Job Actions Expected In Class Today

Elementary teachers across the Rainy River district are expected to begin today a series of work-to-rule job actions to back demands for a new contract.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says it's received the no board report from a Ministry of Labour conciliator regarding its stalled negotiations with the Rainy River District School Board.

Jackie Dupuis-Brandli says blame for labour unrest is solely with the provincial government which is hamstringing local bargaining with the passage of Bill 115.

New Recycling Measures Proposed

The Progressive Conservatives say they have a better plan for recycling hazardous and electronic waste in Ontario.

They're proposing to get rid of controversial eco fees and two industry-led stewardship organizations that oversee the  recycling programs.

The Tories say they'd instead set enforceable targets for diverting waste and allow producers and importers decide for themselves how to pay for recycling those products.

First Nations Salary Disclosure Bill

The federal Conservatives are pressing ahead with a bill to force First Nations chiefs to publish their salaries and financial details.

The government is invoking closure on the bill, which essentially calls a halt to parliamentary debate and forces it to a vote.

It was prompted by Canadian Taxpayers Federation research that found more than 200 band politicians had salaries higher than that of a provincial premier.

Insurance Case Before Human Rights Tribunal

Whether an insurance company can charge more to people over the aged of 80 is the subject of an Ontario human-rights hearing starting today.

Denis Olorenshaw argues the higher premiums for older-aged drivers amounts to age discrimination.

The 92-year-old launched a complaint two years ago when a company wanted to charge him 250 dollars more than his 62-year-old daughter.

Citizen Of The Year Named

The town of Fort Frances has named its citizen of the year.

He's is Ken Christianson, a long-time assistant coach with the Fort Frances Muskies boys hockey team.

Christianson will be honoured by the town officially at its annual dinner later this month.

More Details On Resolute Shutdown

More details on the number of employees at Resolute Forest Products effected by the companies decision to idle production indenfat the kraft and a paper machine at the Fort Frances mill.

In a termination notice, obtained by CFOB-News, handed out to employees yesterday, the company indicates up to 228 hourly staff, up to 20 salaried staff and up to 12 other employees will be effected.

While production is expected to come to an end by the end of this month, effected employees won't be officially laid off until the middle of February.

The notice also states the decision by the company was not an easy one to make, but it couldn't overcome the inherent challenges it faced, including the cancelling of a contract by one of its major customers.

Mill Operations Halting

Approximately 239 employees will be impacted as a result of a decision by Resolute Forest Products.

The company intents to idle indefinitely the kraft mill and paper machine number 5 at its Fort Frances mill.

The company expects to curtail operations by the end of this month, blaming market conditions.

Resolute is holding out the possibility of a restart at a later date.

It says it's exploring alternative product possibilities and will idle the mills in a way that protects the equipment.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis calls the news shocking and despressing.

Avis says company officials delivered the news to him earlier yesterday afternoon.

He's is remaining optomistic.

Avis says company officials did tell him that they're are planning to conduct studies on possible uses of the shuttered paper machine which will take at least 12 to 18 months to complete.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty calls the news devasting for the worker effected and their families.

Rafferty also spoke with company representatives and says he's received assurances the company is committed to helping affected workers during this layoff period.

Rainy River Resources Proceeding With Public Offering

Rainy River Resources has filed the necessary paperwork with regulatory authorities across Canada in connection with a recent public offering.

A deal with a syndicate of underwriters is expected to raise over $57-million for the company's exploration and development of its gold project north of Barwick.

Teachers Deals Get Liberal Blessing

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Premier Dalton McGuinty says agreements between high school teachers and two southern Ontario school boards have received a thumbs-up from government.

The details of those agreements have not been released, but could serve as a pattern for negotiations elsewhere in the province, including here in the Rainy River District.

Teachers at high schools in Rainy River, Fort Frances and Atikokan will be in a legal strike position at the end of this week.

OPP Helping Seniors In Atikokan

OPP in Atikokan are giving tips to seniors to prevent them from being scammed of their money.

They're holding a session today at the Pioneer Centre in Atikokan.

Constable Jim Davis says it's in response to a number of incidents that have happened in the community.

The session begin at 1 p.m.

Christmas Parade In International Falls Friday

International Falls Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for Christmas.

It holds its annual Christmas Parade of Light Friday night.

Executive Director Faye Whitbeck says they're still accepting entries.

Registration can be made by the calling the Chamber or through its website.

Dayton "Pardon" Turkey

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S. tomorrow, and Governor Mark Dayton has given a Minnesota turkey its walking papers.

Dayton "pardoned'' a Minnesota-grown turkey from being a main dish tomorrow.

It's part of an annual tradition in a State that produces 46 million turkeys a year, making it the nation's leading provider.

No Hockeyville For Fort Frances

A bid for have Fort Frances recognized as the next Kraft Hockeyville has been stopped.

Kraft Canada is cancelling the contest this year due to the NHL lockout and creating a new contest that offers a million dollars to minor hockey associations and recognizes volunteers.

Fort Frances resident Jonathan Glueheisen, who was preparing the town's bid, says he's disappointment by the cancellation of the Hockeyville Contest.

He is hoping to resubmit if the contest returns for 2014.

Unemployment Numbers In Koochiching County

The unemployment rate in Koochiching County has increased.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says October's rate jumped to 7 per cent from 6.6 % in September as employers shed about 150 jobs.

The rate, though, is still below both the State and National levels.

Early Wolf Hunt Ends

Nearly 150 wolves have been killed during the early season of Minnesota's first regulated wolf hunt which ended Sunday.

The Department of Natural Resources had set a limit of 200.

It did have to close hunting in the northeast section early last week when it reached the quota for that area.

A second hunting season will begin this Saturday and end at the end of January.

Rumble Strips Planned For Highway

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is agreeing to a city of International Falls request for rumble strips along sections of Highway 53

District Engineer Duane Hill told city councillors last night they've earmarked some federal dollars towards the safety measure aimed at reducing head-on car crashes

Hill says 69 kilometres of strips will be placed along the highway between International Falls and Cook.

The city asked the Department to consider installing the strips following the death of two residents in a head-on collision on Highway 53 a couple of months ago.

Support For Gravelle

Political leaders off all stripes hoping for a speedy recovery for Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle.

He announced yesterday he's been diagnosed with a form of aggressive lymphoma., but the prognosis for recovery is good.

Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association president Anthony Leek and NDP MPP Sarah Campbell among those offering their wishes to the Thunder Bay MPP.

Brown Supporting Murray

The mayor of Atikokan is throwing his support behind one of the candidates looking to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty as Liberal leader.

Dennis Brown says Glen Murray's plan for the north is best.

He says Murray's proposal to create a regional government in northern Ontario is something the area's leaders have wanted for some time.

Brown was also encouraged by Murray's interest in the region after receiving a personal email from the leadership hopeful.

PC'S Seeking Pension Changes

P.C. Leader Tim Hudak wants changes to what he's the calls "gold-plated pension plans'' for public sector workers.

Hudak says new nurses, teachers and civil servants should receive defined contribution pension plans instead of the more lucrative _ and costly _ defined benefit pensions.

Hudak also wants pooled pension plans for private sector workers who don't have a pension.

Detox Centre Needed

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The head of an Aboriginal health agency says it's getting better, but much still needs to be done to combat alcohol and drug addictions among First Nations.

Calvin Morriseau of the Fort Frances Tribal Health Area Services says services they've long wanted are still non-existent.

They include the need for a detox center and in patient treatment programs.

Morriseau says it's forcing many to leave the area to access the necessary services.

Water And Sewer Rate Increases Proposed

The city of International Falls is proposing an increase to its water and sewer rates.

It's planning to up water rates 5 per cent each year for the next three years to offset a deficit in its operating costs.

Sewer rates will rise to help cover the cost of a new wastewater treatment facility.

New Weather Records

This week's mild weather has brought some new temperatures to the Rainy River district.

Atikokan's high of 10 C eclipsed the old mark of 8.8 C set in 1979.

Fort Frances hit 11.2 C, a full two degrees more than the previous high, also in 1979.

Highs of 54 F Sunday and 52 F yesterday were also new records for International Falls.

Wilde Number 1

It's only been available for a few weeks, but Atikokan blue artist Sunday Wilde's new album has hit number one in the blues category of an international on-line music chart.

Wilde says it represents activity by radio stations around the world who have downloaded her music.

Wilde says a potential tour of Brazil next summer has also developed as a result of the increased popularity.

She's also preparing for concert appearances in Canada and in the southern United States to promote the album recorded last month at Seine River Lodge.

National Addictions Awareness Week Kicks Off

First Nations are raising awareness about the issues of drug and alcohol dependancy.

Several residents staged a walk through the streets of Fort Frances Monday as a kick off to National Addictions Awareness Week.

Calvin Morriseau of the Fort Frances Tribal Health Area Services says it's especially important with the Christmas season fast approaching.

First Nation communities across the district are holding a variety of events as are the Couchiching Treatment and Support Services, Unitd Native Friendship Centre and Tribal Health Services.

Gravelle Diagnosed With Cancer

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Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle has been diagnosed with a form of aggressive lymphoma.

The MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North he was given the news from doctors last week and is confident he will beat it.

Gravelle says despite his cancer and future chemotherapy, he intends to maintain his duties as the city's MPP and as Minister.

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

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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.