Catholic Schools Set Theme For School Year

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is excited about the new school year.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says their year will focus around the theme "Growing Together in Faith."

The board is also expanding the use of ipads, first tried at St. Francis School in Fort Frances, to its schools in Atikokan and and Dryden.

Motorists Drive Carefully Around Schools And Buses

The start of school also means motorists having to be a little more alert on the road.

OPP Sergeant Shelly Garr says police want to ensure a safe start to the new school year.

Garr says motorist can face heavy fines for failing to stop for a school bus and any traffic offence occurring within the community safety zone in Fort Frances.

Free Concert Tonight

A number of area performers are coming together tonight with a strong anti-bullying message.

It was organized by Dexter Fischuk of the group Fort Frances Mobilizers, who's being followed today by a television crew from MUCH Music and CTV.

Fishcuk says the group Free The Children recommended he be a part of an upcoming television special and that he organize a concert to help highlight his work.

The concert at the Townshend Theatre is free to attend and begins at 7 p.m.

Industrial Area To Get A Look Over

Google Maps

Fort Frances is looking at conducting a review of its industrial area.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says the study will include how it can meet the needs of the region's growing mining industry.

The town's hoping to access provincial funding for the study.

Hearings On Proposed Federal Riding Changes Announced

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario will hold public hearings this fall on the proposed new electoral map.

Fifteen new ridings, all in southern Ontario, are proposed.

The commission is recommending northern Ontario's 10 ridings remain.

The commission will start hearings in Kenora October 9 and Thunder Bay October 10  

Town Thanked For Helping Evacuees

The town of Fort Frances has received some recognition for its work in housing evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation last month.

The community was a temporary home to about 80 residents, flown out of their community because of smoke from forest fires burning nearby.

In a letter to the town, Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilluer applauds the town and its staff for being consummate professionals, flexible to changing priorities and quick to respond.

It's the first time Fort Frances has had to play a host role in forest fire evacuations.

New Chamber Manager Announced

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has selected a new manager.

Annely Armstrong of Fort Frances will take on the job September 4.

She replaces Anthony Mason whose resigning to further his education.

MPP's Back To Work

MPP's are back at Queen's Park today with the intend of discussing a bill proposing to impose new contracts on public school teachers.

The Progressive Conservatives have signalled they're willing to ensure the bill passes, but will seek amendments.

New Democrat Gilles Bisson say there's no need for the legislation, and suggests the Liberals continue negotiations with teachers.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has said she will not support the legislation.

Wait Lists For Social Housing Grows

The wait list for social housing in Ontario continues to grow.

The Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association says the number seeking housing was up 2.9 per cent in 2011, but was down slightly in the Rainy River district.

Executive Director Shared Karur says the economy is part of the reason in terms of people being able to afford housing.

He says incomes are also failing to keep pace with the rise of inflation and the cost of housing.

The Association says 29 people were on wait lists in the Rainy River district, compared with 37 in 2010.

Three Fires In Rainy River District On Weekend

Ministry of Natural Resources forest firefighters in the Rainy River district found themselves busy with three new fires on the weekend.

Small lightning caused fires near Marmion Lake, north of Atikokan and near Ottertail Lake, north of Devlin are both out.

Another within Quetico Provincial Park near Basswood Lake, close to the Ontario-Minnesota border, is being monitored.

MNR Crews Return From B.C.

MNR file photo

Forest Firefighters who were working in British Columbia are expected back in Ontario today.

They had been in B.C. since August 19 to help with fires in that province.

Fort Frances Takes To Social Media

Social media is now playing a key part in promoting Fort Frances.

Sites on twitter, Pinterest and a photo blog are now showcasing the community.

Economic development consultant Tannis Drysdale says the web is becoming a major source of information for people thinking of moving here.

The twitter site is twitter@ fort_frances.

The town's photo blog can be found at http://fortfrancesontariocanada.blogspot.ca

The town is also on Pinterest  http://pinterest.com/fortfrances/.

Musician Allows Public To Help Finance Album

An Atikokan musician is giving area residents a chance to invest in her music.

Blue artist Sunday Wilde will use Seine River Lodge as a backdrop to record her fourth album in October.

She's set up a website allowing people to contribute financially as little as two dollars.

Contributors of larger donations can receive digital copies of the album to house concerts and even being named executive producer on the album.

Minnesota Author Visits

A Minnesota children's author makes a visit to the Fort Frances Public Library today.

Phyliss Root has authored more than 30 children's books.

Root says it's a passion she'd developed early on in her writing career.

She'll be reading some of her works at the 2 p.m.

Pension Fund Short On Dollars

New information on their pensions isn't sitting well with retired mill workers in Fort Frances.

They've been told by Resolute Forest Products their fund is short by $1.9 billion.

Allan Bedard, who helped formed a local group to get pension protection, says it's only creating more anger amongst the retirees.

Bedard says equally frustrating is the inability of retirees to have a say in those pensions.

Bedard says the loss of money in the fund is further reason behind their fight for government action.

Union Ready For Court Challenge

Unions say they'll go to court if proposed legislation imposing new contracts on teachers becomes law.

The presidents of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and CUPE Ontario say the bill strips away collective bargaining rights.

The unions are planning a rally at the Ontario legislature Tuesday.

The legislation is expected to come before MPPs at the Queen's Park Monday.

College Strike Possible

OPSEU 2006 strike

School and union officials are warning Ontario's 24 colleges could be closed by labour strife as early as the middle of next month.

The colleges warn the Ontario Public Service Employees Union could trigger a strike by 10 thousand college faculty as early as September 15 if a strike vote goes ahead on September 10.

OPSEU says the colleges will be in a position to lock out faculty on the same date.

A proposed wage freeze and academic freedom among unresolved issues.

Research Funds For Atikokan Renewable Fuels

Atikokan Renewable Fuels and Lakehead University will conduct research together on wood pellets.

The company's getting over $70-thousand dollars through the Thunder Bay-based Centre for Research in the Bio Economy, or CRIBE, for the project.

President Ed Fukushima says research is needed to create a competitive product

CRIBE is also giving half a million dollars to Confederation College to develop a learning and research centre for bio-energy.

More Fires

MNR photo

Two more forest fires in the Rainy River district.

One is near Kishkutena Lake, the other at Harris Lake, both north of Fort Frances.

Both were lightning caused.

Ride For Memories Tomorrow

File photo

This Saturday marks the 10th annual Alzheimer Society Ride for Memories.

As many as 120 bikers from across the region are expected to take part.


Executive Director of the Kenora-Rainy River District Lynn Moffatt says they're hoping to raise $40-thousand for programs and services for people with Alzheimer's and dementia and their families.

Local riders will leave from the Harbourage tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. with the ride ending in Sioux Lookout.

Yoga Festival

A unique festival gets underway today at Crane Lake.

The community south of International Falls is hosting the first ever Common Grounds Yoga and Music Festival.

Co-founder Christine Rosa says there will be a wide array of activities and entertainment over the three days.

There's also events for the kids.

Click the link to see a full schedule of events.

Police Seeking List Of Unsolved Murders

Privacy concerns are preventing the RCMP from gaining full access to a list of murdered and missing women compiled by the Native Women's Association of Canada.

It lists about 600 unsolved cases, some of which include women from northwestern Ontario.

RCMP were given about 100 names, but the Association says confidentiality guarantees given to family members who provided much of the information prevent it from giving up remainder.

Mammography Campaign Launched September 11

File photo

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is officially launching its fundraising campaign for a new digital mammography unit next month.

It will do so with a bicycle ride September 11th from Rainy River to Fort Frances.

Campaign spokesperson Tanya Cumming says they're looking for riders.

Cumming says the ride isn't to collect funds, but they won't turn aside donations if given.

The Foundation is hoping to raise $650,000 for the unit to be located at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

Those interesting in taking part in the ride are asked to contact the Foundation office 274-4803.

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.