Boating Accident

Three women have been injured in a boating accident on Lac La Croix.

OPP says five people were on a jet boat when it struck an island on Lac La Croix near Twin Falls just before midnight Sunday.

The injuries to a 37-year-old from Quebec, a 22-year-old from Dawson, Ontario and a 23-year-old from Kenora were not serious, but two had to be airlifted to hospital.

West Nile Cases Climbing

West Nile virus cases are starting to climb in Canada.

Ontario is reporting that as of earlier this week, 49 confirmed and probable human cases of the disease have been spotted.

There are no cases in northwestern Ontario

In the U-S, Minnesota is reporting 20 cases, none in Koochiching County.

Marathon Run Underway

A U.S. Army veteran is on the road in a marathon run from International Falls to Galveston, Texas.

51-year-old Mike Ehredt was given a military gun salute Thursday morning to start the run that will remember U.S. soldiers killed while on duty in Afghanistan.

Ehredt is placing a Flag with the name of a solder killed ever mile on his trek.

He made a similar run in 2010 to recognized soldiers killed while fighting in Iraq.

Diaper Drive Successful

A United Way campaign in International Falls has amassed a mountain of diapers.

More than 36-hundred diapers and 15-hundred baby wipes were collected in the drive over the past month.

They'll now be distributed to families in need by the Salvation Army and Falls Hunger Coalition.

Area Woman Received Diamond Jubilee Medal

A Rainy River area woman has been recognized for her leadership in the area's agricultural community.

Kim-Jo Bliss of Emo has been presented with a Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Bliss was cited for his involvement in several initiatives such as the local 4-H Steer Club, crop research and mentoring area youth.

Area MPP Supports Legislated Teachers Deal

A northwestern Ontario MPP hopes public school teachers don't hate him for the McGuinty  government's plans to force a contract on them.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan's Bill Mauro defends passage of the bill and thinks teachers will remember what the Liberals have done for education in the province.

The legislature is being recalled next week for a vote on the teachers bill.

Child's Death Investigated

Dryden City Police are investigating the death of a one-month old baby boy.

Police were called Monday about the death of Christian Desgagne.

The circumstances leading to his death have not been revealed.

A post mortem exam is being conducted in Toronto today.

More Jail Staff Needed

Koochiching County may have to hire more staff for its jail.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections says its because the jail is averaging more than 5 inmates per day.

The county says that will be huge financial hit, but Diane Grinde, a department inspector, says it will improve safety and security.

The jail is now manned by two correctional officers during the day and one at night with another who also provides dispatch services.

Cellphone Tower In Koochiching County Approved

AT&T has been given approval by Koochiching County to erect a 199 foot cellphone tower along the shores of Rainy Lake.

Company consultant Shane Begley says a much larger tower near Rainy Lake Houseboats would have been preferred to improve service in the area east of International Falls.

The County says the tower could be expanded in the future.

Tower Near BWCA To Go

An  AT&T cellphone tower near the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness has the go ahead.

The State's Supreme Court has denied a request to hear the case, allowing a June ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeal to stand.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness opposed the 450-foot tower, saying its lights would be visible within the protected area.

MNR Help Extinquish Fire In Minnesota

MNR file photo

Ministry of Natural Resources personnel were called upon to deal with a forest fire in Minnesota.

A waterbomber and a birddog aircraft were deployed from Dryden after a 2-hectare fire was spotted just south of Quetico Provincial Park on the U.S. side of the border.

Meantime, two small fires on Rainy Lake and Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe, are now listed as being out.

New Health Unit Office In Sioux Narrows

The Northwestern Health Unit is moving to new digs in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

It's taking over the former Travel Information Centre building in Sioux Narrows.

It's existing offices will be closed the rest of this week to allow for the move.

Health Study Underway

The regional health authority wants your opinion on health care in the northwest.

Laura Kokocinski of the Local Health Integration Network says an on-line survey is being launched to get public feedback on its new three year plan.

A link to the survey can be found by clicking this here.

Campbell Not Supporting Teacher Legislation

The Liberals won't be getting the support from our MPP in legislating a contract for Ontario's teachers.

MPP's are being hailed back to Queen's Park Monday to deal with the unresolved teachers deals.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says it's a wrong tact to take.

Campbell says she can't support the legislation and will vote against it when the time comes.

Hospital Status Questioned

The city of International Falls is hoping to learn more about the status of a new hospital in its city.

City council intends to invite officials with Rainy Lake Medical Centre to a future meeting.

Plans to replace the Falls hospital have been in place for several years, but there's been no indication as to when construction may begin.

Mayor Tim McBride says he's fielded a number of calls from residents concerned about the hospital's future.

Council Vacancy Filled

A vacant seat on International Falls Council has been filled.

Jerry Franzen has been appointed to serve as councillor at large until elections this November.

The vacancy came about by Tim McBride taking on the Mayor's position, left open by the resignation of Shawn Mason who became the city's economic and community development manager.

New Fires Reported

MNR file photo

Two new forest fires have popped up in the Rainy River district.

One is located on an island on Rainy Lake, east of Brule Narrows.

The other is burning on Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe.

Both are small in size and posing no issues.

Vintage Snowmobile Show

An event to bring together some of the oldest snowmachines in the Rainy River district is being organized for next month.

The first ever vintage snowmobile show and swap meet will take place at Pither's Point Park September 15..

Organizer Pat McPherson says his own interest led him to setting up the event.

Those wanting to take part are asked to call Pat at  274-8483.

Border Costs Expensive

The cost of increased security measures at the border and its impact on Canadians is coming in at a hefty penny.

A Fraser Institute study pegs it at $19-billion annually.

Co-author Alexander Moens tells CFOB-News it's hard to say if we're getting value for that money.

Moens says the newly signed Beyond the Border initiative has the opportunity to reduce costs, but a clear understanding of the costs and benefits is needed..

Fort Frances Council At AMO

Some members of Fort Frances council are in Toronto this week for the Association of Ontario Municipalities meeting.

Mayor Roy Avis, Councillors Andrew Hallikas and Paul Ryan and CAO Mark McCaig have made the trek.

McCaig says their attendance to the meetings and workshops will include five face-to-face meetings with provincial cabinet ministers.

The delegation has meetings with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle to discuss changes to the provinces bearwise program; Linda Jeffrey, the Minister responsible for Seniors, regarding plans to get an assisted living facility; Energy Minister Chris Bentley over the possible merge of hydro utilities; Health Minister Deb Matthews about doctor recruitment and Environment Minister Jim Bradley and the high cost of recycling.

Managerial Bonuses Criticized

Critics say the governing Liberals have shot themselves in the foot by handing out bonuses to top civil servants while demanding a wage freeze from public sector workers.

Union leaders say the Liberals have undermined their position by allowing nearly 98 per cent of government managers to get bonuses last year.

They say there are tens of thousands of workers whose contracts are up this year and the bonuses will definitely come up in labour talks.

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says it's hard to believe the Liberals are serious about wage restraint when so many people are getting performance pay.

Fort Frances Teacher Receives Award

A Fort Frances teacher has been recognized for helping students learn the importance of waste reduction.

Angela Petsnick was presented with an Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Award in Science and Technology for a worm composting project done for grade 2 and 3 students at J.W. Walker School.

OPP Camp Underway

Forty 12-year-olds from across northwestern Ontario are with Ontario Provincial Police officers at a summer camp near Fort Frances this week.

The annual Youth Summer Camp is at Sunny Cove Camp, aimed at building character and self-esteem amongst the young campers.

Constable Anne McCoy says part of its focus will be on a curriculum based on the program Rachel's Challenge.

Camper will also participate in some fun activities such as houseboat rides, horseback riding and their own version of the Olympics.

Fire Crews Head to B.C.

Thirty-six Ministry of Natural Resources personnel are now in British Columbia to help fight forest fires there.

The MNR is also shipping equipment west.

Officials say the low forest fire rating in northwestern Ontario is allow them to provided assistance to B-C.

Province Prepares Teacher Deal Legislation

The provincial Liberals are releasing details of legislation they say they'll use to impose a wage freeze on the province's teachers.

The province wants deals in place by September 1st.

Education Minister Laurel Broten says the Liberals are ready to recall the legislature as early as next week.

Meantime, the Rainy River District School Board has called a special meeting for next Tuesday to update trustees on local talks.

College Faculty Seek Strike Vote

A labour dispute is brewing at Ontario's colleges.

The union representing faculty is asking the Ontario Labour Relations Board for a vote on September 6.

Talks with the colleges' bargaining team are ongoing but the union accuses the colleges of not negotiating seriously.

Jaguars Coming to International Falls

Test Centre photo

The makers of Jaguar and Land Rover could be in International Falls this winter to test their vehicles in cold weather.

A $200-thousand dollars State grant to expand the city's cold weather testing facility is helping to attract the automaker.

Paul Nevanan of the Koochiching Economic Development Authority says construction will begin soon with it ready for use by November.

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.