Preliminary Operational Budget Released

The town of Fort Frances has a huge financial hole to dig out of.

A draft operating budget, released Tuesday night, has the town in a deficit position of over $2.2 million dollars.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says left untouched, it would mean a 22 per cent tax increase.

CAO Mark McCaig says council and administration will be working hard over the next few weeks to bring that number down.

The deficit does includes the money the town has to rebate resulting from a lowering of Resolute Forest Products assessment, but not the town's share of costs toward the district's social services programs or its capital requirements.

Council will review the operating budget at a meeting March 4.

Water Rates Going up

Water and sewer costs in Fort Frances are going up.

Fort Frances council has approved a 4.5 per cent increase for residential users.

Mayor Roy Avis says it helps offsets a loss of revenue caused by the idling of Resolute Forest Products operations.


Avis says Resolute, one of the town's biggest water users, saw its consumption of water drop drastically.

Changes have also been made to the metered rate to the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors.

Court Case Underway

Opening arguments have been laid out in the court case regarding a stretch of shoreline property along Rainy Lake, known as the two-chain shore allowance.

Four area bands are seeking a declaration that the land was initially intended to be part of a reserve more than 125 years ago.

Lawyers representing the bands, the province, Canada, the town, and residents living in the area, also introduced several pages of documents to be used as evidence in Tuesday's opening.

The testimony in the hearing is expected to continue until late March.

NDP To Support Throne Speech

The New Democrats say they'll give the minority Liberal government a pass on the throne speech, but want to see some of their measures addressed in the budget.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says yesterday's throne speech was designed to include ideas that would appeal to both opposition parties.

Tory Leader Tim Hudak says his party will vote against the speech.

Northwestern Ontario MPP's Support Speech

The Throne Speech has the support of northwestern Ontario's Liberals.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it includes something for everyone.

Mauro sees is containing good news for northwestern Ontario.

The speech gave reference to giving northern Ontario residents a stronger voice at Queen's Park and addressing "the special transportation needs" of the region.

Beef Pattie Recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling some frozen beef burgers sold by Canada Safeway, due to possible E. coli contamination.

They include the Gourmet Meat Shoppe Big and Juicy Burger and the Prime Rib Burger, and Butcher's Cut Pure Beef Patties -- all with a best before date of August 14th.

Campbell Ready To Work

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell is eager to get back to work at Queen's Park.


Campbell says she has a long list of issues that she wants to bring up in legislature that she hasn't been able bring since it was prorogued last October.

Campbell adds she also has mixed feelings about our new premier and her agenda for northern Ontario.

Busy Weekend For OPP

A busy weekend for provincial police in our area.

OPP report 24 motor vehicle accidents across northwestern Ontario.

Most were considered minor in nature.

OPP ask that you take it easy when traveling, as high winds will make it challenging to get around the next couple of days.

Award Nominees Named

A total of 55 nominees in nine separate categories have been made for tomorrow's Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce business awards night.

The winners will be announced during the banquet.

Here's are all of the nominees.

Business of the Year – Award Sponsored by 93.1 The Border

·         Taggs Source for Sports

·         Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting

·         Tompkins Hardware

·         Nickle Lake Lumber

·         Norwest Animal Clinic

·         Harris Hill Resort

·         Angler’s Pro Shop

·         Rainy Lake Family Dental

Business Woman of the Year – Award Sponsored by the Professional Women’s Network

·         Heather Johnson, RBC Royal Bank

·         Grace Cridland, Gillons’ Insurance Brokers

·         Melanie Kozik, Living Art Emporium

·         Tonia Dolph, Northland Kitchen & Design Consulting

·         Sylvie Matthews, Certified Holistic Health & Life Coach

Customer Service – Business – Award Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

·         The Bargain Shop

·         North Auto

·         Greensides General Store

·         Fort Frances Times

·         Royal Bank

·         Sunset Country Ford

·         Rainy Lake Family Dental

·         Drs. Wu & Kennedy

·         Lowes Furniture & Appliances

·         J.D. Junction

·         Rocky Brown Auto Repair

Customer Service Award – Individual - – Award Sponsored by Good Impressions Printing

·         Andrea Whittle, Taggs Source for Sports

·         Jordan Marsh, Canadian Tire

·         Joleen Pettis, Canadian Tire

·         Peter Winik, West End Motors

·         Krista Kellar, Citifinancial

·         Kyle Glowasky, KG contracting

·         Pamela Bujold, Greensides General Store

·         Jay McFarlane, Taggs Source for Sports

·         Marjory Boileau, TD Canada Trust

·         Deb Emes, B93.1 The Border

Employee of the Year – Award Sponsored by the West End Weekly

·         Rebecca Webb, CIBC

·         Jay Caldwell, La Place Rendez Vous

·         Rosanne Farmer, Fort Frances Times

Entrepreneur of the Year – Award Sponsored by the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation

·         Chad Jackson, Pro Shine

·         Kevin Webb, Webb’s Power Shack

·         Inga Friesen, Inga Design

·         Jacquie Lampi Hughes, Energy Fitness

·         Just for Fun Power Sports

Home Based Business Award – Award Sponsored by M.L. Caron Electric

·         Kirsty Sinclair, K.I.D.S.

·         Lisa Jodoin, Scentsy

·         Jay Caldwell, Snicklefritz Custom T-shirts

·         Tonia Dolph, Northland Kitchen & Design

·         Patty Jorgenson, Sole Sister Reflexology

·         Travis Glowasky, Studio Gibbous

Small Business Trainer of the Year – Award Sponsored by NCDS

·         Steve MacNeil, Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting

·         Adam Jewell, ACO Electric

·         Andy Peters, Peters Plumbing & Heating

The Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award – Award Sponsored by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce

·         Robert Schulz

·         Jan Judson

·         Leslie Danielson

·         Monica Armour

 

Town Hunkers Down On Budget

A settlement in the Resolute Forest Products assessment appeal will give Fort Frances town council a better idea of what the 2013 budget may be.

The settlement, announced last week, means the town will have to rebate about $1.7 million back to the company in taxes.

Mayor Roy Avis says it means taking a real close look at all expenditures to mitigate the impact on taxpayers.

Avis says the goal will be be to maintain services as much as possible.

Lots Of Snow

Family day turned into a snow day for many in the Borderland.

As much as 20 centimeters of snow fell in a 24 hours period from Sunday afternoon to Monday.

That snow has now given away to cold air and strong winds that are combining to generate low wind chills.

Groups Fears Electricity Crisis For NWO

A regional group says northwestern Ontario is on the verge of an electricity crisis.

The Common Voice Energy Task Force says the region will be short of electricity if Ontario Power Generation's station in Thunder Bay is allowed to go down at the end of next year.

Iain Angus says it's up to the Ontario Power Authority and province to act.

Angus also warns of rolling blackouts in 2015 and possible delays of new mining projects.

Interim Minister Calls Residential Schools Horrible

Interim Aboriginal Affairs Minister James Moore admits Canada has a horrible record on native residential schools.

The Missing Children Project says at least three-thousand First Nations children died while attending the schools -- many of disease.

 Moore acknowledges the report reveals horrific details about the system.

Area Women Perform At Carnegie Hall

Two Fort Frances women are now among the thousands of performers who've stepped on the stage of the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City

Sarah Hallikas and Annelise Hawyluk were part of a Toronto church choir invited to perform at an event last night.

Hallikas say it was a thrill.

The two women had only joined the choir in September not knowing of the trip to New York..

Three Fort Frances Residents Receive Diamond Jubilee Medals

Some the last Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals have have been handed out to worthy recipients in the Rainy River district.

Fort Frances residents June Keddie, a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society and Henry Miller, who's long promoted conservation programs to area youth, received awards during a weekend ceremony.

CFOB-News Director Randy Thoms was also presented an award for his 30 years in broadcasting.

The awards were handed out by Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty.

No Extra Pay For Deputy Mayor Duties

There will be no extra money provided to Fort Frances councillors who take on the role of deputy mayor.

Councillors, who chair committee of the whole meetings, will be assigned deputy mayor for the next two years.

The deputy mayor is usually paid more for their work.

Councillors agreed this past week to forego the extra cash.

Assessment Appeal Settlement

A settlement has been reached in Resolute Forest Products appeal of its assessment of mill properties in Fort Frances.

The agreement, which involved the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the town and company, will result in Resolute's assessment for the last four years being reduced by 25 per cent.

Mayor Roy Avis says the company was seeking a 58 per cent decrease.

The company will receive a tax-rebate of $2.1 million, $1.7 million from the town, which is well below the nearly $5-million had it fully won its appeal.

Salvation Army Taking On Donations

Salvation Army in Fort Frances is again accepting donations to its Thrift Store.

The agency had asked people to refrain from bringing in used items after receiving a huge collection during the Christmas holidays gathered by a local Confederation College student.

Lieutenant Dennis Maybury says they're now in a position take donations, Monday to Friday.

Out of town donors can make arrangements for a Saturday drop-off by calling the Salvation Army.

Regulations Extended

Experimental fishing regulations at five lakes of the Namakan Reservoir are being extended for another six years.

The regulations for Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Crane and Little Vermilion lakes put limit on the size of walleye anglers can catch.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the fishery has responded well to the measure and extending it will help it further and give the Department more time to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.

Lots Of Work At Rainy River Resources Planned

Rainy River Resources photo

There's going to be lots of work this year at Rainy River Resources and its gold project north of Barwick.

The company has released an update on its planned activities for the year.

Spokesperson Indi Gopinathan says the release of a feasibility study will be a key document.

Further exploration and the submission of its environment assessment report are also planned.

Committee To Begin Work Soon

The Northwest Catholic District School Board plans to have a committee in place early this week to review Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The board intends to confirm its Accommodation Review Committee at its meeting tonight with committee members gathering for the first time tomorrow.

The elementary school with about 15 students is being looked at because of low enrolment.

Exact dates for public meeting will likely determined when committee members meet.

Area Bishop Surprised By Pope's Resignation

The Bishop for the Diocese of Thunder Bay says he's surprise to see the Pope resign.

Bishop Fred Colli calls this week's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI courageous.

Colli hopes the resignation sets an example to other church leaders about when to call it quits.

Improvement Program Gets Make-over

There's some changes coming to incentive programs for residential property owners in Fort Frances.

The town has been offering rebates since 2003 to owners who demolish, renovate or rebuild older homes.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says some requirements to participate are being changed to allow more property owners to participate.

Drysdale says despite heavy marketing, few people had taken advantage of them.

Some of the rebates offered will also be reworked.

Court Hearing On Two-Chain Issue

Legal wrangling over a section of property known as the two-chain shore allowance heads to a Fort Frances courtroom next week.

The Superior Court of Justice will hear a claim first filed by four area First Nations in 1998 against the province and federal governments.

In court documents filed,  the bands are seeking a declaration that the allowance is part of the Agency One reserve.

Four weeks over the next two month, have been set aside to hear the case.

New Health Care Programs This Fall

Rainy River Community College is planning to offer some new programs in the health care industry this fall.

The International Falls-based college is partnering with Hibbing Community College to deliver programs that help train new medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians, nurses.

A certificate program in elder care and gerontology will also be offered.

College officials says the programs address high demand areas.

Rainy Lake Hotel Staying Up

The Rainy Lake Hotel will remain standing for at least another year.

Fort Frances town council has removed the nearly $1.7 million dollar demolition and creation of a market square from its capital budget.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says they just can't afford do to it right now.

Hallikas says the building will be secured with the intent of revisiting the plan another year.

Capital List Shortened

The list of proposed capital projects for the town of Fort Frances is now a lot shorter.

Town council got their first look at the $12.5 million wish list Wednesday night.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says administration whittled it down to make it more manageable.



There's now a list of about 40 projects that managers have considered to be high priority.

Council will take a closer look at the short list at a later meeting.

Subdivision Going To Tender

The town of Fort Frances is seeking interested developers for various components of the planned subdivision at the former Huffman School property.

Ads will be place in Thunder Bay and Fort Frances.




Town planner Faye Flatt says the bids will better determine the sale price of the lots.


Tenders will close March 12.

Local Groups Taking Over Concert

Two groups are taking over the planning of the summer concert in International Falls.

Falls Rotary Club and Backus Auditorium will do it with support from the city.

Ward Merrill of Backus says they're prepared to give it a go for at least three years.

Three cover bands are being considered for the July 20th concert at the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

Biomass Considered For Thunder Bay Plant

Ontario Power Generation is now considering burning biomass as its coal-fired generating station in Thunder Bay.

OPG suspended work last fall to convert the plant to natural gas.

Plant Manager Chris Fralick says he remains optimistic the plant will continue to operate beyond 2014.

Mamma Needs To Redecorate

Riverside Foundation For Health Care is preparing for its next fundraiser.

The Foundation's Spring Luncheon will be held May 5 at Robert Moore School.

It's being called "Mamma Needs to Redecorate," so organizers as looking for gently used items that would be used to decorate a house.

Donations can be dropped off at 562 Church Street or call Nicke Baird at 274-4803.

Mauro Left Out Of Provincial Cabinet

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is expressing a tinge of disappointment after being left out of the new cabinet of Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Mauro says it's something he's learned to accept about politics.

Mauro says he has been asked to serve as chair of the new northern Ontario cabinet committee and serve as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Metis Welcomes New Aboriginal Affairs Minister

The Metis Nation of Ontario is welcoming the appointment of David Zimmer as Aboriginal Affairs Minister.

President Gary Lipinski says the Metis have enjoyed a previous relationship with the new minister when he served as a parliamentary secretary.

Lipinski says he's looking for Zimmer to continue to work towards implementing the objectives agreed upon in the recent framework agreement with the province.

Area Educator Retiring

A former director of education with the Rainy River District School Board is about to bring his career to an end.

Jack McMaster, who's now with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, has announced plans to retire this July.

He began his career as a teacher in 1980.

He served with the Rainy River board for five years before moving to Kenora in 2010.

Charges Laid

OPP have now laid charges against a man in connection with an incident last week where a mini-excavator was used to cause damage to several vehicles in Kenora.

OPP had to use a stun gun to stop the operator.

The 64-year old man will appear in Kenora court at the end of the month on charges that include mischief and unauthorized possession of a weapon.

Plans For Kraft Mill Decided Soon

Resolute Forest Products appears to be getting close to determining what plans it has for the now idled kraft mill in Fort Frances.

President Richard Garneau says a decision could be made by the spring.

Garneau says the company has been investigating the type of grades that could be produced at the mill, idled back in November.

He says given its access to cheap electricity and an abundant wood supply, there's good reason to look at finding how the mill can be reopened.

Budget Talks Begin Today

Fort Frances council will sit down today for the first time to discuss potential capital spending in 2013.

Almost $12.5 million in projects have been identified a the draft document.

It includes $1.6 million to tear down the old Rainy Lake Hotel and turn the site into an open-air market square.

No Job Sharing For Now

Koochiching County is moving ahead with hiring its own engineer.

The County discussed the idea of sharing the job with Lake of the Woods County.

Commissioner Rob Eklund says there was interest, but it was felt that giving the time needed to make it happen, it wouldn't be in the best interest to proceed at this time.



Eklund says there was discussion of holding a joint board meeting in the future to discuss issues of common concern.

Atikokan Mayor Honoured

A significant honour for the Mayor of Atikokan.

Dennis Brown has been awarded the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Community Leadership Award.

Brown says its something he'll cherish.

The award recognizes a municipal official who demonstrates leadership toward economic development in their community.

Police Officer Suspended

A Treaty 3 Police officer has been suspended from duty after allegedly being found drunk in a police vehicle.

Constable Garland Kejick of Shoal Lake was charged with impaired driving Saturday after Treaty 3 Police were called about a cruiser parked on an ice road on Lake of the Woods, a couple of kilometers from Sabaskong First Nation.

The 49-year-old will now appear in a Kenora court room March 7.

Gravelle Happy To Be Back

Michael Gravelle can barely contain his excitement in being named to Premier Kathleen Wynne's cabinet.

Gravelle says to be back as Northern Development Minister is what he was hoping for.

Gravelle says one his priorities will be furthering the Ring of Fire mining development.

He's also pleased to have control of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund which also falls within his Ministry.

Liberals Keeping Tuition Fee Break In Place

The provincial Liberals are giving a failing grade to a P.C. proposal to scrap a 30 per cent break for post-secondary tuition.

The Tories says few students qualify and the money isn't going to those who need it most.

New Colleges and Universities Minister Brad Duguid says taking money away from any students would simply defeat the purpose of trying to make the system more accessible.

Missing Teens Found

Two Fort France teenagers reported missing have been found.

OPP says the two 13-year-olds were reported missing yesterday, but located Tuesday morning in the Fort Frances area.

Keep Snow Away From Gas Meters

Union Gas is reminding its customers to keep gas meters and external exhaust outlets for appliances free from ice and snow

Officials says it ensures both the meters and your gas appliances are working safely.

Tories Want Student Grant Scrapped

Ontario's Tories want to scrap the 30 per cent tuition grant the Liberals created for post-secondary students.

The Progressive Conservatives say the government's rules mean the money isn't going to those who really need or deserve it -- and two-thirds of students don't even qualify.

Education Minister Focusing On Extra-Curricular Activities

Ontario new education Minister want to work with public school teachers on a return of extracurricular activities.

Most teachers have withdrawn from those activities to protest imposed contracts.

Liz Sandals won't say if a resolve can be found by the end of the school year.

Teachers unions, meantime, say they welcomes Sandals as education minister and look forward to working with her.

Cabinet Reaction

The president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association likes Michael Gravelle back as Northern Development Minister.

Ron Nelson says there's great continuity to work wit.

He says one of NOMA's main focuses with Gravelle will be to get the the Northern Ontario Growth  Plan moving again.

Nelson adds the new Liberal cabinet provides a nice blend of fresh faces and experience.

Meantime, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has mixed feelings towards the new Liberal cabinet team.



She too likes Gravelle back as Northern Development Minister, but isn't a huge fan of Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti as the new Natural Resources Minister.

Campbell is happy, though, that Queen's Park will finally reopen for business after being prorogued since October.

Provincial Cabinet In Place

Ontario's newest Premier is willing to work with the NDP and Conservatives to keep her minority Liberal government alive.

Kathleen Wynne and her cabinet ministers were sworn into office yesterday.

Wynne wants them to co-operate with their opposition colleagues

The legislature is to resume sitting next Tuesday.

Here is the complete list of cabinet ministers

Deb Matthews, Minister of Health, Deputy Premier.
John Gerretsen, Attorney General.
John Milloy, Government House Leader.
Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance.
Liz Sandals, Minister of Education.
Bob Chiraelli, Minister of Energy.
David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources.
Michael Coteau, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Ted McMeekin, Minister of Community and Social Services.
Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services.
Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Jeff Leal, Minister of Rural Affairs.
David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources.
David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
Rezi Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation.
Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Labour.
Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Children and Youth Services.
Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors.
Laurel Broten, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Chair f Cabinet).
Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.
Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation.
Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.
Jim Bradley, Minister of Environment.
Harinder Takhar, Minister of Government Services.
Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Go Local Rewards Program Pushed Back

The rewards program in the Go Local campaign has been delayed further.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation says the machines needed have arrived and the cards are coming soon.

He's now hoping to have the program rolled out in March.

When in place, cardholders will be able to acquire points from participating businesses towards gift cards to those stores.

Gillon says about 30 businesses are on board with others to be added in the future.

Busy Year For OPP

A busy year for the OPP in the Rainy River District.

Police responded to more than 7,800 calls in 2012.

Detachment Commander, Inspector Steve Shouldice says police were able to clear up many of those cases.

Shouldice says over 30-thousand hours of policing service were also provided to Fort Frances last year, which exceed a contract by about four-thousand hours.