Natural Resources Minister Ponders Cuts

The new Minister of Natural Resources is weighing in on any possible cuts to the Ministry.

David Orazietti says the MNR like all Ministries is facing financial pressure.

Orazietti says he'll try to balance offering front line support with modern service features.

Pay Hike For Minnesota Politicians Proposed

Minnesota's governor and legislators could be in line for their first pay hikes since the late 1990s.

The Compensation Council is recommending the governor's $120-thousand a-year base pay be upped 3 percent in 2015 and again in 2016.

Legislator pay would be set at one-third of what the governor makes.

February Was Indeed Cold

If you think it felt colder than usual in February in the Borderland, your right.

Environment Canada's Peter Kimball says their look back at the weather for the month seemed to show a reverse in a warming trend experienced at the start of the winter season.


Kimball says February came in 2.5 C colder than normal after temperatures in December and January were a tick warmer than usual.

Kimball long-range forecasts point to above average temperatures in April before settling to more normal levels in May and June.

Question of the Week

An efforts by representatives on both side of the border to start working together on marketing the Borderland is being met with some positive reaction.

Our website poll shows 52 per of respondents seeing recent talks as very positive.

14 per cent see them as a good start.

This week we ask if you think the province's review of how northern Ontario mill properties were assessed will lead to any help to communities affected.

CEP Unionizes Home Health Care Group

The Communication Energy and Paperworkers union is expanding its representation in the home health care sector.

Twenty-five Revera office and client services staff across northwestern Ontario have voted 60 per cent in favour of joining CEP.

Revera provides home health care services to residents across the region including here in Fort Frances.

Town Efforts To Trap Bobcat

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The town of Fort Frances is involved in the search for a wild cat.

What's believed to be a bobcat has been spotted in the area of Church Street and Nelson Avenue for the past few weeks.

Rick Hallam, who oversees the town's by-law department, says the Ministry of Natural Resources has given it approval to set traps.

Hallam says there are reports the cat may have killed at least three domestic cats.

Northwestern Health Unit Study Released

Some concerning results in a survey from the Northwestern Health Unit.

Over 2000 students from the Kenora-Rainy River districts were asked in the Youth Action on Drugs Study on their thoughts on alcohol and drug use.

Health Promoter Saralyn Seminiuk says it also found that half didn't believe there was enough for young people to do in their hometowns.

Seminiuk says the survey also found that young people over estimate drug and alcohol use among their peers.

Campbell Supports Changes To Gas Tax

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is supporting a bill that recommends changes to the provincial gas tax.

Campbell says while everyone pays the tax not all municipalities get their fair share or even qualify for the funding.

Campbell sees the changes a first step to creating a dedicated program for infrastructure needs in rural and northern Ontario.

Body Found In Kenora

A post mortem exam is being conducted today on a body found floating in the Winnipeg River in Kenora.

The body was found by workers yesterday morning in the area of the Norman dam.

The identify is still being determine.

New Music From Maverick Judson

Some new music from area performer Maverick Judson.

He's released a five-song disk, entitled FYI.

Judson says the music captures styles of performers who've influenced him the most.


Many of the songs were recorded while he attended school in London, Ontario, working with other musicians and producers he'd met.

He's making the disk and songs free to listeners to download through a new website maverickjudson.com.

School To Wait On Final Decision For Sturgeon Creek

The Rainy River District School Board is holding back on an immediate decision on the future of Sturgeon Creek School.

A committee, tasked with studying the Barwick-area school, presented its report to the board this week, recommending it remain open.

Committee chair Jackie McCormick says during their public meetings, no one called for closure in the several presentations and submissions received.

Education Director Heather Campbell says a board decision on the school will likely come in the fall when its receives a recommendation about Crossroads School.

A review of that Devlin-area school is currently underway

Bus Loop Questioned

Google Earth

Concern is being expressed over a plan to construct a loop for buses to drop off and pick up students attending J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances.

The Rainy River District School Board says the loop off Flinders Avenue it will alleviate traffic congestion now experienced in front of the school on Keating Avenue.

Resident Bob Daiken would rather the loop be used by parents who drop off and pick up their children than buses.

Under the board's proposal, parents will be required to use a loop in front of the school and the school's parking lot beginning this fall.

Homelessness Tackled In Fort Frances

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It may not be visible seen, but homelessness exists in Fort Frances.

Agencies, who help people without a home or struggle to stay in one, outlined their work to members of the Celebrating Diversity Committee yesterday.

Danielle Spuzak of the United Native Friendship Centre says many of the area's homeless are people who couch surf, staying at friends and families for a day or two, before moving on to another place.

Official says some people go to Thunder Bay to use the shelter in winter, but return to the area in the warmer months.

Junior Career Fair Planned

It's never too young to consider your future.

Fort Frances Public Library will be hosting a junior career fair next Wednesday.

Program director Andrea Avis says the "I Wanna Be"  fair will highlight some career ideas to young people.

Avis says a wide spectrum of local professionals will be on hand to speak with the youngsters who attended the free event.

Pre-Budget Hearing In Thunder Bay

Northwestern Ontario residents get to add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on the Ontario budget tonight.

The Ontario Federation of Labour is holding a series of "People's Budget" consultations across the province with a stop in Thunder Bay.

Vice-president Irwin Nanda says they've heard some common themes.

Input collected will sent to government.

Train Crossing Waits Drawing Criticism

Koochiching County is raising concerns about C.N. Rail trains blocking at area crossings.

Board Chair Kevin Adee says discussions with rail officials in the past led to some improvements, but he says the frequency and length of time the road is blocked is reoccurring.

In one situation, he says he sat at a crossing on Van Lynn Road for a train that was 10 cars shy of clearing.

The County plans to discuss action it may take at its meeting next week.

Mining Needs Identified

The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board says there's going to be a huge need for workers in northwestern Ontario's ever expanding mining industry.

Labour Market Economist Jamie Wolcott says their release of a 10-year hiring forecast will help those in education, industry and government prepare.

The Board's report says the Rainy River district's mining sector will need 640 workers by 2022.

Changes To Home And Leisure Show

FFCC photo

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is re-tooling its annual home and leisure.

It includes renaming the event the Business and Community Expo.

Manager Annely Armstrong says its puts the focus back on what the event should be.

Armstrong says it means Strongman competition will be dropped, but comedian Don Kelly, originally from Onegaming First Nations, will be coming to put on a show at the conclusion of the event.

Show participants will also get a break on the costs of their booths if they register early.

Area Liberal Supporting Trudeau

There's still another debate to come, but the president of the Kenora-Rainy River provincial Liberal Riding Association know who he wants heading the federal party.

Anthony Leek sees Justin Trudeau the best candidate.

Leek will among Liberals to participate in the April 14 vote.

MPP Supports Calls To Ban Declawing Of Cats

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is supporting a petition to ban the declawing of cats.

The petition has been spearheaded by a Dryden-based animal protection group.

Campbell says declawing a cat takes away their natural defense and leaves them helpless.

Gas Tax Increase Suggested In Minnesota

A five-cent increase in the state gas tax is among proposals to raise more money for transportation needs in Minnesota.

Democrats say it will help raise $3.8 billion for roads, bridges and transit projects.

Governor Mark Dayton, though, is expressing doubts about a gas tax hike getting final approval.

Missing Snowmobiler Found Safe

A snowmobiler is safe and sound after being rescued from an island on Lake of the Woods.

OPP were called out Monday night after the Baudette Sheriff's Department received a 911 call from a man who reported his snowmachine was stuck in snow and slush, but didn't know where he was.

A Hercules aircraft, dispatched from Winnipeg,  later spotted him on Bigsby Island.

OPP later arrived on snowmachine to rescue the man who was cold, but otherwise in good health.

Drug Charges Laid

Two men from Fort Frances are facing drug trafficking charges.

The pair were arrested last Wednesday after OPP executed warrants at two homes in the 300 block of Third Street West.

Police also seized an unspecified quantity of drugs, cash and drug accessories.

Pension Fight Highlighted In Ottawa

The fight for pension protection by a Fort Frances group of mostly retired mill workers has reached Ottawa.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty highlighted its efforts in a statement in the House of Commons.

Rafferty calls on the government for legislation that protects workers and their pension when companies seek creditor protection or go bankrupt.

Awards Nominees Sought

International Falls Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its annual awards.

The chamber will recognize one business as the top large business of the year, one as the small business of the year and an individual as Citizen of the Year.

Nominations must be to the Chamber by April 1.

The awards will be presented May 2.

Service Cuts Pondered By Town Council

Talk of service cuts has entered the budget discussions for the town of Fort Frances.

Councillors say they're supportive of a tax increase, ranging between one to 3.5 per cent, in order to help slay the deficit, now at $768-thousand.

Councillor Paul Ryan says some new ideas might also have to be considered.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he'd like to find more cuts elsewhere before focusing on services.

Mayor Roy Avis says while he's opposed it in the past, council might have to consider the need for bag tags on all garbage placed at the curb.

Library Reduces Hours

Hours of service are being slashed at the Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre.

Beginning next week, the Library won't open Mondays until 1 pm while closing an hour earlier weeknights.

Board Chair Joyce Cunningham says the initial budget called for a $3.5 increase in town funding, and reducing hours was the only solution to finding savings.

Cunningham says because of usage, weekend hours remain unchanged

Town Finds Money For Tax Repayment

The town of Fort Frances has figured out how it will offset the $1.7 million tax rebate to Resolute Forest Products.

$575-thousand had already been set aside.

A million, originally earmarked for reserves this year, will now go to the assessment appeal repayment.

The remaining $118-thousand has been incorporated into the current deficit which would be offset through savings or tax increase.

Mill Re-assessments To Get Look Over

The Ontario government is promising to review the decision by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to reduce the assessment of several mills across northern Ontario.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa says he's asked officials to look into the situation impacting Fort Frances, Dryden, Espanola and Elk River.

The New Democrats want Sousa to freeze the tax assessment decisions until the review is completed.

RRFDC Questioned About Focus

The agency tasked with economic development in Fort Frances is being asked to focus a little more attention on the town.

Members of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation faced questions about its activities at last night budget meeting.

Councillor Ken Perry feels forestry should continue to be a main focal point.

The Corporation says a lot of projects they're now working on have a direct impact to the town.

Snow Sculpturing Set To Begin

Three groups are expected to begin today carving their masterpieces out of piles of snow at the former Huffman School property.

They'll have until Sunday to complete their works.

There will be a public judging Saturday as part of a Community family day.

Organizers says they still have room for another team.

Call the Fort Frances Museum if your interested.

Three Charged With Impaired Driving

Three area residents have court dates on charges of impaired driving.

A 55-year-old Atikokan man was charged early Sunday morning in Atikokan after OPP stopped a vehicle that was being driven in an erratic manner.

Early last week, a 34-year-old man from Fort Frances and a 20-year-old man from LaVallee township were charged in separate OPP traffic stops in Fort Frances.

Law School Protest

A group of Lakehead University students continue to protest changes to the curriculum at the new Northern Ontario Law School.

Spokesperson Sebastian Murdock Gibson says they're upset the school has decided to drop an aboriginal learning program without warning.

Students say they'll remain camped outside the L.U. president's office until the university reinstates the program.

Marketing Ban Sought On Junk Food To Kids

The Ontario government is being urged to ban the marketing of junk food to kids under the age of 12.

It's just one of many recommendations in the report focusing on reducing childhood obesity.

The government says it will create a group headed by Health Minister Deb Matthews to give direction on how to implement the recommendations.

Tirclosan Ban

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is ordering all state agencies to stop buying products that contain the chemical compound triclosan.


It follows research by the University of Minnesota that found the compound is increasingly found in the state's rivers and lakes.

The executive order requires agencies to must end purchases of hand soap, laundry soap and other products containing triclosan by June.

Support For Resident Judge Received

The Rainy River District Law Association has an ally in its fight for a resident judge in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Janet Whitehead of the County and District Law Presidents' Association was in Fort Frances Friday to learn first hand of the legal community's concerns.

Whitehead says it's given her a better understand.

Whitehead says the new Attorney General has agreed to review the findings from her visit.

Local Association president Barbara Morgan says it was an an important visit.

Morgan says Whitehead was also able to see court house renovations that have not yet started and spoke with court staff about their challenges as well.

Four Seek Vacant Seat

There are four candidates wanting the vacant seat on Fort Frances council.

It will be now up to the remaining members of council to decide who will get the seat for the next two years.

A final decision is expected by the end of this month.

More Volunteer Firefighters Wanted

The Fort Frances Fire Department is looking for some new blood.

The department wants to increase the number of volunteer firefighters on its roster.

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says they've lost a few in recent months.

The department is down to about 15 from 20, but Sheppard says its not a critical situation.

Sheppard says the job is open to anyone over the age of 18, noting there are certain requirements potential candidates have to meet.

The job description and how to apply can be found on the town of Fort Frances website.

The REAL Tree Huggers

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is launching a new campaign to draw attention to the importance of the forest industry in this region.

President Ron Nelson says "REAL Tree Hugger" is to remind the Premier that the forest industry cares about the environment while providing jobs.

The Tree Hugger campaign includes buttons and post cards that will be sent to members of the provincial Government.

NOMA has also set up a website and Facebook page to generate additional public support.

Mauro To Chair Northern Ontario Cabinet Committee

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is chair of the new northern Ontario cabinet committee.

The committee will address the needs of northern Ontario, including job creation and revitalizing transportation infrastructure as well as overseeing the Northern Ontario Growth Plan.

PC's Select Thunder Bay-Atikokan Candidate

The former president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has been acclaimed as the Progressive Conservatives candidate for the riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan..

He will be going up against Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro in the next election.

International Women's Day Event

International Women's Day will be celebrated in Fort Frances with a visit from an inspiring entrepreneur.

Zahra Al-Harazi, originally from Yemen, will be a keynote speaker at an event Thursday sponsored by the Northwest Business Centre.


When she arrived in Canada, her teaching degree was rejected, so she returned to school, later becoming the owner of a marketing firm she helped establish in Calgary.

Tickets for the event can be obtained at the Rainy River Future Development Corporation and La Place Rendez-Vous

Question Of The Week

50 per cent of respondents to our poll question are very concerned with the financial situation of the town of Fort Frances.

Another 20 per cent were concerned but felt it was manageable.

This time we want to know what you think about the cross-border dialogue that's started to help market the area to more people.

Let us know on our website, 931theborder.ca or tell us on our Facebook page.

More Call Back Of Workers

There's some additional call back of laid off workers at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.

A sources tells CFOB-News that eleven members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1744 have been told to report to work March 6.

The recall is apparently for just one day.

The Company had stated news of a recall, first reported by CFOB-News last Monday, was related to a scheduled maintenance repair at the mil.

Accommodation Review Committee Set

A committee set up to review the future of Our Lady of the Way school in Stratton is now interested in hearing from those who would like to make a submission at its first public meeting.

That meeting will be held March 20 at the School.

Interested individuals must let the committee know of their intent by March 13.

Details about the consultation process and how to submit can be found on the Northwest Catholic District School Board's website.

Joint Communities Meeting

Some navel gazing about the future economies of Fort Frances and International Falls.

Representatives from both sides of the border gathered for the first time in many years to discuss how to better market the region.

Chair of the Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association Doug Anderson says it only make sense to have a dialogue between the two communities.

Some of the ideas include creating new a map, a community calender and websites showcasing services and events on both sides.

Good Samaritan Society Readies For Move

The Good Samaritan Society anticipates moving into its new surroundings in International Falls this July.

The Society is building a new 54-bed nursing home and 24-unit assisted living facility.

Administrator Adam Coe says the project is on schedule.

Coe says they'll be calling on volunteers to help make the move of patients smooth as possible.

Public Elementary Teachers Staying Away From Extracurriculars

The governing Liberals say they're disappointed that public elementary teachers don't plan to resume extracurricular activities.

President of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Sam Hammond says many teachers are
still upset over imposed contracts.

Hammond says they'll keep talking, but want to see ``real actions'' from the government for consider lifting their political action.

MPP Not Supportive Of Public Sector Wage Freeze

Wage freezes for the public sector not getting the support of our MPP.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says it makes no sense to tell government employees they're not getting a pay hike while leaving management positions unchanged.

Campbell favours measures such as closing corporate tax loopholes to help reduce the province's deficit.

Budget Adjusted

Koochiching County has adjusted its 2013 budget slightly.

Expenditures have increased 88-thousand dollars, mainly due to unspent money for two projects in Birchdale and Island View that has been moved into this year's budget.

The budget also reflects a $30-thousand grant the Sheriff's Department received for efforts to improve its emergency communication network.