New Gun Law Proposed

Some new hunting rules impacting the Kenora and Rainy River districts could be in place this fall.

John Dungavel of the Ministry of Natural Resources' policy branch, says the proposal would restrict where gun owners could have a loaded firearm.

"What this proposal would do if it was implemented would be to restrict the possession of loaded firearms within eight metres of the travelled portion of a roadway," says Dungavel.

Dungavel says concerns from some rural municipalities prompted the Ministry to consider the change.

It is already illegal to shot a firearm from the road or its right of way.

Crimestoppers Turns 25

Crimestoppers in Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Board chair Bill Harrington says they've seen a lot of growth to the program, especially since the addition of northern Minnesota to their coverage area six year ago.

"As you know that International Falls border is very busy," says Harrington. "Lots of people moving across and we know there are things there that we should be getting tips on and we're been very fortunate to do that."

Just over a million dollars in stolen property have been recovered and seven million in illegal drug seized since the program started in 1985.

Budget Discussions Begin

Fort Frances town councillors sat down last night to begin their discussions on the 2011 budget.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says while the operating budget is coming in "bare bones," the capital budget is still concerning.

"If we took a look at it as it stands right now, we would decrease our reserve funds by approximately 21.6 per cent," says Witherspoon, "and we would increase our long term debt by approximately 40 per cent. So you know we have a long ways to go."

The capital budget is currently at $8.5-million dollars with over $3-million targetted to come from reserves.

Water and Sewer Rates Discussed

Fort Frances town councillors held off making any decision on new water and sewer rates at their meeting last night.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says they first want to hear about a financial asset management report that comes to council Monday.

"By looking at this report and the trends it reveals, it's going to show council exactly where we might have to apply ourselves in terms of taxation this year," says Hallikas.

It was noted that a one per cent increase in rates would bring in about $51-thousand in revenue.

College Program to be Adopted Locally

A local committee is looking at how to implement Confederation College's RESPECT campaign across the Rainy River district.

Trudy McCormick, co-chair of Celebrating Diversity, says the campaign, recognizing the value of diversity, would be a good fit for the area.

"It's very accessible," says McCormick. "What we want to look at is not just one issue or a narrow area of issues. It's a very broad focus. It aligns with the focus of the Diversity Committee to celebrate diversity in all its facets."

McCormick says they've formed a separate committee to review how aspects of the RESPECT campaign can be adopted.

Ontario "Hoodwinked"

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says Tory Leader Tim Hudak is trying to "hoodwink'' Ontario residents on energy.

Hudak is blaming smart meters, the Green Energy Act and massive subsidies to the foreign company Samsung for causing electricity bills to skyrocket.

Duguid says the real reason is the cost to build a clean, modern reliable energy system for the province.

Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are asking snowmobilers to make smart choices this winter.

This is Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario.

OPP Sergeant Michael Price says there have already been five snowmobile fatalities this winter.

"Unfortunately our latest fatalities took place on a lake," says Price, "so we're stressing that the safest place to operate a snowmobile is actually on an OFSC trail."

A 55-year-old man died when his snowmachine went through the ice near Kenora last month.

Hydro Assets Still on Chopping Block

AbitibiBowater's is still looking to sell off its hydro assets in Ontario.

That includes its hydro dam in Fort Frances.

Executive vice-president William Harvey says any sale, though, will be done without impacting mill operations.

"Anything we move there, of course, we are not going to do anything to impact the cost structure of the mills associated in Ontario," says Harvey. "That's one of our first priorities."

Harvey says any proceeds for the sale will go towards reducing the company's debt.

More Cost Cutting to Come

AbitibiBowater is planning further cost cutting at some of its Canadian mills.

CEO Richard Garneau says with the Canadian dollar hovering around par with the U.S. greenback, the company needs to have a similar cost structure on both sides of the border.

Garneau declined to identify the targeted mills or indicate how much more costly they are to operate than their U.S. counterparts.

Hope for Atikokan Forest Products

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown isn't giving up hope on Atikokan Forest Products.

The mill, located at Sapawe which closed in 2008, is now in receivership.

Brown believes it's a mill that can easily reopen.

"It's a very modern mill," says Brown. "Mr. Buchanan and his group spent a lot of money over the years and I'm sure it's going to be an asset for another organization, another company to purchase and continue operating."

Brown says the town's willing to work with the receiver to help find a buyer and get former employees back to work.

Budget Discussion Begins

Fort Frances town councillors sit down today to begin discussing the 2011 budget.

The preliminary operating budget is at about $21-million while the capital budget is sitting at almost $8.5 million.

The figures, though, don't include costs for such things as town's levy to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, a policing cost increase or a fire department arbitration award.

New NOMA President Selected

O'Connor township Mayor Ron Nelson has been elected the new president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

Nelson's selection was needed because of the October election loss by former president Anne Krassilowski of Dryden.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown, who held the position on an interim bases, maintains his seat on the board as a past-president.

Get Your Flu Shot

Northwestern Health Unit's medical officer of health says the new strain of flu concerning health officials this year isn't causing much concern to this area yet.

H3N2 has strained medical services elsewhere.

Doctor James Arthurs says because of its inactivity here people shouldn't avoid getting the flu shot.

"I think this is our opportunity to encourage people to go out, if they haven't already gotten their flu shot vaccination," says Dr. Arthurs, "we would certainly encourage them to do that."

Arthurs says this year's flu shot includes a vaccine to combat the new strain.

Driven to Quit

The Northwestern Health Unit and Canadian Cancer Society have once again teamed up to offer the Annual Driven to Quit Challenge.

Society Spokesperson Naomi McNeill says a number of prizes are for grabs for smokers who butt out for the month of March.

"Such Honda Hybrids, a five-thousand dollar vacation get-a-way and buddy prizes as well," says McNeill.

Visit any Health Unit office or go on-line at http://www.driventoquit.ca/ to register.

Atikokan Forest Products in Receivership

An Atikokan area mill is among four Buchanan-owned mills that have entered bankruptcy proceedings.

Atikokan Forest Products is now in receivership.

Company spokesperson Yves Fricot says it's too soon to say if it will be a positive move.

"The mills closed about three years ago," says Fricot," and it's everybody's hope, ours, the unions and our employees, that we might be able to hang through this downturn and ultimately reopen the mills and put people back to work."

Atikokan Forest Products closed in 2008.

The Steelworkers Union will be looking to obtain severance for former workers.

Forest Tenure Changes This Spring

The provincial government is looking to make its planned overhaul of Ontario's forest tenure and pricing system official this spring.

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says the province plans to introduce legislation to establish two new governance models for managing and harvesting Ontario's forests.

"We want to be able to open up the system so that new entrants, aboriginal communities, municipalities, those with good business ideas that previously had a difficulty accessing wood can now now have greater access," says Gravelle.

The legislation includes establishing local forest management agencies to manage Crown forests and oversee timber sales.

Rainy River Resources Spotlighted

Analysts are looking for big things from Rainy River Resources this year as the junior exploration company recently closed a $75-million financing and released its latest drilling results.

The company, which is developing a gold project north of Barwick, says the infill drilling results also opened up new areas for potential expansion.

RBC analyst Stephen Walker says ongoing results will be the prime catalyst driving share prices until the company releases its resource update this spring.

NOMA to Elect President

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association plans to appoint an interim president today.

NOMA is meeting in Thunder Bay this afternoon.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown is the current acting president and has said he would like to keep the job if no one else wants it.

McGuinty Frustrated with HST Opposition

Premier Dalton McGuinty is expressing frustration with critics who are still demanding the provincial portion of the HST be removed from electricity bills.

Niagara Falls Liberal Kim Craitor is among them.

McGuinty says he doesn't understand why critics are complaining when the government is giving rebates that amount to two points better than removing the HST.

Rail Workers Vote Strike Action

(CN Rail photo)


More than six-thousand workers at CN Rail and CP Rail have voted heavily in favour of strike action.

The employees, including mechanical workers, say the major issue is a demand by Canada's two biggest railways for concessions.

Their strike deadline at CN is January 25.

For CP, it's February 8.

Pennies for Play

International Falls and Hibbing are going head-to-head in a fundraising effort for new playground.

Pennies for Play was kicked off yesterday and organizer Robin Bjornquist says the Falls is hoping to raise $17-thousand.

"Kerry Park has been missing a tunnel for a few years due to damage," says Bjornquist. "That's also a twenty year old play structure so we definitely use some funds funnelled into our playground."

Bjornquist says the contest is also tied to the NFL initiative Play 60, which encourages kids to be active, and they're hoping it entices a visit from members of the Minnesota Vikings.

Rail Bridge Operation Changes Proposed

The U.S. Coast Guard is looking to impose new rules governing the operation of CN Rail's bridge connecting Fort Frances with Rainer, Minnesota.

Bridge program manager Scott Striffler says they're proposing the bridge be manned 24 hours a day during the summer month.

"In our proposed regulation would have someone at the bridge between May 1 to October 15 each year," says Striffler. "The remainder of the year, people would still be able to get a bridge open with 12-hour notification."

Striffler says public concerns prompted the Coast Guard to put forward the proposed regulation.

The public can comment on the proposal until January 26.

Depot Gets Too Much Use

The new recycling collection depot in Fort Frances appears to be working too good.

Bins, allowing residents to drop off materials at any time of the year, filled to capacity over the weekend.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says that led to some additional cost for the town to empty them.

"On Saturday I had to have a guy come in at a four-hour call out to empty the depot," says Brown. "Then on Sunday I had to do the same thing. I don't know if its a Christmas rush because of all the stat holidays and the schedule changes."

Brown says he's not discouraging people from using the depot, but resident should make ever effort place their recycling at the curb on their regular pick-up days.

Lawsuit Dismissed

(Rainy River Futures Development Corporation photo)


The Rainy River Cattlemen's Association is starting 2011 without legal action hanging over its head.

The Association says a lawsuit launched by its former barn manager Russell Richards has been dismissed by the courts.

Richards launched the suit against the Association and several board members after being dismissed from his position in 2007.

In dismissing the case, the Association says the judge also ordered Richards to pay financial compensation for defamation of two board members.

Duguid Pans NDP Energy Proposal

Energy Minister Brad Duguid is calling out NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Horwath recently suggested the province scrap the H-S-T from hydro and home heating bills.

Duguid says that wouldn't help as much as his party's plans.

"Well she's missed the boat there," says Duguid. "The Clean Energy Benefit does more than that and provides greater savings to consumers than if we were remove the HST off the bills."

Duguid says the clean energy benefit provides 10 per cent off hydro bills while the HST is only 7.

Premier Pre-Campaign Speech

Premier Dalton McGuinty is trying out his election pitch for the October provincial vote.

The premier painted a rosy picture of Ontario's future under the Liberals in a speech to a business crowd yesterday in Kitchener.

He touted his government's education and green energy policies, and emphasized the lack of labour unrest since the Liberals took over from the Tories in 2003.

St. Michael's Expansions to Proceed

The Northwest District Catholic School Board has received the go ahead from the province to expand St. Michael's School to allow for the full-day kindergarten this fall.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly says the Ministry of Education has confirmed the over $622-thousand for the project at the Fort Frances school.

"The board will renovate two existing classrooms so that it adds two additional square footage," says Kelly. "Then we have two classrooms that will be expanded even further to create kindergarten full-day classrooms across from the current kindergarten classrooms."

Work is expected to begin this spring.

Rainy Lake Hotel Up for Tax Sale

The former Rainy Lake Hotel has been put up for tax sale.

Bids on the building are being accepted by the town of Fort Frances until February 15th.

The town is seeking a minimum bid of just over $163-thousand.

The hotel has been closed in 2005.

Weddings Continue at Sunny Cove

The town of Fort Frances is again going to allow a limited number of weddings at Sunny Cove Camp this year.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says they're permitting just four during the non-traditional wedding months as part of an ongoing evaluation of the service at the town owned camp.

"We had allowed up to four weddings last year, I think only two actually happened," says Hallikas. "We're still in early days and seeing how it goes because it is a good resource for the entire community."

The town put a limit on the number of weddings last year after complaints it was going in direct competition with the private sector.

Acting No More

(Dr. James Arthurs (r) speaking to area mayors in 2009)


The Northwestern Health Unit's chief medical officer of health no longer has the term 'acting' in front of his title.


Ontario's Health Minister has finally signed off on Dr. James Arthurs' credentials, two years after the Health Unit hired him.



"It doesn't change my authority or what I do," says Dr. Arthurs. "So we're just going to push on with all of our programs. Make sure that were doing what we're expected to do and what we do do and do its well."

Arthurs admits some took the term 'acting' to mean he was only filling in until a more permanent M.O.H. was found.

Holocaust Survivor Returns

(Dr. Eva Olsson speaking Tuesday at Fort Frances High School)

A return visit to the Fort Frances yesterday by holocaust survivor Dr. Eva Olsson.

Olsson is visiting schools across the district to talk about her experiences and how we can combat hate and bullying.

The 86-year-old says it starts with parents teaching their children about proper attitudes now.

"Because we want to see them when we see them as adults," says Olsson. "They're going to replace us. They're going to be leaders, some of the them, and I want to be sure I won't be disappointed what I send out there."

She's at Atikokan High School today and returns to St. Michael's School in Fort Frances tomorrow.

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.