Grandparents Scam on Rise

OPP are growing concern with a rise in the number of people becoming victims of the so-called grandparents scam.

It's where someone will call claiming to be a relative in trouble and seeking money.

Detective Constable Dave Felstead with the OPP's anti-rackets branch says the con artists have become very sophisticated but police have the tools to track them down and bring them to justice.

More than 460 people in Ontario fell victim to the scam last year, being bilked for over $2.5 million.

More Burning Cancelled

Another community in the Rainy River district is banning open air burning until at least April 1st.

Emo has joined the townships of LaVallee and Dawson in prohibiting burning because of recent warm temperatures.

Fort Frances has suspended burning permits until further notice.

More Weather Records

It was a weekend of more record-breaking temperatures.

International Falls reached 79 F yesterday, breaking the 1918 record of 66 F.

Fort Frances hit 26.4 C, more than doubling the old mark of 13 C set in 2010.

Atikokan hit 24.7 C, breaking the old mark of 13.1 C also set in 2010.

Saturday, Fort Frances was the hot spot in Canada with its high of 24.8 C, blazing past the 2009 record of 13.4.

Atikokan was just a shy cooler at 24.6 C, compared to last year's high of 12.2 C.

International Falls hit 77 F, a full 22 degrees above the previous record set in 1968.

Question of the Week

It appears our listeners are almost split as to the reasons why so many organizations in Fort Frances struggle for volunteers.

55 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll blame it on a lack of time.

45 per cent feel it's due to a lack of interest.

Trapper Embark on Public Awareness Campaign

Area trappers are making themselves more public.

The Rainy River District Trappers Council has been around for many years, but few people know they still exist.

President Brian Love says they're working to change that.

The Council will hold a workshop for the public this Saturday at Donald Young School in Emo.

Health Care Troubles

An unflattering picture of health care planning in the northwest is being painted by a Hamilton newspaper report.

It says the Northwest Local Health Integration Network is having trouble coordinating health care for chronic ailments like heart disease and diabetes.

CEO Laura Kokocinski says it actually shows the value of the organization.

Kokocinski insists, however, residents here are getting their money's worth in health care services.

Kraft Mill Down

A lack of qualified personnel has put a halt to production at Resolute Forest Products kraft mill in Fort Frances.

In an email to CFOB News, company spokesperson Pierre Choquette says the mill doesn't have enough 2nd class stationary engineers needed to run the plant.

Such personnel are often trained in several areas as mechanical, chemical and electrical.

Choquette says they're evaluating operations to determine their best course of action.

Production on the paper side is not effected.

Fire Restrictions in Minnesota

Spring fire restrictions are also in effect in Minnesota

The Department of Natural Resources says it's already seeing wildfire activity in some parts of the States.

Eight fires have occured in the northeast region.

The DNR is advising owners to minimize the risk by cleaning their property of debris and disposing it safely.

Burning Permits Cancelled

Burning permits are being temporarily suspended in the town of Fort Frances.

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says the recent rise in temperatures has forced them to take action.

Burning is also prohibited in the Emo as well as in the townships of LaVallee and Dawson until at least April 1st.

Other municipalities outside of Fort Frances don't issue permits until then.

Health Care Access Improving

The provincial Liberal riding association in Kenora-Rainy River is out defending the McGuinty government's record on heath care.

President Anthony Leek admits there's more work to do, but much has been done to improve access to care in the region.

It includes the creation of Family Health teams which Leek says have brought eight new doctors to Fort Frances.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell the creation of those teams is a part of the problem to the doctor issue in the region.

Custom Officers Doing What They Have to

The Port director at the U.S. Border in International Falls makes no apologies for how her staff performs.

Chris Lessard told an International Falls Chamber of Commerce gathering U.S customs officers have been often described as rude, sarcastic and intimidating.

Lessard says the public needs to know, officers do have a job to do.

Still, Lessard says complaints from the public are taken seriously and officers can face discipline or improved training if they're legitimate.

Man Picked Up For Impaired

A 53-year-old man will make a court appearance next month on an impaired driving charge.

OPP arrested the man Wednesday night in Fort Frances after a vehicle failed to stop for a pedestrian using the light activated crosswalk on King's Highway.

Police says breath samples taken from the driver were found to be twice the legal limit.

Oxy Panel Set Up

The provincial government is setting up an expert panel to deal with the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit Dr. James Arthurs says Thunder Bay's Dr. David Williams will help lead the new panel.

Health officials met Thursday by video-conference to talk about issues surrounding the end of oxycontin production in Ontario.

Weather Record - Thursday

Add another daily weather record to the books for Fort Frances.

Thursday's high of 13.5 C tied the mark set in 2009.

Expo Returns

An International Sportsman's Expo is returning to International Falls.

The event, held for the first time last year, will take place in April to showcase the area's outdoor opportunities.

President Tom Holt says 26 different vendors and several guest speakers will be on hand.

The event will also collect food items for the Salvation Army's Food Shelve and donations to a campaign to bring kidney dialysis to the Falls.

The event at the Evangelical Covenant Church takes place April 14.

Trails Closed

The snowmobile season in northwestern Ontario has apparently come to an end.

Nearly all trails have been closed because of deteriorating conditions caused by the weather.

A trail around Atikokan is the only one listed as still being open.

Early Fire Season Doubtful

Record high temperatures may lead us to believe we are looking at an early start to the forest fire season.

But the the Ministry of Natural Resources says that may not be the case.

Information Officer Debbie MacLean says despite the lack of precipitation, they're forecasting a wet spring.

MacLean says staff training will begin in the next couple of weeks.

Weather Records Continue to Fall

For the fourth time in five days, temperature records have been broken in the Rainy River district.

Yesterday's high in Fort Frances of 12.4 C edged the old marker of 12 C set in 2010.

International Falls also reached a record high, with a reading of 57 F.

The previous mark was 54 F, set in 1911 and again in 2010.

Beware of Thin Ice

OPP are warning people to be cautious around waterways because of the mild weather.

Police say the warm weather has caused ice to become unsafe.

Parents are also urged to talk to their children about the dangers of fast moving water.

Angler Convicted

A Rainy River resident is out of pocket a thousand dollars after being convicted of having too many walleye.

Dorion Ozykowski was charged back in September by the Ministry of Natural Resources after initially found in possession of fourteen fish by U.S. Customs officers patrolling Rainy River.

Court was told the man told officers he didn't know how many fish he had nor was entitled too, later claiming the fish had been given to him.

Fort Reunion Planning

Efforts to have a reunion of Fort Frances residents, past and present, will begin in earnest later this month.

An organizational meeting for the 2013 event has been planned for Tuesday March 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Adventure Inn.

Organizers says many volunteers will be needed to make the event possible.

Alzheimer Society Fundraiser Next Week

Tickets still remain for the Alzheimer Society's upcoming Spring Reflections Dinner in Fort Frances.

The agency's Lynn Moffatt says the March 24 event is an important fundraiser for the district group.

Tickets are available at Northwood Gallery and Gifts or by through the Society's website.

March is Nutrition Month

This is nutrition month and the Canadian Diabetes Association is out with some tips for people, especially those with diabetes, on how to eat and live healthy.

Spokesperson Richard Boon says following Canada's food guide is the simpliest suggestion.

Boon says taking time to meal plan and equipment your kitchen with the right foods can also lead to smart eating.

Mill Manager Head Industry Group

The mill manager for Boise 's paper mill in International Falls has been named to head a industry lobby group.

Bert Brown will serve as president of Minnesota Forest Industries.

Brown has been with Boise since 1995, becoming manager of the Falls mill in 2009.

Rafferty to Support Mulcair

John Rafferty is ready for the NDP leadership vote.

The Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP says he's going to support Thomas Mulcair for leader of the New Democrats.

NDP will select their successor to the late Jack Layton March 24.

OPP Take Proactive Approach to Oxycontin End

An end to oxycotin production in Ontario has provincial police in the Rainy River district taking action to deal with possible repercussions.

Increases in theft, break-ins and overdoses have been noted elsewhere.

Constable Anne McCoy says their work here includes talking with area pharmacies who may be potential targets.

McCoy says police are also watching for illegal shipments of the drug coming from areas where the prescription pain medication may still be in full supply.

DSSABs Unite

The agencies responsible for the delivery of social services programs in northwestern Ontario have joined as one in a call for more funding.

Representatives from the Thunder Bay, Kenora and Rainy River district Social Services Administrative Boards presented a united front in a recent meeting with the province.

Deb Ewald, a member of the Rainy River board, says it was the first time all three have come together.

Driver's Fees Going Up

The province says higher driver and licence fees will help pay for the maintenance of provincial roads and bridges.

A new driver's licence will cost five dollars more next year while vehicle registrations in northern Ontario increase four dollars.

NDP critic Gilles Bisson says the Liberals are piling new costs on struggling families.

Conservative Frank Klees says instead of taking more money from taxpayers, the government should curb spending.

Fishing Licenses in Minnesota Going Up

An increase in the fishing and hunting license fees in Minnesota is possible.

A Minnesota State panel has given it blessing to hikes to avert potential deep cuts to the state's fisheries and wildlife programs.

More Great Weather

More weather records for the Rainy River district.

Yesterday's high of 12.6 C in Fort Frances just edged the old mark of 12.5 C set back in 1995.

Atikokan's high of 11.4 C was a full degree over the previous record set in 2007.

Putting the "Home" Back in the Home Show

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is hoping to put a little more "Home" into this year's Home and Leisure Show.

Manager Anthony Mason says they aim to have this May's show focus heavily on the home improvement side.

The show will be held May 10 and 11, a week later than usual to avoid conflicts with other home shows.

Question of the Week

A number of community organizations in the Fort Frances area are struggling to find volunteers.

Do you see the problem being a lack of interest or a lack of time?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Medical Officer of Health Seeks Input

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit says its going to take a community-wide approach in dealing with the withdrawl of oxycontin.

But Doctor James Arthur says placing blame on the reasons for its high use in Ontario is not the answer.

Arthurs is inviting area residents to offer their opinions through an email set up on the Health Unit's website.

He's encouraging people to identify solutions than offer criticism to talkpublichealth@nwhudot.on.ca.

Task Force Seeks Input

A task force wants to hear from area residents about incidents of abuse and neglect in the long term senior homes.

A number of high profile cases led to the independent committee being formed.

Chair Gail Donner says they've set up a website to gather comment.

Comments to  longtermcaretaskforce.ca must be made by next Monday.

Volunteers Wanted

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River has launched a recruitment drive.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says they are looking for all kinds of help.

Moffatt says one-on-one with volunteers ensures they are matched with an enjoyable and appropriate position.

For more information, call 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail info@alzheimerkrr.com

Most Won't Miss an End to Canada Day Events

The Fun in the Sun Committee's decision to curtail plans for this year's Canada Day celebrations in Fort Frances isn't getting much null from local residents.

A poll by 931theborder.ca finds 60 per cent of respondents saying they won't miss events not being held.

The volunteer-run committee ended plans because it couldn't find enough volunteers to run events.

Students Earn Visit to South America

Two Confederation College students from the Fort Frances area are looking to further their education opportunities in Chile and Brazil.

Kristina Webb and Sherry Sinclair have been chosen to take part in a summer studies program.

They'll be learning Spanish and Portuguese while teaching English and volunteering on a number of projects.

They're now working to raises money for the trip.

The first year students of the Police, Security and Investigations program will hold a spaghetti dinner next Tuesday at the East End Hall to raise funds for the trip.

Campbell Urge Continued Pressure on Health Minister

Residents are being urged to keep up the pressure on Ontario's Health Minister for changes that resolves a doctor shortage in Rainy River.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says assurances from Deb Matthews that the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency room won't close when the lone doctor leaves is not a complete fix to the problem.

Campbell says a letter campaign started by residents in Rainy River needs to continue to bring more long-term solutions.

Osisko Seeks Public Input

Osisko Mining is exploring the environmental and socio-economic impacts of its planned gold mine near Atikokan.

The company held open houses in Atikokan and Fort Frances on the weekend to gather public input.

Spokesperson Alexandra Drapack says they're working towards completion of a feasibility study.

The company is also undergoing environmental assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments.

Wage Hike Ups Council Earnings

An increase in salaries helped push up the amount paid out to members of Fort Frances town council last year.

A total of $135-thousand was earned by Mayor Roy Avis and the six councillors through salaries, conference expenses and per diems.

That's about $10-thousand higher that 2010, mostly because of a salary bump approved at the beginning of the four-year term.

Weather Records Set on Weekend

Spring like weather led to records across northwestern Ontario and Koochiching County on the weekend.

Fort Frances' Saturday temperature of 14.4 C surpassed the old mark of 11.1 C set in 1977

Highs of 16.2 C on Sunday in both the Fort and Atikokan shattered previous records set four year ago.

Temperature of 59 F on Saturday and 61 F Sunday were also records for International Falls.

Some Campsites Won't Open

Some campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area won't be open this spring because of a forest fire last year.

The U.S. Forest Service expects as many as 76 campsites on 23 lakes to be unavailable in a hangover from last year's big Pagami Creek fire.

Standing scorched trees and burned latrines among issues still be addressed.

Kony Video Spurs Local Action

A campaign to raise global awareness of a brutal Central Africa rebel leader is gaining attention in Fort Frances.

Dexter Fischuk, who heads the high school group Fort Frances Mobilizers, formerly Saving Faces, says they're initiating a poster campaign to help educate residents about militia leader Joseph Kony.

Fischuk says their action was spurred by a You-Tube video that's attracting millions of viewers each day.

Another Award Nomination for Wilde

More accolades for Atikokan blue's artist Sunday Wilde.

Her Album "What man? Oh THAT man!!!" has been nominated for a Northern Ontario Music and Film in Motions Award.

The winners will be announced April 28 in Sudbury

Highway to Close

A section of Highway 602 near Fort Frances will be closed later this summer.

The Ministry of Transportation intends to replace a culvert located just north of the Bone Road sometime in July or August.

It's looking at installing a modular type system similar to one put in place last year at Wolf Creek, south of Emo.

The work would force Highway 602 between the Bone Road and Oakwood Drive to be closed for two to three weeks.

Atikokan CEO Find New Job

Atikokan is losing its Chief Administrative Officer.

Andre Morin is taking on a position with the city of Stratford at the end of April.

Mayor Dennis Brown says council will discuss how to replace him at its meeting Monday.

Morin has been with the town for the past eight years, initially hired on as its treasurer.

Men Charges in Illegal Gun Trade Investigation

Four men from the Rainy River district have been charged following a four-month police investigation into the illegal transfer of firearms in northwestern Ontario.

Treaty Three Police with the OPP's Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, began their probe last November.

The men,  two from Manitou Rapids, one from Barwick and another from Couchiching face a variety of charges.

Police says more charge are pending.

MNR Fighting Invasive Species on Border Waters

The Ministry of Natural Resource says it works regularly with their counterparts in Minnesota in dealing with invasive species impacting border waters in this area.

Spokesperson Michelle Novak says the MNR is also very active with its own initiatives.

Koochiching County commissioners said last week it want more cooperation between the Ontario and Minnesota agencies in protecting the waters from invasive species.

Liberal Cheating with Grad Rates

The opposition parties accuse the Liberals of cheating for saying Ontario's high school graduation rate is 82 per cent because they include students who take five years to finish.

N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath says the real grad rate under a four year program is really 73 per cent.

Ontario has had a four-year high school curriculum since 2003.

Steggeman Visit

A Canadian entrepreneur says you don't have to be an international conglomerate or a national government to affect change.

That was one of the message's delivered by Barb Steggeman in Fort Frances Thursday.

Steggeman, who launched her perfume business from her home, says it' not always  about making money.

Steggeman's visit coincided with International Women's Day, a day she used two years ago to launch her company.

A Warm February

Environment Canada is backing local observations that February was warmer than usual.


Spokesperson Chantale Cerny says in fact it was the warmest February in more than a decade.


Temperatures were about 4 degrees above the monthly norm.


Snow falls amounts in the district ranged between 25 and 40 centimetres, a normal, Cerny says, for the month.