Teachers Unions Fighting Bill

Teachers' unions are vowing to fight the Liberal government after a bill that imposes contract terms on thousands of Ontario teachers passed in the legislature.

The Tories supported the minority Liberals on the bill that also reins in teachers' pay, cuts their benefits and stops them from striking.

The elementary teachers' union is urging members to stay away from meetings on Monday, while the secondary teachers' union wants members to fore go any voluntary activities on today.

County Ups Tax Levy

Koochiching County will collect 1.5 per cent more in county taxes next year to help offset a projected budget deficit.

Administrator Teresa Jaksa says the half-million dollar shortfall is mainly due to a reduction in government funding and new regulations effecting its jailhouse.

Along with the levy increase, Jaksa says they hope to eliminate the deficit through spending cuts and tapping into reserves.

Terry Fox Run This Sunday

The annual Terry Fox run goes this Sunday in Fort Frances.

Participants can walk, run, stroll or ride down the waterfront.

Jane Trivers, one of the organizers, says along with recognizing Terry, they'll also honour local cancer victims and survivors.

Registration at the Sorting Gap Marina begins at 1 pm with the walk taking place at 2.

New Recruiter Hired

A new recruiter has been hired to help attract new doctors to Fort Frances.

Todd Hamilton takes over duties from the outgoing Jackie Lampi-Highes.

Hamilton has been a past member of the local Physician Recruitment Committee, as well with the Fort Frances Community Clinic and Riverside Foundation for Health Care.

Man Arrested in Knife Incident

A man is in police custody after a woman was threatened at knife point Sunday afternoon.

OPP says the incident occurred in the area of Legion Park in Fort Frances.

Police say the woman was walking with two young children when they were confronted by a man on a bicycle who was verbally abusive and uttered threats.

He then pulled a knife and held it against the woman's neck.

She managed to escape unharmed.

The 36-year -old was arrested a short time later.

He will appear in court next month on charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats.

Fire Cause Unknown

Courtesy Teri Major

The investigation continues into the cause of a fire that destroyed a Rainy River landmark.

Firefighters from Rainy River and Baudette spent several hours yesterday battling the blaze at the Canadian Northern Hotel.

It was spotted early yesterday morning passers-by.

The hotel opened in 1903 and had operated up yesterday's fire.

Help Needed To Fix Infiltration Inflow Problem

Fort Frances will likely look to senior levels of government for help accomplish the recommendations a study examining why the town's treating more water than it produces.

The report recommends $32-million in upgrades as a start.

Councillor Paul Ryan says it won't happen without assistance.

 The study identified groundwater and surface runoff as a source of the extra water.

Fort Frances Helping Flood Victims In Thunder Bay

The town of Fort Frances is joining others in contributing money to help victims of flooding in Thunder Bay.

Inititally it wasn't going to make a donation, but Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the city deserves their support.

The donation of one-thousand dollars is to be tripled by the province.

Ice Back At End Of Month

Ice is expected to back at the Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances at the end of the month.

Usage of the rink was halted this summer because of a problem with the ice plant's chiller unit.

Community Services Manager Jason Kabel says equipment needed for repairs is expected to arrive next week and with ice ready for use September 30.

Fort Frances Lakers have their home opener September 28 which will now likely be played out of the 52 Canadians Rink.

Portage Avenue Closure Next Week

It will now be next week when the Portage Avenue underpass in Fort Frances will be closed to vehicular traffic.

The road will close next Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. the next night so work crews can safely remove the old sewage pumping station and do other work to the concrete walls and embankment.

Another one day closure is planned for September 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The underpass will be open to pedestrian traffic and emergency vehicles.

Campaign Ride Begins This Morning

Thirty-six riders will help generate awareness of Riverside Foundation for Health Care's fundraising campaign for a new digitial memography unit today.

The first riders leave this morning at 8:30 a.m. from Rainy River.

It will end about 5:30 p.m. at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

Teacher Legislation Vote Today

Legislation that reins in wages and cuts benefits for Ontario teachers will come to a final vote today at Queen's Park.

If passed, the legislation will be retroactive to September 1st, clawing back any pay hikes or benefits once it becomes law.

College Faculty Approve Deal

Faculty at Ontario's 24 colleges have ratified a new collective agreement.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the new two-year agreement, which includes no wage gains, was approved by almost 89 per cent of its members.

The agreement includes improvements to job security for vulnerable partial-load workers and makes progress in clarifying the role of co-ordinators.

Budget Preps

Fort Frances is getting set to begin work on the 2013 budget.

A tentative schedule sees the public being allowed to provide input on September 24.

Council committees and administration will then give discussion over the next three months before premiliary operating and capital documents come back to council for its review in January.

The final budget could be complete by the middle of May.

Firefighters Ride Underway

Reagan Breeze (l) and Graham Warburton

Two northwestern Ontario firefighters have begun their 500-kilometre journey in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Graham Warburton of Atikokan and Reagan Breeze of Dryden left Kenora Monday.

They hope to finish in Thunder Bay Wednesday.

Fire Destroys Hotel

Courtesy Teri Major

Firefighters from Rainy River and Baudette are on the scene of a hotel fire in Rainy River.

A town official says the blaze at the Canadian Northern Hotel was spotted by passers-by early this morning.

Damage is extensive.

The town office, located across the road, has been closed because of smoke.

Cause is not immediately known.

Infiltration InFlow Study Revealed

The town of Fort Frances is getting a sense of why it's treating more water than it produces and the costs to correct the problem.

A draft report of a two-year study of infiltration inflows heads to councillors at their meeting tonight.

It found the problem to be wide spread, influenced by both groundwater and surface runoff.

Consultants suggest the first two phases of repairs to replace almost 6 kilometres of sanitary sewer pipe over a five year period will cost an estimated $32-million.

Tackling Chronic Diseases Focus For Health Unit

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to tackle the problem of chronic disease.

It's now working on a new strategic plan.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Arthurs says chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are costing the health care system millions of dollars annualy.

Arthurs says despite the best efforts of health care providers, the rates of diabetes in the region continues to grow.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is the 10th anniversary of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Firefly, which provides mental health services to children in the Kenora and Rainy River districts, is offering its support to those affected by suicide or other mental illness.

CEO Karen Ingebrigtson says it's something that can't be ignored.

Ingebrigtson says getting help is often on the hardest parts.

Home Construction Begins

Supplied photo

Construction of a home for locum physicians working in Rainy River is now underway.

Work crews started on the foundation last week.

It's being built for physicians who provide temporary emergency room coverage at the Rainy River Health Centre to stay.

The campaign to raise the over $300-thousand dollar cost continues.

Garden Tour Offered

Organizers of the community garden in Fort Frances are hoping to attract more green thumbs for next season.

They're offering prospective gardeners a chance to tour the garden and learn how to get involved.

Megan Bale of the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre says an expansion led to more spots becoming available.

The first of four tours goes today from 2 pm to 3 pm at the garden on Lillie Avenue.

Subsequent tours will be held Wednesday from 9 am to 10 am, Wednesday night from 6 pm to 7 pm and Friday 10 am to 11 am.

Consultations Requested

The provincial government is being urged to consult residents before going ahead with any plans to close Ministry of Natural Resources offices.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says proposed closures could have devastating impacts on northwestern Ontario communities.

No decisions have been made, but Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says communities will be consulted.

Fatal Accident

A fatal accident south of International Falls has claimed the lives of two city residents.

The 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were in a car that came into collision yesterday morning with a pick-up truck, police say crossed the centre line on Highway 53, just south of the city.

The driver of the truck, a 68-year-old man from Illinois was taken to hospital in Duluth.

A 68-year-old female passenger was not seriously hurt and treated at Rainy Lake Medical Centre.

Second Fire In Quetico Provincial Park

Another forest fire has been discovered within Quetico Provincial Park.

The lightning-cause blaze was reported by fire dispatch in Minnesota.

As it's posing no threat, the Ministry of Natural Resources says it will allow the fire to burn itself out.

A fire at nearby Basswood  Lake has been burning since August 26 and is also being monitored by the MNR.

Sewer Rates To Rise In 2013

Some residents, living east of International Falls, will be paying more for sewer services next year.

Don Billig of the East Koochiching Sanitary Sewer District says an increase of $34.50 every three months helps offset its costs towards the new sewage plant being built by the North Koochiching Sanitary District.

Billig says the rate could flucuate based on flows over the next 30 years.

The extra charge will be seen on users bill in the second quarter of 2013.

FASD Day

Area agencies are making residents in the Rainy River district more aware of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

They gathered at the Circle of Life Centre in Fort Frances Thursday to promote available programs.

Shannon Weir of the Gizhawaadiziwin Health Access Centre says its an issue that needs ongoing attention.

Weir says a woman's total abstinence from alcohol while she's pregnant is the best defence against FASD.

MNR Forest Firefighters Work In Minnesota

Some forest firefighters with the Ministry of Natural Resources are crossing the border today to lend a hand in Minnesota.

Two from the Fort Frances fire district will be a part of helicopter attack crew in Orr.

Two others will be involved in similar duties in Roseau.

The State is bracing for new lighting-caused fires resulting from recent storms that passed.

New Library CEO

Local use of the internet is being credited for attracting the new head of the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre to the community.

Alicia Subniak-Kilgour began her new duties as CEO this week.

She says being able to view the facility on-line sold her on the job.

Subniak-Kilgour hails from Collingwood with over 16 years of library experience.

New Chamber Manager

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has its newest manager on the job.

Annely Armstrong says she's looking to introduce some new initiatives in the new future.

Armstrong takes over from Anthony Mason who resigned to go back to school.

New Student Trustee

RRDSB photo

A Fort Frances high school student is the newest face around the Rainy River District School Board table.

Grade 12 student Dexter Fichuk says serving as the student trustee wasn't something he initially though about doing.

Fichuk has been involved a number of organizations that raise awareness of various social causes, most recently organizing a highly successful anti-bullying concert last week.

Impaired Drivers Nabbed

Four motorists are facing impaired charges in separate incidents in the past seven days in the Rainy River district.

A 58-year-old man from Fort Frances and a 29-year-old man from Edmonton were charged after OPP noticed vehicles being operated in an erratic manner on the weekend.

A 22-year-old man from Kenora was charged after police received public complaints about another vehicle.

A fourth man was charged with impaired while operating an ATV.

Wandering Youngster Found Safe

A bit of a scare for a Fort Frances family.

OPP and a canine unit  were called out Wednesday afternoon after a 3-year old was reported missing from his home in the 1000 block of Scott Street.

The youngster had managed to wiggle his way through a locked fence.

Within three minutes of police being called out, the child was found playing safely in a sand box at Lion's Park.

Plenty Of Speeders On Road Caught

Hundreds of motorists across northwestern Ontario might be feeling a little light in the pocketbook this week.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says more than 680 motorists were nabbed for speeding over the weekend as part of police's ongoing effort to keep area highways safe.

More than one hundred of those charges were laid by officers in the Rainy River district.

Bike Riders In Place

Riverside Foundation for Health Care has the riders it needs to help launch its fundraising campaign for a new digital mammography unit.

Director Nicke Baird says the 36 riders will share segments of the 90 kilometre bicycle ride from Rainy River to Fort Frances next Tuesday.

The ride isn't intended to raise money, but Baird says they're hoping residents will come out to cheer on the riders as they pass by their communities.

The ride includes a breakfast in Rainy River, lunch at Emo and a BBQ at LaVerendrye Hospital.

Trustees Support Naming Of School Gym

Rainy River District School Board trustees have given their blessing to the naming of the gymnasium at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances in honour of former teacher Jim Oster.

An official dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.

Oster, who died earlier this year, was instrumental in developing the physical education program at the old school.

Liberals Accuse NDP Of Being Out Of Touch With The North

The governing Liberals says its the NDP who are out of touch when it comes to the Northern Policy Institute.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the province should set up an all-northern Ontario committee at Queen's Park to solicit northern input.

Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says the Institute is what northerners want.

Campbell says it's also wrong to take $5-million out for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to set up the Institute.

I. Falls Seeks To Annex County Land

The city of International Falls is making a pitch to annex the land for its multi-modal facility.

City officials outlined details of the project to Koochiching County's board Tuesday.

City counsel Steve Shermoen says a more formal request will come once they've finalize a land purchase deal with Boise.

Shermoen says some of the outstanding issues focus around environment.

The County has not problems with the request, but says it will seek assurances that any work on the site follows its regulations.

Warm Summer In International Falls

It was a warmer summer than usual in International Falls.

The National Weather Service says the average temperature of 64.6 F from June through August was 1.5 F above the norm.

Still, the 11 inches of rain this summer was about on par from past years.

Federal Environmental Assessment Considered

Public comment is being sought on whether Rainy River Resources will require a federal environmental assessment of its proposed gold mine north of Barwick.

The Canadian Environment Assessment Agency will accept comments up to September 24th.

The announcement comes just days after the company released a preliminary economic assessment of the project, proposing an open pit mine by 2016 and underground operations in 2018.

More Calls For Help At Pumps

More calls for government action to control rising prices at the pump.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the impact of the high gas prices hit the North really hard, due to the constant need for travel.

In July 2010, prices across Ontario jumped eight cents per litre due to the merging of the GST and HST.

New Record High On Labour Day

A Labour day temperature record in Fort Frances.

Monday's high of 29.9 C surpassed the old mark of 29 C set 8 years ago.

New highs were also reached in Thunder Bay and Dryden.

Rainy River Resources Promoting Gold Project

Rainy River Resources photo

Rainy River Resources is promoting itself to potential investors.

It's released a preliminary economic assessment report on its gold project north of Barwick that looks to mine the highest grades at the lowest cost possible.

President Ray Threlkeld says their project has a lot of potential.

The company is targeting the start open pit mining in 2016 with underground operations three years later.

College Returns

It's back to school for students at Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances.

Over one hundred first year students are expected.

Manager Anne Renaud says they also have over fifty students involved in a new "School within a College program."

The program, incooperation with the Rainy River District School Board, allows recent high school drop outs to gain the credits they need to graduate and earn their first college credits simultaneously.

Classes don't actually start until Thursday with orientation happening today and tomorrow.

Trustees To Consider Renaming School Gym

The gymnasium at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances is expected to get a new name tonight.

A committee recommendation to name the gym after former teacher Jim Oster comes before school board trustees at their meeting tonight.

Oster spent most of his teaching career at the old Robert Moore school and was key to fostering the school's physicial education program and the building of that school's gym.

He passed away earlier this year.

Co-Op Education Starts

There will be some new faces in workplaces across the Rainy River district later this week.

Co-operative education at Fort Frances High School is back underway.

Coordinator Nancy Gillon says it's a key step for students determining what career path they may want to take.

Forty students are participating this semester.

Gillon says they're always looking for participating business, especially those in the trades and social services.

Overpass Closed

There's a detour at the overpass east of Fort Frances, beginning later this morning.

The town's Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says its because of repairs being done to the bridge's expansion joints.

Beginning at 9 a.m., east bound traffic is being routed through Pither's Point Park.

West bound traffic will use Eighth Avenue, Williams Street and Fifth Avenue for next couple of days.

Campbell Sees Better Approach To Northern Policy Institute

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell feels there's a better approach to giving northerners input into  government policy.

The Liberals are forming a Northern Policy Institute.

Campbell says creating an all-northern Ontario legislative committee at Queen's Park would be a better and cheaper approach.

Campbell says the $5-million dollars to set up the institute could be better spent.

New Fire in Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area

Ground crews are battling another wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area northwest of Ely.

The Cummings Lake fire covers an estimated 20 acres.

There are currently no official closures in the Boundary Waters, although officials don't recommend
camping on Otter Lake.

Quetico Fire Still Burning

MNR file photo

A forest fire burning near the Ontario-Minnesota border in Quetico Provincial Park has increased in size.

The fire at Basswood Lake is over 20 hectares.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has been allowing the first to burn since last Sunday as it's posing no threats to people or property.

"Go Local" Soon

RR Future Dev. Corp. photo

Be prepared to Go Local.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation has been working on the initiative for several months and gaging regional support.

Regional economic developer Geoff Gillon says they appear ready to roll it out in September with an official launch happening sometime in October.

As well part of promoting local businesses, the campaign is expected to include a rewards program.