Atikokan Chamber Award Winners

Atikokan Chamber of Commerce has recognized it's community's best.

The Bargain! Shop was the winner of the Business Excellence Award sponsored by 931 The Border.

Sunset Windows and Doors earned Entrepreneur of the Year honours.

Atikokan Fire Rescue took the Health and Safety Award.

The Barnard Family, Ryan,  Jessie, Marvin, Cathy and Amber, received the Ambassador award for their work with the Atikokan 4x4 MudFling.

McHappy Success

It was a McHappy Day in Fort Frances Wednesday.

The local McDonald's Restaurant raised $2,032  as part of McHappy Day.

The money will go to the new Ronald McDonald House in Toronto.

Foundation Questions Use Of Budget Bill

The Quetico Foundation is accusing the provincial government of trying to circumvent the process with proposed amendments to legislation affecting the environment.

The province has included nine such amendments within the provincial budget.

The Foundation's Glenda McLachlan calls it odd the budget bill  is being used for this purpose as it doesn't give the public an opportunity to comment.

McLachlan says usually legislative amendments affecting the environment got through the Environment Bill of Rights registry.

District Church Involved in National Conference

The Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River is playing a key part in a national conference today.

The Church is serving as a satellite site to the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada's annual meeting, taking place in Edmonton.

Pastor Kors Pater says it's a first for this area.

Pater expects up to forty delegates from the district and Manitoba to take in the conference from Rainy River.

Training Workshop In Fort Frances

Those involved with helping with victims of crime will receive a little help themselves over the next two days.

Peggy Loyie of the Rainy River District Victims Services Program says Fort Frances is playing host to a conference entitled Responding Effectively to Acute Stress Reaction.

The conference is drawing people from around the region.

Fundraiser Success

The recent Cause for Paws fundraiser in International Falls is being hailed a huge success.

Officials says approximately 15-thousand 500 dollars was raised for the Borderland Humane Society.

That's up over last year's figure.

Trillium Funding Awarded

A Fort Frances sports group is receiving funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Fort Frances Aquanauts Swim Club will received just over $28-thousand to purchase new equipment for safety instruction.

Youth Employment Centre Promoted

NCDS in Fort Frances is out promoting its youth employment centre.

Tyson Grinsell is one of two summer students hired and says they're doing a bit of travel to let both students and employers across district know about the services available.

They're setting up booths in local high schools and plan are planning visits to Rainy River, Emo and Nestor Falls.

They will also be at career fairs coming up in both Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Home Builder Sought Soon

The search for a builder for a home for locum doctors providing emergency room care at the hospital is Rainy River is about to begin.

The Rainy River Locum House Building Committee has given final approval to the home's design and is expected to soon advertise for tenders.

The committee is hoping to have a builder in place by the end of the month with construction starting in the middle of June.

To date, more than $154-thousand has been raised for the project.

Reserve Funds Directed Back To Classroom

The Rainy River District School Board is putting a portion of its reserve funds back into the classroom.

Trustees approved at their meeting Tuesday night to use $1.3 million from reserves toward a variety of programs for the next school year.

They include the appointment of a K-to-12- math coach, the training of a new Reading Recovery Teacher Leader and the funding of four teachers to be appointed as technology coaches.

Funding is also be devoted to maintaining an Aboriginal Early Learning Liaison and an Aboriginal Curriculum Coordinator

Educators Honoured

Three Atikokan educators are being honoured for their long tenure with the Rainy River District School Board.

Cathy Burton, a teacher at North Star Community School, and teacher Peter Burton and principal Jody Labossiere of Atikokan High School have been with the board for 25 years.

They were recognized by trustees at their meeting Tuesday night in Mine Centre.

Health Money Given

Koochiching County is receiving $450-thousand to address the health needs of its residents.

The dollars, from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, will be spread over a three year period.

It's to be used on a broad range of health care needs from health promotion and disease prevention to expanding oral and mental health services.

Burned Park Area Now Open

File photo

Much of the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota burned in a wildfire last year is reopening to the public.

The 93-thousand acre area was closed last year because of concerns over standing dead trees.

Forest managers says visitors should still pay special attention to dead trees in the recovering wilderness and stay on established paths.

New School Program Planned

A program that helps students in the Rainy River district obtain credits for both high school and college at the same time is expanding.

The Rainy River District School Board's Shane Bliss says they plan to launch with Confederation College this fall a "School Within a College" program.

It will be aimed at students 18 to 21, allowing them the opportunity to attend college, work on dual credits and Independent Learn Course and participating in cooperative education.

Five dual credit programs are now offered to high school students now attending Fort Frances, Atikokan and Rainy River High Schools

Man Attempts to Run Border

There was an case of someone trying to run through Canada Customs in Fort Frances last month.

The Canada Border Services Agency says it happened March 15.

A Canadian man, driving a U.S. plated rental car, initially stopped at the border and told officers he planned to leave the vehicle in Thunder Bay.

When he was told he wasn't legally permitted to so, the driver started to head back to the U.S., but then attempted to continue his journey into Canada.

He was picked up a short time later by the OPP and turned back over to Customs.

Border Stats For March

The Fort Frances border saw an increase in the number of people passing last month.

Statistics released by the Canada Border Services Agency show almost 54-thousand travellers crossed in March.

That's about 25-hundred more than in February and a 7.5 per cent increase over March 2011.

Just over 29-thousand vehicles were processed at the border as well, a slight increase over February's numbers, but a one per cent drop from one year ago.

Youth Charged

Two youth are facing charges in connection with an act of mischief at the Rainbow Centre Daycare in Atikokan.

The youth, one from Atikokan and another from Weagamow Lake First Nation, were charged following an OPP investigation at the Centre Friday night.

More Opposition To FEDNOR Cuts

Federal government is being accused of cutting money used for economic development in northern Ontario.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says government has taken out a billion dollars from the forestry sector and millions more in tourism and marketing grants that went to small towns.

Rafferty questions the common sense of making cuts to a program he says can the help strengthen the economy of a struggling region.

Industry Minister Tony Clement says government remains committed to economic development in northern Ontario, noting FEDNOR has provided over $263-million to hundreds of projects over the past five years.

Ultimate Fishing Town Contest Back

Fort Frances, Nestor Falls and Atikokan are among towns in northwestern Ontario seeking your vote in this year's contest to find Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town.

Baudette is vying for the American version of the contest by the World Fishing Network.

Voting on the networks website goes until the end of the Month

Salvation Army Captains Leave

The local Captains of the Salvation Army in Fort Frances says they will leave the community with fond memories.

Captain Angel and Marlene Sandoval are being relocated to Italy at the end of June.

Angel Sandoval says the Fort will always has a special place their hearts.

The Sandovals moved here from Hamilton in 2003.

Salvation Army Fundraiser Underway

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances has kicked off its annual May Red Shield Appeal Campaign.

A flag-raising ceremony Tuesday morning at the Civic Centre was held to signify the start of the month long campaign.

Captain Angel Sandoval says it's one of their most important fundraisers of the year.

The money raised goes back into a variety of programs aimed at helping people in need across the Rainy River district

NOACC Plans Visit with Government

The Northwestern Ontario business community is looking at making a trip to Toronto.

President of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce Andy Scribilo says the lobby groups is hoping send a delegation to Queen's Park next spring.

NOACC had enjoyed an annual audience with provincial Cabinet Ministers in the past, but it's not something that has happened in at least two decades.

Scribilo says they will try to set up as many meetings as they can with provincial cabinet ministers as part of the trip.

Concern Still Proposed Economic Development Group

Some concern is being raised about a new regional economic development agency for northwestern Ontario.

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says it's not prepared to increase its levy to municipalities to support the new group.

Iain Angus, who is championing the agency, says they have reduced the budget to make it more palatable.

Angus says they're also proposing an eleven member board comprising of four aboriginal representatives, four municipal reps and three members selected at large.

Electricity Goes Up Today

Electricity rates are going up today.

A typical household using 800 kilowatt hours a month will see the "electricity'' line on its hydro bill increase by nearly six dollars.

Consumers using smart meters - or time-of-use pricing - will see an increase of about four dollars.

Opposition critics say the governing Liberals' expensive push into wind and solar power is the main culprit behind rising hydro rates.

But Energy Minister Chris Bentley says green energy has little to do with increasing rates.

New Campaign Details Released

More details have been revealed regarding Riverside Foundation for Health Care's fundraiser for a new digital mammography unit.

The foundation wants to raise $650-thousand.

Foundation Director Nicke Baird says they hope to have the money in place by this fall.

Baird says the entire cost of the unit must be raised locally because no government funding is available.

Question of the Week

Do you plan to support the campaign to raise money for a new digital mammography unit for Riverside Health Care Facilities?

That's this week's poll question on 931theborder.ca.

In last week's question, 62 per cent of respondents support plans to develop an off-leas dog park in Fort Frances.

Chamber Still Looking

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is still undecided where it's new office may be.

The former Fort Duty Free store and the tourist information centre have been identified as possible sites.

President Mark Caron says no decisions have yet been made.

Caron says the desire for more space and more visibility is prompting the Chamber to consider a move from its current Scott Street location.

Chamber Supports Endangered Species Act Amendments

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is giving its support to a private members bill that calls for changes to the province's Endangered Species Act.

Conservative MPP Laurie Scott wants more emphasis placed on social and economic factors when considering species or habitats for protection.

Scott also want to increase the time the public has to comment on proposals from 30 to 90 days.  

Resolute Speaks to Chamber

Resolute Forest Products is giving the Fort Frances business community a feel for what the paper giant and its Fort Frances mill are currently facing.

In a speech to members of the Fort Frances business community yesterday, General Manager Andre Bernier cites low demand for paper and the small size of the mill's paper machines as some of the challenges faced.

Bernier says there are lot of possibilities, but the main focus right now is keeping costs down.

Hyer Reconsiders

It appears Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer wants to rejoin the NDP caucus just a week after he quit.

Hyer says he's still a New Democrat and he's willing to reconsider his decision and apologize.

He quit last Monday to sit as an independent, complaining about having to toe the party line.

Residents Say No To City Sewer Services

A large majority of residents, living just east of International Falls, are giving their thumbs down to city sewer services being extended to their area at their expense.

The city conducted the study after being approached by some residents in the Papermakers area.

Residents had been informed they'd have to pick up a large share of the $1.1. million dollar project cost.

Councillor Gail Rogenrud says based on the survey results, the city won't be proceeding further.

Tourism Centre Closures Discussed

Two northwestern Ontario M.P.P.'s say they will be meeting with the Tourism Minister Michael Chan today about the closures of three tourist information centers in northwestern Ontario.


Both Natural Resource Minister Michael Gravel and Bill Mauro say they're sympathetic, but aren't promising the government will overturn the decision to close three tourist information centers in northwestern Ontario.

Gravelle says he is committed to working with the local communities for a solution.

The closure of the tourism centres was among topics that dominated the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association's conference in Kenora last week.

College Facing Cuts

The president of Confederation College is warning recent budget cuts will have an an effect on its ability to extend service outside the main campus.

Jim Madder says one of the impacts will be on a highly successful dual credit program offered through local high schools where enrolment had to be restricted.

Madder says with the increasing demand on trades, the College will continue to work with the area's business community to meet the need.

Plenty Of Gold Mines Predicted

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines is predicting as many as eight new gold mines to operating in northwestern Ontario with the next four years.

Geologist Andreas Lichtblau says one of the could be Coventry Resources which is doing work at Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls.

Lichtblau foresees both the Rainy River Resources and Osisko Mining projects in the Rainy River District ready for production as well.

Juries On Trial

The makeup of juries goes on trial before Ontario's top court this week as two convicted killers fight their guilty verdicts.

At issue is whether the men were treated poorly because on-reserve residents were shut out from serving on the juries that convicted them.

One of the cases involves a Kenora area man who was charged with manslaughter.

Gillon's President Happy With New Acquisition

The president of Gillon's Insurance is happy with the recent amalgamation with Thunder Bay Insurance.

Duane Cridland says the expansion into Thunder Bay strengths their ability to provide personal and commercial insurance to their clients.

Cridland sees Thunder Bay Insurance as a natural fit to Gillon's.

The deal was completed last week.

New OPP Boats Unveiled

OPP will unveil a new vessel for their marine unit today in Orillia.

The OPP have purchase a fleet of  so-called "Justice Series" police boats that have been specially modified for law enforcement.

It's not known if any of the new boats will be used by officers in northwestern Ontario.

Water Park Makes Improvements

A popular Duluth water park plans to install new water purification equipment in hopes of preventing more cases of a parasitic disease.

Last month, state and provincial health officials linked the Edgewater Resort and Water Park to several cases of  cryptosporidium, a chlorine-resistant parasite that causes flu-like symptoms.

Man Killed In Motorcycle Accident

An Atikokan man is dead following a motorcycle accident near Atikokan on the weekend.

OPP says 31-year-old Brian Scott McDonald crashed his machine Saturday evening at around 8:30 p.m. on Highway 622, about 14 kilometres north of the community.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by Emergency personal.

Tourist Centre Closure Not Dead Issue

Local officials aren't giving up on trying to keep the province's tourist information centres in Fort Frances, Kenora and Rainy River open.

They were to shut down for good Monday.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell told area municipal representatives last week she's still hopeful a compromise with government can be reached.

Campbell says she met with Ontario's Tourism Minister Michael Chan delivering several letters and petitions all supporting the centres remain open.

Green Energy Plan Must Go

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is speaking like there's an election.

Speaking to delegates at the municipal conference in Kenora, Hudak made a promise for more jobs and cheaper electricity.

He also reiterated his plan to scrap Ontario's green energy program.

Hudak says Ontario has gone from having the cheapest electricity in North America to the second most expensive.

University Tuition Increasing

It's going to cost a bit more to go to Lakehead University next year.

The Board of Governors has approved the 4.5 per cent tuition hike.

Chair Colin Bruce says it's in line with fee increases brought in at other Ontario universities.

Students were allowed to vote on the hike.

The Board also agreed to review the school's conflict of interest bylaw after the Student Union threatened legal action last week.

Pharmacists Charged with Trafficking

A pharmacist with a connection to Fort Frances will appear in court today on a charge of trafficking.

Provincial Police says 51-year-old Robert Button was arrested and charged Wednesday following a two month police investigation.

Police says Button works in pharmacies in both Dryden and Fort Frances.

Insurances Agencies Merge

There's a shake-up in the local insurance industry.

Thunder Bay Insurance is merging with Gillon's Insurance in Fort Frances.

Thunder Bay Insurance Manager David Baxter says the two companies decided becoming on a bigger independent.

They'll still be operating under their same trade names, but Baxter says the merger is for the benefit of their clients.

Gillon's president Duane Cridland was not immediately available for comment.

Health Care Funding is Fine

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network says there may be health care shortages in this region, but it's not due to a lack of funding.

Chair Joy Warkentin says they just need to find better and more efficient ways of spending the money they get.

Warkentin adds our region has two per cent of Ontario's population, but is using five per cent the health care budget.

New Project Funding Source Needed

Area municipalities are being told to sit down with the province and federal government to find a better way of funding infrastructure projects.

Speaking to delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Conference in Kenora, author Gord Hume says the current method through property taxes isn't working.

Hume would like to see Ontario follow Saskatchewan's lead by dedicating one percent of the HST to municipalities for infrastructure projects.

Delegate Approve Resolutions

The Provincial Government is getting a laundry list of suggestions from the northwestern Ontario's municipal leaders.

Delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Kenora approved 23 resolutions that will be sent to the province.

They include a call to reverse the decision to close the Travel Information Centres in Kenora, Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Committee Role for Rafferty

More responsibilities for John Rafferty.

The Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP is serving as a NDP rep to the Public Safety and National Security parliamentary committee.

The Committee oversees work carried out by agencies as the Canadian Border Services Agency, RCMP and Correctional Services Canada.

Government Accused of Slow Reaction to Ornge

The Opposition is demanding an explanation about why the provincial Liberals took so long to rein in Ornge -- the province's air ambulance service.

A lawyer, who worked for Ornge, told a legislative committee that the government had all the power it needed and could have reined in Ornge at any time.

Finance Minister Not Worried

Ontario's finance minister is trying to put the best face on a major investment agency's move to downgrade the province's credit rating.

Dwight Duncan says the move by Moody's won't have a significant effect on the province's ability to borrow or pay interest on its debt.