Action Requested on False Alarms

The Fort Frances Police Services Board will be asking town council to consider a by-law aimed at reducing the number of false alarm calls for Provincial Police.

OPP say they responded to 129 false alarms in Fort Frances last, 149 the year before.

The board says hitting people in the pocket book with fines might go along way to reducing that number.

Question of the Day - February 1

Do you think Fort Frances should consider issuing fines for false alarms?

Let us know on our website www.931TheBorder.ca.

In a previous poll question, 92 per cent of respondents don't think the eligibility age for Old Age Security should be increased to 67.

Man charged in January Break-In

A 20-year-old man from Stratton will make a court appearance next week in connection with a January 22 break-in in the north end of Fort Frances.

OPP say as officer arrived to a garage on the 1000 block of Armit Avenue, the man fled.

He was eventually captured in the 800 block of Third Street East.

The man faces several charges including break-and-enter, possession of stolen property and theft.

New Economic Development Agency Promoted

A new regional economic development agency for northern Ontario is being pitched to Rainy River district towns.

Consultant Patricia Forrest says the group can bring many benefits to the area.

Forest says they'll be seeking approval  in March from the province to work on implementing the new organization by the end of this year.

Respect Campaign Ready to Rol

Celebrating Diversity is getting ready to roll out its "Respect Campaign."

Member Linda Plumridge says the campaign that encourages dignity, respect and inculsivness will be promoted across the district starting February 16.

Part of the campaign will include workshops with interested groups and organizations.

Drug Charges

Three people, including two from Atikokan, face drug charges after police intercepted a shipment of oxycodone Monday.

Over 470 oxycondone and 47 Ritalin pills, street valued at about 6-thousand dollars, were found in a vehicle stopped just west of Thunder Bay.

Police also seized the truck and 22-hundred dollars in cash.

The man and woman from Atikokan, both aged 55, and the 42-year-old Thunder Bay woman will appear in court in March.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted

Visitor Restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances have been lifted.

The restrictions had been in place since the middle of January because of an increase in the number of case of gastroenteritis.

Although the restrictions are lifted, officials says people who have any flu-like symptoms should still refrain from visiting until they feel better.

Fishing Violations Up in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing a jump in fishing violations on Lake of the Woods this winter.

The DNR recently seized 234 walleye and sauger for various violations on the Minnesota side of the lake.

Conservation officers investigated over 50 incidents last week ranging from over-fishing, to anglers fishing without a license.

Freezing Rain Warning

Area roads could a little slick this morning.

Freezing rain has been falling across much of the Rainy River district and Koochiching County.

It's associated with a low pressure system that's moving in from northern Minnesota.

The Ministry of Transportation reports Highways 11 and 602 to be mainly bare and wet with slushy sections.

Other secondary highways are listed as being snow covered.

Highways in Koochiching County report being wet with icy sections.

LHINS Take On Doc

Ontario's local health integration networks will be given responsibility for family doctors.

The CEO of the Northwest LHIN, Laura Kokocinski, says her organization is prepared to make it work.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the LHIN's will help ensure patients have a more seamless experience between doctor and hospital.

Riding Changes Possible

There could be changes coming to federal ridings in northwestern Ontario as the government looks to add 15 new seats for Ontario

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty foresees at least part of his riding being added to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty also envisions northern Ontario losing one of two ridings.

Little Interest in Regional Airport Concept

There hasn't been an overwhelming favourable response from communities elsewhere in the Rainy River district to help fund the Fort Frances airport.

The town has been trying to promote the idea of a regional airport for more than a year, but CAO Mark McCaig says only Chapple and Emo has expressed interest.

McCaig says there has also been some interest from area First Nations.

Police Step up Drunk Driving Enforcement

Motorists traveling to Duluth may see an increased police presence.

St. Louis County is one of thirteen Minnesota counties where efforts to curb drunk driving will be stepped up.

Officers will use electronic message boards and heavy patrols.

Media ads will also encourage people to avoid driving while impaired.

Snowarama Success

Organizers of the Snowarama for Easter Seals in Atikokan hit their fundraising goal.

Sixty-five snowmobilers helped to raise over $20-thousand in Saturday's ride.

That's over the $19,700 raised last year by about the same number of riders.

Audit Committee Needs Member

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is still looking to add a community member to a newly formed Audit Committee.

The committee is responsible for reviewing how well the board manages its finances.

It's been in place since September.

Area Mayors Seek Faster Uploading of Court Costs

Municipal leaders from the Rainy River district want the province to take back the cost of court security quicker than it is.

The uploading of those costs will be done over six years, starting this year.

But the area municipal representatives want the cost of those services taken back in full immediately.

Girl Struck By Vehicle near Duluth

A Fort Frances girl has escaped serious injury after being struck by a pick-up truck north of Duluth.

The incident happened Friday afternoon..

Minnesota State Patrol says the 12-year-old ran in front of traffic while her mother had stopped to assist another vehicle that left Highway 53 near Cotton.

Police says the girl had ignored a warning from her mother to stay in the vehicle.

She was taken to hospital in Virginia where she was treated and released.

Area Mayors Support Need for Resident Judge

Municipal leaders across the Rainy River district are supporting calls for the reappointment of a permanent resident judge for the district.

A lengthy resolution was passed at their weekend meeting in Devlin that will be forwarded to the Attorney General and the Regional Chief Justice.

Fort Frances lawyer Wes Derkson encourages area mayors and reeves to keep up the fight.

The province intends to have the appointment relocated to the Kenora district after the current judge leaves the area in May.

Extra Ambulance Costs Consider

The head of ambulance services for the Rainy River district says it could cost $640-thousand extra to deal with a potential closure of the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department.

Dan McCormick says another ambulance unit would be needed to help deal with patient transfers if the hospital can't find the doctors it needs.

McCormick says about 35 per cent of the estimated ambulance costs would be borne by area municipalities who will likely have to lobby the province for help.

Health Minister Speaks Today

Health Minister Deb Matthews will outline some of the Liberal government's plans to transform Ontario's health care system in a Toronto speech today.

But the Ontario Health Coalition is not happy to hear Matthews' speech will be to the Toronto Board of Trade -- calling it inappropriate.

HST Increase Panned

Atikokan is receiving virtually no support from elsewhere in the Rainy River district to its idea of having the HST increased a per cent to help pay for infrastructure projects.

Area municipal leaders voted against the proposal at their weekend meeting in Devlin.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown says based on the lack of support, it's doubtful they will pursue the idea further.

Kendrick Gone

Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a new Detachment Commander for the Rainy River district.

Inspector John Kendrick has been transferred to Thunder Bay where he's become the OPP's Regional Director of Operations Support.

Steve Shouldice, who's been serving in an acting capacity since last October, will remain as Detachment Commander until a permanent selection is made.

Heart of the Arts Benefit Concert

Planning for the first ever ‘Heart of the Arts’ Benefit Concert continues.

Wanda Botsford, one of the organizers, says they're still looking for people interested in participating in the February 16 event.

The event is being used to showcase local talent and raise funds for the Sunset Country Métis and the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Question of the Day - January 30

78 per cent of respondents to our poll question don't think last week's meeting between the Prime Minister and First Nations leaders was beneficial.

Today's question, should the federal government move the eligibility age for Old Age Security from 65 to 67?

Let us know on our website www.931TheBorder.ca.

Job Cuts at Resolute

Some numbers are starting to emerge from ongoing talk of suspected jobs cuts at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.

National president for the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union Kim Ginter says 45 members within the mill's CEP's locals are being let go .

He says some may be allowed early retirement packages.

The kraft mill resumed operations on this weekend.

Provincial Liberals Stronger in Riding

Provincial Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River riding are looking to increase its membership base.

A newly formed riding Association set its objectives following a recent meeting in Dryden.

It's president, Anthony Leek of Emo, says the main goal is to provide a link between the Riding and government.

Leek says the Association also wants to be better prepared for the next provincial election.

Hudak Wants More Skilled Workers

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition wants changes to the apprenticeship program.

Tim Hudak was in Thunder Bay Thursday and says a major shortage in skilled workers needs to be addressed.

Hudak is hoping the McGuinty government adopts his plan that will create 200 thousand new jobs in the skilled trades.

C-Sections Not Delisted

C-sections are not on the table as the province looks for ways to rein in the deficit.

That's the word from Health Minister Deb Matthews.

The minister had suggested earlier last week that caesarean sections could be delisted.

She now says OHIP will keep paying for C-sections, but she left the door open to having the procedure covered only when it's deemed medically necessary.

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.