Tuition Rebates Now Available

Ontario students can go online to apply for a rebate on their tuition fees.

The McGuinty government is making good on a campaign promise to take 30 per cent off the average cost of tuition.

No Store for Thunder Bay Yet

Minneapolis-based department store chain Target has announced where the first 24 of its stores will open in Canada.

All of them are in southern Ontario.

Target plans to open up to 135 stores in Canada beginning next year, including at least one in Thunder Bay.

Minnesota DFLers Seek Wolf Hunting Season

Two Minnesota Iron Range legislators are planning to introduce a bill that establishes new wolf hunting and trapping seasons in northern Minnesota.

The proposal from Democrats House Reps. Dave Dill and Tom Anzelc follows a recent federal delisting of the gray wolf in Minnesota from the endangered species list.

Anzelc says the number of wolves in the State is nearly twice the size a Department of Natural Resources management plan suggests and their bill will help get the situation in check.

More Trails Open

Two more snowmobile trails have been opened at Voyageurs National Park.

The Park says improved ice and snow conditions have allowed for the opening of the Purple Trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls and the Yellow Trail from Ash River to Kettle Falls.

Riders are still advised to use the trails with caution.

Provincial Liberals Look to Reorganize

Liberals in Kenora-Rainy River are looking to reorganize.

A provincial riding association meeting is planned for January 17th in Dryden.

Anthony Leek, who represented the party in last October's election, says it's important to have a strong local riding association in place.

Leek admits the association was not that active in the years leading up to last fall's election.

Osisko Faces "Mini-Tender" Offer

Osisko Mining has become the target of an unsolicited mini-tender offer.

The company, proposing an open-pit gold mine near Atikokan, says it neither recommends nor endorses the bid from TRC Capital.

TRC wants to acquire up to $5-million in Osisko shares at a discounted rate.

Mini-tender offers are designed to seek less than 5 per cent of a company's outstanding shares.

Hunter Fined

A northwestern Ontario woman has been fined $1,500 for hunting violations relating to an incident last fall in the Sioux Narrows area.

Trisha Brackett was charged in October after a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation revealed the resident of Marathon had fired from and across a road at a deer.

She later killed the animal, despite not having a proper tag.

Rainy River Man Charged

A man from Rainy River will appear in a Steinbach court room in February on a charge of trying to bring a prohibited weapon into Canada.

RCMP say the 66-year-old was initially detained December 20th by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Sprague, Manitoba, point of entry for failing to declare a gun.

The unnamed man also faces five other firearms related charges.

Cultural Plan Explored

A final draft of a new municipal cultural plan is now in the hands of Atikokan township councillors.

It makes 33 recommendations aimed at promoting and using the town's cultural assets as an economic development tool.

Mayor Dennis Brown says the township will be able to carry out some, but not all of the recommendations.

Council will hear more about the plan when it's author visits next Monday night.

Trail Development Still Planned

The city of International Falls is still hoping to proceed with a proposed trail system along its waterfront despite being denied State funding.

Applications for funding for trail development and upgrades to City Beach Park were both rejected.

City administrator Rod Otterness says the city will still explore doing a portion of the trail work with existing funds this year.

Question of the Day - January 5

83 per cent of respondents to our online poll questions support making the salaries and contracts of hospital executives public.

Today's question, how do you feel about the economy going into the 2012?

Tell us on Facebook or our new website 931The Border.ca.

Salvation Army Falls Short of Campaign Goal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances fell a bit short in its Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The agency collected just over $15,000.

It was aiming for $18,000.

The agency uses the money to carry out programs to those in need.

Virtual Dementia Tour Planned

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River is giving area residents an opportunity to experience what it may be like to live with the dementia.

Eleanor Barron, public education coordinator, says they're working with the Rainycrest Family Council in presenting a virtual dementia tour.

Participants will wear special equipment and attempt to carry out a variety of simple tasks.

To register for next Wednesday's event at the Super 8 in Fort Frances you're asked to contact Barron via e-mail eleanor@alzheimerkrr.com or the Society's office in Kenora 1-800-682-0245.

Snow Helping Trail Development in Minnesota

Recent snowfalls are helping get more snowmobilers on the trails in Minnesota.

The department of Natural Resources says trail conditions, though, continue to be poor at best and any trails that are open should be used with caution.

Meantime, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club groomed trails in the Rainy River district are still closed.

Water Rates Upsetting

Some rural residents around International Falls are upset with the cost they now have to pay for the delivery of city water.

The city increased rates last month.

Resident Kathie Fluke says an increase of 48 per cent to the out-of-town delivery charge contrast to the 20 per cent increase impacted users in the city.

But the city says it's increase only amounts to a few dollars, depending on the amount of water used and any higher costs could be associated with fees applied by the independent water haulers.

Fort Employees Have New Contracts

Municipal employees in Fort Frances have started 2012 with new labour agreements.

Separate four-year-deals for unionized workers and managers and non-unionized staff were agreed to just before the Christmas break.

The deals include wage hikes of two per cent in each year.

One with the Canadian Union of Public Employees impacts 67 full and part time workers, along with eighteen student positions.

The other covers about 40 managers and non-unionized staff, along with another 28 students.

Festive Ride Stats Disappointing

The OPP aren't happy with the results of the festive RIDE program.

Sergeant Shelly Garr says it's disappointing to see some in northwestern Ontario still taking the chance of drinking and driving.

A total of 47 people across the region were charged with impaired.

The specific number of charges in the Rainy River district were not immediately released.

Cap on Hospital CEO Salaries Needed

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says it's time to cap salaries and cut perks for health-care executives.

Her comments come after most of Ontario's hospitals posted their CEO's compensation packages online.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the idea of a one-size-fits-all salary cap is simplistic and not well thought out.

Question of the Day - January 4

Do you support making the salaries and contracts of hospital executives public?

Tell us on Facebook or our new website 93.1The Border.ca.

In yesterday's question, 52 per cent felt increases in CPP and EI premiums are necessary.

Those increases went into effect Sunday.

Fibrek Fights Takeover Bid

Quebec pulp producer Fibrek is urging its shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Resolute Forest Products.

Resolute is offering 130-million dollars for the company that has pulp mills in Quebec, West Virginia and Michigan.

Fibrek says bid is timed to take advantage of turmoil on the equity markets and low pulp prices.

Less Pay - More Taxes for 2012

We'll be paying more in taxes this year.

An increase in CPP and EI premiums will see Canadians take home as much as 300 dollars less than last year.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its tough news for people in northwestern Ontario.

Rafferty says this is coming on the heels of corporate tax cuts which just puts more of a burden on the average person.

Question of the Day - January 3

Do you think increases in CPP and EI premiums are necessary?

Tell us on Facebook or our website b93.ca.

In response to our last on-line poll question, 81 per cent of 93.1 The Border listeners don't see a good reason to make New Year's resolutions.

FOI Materials Expected On-Line Today

Most Ontario hospitals are expected to post their executive contracts online today.

They're subject to freedom of information legislation.

The NDP wants to cap the salaries of hospital CEO's.

 Tom Closson of the Ontario Hospital Association says this is the wrong time to limit pay for hospital administrators.

Closson says being more transparent will boost the public's confidence in what he says is the most efficient hospital system in Canada.

Rate Changes Proposed for Atikokan Hydro Users

Atikokan Hydro is seeking an increase to the delivery charge to its users.

An application is now before the Ontario Energy Board.

If approved, residential users who consume 800 kilowatts per month would see an increase of about 12-dollars and 31 cents.

No Election Good for Fort Frances in 2011

The Mayor of Fort Frances says the lack of a municipal election in 2010 proved to be beneficial for his community last year.

Roy Avis says with everyone back, council was able to plot strategies for the next four years right away.

Avis says with Resolute Forest Products still facing economic challenges, and the mill seeking a reduction in taxes, 2012 could be a challenge.

Campbell Disappointed with 2011 at Queen's Park

2011 wasn't as productive at Queen's Park as Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell would have liked to see.

Campbell, who took over from her former boss Howard Hampton in October's election, says she would have liked more come out of her first session.

Campbell says the inability to form parliamentary committees in the last session prevented many proposed bills from moving forward.

Thin Ice Warning from Minnesota

Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are warning people to stay off lake ice.

Fish houses, all-terrain vehicles and people have been falling into the water as unseasonably warm weather makes ice conditions unsafe.

Polar Plunge

New Year's Day was a chilly day in Fort Frances, but that didn't stop 65 people from jumping in Rainy Lake as part of the Voyageur Lion's Club's Polar Plunge.

12-thousand dollars was raised for local charities.

The Muskies Sports Association was the big fund raiser, collecting more than 22-hundred dollars.

Costume winners were Hallee Nugent, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty and, once again, first place to Maureen Hahkala, dressed as Mario.

Group costume prize went to the Fort Frances High School Art trippers who were dressed as Greeks in anticipation of their upcoming trip to Greece.

$50 gift certificates from Canadian Tire to the top iindividual top fundraisers went to Madison Morrison, who jumped for Kidsport, Kassidy Ledrew and Maighyn DeGagne from Dancemakers and Ben Tysz from the FFHS Greece Art Trippers.

A $200 gift certificate went to Maureen Hahkala who brought in $523 for the Rainy River District Festival of the Arts.

The big prize of a Samsung  Home Theatre Sound System from Leon’s went to Hallee Nugent who turned in $1000 for World Vision.

Voyageur Lions jumpers , Jim Martindale, Bill Michl , Dale Gill and Wayne Lundstrom turned in $2800 in pledges and the Emo and District Lions Club received $800 in pledges from Kent Ogden and Dennis Ogilvie.

Missing Youth Sought

Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing area teenager.

13-year-old Michaela Smith of Watten Township was reported missing yesterday afternoon.

She was last seen at the Fort Frances Public Library.

The First Nations teen has black shoulder length hair and was last seen wearing dark blue pants and a black Adidas sweater.

Her photo can be seen on our website B93.ca

Ottawa Residents Donate Equipment to NW Ont. First Nations

Youth at four First Nations around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls are benefiting from a large donation of sports equipment from residents of Ottawa.

A truck load of equipment was distributed yesterday to children at Whitefish Bay, Northwest Angle #33 and #37 and Onigaming.

Peter White, an elder at Whitefish Bay, says it's a great gift.

White, along with former president of the Metis Nation of Ontario, Tony Belcourt, helped organize the drive.

Strongman Competition Returning

Some of the strongest men in the country may be returning to Fort Frances next spring.

A strongman competition is once again being planned as part of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Home and Leisure Show.

Organizer Luke Skaarup says the success of last May's event convinced them to stage another.

Skaarup was the winner of the inaugural event.

Whooping Cough Advisory

The Northwestern Health Unit is encouraging area residents to get immunized against pertussis or whooping cough.

The respiratory infection comes with severe spells of coughing followed a whoop sound before the next breath.

The Health Unit says it's noticed a slight increase in the number of cases this year.

Man Involved in Two Accidents on Same Night

One man was injured following a collision involving two snow machines on Rainy Lake.

It happened around 9:30 Wednesday night in the area of Hopkin's Bay.

While the ambulance was bringing the man to LaVerendrye Hospital for treatment, it was involved in an accident when the driver lost control near Reef Point Road because slippery road conditions.

One of the EMS personnel did sustain minor injuries.

Man Injured in Emo Accident

An man suffered serious injuries in a single vehicle accident Wednesday near Emo.

OPP says a pick-up truck rolled over on Off Lake Road, about 7 kilometres north of the community.

Some Trails Open in Park

Recent snowfall is helping to improve trail conditions at Voyageurs National Park.

The park reports that all of its snowshoe trails and some of the cross-country ski trails are open, but just one snowmobile trail is available for use.

Question of the Day - December 30

A large majority of 93.1 The Border listeners will be ringing in the new year at home.

94 per cent of respondents to our poll question said they'd be at home or at a house party than at a licenced drinking establishment.

Today's question - do you make new year's resolutions?

Tell us on our Facebook or website B93.ca

Strategic Plan Work Continues in 2012

Local officials are aiming to have a memorandum of understanding in place next spring that paves the way for a  district-wide strategic plan.

Rainy River town councillor Gord Armstrong says there were some talks about the plan this year.

He's hoping a more formal agreement keeps the process going.

He'd like to see more concrete plans in place by the end of 2012.

B-93 Becomes 93.1 The Border

There's a fresh, new look and name of an old friend on the air in Fort Frances and the Rainy River District.

Fort Frances heritage station CFOB-FM better known as B-93, is now officially known as 93-1 The Border.

Station Manager Leo Melanson says 93.1 The Border will continue to build on its reputation of community involvement and complete local news coverage.

Healthy Smiles in the Rainy River District

Northwestern Health Unit says it's getting a good responses to its mobile dental office.

The unit recently ended a lengthy visit to the Rainy River district.

Dental Health Program Manager Dawn Sauve says it saw a number of children who may not have been able to see a dentist otherwise.

The mobile unit is part of a project under the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Murder Charge Laid

A northwestern Ontario man faces a charge of 2nd degree murder.

The charge against 33-year-old Kelsey Jacob of Webequie is connected a December 17th incident at a Thunder Bay hotel in which a man was beaten.

53-year-old Barney Beaver later died in hospital.

DNR Officer Breaks Through Ice

A conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has escaped injury after breaking through thin ice on Lake of the Woods over the weekend.

The officer was checking fishing north of Warroad Saturday when his ATV broke through and sank to the bottom of the lake.

He was able to swim to the edge of the ice and pull himself out of the water to safety with ice picks.

He then used his radio to  call a state trooper for a ride.

Busy Year for Roy Tighe

A Fort Frances man who helped promote Mazda's inner driver campaign over a year ago could be back in the spotlight next year.

Roy Tighe is back home for a brief Christmas break and says a possible movie roll could be in his future.

He auditioned for a role in an upcoming Will Ferrell movie.

Tighe is also working to complete a documentary on comedian Richard Lett he's worked on for the past year.

Christmas Trees Ready for Discard

Christmas trees in Atikokan can be dropped off at the bottom of the Toboggan Hill at any time.

They'll be used as part of the Atikokan Lion Club's annual community bonfire scheduled for January 31st.

Question of the Day - December 29

93.1 The Border listeners took full advantage of Boxing Day sales this week.

88 per cent of respondents to our poll question said they sought out bargains.

Today question, where will you celebrate the New Year, at home or a house party or at a drinking establishment?

Tell us at B93.ca.

Report Recommends Hike in Water and Sewer Rates

A consultant's report is recommending the town of Fort Frances increase its water and sewer rates by five per cent for the next six years.

The report, accepted by town councillors at their meeting last week, says the increase will help the system achieve "financial sustainability."

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the report is one the town is obligated to forward to the provincial government, but it doesn't have to fully accept the recommendations.

Rates for the 2012 budget year will be set early in the new year.

RecycleYourElectronics Tour Not Certain for 2012

RecycleYourElectronics.ca photo

A group working to keep old electronic waste out of landfill sites isn't sure if it back in northwestern Ontario next year.

Ontario Electronic Stewardship has held its RecycleYourElectronics tour in the Rainy River district for the past two years.

Executive Director Carol Hachu says a third straight tour is still uncertain.

Hachu says electronics can be taken to area depots, but it's website lists just an Atikokan retailer as the only one in the Rainy River district.

2011 - Good Year for Atikokan

The Mayor of Atikokan says 2011 was a year of much accomplishment for his community.

Dennis Brown says the town was able to complete a number of projects they'd not been able to do for many years.

Brown says focus for 2012 will be on a start of the new wood pellet plant, support for Oskisko's gold exploration and the conversion of OPG's coal-fired generating station.

Watershed Report Delayed

It's going to be a little longer before a final report on the Lake of the Woods-Rainy River Watershed is released.

The International Joint Commission was hoping to submit its recommendations to the U.S. and Canadian governments by this month.

But the IJC says it still needs some time to complete its work and have now targeted the end of January for release.

Warm Boxing Day

Christmas day was warm, but boxing day in Fort Frances was a lot warmer.

Monday's high of 5.4 C surpassed a 17 year old record of 5 C set back in 1994.

Christmas Day reached a high of 1 C, but well short of 8 C set back in 1994 mark.

Tuition Rebates Coming

University and college students who aren't getting student loans will have to apply online for the tuition rebates set to start in the new year.

The Liberals promised rebates of 30 per cent for students whose family makes less than $160-thousand a year.

Those who now receive student loans are automatically enrolled in the program.

Question of the Day - December 28

Boxing Day sales lured hordes of shoppers to malls and stores across the country.

Did you take advantage of those sales?

That's our poll question on B93.ca