Water Levels Low

A lack of any significant moisture this winter is having an effect on levels on Rainy Lake.

Matt DeWolfe of the International Rainy Lake Board of Control says levels actually began falling out of the  regulated range since last summer.

DeWolfe says levels should return with the preferred range soon only because the range itself also drops at this time of the year.

Couchiching Elections

Chuck McPherson has been returned as Chief of Couchiching First Nation.

McPherson beat out seven other challengers.

Christine Jourdain, Dick Bird, Dan Mainville, Ed Yerxa, Dave Bruyere and Bugsy Morrisseau were elected councillors.

No Apologies from John Rafferty

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is offering no apologies for supporting the government's bill last Wednesday to end the long-gun registry.

Rafferty says his vote was based two surveys conducted with constituents.

Rafferty doesn't believe he'll face consequences for his vote as suggested by NDP's interim leader Nicole Turmel.

NOVA Project a Go This Summer

Some scientific research into the existence of neutrinos is expected this year at a facility south of International Falls.

Some equipment is still being constructed at the NOVA project at Ash River.

Supervisor William Miller expects an expansion of the workforce soon.

Officials had wanted to build the facility near Mine Centre, but couldn't get the support from the Canadian scientific community or governments

Drummond Report Released

Ontario is being told to swallow some bitter pills.

The long-awaited report from economist Don Drummond says the province should consider increasing school class sizes and utility bills and reducing hospitals.

Drummond says if the province does not implement all of his recommendations, it could end up like Greece -- sinking in debt.

No Pay for Docs

Ontario's doctors can forget about getting a pay raise any time soon.

Economist Don Drummond said in his report yesterday that Ontario's doctors are the best paid in the country.

The Ontario Medical Association disputes that claim, rankings doctors pay in the province  among the lowest in Canada.

Panel on Aboriginal Education Dismissed

The work of a national panel on Aboriginal Education is being dismissed by Grand Council Treaty Three.

The Panel's report contained five key recommendations.

But Grand Chief of Treaty Three Diane Kelly says the federal government still need to recognize their treaty rights to education.

Kelly endorses the principals of the panel, but finds its recommendations too "top heavy".

Couchiching Elections

Residents of Couchiching First Nation go to the polls today in elections for a new band council.

As many as eight people, including incumbent Chuck McPherson, are on the ballot for chief.

Thirty-one candidates were nominated for six council positions.

Jiggly Jaguar

There appears to be some new developments in the case of Jiggly Jaguar.

As CFOB News first told you two weeks ago, the hand puppet that helps teach kindergarten students about the alphabet at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances went missing.

Students took action by creating wanted posters and asking the OPP for help.

OPP now say they have information to believe Jiggly Jaguar is safe, but aren't releasing further details until a media conference at the school next Tuesday.

Drummond Report Today

The highly anticipated final report from economist Don Drummond is out today.

It's expected show how the provincial government can cut its $16-billion deficit.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is worried that the Liberals have taken upon themselves to listen to one expert than hold traditional pre-budget consultations.

Campbell says the government has essentially shut out the opposition and the public from the budget process.

Pay Freeze Hints?

Premier McGuinty is hinting at a pay freeze for public sector executives.

McGuinty says executives who run hospitals, colleges, universities, school boards and social services need to do their part for deficit reduction.

Riding Redistribution Concerns

There's concern riding redistribution by the federal government may short change northern Ontario.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Raffery is warning of possible changes taking place.

Northern Ontario's New Democrats are starting a grassroots awareness campaign on the issue.

Northwestern Ontario Man Killed in Winnipeg

A northwestern Ontario man, who was months away from becoming a father, is Winnipeg's fourth homicide victim of this year.

Eighteen-year-old Wahb Mandamin of Shoal Lake First Nation was stabbed near his hotel early yesterday.

He was in the city to accompany his girlfriend to her ultrasound appointment.

Health Unit Promotes STI Testting

The Northwestern Health Unit is out promoting the importance of being tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Manager of Sexual Health Gillian Lunny says a lot of focus is on those aged 15 to 24 in campaign they're calling Positive? Me?

Lunny says our region has some of the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the province.

OPP Survey Underway

OPP are trying to get a sense of how local residents feel about their work in this region.

A consulting firm is now gathering comment on behalf of police.

Sergeant Shelly Garr says polling will be conducted over the next two months.

Garr says the information will be used by detachments to help develop local business plans.

Driver Charged

Police didn't have to go very far to arrest this impaired driver.

A woman from Manitou Rapids was arrested on the spot after striking a Treaty Three Police cruiser in Nestor Falls early Sunday morning.

The 29-year-old is now facing impaired driving charges.

Little Said About Bridge Celebrations

The Canada Border Services Agency is keeping quiet about its plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the bridge linking Fort Frances with International Falls.

Fort Frances town council is appointing Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft to serve as the town's representative in response to an agency request back in January.

A spokesperson for the CBSA would not provide any further details other than to say planning was still in the infancy stage.

Correspondence sent to the town in January indicates the privately owned bridge turns 100 August 1.

Business Nominees Announced

Over 60 individuals, business and organizations have been nominated for awards to be presented by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

The awards will be presented February 23.

Here is a list of all nominees.


Accessibility - Riverside Health Care Facilities
Accessibility - Rainy River District Board of Education

Business of the Year (1-15) - Chown and Botsford Dentistry
Business of the Year (1-15) - Simplicity Professional Hair and Body Care
Business of the Year (1-15) - Betty`s Fort Frances
Business of the Year (1-15) - UPS Store
Business of the Year (1-15) - Emo Feed
Business of the Year (1-15) - Lakeland Personal

Business of the year (16 +) - Fort Frances Times
Business of the year (16 +) - Gillons Insurance
Business of the year (16 +) - Ainsworth
Business of the year (16 +) - Riverside Health Care Facilities

Business Women of the Year - Cecile Lavigne, Squeek E Kleen
Business Women of the Year - Lisa Jodoin - Scentsy
Business Women of the Year - Erin Wood - Simplicity Professional Hair and Body Care
Business Women of the Year - Kathy Judson - ReMax Realty
Business Women of the Year - Shanda Degagne-Begin - Leon Degagne Ltd.
Business Women of the Year - Lillian Gerley - UPS Store

Customer Service Award - Business - Webb's WholeSale
Customer Service Award - Business - C.I.B.C.
Customer Service Award - Business - Boston Pizza
Customer Service Award - Business - Betty`s Fort Frances
Customer Service Award - Business - Sunset Country Ford Sales Ltd.
Customer Service Award - Business - Fort Frances Dental Centre
Customer Service Award - Business - Starbucks
Customer Service Award - Business - UPS Store

Customer Service Award - Individual - Andrea Avis - Fort Frances Public Library
Customer Service Award - Individual - Laurie Webb-Brown - Tim Hortons
Customer Service Award - Individual - Steve Lenart - Bell Aliant
Customer Service Award - Individual - John Pearce - Fort Frances Times
Customer Service Award - Individual - Krista Kellar - Citi Financial
Customer Service Award - Individual - Nisa Blase - Dairy Queen
Customer Service Award - Individual - Sandra McNay - Masquerade Rentals

Employee of the Year - Tana Mann - CIBC

Employee of the Year - Brenda Allan - CIBC
Employee of the Year - Heather  - Shoppers Drug Mart
Employee of the Year - Shelley - RBC
Employee of the Year - Judy Kielczewski - Betty`s Fort Frances
Employee of the Year - Duane Hicks - Fort Frances Times
Employee of the Year - Anne-Marie Armstrong - Metis Nation of Ontario
Employee of the Year - Jeff Savage - BDO Canada LP
Employee of the Year - Erin Caul - Dairy Queen
Employee of the Year - Linda Meadwell - 93.1 The Border

Entrepreneur of the year - Dean Bethune & Todd Bruyere - Saulteaux Consulting & Engineering
Entrepreneur of the year - Nick Beyak - Sunset Country Ford Sales Ltd.
Entrepreneur of the year - Niacatchewenin Development Corporation
Entrepreneur of the year - Travis Glowasky - Studio Gibbous
Entrepreneur of the year -  Erin Wood - Simplicity Professional Hair and Body Care
Entrepreneur of the year - Dawn Gustafson - Life Time Smiles Preventive Oral Health Care

Home Based Business Award  - It's All in the Detail
Home Based Business Award  - SKS Unlimited
Home Based Business Award  - Inga Design
Home Based Business Award  - Scentsy, Connie Hendrickson
Home Based Business Award  - Kirsty Integalactic Daycare Service, Kirsty Sinclair

Safety Award  - Doug Brown - Town of Fort Frances
Safety Award  - Rob Payne - Lakewood Tire
Safety Award  - Shanda Degagne-Begin, Leon Degagne Ltd.

Small Business Trainer of the Year - World of Water
Small Business Trainer of the Year - M.L. Caron Electric
Small Business Trainer of the Year - Ryan Mason Contracting
Small Business Trainer of the Year - Rusty Myers Flying Service, Angela Korzinski
Small Business Trainer of the Year - ACO Electric, Adam Jewell

Volunteer of the Year - Chad Canfield
Volunteer of the Year - Rochelle Mosbeck
Volunteer of the Year - Gabriela Hanzuk
Volunteer of the Year - Joelle Paull

Tourism Officials Welcome Border Initiative

Tourism officials in northwestern Ontario are welcoming a move by the federal government to make it easier for Americans with minor criminal offences to cross into Canada.

Tom Pearson, president of the Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association, says the plan takes direct aim at a issue they've long complained about.

Pearson says they're awaiting on the details of the plan, but it is expected to be come into effect this year.

Proclamation Request Signed

The mayors of Fort Frances and International Falls have given their signatures to a letter asking Prime Minister Harper and President Obama to proclaim July 2nd as Peaceful Borders Day.

Speaking to Fort council last night, Falls city Councilor Cynthia Jacksa says it helps build on the annual Tug of War.

The two communities, last year, asked the two leaders to participate in the event.

New Water Rates Approved

Residents in Fort Frances will be paying a little more for water and sewer services this year.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the rate increases add another $217-thousand for capital upgrades.

Homeowners will pay one per cent more while business and industry sees increases of 3 per cent.

A new institutional rate class has its rates increased 9 per cent.

Province to Keep All-day Kindergarten

Ontario will keep all-day kindergarten despite high-placed advice that the program should be scrapped.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan made the commitment ahead of a long-awaited report from former TD Bank economist Don Drummond.

That report comes out tomorrow.

Question of the Week - Week of February 13

Do you support the Finance's Minister decision to keep all-day kindergarten despite suggestions it be scrapped.

Let us know on our website 93.1 The Border.ca.

In a question from last week, 67 per cent of respondents support Fort Frances town council's decision to continue pursuing a regional airport concept with area municipalities.

Teachers' Union Denounced Wi-Fi

An Ontario teachers' union is calling for an end to new Wi-Fi setups in the province's Catholic schools.

The Ontario English Catholic Teacher's Association says computers in all new schools should be hardwired instead of setting up wireless networks.

The World Health Organization last year warned about a possible link between radiation from wireless devices such as cellphones and cancer.

New Border Plan

There's a new federal plan aimed at making it easier for Americans with minor criminal offenses to enter Canada.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says a new Tourism Facilitation Action Plan includes measures that also addresses those who might not have a passport.

The plan comes following years of complaints from tourism officials in northwestern Ontario about the number of Americans with often years old offences being turned back particularly at the Fort Frances border.

House Fire in Falls

A propane gas grill is being examined as a possible cause of a house fire in International Falls Saturday night.

Minimal damage was caused to the home located in the 1800 block of 11th Avenue.

Fire officials says the grill was not in use at the time of the fire.

No one was injured.

Wanted Man Arrested in International Falls

A man wanting in North Dakota for writing bad cheques is in back in jail after being captured in International Falls.

The 35-year-old was taken in custody Friday as he crossed at the U.S. border.

He'll remain behind bars until authorities from North Dakota arrive to transport him back.

Resolute Extends Offer Deadline Again

Resolute Forest Products, formerly known as AbitibiBowater, is giving more time for Fibrek to consider its hostile offer for the Canadian pulp producer.

It has extend yesterday's deadline to February 23, setting up a potential bidding war with Mercer International who put forward its offer last week.

Resolute's offer of $130-million is about 30 per cent lower than Mercer's bid.

Heart of the Arts Line Up Released

The line-up of talent has been set for this Thursday's Heart of the Arts in Fort Frances.

Brittany Hayes, who's serving as one of the main stage's performers and MC says a wide range of performers will come together to help raise money for the Metis Hall and the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Tickets for the event at the Townsend Theatre are still available at Northwoods  Gallery and Gifts.


Main stage musicians will include: Brittany Hayes, Sandra Allan, Charity Rose, Ericka Tymkin, Pat (Calder) Cupp, Abbey Calder, Allison Wannamaker, Larissa Desrosiers, Intyrely Mac, Ryan Hunter, Distant Legacy Band, and fiddler Elmer Whitefish.

In addition to musicians, there will be storytellers -- Gilbert Smith, and authors Levi Morris and Frances Shelfantook.

Actors Darryl Allan and Melanie Bodnar will add some comic relief.

Dancers will include Fort Dance Studio’s Highland Showcase Troup and some square dancers.

On the busker stage in the cafeteria, there will be dancer Eric Chapman, and musicians Carson Webber, Bridget Jorgenson, Jessica Desrosiers, Charlene Gustafson and John Reader.

Service Expansion Considered

The town of Fort Frances is exploring the idea of having more services geared towards seniors being provided out of the Sister Kennedy Centre.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas, a member of the Centre's board, says it could serve as one-stop shopping centre for a variety of groups delivering programs to the town's most elderly citizens.

A public meeting Wednesday night is planned to gather input on who might use the centre and what programs could be offered.

Proclaimation Sought

Prime Minister Harper and President Obama are again being asked to proclaim July 2 as Peaceful Borders Day in Fort Frances and International Falls.

The two cities plan to forward a letter indicating it would help promote peace throughout the world by celebrating the peaceful border enjoyed by the two cities.

The day also coincides with the annual Tug of War.

Hudak Stays as PC Leader

Ontario's Conservatives have given the thumbs up to Tim Hudak's leadership.

Hudak received support more than 78 per cent of the Tory delegates who voted in the party's weekend convention in Niagara Falls.

January Weather

Environment Canada says January was one of the warmest its been in the Rainy River district in six years.

Geoff Coulson says the average temperature for the month was a about minus 10 degrees Celsius, six degrees higher than normal.

Snowfall amount was about 30 centimetres, near normal for January, but Coulson says total amounts this winter are still a third of what they should be.

Distracted Driver Crack Down

The OPP are cracking down on distracted drivers this week.

They say they're seeing far too many collisions -- some of them fatal -- due to driver inattention.

And it's not just people using cellphones or texting behind the wheel.

Eating, playing with the radio, looking for a CD -- even day-dreaming -- can be dangerous while driving.

Free Pass Giveaway

A visit to the Stroke Prevention Clinic in Fort Frances this month can earn you a visit to the Memorial Sports Centre.

The Clinic is giving out free passes as part of a campaign during Heart and Stroke Month.

Nurse Marilyn Erwin says exercise can be helpful to stroke victims.

The Clinic has also extended its hours to evenings and weekends by appointment.

A Gift From the Heart

There are a lot of smiles around the Fort Frances area today - thanks to the efforts of a local hygienist.

Dawn Gustafson of Lifetime Smiles was among those across Ontario offering free services on the weekend as part of an initiative known as "Gift From the Heart."

It's aimed at promoting good oral health and dental hygienists who work independently outside a traditional dental office.

New Water Rates Proposed

New water rates could be decided upon tonight night by Fort Frances town councillors.

An administration report is recommending a one per cent hike in both the residential and non-residential rates and a three per cent increase to the charge paid by Industrial and the commercial sectors.

The institutional sector, covering such things as government-run facilities, would be placed in a new rate class and charged nine per cent more.

The increases, in total, would raise more than $216-thousand dollars in additional revenue for the water system.

More Downtime Possible

Resolute Forest Products is not ruling out more production downtime at its mills this year.

Lower demand and weaker pricing played a role in the $6-million dollar loss in the 4th quarter of last year.

CEO Richard Garneau doesn't see much immediate change.

The reported loss was the second straight since the company emerged from creditor protection a year ago.

Population Growth in Atikokan Expected

The mayor of Atikokan is somewhat surprised to learn his community experienced a 15 per cent drop in population over the last five years.

But Dennis Brown says there are signs it will turn around.

Brown says the closure of two local mills was a factor in the population loss.

MP Happy Gun Registry Debate Ending Soon

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is happy to see the long gun registry debate come to an end.

A final vote for the bill is expected  Wednesday.

Rafferty support ending the registry and was sanctioned by his party for giving support to ending it.

Rafferty says he hasn't had any further blow back from his party over his recent voting on the gun registry bill.

Business Workshop Next Week

It's time to learn the ABC's of Entrepreneurship.

The Northwest Business Centre is hosting a workshop in Couchiching next Thursday.

Manager Diane Schwartz-Williams says it will help those either in and wanting to start a business.

Pre-registration is required through the Centre's website.

More Cubs Born Over Internet

North American Bear Centre photo

Researchers believe a 3-year-old bear in Minnesota gave birth to a pair of cubs before an Internet audience last month.

A camera, placed in the den near Ely, was bumped as Jewel gave birth to a male cub and a female cub.

Researchers have since readjusted camera for a better view.

Coventry Starts Drilling Program

Another mining company has began a search for gold in the Rainy River district.

Australian based Coventry Resources has started a drilling a program at its gold project.

It's the first work the company has done on the 120 square kilometre site, located adjacent to Rainy River Resource's project, north of Barwick.

The company is also doing exploration  work at Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls.

Gun Bill Vote Next Week

A bill to scrap the federal long gun registry could be passed into law as early as next week.

That's the prediction of Kenora MP Greg Rickford.

He says the government's decision to curtail debate on the issue means the bill should be passed sooner rather than later.

Not All People Counted in Census

It appears not all of the people in northwestern Ontario were included in the population figures released this week.

Stats Canada's Gary Dillon says last year's forest fires caused some problems for Census takers.

Thirteen remote First Nations communities could not be be counted until November and were not included in the numbers released this week.

Dillon says those figures will be released at a later date.

Population Drop in Northwestern Ontario.

Statistics Canada is confirming a long suspected drop in the number of people living in the Rainy River district.

There's now 20,370 people in the district, a 5.5 per cent drop since 2006.

Stats Canada Gary Dillon says that differs from the rest of the Ontario where a 5.7 per cent increase overall is reported.

Every town in the district saw decreases with Atikokan having the greatest shift at over 15 per cent.

Fort Frances fell below 8 thousand people, a 1.9 per cent drop since 2006.

No Surprises in Population Figures

A Lakehead University professor is not surprised northwestern Ontario has less people than it did five years ago.

Livo Di Matteo says its a reflection of the state of the region's forest industry.

Di Matteo says the growth among First Nations communities is also something worth watching.

Snow Sculptures a Go

The creation of a number of snow sculptures in Fort Frances is a go.

But the Rainy River Arts Collective's Winter Sculpture Garden is no longer a contest.

Spokesperson Lindsay Hamilton says only a couple of groups actually registered.

So those groups and a couple of other artists will instead craft the 8 foot cubed snow piles over the next ten days as part of a demonstration project.

Hamilton is hoping it will lead to greater interest for next year.

Seven Gens Expands Programming

Fort Frances-based Seven Generations Education Institute has a new partnership with the public board for the Kenora and Dryden area.

CEO Delbert Horton says it helps launch a new Aboriginal Adult Education program in those areas.

The program is expected to begin this fall.

Trudeau Speaks in Thunder Bay

Margaret Trudeau says prisons are not the place to house people with mental illness.

The former wife of Pierre Trudeau spoke out against the Harper government's new crime bill to students at Confederation College in Thunder Bay yesterday, saying more jails are not the answer.

She's also likes to see more celebrities like former Olympian Clara Hughes speak out about mental health issues.

Trudeau has spent the last five years speaking on the struggles she had with depression.

Board Staff Recognized

Some of its long serving staff members are being honoured by the Rainy River District School Board.

Former Rainy River High School vice-principal Don McBride and the board's Human Resources Manager Diane Ross were recognized by trustees at their meeting Tuesday night.

McBride retired at the end of January while Ross ends her career in March.

Four other employees with 25 years of services were also recognized.