Voter Turnout Dismal

Just short of 22-thousand people cast ballots in the Kenora-Rainy River riding, the fewest since the riding was formed in 1999.

There were over 45-thousand eligible voters.

Election Results Delayed

Elections Ontario delayed the release of the results from Kenora-Rainy River by about half-hour last night.

It was because of a delay in setting up a polling station at Lac La Croix First Nation that prompted an extension of the vote there until 8:30 p.m..

Question of the Day - October 7

Just over 40 per cent of respondents to a B93.ca question on Wednesday felt there would be a minority government coming out of yesterday's election.

Today, we ask if you think Ontario will be well served by a Liberal minority.

Vote at B-93.ca

And in a question asked yesterday, 74 per cent didn't think a declining Canadian dollar was impacting on their decision to shop State side.

Vendor Blender

A chance to learn more about some of the so-called home-party consultants in the Rainy River district.

Organizer Jody MacGuire says fifteen different products will on display at the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau as part of a Vendor Blender.

It goes from 3 p.m.to 8 p.m. tonight and again from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. tomorrow.

New Councillor Selected

Alberton's township council has filled a vacancy at its council table.

Elizabeth Logue-Baxter will replace Barb Cournoyer who stepped down in September due to medical reasons.

Logue-Baxter is current a member of the township's Emergency Management Program Committee and has been involved in organizing recreational events in the past.

She'll be officially sworn into office Wednesday.

Bear Maulings

Two maulings by black bears in just over a week is a grim reminder of the dangers of Northwestern Ontario's back country.

The latest happened Tuesday involved a 24-year-old woman with the Ministry of Natural Resources working near Armstrong.

A co-worker helped to fight off the 250-pound bear.

The woman had to be airlifted to hospital in Thunder Bay for treatment of unknown injuries.

Last week, a hunter was able to kill a bear that attacked him north of Kenora.

Polls Now Open

Polls across the Kenora-Rainy River riding for the Ontario election are now open.

Voting can be done until 8 p.m.

Returning officer Ian Simpson says voters should bring ID and the voter registration card to the polling station identified on the card.

Elections Ontario will have between five and six hundred people working on the election in this riding.

Election Day in Ontario

Ontario voters head to the polling booths today amid uncertainty over the province's economic future.

Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty, in seeking a third straight majority, has stressed his experience and competence.

And analysts suggest his ``steady-as-she-goes'' message has resonated with voters worried about another possible recession.

At the start of the campaign, polls indicated anger at McGuinty over several broken promises would sweep him from office.

However, analysts say neither the Tories nor New Democrats have offered voters a clear reason to vote for them instead.

Candidates To Watch Results

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River will be in their respective home towns tonight to watch the results come in.

Liberal Candidate Anthony Leek will be at the Emo Inn.

Progressive Conservative Rod McKay will hold a gather in Kenora.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell will be in Dryden where she will provide a live webcast from her campaign headquarters to sites in Fort Frances and Kenora.

Viewing in Fort Frances takes place at the La Place Rendez Vous.

B93 Election Coverage

Be sure to listen to B93 for results in the election in both the Kenora-Rainy River and Thunder Bay-Atikokan ridings as well as the provincial scene.

Our coverage begins shortly after polls close at 8 p.m.

Native Leader Seeks Respect from New Ontario Government

The province's top aborginal leader says he's not willing to endorse any political party in today's provincial election.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse says the best he can ask any government is to respect the rights of First Nation communities.

Question of the Day - October 6

Yesterday B93.ca's Poll Question asked you about the election.

Due to Elections Ontario guidelines, we can not release the results of that poll until tomorrow.

Today we ask if the sinking Canadian dollar is keeping you from shopping in the United States?

Vote at www.b93.ca.

Missing Hunter Found Safe

A happy ending to a search yesterday for a missing hunter east of Fort Frances.

53 year old Patrick O'Connell was found safe and sound on Turtle River Road by the OPP's Emergency Response Team.

He had been reported missing Tuesday night after failing to return home from hunting.

Police says the man became lost, but managed to find his way out of the bush to a nearby road, where he was picked up by another hunter.

More Weather Records

More weather records in Fort Frances.

Tuesday's high of 25 C broke the old record of 24 C set back in 1987

There was also a new high set yesterday with the thermometer reaching 26.6 C, passing the old mark of 25 C set back on October 5 of last year.

AbitibiBowater Reduced Debt

AbitibiBowater says it will redeem $85-million in senior secured notes due in 2018 as part of a strategy to decrease fixed costs and improve the paper maker's financial position.

The move reduces the face value of the company's total debt to about $586-million.

Deer Pose Problems for Drivers

Be careful driving in the Kenora area.

There have been 53 accidents involving deer on highways in the area so far this year.

That's still down from the 83 collisions reported last year.

Final Day to Solicit Votes

It's Day 29 of the Ontario election campaign, the last day for the politicians to make their promises before the people have their say at the ballot box.

New poll results indicate the governning Liberals are leading the Tories by 10 points among decided voters.

In Kenora-Rainy River, Progressive Conservative candidate Rod McKay, the Liberal's Anthony Leek, Sarah Campbell of the NDP, Northern Ontario Heritage Party hopeful Charmaine Romaniuk and Jo Jo Holiday of the Green Party are making one final push to get voters to support their campaigns at tomorrow's ballot box.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding Prediction

It's a horse race in Thunder Bay Atikokan.

Lakehead University Political Science Professor Laure Paquette says despite relative inexperience NDP Candidate Mary Kozorys is in a strong position.

Paquette says Liberal Bill Mauro has the advantage of being the incumbent while PC Candidate Fred Gilbert has name recognition from being a one-time president of LU.  

Rafferty Supports National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is calling suicide among First Nation youth a national crisis.

He says its a reason he'll support a Liberal proposal for a national suicide prevention strategy.

Debate on the proposal took place in the House of Commons yesterday.

Question of the Day - October 5

There's some support to Fort Frances town council spending money to develop new bicycle trails in town.

61 per cent of respondents to Tuesday's Poll Question at B93.ca support the town making trail development a priority in the upcoming budget.

Today's question, do think tomorrow's election in Ontario will result in a majority or minority government.

Vote at b93.ca

Water Rate Increase in I. Falls Expected

There could be a huge jump coming to water rates in International Falls.

Chair of the city's finance committee Cynthia Jacksa says the water department is currently running a deficit and an increase as high as 12 per cent in rates might be needed to offset the shortfall.

Jacksa says a study of the water system, due at the end of this month, will help determine the size of the increase.

Forest Fire Hazard to Increase

The Ministry of Natural Resources is concerned with the number of human caused fires that have sparked in recent days.

One near Little Sawbill Lake northeast of Fort Frances occured on the weekend.

Information Officer Debbie MacLean says the forest fire hazard could reach extreme levels by the end of the week.

There are 34 fires still burning, most being monitored by the MNR.

Six of those fires are burning in Quetico Provincial Park.

Advance Polls Busy

About 8 per cent of eligible voters in the Kenora-Rainy River riding have cast their ballots in the provincial election.

Elections Ontario says 3611 people took advantage of ten days of advance polls that ended last Friday.

There are just over 45-thousand eligible voters in the riding.

Meantime, about 43-hundred of the 56-thousand plus voters took part in advance polls in Thunder Bay-Atikokan cast their ballots.

Conventry Acquires Mineral Rights

Coventry Resources at Cameron Lake Project - Conventry Resources photo

Coventry Resources has secured mineral rights to property adjacent to the Rainy River Resources gold project.

The Australian-based company says it intends to conduct an aggressive exploration program on the 96 square kilometres which has seen limited exploration in the past.

The company is already exploring for gold in the Cameron Lake area near Nestor Falls.

Fishing Pier Open

A new fishing pier is in place on the U.S. side of Rainy Lake.

The 84-foot pier at Tilson Bay was installed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff to replace an aging structure.

Tilson Bay is located approximately six miles east of International Falls.

Weather Record

A weather record for Fort Frances Monday.

The high of 27.8 degrees Celsius surpassed the old mark of 25.5 C set back in 1997.

The warm weather is expected to continue until Saturday.

New Border Crossing Site Selected

A preferred location has been chosen for a new border crossing in International Falls.

The waterfront location, east of the existing U.S. port of entry, will route traffic back through the downtown core.

Falls Mayor Shawn Mason says it's what the city wanted.

No word on when construction would start.

Falls Seeks Trail Dollars

The city of International Falls is seeking State funds to aid in the construction of new hiking and bicycle trails along its waterfront.

It's hoping to tap into a Department of Natural Resources program for trail development.

If successful, the grant would cover 90 per cent of the 259-thousand dollar project.

Question of the Day

A proposed move of the Fort Frances Parade of Lights to the waterfront isn't sitting well with some residents.

61 per cent of respondents to B93.ca's poll question Monday don't want to see the parade move from its traditional route on Scott Street.

Today's question, with Fort Frances council being asked to help develop a network of bicycle trails in town, should it be a priority in next year's budget?

Vote at www.b93.ca.

Contest Draws More Entries

A dozen submissions have been received in a contest aimed at promoting Atikokan's proclamation as the Canoeing Capital of Canada.

An extension to the contests deadline brought in 9 submissions last month to the 3 received in August.

Paula Sanders of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation says a committee review them starting Friday.

The best three will be eligible for funding to help develop and market their products.

Community Living Seeks Support

Community Living Fort Frances and District is looking for the public's support as it vies for a share of money being offered up by Aviva Insurance.

Spokesperson Amy Saunders says their project seeks funds to cover expenses of a camp offered each summer at Sunny Cove Camp to people with physical or mental disabilities.

First round voting can be done by clicking the link before Sunday.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10980

Principal Charged

A Thunder Bay high school principal has been charged with offences at the Canada-U-S border.

The principal at Sir Winston Churchill high school was charged with attempting to bring American purchased airsoft replica firearms and magazines into Canada on June 16th.

The Lakehead board says he is no longer in his working position.

Ontario Election Day 28

Day 28 of the election campaign has the three major party leaders out making their final appeals for votes.

Premier Dalton McGuinty and Progressive Conservative Tim Hudak is focusing attention on votes in southern Ontario ridings.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will make an announcement at Queen's Park before heading to Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

Former Emo Man Honoured

A man from Emo has a bridge in Ear Falls named in his honour.

OPP officer Calvin Fulford was killed in a 1958 Christmas Day shooting incident.

OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis says renaming the bridge on Highway 105 is a fitting tribute.

The 29-year-old was the father to former Fort Frances Fire Chief, the late Ralph Fulford,  and had been with the OPP for less than 4 years.

Man Arrested in Bar Fight

One person faces charges following a fight inside a Fort Frances drinking establishment early Saturday morning.

Provincial police were called by staff to help disperse a crowd of people involved before determining who was had been chiefly responsible.

Doh! Wrong House

A rude awaking for a Fort Frances woman yesterday morning.

OPP say the woman was awaken to someone ringing her doorbell and found a man trying to get in.

The intoxicated man told police he thought he was at a friend's house.

Emergency Landing

A scare for a young pilot near Vermilion Bay Sunday.

The pilot was forced to land on a road when his small plane developed engine problems.

The 22-year-old was in the midst of a flight from Montreal to Yellowknife.

Minority Government Possible

There's plenty of talk of a minority government being elected in Ontario Thursday.

The Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are running neck and neck in the polls with the NDP likely to hold the balance of power.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is making it clear he isn't interested in any form of partnership with the other parties if there is a minority government.

The NDP is side-stepping speculation about a minority at the legislature and plugging what it would do during its first 100 days in office instead.


Leader Andrea Horwath says she's focused on running for premier and connecting with voters before Thursday's vote.

Tory leader Tim Hudak warns the Liberals and NDP will team up to raise taxes if a minority government.


Hudak won't say what he might offer Horwath to get her support, saying he doesn't want to play ``Let's Make a Deal.''

Aviator Recognized

A new name for the airport in International Falls.

The Falls International Airport, Francis Einarason terminal and Einarson field recognizes the many contributions the well-known aviator and his family have brought to the airport.

Hundreds of people packed a hanger Saturday for the dedication.

Parade Route Change Proposed

Organizers of the Fort Frances Parade of Lights are considering a route change.

Brenda Kellar says they feel the waterfront might make a great area for the November 26  parade.

The parade has traditionally gone down Scott Street.

Kellar says they're now soliciting input before making a final decision.

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.