Families In Decline In Rainy River District

More evidence of the population decline in the Rainy River district.

Census figures released show the number of families in the region last year is down 245 since 2006.

Statistics Canada defines a family as being composed of a married or common-law couple, or a lone parent living with at least one child.

Atikokan had the biggest net decline of 105 families over the past five years.

Morley Township sees an increase of 15 while the number of families in Emo has remained the same.

The number of families living in Fort Frances declined by 60 since 2006..


Of the families in Fort Frances, 67 per cent were married couples, with and without children - a decrease of almost 3 per cent from five years ago.

Common-law couples make up 13.7 per cent of local families, up slightly from 2006.

Divorce is also up - 8.3 per cent last year, compared with 8.1 per cent five years ago.

Almost five per cent of households in Fort Frances also have adult children aged 25 and over still living at home.

Internet Cattle Auction Planned

The Rainy River Cattlemen's Association will be going a little high tech at it's next auction.

The September 29 sale at the Stratton sales barn will be broadcast over the Internet, allow bids to come from all over the world.

The Association's Kim-Jo Bliss says a website promoting the sale has generated lots of interest.

The Internet auction is a first for the Association, although it has tried sales via satellite in the past.

Outsourcing of Government Service Still Concern With MPP

The opposition is still upset Ontario hunters are having to call Tennessee to register for this year's hunting season.

At Queen's Park,  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says despite assurances from government, hunters are still concerned how their personnel information will be used.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle insists privacy will be protected, noting Ontario's privacy commissioner also feels the information collected will be safe.

International Falls "Best In Glass"

International Falls can now brag that its water is ``Best in Glass.''

The city's drinking water was judged the best-tasting in Minnesota in a contest held by the Minnesota chapter of the American Water Works Association.

It's the first ever win for International Falls.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrated In Atikokan

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated in Atikokan today.

The Atikokan Museum holds a community tea this afternoon as it unveils a new exhibit.

Curator Derek Kowalchuk says local newspaper accounts of the Queen's coronation are among items on display.

The Museum will also commemorate the Queen's 60th year by planting two trees near the Historical Park log cabin tomorrow.

Today event goes from 3 pm to 5 pm with the tree-planting ceremony taking place tomorrow at 1 pm.

Scams Hit Rainy River District

A couple of scam are making their rounds through the Rainy River district.

One involves a letter from the Mississauga area that asks residents to become "secret shoppers."

Respondents then receive large cheques they're asked to cash, sending most of the money back to an address in New Jersey.

OPP says the cheques are bogus, leaving the bank account holder responsible for the amount taken out.

Some of the transactions have been more then four-thousand dollars.

A second scam involves a letter saying they have lots of money and need someone to transfer it to a safe account.

The fraudster asks to forward personal and banking information, giving them access to your bank account and the ability to use your identity.

Diabetes Registry Scrapped

EHealth Ontario is cancelling its contract to set up a diabetes registry.

Greg Reed, president of eHealth, says notice of termination has been sent to company hired.

An eHealth spokesperson had indicated that none of the $46-million earmarked for the project had been spent, alleging CGI Information Systems and Management Consultants of regularly missed deadlines.

Environment Commissioner Upset With Liberals

Ontario's environment watchdog has some harsh words for the Liberal government.

Environment Commissioner Gord Miller says the province is defying the will of the legislature and ignoring the public's right to be involved in policy-making.

Miller says several ministries have been ignoring the environmental Bill of Rights.

He singles out the Ministry of Natural Resources as a "chronic'' offender.

No Slowing Of Forest Fire Season Yet

Forest Fire in Quetico Park - MNR photo

The official end to the forest fire season is six weeks away, but the workload for Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters isn't diminishing.

Information Officer Debbie McLean says crews have had to deal with a rash of small blaze in recent days.

Most have been lightning caused, but a few have been the result of campfires left unattended.

One of the human caused fires was spotted in Quetico Provincial Park were four other lightning caused are burning.

Four other lightning caused blazes are also still active in the park.

Rumble Strips Requested

Minn. Dept. of Transportation photo

International Falls city council is looking for measures that reduce head-on collisions on area highways.

Councillor Paul Eklund says they're asking the Minnesota Department of Transportation to consider placing rumble strips down the centre line in parts of Highways 53, 11 and 71.

Eklund says there is legislation now in place that requires the strips to be installed in new road construction and in areas recommended by MinDOT

The request follows the death of two city residents who were killed in a head on collision two weeks ago south of the Falls.

Buy Ontario Promoted

Clover Valley Farmer Market photo

The Ontario government will put on a new push to convince people to buy more locally grown food.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says convincing people to buy local will be good for the economy and job creation.

The Liberals are introduce legislation called the Local Food Act that aims to make Ontario's farm products more available to consumers.

Underpass Open

The town of Fort Frances is ending planned closures of the Portage Avenue underpass.

It's because of quick work by the contractor to complete work related to a new sewage pumping station.

All the work needed was done by 7 p.m. last night.

Bouchard Visits

A well-known Canadian author is travelling across the Rainy River district to promote the importance of reading to both students and parents.

David Bouchard says it's a must for parents to get their children to read.

He encourages parents to turn off the television, read to their children and the books they like, and to visit the local library.

As well as visiting schools, Bouchard is hosting a number of community events with one scheduled for tonight at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances at 6:30 pm.

Driver For UR Lakers

Your test drive of a Ford vehicle next month will lend a hand to the Fort Frances Lakers junior hockey club.

Owner Nick Beyak of Sunset Country Ford says it's part of a national Ford of Canada program called Drive One 4 UR Community.

Every time someone test drives a vehicle on October 1st, Ford will donate $20 to the Lakers up to a maximum of $6,000.

It's the first time the program has been tried at the Fort Frances dealership.

New Hospital Still Possible

A new hospital may still be in the card for International Falls.

Health officials with Rainy Lake Medical Centre and Essentia Health were before city council Monday night to discuss their talks to improve care.

CEO and President of Essentia Dr. Daniel Nickevich says full integration of Rainy Lake under its wing could lead to a new hospital.

Previous plans for a new facility were put on hold because of financial issues resulting from a merge of the Falls Memorial Hospital and Duluth Clinic.

Changes Proposed To Prevent Gas Pump Thefts

A Liberal MPP is working on a private member bill aimed at curbing so called gas-and-dash thefts

Liberal Mike Colle says it would force drivers to pay upfront.

He says not enough is being done to protect gas station workers whose safety is at risk whenever gas theft occurs.

His proposal stems from the death of a Toronto gas attendant in an alleged theft on the weekend.

Smile Cookies Are Back

Tim Hortons Smile Cookies are back.

This year, revenues generated go towards OPP's Respect Technology program.

It teachers students how to be safe while on the computer or cell phones.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says Tim Hortons support is greatly appreciated.

Cookie sales last year raise $4,300 for the program.

Couple Lending Hand to Campaign

Supplied photo

Rainy River couple is helping to promote the financial campaign for a home where visiting physicians can stay while providing temporary medical care in the community.

George Johnson, says he and his wife Nancy want to get the message out by simply visiting others in their home.

Construction of the home is underway with the campaign to raise over $300-thousand recently passing the half-way mark.

Health Care Discussed At Falls Council

Health officials in International Falls are clarifying where health care there and the Rainy Lake Medical Centre is headed.

Essentia Health is proposing a full integration of the hospital under its wing.

Appearing before city council, Essentia's CEO Doctor Daniel Nikcevick says its being pushed by changes in health care.

Rainy Lake Medical Centre's board member Susan Congrave says they do have some concern as its perceived as a potential take over of the hospital with only an advisory board in place.

Essential and the Centre have agreed to continue work on some short term strategies they plan to implement in the next six months.

Specialty WSIB Clinics Requested

A retired Thunder Bay based Orthopedic Surgeon wants the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to hold specialty clinics in northwestern Ontario.

Dr. Jack Remus says it would given its clients in this area access to specialists, diagnostics and treatment resulting in a quicker return to regular employment.

Remus recently discussed the idea with chair of the WSIB Elizabeth Witmer

Rafferty Supporting Seniors Pension Fight

The fight by a local seniors' group for better protection of pensions and Old Age supplements is expected to get a strong voice in Ottawa.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty met with the group Seniors-Retirees Against Pension and Elder Abuse last week.

He says they deserve government attention.

The group is most concerned with the $1.9 billion shortfall in the pension fund for retired workers at Resolute Forest Products.

Underpass Closure

The Portage Avenue underpass in Fort Frances will be closed for periods of time this week beginning today.

The closure, starting at 7 a,m, this morning,  is necessary to complete the removal of the old sewage pumping station which has been replaced.

The roadway will remain shut until 7 p.m. tomorrow night.

Further one day closures are also scheduled for Thursday and maybe Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

New Fire in Quetico

MNR file photo

Another forest fire in Quetico Provincial Park.

The small lightning-caused fire was spotted yesterday at the western edge of Beaverhouse Lake.

Three others are still burning at the southern edge of the park.

All are being observed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Tories Want Changes to Abritration Rulings

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives want to force arbitrators to consider a community's ability to pay when they rule on public sector labour disputes.

Leader Tim Hudak says the Liberal government has ignored calls from municipalities to restructure the system so arbitrators consider the financial impact of their decisions.

His party is introducing a private members bill.

Last year, firefighters in Fort Frances were awarded a 16 per cent increase in an arbitrated settlement the town said added an extra $335-thousand to its budget.

MPS BackTo Work

The Tories say they'll be focusing on job creation and economic growth as the fall session of Parliament opens today.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says seniors, employment insurance and the job loss in northern Ontario will be his focus.

The NDP is also pushing for a  gasoline ombudsman who can look into consumer complaints about high fuel prices.

Terry Fox Run Successful

A huge response to this year's Terry Fox run in Fort Frances.

More than $97-hundred was raised in Sunday's event.

A total of 118 people registered.

Top fundraisers were George Walsh, Aimee Schutte and 7-year-old Samantha McNay who raised nearly 21-hundred dollars.

Highway Relocation Proposed

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has identified potential routes for a realignment of Highway 53 around Virginia and Eveleth.

A section land were the Highway lies between the two cities is owned by Cliffs Resources.

It's given the State notice it plans to terminate a 50 year-old easement agreement.

The MinDOT has until 2017 have the new route in place.

Extra-curricular Activities Still Going On.

High School teachers say they're appreciative of their students support, but school activities are continuing.

Several students across northwestern Ontario walked out of class last week worried extra-curricular activities would be impacted by teachers protests against government legislation imposing new contracts and banning strikes.

Local President of Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation Kent Kowalski says it's up to each individual teacher to decide if they want to continue volunteering their time.

Kowalski says moral among teachers has been diminished by the government bill.

E-Health Ontario Diabetes Registry

A perk for students in grade 7 and 8.

The Northwestern Health Unit will be making its rounds this winter to provide immunization against hepatitis B, meningitis and H-P-V.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it's the perfect opportunity for students to get the vaccine.

Parents can call the health unit to see if their child is eligible for a vaccine.

More Campaign Ads On TV

A Democratic congressional candidate is joining a chorus of TV ads in Minnesota's 8th District which includes Koochiching County.

Rick Nolan's campaign begins its first post-primary ad today, emphasizing his northern Minnesota roots without mentioning Republican Congressman Chip Cravaack.

The race between Nolan and Cravaack is getting national attention after Cravaack upset a long-serving Democrat two years ago in a traditionally Democratic area.

Former Minnesota Governor Opposes Ban

Former Governor Jesse Ventura is speaking out against a gay marriage ban on the Minnesota ballot.

The former Independence Party governor and longtime gay rights supporter appears in a video posted online by Minnesotans United for All Families.

In the video, Ventura and his wife, Terry, talk about their 37-year marriage and urge Minnesotans to show their independence by rejecting the gay marriage ban.

Voters will decide the issue in November's elections.

The Walking Monk Passes Area

www.thewalkingmonk.org

A monk is making his fourth trip across Canada by walking.

Bhaktimarga Swami is currently passing through the Rainy River district.

He says taking time for oneself is something others should do more often.

Bhaktimarga, also known as the walking monk, says he's does the walks simply for inspiration and to meet new people.

Students Leave Classes

Facebook photo of students protest in Rainy River

High school students are expressing their displeasure with the Liberal government and its treatment of teachers.

A Facebook site, originating out of Rainy River, helped spur student walk-outs across the province yesterday.

Maria Vanderbrand of Rainy River High School says most students involved stand behind teachers and their anger over the bill that imposes new contracts on them.

Rainy River students marched through the community.

Vanderbrand says students are worried teachers protests could lead to a curtailing of school activities.


A group of students at Fort Frances High School was among those involved in the class walk-outs.

They marched from the school to the Court House in their support for teachers.

Thomas Lepine says their school events, especially athletic teams, are important to maintain..

No events have yet been placed on hold, but teachers were advised by its union not to participate in extra-curricular activities on Wednesday as a protest against the Liberal's legislated imposed contract.

McGuinty Mondays Proposed

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is suggesting teachers take part in what they're calling "McGuinty Mondays."

It asks teachers not to attend mandatory meetings or participate in any extracurricular activities throughout the entire school year as a form of protest over the Liberals freezing wages and cutting benefits for the next two years.

Federal Jobs Cut in Northwestern Ontario

Forty-eight federal jobs dealing with human resources and employment insurance are being cut in Thunder Bay and Kenora.

Union Spokesperson Judith Monteith-Farrell says some of the jobs were moved to Southern Ontario and some were just eliminated.

Quetico Fires Continue To Be Monitored

The Ministry of Natural Resources says it continue to monitor two forest fires in Quetico Provincial Park, one that has been burning since the end of August.

Smoke from the blazes has been drifting into Minnesota, causing some worries for residents living east of Ely and along the Gunflint Trail.

The MNR says one fire is now 170 hectares in size and if it continues to spread south, suppression efforts will be taken to prevent it from crossing into Minnesota.

David Bouchard Visits

The Rainy River District School Board is preparing for a return visit by well-known Canadian author David Bouchard.

The one-time educator will be make presentations across the district next week about the power of literacy and joy of reading.

Education Director Heather Campbell encourages people to attend the community sessions.

Here's the list of times and locations

Community Events
Riverview School - September 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Robert Moore School - September 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Mine Centre School - September 19, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
J.W. Walker School - September 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
North Star Community School - September 20, 2012 during lunch hour

Primary classroom visits for students

Crossroads School, Nestor Falls School, Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program and Sturgeon Creek School and Donald Young School -  September 17, 2012 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Donald Young School

Riverview School and McCrosson-Tovell - September 17, 2012 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Riverview School

Crossroads School - September 18, 2012 from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Crossroads School

J.W. Walker School - September 18, 2012 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Robert Moore School - September 18, 2012 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Mine Centre School - September 19, 2012 during lunch hour

North Star Community School - September 20, 2012 during lunch hour

Officer Promoted

A promotion for an OPP officer in Fort Frances.

Staff Sergeant Scott Gobiel has been named the Rainy River District detachment's operations manager.

It's a position held previously by now Detachment Commander Inspector Steve Shouldice.

Gobiel is one of the last remaining officers with the former Fort Frances Police Service before its amalgamation with the OPP in 1988 and has been servicing as a shift supervisor for the past four years.

No More Coal Burning In Atikokan

Ontario Power Generation has burned its last piece of coal at its plant in Atikokan.

It happen Tuesday.

The facility is being converted so it can generate electricity from the burning of biomass by the end of 2014.

The temporary shutdown allows for further work at the plant to proceed.

Cost of conversion is pegged at about 170-million dollars.

Since it was first commissioned in 1985, the plant has generated over 19.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity using coal.

Tourism Centre Given To Rainy River

The town of Rainy River now owns a former Ontario Travel Information Centre in its community.

The province agreed to hand over the building to the town at no cost.

Mayor Deb Ewald says they hope to re-open the facility next spring as a tourist centre, but want to talk with the Rainy River Chamber of Commerce and Lake of the Woods township about being involved.

The centre was one of three closed in May as part of cost-saving measures by the province.

More Forest Fires In Rainy River District.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the forest fire rating in northwestern Ontario is "Extremely High."

Nine new fires were reported yesterday, including two in the Rainy River district, both north of Emo.

One is near Bluffpoint Lake.

The other near Kaiashons Lake.

Two burning in Quetico Provincial Park have also grown in size, but no suppression efforts are immediately planned because they poise no threats.

Fire Danger High In Northeastern Minnesota

The fire danger in northern Minnesota is in the high to very high range, prompting a red flag warning by the National Weather Service because of continued dry conditions.

The National Forest Service has also placed a restriction on campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area due to the high fire danger and the recent fires that have popped up in the area.

Local Provincial Test Scores Released

Area school boards are analysing the latest provincial test results written by their students in the spring.

The numbers for Grade 3 and 6 students in the Rainy River District School Board reaching the standards in reading, writing and math are slightly below provincial averages.

Education Director Heather Campbell says there are signs of improvement, especially in the writing and reading portions of the tests.

Overall test scores in math dropped, but Campbell says there have been improvements in some schools.

Catholic Board Students Do Well In Provincial Tests

Some strong results from students within the Northwest Catholic District School Board who wrote the provincial standardized tests in the spring.

The number of Grade 3 students who met or exceeded standards in writing was greater than the provincial average while the those in grade 6 equalled the average in reading and exceeded it in math.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says they're also seeing tremendous progress over the past five years, especially at the Grade 3 level.

Grade 6 scores have improved in most areas from 4 to 44 over per cent over the past five years.

US Congressman Attacked In TV Ad

A TV ad is taking direct aim at the a Minnesota Congressman who represents the northeastern region including Koochiching County.

It accuses Chip Cravaack of charging constituents to see him.

Outside groups are focusing on the 8th District race between Cravaack and Democrat Rick Nolan after Cravaack upset a long-serving Democratic incumbent two years ago.

Fire Marshall Investigates Fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is now involved in determining the cause of the fire at the Canadian Northern Hotel in Rainy River.

Monday's fire completely destroyed the 109 year old building.

No one was inside.

Firefighters from Rainy River, Baudette and Dawson Township were involved in battling the flames.

Officials with the Fire's Marshall's office are working with Rainy River Fire Department and OPP in hopes of identifying its cause.

Fort Frances Supports FCM Resolution

Fort Frances  is joining the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' call for more Federal and Provincial funding for infrastructure.

The call comes from the FCM's report card on infrastructure that states communities are reaching a breaking point when it comes to paying for infrastructure upgrades.

Together We Can Ride Kicks Off Campaign

A 90-kilometre bicycle ride has resulted in more than just awareness for Riverside Foundation For Health Care's Together We Can campaign.

It also brought in over $130-thousand in donations from area groups for a new digital mammography unit.

Co-chair Jan Beazley says it's a great kick off to the campaign aimed at raising $650-thousand.


LaVerendrye Hospital Auxiliary is giving $60-thousand.

The Emo Hospital Auxiliary is giving $15-thousand.

Fort Frances Lions Club is making a $15-thousand donation.

The Emo Lions Club, one of the first to get behind the campaign, is donating $3-thousand.

The Breast Health Network is contributing $10-thousand.

The townships of Chapple and LaVallee are providing $6-thousand each.

The Rainy River United Church ladies are giving a thousand dollars.

Several other donations were collected by residents along the route from Rainy River to Fort Frances.


A total of 36 riders were involved.

Fort Frances To Have Presence At Recruitment Fairs

It will be quick off the mark for the new physician recruiter in Fort Frances.

Todd Hamilton has been hired to help attract new doctors to the area.

Riverside Health Care Facilities Allan Katz says a big push comes September 20th when they attend a recruitment event at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in Thunder Bay.

Katz says their recruitment efforts will also take them to medical schools in southern Ontario starting later in the month.

Air Carrier Selected For Falls

The U.S. Department of Transportation is allowing SkyWest Airlines to provide subsidized air passenger service to International Falls.

The Utah-based air carrier would take over service now provided by Delta Airlines.

Under it's proposal, Skywest will provide 12 round trips a week to and from Minneapolis with a stop in Brainard.

No word when the new service would start.