen an important link between Atikokan and a mineral exploration project north of the community opened. The rehabilitation of 26-kilometres of Sawbill North road was done to provide a shorter link to Brett Resources mineral properties in the Hammond Reef Area.

The Rainy River District School Board's Education Director announced his resignation. Jack McMaster would leave to board in March to take on the role with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

Fort Frances and the Rainy Lake were showcased in Birmingham, Alabama. Members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce were at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in Birmingham Alabama, promoting the area as a tourist destination and a place to do business.

Family and Children Services Rainy River and Wee-chi-ti-win Family Services received a share of the one-time funding from the province to help cash strapped children's aid societies. But FACS lost its appeal to reverse the loss of $600-thousand in government funding cut from its 2009 budget.

Residents of Couchiching First Nation are re-elect Chuck MacPherson as their Chief for another term.

An open house for a proposed hydro-electric project is held in Fort Frances. Critics have environmental concerns, but the chief of Lac La Croix First Nation Leon Jourdain says the project is both socially and economically important to his community.

B93 News Top Stories for 2010 - January

Here are some of the top stories from 2010 in January

Forty-five people braved the cold on January 1st by taking part in Voyageur Lion Club's annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge.

A total of 13-thousand 6-hundred dollars was raised for local charities.

Princess Lillian Gibbins, born on January 3rd, was the first baby born in the Rainy River district in 2010. She's the third child of Jocelyn Gibbins and Ryan Big George of Big Island First Nation.

Hundreds of tonnes of children's clothes, diapers and food items collected by Family and Children Services Rainy River were delivered to Pikangikum. They're being delivered in two trailers provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.

OPP in Fort Frances were looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a one month old baby girl from Fort Frances. Cause of death has never been released.

The Rainy River District School Board announced plans to invest more than two-and-a-half million dollars from its reserve fund back into the classroom. About a million dollars was earmarked for the so-called Smart Board technology.

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak paid Fort Frances. Hudak vowed to continue his fight against the planned harmonizing of the provincial and federal goods and services sales taxes.

New policies how Fort Frances councillors are reimbursed were put in place. The policies clarified how councillors are reimbursed to attend meetings. A pay increasse was also planned for December.

Two schools in Atikokan were selected to be 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.

Area residents mobilized to help quake victims in Haiti. Several businesses and schools raise hundreds of dollars for relief efforts through various events.

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.

A problem at the company's effluent treatment system shutdown production briefly at 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.

More Snow Today

New Year's Eve celebrations in the Rainy River district and Koochiching County will begin today with snow shovelling.

As much as 15 centimetres, or 5 inches, have fallen in most areas so far, but Alyssa Young of Environment Canada says blowing snow makes it look like more.

"Because this low is fairly deep there's a strong pressure grading," says Young. "As a result, we've got strong winds and then blowing snow both with the falling snow and with the snow that picking up off the ground."

At least another five centimetres is expected before another weather system moves in tonight with some areas seeing up to 30 centimetres.

Winter Storm warnings, issued yesterday, remain in effect for the entire Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

Poor Road Conditions

There are no road closures to report but the Ministry of Transportation says all highways in the Rainy River district are snow covered with snow packed sections and poor visibility.

Driving conditions are also difficult in Koochiching County where drifting snow is reported on highways there.

Motorists needing to travel are being reminded to reduce their speed and take extra time to reach your destination.

Licensing Changes Planned

The fishing and hunting license system in Ontario is undergoing changes.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is scrapping it's paper system for a new automated one.

Spokesperson Burton McClelland says the changes have been a long time coming.

"We had a report done in 2001 that recommended we move forward with this," says McClelland. "About two-thirds of the States and a number of other Canadian provinces have this service now."

The change will be made by the fall of 2011.

Polar Plunge Celebrates 10 years

An anniversary tomorrow for the Voyageur Lion's club's Polar Plunge in Fort Frances.

It was 10 years ago that club first invited people to jump in Rainy Lake to start the new year.

Event Chair Jim Martindale says it's raised thousands of dollars for local charities since.

"Initially it was a fundraiser for our club and we shared that with the (Fort Frances) Aquanauts," says Martindale. "Then we decided it would be better to share with all non-profit groups that wish to participate and give them fifty per cent back. The other fifty per cent comes to our club and we use that locally."

The first jump attracted nine people raising $6,000.

Last year, 59 people took part to collect $14,000.

Fort Frances Mayor 2010 Look back

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is looking back at 2010 as a good year for the town.

Avis says one of the highlights was the town's ability to stay within budget.

"We we're very frugal," says Avis. "We're always looking for savings wherever we can. I think our management team has done a very good job reducing costs and keeping us at a marginally increase in the budget every year."

Avis expects the town to be facing more financial challenges in 2011, especially with rising costs to agencies not controlled by council.