Question of the Day

Do you think the Fort Frances Parade of Lights should go along the waterfront?

Vote on our website www.b93.ca.

Last week, we asked if you think candidates in Kenora-Rainy River can provide the riding with a strong voice at Queen's Park.

78 per cent of respondents don't think so.

CCAC Workers Get Contract

88 health care workers with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre could soon have a new
three-year contract.

Ontario Nurses' Association members with 10 CCAC's around the province have ratified a tentative deal.

Now its up to the employer to ratify the agreement in a process that is expected to be completed by Friday.

The workers were in a strike position today.

Enrolment Up Slightly

A few more students are attending the area's catholic schools.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board says September enrolments are up 35 over the numbers in June.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly attendance to junior and senior kindergarten is most encouraging.

With the exception of St. Michael's School in Fort Frances, enrolments at the board's other schools in the Rainy River district dropped slightly.

Cycling Survey

The survey for the Share the Road Cycling Coalition finds that about 28 per cent of adults in Ontario cycle regularly.

But about 53 per cent of respondents say they would cycle more often if roads were safer.

The survey's release comes just days before the Ontario election and aims to get political leaders to pay attention to cycling issues.

Candidates Debate in Stratton

Can the candidates seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River really promise to give the Riding a stronger voice at Queen's Park as they promise?

It was one of the questions posed at a debate in Stratton Thursday night.

Liberal candidate Anthony Leek says it comes to being able to convince southern Ontario of the north's potential.

P.C. candidate Rod McKay says the riding needs to have representation on the government's side.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell says her party would form a committee who's main focus would be to ensure policies at Queens Park work for the north.

Candidates Healthy

The candidates in Kenora-Rainy River are healthy.

All of them have signed on to be "Healthy Candidates" with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

It's their pledge to invest more to promote and support better health in Ontario.

Emergency Room Help

Emergency room care at the Rainy River Health Centre will continue in October.

The departure of one of two full-time physicians in Rainy River put the hospital's emergency room in jeopardy.

But Riverside Health Care Facilities CEO Wayne Woods says some help is arriving.

Woods says they're still working on a more long-term solution to the doctor shortage.

Boil Water Advisory

Atikokan residents are having to boil their water today.

A boil water advisory has been issued by the Northwestern Health Unit following a power failure at the town's water treatment plant.

The Health Unit is advising water to be consumed should be boiled at least one minute before using.

Fence Rhetoric

Plans to fence parts of the Canada-U.S. border is being called political rhetoric.

Thunder Bay Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the U.S. proposal isn't necessary.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin public meetings Monday on its plans to bolster border protection.

Border Fence Proposed

The US Customs and Border Protection Agency is batting around the idea of putting up fences along the border with Canada to keep bad guys out.

The agency will hold public meetings, starting Monday in Duluth, on its proposals for better managing trouble-spots along the border where cross-border violators are tougher to control.

It's also considering higher-tech options, like using more radar ground sensors and drones.

Rachel's Challenge Presented to Local Schools

Students across the Rainy River district are being asked to help start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.

It's a key element of Rachel's Challenge being promoted to area schools.

Presenter Patrick Kassab says it's goes beyond a one-time presentations.

Kassab says they're also hoping to start "Friends of Rachel's Challenge" groups in local schools to help promote the initiative.

Schools will also receive banners that students are also being asked to sign as a pledge to accept the challenge.

The campaign was drawn out of writings from Rachel Scott, who was the first victim of the 1999 Columbine School shootings.

Candidates Debate in Stratton

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River will debate the issue tonight in Stratton.

The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture hosts the event at Our Lady of the Way School beginning at 7 p.m.

Last night, candidates attempted to sell themselves to Fort Frances voters at a mix and mingle hosted by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Question of the Week

What candidates have to say at debates may not have much influence on some voters.

78 per cent of respondents to B93.ca's poll question don't feel debates have an influence on how they vote.

Today's question - with talk of a fence running along the US border with parts of Canada, do you see it necessary along the Ontario-Minnesota area.

Vote at b93.ca.

Ontario Election Update

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says there'll be changes in the province's jails if he wins the October 6th election.

He's promising to force the province's 29-hundred prisoners to work 40 hours a week, without pay.


Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty does think the PC Leader has the experience to be premier.

McGuinty is painting himself as "a strong champion'' to protect the province in the face of economic uncertainty, suggesting Hudak can't be trusted to stand up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and defend Ontario's health-care system and Ontario's jobs.


NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says parties need to stop using scare tactics to attract votes.

She is also urging people to vote with " their hearts and values'' -- a reference to the late Jack Layton.

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.