Support Needed For Park Promotion

A non-profit organization set up to help market Voyageurs National Park is reaching out to the community for support.

Joe Merchon of Destination Voyageurs National Park says attracting more visitors to the park will be an economic boost to the surrounding communities.

The group will soon be launching a local campaign for money to help with marketing.

Merchon say they're currently using an on-line ad campaign to promote the park.

Infrastructure Money Coming

The Ontario government is giving area municipalities a hand in fixing of up aging roads and sewer and water lines.

It's creating a new municipal infrastructure program.

Over the next three years, $60-million will be doled out for projects with another $9 million available to prepare plans.

Forest Fire Activity Diminishing

MNR photo

Cooler temperatures and rain are keeping the forest fire situation at bay.

There are 53 active forest fires in northwestern Ontario, none in the Rainy River district.

All but two of those blazes are simply being monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Art Hovel Hop Tomorrow

A number of artists in the Littlefork and International Falls areas will be showcased tomorrow.

Organizer Samantha Ann Bohnert says they're opening their doors to the public in what's being hailed as the Art Hovel Hop.

Participants can start at Samplicity Art Hovel in Littlefork or the NAS Art Room at the Backus Community Centre beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Fair Queen Selected

16-year-old Destiny Woolsey has been named this year's Emo Fair Queen.

The Barwick teen beat out four other girls for the title.

Jillian Gustafson was named first princess while Karly Caul was selected second princess.

Cassie Wells of Rainy River was named Miss Congeniality.

Jenny Hammond of Emo won the Dorothy Bonot Award.

This year's Mini King is Jaxon Strahan while the mini queen is Alexis Latter.

All of the winners will participate in Saturday's fair parade.

Fire Destroys Shelter

A fire that has destroyed a storage shelter in Fort Frances is being identified as accidental.

The specific cause to Wednesday's fire fire in the 1300 block of Minnie Avenue is still not known.

The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service was called out around the noon hour.

Damage to the shelter, containing various equipment, recreational vehicles and other items, was extensive.

There was no damage though to an adjacent storage garage.

Spray Park Open

Emo Township photo

Emo's Spray park is back working again.

It had been shutdown at the beginning of the month as the township was awaiting on parts to repair equipment that stopped working.

The park will close for the season in the middle of next month.

Environmental Groups Concerned With Area Haze

Several environment groups are taking Minnesota to court over the State's plan to reduce haze in places like the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area and Voyageurs National Park.

They says the State's approach of a pollution trading program on industries that pollute air in those areas won't adequately reduce pollution.

The haze is believed to come mainly from the State's coal-fired power plants.

July Warmest Since 1989.

The month of July in the Fort Frances area has come in as the warmest it's been in more than two decades.

Environment Canada say the average temperature was about 21 C - almost 2 degrees above the norm.

Geoff Coulson says the warm trend experienced for much of the summer will likely continue through August and into September.

Despite warmer weather, the amount of rainfall received in the area was just above normal levels for the month.

Manager Bonuses Under Review

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he wants to take a closer look at the bonuses awarded to senior public servants.

The premier says when so many managers are getting bonuses, it becomes pay, not performance pay.

His comments come after reports nearly 98 per cent of eligible managers in the civic services got bonuses last year.

New NAN Grand Chief Elected

For the first time in 12 years, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has a new grand chief.

Harvey Yesno won the post by a single vote in the third round of voting over Terry Waboose for
the position left vacant by Stan Beardy, who became head of the Ontario Regional Chiefs.

Yesno is a former NAN deputy grand chief who was working for the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund.

Pink Bus Visits

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation brings its "Pink Tour" to the Rainy River district this week.

The Foundation's vice-president Karen Malone says its big pink bus is visit Emo and Fort Frances today to help educate the public on breast cancer screening and breast health.

It's the first time the Foundation has brought its Pink Tour to this area.

The Bus will be parked outside the CIBC in Emo this morning and Fort Frances this afternoon.

Tomorrow it will be in front of Shopper Drug Mart in Fort Frances before traveling to Atikokan

Atikokan Fishing Tournament Celebrates

Atikokan Bass Classic photo

Billed as the Funnest Bass Tournament around, the Atikokan Bass Classic is celebrating its 25 year.

It's gone from a one day event with 50 angler teams, to a week long festival featuring several activities and over one hundred angler teams vying for a share of the nearly $50,000 in prize money.

President Jim Johnson attributes it's success to ongoing volunteer, community and angler support.

The tournament holds its parade of boats tonight at 6 p.m. with the fishing at Marmion Lake beginning tomorrow.

Fair Starts Today

It's fair time.

The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fall Fair gets underway this afternoon with the opening of the midway.

President Harold Kellar says this year's theme is "A Family Tradition Going to the Fair."

The fair will also crown its Queen and its Mini King and Queen tonight.

Blood Clinic Falls Short Of Goal

It wasn't what they were hoping for, but the Canadian Blood Services is still pleased with the turnout to its first summer blood donor clinic in Fort Frances.

A total of 257 units of blood were collected Monday and Tuesday at the Fort Frances High School.

That's about 40 units shy of the Blood Services goal.

Still, officials says the blood collected will benefit many patients requiring blood or blood products this time of the year.

The next clinic will be in August 2013.

Rainy River Seeking Tourism Centre

The town of Rainy River is expressing interest in taking ownership of one of Ontario's now-shuttered tourism centres.

The centre in Rainy River was among those closed in May as part of costing-saving measures.

Mayor Deb Ewald says they've since inquired about buying it for a dollar.

Ewald says part of their plans would be to reopen as a tourist centre and possible have the local Chamber of Commerce relocated there.

Ewald says the Province is now considering their offer.

Gymnasium Expansion Planned

An expansion of the gymnasium in Mitaanjigaming First Nation, northwest of Fort Frances, is in the works.

The Band is receiving funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to expand the facility into a multi-use one that will include conference, technology and kitchen facilities.

Renovations are expected to be finished by December.

Minnesota Election

The field of candidates for civic elections in International Falls this November is set.

Current Councillor Paul Eklund and former Mayor Bob Anderson are making a bid for the mayor's seat.

Willi Kostiuk and Peter Kalar are running for the Councillor at Large seat.

In yesterday's primaries in Minnesota, Rick Nolan won a tight three-way Democrat race for the 8th Congressional District which includes Koochiching County.

Nolan beat out rivals Tarryl Clark and Jeff Anderson for the right to challenge Republican Rep. Chip Cravaak in November's election.

Elsewhere, Wayne Skoe was the top voter getter in the primary for the District 5 seat on the Koochiching County's Board of Commissioners.

He and Linda Dreher, who was second, move on to November's ballot.

International Falls lawyer Dan Griffifth was a distance second behind incumbent Lorie Gildea in a primary for Chief Justice, but will be on the ballot in November.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Kurt Bills breezed to Senate primary victories and will challenge each other this November.

Teachers Talks Continue

Local negotiations between the Rainy River District School Board and its teachers groups continue.

The province is giving boards until the end of this month to reach deals.

In a statement, the Board says it's working to find a solution that supports student achievement and well-being while respecting both the teachers and the negotiating process.

Most Civil Servants Getting Bonus

It appears most Ontario Public Service managers eligible to receive bonuses last year got them.

This despite assurances from the cash-strapped Liberal government that it's serious about freezing pay in the broader public sector.

According to documents, the province paid out bonuses to 87-hundred of 89-hundred eligible workers, costing more than $35-million dollars.

Fairmont Begins Exploration Program

Fairmont Resources has started a reconnaissance prospecting and soil sampling program in an area near Atikokan.

The work will explore areas of the Marmion South Property in preparation for a fall drill program.

The property is located near Osisko's Hammond Reef Gold project.

Christmas This Weekend At Area Farm

It's Christmas in the Rainy River district this Sunday.

A number of local performers will gather at Cornell Farms in LaVallee township to record a live Christmas CD and DVD to be available to the public later this year.

Tom Foley, one of those involved, says it's a good way of promoting local talent.

Musical Director John Dutton says many well-know singers will be participating.

Cornell's Barn will be decorated in a Christmas theme with money raised  from the sale of CDs and DVDs going towards the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Fund.

First Day Blood Donor Clinic Numbers

Canadian Blood Services is slightly off the pace of meeting its goals after first day of blood donor clinics in Fort Frances.

A total of 137 donors contributed 108 units of blood, just a little below the 119 units the C.B.S. was hoping to collect Monday night.

It's two-day goal is 297 units.

Figures for yesterday's clinics are to be released later today.

Food Shelves Getting Money

Nearly 300 food shelves around Minnesota will be getting a nice boost this week.

Minnesota FoodShare is sharing a record $900-thousand build up within its food fund.

Director Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer says it helps agencies at a time when donations are general slow, but demand continues.

There were more than 3 million visits to food shelves statewide in 2010, up 62 percent from just two years before.

Labour Market Needs In Mining Explored

Challenges in the mining industry are hoping to get a break.

The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board is teaming up with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council to forecast labour market needs.

The Board's executive director Sonya Wainio sees it of interest to companies working in this area.

Wainio hopes the forecast will be complete by September.

Fort Frances Supports OPG Conversion Of Thunder Bay Plant

Fort Frances is giving its support to calls Ontario Power Generation move ahead with the conversion of the coal-fired plant in Thunder Bay to natural gas.

OPG has put the project on hold until it gets a power purchase agreement with Ontario Power Authority

Fort Frances council is backing a Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association resolution that asks the Province to step in to get that agreement approved.

Building Upgrades Approved

Repairs to a maintenance building at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances are expected to begin this week.

A $94-thousand contract has been awarded to Ed Kaun and Sons of Fort Frances.

The work includes the installation of a new metal roof, new siding and windows.

Museum Seeks Grant

Fort Frances Museum is seeking a unit to digitally store historical documents.

The town is authorizing the museum to seek a $50-thousand dollar provincial grant.

CAO Mark McCaig says it will help preserve the Museum's documents.

If the grant is approved, the town's share would be about 10-thousand dollars.

Primary Day in Minnesota

Today is primary day in Minnesota, when fields of candidates will be narrowed for the November 6 general election.

The races on the ballot range from the congressional to the local level.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 tonight.

Meantime, the deadline to register for elections in International Falls is today.

Municipal elections are not involved in the primary.

Candidates must fill by 5 p.m.

Entertainment Groups Get Funding

Federal funding is being handed out help three entertainment groups in the Rainy River district.

Atikokan Entertainment Series is getting just less than $20-thousand over the next two years to offset the cost of staging live entertainment.

The Tour de Fort Concert Series in Fort Frances will use $20-thousand over the next two years.

The Kids and Company Family Performing Artists Series in the Fort will get a grant of $6-thousand.

I. Falls Safe To Live Because of Weather

International Falls is being identified as one of the safest cities in the United States to live if you're trying avoid dangerous weather.

The Weather Channel suggests the so-called "Icebox of the Nation" might be better described as the "Safety Deposit box."

Although cold in the winter, the Weather Channel says extreme cold is not seen as big weather killer.

It also notes the Falls has not seen a tornado in almost 20 years.

Fires Out

Forest fires that have been burning in Quetico Provincial Park for some time are now out.

Some of the five lighting-caused fires had been burning since the middle of July.

They were allowed to burn themselves out because of the benefits to the park's ecosystem.

There are now no active fires in the Rainy River district.

Chamber Office Moves

Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is in the midst of a move.

It's relocating its Scott Street office to the second floor of the Northern Lights Credit Union building.

It will open the doors of its new location September 1st.

Minnesota Wetlands Examined

Scientists are checking on the health of wetlands across the state, as part of a project to determine how well conservation programs are working.

There are about 10 million acres of wetlands across Minnesota, nearly 15 per cent of which are located in Koochiching County.

Officials are monitoring wetland quality and quantity, exploring the areas by foot and using aerial photographs towards possible changes in state regulations.

Osisko Ending Drilling

Osisko Mining will be ending drilling operations at its Hammond Reef project near Atikokan in the near future.

President Sean Roosen says much of the focus now will be completing feasibility and environmental impact assessment studies.

The company is also expected to update the anticipated size of its gold deposit by the end of the year.

Billionth Tree Planted

Photo courtesy MPP Sarah Campbell

Resolute Forest Products is celebrating the planting of one billion trees in northern Ontario.

Two-meter tall white spruce trees were planted in Fort Frances, Iroquois Falls and Thunder Bay Friday to mark the achievement.

More Donors Still Wanted

The Canadian Blood Services begins the first of two blood donor clinics today in Fort Frances.

Eighty-five appointment spaces are still to be filled.

As incentives, Boston Pizza is coming on board to to give out discount coupons towards a meal to anyone who gives blood.

Fort Floral will give a rose to each donor.

You can still call register by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.

Former City Mayor Enters Race

Bob Anderson

A former Mayor of International Falls is entering this fall's mayoral race.

Bob Anderson was the city's mayor from 1982 to 1986.

Willi Kotsiuk has announced he'll be seeking the city's councillor at large position this November.

Kostiuk recently retired from the city's police department.

Firefighters Riding For Muscular Dystrophy

Reagan Breeze (l) and Graham Warburton

An Atikokan firefighter will be hitting the road next month to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.

Graham Warburton will join Reagan Breeze of Dryden on a bicycle ride from Kenora to Thunder Bay, beginning September 10.

Warburton says they're attendance to a recent M.D. conference convinced them of the need to do the ride.

They're now accepting donations which can be made through Muscular Dystrophy Canada website or at the Atikokan Fire Hall.

New Food Program Introduced

A new food program aimed at children at risk is being introduced to Koochiching County this fall.

The United Way's Buddy Backpack program gives youngsters each Friday a backpack full of nutritious, child-friendly, non-perishable food items.

Spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson says it enhances existing in-school breakfast and lunch programs.

The United Way will raise money for the initiative through its annual "Kooch County Cruise."

Classic cars and motorcycle riders will travel throughout the County on September 8.

Register at Northern Auto Parts or the International Falls Chamber office in the Falls, or the United Way's website.

Road Closure

Motorists who travel Highway 602 will find themselves having to take an alternative route for the next few weeks.

A section of the highway west of Fort Frances is being closed between Oakwood Drive and Bone Road

It's to permit to install a new bridge over a Rainy River tributary.

The road will be closed to traffic until August 27.

Governments' Acceptance Of Task Force Recommendations Applauded

Area agencies are applauding federal governments on both sides of the border for agreeing to recommendations of an International Joint Commission task force.

It included a new management board for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River watersheds.

Kelli Saunders, who was on that task force, is please to see their work becoming a reality.

Saunders is hoping that a water quality summit announced will happen soon that later.

Group Donors Program Established

Canadian Blood Services is asking you to become a "partner for life".

It's the name of a program being launched in northwestern Ontario to increase the number of donors.

Spokesperson Harvey Heather says the campaign encourages groups of people to become regular donors.

OPP Busy During August Long Weekend

A busy one for Ontario Provincial Police in the Rainy River district during the August long weekend.

Police laid 49 speeding charges, 12 for distracted driving, six liquor licence offences and one driver with impaired driving.

On the water, OPP Marine Unit spent 10 hours on patrol, charging one boater for not having any lifejackets on board.

Anglers Found Not Following Rules

An enforcement blitz at a lake along the Canada-U.S border has found several anglers not following the rules.

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers laid 20 charges and issued 78 warnings during the four-day blitz in the middle of July at Basswood Lake located within Quetico Provincial Park

Infraction included anglers fishing without a licence, having an over-limit of fish or using barb hooks or live bait, both of which are prohibited in the park.

Businesses Receive Heritage Fund Money

Two Atikokan businesses are getting money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Exclusive Wilderness Excursions will use almost $124 thousand dollars to expand its business.

It's building an 8 unit motel at Sapawe and hiring six new employees.

Calm Lake Bread, a new bakery to create whole grain bread products in a wood-fired brick oven, is using almost $5-thousand to build a new outdoor oven.

Premier Believes Teachers Understands Reasons For Wage Freeze

File photo

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he thinks teachers understand the province can't afford to pay them more.

He says he's confident they'll come back in September, even though some have already scheduled strike votes.

Still, the premier warns that if teachers don't accept new contracts before the school year starts, he'll do it for them.

First Rider Program

Good new for parents, not so good for their children.

The start of school is school is less than a month away.

Rainy River District School Board is again offering its First Rider program to students who will ride a school bus for the first time this fall.

Sessions will go next month in Atikokan, Fort Frances and Stratton.

Call the School Board office to register.

Boise Sells Land to International Falls

Boise has agreed to sell some of its property to the city of International Falls.

The city's director of economic and community development Shawn Mason says the 77-acres will aid in the development of a multi-modal facility.

The property is located in the city's east end in the area of Highway 11 and Country State Aid Highway 155.

The purchase is worth $165-thousand.

A ground breaking ceremony will take place August 30.

New Travel App

Travellers in northwestern Ontario will soon have a new way to find out what's hot and happening.

Sunset Country Travel is developing a smart phone app to provide information on places to stay, where to eat, and things to do and see.

It's hoping to launch it in September.