More Forest Fires in Northwestern Ontario

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

A lengthy warm spell has allowed the number of forest fires burning across northwestern Ontario to grow.

Almost forty new fires were reported over the weekend, pushing to 51 the number of those active.

Seven of were in the Rainy River district, most caused by lightning from previous storms.

There are seven fires still burning in the district.

BWCA Closed

(File photo)

A forest fire has closed a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Ely.

Fire officials say dry air and north winds pushed the Pagami Creek Fire farther south on the weekend, forcing authorities to move campers out of the area.

The fire has grown to about 4,500 acres.

ERT in Town

(OPP Photo)

Ontario Provincial Police remind residents in Fort Frances of their Northwest Region Emergency Response Team training exercises.

Officers will be visible in the west end of the town until tomorrow.

Road Closure

Motorists who use McIrvine Road in Fort Frances will need to find an alternative route today.

The road is being shutdown near the old Bingo Hall so work crews can install water and sanitary sewer lines to an adjacent piece of property.

The work will begin at 7 a.m. today with the road reopening by tomorrow night.

Knights Honoured

The Knights of Columbus in the Fort Frances area celebrated their 75th anniversary on the weekend.

Bishop Fred Colli was among many dignitaries on hand.

"The Knights of Columbus here celebrating 75 years is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice and willingness of men and their families who have come before them to continue the strong work of the Knights of Columbus," says Bishop Colli.

The Knights used the celebrations to make their final contributions to Riverside Health Care's Care Close to Home Campaign and to the St. Mary's Church building fund.

Several members were also recognized for their years of service, including the last remaining charter member John Duchnicki.

Ontario Election Day Two

(CJUK photo)


NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling out the Liberal Government for sending out press releases attacking her northern Ontario platform.

Horwath says if the McGuinty Liberals want to attack her policies they can take part in a northern Ontario specific debate.

Horwath spoke to a crowd of party faithful in Thunder Bay last night.

The issue of helping some newcomers find work in Canada became a hot topic yesterday on the campaign trail.

PC Leader Tim Hudak says a Liberal plan to give tax credits to employers who hire professionals trained aboard doesn't help the 500-thousand people in the province who can't find work.

The Liberal party countered by saying such attitudes are intolerant and anti-immigration.

Employment and training appears to be the focus of the party leaders as they visit the Toronto area today.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is in Newmarket at a solar panels plant.

Hudak visits a training centre in Toronto while Horwath is at one in Oakville.

Atikokan Residents to Celebrate Canoe Trip

(Atikokan Progress photo)


An Atikokan man, travelling the historic Voyageur route by canoe, will be see some familiar faces when he reaches Montreal next week.

Donna Zachariah says a trip is being organized for residents to greet Mike Ranta when he completes the 52-hundred kilometre journey.

"We certainly are going to have a celebration in Atikokan," says Zachariah, "but we also felt it was also very important to have him see, once he came up to Montreal in a canoe, somebody there from Atikokan. We feel what he's doing is representing the heart and spirit of Atikokan."

Residents are also being asked to sign a congratulatory banner.

Contest Deadline Extended

The Atikokan Economic Development Corporation is giving people some extra time to submit their ideas that help promote the town as the Canoeing Capital of Canada.

The Corporation set up a contest, but received only a few submissions by an August 31st deadline.

It's hoping more ideas come forward by the end of the month.

Knights of Columbus Celebrate

The Knights of Columbus will celebrate their 75th year in the Fort Frances area this weekend.

Grand Knight Herman Rodriques says the Knights have played a significant role in improving the quality of life for residents.

"One time, I'm told, in the early 1970's, the old Knight of Columbus hall across the arena was the place to be if you want to get married," says Rodriques. "The Knights did raise a lot of funds through its bingos and weddings. There was a very substantial contribution to the community."

A dinner Saturday night and a mass Sunday highlight festivities.

Border Concert Series Underway

The Border Concert Association will offer five shows as part of its entertainment series at Backus Auditorium in International Falls.

Paul Follan of Allied Concert Services says they come at a very affordable cost.

"The prices on the Canadian side are $45 for adults, $10 dollars for students and $95 for a family," says Follan. "It's the same price on the American side. It's a great value. If you go to all of them it's like nine dollars a show."

Street Corner Symphony, runner-up in the NBC Reality Show Sing Off, kicks things off September 30.

Ontario Election Day Two

On the provincial election campaign, Premier Dalton McGuinty says tens of thousands of new clean energy jobs would be put at risk if the Progressive Conservatives are elected on October 6.

McGuinty made the statement as he visited London to announce Samsung's intentions to build four manufacturing plants in southern Ontario.

McGuinty says PC Leader Tim Hudak's promise to tear up the contract with Samsung will kill the jobs the plants bring.

The New Democrats are promising to create a northern Ontario legislative committee as part of their northern election platform.

During a campaign stop in Sudbury Thursday, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath also promised to re-establish an independent ministry of aboriginal affairs instead of the joint ministry that's now in place.

And Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says he will "enforce the law" when it comes to doctors who charge illegal user fees.

He says he'll make sure no one will be able to charge patients for medically necessary services if he's elected premier,

Union Attempts to Restart Talks

The union representing striking support staff at Ontario community colleges is urging students, staff and members of the public to pressure college administration.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is asking that calls and emails be sent urging a return to the bargaining table.

The strike is entering its second week.

Cafeteria Concerns

A proposal to have students enrolled in a hospitality program operate the cafeteria at Fort Frances High School is drawing some concern from at least one Rainy River District School board trustee.

Dan Belluz says while seeing the initiative as a learning experience, cost is a big factor.

The move to have students take over the cafeteria comes after the previous operator, Kathy's Katering, choose not to renew its contract citing increased demands from the board.

Ontario Election Campaign Day 2

More sniping and attacks are likely again today on the campaign trail.

The tone was set yesterday when the Liberals branded Tory Leader Tim Hudak 'Tea Party Tim.'

Hudak shot back that it was Premier Dalton McGuinty who is being divisive and accused him of wasting tax dollars.

New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath, however, says she didn't want to spend the campaign "squabbling" with her opponents.

Horwath brings her campaign to northwestern Ontario with a stop in Thunder Bay tonight.

Early Voting Opportunity

The provincial election campaign is only in its second day, but voters can cast a ballot today if they choose.

Chief Returning Officer for the Kenora-Rainy River riding Ian Simpson says it's through a new special ballot in place for this election.

Voters can apply for the ballot on-line or at area returning offices.

Simpson says it will be at least another week before voter information cards are sent out identifying voter days and locations.

Heritage Party Still Seeking Candidates

It's becoming doubtful the Northern Ontario Heritage Party will have a candidate running for election in Kenora-Rainy River.

Party leader Ed Deibel says no one has come forward to run in this or any of the ten other northern Ontario ridings he wanted this election.

If candidates can't be found in at least two ridings, the party, formed in May 2010, may have to de-register.

Boil Water Advisory

Residents in Couchiching First Nation are being advised to boil their water before using it for consumption.

The advisory comes after services were shutdown for several hours yesterday for maintenance.

It will remain in effect until further notice.

Ontario Election Campaign Begins

The campaigning for the October 6 Ontario election officially starts today.

Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty is seeking his third consecutive term as Premier.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says Ontario can't afford another four years of Liberal rule.

New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath is hoping to cash-in on the gains made by the federal NDP.

Kenora-Rainy River Candidates Ready

Candidates seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River are ready to campaign for your vote October 6.

Conservative Rod McKay says he's preparing to run a basic campaign focusing on the issues.

McKay feels the rising costs for northerners will be the key issue this election.

Liberal Candidate Anthony Leek will be busy getting himself known in the riding.

Leek says his campaign will be one of emphasizing on the positives that a Liberal MPP can bring.

Leek says infrastructure, forestry and First Nation as the key issues.

Sarah Campbell says she's ready to make a name for herself in Kenora-Rainy River.

The NDP candidate is confident she can win over those who've long supported the retiring Howard Hampton.

Campbell sees affordability as the key election issue.

The Green candidate for the Kenora-Rainy River Riding says she feels stronger and more informed than she did last Provincial election.

Jo Jo Holiday says its time for someone to adequately represent the people of this Riding.

Holiday says health care, education and child poverty are all issues that need to be corrected.

Returning Office Opens

Fort Frances will be the main centre for the returning office for the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

It will open its 2nd Street East location this morning with former high school principal Ian Simpson as returning officer.

New Skilled Trade Program

(Teacher Bob Guertin accepts a Certificate of Recognition from Board Chair Mike Lewis)


Fort Frances High School is giving its students the tools needed to exceed in the trades.

Teacher Bob Guertin says a new Specialized High School Major allows students to earn a variety of credits at one time.

Guertin says the program will give students greater opportunity to acquire future certification in the trades.

New Student Trustee

Rainy River High School student Kailee Heyens will represent area students on the Rainy River District School Board for the next year.

Heyens was sworn-in as the board's student trustee at last night's meeting.

The grade 12 student is also vice-president of her school's student council.

Free Flower Giveway

Here's your change to spread a little goodwill today.

Brad Hogan, owner of Fort Floral in Fort Frances, will be giving out free roses as part of F-T-D's Good Neighbour Day with the stipulation you pass them on.

Three-thousand flowers will be given away on a first come first serve basis.

Race Relations Examined in Report

A recent Harvard graduate has released the findings of a research project looking at relations between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in the Rainy River district.

Jeff Denis, now an assistant professor at McMaster University, says despite the proximity of native and non-native communities, and the many relationships, racism and prejudice persists.

"One of the things that's very common is something called sub-typing," says Denis, "where people view individuals who violate stereotypes as exceptions that prove the rule. So they will say things like 'my best friend is native, but he's not your typical native,' or 'we have good Indians in this town.' The implication is that Indians elsewhere are not so good."

The report is based on 18-months of research that included interviews and surveys across the district.

College Students Return

Confederation College students will have to cross picket lines as they return to classes today.

The College's support staff are joined in province-wide labour action.

This is orientation week and President Jim Madder says enrollment numbers are similar to previous years.

"At least on par if not above par," says Madder. "We have a number of programs such as flight, nursing, concurrent disorders, these are programs that are absolutely full. There are other program though that if people are interested in coming they should make inquiries to our registration offices."

As many as one hundred students are expected at the Rainy River campus in Fort Frances with 70 of them first-year students.

I. Falls Students Back to School

Today is the start of school for students in International Falls.

Superintendent of Independent School District 361 Jeff Peura says there's some indication enrollment will be up slightly.

"We've had some expansion at the mill," says Peura. "Boise International has brought in some new families to work which brought us some students. Then we've got some students coming back from other districts which is good to see because it means what we're doing is on the right track."

Peura says a project to improve air quality at Falls High School has also been completed in time for the start of school.

Trustees Meet

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board meet for the first time tonight in the newly renovated board offices in Fort Frances.

It's also their first meeting of the new school year.

The appointment of a new student trustee and discussion of a protocol between schools and police are among items on the agenda.

Energy Rebates

Two Rainy River district mills will benefit from financial assistance given to forest companies to help with their electricity costs.

AbitibiBowater is getting $6.1 million for its mills in Fort Frances and Iroquois Falls through the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program.

Ainsworth Lumber will receive $1.0 million for its Barwick Mill.

College To Open As Planned

(Unionized Support Staff at Fort Frances campus on picket line)


Confederation College is anticipating no major disruptions from a strike by its support staff when classes resumes Tuesday.

Staff are walking picket lines as part of a province-wide labour disruption.

Vice-President of Academics Judi Maundrell says they'll have Campus managers take over the duty of registration and helping students file for financial aid in the meantime.

Maundrell says most academic and apprenticeship programs will proceed as scheduled, but continued education programs are being delayed a week.

Drug Concerns

First Nation leaders are calling on Ottawa to help stem what they are calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across northern Ontario.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been two years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal.

Legal Action Taken

Several First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands.

Lawyer David Estrin says Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside.

The complaint is relates to five hydro generating plants, including the one in Fort Frances.

Alcohol Prices Lowered

The province is lowering the LCBO’s mark-up on alcohol sold at duty free stores, including that in Fort Frances.

The mark-up will be reduced from 50 per cent to 30 per cent of cost.

A release from the province says the changes will improve the competitiveness of the duty-free stores, allowing them to create jobs.

The pricing change takes effect October 10.

Ranger Program Concluded

(Fort Frances District Ontario Stewardship Ranger photo)

The Ontario Stewardship Ranger program has wrapped its summer program in the Rainy River district.

Four area youth took part in a variety of outdoor activities.

Among projects was identifying rusty crayfish on area lakes and putting up fences on farms to keep cattle out of streams.

Tele-Health Funding

The North West Local Health Integration Network is earmarking two-million dollars towards the region's tele-health program.

The money will allow various health care organizations to hire more nurses for the program.

Hertiage Party Candidate Expected

The Northern Ontario Heritage Party says it will soon be announcing the name of its candidate who will seek the seat in Kenora-Rainy River in this October's provincial election.

The party was formed last year to bring attention to issues important to this region.

Missing Man Found

OPP have located the body of a Florida man from Lake of the Woods.

68-year-old Bill Amason had been reported missing Sunday after his empty boat was found floating in Obabikon Bay.

Police says a marine unit found his body in the same area Wednesday.

College Support Workers Hit the Pickets

Just days before students head back to class for the new school year, support staff at Ontario's community colleges are on strike.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says it went on strike because the colleges demanded concessions and clawbacks to its existing contract.

But Gerry Barker, chairman of the colleges' bargaining team, says the colleges offered increases for support staff that would take the average salary to more than 59-thousand dollars a year with no concessions.

Anticipating pickets at Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances, the Rainy River District School Board has changed the route for vehicle traffic to Fort High.

Parents, staff and students driving to school are to use the lane by J.W. Walker School off Keating Avenue to enter and leave at the north exit at McIrvine Road.

Buses are to use the same north exit on McIrvine to enter and leave the school.

Weather Warning Canceled

A severe thunderstorm watch for the Rainy River district between the town of Rainy River and Seine River First Nation has now ended.

Weather Watch Issued

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the Rainy River district.

It's because of an active line of severe thunderstorms moving in from southern Manitoba.

Environment Canada says they are likely to weaken slightly before they reach the district, but may still be strong enough to generate strong wind gusts to 90 kilometres an hour.

Safety Zone in Effect

The new Community Safety Zone in the west end of Fort Frances goes into effect today.

Drivers caught for such things as speeding or running red lights in the area can face a doubling of fines.

Constable Anne McCoy says OPP will be paying close attention there.

"The Community Safety Zone is an enforcement pillar, a tool officers can use at their discretion in order to do some enforcement within the school zones," says McCoy. "WE want people to be aware there's lot of school kids in that area."

The zone will remain in effect until the end of June.

McKay on the Campaign Trail

The official start to the provincial election is still a few days away, but that hasn't stopped candidates in Kenora-Rainy River from stumping for votes.

Progressive Conservative candidate Rod McKay was in Fort Frances yesterday to speak to party faithful and area business leaders.

"Basically the north, we get ignored in so many ways," says McKay. "We have policies that are set in Toronto that dramatically effect the way we live and the way we operate in northern Ontario with no consideration for the impact of those decisions. That's one of the reasons why I want to win this election and try to make some change in that area.

McKay also wants to help break down barriers that hurt area businesses to be competitive.

Doc House Call Plan Supported

The Liberal candidate for Kenora-Rainy River is standing up in support of a party policy to have doctors make house calls.

Anthony Leek says it makes good sense for this riding where there's a high number of seniors who could benefit.

"I think it's really important that we start to concentrate on taking care of the baby-boom generation which is continuing to age," says Leek, "and I think this is just a step forward to helping that population.

Leek says other Liberal initiatives will help bring more doctors to the area to help fulfill that promise.

Treaty 3 to Outline Court Case

Grand Council Treaty 3 is expected to release details today of legal action it plans to against the province of Ontario.

The Grand Council is asking the Court to set aside power contract to hydro generation dams within its territory that cause impacts to aboriginal or treaty rights.

TB!S Receives Fundraising Award

Staff at The Bargain Store in Fort Frances have been recognized for their fundraising efforts for Easter Seals.

The agency presented the store with a Silver Egg award for a campaign it ran back in March.

Store manager Darcy Banman says it was something staff had been worked toward.

"We're very proud of our staff," says Banman. "All of the money goes to Fort Frances. It stays with the local branch of Easter Seals. Our store has tried for the Silver Award for many years and we finally did it."

The store raised over $1,6000 through the sale of Easter Seals Paper Eggs, the second highest in northwestern Ontario.

Fishing Fine

A North Dakota man is $1,300 out-of-pocket for having too many walleye in his possession.

Court heard that Chris Lind declared six walleye caught on Lake of the Woods near Nestor Falls in July as he passed through customs at the Rainy River-Baudette point of entry.

A check found him with eleven frozen, filleted and packaged walleye, nine over the legal limit.

Used Hockey Equipment Wanted

An equipment drive has been launched to help kids get the gear they need to play hockey this winter.

OPP and Source for Sports stores across northern Ontario had initially launched the campaign to help remote First Nations children.

Constable Anne McCoy says it's now led to one that will also help those in the Rainy River district.

Tagg's Source for Sports will be accept used hockey equipment until September 16th, turning them over to Kidsport to distribute.

Plane Crash

Transportation Safety Board officials are to investigate the crash of a float plane near Sioux Lookout that claimed the life an a Minnesota pilot.

A board spokesman says initial reports suggest the amphibious Cessna 206 was trying to land Monday on the chutes of Abram Lake when the aircraft flipped over into the water.

The pilot, identified as being from Sunfish Lake, west of St. Paul, was transported to Sioux Lookout hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Classrooms Not Ready

It will at least next week before new early learning classrooms at St. Michael's School in Fort Frances are ready for use.

Education Director for the Northwest Catholic District School Board Mary-Catherine Kelly says some work is still needed, but it didn't stop the new four-and-five-year-olds from starting the school year.

"What we were able to do was facilitate a staggered entry for our students," says Kelly. "The children are coming to school and meeting with their teachers. In the second week of school, those classrooms will be ready."

Kelly says the board will also participate this year in several programs to improve student success.

College Striking Likely

The union representing support staff at Ontario's community colleges sees little chance of avoiding a strike.

OPSEU will be in a legal strike position tomorrow morning.

The bargaining chair for the colleges says his side remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached.

Organize for School

A professional organizer from International Falls will be providing tips today on how parents and their children can get adjusted to a new school year.

Nicki Bergstrom is hosting two one-hour workshops at Falls Elementary.

Bergstrom says they'll help parents cope with the stress that often comes in getting children ready for school.

"Some of the things that we'll be talking about is actually preparing an adequate routine for your child, "says Bergstrom. "Also organizing around the house. Keeping information where it needs to be kept."

There's a ten dollar charge to the workshops at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Alzheimer Ride Successful

(Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts photo)


This past weekend's Alzheimer Society Ride for Memories was a little short of its financial goal, but the event is still being hailed a huge success.

The more than $31-thousand raised was about $4-thousand less than expected.
But Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts, Lynn Moffatt says the turnout was huge.

"This year we had more riders than any year before," says Moffatt. "We had 160 riders. We had riders from as far as Thunder Bay coming out to this event."

Money raised goes towards support and services to families and people suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia related diseases.

Atikokan Trade Show Restyled

(Booth at past Atikokan Trade Show - Atikokan Chamber of Commerce photo)


Atikokan's Chamber of Commerce is taking a different approach to promoting its community.

Office Manager Jolene Wood says they're forgoing the traditional fall trade show for an event that encompasses the entire downtown area.

"What we want to do is showcase some of the businesses downtown," says Wood, "and give them an opportunity to have sidewalk sales or promotions of their own. Just to let people remember that we have shops downtown and to get them to come down and get shopping."

The September 10th event will include some booths at the Legion for out-of-town businesses wanting to participate.

Fire Within Voyageurs National Park

Park officials are monitoring a lightning caused fire within Voyageurs National Park.

The fire, approximately half-an-acre in size, is burning near Tooth Lake, about 2 miles south of Namakan Lake.

It was first detected Sunday.

Because of the area's remoteness and the fact there's few values at risk, the park says it won't be doing any immediate suppression efforts.

Toll Booth Threats

Dryden's Mayor is fuming are learning local taxpayers could be on the hook for the cost of paving a section of the Trans-Canada Highway through the city.

The Ministry of Transportation is planning on paving both ends of the highway up to the city limits.

Craig Nuttall is threatening to set up a toll booth if his city is forced to pay to pave the rest of the road.

Aggressive Bears in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging people to be careful after recent reports of aggressive behavior by black bears in the Ely area.

The DNR says some reports involve collared bears that are part of research being conducted by biologist Lynn Rogers.

Rogers though disputes that the collared bears are aggressive.