Oberholtzer Home Getting Upgrade

The former Rainy Lake home of Ernest Oberholtzer will get some much needed upgrades this year.

The Foundation bearing the name of the well-known architect, explorer and conservationist has received a $48-thousand grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Society.

Director Mary Swalla-Holmes says the money will be used to repair the home's fireplace and chimney.

The work on the home on Mallard Island will be done in the fall.

Gun Bill Passes

A Minnesota state House committee has passed a bill that would let county attorneys carry guns on the job.

The House Public Safety Committee's vote Thursday comes a month after the courthouse shooting in Grand Marias.

The firearms bill would exempt county attorneys from a statute that prohibits local government employees from carrying firearms.

Cold, but Not That Cold

It's the Ice Box of the Nation, but according to the Weather Channel, International Falls is not the coldest place in America.

It's giving that distinction to Barrow, Alaska, based on average annual temperatures from the last 30 years.

The Falls comes in at number two on the Channel recent poll.

Some Health Programs to be Delisted

 The NDP is worried that the McGuinty government's cuts to the number of services covered by O-HIP will turn into a slippery slope of biggers cuts down the road.

The party's finance critic Michael Prue calls the latest announcement a part of an agenda the province started eight years ago when it delisted chiropractors and physiotherapists and optometrists.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the province will reduce the number of services covered by O-HIP in the fight against the deficit.

Health Unit Board Selections

A Fort Frances councillor is back as the head of the Northwestern Health Unit's Board of Directors.

John Albanese has been re-elected as chair.

Fort Frances councillor Paul Ryan and former Emo Reeve Russ Fortier were also returned to the board.

Provincial Funding Announced

Fort Frances will receive more than $3.2- million from the province this year.

That's its allocation under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.

Over $900-thousand is to be used to offset the town's policing costs.

The province also says the town will also benefit in half-a-million dollars from the ongoing uploading of municipal costs for area social programs.

The Ministry of Finance did not disclose the amount of funding to Atikokan.

It says it couldn't calculate its allocation because the town had not submitted required financial information.

Question of the Day - January 26

A split vote to our question regarding the town of Fort Frances plans to remove sidewalks in disrepair.

51 per cent of respondents don't think the town is justisfied in its reasons while 49 per cent support the town's plans.

Today's question, do you think this week's First Nations leaders meeting with the Prime Minister was beneficial?

Let us know on our website 931TheBorder.ca.

Mixed Feelings from Treaty 3

Grand Council Treaty Three has mixed feelings about this week's summit with the federal government.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly says the prime mininister's decision to spend all day meeting with aborignal leaders was unprecedented, but some of the speeches by the Assembly of First Nations were somewhat disheartening.

She feels Treaty Three's own laws can better protect their harvesting areas.

Rafferty Takes Aim at Premier

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says Premier Dalton McGuinty is passing the buck when he claims First Nations are a Federal responsibility.

Rafferty says that's not the case since the Province of Ontario signed both the Treaty Three and Nine treaties.

The local MP adds the McGuinty Government has failed to provide equal funding toward first nation  education.

Watch What You Share Online

Ontario's privacy commissioner is warning people to be careful of information they share about themselves online.

Dr. Ann Cavoukian says pieces of information that seem unrelated can be linked to create a detailed profile.

Wolf Season Planned

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing to let hunters and trappers take 400 wolves this fall.

DNR officials say research indicates the population could sustain a higher harvest quota, but say they're taking a conservative approach for the state's first season.

The region's wolves come off the endangered list tomorrow.

New Vice-Principal for Rainy River HS

Rainy River High School will have a new vice-principal next month.

Dan Mack is being appointed to the position in an interim basis.

He replace Don McBride who is retiring.

Health Minister Asked to Visit

Ontario's Health Minister is being invited to visit the Rainy River district.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says it may help find a more long-term solution that improves better access to physicians for area residents.

Campbell says the situation has become especially critical in Rainy River where the town's lone doctor announced recently to retire by the end of June 2013.

Health Care Reform Planned??

A change in how Ontario spends money for health care may be on the horizon.

Premier McGuinty says government will soon outline its plans for health care reform.

McGuinty says the government will also have to deal with public sector salaries in its drive to eliminate the deficit.


The New Democrats are worried by the Liberal government's talk of transforming Ontario's health care system.

Leader Andrea Horwath fears the lack of specifics.

The Progressive Conservatives, meantime, say they'll keep pushing for a legislated public sector wage freeze to help trim the deficit, an idea rejected by the Premier.

Air Ambulance Job Cuts

Ontario's air ambulance service ORNGE has cut 18 jobs in an effort to cut costs.

The cuts apply only to office jobs and not paramedics or pilots.

ORNGE has been at the centre of controversy lately over its questionable business practices, posh headquarters and high executive salaries.

Water Meters Being Changed

A final attempt will be made next month to replace a number of out-dated water metres from a number of Fort Frances businesses, industries and institutions.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the company tasked with the job is hoping to finish the changeover it started last fall.

Brown says some of the 173 metres being replaced were installed up to 40 years ago.

Because of increase accuracy in reading water use, Brown admits some users may find themselves paying more for water than they did with the old meters.

Unemployment Rate Unchanged

The unemployment rate in Koochiching County held steady at 7.9 per cent last month.

The latest figures from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development show the County created about one hundred jobs in December over the month before.

Union Merger Explored

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and the Canadian Auto Workers are getting the ball rolling to create one mega union.

Stephen Boon, CEP National Representative for this region, says both sides are pushing to establish a new union.

Other unnamed unions could also be included.

Law School Dean Selection Continues

Lakehead University is starting to whittle down it's list of potential Law School Deans.

Spokesperson Rodney Hanley says they should have a short list of candidates in February.

Applications for the new Thunder Bay law school have come from across Canada and around the world.

Lost Wheels

Both the 20-year-old driver of a transport and the company he was driving for face charges after OPP stopped a vehicle near Dryden missing a set of rear tires.

The incident happened Saturday.

No word where the missing tires went or how long the vehicle had been on the highway before police stopped it.

Seine River Looks for New Business

Seine River First Nation is receiving provincial funding to help attract new business and create jobs.

The money allows the band to complete an inventory of its community assets, update its web profile and host an investment readiness strategy workshop.

Mayor Meets with Resolute CEO

The Mayor of Fort Frances will be among those meeting behind closed doors today with the CEO of Resolute Forest Products.

Roy Avis says he was asked to attend the meeting that will take place in Thunder Bay.

The meeting comes as the company goes through as assessment appeal of its Fort Frances operations and a lengthy shutdown of mill.

More Sidewalk Removal

Another section of sidewalk along Third Street East in Fort Frances is planned to be ripped up this summer.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the south side walkway between Portage and Victoria Avenues will be removed as part of scheduled road improvements.

Attempts to remove a section between Portage and Mowat Avenues last year were abandoned because of residents' complaints.

Question of the Day - January 24

Do you think the town of Fort Frances is justified in its reasons for removing sidewalks in disrepair?

Let us know on our website 931The Border.ca.

CFOB goes FM in Atikokan

93.1 The Border makes the move to the FM dial in Atikokan later today.

Listeners in that community will lose our AM signal at about 7 a.m.,  allowing our technicians to make the switch-over.

It will return to the airwaves at 95.9 FM by 5 p.m.

You can still listen to 93.1 The Border streaming through our website.

Dog Saves Owners From Fire

The owners can give thanks to their dog for helping escape a house fire in International Falls.

The home was completely destroyed in Sunday morning's blaze which took firefighters nearly three hours to battle.

Fire officials say the owners were altered to the fire by their dog that had woken them up out of their sleep.

A man was taken to Rainy Lake Medical Centre as a precaution and released.

Cause of the fire is still not known.

Airport Survey

The Falls Airport Commission is gathering input on both sides of the border on air travel and usage of the Falls Airport.

Commission Chair Bob Anderson says the results will help them develop future marketing strategies.

The Commission is still awaiting word from the U-S federal transportation on whether Great Lakes Aviation will allowed to take over services being abandoned by Delta.

Results of the survey are now expected for several weeks.

Birth Centre Pilot Project Sought

AOM photo

The Association of Ontario Midwives is leading a social media campaign urging the province to fund a birth centre pilot project.

The association says birthing centres could cut costs such as medical and surgical expenses.

Cost Cutting Plans Expected from Premier

Premier McGuinty is expected to lay out the bare bones of his government's cost-cutting plans today.

He'll make a speech in Toronto, an inside source says will be about how to slay Ontario's  $16-billion deficit.

Visitor Restrictions at Rainycrest

Visitor restrictions have been imposed at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances.

Officials says it's due to an increase in the number of confirmed cases of gastroenteritis.

Family members are permitted, but visits are being restricted to the resident's room and no other visits are permitted.

All Group Programming by Activation has also been cancelled.

Budget Talks Begin

More than $9-million dollars of capital projects are on the books as Fort Frances town councillors sit down today to begin their budget discussions.

They include the continuing of road improvements to 3rd Street East between Portage and Victoria Avenues, the development of a bike and walking trail and a replacement of the roof at the OPP detachment and Fire hall.

Some projects may be dependant upon the availability of government grants.

Work Workshop

Some help for employers looking for new hires or employees seeking work.

The Northwest Training Adjustment Board is holding workshop in Fort Frances this week.

Executive Director Sonja Wainio says it was based out of comments received from employers who say they're having troubles finding new employees and people suggesting they can't find a job.

Participants for Wednesday's event must pre-register with the N-TAB's office.

Question of the Day - January 16

Do you support the Liberal's policy platform to legalize marijuana?

Let us know on Facebook or our website 931TheBorder. ca.

From our weekend on-line question, 88 per cent of respondents don't have any belief into the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th.

Another Internet Bear Birth

The sister of Lilly, the black bear who gave birth while the world watched via webcam, is preparing to give birth herself.

 Lynn Rogers, senior biologist of the Wildlife Research Institute in Ely, says Jewel is showing signs of preparing to give birth any day.

Rogers says they plan to broadcast the birth on the Internet.

The website is www.Bear.org.

Rezoning Objections Reach OMB

Residents objections to the town of Fort Frances turning a neighbourhood park into housing lots are headed to the Ontario Municipal Board.

An appeal over the rezoning of Nelson Street Park has been filled with the board.

No hearing has been set as of yet.

The town must first complete a report on the issue for the OMB by January 24th.

Crash Victims Names Released

Provincial Police have released the names of those killed in Tuesday's plane crash at North Spirit Lake.

62-year-old Ben Van Hoek, 39-year-old Colette Eisinger, and 38-year-old Martha Campbell, and the pilot 41-year-old Fariborz Abasabady were all from Manitoba.

Reports says the passengers were with Aboriginal Strategies, a Winnipeg-based company which provides financial management services to First Nations.

Van Hoek was its president.

Ontario Wood First Promoter

The Provincial Government has signed up its first organization for its new Ontario Wood logo.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says the Ontario Forest Industries Association is now licensed to carry the logo.


Association President Jamie Lim says it's the best way to raise consumer awareness.

Gravelle hopes the logo proves to be as popular as the Ontario Food logo.

Relay for Life Planning Underway

The call is now out for participants and volunteers for this year's Relay for Life in Fort Frances.

Organizers kicked off the planning with an event last night.

Co-chair Jennifer Anderson says many more meetings will be held in case people were unable to attend.

A Facebook page has also been set up to keep people informed.

The fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society will likely be held again at Fort Frances High School.

Here is some video from last year's event.

Question of the Day - January 13

Virtually no public support on our on-line poll to Atikokan town council's call for a one per cent hike in the HST for infrastructure improvements.

All of the respondents said they would not support such an hike.

Atikokan is taking its idea to area municipal leaders later this month.

In our weekend question,  today is Friday the 13th.

Do you put any belief into the superstitions surrounding the day?

Let us know on our Facebook page or website 931TheBorder.ca

Minnesota Investigates Infrastructure Payments

Governor Mark Dayton is creating a task force to come up with new ways to pay for Minnesota's roads, bridges and public transit.

Dayton says the panel will make its recommendations by December.

Christmas Kettle Program in Falls Totals

The last of the donations to the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign in International Falls has been counted.

More than $23-thousand dollars was raised in last month's campaign.

That's a 12 per cent increase over 2010.

Just over $15-thousand was raised by the Salvation Army's campaign in Fort Frances.

Town Looking to Help Charities

The town of Fort France is looking to help local charities with their lottery license reporting.

Any organization that obtains a license through the town must follow certain guidelines as set out by the province.

Town clerk Glenn Treflin says that isn't always happening.

Treflin says now he's looking to set up a future training session.

Hike in HST Proposed

Atikokan town council is advocating a one per cent hike in the HST.

The town says the revenue could be earmarked for municipalities for infrastructure improvements.

Mayor Dennis Brown says it may be the only really viable option to cover the high cost of that work.

Brown says under their proposal, his community would receive more than 850-thousand dollars annually.

Question of the Day - January 12

Would you support a hike in the HST if it was specifically earmarked for infrastructure improvements?

Let us know on our Facebooko page or website 931The Border.ca.

In response to yesterday's question, 57 per cent of respondents would like to see Fort France stage a winter carnival similar to International Falls Ice Box Days.

Trustee Questions Complaint

A Fort Frances trustee says he was named in a complaint to the courts by the Rainy River District School Board before his election over a year ago.

David Kircher made public details of the complaint at this week's school board meeting.

He says the 2009 complaint alleged he acted as public surrogate for a Justice of the Peace while seeking answers to issues surrounding the theft of funds from Fort Frances High School.

Kircher, who denies the allegations, claims the board abused its authority by submitting the complaint without trustee approval.

Betty's Window Display Gets Recognition

A recent window display has earned Betty's of Fort Frances some international recognition.

The display showed off German-based Schleich toy figurines and entered in a company sponsored contest.

Blair Anderson says their store was selected third best among hundreds of retailers worldwide.

Anderson says they get a voucher for free product they'll distributed to customers while photos of the display will be used by the company in future promotions.

Soft Ice Warnings

Ontario Provincial Police are again warning the public to be cautious about ice conditions on the area's waterways.

It comes after a recent incident near Haymarsh Bay on Rainy Lake, northwest of the Noden Causeway.

Occupants of a truck were left stranded on the ice when their vehicle stalled in three to four feet of water at the edge of an ice heave.

Highway Winter Maintenance Questioned

The provincial government is taking some heat over road conditions on northern Ontario highways.

Opposition parties say the governing Liberals are jeopardizing motorists' safety by lowering maintenance standards in their winter contracts.

P-C member Vic Fedeli is seeking a coroner's inquest into the recent deaths on northern highways.

New Democrat Gilles Bisson says the Liberals are trying to save money by reducing the number of plows on the road.

Changes at ORNGE

Ontario's troubled air ambulance system is getting a shakeup at the top.

The province says ORNGE president and CEO Chris Mazza is being replaced by a deputy minister for the time being.

The entire board of directors is also being replaced.

Health Care Program Ends

Hundreds of people in Minnesota who aren't U.S. citizens will no longer receive most health care services from a program of last resort.

The Emergency Medical Assistance program served about 23-hundred people who didn't qualify for Medicare or MinnesotaCare because of their immigration status.

They will still receive emergency care at a hospital, but as of January 1st are no longer be eligible for chemotherapy, dialysis or other services.