Campaign Underway to Save Ontario Rangers

A campaign to save the Ontario Ranger Camp program is underway.

The program, which operated several camps including one at Quetico Provincial Park near Atikokan, was halted by the province last fall.

Emily Kirton with the group Friends of the Ontario Ranger Program, says the program provided many benefits to youth aged 17 and over who came to northern Ontario camps from elsewhere in the province.

Former campers and workers at the camps intend to rally at Queen's Park tomorrow.

Three Sent To Hospital In Duluth

Three people have been airlifted to hospital in Duluth, one in critical condition, following an accident west of International Falls yesterday.

It happened around the noon hour on Highway 11 in Loman.

The Minnesota State Patrol says a transport hauling logs had slowed for a vehicle at the side of the road when it was rear ended by another pulp truck, causing one to cross the centreline and come into collision with an oncoming pickup.

All of the injured were in the pickup and from Indiana.

Explosion Victims Improving

Hospital officials in Duluth have upgraded the conditions of several of the five men injured in an explosion in an ice fishing camper on the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Two remain in critical condition, one in serious and two others in fair condition from injuries sustained Sunday when a propane furnace inside their camper exploded near Williams, west of Baudette.

Festive RIDE Numbers Disappointing

Provincial police say they're disappointed that the number of motorists charged with impaired driving over the holidays is the highest it has been in eight years.

Almost 700 people across the province were charged during the OPP's month long Festive RIDE campaign with another 625 warning range suspensions.

Numbers specific to our region have not yet been released.

Rafferty Looks Back

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty sums up 2012 with just one word.

Frustrating.

He says the Harper government hasn't been very transparent and it's made it tough for opposition MPs to do their job 100 per cent.

Rafferty says the most upsetting move by the Harper government was a change to the retirement age to 67.

Heading into the new year, Rafferty intends to represent his constituents to the best of his ability as he criss-crosses the riding as much as possible.

Rafferty's also plans to further his causes through private members bills.

Flu Numbers On Rise In Minnesota

Health officials are concerned about a recent spike in the number of flu cases in Minnesota.

More than 120 Minnesotans were hospitalized with the flu in the week ending December 22.

That's nearly twice the number of cases in the previous week.

Man Charged In Accident

A man is facing charges after trying to elude police following a single vehicle accident on New Year's Day near International Falls.

Koochiching County Sheriff's office says a vehicle hit the ditch on County Road 2 South and rolled just after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The 20-year-old driver, who had been wanted by Police on an unrelated matter, fled the scene but captured a short time later.

Two other people in the vehicle were taken to hospital in International Falls.

Education Directors Get Update On Teachers Dispute Tomorrow

The fate of extra-curricular activities in schools could be determined tomorrow.

Education directors will meet via conference call with Ministry of Education officials for an update on the labour dispute with public school teachers.

School sports teams have been on the bench since teachers ended their involvement in school activities in protest over legislation threatening to impose a contract on them.

Contract Deadline Passes

The deadline for Ontario teachers to reach agreements with their local school boards passed at one minute before midnight New Year's Eve.

Education Minister Laurel Broten now has the power under Bill 115 to impose contracts in cases where no deals have been reached, but the minister has not said if or when she plans to act.

Public School Board Review

Area educators are reflecting on the past year in their schools.

Heather Campbell of the Rainy River District School Board says one of their highlights was a pilot project to enhance the integration of pre-school and school services in speech language.

Campbell says a new strategic plan and the creating of an early learning liaison and an aboriginal curriculum coordinator were other key initiatives in 2012.

Campbell says improving student literacy and numeracy will continue to be a focus in 2013 as will the board's initiatives aimed at combating bullying.

Catholic School Board Review

There were several accomplishments for the Northwest Catholic District School Board in 2012.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly says she was pleased to see students and staff take an increased interest in social justice issues.

Kelly says they were also able to expand smartboard technology in the classrooms, including a recent introduction of iPads to students in the intermediate grades.

Ice Fishing Camper Explodes

Five men have been injured after an explosion in an ice fishing camper near Williams, Minnesota, west of Baudette.

Lake of the Woods County Sheriff Gary Fish says a propane furnace exploded, blowing out the camper's windows, Sunday morning on the shore of Lake of the Woods at Zippel Bay.

All were taken to hospital in Duluth.

Stratton Company Gets Bridge Contract

A Stratton company has won a contract for some work on Highway 11 near Atikokan.

The Sharpe Groupe will reconstruct a bridge over McCauley Creek.

Work will begin in the spring and completed later in the year.

Alzheimer Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer Awareness month in Canada.

Lynn Moffatt of the Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River its aimed at recognizing the signs of alzheimers and dementia.

It's estimated over one thousand residents in the region now suffer from the disease.

The national body also intends to unveil a new awareness campaign later today.

Polar Plunge

The numbers were down, but the enthusiasm was still high as 21 people took part in this year's Polar Plunge into Rainy Lake yesterday.

They combined to raise $81-hundred for charities in the event promoted by the Voyageur Lion's Club.

Members of the Fort Frances Muskies were the top fundraising group collecting $1,780.

Hailey Nugent was the top individual fundraiser, raising over $700 in her jump for World Vision.

Idle No More Protests Continue

You Tube

Idle No More demonstrations continue in Northwestern Ontario.

Yesterday, a number of people stood along side Highway 11 in Couchiching, carrying signs and handing out pamphlets outlining the reasons behind the movement.

A similar action was held at Fort William William First Nation.

While in Kenora, Tania Cameron says on Wednesday First Nations people will boycott some businesses in their opposition towards federal Bill C-45

Cameron says their goal is to send a message to Ottawa to allow debate on the bill, First Nations leaders have said threatens Treaties.

The northern Ontario aboriginal chief, the demonstrations have also been in support of, made a brief appearance outside of her teepee yesterday along the Ottawa River on Day 20 of her hunger strike.

Theresa Spence says she's "deeply humbled'' by the support she's received from aboriginals and non-aboriginals in her appeal for a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Harper and the governor general.

Deadline Looms For Teachers

The deadline for Ontario's teachers to reach agreements with their local school boards is tonight at one minute before midnight.

Education Minister Laurel Broten is urging those school boards and teachers who haven't yet reached deals to do so before tonight's deadline.

Broten has not said if she will move to impose deals tomorrow if they don't.

CUPE Reaches Deal

The province has reached a tentative agreement with the union that represents school support workers.

Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario president Fred Hahn says the union remains opposed to Bill 115 and will continue its campaign to repeal it, which includes a legal challenge.

Lots of Accidents Last Week

Plenty of banged up vehicles in the Rainy River district.

Provincial police say they were called to sixteen motor vehicle collisions over the past week.

Police say many were the result of drivers failing to adjust their driving habits with the weather and road conditions.

Driver Charged In Accident

OPP charged a 56-year-old Atikokan man with impaired driving after a motor vehicle accident last Wednesday on Highway 11, east of Atikokan.

He'll now be making a court appearance in Atikokan in late January.

Party Safe

Many people are preparing to ring in the New Year tonight at celebrations throughout the Rainy River district.

Police are urging everyone to make sure their plans include a sober driver or a safe way to get back home.

OPP will be out in force tonight conducting RIDE spot checks.

Ontario Residents Happy With The OPP

A majority of Ontario residents feel safe in their communities.

That is one of the findings from a Community Satisfaction Survey released by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Almost 95 per cent of respondents were also either satisfied or very satisfied with the OPP response times to violent crime, especially.

Staff Sergeant Hazel O'Brien says their annual survey also found a large number of people admitted to using a cellphone or texting while driving.

O'Brien says it will be an issue police will continue to focus on in the new year.

New Zoning Regulations In Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Nestor Falls residents are going to have to get used to something new.

Zoning regulations.

Bill Thompson, mayor of the township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls says one of the measures outlines close one can build to the lake.

Thompson says they considered a 30 metre buffer from the lake, but reduced it to 10 metres.

The previous setback in Sioux Narrows was 7.5 metres while there had been no restriction at all in Nestor Falls.

Snapshots

A series of "snapshots" are hoping to reveal strengths and weaknesses in children and families in the area.

CEO of Firefly Karen Ingebrigtson says they are intended to be a resource for service providers to address needs and issues within surrounding communities.

A link to the snapshots is available on both Firefly's and the Northwest Health Unit's websites.

Nolan Get Seat On U.S. Transportation Committee

The man who'll represent Koochiching County in Washington has been appointed to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Rick Nolan says the seat is vital to economic development in the Eighth District, which includes northeastern Minnesota.

Governor Recovering

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is recovering from spinal surgery.

A spokesperson for the Governor says yesterday's procedure went as planned without any complications, but it will keep him sidelined at least through New Year's.

Dayton had the operation to relieve a constriction in his lower back.

Polar Plunge To Go New Year's Day

No time better than now to think about jumping in the lake to start the new year.

The Voyageur Lion's Club stages its annual Polar Plunge Tuesday.

Participants have been jumping into the ice waters of Rainy Lake for the past decade every New Year's Day. 

Member Gabi Hanzuk says its never too late to sign-up.

Registration will take place at the La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances at 11 a.m. with the event getting underway at 1 p.m.

The minimum cost is $50 dollars

Many of the jumpers will also be raising money for charities of their choice.

Sewer And Water Project Eyed

The town of Fort Frances has identified a section of Second Street as a high priority upgrade in an application for funding from the province.

The town wants to replace aging and severely deteriorating water and sewer lines in area of Central and Mowatt Avenues.

The town's seeking a third of the estimated one-point-three million dollars total cost.

Bayfield Continues Work

Bayfield photo

Drills at Bayfield Ventures' exploration project are expected to continue into the next year.

Bayfield is working adjacent to the Rainy River Resources project, north of Barwick.

Company president Jim Petitt says they believe there's still plenty of gold to be found.

Petitt says while there's nothing written in stone, their finds might be attractive to Rainy River Resources to acquire in the future.

Canadian Company Interested in Minnesota Peat

Hanson

A Canadian company is expressing interest in extracting a high quality type of peat from northeastern Minnesota.

Koochiching County has one of the largest deposits of sphagnum peat in the U.S.

Outgoing Commissioner Mike Hanson says the problem is that in lies in protected science and nature areas

Hanson says it may take some legislative changes for the unnamed company to access the areas, the County will pursue in the new year.

More Native Demonstrations in Rainy River Area

A number of aboriginal people danced and carried placards in front of the Walmart Store in Fort Frances on Monday to draw attention to the Idle No More Movement in this area.

It follows a walk staged Friday in support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike and the opposition to the federal government's omnibus budget bill C-45.

A similar event happened yesterday inside a mall in Bemidji.

Helicopters and Pilots Wanted

MNCIS photo

Minnesota is seeking a few good helicopters and pilots.

The Department of Natural Resources is hunting for helicopter services for its fire control bases in Cloquet, Princeton and Roseau.

The agency hopes to hear from potential vendors by early January.

Alzheimer Society Fundraiser Set

The Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River is preparing for a major fundraiser next month.

The Forget Me Not Charitable Dinner will take place January 12 at the La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says tickets are now on sale.

Call the Society's office in Kenora for ticket details, or click this link to the Alzheimer Society's website.

Community Christmas Dinner Celebrates 25th

Many area residents took advantage of a free dinner in Fort Frances on Christmas Day.

The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau hosted its 25th annual event at Knox United Church.

Volunteer June Caul says its been an important one to the community.

Organizers says support from several businesses and volunteers help make the event possible year after year.

Area First Nations Protest C-45

First Nations continue to speak out against the Harper Government and its omnibus budget bill C-45.

You Tube

A walk Friday from Couchiching to Fort Frances was part of the national Idle No More protests.

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson says it's not just aboriginal people who should be concerned with sections of the Bill that impact areas as the environment.

First Nations also see the Bill a threat on the Treaties.

Treaty 3 Grand Chief Warren White says they can't stand idly by.



November Crime Stats

OPP have seen a drop in some crimes in Fort Frances.

Just 49 charges were laid in November, slightly less than half the number the month before.

After a rash of break-ins and acts of mischief in October, police report investigating just a single act of mischief last month.

That being damage to truck.

Two drivers were also charged with impaired driving, compared with 7 in October.

Chopper Says Goodbye

A long-time municipal politician in International Falls is saying farewell.

Mayor Tim "Chopper" McBride ended 22 years in office with his last council meeting last week.

McBride says he leaves with no regrets of the decisions he's made.

McBride called for a continuance of Economic Development Authority and the summer concert at the Irvin N. Anderson amphitheatre.

Fort Frances Mayor Looks Ahead

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis says there's a lot on council's plate heading into the 2013.

At the top of the list, Avis says, is the town having to deal with the pending outcome of Resolute Forest Products assessment appeal and its recent idling of its kraft mill and paper machine.

The town is planning to review the water and sewer agreement with Couchiching First Nations with the land claims issue over Pither's Point Park front and center. 

Christmas Dinners Planned

Community Christmas dinners are planned on both sides of the border tomorrow.

Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau will hold its 25th annual event at Knox United Church beginning at noon until 2 p.m.

In International Falls, a dinner will be served from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Aurora Bar 'N' Grill on Highway 11 East.

Both events are free of charge, although donations are welcome.

Track Santa

Volunteers are pulling on their Santa hats, phone lines are set, and tracking screens are ready.

NORAD Tracks Santa is primed for its 57th annual goodwill mission.

NORAD Santa trackers will start taking calls this morning, telling children -- and some adults -- when Santa is due at their house.

The number is 877-HI-NORAD or 877-446-6723.

Updates will be posted online at noradsanta.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Town Officials Meet With Resolute

Officials with the town of Fort Frances have managed to talk with the president and CEO of Resolute Forest Products about the future of the mill in Fort Frances.

That meeting came Wednesday while Richard Garneau and senior members of the company's management team were in Thunder Bay.

Mayor Roy Avis calls the meeting very good, noting the company is researching potential products, but will take time to complete.

Avis says they'll continue to dialogue with Resolute and assist however it can.

Police Asked To Schools In International Falls

Students and staff at public schools in International Falls will have Police on hand for the last day of school heading into the Christmas Break.

Superintendent of Independent School District 361 Nordy Nelson says they asked police to attend the final couple of days in light of last week's school shooting in Connecticut.

Nelson says their schools are safe and the police helps ease fears and stem rumours.

Since yesterday, Police have been on site before and after school and during the lunch period. 

Nelson says schools have always had doors locked other than the front door, but the board will look at how to improve safety for students further in the new year.

Board Action To Keep Schools Safe

The Rainy River District School Board has a number of safety initiatives in place for its schools.

Education Director Heather Campbell says most of its schools are fitted with video cameras, some installed this past summer.

Campbell says staff across the district have also been involved in Threat/Risk Assessment training.

The board also works closely with OPP in developing plans.

More Education Protests Threatened

School support workers are joining teachers in threatening to stage a one-day protest if the governing Liberals force a collective agreement on them in the new year.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents custodians, educational assistants and others.

December 31st is the deadline for education workers to negotiate new collective agreements with school boards.

First Nations Protests

First Nations are Idle No More.

Couchiching First Nation will be the latest site of aboriginal protests over federal Bill C-45 and support of hunger striker Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat.

Treaty 3 Grand Chief Warren White says everyone needs to fight the passing of the bill.

Today's protest begins at noon at the Multi-use facility in Couchiching before marching toward Fort Frances downtown.

Rainycrest Still Restricting Visitors

Visitor restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care will now have an impact on Christmas at the home.

Those restrictions went into effect last week because of an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

As a result, a dinner planned for Christmas Day for residents has been cancelled.

Only family members are being allowed to visit, permitting they don't any flu or cold-like symptoms.

McDonald's Reopens Tomorrow

The public will get its first look at a remodelled McDonald's Restaurant in Fort Frances this weekend.

The Restaurant is scheduled reopen its doors tomorrow.

A grand opening is planned for January 5 with a special appearance expected from Ronald McDonald.

Small Businesses Receive

Some provincial funding for a couple of small businesses in the Rainy River district.

Rainy River Cereal, based out of Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, has received over $47-thousand from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to continue marketing and developing its product.

Finland Corners has received over $44-thousand for an expansion of its business along Highway 71 in Chapple Township.

International Falls Planning For Bass Tournament

International Falls is preparing for its annual bass fishing tournament.

The 9th annual event is scheduled for late August.

Committee member Marty Cody says their big accomplishment this past summer was finding a way, with the help of the Fire department, to clean live wells, meeting State laws regarding the control of invasive species.

Cody says the planning committee will start meeting in early January.

Changes To FFCBC In Works

Organizers with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship are making some changes to next summer's fishing tournament.

The entry fee has been dropped from $1,000 to $800.

Organizers are also considering a move back to the waterfront.

The event was relocated to the Memorial Sports Centre two years ago because of financial and manpower considerations.