MNR Watching Leaky Dam

The Ministry of Natural Resources is monitoring closely an earthen dam in the Atikokan area.

The Hardy Dam, constructed as part of the former Steep Rock Mine's water diversion project, is showing signs of leaking.

Spokesperson Michelle Novak says an environmental assessment will be done to consider corrective measures.

Novak says the Ministry's is also reviewing more immediate solutions to prevent a complete collapse.

Highway Open

The Trans Canada Highway near Vermillion Bay is open again after a transport truck caught fire.

OPP closed the highway earlier this morning until the fire could be put out and the tractor trailer unit removed from the road.

No one was hurt.

Man Charges with Shooting Truck

A northeastern Ontario man is going back to hunting school after shooting a hole in his truck.

The man was charged back in November after OPP had come the vehicle parked along side of Highway 71 near Finland with a loaded rifle inside.

An investigation with Ministry of Natural Conservation Officers determine the man had been hunting deer at night and the firearm had accidentally discharged inside the vehicle.

Lower Passport Fees Requested

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer wants Canadians and Americans to pay lower passport fees.

Hyer says reducing the costs of the travel document would be a boost to tourism.

He's introduced a private members bill in the House of Commons.

The bill's not likely to pass because of the Harper government majority.

Wild Food Workshop

Area residents can learn more about the presence of wild foods in the Rainy River district.

Rainy River District Stewardship is hosting a workshop next month in Devlin.

Member Rick Neilson says its aimed at helping people to identify what foods they can eat and how to use them.

Neilson says the March 3 workshop will also include a session on plants used by First Nations for traditional and medicinal means.

DSSAB Cuts

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board is not anticipating any reduction in service from a recent round of job cuts.

Six full time equivalent positions have been eliminated.

Interim CAO Dan McCormick says the cuts were almost inevitable with the province having frozen funding for Social Housing at 2002 levels and financial pressures faced by municipalities to pick up the slack.

Most of the cuts were within the Board's Social Housing portfolio.

Dragon Boats to Float Rainy River

Dragon Boats could make an appearance on the Rainy River this summer.

Jenny Greenhalgh of NCDS has secured a boat from Dragon Boat Canada.

She's hoping to include it in an event as part of Canada Day festivities in Fort Frances.

Greenhalgh says a number of organizations have already expressed interest in participating.

Man Found

A happy ending to an OPP search for a missing Winnipeg man in the Kenora area.

Police had initiated the search for 28-year-old Steven Suche after failing to return from a snowmobile ride on Lake of the Woods the Tuesday night.

OPP says he was found safe and sound yesterday afternoon.

Question of the Day - February 3

There's a mixed feeling on whether the town of the Fort Frances should issue fines when Police respond to false alarms.

55 per cent of respondents to our poll question don't think it's necessary while 45 per cent support the idea.

The Fort Frances Police Services Board is asking town council to consider a by-law to reduce the number of false alarms.

Today's question, do you believe the Premier when he says there are no tax increases planned to help lower the deficit.

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

Infrastructure Help Proposed

Northern Ontario's New Democrats want to see FEDNOR used to help fund municipal infrastructure projects.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says a separate pot of money could be set aside through the regional economic development agency for northern Ontario municipalities to access.

Rafferty says financial help for infrastructure upgrades is a major need among municipalities, but doubts there will be any coming in the upcoming budget.

Child Porn Charges

No one from Northwestern Ontario has been charged in a massive child pornography sweep in Ontario.

Sixty men face a total of 213 charges in what police described as one of the largest child pornography investigations in the province's history.

OPP Detective-Sergeant Frank Goldschmidt says at 22 victims were identified during the probe.

The suspects, aged 16 to 64, are described as being from all walks of life, including one who is a child care worker.

Warm January

January was the warmest it's been in almost ten years in International Falls.

The National Weather Service says the month's average temperature 14 F, or minus 10 Celsius was the fourth warmest on record.

That's also the same average as experienced in 2001.

The normal for the month is 4.4 F.

A total of 15 inches of snow also fell in January, four inches below normal.

Fort Frances is Hockeyville

Fort Frances is making a run to become Kraft's next Hockeyville.

Local resident Jonathon Glueheisen submitted the town's name in the annual contest to find Canada's most passionate hockey town and hopes resident will rally around it.

The winning town gets $100,000 in arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL exhibition game.

The first step in winning will happen next month with participating communities seeking on-line votes to advance further.

Child Porn Investigation Details Today

Ontario Provincial Police will announce details today of a province-wide child pornography investigation.

Police says numerous charges have been laid in connection with the case.

There's no immediate word if any of those charges are in northwestern Ontario.

Path of the Voyageur Work Continues

The first phase of Atikokan's Path of the Voyageur tourism initiative is complete.

The project aims to use the area's fur trading history as a way of attracting more visitors.

Atikokan councillor Marlene Davidson says they now have a better idea of what's along the route from Thunder Bay to Kenora.

Davidson says they're now hoping to hire a tourism marketer to promote the initiative in the near future.

New 3-year Plan Seeks Approval

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is seeking FEDNOR approval of a new 3-year business plan for the district.

Client Services Manager Geoff Gillon says benefiting from the increased mining activity will be one of the key objectives.

The RRFDC also wants to further its Go Local campaign that rewards people who keep more of their spending dollars in the district.

Snow Sculptures Needed

The Rainy River Arts Collective is still looking for individuals, groups or organizations to take part in crafting a snow sculpture later this month.

No one has yet applied to take part in the Winter Sculpture Garden.

As many as eight sites are proposed.

Those interested must apply to the Fort Frances Museum by Saturday.

Catholic Board Survey

The Northwest District Catholic District School Board is looking to hear from the public.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly says they've launched a survey to assist in the development of next budget and strategic plan.

The survey can be found on the board's website or at any Catholic school.

It's Ground Hog Day

Canada's furry forecasters are calling for an early spring.

Ontario's Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia's prognosticating rodent Shubenacadie Sam failed to see their shadows on this morning.

However, the predictions by the Canadian groundhogs are at odds with Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, who is calling for six more weeks of winter.

Atikokan Tax Sale

The town of Atikokan is putting a number of properties up for tax sale.

The public will have until the end of February to submit tenders for any or the sixteen locations.

Most are residential properties, but one is a former Chinese restaurant in the downtown area.

Mining Companies Off to London

Two companies proposing gold mines in the Rainy River district will be promoting their projects to an international audience later this month.

Rainy River Resources and Osisko Mining will be among eighteen Canadian companies making presentations at a mining conference in London, England.

The conference attracts potential investors from around the world.

IJC Submits Watershed Report

The final report into the management of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake basins is now off to the Canadian and U.S. governments.

The International Joint Commission's report is based on work done by a previous task force.

Spokesperson Bernard Beckhoff says the IJC's report doesn't deviate much the task force suggestions.

It's now up to governments on both sides of the border to determine if the IJC can proceed with the 184-page report.

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.