211 Service Expands

211 Service has now expanded into the Kenora district.

It allows people to find information on community and social services by picking up the phone.

It was launched in the Rainy River district last year.

Drive Thru Breakfast

The Voyageur Lion Club is holding its annual 'Drive Thru Breakfast' at Tim Hortons in Fort Frances this morning.

A donation of at least ten dollars gets you your morning coffee along with a bag of goods and chances to win prizes.

Proceeds going towards Rachel's Challenge.

Grow-Op Found

A 50 year old Kenora man faces drug charges after OPP uncovered a grow-op along Highway 71.

Police seized marijuana plants, dried marijuana and marijuana shake with a combined street value of about 44-thousand dollars.

Economic Development Conference

Grand Council Treaty Three hosting a three day economic conference today in Kenora.

The Area Economic Opportunities Conference is exploring a number of issues, tourism, arts and culture, mining and forestry.

Dollar to Fall More

The Bank of Montreal says the loonie is poised to fall well below parity with the greenback after flying as high as 106 cents US just two months ago.

The bank is predicting the Canadian dollar will slip to as low as 93 cents US by the end of the year and will stay there until the second half of next year.

Mill Auction Goes Ahead

Atikokan's Mayor is calling it a sad day for his community.

A two-day sell of equipment from the former Atikokan Forest Products mill started yesterday.

Dennis Brown says he's disappointed a way to get the mill restarted couldn't be found.

The lack of a wood supply prevented a planned purchase from going ahead.

CCAC Workers Give Strike Mandate

There could be pickets in front of Northwest Community Care Access Centre sites across northwestern Ontario next week.

The 88 members of the Ontario Nurses Association have joined with their counterparts at nine other CCAC's  in supporting strike action October 3 to back contract demands.

The workers provide health and home care services to the seniors in their own home.

Mediated talks are planned for today and tomorrow.

Ontario Leaders Debate

Ontario's political leaders return to the campaign trail today after last night's only televised debate before next Thursday's election.

Premier Dalton McGuinty was on the defensive during much of the debate over soaring electricity bills and higher taxes under the two-term Liberal government.

But the Liberal leader gave as good as he got, especially when he lashed out at Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak for attacking a tax credit to help new Canadians get a job.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was the most aggressive of the three leaders, frequently interrupting her male opponents to criticize.

No Debate in Fort Frances

Candidates in the Kenora-Rainy River riding won't be debating when they gather tonight in Fort Frances.

Instead, they'll outline their election platforms and then meet voters one-on-one at a mix and mingle hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

It's at the Royal Canadian Legion beginning at 7 p.m.

Question of the Day

It appears most residents in the Rainy River district may have their minds already made up.

75 per cent of respondents to a B93.ca Poll Question feel ready to cast ballot now.

Today's question - do debates influence how you vote?

Give us your opinion at www.b93.ca

First Nations Youth Involved in Election

The election will be a topic of discussion for area First Nations youth tonight.

Mandi Olson-Caul of the United Native Friendship Centre they're being invited to a gathering at Couchiching First Nations' Multi-Use facility to discuss issues they plan to present to the candidates running in the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

It begins at 5:30 p.m.

Rachel's Challenge Presentation Tonight

Rachel's Challenge comes to the Rainy River district today.

The positive peer-pressure initiative is based on the writings of the first victim of the 1999 Columbine School shootings.

Steve Latimer of the United Native Friendship Centre is hoping it will spread through area schools.

A public presentation at the Townsend Theatre goes tonight at 7 p.m. with free tickets still available at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts.

Rainy River Resources on TSX

Rainy River Resources will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange's main board today.

The company, who's working on a gold mine project north of Barwick, will trade under the symbol RR.

It's position on the TSX's  Venture Exchange ended at the close of markets yesterday.

New Bicyle Routes Proposed

Fort Frances town councillors are being asked to set aside money in the 2012 budget to develop new walking and bicycle trails.

Becky Holden of the town's Active Transportation Committee says infrastructure changes will make the routes possible.

Five routes have been identified with the first being one that would connect users with McIrvine Road, Fourth, Third and Fifth Streets.

Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association wants to work with the town on projects that improve the downtown core.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says it has some ideas for areas like the former Rainy Lake Hotel.

Cuthbertson says the BIA has a pot of money it could use toward those projects.

Mill on Auction Block Today

An auction of equipment from the former Atikokan Forest Products Mill is expected to go today.

A company had expressed interest in buying the mill but was unable to secure a wood supply from the province.

The mill, which has been shuttered for the past three years, was placed into receivership at the beginning of this year.

Advance polling continues across the Rainy River district. Voting can be done now at Emo's Knox United Church beginning at 10 a.m.

The poll, along with ones at the returning office in Fort Frances and in Atikokan continue until Friday.

Question of the Day Introduced

A new feature to our website www.b93.ca begins today entitled Today's Poll Question.

We'll ask for your input into a different question each day with the results reported the next.

Today's question deals with the provincial election.

With advance polls open, do you feel ready to cast your ballot before October 6?

Vote at www.b93.ca

A piece of Don Cherry could find a home at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Fort Frances Councillor Sharon Tibbs won an outfit worn from the well-known hockey commentator at a Ducks Unlimited Auction held in London, Ontario, and is offering to have it on public display.

The outfit includes a jacket, tie, shirt, cuff-links and a flower.

 

Pink Flamigos are popping up in front of some homes in Atikokan.

Jim Turner, community coordinator for Special Olympics Atikokan, says they're putting them there to help raise money for two local athletics to go to an upcoming Winter Games.

Residents who are flocked are asked to make a donation to have them removed and offer up another victim.

CCAC Employees Involved in Strike Vote

Unionized employees with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre are taking a strike vote this week

The 88-members of the Ontario Nurse's Assocation are among those at ten CCAC's across Ontario that could be in a strike position October 3.

Mediated talks are planned for this week.

Workload and wages are among the issues.

Missing Girl

A 16-year-old girl from the Rainy River district area is being sought by Provincial Police.

Belinda Paishk has been missing since September 13.

The 5'2", 120 pound teenager was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and black pants and had a black back-pack.

School Food Regulations Clarified

The Northwestern Health Unit is clarifying the new food guidelines schools must now follow.

As of September 1st, junk food can no longer be sold in schools.

Chelsea Lecain, a dietitian with the Health Unit, says it's all part of a campaign to get kids to eat healthier.

Schools are allowed ten so-called special occasions that are exempt from the regulations.

Two Arrested in Drug Bust

Two residents of Fort Frances face several drug charges.

This after the OPP's Community Drug Action Team seized from a home on Scott Street, last Thursday, nearly 7-pounds of marijuana, along with oxycodone and hydro-morphine.

Value of the drugs seized is estimated at $65,000.

33-year-old Kevin House and 27-year-old Laura Wickstrom will appear in court at the end of October.

Respect Campaign Facilitator Workshop

The group working on a campaign that promotes respect across the Rainy River district is looking for help to promote the program.

Trudy McCormick, chair of Celebrating Diversity, says workshops will be held today and tomorrow.

Call the Northwest Community Legal Clinic in Fort Frances to register.

Ontario Election

On the provincial election campaign, Ontario's New Democrats have released a financial blueprint that includes a two-billion dollar contingency fund as the party tries to position itself as having the best plan to handle another economic slump.

P-C Leader Tim Hudak is promising changes to the compensation system board for victims of crime by ensuring money from the Victims Justice Fund gets to victims.

A weekend pledge to scrap a gas-fired plant near Toronto forced Dalton McGuinty onto the defensive as his rivals slam the move as a crass attempt at grabbing votes.

Students Follow Election

Some students across the Rainy Rainy district are playing close attention to what the provincial leaders have to say.

They're taking part in a project called Student Vote.

Grade 5 teacher at Crossroads School in Devlin Trevor Hands says his students are very involved, learning about the different parties and their platforms.

Students will also cast votes on election day, although their numbers will not be included in the final election tally.

Public Meeting on Budget

Residents of Fort Frances get an opportunity tonight to help shape the town's 2012 budget.

A public meeting goes as part of the regular council meeting.

Ideas will be given consideration by councillors when they being their budget discussions in January.

Internet-born Bear Cub Missing

(North American Bear Center photo)

A black bear who was born in front of an Internet audience last year is missing in northeastern Minnesota.

Hope went missing Wednedsay.

She's part of long-term study of black bears at the North American Bear Center near Ely.

Hope's mother, Lily, developed a following when a camera in her den captured Hope's birth in January 2010.

Biologist Lynn Rogers believes Hope, who kept removing a radio-collar, was shot by a hunter.

Local Sports for Monday September 26

Oliver and Jason Gibbons of Sleeman captured the Rainy River Walleye tournament for a record fourth time.

The pair reeled in just under 23 pounds of walleye.




Fort Frances Lakers have moved into first in the SIJHL.

Jordan Larson had a goal and three assists as the Lakers dumped Duluth 6-2.

They also won Friday 6-3 at home over Wisconsin, before dropping a 1-0 game to the Wilderness Saturday in Wisconsin.




Fort Frances Muskies junior boys volleyball team split into two teams with one earning silver at a weekend tournament in Dryden.

The team lost to Dryden in the final.

The other squad finished fourth overall.




Rainy River Voyageurs women's volleyball team went undefeated to win a tournament in St. Cloud, beating Oak Hills Colleges, Vermilion, and Mesabi in straight sets.

Friday, the Voyageurs lost a game to St. Cloud Tech in 3 sets.




High School football from Friday saw the Fort Frances Muskies lose 23-7 to Sisler.

The International Falls Broncos fell 33-16 to Cloquet.




Five members of the Borderland Roller Derby League were on the winning side of a 110-97 game in Coleraine.

The Fort Freakshow gals joined with ladies from Thunder Bay and Chippewa Valley for the win over a team made up of skaters from Grand Rapids, Fergus Falls and Jamestown, North Dakota.




The Borderland Go-Karting Club wrapped up its season on the weekend.

Raice Westover won the Novice class feature with Justin Besch and Gina Boyum taking the heats.

Tristan Badiuk claimed the advance class feature while Wyatt Boyum won both heats.

College Workers Fired

Several part-time support staff workers at Confederation College claim they've lost their jobs because they didn't cross picket lines when their full-time co-workers were on strike.

Reports says some of those workers were employed at the College's campus in Fort Frances.

Part-time support staff aren't unionized, but the Ontario Public Service Employees Union is trying to help those affected by this week's move.

The college is not commenting.

Solar Project Starts Up

(Cory Bolton (l) of Solar Logix and Fort Frances Sustainability Coordinator Travis Rob pose in front of solar power equipment at public works garage.)

The town of Fort Frances has started generating electricity with the help of the sun.

Sustainability Coordinator Travis Rob says solar panels atop the public works garage are now connected to the power grid.

The 52 panels, generating 10 kilowatts, will send the power back to the grid and collect 80 per kilowatt hour on the power sold over the next 20 years.

Three other projects at the Memorial Sports Centre, daycare centre and water treatment plant will be connected in the next couple of weeks.

Northern Issues Debate Today

There will be an empty chair in Thunder Bay this morning when the party leaders debate northern issues.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he can't attend due to a scheduling conflict and his rivals say that won't go over well in the North.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak have been pushing McGuinty to accept the invitation.

McGuinty, who will campaign in Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener, says he's not snubbing the North and has a long track record to prove it.

The debate will be webcast on www.noma.ca beginning at 10 p.m. CDT.

Questionaire Goes Unanswered

The Ontario Liberals choose not to address a number of forestry-related questions posed by northwestern Ontario municipal, forestry and business leaders.

But president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Ron Nelson stops short of criticizing them for their non-answers.

The Liberals failed to provide answers to twelve of 13 questions posed.

Board Looks to Improve Technology

The Northwest Catholic District School Board will be focusing on improving access to technology in the classroom over the next three years.

Superintendent of Education Al Cesiunas says it's the key element of their strategic plan.

It includes installing Smartboards in all classrooms and having St. Francis school students test iPads.

OPP Correction

OPP have issued a correction to a story B93 News aired Wednesday involving charges against a woman after cocaine was found in a vehicle.

Police say the 44-year-old woman was from Fort Frances, not Couchiching First Nation as they previously reported.

The September 7 arrest was made on Highway 11 in Couchiching.

Website Changes

There's a new look to our website www.b93.ca.

New features include a community events calender, E! online news and easier access to our Facebook page.

Hospital Concern

Residents of Rainy River are facing not having access to emergency room care at Rainy River Health Centre.

A resignation of one of two contract doctors will leave the hospital with just one physician beginning October 3rd.

Officials says the shortage could force patients to travel to Emo or Fort Frances for care.

Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald calls the situation serious.

Cottage Fire Kills One

One person is dead and another is recovering in hospital following a fire on Lake of the Woods.

The fire destroyed a cabin on Ward Island Monday.

The names of the victims are not being immediately released, but OPP say both are U.S. citizens.

Wind Blows Over Dump Truck

A burst of wind is blamed for a dump truck rolling over on a road construction project just west of Rainy River First Nations yesterday.

The truck was dumping gravel into a spreading machine on Highway 11 near Nighswander Road when it tipped over.

The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.

Clean-up Deadline Passes

Owners of a former fish farm in Atikokan have failed to meet a deadline to clean-up the site.

Snow Lake Canadien was court ordered in June to have all remaining buildings and structures at the former Caland Mine site brought down by the end of August.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources says they're now looking at other options in dealing with the matter after the company failed to comply.

Independent School District 361 in International Falls and Rainy River Community College are about to study how they can work closer together.

ISD 361 Superintendent Jeff Peura says they'll explore ideas about shared programming and staff.

Peura says the study could also lead a pilot project for the State to consider.

Caring Dads

Help is coming to area men who may have abused or neglected their children or exposed them to abuse in the family home.

Brad Ricci, a facilitator of the program "Caring Dads," says it's something new to the Rainy River district.

The program is being offered out of Atikokan next month with the hopes of expanding it to other communities in the future.

Solar Project Starts Up

A town of Fort Frances solar project will begin generating power today.

The Public Works building is one of four municipal buildings that will have the panels installed.

McGuinty Still Wanted

There are still some members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association who think the Premier will show for tomorrow's northern Ontario leaders debate in Thunder Bay.

Vice President Dave Canfield believes Dalton McGuinty will have a change of heart.

McGuinty has said he won't attend because of a scheduling conflict.

Tickets Available for Rachel's Challenge

Plenty of tickets are still available to next week's community presentations of Rachel's Challenge in Fort Frances.

Steve Latimer of the United Native Friendship Centre says the positive-peer pressure campaign is one that parents needs to know about.

Tickets are free and available at Northwoods Gallery Gifts, United Native Friendship Centre and Cloverleaf Grocery in Emo.

Ignace Working with Bending Lake

Ignace town council has agreed to work with the Bending Lake Iron Group to move forward with a mine site southeast of the community.

The company plans to develop an industrial site at Bending Lake and build a rail line connecting the CP's line within two years.

The company is still looking at trucking concentrate to a proposed pig iron plant in Atikokan.

Bear Problems in Fort Frances

Bears are becoming a nuisance for some residents in Fort Frances.

By-law enforcement officer Arlene Brynes says the number of calls received has picked up in recent days.

There have been 13 reported sightings and at least four bears were captured and relocated outside the town.

Brynes says one bear had to be killed because it suffered injuries believed to have come from being hit by a vehicle.

Issues Debated in Kenora

Hydro rates, the Far North Act and forestry were among issues arising out of a debate in Kenora for candidates seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River.

The Liberal's Anthony Leek admits his party's policies have been under attack, but they aren't about to change course now.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell reiterating her party's plans to bring down hydro rates.


Rod McKay of the Conservatives says his party believe in opening up the north for development.

Charmaine Romaniuk of the Northern Ontario Heritage Party wants to ensure mineral mined in the north be processed in the north.

Jo Jo Holiday from the Green Party says in order to have a healthy economy, we need a healthy population.

Stratton Debate Organized

There will be a provincial election debate in the Rainy River district.

The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture is sponsoring an event a week from tomorrow at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

A meet and greet, sponsored by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, takes place the day before in Fort Frances.

Advance Polls Open

Advance polls open today in the provincial election.

Returning officer for the Kenora-Rainy River riding Ian Simpson says voters can go to the returning office in Fort Frances or to the Rainy River Community Centre beginning at 10 a.m.

In Atikokan, there is an advance poll at Elections Ontario's office on Main street.

Three Face Drug Charges

Three people in the Rainy River district will make future court appearances on drug charges.

A 60-year-old Fort Frances man was charged after OPP seized  $3,000 worth of marijuana plants from a home in late August.

A week later, a marijuana grow operation was discovered in Barwick where police seized plants and dry marijuana, valued at over $23-thousand.

A 47-year-old man was charged.

A day later, a 44-year-old woman from Couchiching First Nation was charged after police stopped a vehicle and found $4,100 worth of cocaine inside.

Environmental Film Festival

The environment takes front and centre at a film festival at Fort Frances High School today.

Beth Fairfield, chair of the Rainy River District School Board's Environmental Education Committee says it's the event's third year.

Students will see a number of short films.

An expo will also be held to showcase environmental products and services in the district.

The festival is restricted to students only, but the expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.