Hats Off To Seniors

Four area residents have been recognized as "Making a Difference."

Ruth Caldwell of Fort Frances, Brenda Wood of Atikokand and Jim and Davetta Sheppard of Rainy River are recipients of the first ever "Making a Difference" awards from the group Seniors and Law Enforcement Together.

Chair Robert Schultz says they're some of the many people who have helped seniors and SALT achieve its goals.

The group also recognized several groups, including 93.1 The Border, at its "Hats off to Seniors" Gala Friday.

OPP Commissioner Thanks SALT

Seniors and Law Enforcement Together is being recognized by one of its many partners.

OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis was the guest speaker at Friday's "Hats of to Seniors" Gala."

Lewis says the OPP will continue to be a strong partner with the group to ensure seniors live in a safe and healthy community.

Students Encouraged To Make A Difference

A Fort Frances High School student is spreading the message of how young people can make change in the world.

Dexter Fichuk spoke to intermediate students at catholic schools in the Dryden, Atikokan and Fort Frances areas about his involvement with the organization Free the Children and its We Day events.

Fichuk says everyone of them can make a difference.

Fichuk says he's happy how more students are taking an interest and involvement in social issues.

Developments In Teachers Dispute

File photo

There appears to be some developments in the labour dispute between the province and teachers.

High school teachers with two southern Ontario school board have tentative deals.

The deals for York Region and the Guelph area must still be approved by Education Minister Laurel Broten.

Meantime, elementary teachers at York Region are set to limit the amount of time they spend at school as their contract dispute with the Liberal government escalates.

Teachers won't arrive until 30 minutes before the start of the school day, and leaving 30 minutes after classes end.

Back in the Rainy River district, elementary and secondary school teachers could be in a legal strike position at the end of this week.

Wynne Proposes Stronger Voice For North

A candidate for the Ontario Liberal Leadership is offering the north a stronger voice at Queen's Park.

Kathleen Wynne says provincial governments do listen to our needs, but needs to do more to respond because of the perception from some that they don't.

Wynne says if elected leader, she'll create a northern Ontario cabinet committee to better represent the region.

Three Charged

Three Fort Frances area residents face charges following a drug bust in the Kenora area.

23-year-old Joel Inkster, 29-year-old Dawn Jourdain and 21-year-old Allan Mutz were arrested last week after OPP stopped a vehicle to find a pound of marijuana and 14 ocycocete pills inside.

All three have since been released and will make a court appearance in Kenora December 20.

Ontario Leaders Weigh-In On OPG Plant

Premier Dalton McGuinty isn't budgeting.

McGuinty says he's not going to stop the potential shutdown of the coal-fired generating station in Thunder Bay for what experts say could be energy savings of $400 million.

Speaking in Thunder Bay, the outgoing premier says it's all about meeting the energy needs of the north.

McGuinty says it would be reckless to proceed without looking at the advice.

Ontario's NDP leader Andrea Horwath says it's time to take the politics out of the power plant debate.

But Horwath won't say whether she would keep the plant open if she were premier

Horwath says it's clear the issue has become a political football.

Many Drawn To Fort Frances Social Media Sites

A move towards increase use of social media is bringing results for the town of Fort Frances.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation has helped establish a variety of accounts.

Manager Geoff Gillon says it's mostly young people that are being drawn to the blog, Twitter and Facebook sites.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says it's also helping town planners identify what's important to those making the posts.

No Hospital Bed Available in Thunder Bay

Problems for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

No hospital beds are available.

Spokesperson Mark Henderson says the presence of about 60 long term care patients now in hospital is part of the problem.

Travel Still Allowed For Hockey Teams

There's an issue developing between Hockey Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota Hockey.

HNO says there's a belief that it's not issuing travel permits to teams wanting to compete in Minnesota tournaments.

General Manager Trevor Hosanna says permits are being issued, once an event is sanctioned properly and Minnesota Hockey seeks approval from U.S.A. Hockey.

The only exception is for Novice teams because Minnesota's similar division does not play official games as they do in do in Canada.

Bold Explores Atikokan Area

A junior mining exploration company has identified areas near Atikokan is may conduct drilling operations in the future.

Bold Ventures has been studying property about 14 kilometres east of the town which has been the subject of gold exploration in the past.

The company says a recent survey identified several untested areas that it will explore further.

Experimental Lakes Not Being Sold - Rickford

A federal MP is denying reports the Experimental Lakes area near Kenora is up for sale.

A coalition trying to keep the research facility open claims the Harper government is negotiating with an unnamed buyer.

But Kenora MP Greg Rickford says that's is not true

Rickford says some of the research done at the site is being moved to Saskatchewan.

Are We Interesting?

Reader's Digest is looking for the most interesting town in Canada.

It's an on-line contest that offers people that chance to write stories of their communities in hopes of winning $5-thousand for themselves and $5-thousand for their hometown.

So far, no Rainy River district communities have been nominated.

The contest closes December 18.

Local Rewards Program Out In New Year

A key component of the Go Local campaign is about to be launched.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says a rewards program, similiar to Air Miles, is expected to rolled out in the new year.

Consumers will be able to earn points that can be translated into gift cards to be used at participating businesses.

Drysdale expect as many as 50 businesses to take part.

The first phase of Go Local program, which includes a marketing program for businesses, was launched in Fort Frances last month with expansion across the district planned later.

Town On Track With Strategic Plan

Fort Frances town council is happy with the progress its making on its strategic plan.

Council is now into the second year of document.

CAO Mark McCaig says at total of 45 initiatives were brought forward.

McCaig says the proposed condomium project and effort to establish a regional airport concept are two area that haven't moved as far along as they'd like

Social Worker Critical of Methadone Use

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario.

Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which is prescribed by doctors to help addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problem because it's simply transfering one addiction for another.

Perrier also claims doctors are over prescribing the drug and no one is supervising patients.

Mauro Out With Endorsement

More candidates are expected, but Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro already knows who he wants to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Mauro believes Sandra Pupatello is best to take on the Liberal Leadership because of her leadership qualities and understanding of the north

Mauro also believes Pupatello has the best chance to win the next provincial election, some speculate will happen next spring.

Price Increases Expected

Canadians should expect to pay more at the pumps and to heat their homes this winter.

The National Energy Board warns demand is expected to outstrip supply for all of the energy sources leading to hire prices for users.

Military Training Exercise

There will be some unusual action in the skies today in parts of Canada and the U-S and maybe in our area.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command will be conducting some flight exercises in several locations include in Minnesota.

Fort Frances Vying For Hockeyville Title Again

A Fort Frances resident is taking another shot at getting the town declared Kraft Hockeyville.

Jonathan Glueheisen's nomination in last year's contest failed to reach the finals.

He says he's better prepared this time.

The contest, which includes arena improvements and a chance to host an NHL exhibition game, begins December 15

Coalition Claims Environmental Lakes Up For Sale

There appears to be a new threat to the Experimental Lakes area near Kenora.

A coalition tried to keep the internationally-renowned research site open says the federal government is now in talks to sell it to an unknown buyer.

Spokesperson Diane Orihel says it's leaving scientists guessing about future research projects.

Orihel says three motions brought forward by the opposition to keep the centre open were recently struck down in closed door meeting by the Conservatives.

Public Offering Changed

Rainy River Resources has revised the size of a public offering intended to raise capital for its gold project in the Rainy River district.

It had announced late Tuesday a deal with a syndicate of underwriters that would generate over $75-million dollars for development and exploration activities at its project north of Barwick.

A reducing in the share price will now lower that figure to just over $57.5 million.

Changes To Annual Physical

The annual physical may soon be scaled back in Ontario for most healthy adults under a new agreement with the province's doctors.

Not all patients will undergo the same tests when the evidence demonstrates it is not of value, but it is a patient's needs that will determine the type of care a physician will provide.

Fees paid to doctors for those tests on healthy adults is also being reduced because their visit will take less time on average.

New Patient Relations Measures At Ornge

Ornge -- the province's embattled air ambulance service -- is introducing new measures to better connect with its patients.

Interim president Ron McKerlie says if Ornge service does not meet a patient's expectations, they will have a way to express their concerns and to receive a response.

McKerlie says the improvements include a more accessible patient relations section on the Ornge website and a streamlined complaints process.

Town Prepares To ReZone Former School Property

The town of Fort Frances is moving to rezone the area where the former Huffman School now stands to permit a housing development.

The town wants to create 16 lots.

Town planner Faye Flatt says they already have as many as 15 people interested and are accepting more names.

She says it doesn't mean people will be obligated to buy, or the town to sell one to them but will help move the process along when the lots do come up for grabs next year.

 A public meeting on the rezoning will be held November 26.

Temporary Fence Stays

The community garden in Fort Frances will have a fence around it this winter.

Fort Frances town council gave its blessing to having a temporary fence remain in place until the end of next year when a lease on the property expires.

It will also be marked with reflective tape to be seen by snowmobilers who drive by.

The fence was set up this year to keep deer away.

Garden organizers had requested the fence become more permanent.

County Concern About Area Post Offices

Koochiching County is standing with the city of Ranier in opposing proposed changes to postal services in that city.

The U.S. Postal Service is looking to reduce in half hour of services at the city's post office.

Mayor Ed Oerichbauer says a postal official at a recent public meeting hinted the plan is already done deal.

Oerichbauer says the U.S. Postal Service is also looking at reducing the hours at several other post offices located throughout the county.

Rainy River Resources Exploring New Ore Deposit

Rainy River Resources is beginning to unlock the potential of a recently discovered ore deposit near its gold project north of Barwick.

The company has released new assay results for the area its calling the Intrepid Zone.

It was found just a kilometre from where an open pit mine is planned.

President Raymond Threlkeld says the new results suggests the zone may contribute high quality ounces early in a planned underground operation and perhaps develop into another open pit mine.

Exploration Project Changing Hands

An exploration project in its infancy stages in the Rainy River district is being sold off.

B.C. based Duncastle Gold has signed a letter of understanding to acquire Mineral Mountain Resources Pipestone project in a cash and shares deal.

It's located about 60 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

School Suspensions Down

The Rainy River District School board is seeing fewer students suspended from its schools.

There was a 20 per cent drop in suspensions last year compared with the year before.

Superintendent of Education Casey Slack says figure also show lower numbers over a four year period as students progress through high school.

Slack attributes the decreases to measures the board has taken in its schools to make them safer.

Thunder Bay Presents Its Case

A Thunder Bay delegation is pleased with its meeting with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.

The group was in Toronto yesterday to discuss the decision that halted conversion of Ontario Power Generation's coal-fired Thunder Bay plant to natural gas.

Mayor Keith Hobbs believes they made a pretty strong case to keep the plant open, but says the city is prepared to consider a purchase if it shutdown.

Volunteers Wanted

Volunteers are wanted to assist with some of the work of the locum home in Rainy River.

Officials are seeking people to help stain siding.

Call Archie Wiersema at 852-3363 if you can help out.

Contract Talks Begin With Ontario Workers

Ontario government civil servants are making their case across the province as the bargaining starts in Toronto to get them a new contract.

Union spokesperson Neil MacDonald says the protection of services in northwestern Ontario is part of their demands.

The workers are holding an information picket today in Thunder Bay.

Doctors Get Deal

The Ontario government has reached a new fee agreement with the province's doctors that will add $100 million to their total compensation and reverse some earlier fee cuts.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the tentative fee agreement with the Ontario Medical Association includes savings in other areas to offset the additional payments for doctors.

Doctors will get to vote on the deal next month.

Hoskins In Race

Eric Hoskins is the latest former cabinet minister who's running to succeed Dalton McGuinty as leader of the Ontario Liberals.

He resigned as minister of children and youth services last week.

Hoskins joins Gerard Kennedy, Sandra Pupatello, Charles Sousa, Glen Murray and Kathleen Wynne in the leadership race that's to be decided in late January.

Two Died In Highway Accident

OPP says two people have died in a two-vehicle accident that closed a section of the Trans Canada Highway for several hours Monday night.

Police say 75 year old John Marsholok and 71 year old Irene Marsholok, both of Kenora, were in a vehicle that lost control and came into a collision with a mini van about 56 kilometres east of Kenora.

The driver the van was taken to hospital in Kenora for treatment and later released.

TVO Cuts

Ontario's publicly funded broadcaster is cutting up to jobs and cancelling some program as part of an effort to save two million dollars.

Between 35 and 40 employees will leave TVO between now and the end of next March.

Among shows being cancelled is "Saturday Night at the Movies'' which has been on the air for nearly four decades.

Province Prepared To Quell Job Action

The Ontario government is threatening to quickly end any teachers' protests that put student safety at risk.

Education Minister Laurel Broten is worried teachers are not taking attendance and providing proper supervision in hallways.

High school teachers at 20 boards, including Thunder Bay, began a series of work-to-rules strike actions yesterday after talks between their union and the province collapsed during the weekend.

Teachers in the Rainy River District are not yet involved in that action, but could be in a legal strike position November 22.

Fort Frances High School Students To Speak To Catholic Students

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is turning to a Fort Frances High School student to help in a student leadership forum.

Dexter Fichuk will be the keynote speaker at the forums taking place at catholic schools this week, starting Tuesday in Atikokan.

The Grade 12 student will speak personally about his involvement with Free the Children Organization and his "We Day" experience where an anti-bullying video involving him was recently shown.

Native Groups Joining Forces

Two First Nation government organizations are joining forces.

Chiefs of Grand Council of Treaty 3 and Anishinabek Nation are forming a unity to share ideas.

Treaty 3 spokesperson Dale Morrisseau says one of the main issues is protectng treaty rights.

Morrisseau says both communities have been working on the same proceeses so it makes sense to come together and share ideas.

Fort Water Third Best

The drinking water in Fort Frances is among the best in northwestern Ontario.

The town's water was selected third in an annual taste test held recently by the Northwestern Ontario Water and Wastewater conference.

Wabigoon Lake First Nation placed first while Red Lake was second.

Water samples were also rated for colour, odour and chlorine residuals

Kennedy Enter Leadership Race

The number of contenders to succeed Dalton McGuinty as Liberal leader and premier has grown to five.

Former MP Gerard Kennedy launched his bid yesterday, saying he has no ties to the scandals that have rocked Ontario's Liberal government.

Kennedy lost to McGuinty in the 1996 Ontario Liberal leadership race and lost the federal Liberal leadership to Stephane Dion 10 years later.

Campbell Acquires Kids In The Hall Prop

MPP Sarah Campbell photo

A prop used by the Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall now sits in the Queen's Park office of Sarah Campbell.

A gas-powered bike with fake bones, used in the 2010 series "Death Comes to Town," was given to the Kenora-Rainy River MPP after the Kids went looking for places to store it.

Campbell, a fan of Kids in the Hall, considers the Bike to a piece of Canadian history.

Officer Charged

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit is charging a Kenora police officer in connection with a fatal collision back in September.

Constable Troy Bender has been charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death.

A female prisoner in the cruiser, 42 year old Gloria Assin, was killed after the cruiser she was in came into collision with a transport.

Bender will appear in Kenora court December 20th.

Students Remember

Students at Fort Frances High are taking time to remember veterans this Remembrance Day.

The school's student leadership council held a Remembrance Day assembly Thursday.

President Meghan Metke says all students should take time to reflect.

Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 also participated.

Hoskins Steps Down

Another Ontario cabinet minister has stepped down as the race for the Liberal leadership heats up.

Eric Hoskins announced Friday he's resigning as as minister of children and youth services.

But he's not saying if he'll run for the Liberals top job.

He plans to release more details on his decision this week.

Baak Elected Majority Senate Leader

A State Senator who now represents Koochiching County will once again lead Democrats in the Minnesota Senate.

Tom Bakk's has been elected as majority leader.

Bakk, of Cook, led the Democratic minority for the past two years.

Outfitter Of The Year

NOTO photo

A lodge owner from the Rainy River district is being recognized.

Tom Pearson of Camp Narrows Lodge has been named Outfitter of the Year by the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association.

NOTO say it recognizes Pearson's outstanding contribution during the past year.

Facebook Game Established To Help Minor Hockey

A Rainy River district business is trying to help area hockey associations win some cash.

Darren Lowes of Lowes says building centre chain Tim-Br Mart has an on-line game called Sharp Shooter for people to play to help minor hockey.

$100,000 is up for grabs.

The game on Facebook continues until early January with winners announced a month later

Death Now A Murder

OPP have now released the name of the man found dead inside a Fort Frances motel.

He's been identified as 45-year-old Leo Whitecrow of Seine River First Nation.

Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says the case is now being considered a homicide.

However, the exact cause of death isn't being released at this time.