Forest Fires Update

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

Six new forest fires in northwestern Ontario have brought to 81 the number of active fires in the region.

None are in the Rainy River district.

A fire that cut power to several communities and the Musselwhite Mine is one of the main priorities for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Slate Falls, Mishkeegogamang and Pickle Lake have all declared states of emergency because of the power outage.

Hydro crews are now working to rebuild more than 80 poles destroyed.

194 residents of Cat Lake have also been evacuated to Kapaskasing because of smoke from area fires.

College Support Work Cast Ballots

About 270 support workers with Confederation College will be among thousands across the province voting today on whether to give their union a strike mandate just before school starts.

The contract between OPSEU and the province's 24 community colleges expires at the end of August.

First Nations Education Concerns

A child welfare advocate says she believes the federal government is failing First Nations when it comes to education.

Cindy Blackstock made the comments during the Assembly of First Nations in New Brunswick.

She says all children regardless of their ethnicity deserve clean and safe schools that deliver quality education, but that's not the case for aboriginal children.

Peter Penashue, the federal minister of intergovernmental affairs, says Ottawa recognizes there is a problem with education and is making the issue a priority.

No Skirting Fishing Laws

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there's no way to get around the state's fishing license requirements during the government shutdown.

The DNR says some contract license agents and resorts have been issuing so-called "temporary licenses" on the condition that buyers promise to purchase a legal license when the shutdown ends.

But DNR Enforcement Chief Jim Konrad says anyone caught fishing without a valid license could be ticketed.

OPP Hires Students

Ontario Provincial Police have two new summer students on duty.

Hailey Clendenning and Sam Berube join as part of the OPP's Youth In Policing Initiative.

The students will be involved in such activities such as bicycle patrols and coordinating the OPP's bike rodeos in Fort Frances, Rainy River and Emo.

Fort Frances Teen Heads to Peru

A Fort Frances teen is close to reaching her fundraising goal for a humanitarian trip to Peru.

Tylyn Silander is travelling a small rural community in the South American country August 1 through a program offered by World Vision.

"What I'm doing there is we're doing a photography workshop, "says Silander. "It's a form of art therapy through technology that they don't have."

Along with raising five thousand dollars for the trip, Silander also found sponsors for five needy children.

Native Leaders Call for End to Federal Agency

Some scathing criticism for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

The Assembly of First Nations wants it abolished.

National Chief Shawn Atleo says there's a strong consensus that bureaucracy has been a failure for First Nations, pointing to the recent Auditor General's report that spoke of a deteriorating quality of life on reserves.

The Assembly is meeting in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Deer Lake Residents Go Home

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

Residents of Deer Lake are returning home - a week after being evacuated from the remote community because of smoke from forest fire.

But residents of Sandy Lake, Cat Lake, North Spirit Lake, Kee-way-win and Koocheching remain on evacuation alert.

There were four new fires in the Far north were reported last night.

There remain no fire activity in the Rainy River district.

OPP Defends Parade Costing Decision

Ontario Provincial Police are defending their decision to charge the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship for traffic control during next week's parade of boats.

That cost could be as high as $1,200.

Detachment Commander Inspector John Kendrick says the need to reduce hours of service to meet the demands of a new policing contract contributed to the decision.

"So parades was one of the areas that was deemed a non-essential service," says Kendrick, "and we've moved to a more of a pay-for-service, or paid duty rate because we don't staff parades on overtime. It's always done with existing officers."

Kendrick says officers are needed on the parade route to ensure emergency vehicles can pass safety through if needed.

The OPP policy change will also impact the Fort Frances Christmas Parade of Lights if its route goes down Scott St.

Fight for Timber Continues

The town of Atikokan isn't giving up hope on securing a wood allocation that would help complete the sale of the former Atkokan Forest Products Mill.

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle says there's just not enough available wood.

Mayor Dennis Brown is still optimistic resources can be found for the company that wants the mill.

"We're going to have meetings with the new buyer," says Brown. "They're coming to northwestern Ontario to meet with us. There's a little ray of hope that maybe something can be worked out and get the mill working again, but it's a struggle."

Timber that had been used by the former mill has since been given to AbitibiBowater's mill in Fort Frances.

Minnesota Loggers Get Reprieve

Loggers in northern Minnesota have been granted the right to continue working in State owned lands during the shutdown, until Monday at least.

That's when another court hearing on the issue will take place.

Three Koochiching County business owners went to court last month after the Department of Natural Resources halted their operations because of the shutdown.

A county judge gave them temporary permission to keep working before the Supreme Court transferred the case to the judge handling all shutdown matters.

Missing man Found

The body of a missing angler has been found in Wenasaga Lake, near Ear Falls.

78-year-old Richard Carroll of Finlayson, Minnesota was located Tuesday morning.

Carroll was reported missing last weekend after his boat was found capsized.

More Forest Fire Help

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

More out-of-provinces resources are arriving to help battle several forest fires in northwestern Ontario's far north.

One hundred firefighters from British Columbia arrived Tuesday with another one hundred expected later this week.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is also receiving additional air support from Alberta who's loaning two waterbombers and light aircraft.

They'll join a fleet of waterbombers already in from Quebec.

Northern Artists Tour Begins in Fort Frances

Northern Ontario artisans will be showcased in a touring exhibition that's kicking off at the Fort Frances Museum Thursday.

Sarah Marusyk, a spokesperson for the Ontario Crafts Council, says it's an effort to bring more awareness to the region's artists and crafters.

"Basically this show features 44 pieces of craft that reflects the diversity and quality of work that's being created in northern Ontario," says Marusyk. "The exhibition is part of the Ontario Crafts Council's project called 'Growing Ontario Craft Community North."

The event also features a piece by local potter Mara Henteleff who will be on hand to talk her work.

Ministry Issues Orders

The Ministry of Labour has issued two orders against a southern Ontario company following Tuesday's industrial accident on the Noden Causeway, east of Fort Frances.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital with leg injuries after the 65 tonne crane tumbled over.

The Ministry has halted work in the area until investigators can complete their work.

Con-create of Bolton, Ontario, has also been instructed not to move the crane, but ensure it's stable.

Emo Man Heads to Court

A 39-year-old resident of Emo will appear in court next week following an investigation by the OPP on a breach of a court order.

John Paul Muzyka is also charged with possession of child pornography and careless storage of a firearm.

Police laid the charges after searching his home Monday, seizing computers, gaming equipment, a hard drive, memory cards and data and voice recording devices.

Memorial Walk Planned

A group of Summer Beaver residents are embarking on a memorial walk from Pickle Lake to Thunder Bay.

The walk is in memory of seven residents who died in a plane crash on September 11, 2003.

The walk will take about 14 days.

OPP Charging for Parade Control

Ontario Provincial Police say it could cost the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship $1,200 dollar if police are to help control its parade of boats this year.

It's the first time OPP have ever asked for such a payment.

Mayor Roy Avis is disappointed.

"This is a significant community event," says Avis, "and we have to pay extra for policing to police this situation. It's a concern that we as council should have because how often is this going to happen?"

Tournament organizers have asked the town to cover the cost, but council wants them to consider asking Treaty 3 Police for assistance or changing the route that requires no police involvement.

Crane Operator Injured

A 33-year-old man suffered leg injuries after a crane toppled over on the Noden Causeway.

The accident happened just after the noon hour Tuesday where construction crews are making repairs to the bridge.

OPP says the crane was being used to lift a heavy object when it became unstable and fell over.

The man was taken to hospital in Fort Frances for treatment.

The Ministry of Labour is investigating.

Former Library Building Deal Discussed

The town of Fort Frances is moving ahead with handing over its former library to the Fort Frances Community Clinic.

CAO Mark McCaig says the building would be used for health care purposes.

McCaig says they're working on the details that would allow for the Clinic to take over the building on a conditional basis.

Strategic Plan Not yet Finished

A new strategic plan for the town of Fort Frances is still a few weeks from being complete.

CAO Mark McCaig says the final touches are being done.

"We still have some sections to develop," says McCaig, "messages from myself and the mayor. Some demographic information has to be changed. I anticipate in one of the August meetings having a final and formal approval of the strategic plan."

Council drafted the plan during a day-long meeting at Sunny Cove Camp last month.

MNR Getting Help

The Ministry of Natural Resources is bringing in firefighters from outside of the province to help with the forest fire fight in northwestern Ontario's far north.

One hundred fighters from British Columbia are expected to arrive today (Tuesday).

Two more waterbombers and light aircraft are coming from Quebec, joining air support received last week from that province.

Bass Tournament Get Exemption

The International Falls Bass Championship has been granted a one-time exemption to Minnesota's new rules regarding evasive species.

But it's being told to follow the rules next year.

Chair Gary Potter says they won't give up lobby efforts for a more permanent exemption.

"They want us to come out of the river or the lake. Take the fish out of the live-well. Drain the live-well. Fill it up with well water or spring water. Put the fish back in. Come down to the park. Take the fish out and drain the live-well again," says Potter. "All we're asking for is a little common sense to these new rules and let us just come down to the park to take the fish out and then drain the live-well."

Potter says it could be costly to the tournament to adhere to the new rules.

Accident Closes Area Highway Again

Another fatal traffic accident contributed to a temporary closure of Highway 71.

It happened early yesterday morning, six kilometres south of Sioux Narrows, keeping that section of the highway closed for nearly seven hours.

No other details have yet been released.

The accident came just days after a Thunder Bay teen was killed in a single vehicle accident on the same highway.

Distracted Driving Crackdown

Keep off your cellphones and keep your eyes on the road if you don't want to attract the attention of police.

Provincial police officers are kicking off their second "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other, Distracted Driving Campaign."

Starting today, officers will be stopping any drivers caught using a hand-held communications device.

Using a cellphone while driving could bring a 155-dollar fine.

Recycling Strategy Up for Discussion

Residents of Emo will get another opportunity tonight to comment on a propose recycling strategy for their community.

The town is in the midst of a Class Environment Assessment.
Councillor Vernon Thompson says the plan includes setting up a depot to keep recyclables out of the landfill.

"Removing the cardboard from the dump, number 1 and number 2 plastics - that kind of stuff," says Thompson. "We'll have a spot for tires. We have that now. We have a spot for steel. We'll have an electronics site. Get rid of the tin cans out of the dump so that less stuff that goes in the dump the longer it's going to last."

The meeting at the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre goes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More Forest Fires in Far North

Nine new forest fires were reported in northwestern Ontario yesterday, almost all in remote areas north of Red Lake and Sioux Lookout.

A total of 76 fires are currently burning in the region, none in the Rainy River district.

Forest Fire Cuts Power

A forest fire burning near New Osnaburgh has consumed power lines and left hundreds of people in the dark.

Hydro One says the power went out yesterday afternoon effecting New Osnaburgh, Pickle Lake and Cat Lake First Nation.

Court Times Reducing

Ontario's Attorney General says the province's courts have seen an encouraging drop in processing times three years into a program to eliminate wasted resources.

While not all courts have met the target of bringing down the number of days and court appearances used per criminal case by 30 per cent, Attorney General Chris Bentley says court times are going in the right direction.

Science Camps in District

Science North kicks off its summer camps in the Rainy River district today in Atikokan.

Staff Scientist Natalie Crinklaw says the week-long camp is made up of three different ones for different age groups.

"For the middle age group, 6 to 8, there's going to be a discovery camp," says Crinklaw. "There's a whole bunch of different things going on and each day going to have a different science theme. For the older kids, 9 to 11, is the Gizmo camp. They're going to find out how things work and they get to build their own rocket."

There is also a nature camp aimed at youngsters 4 and 5.

A similar camp will be held in Fort Frances in August.

Thunder Bay Teen Dies in Accident

A Thunder Bay teen is dead after a fatal accident on Highway 71 in Sioux Narrows.

OPP says a vehicle lost control early yesterday morning, rolled and ejected the driver.

18-year-old Nicholas Corrigan died at the scene.

Missing Thunder Bay Man Found Dead

The search for a 69-year-old man from Thunder Bay has ended tragically.

Illinois State Police say both Ed Spakowski and his dog were found dead yesterday.

The circumstances surrounding the death aren't known, but police do not believe anything suspicious.

Spakowski disappeared last week after picking up an RV in Elkhart, Indiana to drive back to Thunder Bay.

More Forest Fires Reported

The forest fire situation in the Rainy River district is quiet, but continues to heat up in the Far north.

Three new fires were reported yesterday with 73 still active, almost all north of the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout areas.

Fires have burned over 105-thousand hectares so far this season, more than twice the ten year average.

Health Unit Report Card

The Northwestern Health Unit is giving itself top marks in the release of a new public health report card.

The report outlines a variety of programs and the progress made in improving people's health.

CEO Mark Perrault feels they're doing very well in meeting that objective.

"Through restructuring which has saved money we've actually improved our services," says Perrault, "and we're delivering more programs now than we did three years ago."

One of the highlights from 2010 was the health unit's unconditional accreditation from the Ontario Council on Community Health Accreditation.

New Northwest Cancer Plan

Regional Cancer Care Northwest is embarking on a four year cancer plan.

Vice President Michael Power says it will include a new integrated cancer screening program.

"We're buying a new OBSP (Ontario Breast Screening Program) coach where we will add not only breast screening mammography," says Power, "but will also offer pap testing for cervical cancer screening as well as colorectal cancer screening through the distribution of kits."

Cancer Care Northwest also plans to start a new Palliative Care Program.

New Wood Logo

There's new logo being attached to Ontario lumber.

It's to help consumers to see if the wood they buy is manufactured in this province.

Marianne Berube of Ontario Wood Works says until now, people couldn't tell.

"This follows like Agriculture Ontario and it's 'Good Things Grow in Ontario,' says Berube. "This is somewhat like a segue since that has been so successful why don't we do it for our wood products."

The logo will be placed on wood products, including lumber, flooring and furniture.

Highway Closure

A section of Highway 71 has been closed because of a traffic accident.

There are no details of the accident yet available, but OPP say it happened about 6:30 a.m. this morning on the Highway at Frickas Road in Sioux Narrows.

No word when that section of the highway will be reopened.

Deer Lake Evacuated

Nearly 500 residents of the remote community of Deer Lake are being evacuated because of a nearby forest fire.

The province is co-ordinating with federal and defence officials to evacuate residents whose health is most at risk.

The more than 480 residents will be airlifted to Geraldton.

New Fire in Rainy River District

Just one new forest fires being reported in the Rainy River district.

The less than one-hectare lightning-caused fire is burning near Mayhew Lake, northeast of Atikokan.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has classified it as being under control.

Thunder Bay Man Missing

Authorities are looking for a Thunder Bay man who drove to Indiana to pick up an R-V, but never returned home.

Police in Thunder Bay and Indiana know that Ed Spakowski made it to the Elkhart RV factory on June 30 and picked up the unit, but did not get on the toll road heading home.

Police say there's also no indication Spakowski has come back into Canada.

Home First Expansion Proposed

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network wants to expand its Home First program for seniors in the region.

The program is aimed at trying to get people, now in a hospital bed, back home.

CEO Laura Kokochinski says it's part of a broader provincial initiative.

"That we're moving in that direction," says Kokochinski, "that people will not wait any longer in an acute hospital where there's lots of bacteria and virus floating around and people can actually get sometimes sicker while waiting in a hospital. So it's to take them back to their home environment where they'll wait."

Kokochinski says enhancing home care services and putting in supportive housing also helps build toward the Home First philosophy.

Ride for Memories

The Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River has started the planning for its annual Ride for Memories and poker derby.

Executive Director Lynn Moffitt says this year's motorcycle rider will have start locations in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Fort Frances.

"And they meet up along the ride," says Moffitt. "The host location for the awards ceremony and dinner will be at the Adventure Inn in Fort Frances."

Money raised is used to help fund various patient programs.

Registration packages for the August 27 event can be obtained at the Adventure Inn or by visiting the agencies website at www.alzheimerkrr.com.

Loggers Concerns Still in Court

Another court will now rule on whether Minnesota loggers can continue working during the government shutdown.

A Koochiching County judge last week granted a temporary restraining order allowing loggers to continue harvesting timber.

But the State's Supreme Court is backing a request by the Department of Natural Resources to have the case assigned to the same judge who determined which agencies would be allowed to work through the shutdown in a separate case.

It's unclear when the case will now be heard.

Economic Development Funding

The Atikokan Economic Development Corporation is receiving half-a-million dollars in federal funding.

The money allows the EDC to carry out loan programs aimed at helping small and medium sized businesses in the community.

Similar funding last year helped the Corporation provide assistance to 18 businesses that created or maintained 51 jobs.

Boating Accident

A close call for three teens on Lake of the Woods.

OPP say the girls were in a boat heading to a camp near Kenora when the operator lost control causing one of the girls to be thrown into the water and be struck by the prop of the motor.

The girl was pulled from the water and taken back to Kenora where she was transported to hospital for treatment of injuries to her neck and head.

Active Forest Fire Day

The Ministry of Natural Resources experienced one of its busiest days yesterday this forest fire season.

Twenty-seven new fires popped up as a result of Monday night's storm that brought a lot of lightning.

One of the new fires is located just west of Lac La Croix First Nation.

It's less than a hectare in size.

Sixty-five fires are now active in northwestern Ontario.

Hydro Still Out

About two hundred residents living to the east of Atikokan are still without power this morning.

The outage was caused by Monday's storm.

Hydro One says it hopes to have electricity restored to that area by this afternoon.

Building Demolition Continues

The clean-up of a burned out building in downtown International Falls could be complete by the end of this week.

The former Ace Hardware Store was razed last week.

The rubble is expected to be moved from the site starting today.

Demolition costs are being borne by the building's owners, but the city has agreed to use $15-thousand, initially set aside for safety barriers, toward the work.

RRDSSAB Tries to Fill Home

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board is making homes, originally constructed for low-income aboriginal people in Atikokan, also available to non-natives.

Assistant Housing Manager Michelle Shute says it's a move designed to help occupy the homes.

"The Atikokan Native Non-Profit Homes has had a history of high vacancy rate," says Shute. "The Rainy River DSSAB, as a property manager for Atikokan Native, has attempted to increase tenancy by promotion and communication with other local agencies but their vacancy rate continues to be quite high."

Just four of seventeen homes are currently occupied.

New Plant Operator Selected

The town of Atikokan has handed its water and sewage treatment plants over to a new operator.

Red Lake-based Northern Waterworks took over from Ontario Clean Water Agency last Friday.

Mayor Dennis Brown says cost was the biggest factor.

"Northern Waterworks came through with a much cheaper proposition that we couldn't turn down," says Brown. "They basically were about $90-thousand a year cheaper than OCWA. That's substantial."

Brown says the change should have virtually no impact on residents use of the services.

Housing Fundraising Continues

Fundraising continues on a new home to be used by locums provided emergency room coverage at Rainy River Health Centre.

Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald says they've raised about 30-thousand dollars so far.

"We're looking at sending out the pledge forms and that kind of thing," says Ewald. "We have one more public presentation on (Wednesday) in Morson. After that it's more fundraising."

The estimated cost of construction for the duplex unit is about $500-to-600 thousand.

Concert Hailed A Success

(Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre)

The final numbers are being counted, but the city of International Falls is hailing Saturday's opening of the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre a huge success.

As many as three thousand people were expected for the concert featuring the Canadian rock group Loverboy.

Both city police and fire officials says no problems were reported.

The warm weather did result in a lot of thirsty patrons.

Mayor Shawn Mason says the Rotary Club sold a total of 37 and a half kegs of beer - the most they've sold at any event.

Tornado Warning Issued

(File photo)
A system that brought heavy rain and lightning to the Rainy River district last night also resulted in a tornado warning from Environment Canada.

It came about 9 p.m. and covered areas including Fort Frances, Emo and Rainy River.

Meteorologist Ria Alsen says a report from an individual in Devlin prompted the warning.

"He thought it was a funnel cloud," says Alsen. "He couldn't actually see it touching the ground so we're not actually sure it was an actual tornado. With the funnel cloud report and given the strong thunderstorm cells we were seeing on radar, it was enough reason to issue the tornado warning for the regions near Devlin and Fort Frances. In fact the cell was headed right for Fort Frances at that time, so we put out the warning right way."

No sirens were sounded by emergency personnel in Fort Frances because no actual signs of a tornado could be identified.

Weather Record Set

At least one weather record was broken yesterday.

Atikokan's high of 33.4 C shattered the old mark of 31.8 C set back in 1988.

Fort Frances hit 31.2 C, just shy of the 1988 mark of 31.5 C.

Border Issues Discussed

There was a brief discussion over the weekend on how to improve access across the Canada U-S border.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty says his brief talk with Minnesota Senator Al Franken in International Falls set the stage for broader discussions in the near future.
"We've made a plan to get together as soon as we can," says Rafferty. "Possibility later this month or in October when the U.S. Senate is back in Washington."

Rafferty says Franken was well understanding of the issues, including the turn-back of American tourists with often decades old drunk driving charges.

More Lake Enforcement

An enforcement of fishing and camping regulations on Lake of the Woods has resulted in twenty-six charges and another 39 warnings against anglers.

The blitz by Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers came last weekend.

Patrols conducted included the southern part of the lake toward Morson, Nestor Falls and the mouth of the Rainy River.

Over one hundred resident and 260 non-resident anglers were checked.

Charges included having too many fish, fishing without a license and fishing with an extra line.

At least one charge was laid for camping without a permit.

Liberals Released Education Progress Report

Ontario's Liberals say gains that have been made in education since they took office could be lost if they lose the election.

Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky says the Progressive Conservatives have dismissed the idea of full-day kindergarten in the past as a frill.

She says the Tories are only promising to keep it now because it's the politically smart thing to do _ yet they haven't given any details about their plan.

The progress report on education is one of several updates the Liberals are planning before the election campaign officially begins at the end of the summer.