OPP Camp Coming to Fort Frances Area

Fort Frances' Sunny Cove Camp will be the site of this year's OPP's annual summer camp.

Forty children, aged 11 and 12, selected through the OPP's DARE programs in the Kenora and Rainy River districts will participate.

Constable Anne McCoy says its the second year for the week long camp.

"We're looking at a wonderful week with the kids and teaching them different development assets," says McCoy, " in helping them learn about team building concepts, life experiences and just having a great week and learning how to do different things to give them the strengths they need for life skills."

A $20-thousand provincial grant is helping to offset some of the camp's costs.

Boat Registration Changes

Canadians who own a canoe, kayak, sailboat, or a boat with a small motor will no longer have to register it with Transport Canada.

Transport Minister Chuck Strahl says the regulation was complicated, confusing, and was originally meant to apply only to commercial vessels.

Create Space for Peace

A book about a Fort Frances man's peace efforts will be presented to a local audience this weekend.

Create Space for Peace focuses on the work of late Gene Stoltzfus.

Dorothy Friesen says it was something that her husband considered before his untimely death one year ago.

"I think after he died it took on a different character," says Friesen, "and it was important to include some of his earlier roots and what other people saw and experienced - the kind of encouragement he gave them."

An event billed as the an inter-cultural peace event takes place at St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Frances Sunday at 3 p.m.

Fort Frances Woman Worried About Japan

A mix of emotions for a Fort Frances woman with ties to Japan.

Aya Sletmoen says the community she's originally from was hit hard by last Friday's earthquake and tsunami.

"I was so shocked. It didn't look like my country anymore," says Sletmoen. "Sometimes I was able to see my hometown on television and I'm just sad right now."

Sletmoen says, fortunately, her mother and sister managed to stay safe.

She's been in constant communication with them since.

First Nations Cancer Screening Program

First Nations adults in the northwest are the target for a new cancer screening program.

The Regional Cancer Centre in Thunder bay has received $100-thousand from Cancer Care Ontario for the program.

Vice President Linda Rabeneck says its an important one.

"The screening rates in First Nations and among aboriginals is too low," says Rabeneck. "Their burden of cancer is too high. Their survival rates are not as good."

The Centre is hoping to get 70 per cent of the region's First Nations people tested.

Population Drops

Fewer people are calling International Falls and Koochiching County home than they did ten years ago.

Census Data released yesterday shows the County experienced a 7 per drop in its population while the Falls is down about 4 per cent over the past decade.

The Falls population is down 300 to 6,424.

13,311 people are scattered through the County - a drop of one thousand from the year 2000.

Americans Refused into Canada

Canada Border Services Agency denied a dozen Americans from passing through its Fort Frances port of entry last month.

The agency says all had various criminal records ranging from drug convictions, assaults and burglary.

In one case, a woman tried to enter claiming to be married to a Canadian incarcerated in Arizona who was being deported back to Canada.

The woman was unable to prove the marriage.

Former Customs Officers Pleads Guilty

A former U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent who worked in International Falls has admitted making up a story about his family being threatened so he could be transferred to the southern border.

Thirty-year-old Andrew Rodriguez of East Grand Forks pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of making a false statement.

A sentencing date has not been set.

Pay Fees On-Line

The Rainy River District School Board is making it easier for parents to pay for their child's school fees.

An on-line pay system is in place for its three Fort Frances schools.

Board accountant Meaghan Cox says all parents need is a debit card.

"We can set up those fees online," says Cox, "and parents can go and create an account and log in to a secure on-line site in order to pay those fees. It's parallel to Internet banking or paying fees on-line and the funds flow directly to the school."

Cox says they hope to offer the system district wide in the future.

Northern Grow Bonds Cut

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says a Liberal decision to scrap the Northern Grow Bonds program shows they have no real plan for northern Ontario.

The agency overseeing the program is one of eleven being eliminated by the province.

Hampton says the program was introduced with much fanfare just six years.

"When the McGuinty Liberals introduced the so-called Northern Grow Bonds, they said it was going to be the greatest thing for the northern Ontario economy," says Hampton. "Now, seven years later, they're shutting it down."

The program raised about $13-million for small and medium-sized businesses through the sale of the bonds.

Hospital Phone Problems

Riverside Health Care Facilities is reporting some difficulties with its phone system today.

Hospital officials says people calling the main number and trying to connect with Health Centres in Emo and Rainy River and LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances may not be getting through.

The problems started last night and Bell Canada is investigating.

Area residents are being advised to hold off making non-emergency calls until corrections can be made.

Fire Service Review Conducted

Fort Frances' fire department is in the midst of a service review.

Newly appointed Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says the review is not tied to a recent arbitration award for firefighters.

"It was something that needed to be done here and needed to be done over the last few years and never got to it," says Sheppard. "It's part in parcel of a change in the way we do business to meet some some efficiency levels."

Sheppard doesn't anticipate many major changes impacting the public coming out of the review.

Water System Reviewed

The town of Fort Frances is getting good marks for its water system.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says it comes from an inspection of the plant by the Ministry of Environment back in December.

"The town received an inspection rating of 98.59 per cent," says Wiedenhoeft. "The only reason we didn't receive a rating of 100 per cent is that we failed to submit include a minor concluding letter regarding our lead testing."

While not part of the study, the Ministry did recommend the town move to install water metres throughout the community.

Atikokan Budget Talks

Atikokan town council is giving its residents an opportunity to have some input into the development of the 2011 budget.

Mayor Dennis Brown says they will hold a luncheon meeting next Wednesday at the Municipal office.

"We're having a presentation to council of where we're at so far by staff," says Brown. "Then we're going to have a public meeting on Wednesday March 23 at noon to see if residents and local business owners will come out and provide some input into what we're planning."

Brown says it's too early to say what kind of tax increase, if any, will be brought forward.

One of the major projects is to replace an aging ice arena.

Invasive Species Legislation to be Released

Legislation aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species in Minnesota is being unveiled today.

Zebra mussels and Asian carp are among the species concerning the state's outdoors managers.

A draft plan, released in January, included increased fines and the hiring of additional conservation officers to inspect boats that spread invasive species.

I. Falls Seeks Toughest Weather City Title

The city of International Falls is among 64 cities competing for title of "America’s Toughest Weather City.”

It's an on-line event run by the U.S. based The Weather Channel.

The Falls is up against Green Bay, Wisconsin in a first round match-up with voting ending Friday.

FFCBC Makes Pitch to Council

Members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship made their pitch to town council last night.

They're seeking a shopping list of requests for this year's tournament.

In a brief statement to council, president Gord Watson says the tournament is still viable.

"We have spent our time with a budget committee that has done an excellent job," says Watson. "It is still a very much viable event in Fort Frances."

Councillors are to discuss the Championship's requests at the committee level next week.

Police Meeting Planned

Fort Frances town council will hold a special meeting next week to discuss its policing concerns.

Mayor Roy Avis says the meeting will be with members of the Police Services Board and Ontario Provincial Police.

"What they'd like to do is have the detachment commander (Acting Inspector Steve Shouldice)come forward and the chair of the board," says Avis. "Any of the other board members will be there to answer questions for council if they have any questions."

Policing costs and the number of officers on patrol have been two of the issues in recent months.

New Fire Chief Named

The town of Fort Frances has a new fire chief.

Frank Sheppard has been appointed to the position after serving in an acting capacity since the retirement of Gerry Armstrong in January.

He also becomes the town's new Emergency Measures Coordinator.

Sheppard has been with the Fire and Rescue Service for the past twenty five years.

Friends of the Museum Created

An effort is underway to create a separate volunteer group that would lend some support to the Fort Frances Museum.

Curator Sherry George says a "Friends of the Museum" group could be beneficial in helping around the museum or fundraising.

"We're in the very early stages," says George. "We're just trying to get some names together. It was an idea that came up at our advisory committee meeting and we're just trying to generate some interest right now."

George says they're hoping to duplicate the success of a library group that was instrumental in getting a new facility constructed.

Area Teacher Elected to OSSTF Executive

A Fort Frances High School teacher will remain on the provincial executive of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.

Paul Elliott was re-elected as a vice-president for another two year term during the Federation's annual meeting that wrapped up yesterday in Toronto.

Elliot has been on the executive since 2005, the last four as its vice-president.

New Telemedicine Equipment Acquired

The Rainy River Medical Centre is getting some new telemedicine equipment.

The North West Local Health Integration Network is providing Riverside Health Care Facilities with nearly $12,000 to purchase and install the equipment.

Andy Gallardi, a senior director with LHIN, says patients in Rainy River will have easier access to specialists.

"It will be used for cardiac rehab, chronic disease prevention management, oncology, and pain management," says Gallardi.

The Rainy River hospital joins almost 190 existing sites already using telemedicine.

New Fire Chief to be Selected

The appointment of a new fire chief for the town of Fort Frances could be made tonight.

Town councillors are scheduled to first discuss the appointment behind close doors.

Deputy Fire Chief Frank Sheppard has been serving in an Acting capacity since the retirement of Gerry Armstrong earlier this year.

RRFDC Keeps Tent

The Rainy River Futures Development Corporation won't be selling its big events tent after all.

The Corporation had considered putting it on the market after noting it wasn't getting a lot of use.

It says after input from area municipalities, it will now keep the tent for at least another two years.

Washington Trip Productive

The mayor of International Falls is calling a recent trip to Washington productive.

Shawn Mason was joined with officials from the city, Koochiching and St. Louis County and as well as Voyageurs National Park last week.

Transportation was among topics discussed.

"We we're talking about issues surrounding International Falls being a North American transportation hub," says Mason, "as it relates to the second busiest rail port of entry in North America, our highway system and our International airport,
which is not only good for northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota, but all of North America as a continent."

Mason says they also took time to promote events associated with the Park headquarters' opening this summer.

MP Votes

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is getting some heat for leading MP's in missing votes in the house of commons.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says it's no big deal.

"I think you have to keep in mind, first of all, that if a vote is missed it doesn't mean you're not in Ottawa working," says Rafferty. "I think that's maybe one of the misconceptions that comes out when you see that because votes come at the end of the day."
Rafferty has missed 26 votes, ranking him 96th out of the 305 MPs.

Camera in the Courts

Ontario's attorney general is prepared to look at putting cameras in the province's courtrooms.

But Chris Bentley says but there are many issues to consider such as privacy.

Meantime, cameras will be allowed to cover civil cases in Minnesota under a new order from the State Supreme Court.

Judges will still have the final say, beginning July 1.

Teachers Backing Liberals?

Ontario's public high school teacher's union seems ready to back Premier McGuinty's flagging Liberal government.

Union leaders are warning of a return to tough times if the Tories win October's provincial election.

They point to the bitter labour disputes and budget cuts seen under former Premier Mike Harris.

Hunters Fined

Three southern Ontario residents will pay $2,750 in fines for their part in the illegal shooting of a moose last October.

The three had stopped on Highway 11, west of Kashabowie, to shoot a moose that was standing in the ditch on the opposite side of the road.

They later tried to lie to Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation officers about where it was shot.

Physical evidence from the animal helped the MNR determine the true location.

Busing Concerns Out of Their Jurisdiction

The Rainy River District School Board says busing concerns expressed by a Fort Frances man in an interview with CFOB aren't within its jurisdiction.

Andrew Labbe was commenting on the board's proposed policy changes, the board says will offer more flexibility to the busing needs of parents and children in the future.

But the board says because Labbe's students attend a catholic school, its policy does not apply, even though catholic and public school students may ride the same bus.

Friendship Centres Seeking Provincial Support

Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres is looking for more support from government.

Sheila McMahon, Federation president and executive director of the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances, says growth among the Urban native population is putting a strain on Centres across Ontario.

"We're finding there's gaps in services and we have large long waiting lists in our communities," says McMahon. "A lot of the friendships centres were built back in the seventies and some of those buildings are condemned or in bad shape."

McMahon addressed the Federation's concerns with government officials this past week.

Independent Panel Needed

The opposition is giving little faith to a Government's established panel that will examine the use of Agent Orange in Ontario during the 1950's, '60's and '70's.

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson told the Legislature yesterday an independent third-party investigation would ensure the truth of the chemical use is told.

"The process you are currently establishing to investigate the use of Agent Orange has the very people who used the Agent Orange and are still using some form of defoliant in charge of the investigation," says Bisson. "Why will you not now agree that we need to have an independent third party investigate this matter?"

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jefferey feels the concerns are premature because members of the committee have not been selected.

OPG Gets Modest Increase Hike

Ontario Power Generation has been given approval to increase its electricity rates by about one per cent.

The government-owned utility, which supplies about 70 per cent of Ontario's electricity, had applied to increase the payments it gets from hydroelectric and nuclear stations by 6.2 per cent.

New Curator Named

The town of Fort Frances has named a new museum curator.

Sherry George takes on the position vacated by Pam Cain at the beginning of this year.

George says one of her goals is help foster new groups that gets more people to take interest in the museum.

"Wee have a genealogy course this Saturday and we're hoping to get a group going with that," says George. "I also like to look into creating a historical society."

George says she's also hoping to instill her love for history into some of the museum's programming.

Falls Enters Ultimate Fishing Town Contest

International Falls is in the running for the World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing town contest.

The Falls has entered into the American version of the contest which is running simultaneously with one in Canada.

It's the first time that WFN has run the contest in the U.S.

Nestor Falls and Fort Frances are nominated on the Canadian side.

Nominations on both sides of the border close April 8 with public voting starting April 12.

Concerns Still with Board Busing Policy

Some parents say proposed changes the Rainy River District School Board is making to its busing policy still don't meet their needs.

The board is looking at changes it says provides for more flexibility, especially for children in joint-custody arrangements.

Andrew Labbe of Fort Frances says many shift-working parents like him don't fall within the board's criteria of a regular weekly schedule.

"From what I'm reading it won't accommodate a four on-four off schedule," says Labbe. "Four on-four off schedule is eight days, not seven, so it wouldn't work in a management weekly schedule."

The board's gathering input into the policy until March 25.

Condo Project Still a Go

(An open house for the new condominium project yesterday attracted many interested residents)

The developer of a condominium project in Fort Frances says he's got the project back on track.

Robert Zanetti says he takes full responsibility for a nearly two-year delay in getting construction started.

He says he's got a new team in place to make it happen this year.

"We've got the local contractor all set up," says Zanetti. "We've made all our final selections. We've added Kathy (Judson) from ReMax. I just got overwhelmed in Thunder Bay so we're restarting and hoping to get going by summer time."

Zanetti says no changes have been made to the plans for the 23-unit building.

Firefighters Award Clarified

The town of Fort Frances says the total cost of an arbitration award for its unionized firefighters is much greater than it first reported.

The four-year agreement announced last month includes wage increases totalling 16 per cent.

The town had said it would cost $171-thousand.

It now says that figure only relates to the final year of the deal.

The total costs are now pegged at $335-thousand.

C-501 Passes to Next Level

A private member's bill that aims to protect severance and termination pay in bankruptcy cases has passed a key legislative vote in the House of Commons.

M-P's voted 164-119 in favour of moving Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty's bill from the Report Stage to a third reading.

Rafferty was hoping to have that vote last Friday.

He says it could now take place as early as June.

LGA Discussed with Governor

Civic leaders from around Minnesota have expressed the importance of local government aid to Governor Mark Dayton.

About two dozen mayors and other city leaders met Dayton at an event arranged by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

International Falls councillor Cynthia Jaksa was among them.

The Municipal officials says further cuts to the aid program will only hurt their ability to provide services and maintain facilities.

Lakes Get Reviewed

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on management plans for several lakes and streams in the International Falls area.

The DNR is reviewing plans for twelve separate bodies of water.

The plans can be found at the Department's International Falls office with comments accepted until March 25.

Buckets of Love

A village in Haiti will be the benefactor of a fundraising effort by students at St. Francis School in Fort Frances.

Grade 7 student Ann Jean says for the next six weeks, they'll be collecting money to help a village get access to fresh, clean drinking water.

"We're supporting an organization called Free the Children that helps other countries around the world," says Jean. "Most of the students are pretty excited to get the chance to help."

The "Buckets of Love" campaign hopes to raise at least one thousand dollars.

Public Input on Mine Site Rehab Sought

The Ministry of Natural Resources is forming an advisory committee to assist it with a rehabilitation of the former Steep Rock Mine site in Atikokan.

The Ministry is working to address environmental issues surrounding for former iron ore mine site.

Project Manager Rob Purdon says the committee will hold its first meeting later this month.

"We're going to get some public feedback on the current uses of the site," says Purdon, "and what they envision for site management activities going forward."

Purdon is hoping to have a draft plan in place by the end of the year.

Condo Project Update Today

Area residents will get more information today on the future of a condominium project slated for Fort Frances.

Thunder Bay developer Robert Zanetti is back in town to promote the project at a open house.

It's been almost two years since it was first unveiled.

Zanetti then had stated he wanted to pre-sell at least twenty units before construction began.

Tonight's meeting goes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Civic Centre.

More Debate on Bill C-501

John Rafferty's private members bill C-501 is expected to come back to the House for more debate today.

The bill proposes to protect termination and severance pay in bankruptcy cases.

The Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP was hoping to fast-track it through third reading last Friday.

Rafferty says it could be now be June before a final vote is taken.

Water Conference Begins

An annual conference looking at the health of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basin gets underway in International Falls today.

Organizer Todd Sellars says delegates to this year's forum will get a chance to provide some feedback on a interim report looking at the management of the basin.

"The IJC task force will be running a task force (this afternoon) a workshop to consult with the folks attending the forum," says Sellars. "It's a real good opportunity to provided input."

Some of the sessions will also focus on the state of the fisheries and effects of nutrients and algae on water quality.

Schools to Benefit from Mining

Minnesota school stand to benefit from two proposed copper mining projects in northeastern Minnesota.

Two ventures hope to mine copper, nickel and precious metals near Ely and Babbit on what are called "school trust lands.''

Under the state law, income from those lands goes to a fund for schools.

An analysis says the projects could generate $2.5 billion if approved.

On-Line Homework Help Provided

Rainy River District School Board's intermediate students have access to math teachers across the province to assist them with their homework.

It's part of a pilot project called the Homework Help Initiative.

Spokesperson Denise Rybuck says it's one more mechanism to help students.

"If a student arrives at a point where they're not understanding something," says Rybuck, "or run into a question that they need some assistance with they can go on-line and be able to ask that question and get support from a certified teacher somewhere in the province of Ontario."

A separate educational resource bank has also been established that offers resources on a wide range of other subjects.

Solar Panel Project Considered

Five municipal buildings in the town of Fort Frances are being targeted as potential sites for solar panels.

The panels would go on the roofs of the public works garage, Memorial Sports Centre, Fort Frances Children's Complex, water treatment plant and Fort Frances Civic Centre.

The project would cost about $450-thousand, but net the town more than $760-thousand by selling the power back to the grid.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the town is assured a return of 80 cent per kilowatt hour for twenty years if the project proceeds.

"We're already have the agreement where we can sign on it, " says Brown. "We have one year after they improve it. They approved us so we get the 80 cents. Then we go out and put it in within a year. If we don't get it done within a year we lose the agreement."

Some councillors, though, want more information before proceeding.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he's leery about the plan because he doesn't know how it can be sustainable.

Capital Budget Get Review

Fort Frances town councillors have slashed about $1.1 million off the 2011 capital budget.

The cuts came during a first review of the budget last night.

Among items dropped include a 200-thousand dollar replacement the roof of the O-P-P Detachment and Fire Department building.

Other items, such as the reconstruction of a section of Scott Street, are pending the availability of government funding.