FFCBC Considers Television Coverage

The chair of Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship says he will entertain discussions with Shaw Cable about having next year's tournament broadcast on television.

Shaw aired tournaments in Kenora and Dryden last year, but provided no live coverage to the Fort Frances event.

Gord Watson says part of the reason was because Shaw said it was unable financially to be an event sponsor and that its mobile unit may not be available.

Watson says the committee is interested in having the tournament covered but not at their expense.

Nearly $3,000 was paid to Shaw to have it on site for the 2010 tournament.

Mayor Questions Comparisons

The mayor of Atikokan says he's not sure why his community is being used as a comparison with the financial spending of troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

A published report notes Atikokan's operating budget to be a third of the remote northern community.

Dennis Brown says location may play a factor.

Brown says it's also difficult to compare budgets since Atikokan doesn't have all of the same financial responsibilities as Attawapiskat.

Victim in Incident at CN Rail yard Identified

Ontario Provincial Police says a Fort Frances man was killed after being struck by a train yesterday.

Ontario Provincial Police says 28-year-old Justin Degagne was walking along the tracks in the CN's rail yard, west of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, when he was hit by a westbound freight train leaving the yard.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. yesterday morning.

Police Release Accident Photo

Thunder Bay Police are releasing a disturbing photo of a vehicle that was involved in a drunk driving accident over the weekend.

Police Spokesperson Chris Adams hopes it will send a message to party goers.

The 21 year old woman lost control of her car causing it to flip several times and trap her inside.

Fatal Investigated

OPP and CN Rail police continue to investigate an apparent fatal incident on the CN line in Fort Frances.

Few details have been released, but investigators were on the scene yesterday near the area of Fourth Street West and York Avenue.

CFOB News has since learned the victim was a man.

More information is expected later this morning.

More Downtown at Fort Frances Mill

More downtime for Resolute Forest Products workers in Fort Frances.

The company says it will shutdown the kraft mill at Christmas, restarting at the end of January, depending on markets conditions.

About 300 workers will be impacted.

The company curtailed its paper making operations at the end of November with a projected restart in early January.

Industry Association Upset with Environment Commissioner

The Ontario Forestry Industry Association is adding its voice to concerns with the province's Environment Commissioner and his assertion that caribou protection measures won't harm forestry in northern Ontario.

Spokesperson Scott Jackson says the Commissioner is well off base.

The group says the regulations will reduce harvest volumes by more than twenty percent in some parts of the region.

Visitor Restrictions at Atikokan Hospital

Visitor restrictions have been imposed at Atikokan General Hospital because of an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness.

The restrictions impact visits to patients in the Acute Care and Extended Care units.

Hospital officials says the illness is circulating throughout the community.

They recommend that if you're are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhoea to stay home.

Nelson Street Park Rezoning By-law Tonight

Despite resident opposition, Nelson Street Park in Fort Frances could soon be turned into housing lots.

A by-law to rezone the park comes before town council at its meeting tonight.

Councillors are being recommended they approve it based on a report from town planner Faye Flatt who addresses comments made by residents at a meeting a week ago.

In her report, Flatt says most residents outlined no land-use planning reasons for opposing the rezoning.

She also states a petition gave no reasons for opposition either.

Familiar Faces Back

Some familiar faces are back at the helm of the Fort Frances Police Services Board.

John McTaggart returns as chair for a one year term.

Former mayor Glenn Witherspoon will again hold the position of vice-chair.

Their appointments came during last week's Police Services Board meeting.

NDP Leadership Hopeful Visits

A visit yesterday to Fort Frances by one of the candidates looking to become the new leader of the federal New Democrats.

Romeo Saganash held an town hall meeting to outline his campaign and garner support for local NDP faithful.

Saganash says he's now visited every part of Canada, making him one of few candidates to do so.

Poll Results- December 19

Most respondents to our question on B93.ca won't be going to church on Christmas.

61 per cent said they had no plans to attend a religious service.

Today's question, have you supported a local Christmas charity of any kind this year?

Tell us at b93.ca

A Warm Day

Yesterday brought some weather records to the Rainy River district.

Atikokan's high of 4 C was just a tick over the 3.9 C set back in 1931.

The temperature at the Fort Frances airport of 3.3 C was a degree over the mark set in 1977, but no where near a reading of 7.2 recorded at a former weather station in town back in 1895 and tied in 1918.

Lindberg Receives Conditional Sentence

There will be no jail time for a former school board employee charged four years ago with stealing funds from the Fort Frances High School.

45-year-old Fawn Lindberg was handed an 18-month conditional sentence to be served in her home after pleading guilty to a lone charge of theft in Superior Court yesterday.

She was also ordered to repay the over 312-thousand dollars taken.

Court was told Lindbergh cashed pre-signed blank cheques between June 2005 and October 2007 for on-line gambling.

It was noted she had not signed nor forged the signatures on the cheques.

Justice Erwin Stach noted Lindberg's ability to seek immediate treatment for her addiction, voluntarily starting up a Gamblers Anonymous chapter and willingness to pay back the money weighed heavily in his decision.

Thin Ice Warnings

Stay off the Ice.

That's the message from law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border as ice forms on area lakes and rivers.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says children especially should be reminded ice conditions may not be safe right now.

Last weekend, an International Falls man managed to escape the icy waters after his ATV broke through at Rainy Lake's Birch Point.

Doctor Search Goes to High School

The search for more physicians for the Rainy River district has taken local officials to their own back yard.

The area's Physician Recruiter Jackie Lampi-Hughes says a Grow-a-Doctor seminar was held this week at Fort Frances High School for students thinking about a career in medicine.

Lampi-Hughes says they want to encourage those to consider returning to the community after completing their schooling.

The twenty-four students heard from Fort Frances Doctors Jason Shack and Cynthia Saliba about why they came to Fort Frances and what it takes to get into medical school.

Long-Gun Registry Still in Place

The long gun registry remains over the holiday season.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the federal Government hasn't had a chance to debate the bill to scrap the registry.

Rafferty suspects the federal government might want to use the bill as away of collecting more money from their fundraisers.

Court House Shooting

Three people, including a local prosecutor, were injured in a shooting incident yesterday inside a Grand Marais, Minnesota courthouse.

A suspect was quickly taken into custody.

No other details about the shootings have been released.

The prosecutor was involved in a trial this week involving a man accused of criminal sexual conduct.

Grand Marais is located 120 kilometres south of Thunder Bay

Band Takes Feds to Court

The gap between the Attawapiskat First Nation and the Harper government is growing wider.

Chief Theresa Spence says after a meeting with the Aboriginal Affairs Minister, the band is going to court to try and put an end to Third Party Management.

Spence says the independent manager is doing more harm than good for her community.

Question of the Day - December 16

91 per cent of respondents to our question on B93.ca support the federal government's decision of third-party management for Attiwapiskat.

Today's question, do have plans to attend a religious service on Christmas?

Tell us at B93.ca.

Riverside Reducing Energy Costs

Riverside Health Care Facilities is looking to reduce its energy costs at its Fort Frances facilities.

Senior Director of Facilities Ed Cousineau says recent energy audits of LaVerendrye Hospital and Rainycrest identified areas for improvement.

Cousineau say they're now reviewing those audits to determine what projects they'll focus on first.

Food Costs Rise

The cost of feeding a family of four in the Kenora and Rainy River districts continues to rise.

The Northwestern Health Unit says its' now costing $918.00 a month to feed a family healthy food.

Public Health Dietitian Chelsea LeCain says that makes this area the most expensive in the province to buy basic foods.

Lecain says many residents don't eat well because they're reducing their food budget to help pay for other things like utilities and rent.

New CEO Named

Atikokan General Hospital has found a successor for its retiring CEO.

Doug Moynihan, vice-president of corporate services with Sioux Lookout's Meno Ya Win Health Centre, will take over from Robert Wilson January 15.

Board chair Vic Prokopchuk says Moynihan's involvement in the creation of the Sioux Lookout hospital will help in a planned upgrade at Atikokan General.

Wilson retires at the end of this month after eight years on the job.

Boat Race Proposed

An event that promotes the district's fur trading heritage is being explored.

Rainy River councillor Gord Armstrong is suggesting a race involving Voyageur long boats between Atikokan and Rainy River.

Armstrong has been talking to area municipal leaders on how to make it happen.

Armstrong would like to see it happen next summer, but says there's still a lot of details work out.

Question of the Day - December 14

There appears some divide over whether the town of town of Fort Frances should proceed with plans to develop the Nelson Street Park into residential lots.

51 per cent of respondents to our question on b93.ca say no.

49 per cent, though, think the town should go ahead.

Today's question, will you do most of your Christmas shopping this year at stores or on-line?

Tell us at b93.ca.

Auto Insurance Questioned

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath wants a legislative committee to study auto insurance rates.

Horwath stops short of accusing insurance companies of discrimination, but says rates always seem highest in the poorest areas.

Attawapiskat Meeting in Thunder Bay

The main players trying to sort out the housing crisis in Attawapiskat First Nation will meet tomorrow on neutral ground.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will sit down with the band chief Theresa Spence in Thunder Bay.

More Recognition for Atikokan Singer

Atikokan blues artist Sunday Wilde is receiving more international attention. recognition

Her album "What Man? Oh, that Man" has been nominated as Best Acoustic Blues Album of the year in Germany by an industry magazine.

Wasser-Prawda is allowing on-line readers to vote until the end of January.

Wilde was named a fan-favourite this year in the Independent Music Awards.

Nelson Street Residents Fight for Park

Some residents of Nelson Street are asking Fort Frances town council to again abandon its plans to turn a park into housing lots.

They voiced their opposition to councillors at a meeting last night.

Michelle George says the park is too important to lose.

A similar proposal three years ago was abandoned because of  residents' opposition.

No Halloween Curfew

Fort Frances town council is backing an administration report to not implement a curfew or time limit on Halloween trick or treating.

Local resident Jackie Lampi-Hughes had asked council last month to consider limiting treat-or-treating to the hours of 6 to 8 at night.

Snow Art Proposed

There could a number of snow sculptures dotting the Fort Frances landscape if a local arts group has its way.

The newly formed Rainy River Arts Collective is seeking the use of town properties and help moving snow for its works.

Lindsay Joy Hamilton says it would be a contest to help promote local arts.

Hamilton says the February event would be open to everyone.

Rainy River Resources Looks Ahead

2012 is shaping up to be a busy year for Rainy River Resources.

Vice-president of Operations Garrett McDonald says key elements of the company's gold project north of Barwick are expected.

It includes an updated resource estimate and the start of a feasibility study.

The company has targeted the end of 2015 as a possible start-up for the mine.

Pellet Plant Opening Delayed

It's going to take a little longer to open a wood pellet plant in Atikokan.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels was hoping to begin production this year.

But owner Ed Fukushima says there's been some contract challenges.

Fukushima says the delay could be anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Question of the Day - Dec. 13

Area residents appear to be backing the district's lawyers in their fight to have a judge for the Ontario Court of Justice remain in the district.

All of the respondents to our question on b93.ca says there's a need for a permanent resident judge here.

The position is to be relocated to the Kenora district next year.

Today's question, should Fort Frances town council develop the Nelson Street Park for housing or abandon its plans altogether.

Cast your ballot at b93.ca

Rainy River District Losing Judge

Lawyers in the Rainy River district are expressing concern over a decision to move an upcoming vacant judge's position in the Ontario Court of Justice here to the Kenora district.

Justice Thomas McKay is relocating to London, but Ontario's Chief Justice has told the District of Rainy River Law Association the vacancy will be relocated.

President Barbara Morgan says that's only going to impact court services here.

The Association is seeking a face-to-face meeting with the Chief Justice.

Stuff A Cruiser Campaign Overstuffed

A huge show of support from the Rainy River district this weekend to the OPP Stuff a cruiser campaign.

Enough food and gift items were collected in six hours Saturday to fill a total of twenty police cars.

Constable Anne McCoy says it was a phenomenal day.

The food is to be shared by the Sunset Country Metis Association, the Salvation Army, the United Native Friendship Centre, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau for its Community Christmas Dinner and a food bank in Emo.

Seven cruisers were filled in a similar campaign two weeks ago for agencies in Atikokan.

Meals on Wheel Needs Help

The Meals on Wheel program in Fort Frances is looking for more help.

Coordinator Gabby Hanzuk says service organizations and churches have helped deliver meals to the elderly for forty years, but they too are facing their own membership struggles.

Hanzuk is hoping the program will be of interest to the area's business community.

Call 274-3764 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.  if you can help.

National Strategy on Forestry Proposed

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says it's time for a national strategy on forestry.

Rafferty feels the federal government has been neglecting the industry for too long, and communities dependant  on forestry are struggling to survive.

Rafferty put forward three motions in the House of Common's last week he hopes will spur discussions leading to a strategy.

Government Accused of Ignoring Northern Health Care Needs

The Liberal government continues to be pressed over looming health care concerns in northwestern Ontario.

As Rainy River Health Centre looks for more permanent coverage of its emergency room, comes word that Ear Falls is losing its only doctor at the end of the year.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell accuses the government of ignoring the needs of the north.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says her government has made it a high priority to increase physician coverage in the North.

Youth Centre Seeks Adult Help

The youth centre in Atikokan is looking for more adult help.

Chair of the Atikokan Youth Initiatives Eva Shields says they're hoping to find enough volunteers to keep the centre open during the Christmas.

Shields says a strong volunteer base could also aid two part-time employees the Centre has other times of the year.

Board Human Resources Manager to Retire

The Rainy River District School Board will be looking for a new Human Resource manager in the new year.

Diane Ross will end a 28-year-career with the board at the end of next March.

She first joined the board as a school attendance councillor.

Polar Plunge Incentives

A jump in the lake could earn you a 3D Blu Ray Home Theatre System.

It's one of the prizes being offered to participants at the Voyageur Lion's Polar Plunge on January 1.

Event chair Jim Martindale says new sponsorship provides for some incentives they hope will inspire more jumpers and increased fundraising.

The top fundraiser gets the theatre system with Canadian Tire offering up gift certificates.

   

P.M. Defends Attawapiskat Decision

Prime Minister Harper is defending the decision to force the Attawapiskat First Nation to pay for the consultant named to handle the reserve's finances.

It's costing the band $1,300 dollars a day to have the third-party manager appointed by Harper.

The prime minister says the government is just making sure the band council stops mismanaging taxpayers' money.

Session Ends

 The Liberals are following through on an election commitment with a bill introduced in the legislature today.

It would expand a program that provides up to eight weeks of unpaid leave for people caring for a sick or injured family member.

The Liberals have also introduced a bill to provide a home renovation tax credit to seniors, and have promised to cut full-time tuition fees in the new year.

Governments Addicted to Corporate Welfare

A report from a right-wing think tank says Ontario governments are addicted to dispensing ``corporate welfare.''

The Fraser Institute says Ontario governments of all political stripes spent almost 28-billion dollars on direct subsidies to corporations between 1991 and 2009.

Author Mark Milke says its money that could have been used to almost eliminate the Ontario health premium, reduce taxes or Ontario's annual deficit.

NOMA Not Pleased with Environmental Commissioner

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association doesn't seem to be a fan of Ontario's Environmental Commissioner.

NOMA is critical of some of the comments Gordon Miller makes in his annual report.

Vice-President Dave Canfield says Miller doesn't really understand the importance of forestry to our economy.

NOMA takes issue with the Commissioner's suggestion that the Caribou Conservation Plan will have only a "limited" affect on local communities.

Search for More Hospital Help Continues

Riverside Health Care Facilities says it's prepared to deal with possible closures of the emergency room at Rainy River Health Centre.

CEO Wayne Woods says the main focus is still trying to get continued assistance for the town's lone full-time physician.

The hospital has been relying on locum doctors since July and has assistance through to the first week of January.

Atikokan Trustee Chairs Board Again

An Atikokan trustee will continue to serve as chair of the Rainy River District School Board.

Mike Lewis was reappointed to the position in year end elections held last night.

He's been chair since elected to the board in 2010.

Dianne McCormick of Rainy River will again serve as vice-chair.

Local Victims of Violence Remembered

Nineteen women from the Rainy River District who lost their lives in acts of violence were remembered at ceremonies in Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Donna Kroocmo of the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope says its a stark reminder that violence against women isn't solely a big city problem.

Events were held in both towns to coincide with the National Day of Remembrance.

Christmas Hamper Applications Available

Atikokan Christmas Cheer is now accepting applications for this year's hampers.

Committee member Alex Broski anticipates demand to be about the same as last year.

Applications can be picked up at Kenora-Rainy River Children and Family Services Atikokan office, Atikokan Native Friendship Centre and Atikokan Health Centre until December 16.

Native Leaders Seek U.N. Help

Leaders of the troubled Attawapiskat community want the United Nations to help them with their housing crisis.

Aboriginal chiefs from across Canada have adopted a resolution to ask the U.N. to step in to ensure Ottawa is doing its job for the troubled reserve.

New Transmission Line Proposed

A new First Nations led company has been formed to develop a new power line in Northwestern Ontario.

The project, to be completed in two phases, will connect several First Nations communities north of Pickle Lake.

Green Energy Policies Defended

Premier McGuinty is defending his green energy policies in the wake of a scathing report by the province's auditor general.

Jim McCarter found billions of dollars of wind and solar projects were approved with little oversight, which will push up electricity bills.

But McGuinty says renewable power will save health-care cash by reducing Ontario's dependence on dirty, coal-fired generation.

Border Deal Revealed Today

Prime Minister Harper meets up with U.S. President Obama at the White House to take the wraps off a new border-security agreement that's been years in the making.

The pact looks to boost intelligence-sharing and streamline cross-border trade, while beefing up cyber security and better tracking travellers.

Police Searching for International Falls man

Police are looking for a missing man from International Falls.

58-year-old William Raymond Hart was last seen leaving his home Friday morning, but hasn't been heard since.

International Falls Police says he was driving a 1999 Ford F-150 extended cab pick-up, green in colour.