NDP Wants Wait Staff Tips Left Alone

The provincial New Democrats want to protect servers' tips from restaurant and bar owners.

MPP Michael Prue is introducing a a private members bill that simply states "an employer shall not take any portion of an employee's tips or  gratuities.''

Ontario's Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi says he agrees with  idea, but isn't saying if the Liberals will adopt Prue's bill or introduce one of their own.

CANWARN Program Promoted

Northwestern Ontario is looking for "Storm Hunters".

Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says they're out promoting its CANWARN program which helps the agency better report and forecast severe weather.

Environment Canada is planning to hold a number of information sessions in the near future.

Weather's Safe In The Borderland

It pays to live in the Borderland.

An advocacy group has come out with a new report that illustrates Minnesota's vulnerability to weather disasters.

Koochiching County is one of only five counties in the State that did not sustain a federally declared weather disaster in the past five years.

Out Of Town Library User Fees Questioned

FFPLTC photo

The fee paid by users living outside of Fort Frances to use the town library are getting a second look.

It's now a $77.00 charge.

Councillor Paul Ryan says that's far lower than the real cost to local taxpayers which pay $105.00 through taxation.

Council intends to seek input from the Library Board before deciding on any change.

Gasification Project Getting A Rethink

Some sober second thoughts about a proposed facility in Koochiching County that would generate energy through the burning of waste.

The Koochiching Development Authority has decided not to talk with the city International Falls on a proposed site for the gasification project.

County Commissioner Wade Pavleck says given that the project's taking longer than expected to develop, the county needs to decide if they want to continue first.

The project was first projected seven years ago.

More Ontario Grads

Ontario's high school graduation rate is on the increase again.

Education Minister Liz Sandals says 74 per cent of students get their diploma after four years, up 18 percentage points from when the Liberals took office nearly 10 years ago.

The graduation rate jumps to 83 per cent for
students who take five years to complete high school, an increase of 15 percentage points.

Festival Results Day 3

Anna Schwartz was the only double winner on the third day of piano competitions of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

The competitions wrap up today at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.

Here is the list of all winners from yesterday.

Own Choice, Grade 4
FIRST:  Alexa Veldhuisen
SECOND:  Mike Kooistra

Own Choice, Grade 5
FIRST:  Emma Dykstra
SECOND:  Katelyn Bruyere

Own Choice, Grade 6
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz
SECOND:  Gareth Dunn

Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 6
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz
SECOND:  Kayla Stang

Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 5
FIRST:  Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND:  (Tie) Emma Dykstra, Brianna Eldridge

Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 4
FIRST:  Mike Kooistra
SECOND:  Alexa Veldhuisen

Classical, Level 1
FIRST:  (Tie) Sadie Tolton, Paige Eldridge
SECOND:  Kenna Spuzak

Popular, Level 1
FIRST:  Ty Cunningham
SECOND:  (Tie) Emma Bassett, Sadie Tolton, Abby Bone

Jazz, Level 1
FIRST:  Ben Olson
SECOND:  (Tie) Mia Tullio, Ty Cunningham

Children's Songs, Level 1
FIRST:  Emma Saciuk
SECOND:  Emma Toriseva

Children's Songs, Level 1
FIRST:  Sadie Tolton
SECOND:  (Tie) Piper Danylchuk, Mia Tullio

Classical, Level 2
FIRST:  Tori Toriseva
SECOND:  Rowan Quast

Festival Results Day 2

 A total of ten pianists walked away double winners during the second day of piano performance at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Those competitions continue at the Townshend Theatre at 1:30 p.m. and at Knox United Church at 6 p.m. tonight.

Here is a list of all winners from yesterday.


Post-Romantic  or 20th or 21st  Century, Grade 8
FIRST:  Erin Gustafson

Post-Romantic  or 20th or 21st  Century, Grade 9
FIRST :  Lucas Koomans
SECOND:  Raymond Polz

Romantic, Grade 9
FIRST:  Kaitlyn Chiasson
SECOND:  Lorianne Dueck

Romantic, Grade 8
FIRST:  Erin Gustafson

Own Choice, Grade9
FIRST:  Raymond Polz
SECOND:  Lucas Koomans

Romantic  or 20th or 21st  Century, Grade 7
FIRST:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Own Choice, Grade 7
FIRST:  (Tie) Tianna Veldhuisen, Wanetta Pekau

Two Performers, Advanced
FIRST:  Sarah Bagacki and Kaitlyn Chiasson

Popular Selection, Grade 3
FIRST:  MacKenzie Wright
SECOND:  Jacob Gustafson

Popular Selection, Grade 4
FIRST:  Judy Wu
SECOND:  Madison Krikke

Popular Selection, Grade 1
FIRST:  Joyce Wu
SECOND:  Max VanDrunen

 Own Choice, Grade 3
FIRST:  Jake Erickson
SECOND:  Jacob Gustafson

Own Choice, Grade 1
FIRST:  Calin Campbell

Romantic  or 20th or 21st  Century, Grade 1
FIRST:  Joyce Wu
SECOND:  (Tie) Calin Campbell, Max VanDrunen

Jazz, Level 3
FIRST:  Sarah Selman

Classical, Level 3
FIRST:  Cassidy Martin

Children's Songs, Level 3
FIRST:  (Tie) Sara Selman, Cassidy Martin

Traditional Hymn, Folk Hymn or Modern Chorus
FIRST:  Mika Kooistra
SECOND:  Alexa Veldhuisen

Two Performers, Introductory
FIRST:  Lauryn Jean Marchant and Kaylyn Levesque
SECOND:  Samantha Hammond and Kenna Spuzak

Two Performers, Elementary
FIRST:  Jordan Eldridge and Paige Eldridge

Two Performers, Intermediate
FIRST:  Alexa Veldhuisen and Mika Kooistra
SECOND:  (Tie) Madison Krikke and Judy Wu, Katelyn Bruyere and Jordan Bruyere

Open Piano, Introductory
FIRST:  Joelle Bruyere

20th or 21st Century, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Joelle Bruyere
SECOND:  Lauryn Jean Marchant

Own Choice, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Lauryn Jean Marchant

Own Composition, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Sullivan Spiers

Children's Songs, Introductory Level
FIRST:  (Tie) Liam Dent, Fletcher Klug
SECOND:  Michael Redford

Popular, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Fletcher Klug
SECOND:  Kiera Wood

All Garbage Bags To Need Tags

Fort Frances residents will soon have to place a bag tag on every bag of garbage placed at the curb for pick up.

Council is eliminating the free bag residents have enjoyed since 2004, but lowering the cost of tags from $2.25 to a $1.25 beginning June 3.


Mayor Roy Avis, who has been opposed to requiring residents to have all bags of garbage tagged in the past, says given the current financial situation, it has to happen now.

He, along with Councillors Paul Ryan and Ken Perry, would have preferred a fee attached to water and sewer bills reflecting the new charge.

The move is expected to generate about $91-thousand in to town coffers.

New Airport Fees

There will also be some new fees at the Fort Frances airport this year.

It includes charging all air ambulance flights and government aircraft a landing fee of $150.00 plus HST.

Similar fees are charged at other airports in northern Ontario.

Library/Museum Supporters Attend Budget Meeting

Fort Frances council's budget discussions are perking the interest of some.

Staff and supporters of the Fort Frances Public Library and Fort Frances Museum were on hand for last night's budget meeting.

Both facilities have been eyed by some members of council as areas were more savings could be found.

Library Board Chair Joyce Cunningham warns if cuts are required by the Library, they will come with job loss.

The Library announced cuts to hours of service earlier this year.

Subdivision Interest Dwindles

A long list of people interested in the proposed housing lots at the former Huffman School property in Fort Frances has dwindled.

Town planner Faye Flatt says of the 26 people who initially inquired ten are still interested.

Flatt says a number of factors, including the proposed price of the lots, led to others opting out.

Council has better defined the conditions for the upcoming sale of the lots in advance of a public meeting to take place April 23.

A lottery will be scheduled sometime after that meeting.

Liqour Store Workers Vote For Strike Action

Unionized employees with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario have voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action.

Their union says key issues include part-time wages and upgrades to health and safety standards.

The workers current contract expired at the end of March, but contract talks are resuming today.

Liberal Candidate For Next Provincial Election Steps Forward

The president of the Kenora-Rainy River provincial Liberal riding association is making plans to run in the next election.

Anthony Leek of Emo says by declaring early it avoids some of the problems faced in an unsuccessful bid in 2011.

The Association will hold a nomination meeting in Fort Frances April 27.

Day of Pink

It's a day to get your pink on.

This is National Day of Pink.

Chair of the Fort Frances group Celebrating Diversity Trudy McCormick says it's aimed at raising awareness and combating bullying, as well as recognizing differences among everyone.

People are encouraged to wear pink.

A variety of events are being held at area schools while the Fort Frances Public Library will show the documentary "Bully" as part of a family event tonight.

Seniors Seek Freeze on Taxes and User Fees

A Fort Frances seniors group wants town council to hold the line on taxes and user fees for the next couple of years.

The Seniors, Retirees Against Pension and Elder Abuse also wants a recent 3 per cent hike on sewer and water rates repealed.

Chair Allan Bedard says too many people are already suffering financially.

Council will continues its budget discussion tonight with a major focus on user fees.

Huffman To Stay As Housing Subdivision

Fort Frances council is staying the course on plans for a new housing subdivision at the former Huffman School property.

The Fort Frances Seniors Advisory Committee suggested the old school become an extension of the Sister Kennedy Centre.

Mayor Roy Avis says the plans come too late to consider now given the town has spent a lot of time and energy on planning the development.

Councillor Ken Perry adds it would also be too costly to fix and maintain the building for a senior centre.

Resolute Seeks Lower Assessment In Thunder Bay

After negotiating a drop to its property assessment in Fort Frances, Resolute Forest Products is now seeking a similar decrease in Thunder Bay.

Mayor Keith Hobbs says a proposed 60 per cent decrease would cost the city about $1.8 million.

Meantime, Dryden's city mayor Craig Nuttall is proposing to withhold money owing to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation until there's a resolve to a lowering of assessment of the Domtar mill that could cost Dryden over $5-million.

County Projects In Proposed Bonding Bill

An $8-million sewer project in Koochiching County is among those Governor Mark Dayton would like the Minnesota legislature fund in the coming year.

The Governor has the project for the Rainy and Crane Lakes areas as part of a $812-million bonding bill.

It also includes funding for repairs for a couple of bridges and reforestation in the County.

Teen Found

A Dryden teen, missing since the end of March, has been found in Manitoba.

The Dakota Ojibway Police Service located 15-year-old Kariya Taylor on Sandy Bay First Nation.

She's now in the care of Manitoba Child and Family Services.

Clothing Drive Underway

The United Native Friendship Centre is seeking your unused clothes.

It's for its annual spring clothing give away that happens next week.

Aboriginal Family Support Worker Karly Rousseau says donations can be dropped off at its Mowatt Avenue location by this Thursday.

The clothes will be given away to those who want them next Monday and Tuesday.

Question Of The Week

Fort Frances Minor Hockey is asking town council to consider keeping ice in the Ice For Kids arena until the end of June.

Do you think it's a good idea?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

In response to last week's question, 55 per cent of respondents think the $100-thousand dollar threshold in the province's annual list of public sector workers salaries should be increased.

Festival Results Day One

Tianna Veldhuisen and Annalise Rittau each earned three first place finishes in piano on the first day of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Competitions continue today at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9 a.m. and later at Knox United Church starting 6 pm.

Here is a list of all winners

Baroque, Grade 9

FIRST:  Lucas Koomans

SECOND:  Lorianne Dueck

Baroque, Grade 8

FIRST:  Erin Gustafson

Baroque, Grade 7

FIRST:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Classical, Grade 7

FIRST:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Classical, Grade 8

FIRST:  Erin Gustafson

Classical, Grade 9

FIRST:  Lorianne Dueck

SECOND:  (Tie) Sarah Bagacki,  Lucas Koomans

Baroque, Grade 6

FIRST:  Gareth Dunn

SECOND:  (Tie) Caitlin Rittau, Emma Keeler

Baroque, Grade 5

FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge

SECOND:  (Tie)  Emma Dykstra, Katelyn Bruyere

Classical, Grade 6

FIRST:  Anna Schwartz

SECOND:  (Tie) Caitlin Rittau, Taylor Shouldice

Classical, Grade 5

FIRST:  Emma Dykstra

SECOND:  (Tie) Katelyn Bruyere, Brianne Eldridge

Classical, Grade 1

FIRST:  Joyce Wu

SECOND:  Calin Campbell

Baroque, Grade 3

FIRST:  (Tie) Jessica Empey, Jacob Gustafson

Popular, Grade 7

FIRST:  Tianna Veldhuisen

SECOND:  Caitlin Rittau

Baroque, Grade 4

FIRST:  Mike Koostra

SECOND:  (Tie) Madison Krikke,  Judy Wu

Classical, Grade 3

FIRST:  Mira Donaldson

Classical, Grade 4

FIRST:  Alexa Veldhuisen

SECOND:  Mika Kooistra

Open Piano, Intermediate

FIRST:  Mira Donaldson

Family, One Piano, Two Performers

FIRST:  Naomi Dunn and Frances Flook

Open Piano, Elementary

FIRST:  Max VanDrunen

SECOND:  Matthew Watts

Open Piano, Intermediate

FIRST:  Emily Loney

SECOND:  (Tie) Annalise Rittau, Aiden Tullio

Open Piano, Advanced

FIRST:  Caitlin Rittau

SECOND:  (Tie) Samantha Martin, Kayla Stang

Sacred, Level 1

FIRST:  Grace Kooistra

SECOND:  Josiah Peltomaki

Sacred, Level 5

FIRST:  Annalise Rittau

Jazz, Level 2

FIRST:  Mackenzie Jolicouer

SECOND:  Rowen Quast

Popular, Level 2

FIRST:  (Tie) Katrina Klug and Mya Hamilton

SECOND:  (Tie) Isaac Dykstra and Grace Kooistra

Children’s Songs, Level 5

FIRST:  Annalise Rittau

Classical, Level 4

FIRST:  Aaron Rittau

Classical, Level 5

FIRST:  Annalise Rittau

Changes For Treaty 3 Police Service

There are some changes within Treaty 3 Police Service.

It includes some changes to conditions of employment and the laying off of seven junior officers.

Chief of Police Operations Terry Armstrong says it comes down to a funding issues.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada, who represents the officers, is looking at filing unfair labor practices
complaints against the force.

Former School Likely To Remain A Planned Subdivision

Any changes to Fort Frances town plans for a housing subdivision on the former Huffman School property appear unlikely.

A report to council tonight recommends it not endorse a proposal for a local seniors group to have the former school an extension of the Sister Kennedy Centre.

The proposal was given to all four of council's executive committees, c
oming back with the same recommendation that the town wasn't able to commit financially to the idea.

Minor Hockey Wants Ice Longer

Fort Frances Minor Hockey wants ice at the Ice for Kids arena left in longer.

The Association sees having ice until the end of June being beneficial to local users and to those playing outside of town and needing ice time during the off-season to keep themselves in game shape.

A report to council tonight doesn't think its feasible for this year because of the lateness of the request, but suggests the group bring f
orward a plan for next year.

Foul Play Ruled Out In Kenora Death

Provincial Police have ruled out anything suspicious in the death of a man at a Kenora hotel last week.

36-year-old Michael Sylborne from Toronto was found lying on the ground outside the hotel and later died in hospital.

Police aren't saying exactly how he died.

Minnesota Man Charged With Impaired

A Minnesota man is the latest to be nabbed for impaired driving by the Ontario Provincial Police.

The 50-year-old from Warroard was charged while police were conducting a RIDE check at the intersection of Highway 621 and Benas Road in Lake of the Woods Township Friday night.

Don't Feed The Deer

The Ministry of Natural Resources is advising people to not to feed the deer.

Spokesperson Kathyrn Lyzun says although feeding them is a well intentioned gesture it has negative impacts on the animals.

In Fort Frances, there is a by-law against feeding deer within town limits.

Festival Begins

Competition in the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts gets underway today with performances in Piano.

They get underway at 9:30 a.m. at the Townshend Theatre before shifting to Knox United Church tonight at 6 p.m.

Nancy Nowosad, a board member with the Winnipeg Music Festival, is serving as adjudicator.

New Logo

The group that overseas busing for area schools has a new logo.

Thanks to a couple of students at Donald Young School in Emo.

Designs by Emma Dykstra and Pasquel Shortreed were combined to give the Rainy River District Transportation Service Consortium its new logo.

The students were recognized for their efforts at a ceremony at the school last week.

Mayors Want Meeting With Premier

Mayors from across northern Ontario are joining forces in seeking a meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne.

They want to discuss their concerns regarding mill assessments done by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttal says communities involved are suffering.

Nuttall says despite issuing several requests, there has been no response from the Premier's office.

High School Teachers To Vote On Tentative Deal

Union leaders representing the province's public high school teachers have endorsed contract changes reached with the provincial government.

Teachers with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation says now vote on the deal over the next two weeks with results expected April 18.

The agreement makes changes to conditions imposed on the teachers under Bill 115, but both sides say the overall cost of the contract remains the same.

Students Wear T-Shirts To Aid Environment

High school students in Fort Frances are wearing new t-shirts in gym class that help the environment.

The shirts, purchased through the organization Me-To-We, are made in part with recycled water bottles.

Dexter Fichuk, the student trustee with the Rainy River District School Board, says the group is also planting trees for every shirt purchased.

Fichuk is hoping students at other school will wear the shirts in the future.

Native Language Taught Through Television-Style Program

Area students and others are the stars of a video being produced to help teach native language among young student.

The Koko Jones Show is being produced in a television-program style with a puppet host interacting with others.

Brent Tookenay of the Rainy River District School Board says having students involves make them more engage.

Tookenay says they hope to roll out the first episodes in the near future.

Safeway/Special Olympics Fundraiser

A campaign to help sent Special Olympic athletes in northwestern Ontario to upcoming events is underway at Canada Safeway stores.

Customers are being invited to make a two-dollar donation in return for five Air Miles.

Gaby Hanzuk, who will head to the provincial games as a coach in track and field, says the money raised is used to offset athlete travel.

Richard Ottertail of Lac La Croix First Nation and Danny Smith of Fort Frances are among athletes who will participate in bowling later this month and in softball at the provincial level this summer.

Award Winners Announced

Falls Chamber photo

International Falls Chamber of Commerce has named its award winners.

Stride Fitness and Health was selected small business of the year.

Decker's Family Care of Ranier is the large business of the year winner.

Punky Stadum of International Falls is the citizen of the year.

Recipients will be formally recognized at an event May 2.

Renters Being Told To Stop

Koochiching County is taking action to stop property owners from renting out their cabins or homes as vacation rentals.

It's sending out a letter that points out such activity violates a zoning ordinance and could be subject to fines up of to $200 per day.

It was prompted by complaints first brought
up almost a year ago and again in January.

LHIN Looks At Diabetes Care

The number of people living with diabetes in northwestern Ontario remains the highest in the province.

So the Northwest Local Health Integration Network is looking to provide more coordinated diabetes care.

The Network's Susan Pilatzke says they are looking at how they can improve patient needs.

Meetings with current providers will be held to determine what changes are necessary.
.

Province Investigating Chemotheraphy Drug Under Dosing

Premier Kathleen Wynne calls the under dosing of 990 chemotherapy patients in the province a "very worrisome'' situation.

Wynne says her government will try to find out why it happened to patients at four southern Ontario hospitals -- some for as long as a year.

Officials say there was too much saline added to the bags containing the chemotherapy medications.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says experts have assured her the health risks from the watered down cancer drugs were minimal.

Riverside Outlines Its Cancer Drug Procedures

Riverside Health Care Facilities is reassuring cancer patients it treats about the drugs it provides in wake of the issue facing hospitals in southern Ontario and New Brunwick.

Riverside says it does not use premixed bags and that the chemotherapy drugs used are mixed into intravenous bags in the pharmacy department of La Verendrye Hospital under strict procedures

The drugs are also prescribed by oncologists from the cancer center in Thunder Bay or Winnipeg

EHealth Will Pay Bonus

EHealth Ontario will pay almost $7-million in bonuses to hundreds of workers after agreeing to settle a lawsuit filed by the employees.

The workers launched a class-action suit last summer to recover bonuses promised in 2011, but denied by the Liberal government.

Elementary Teachers Close To New Deal With Province

The union representing public elementary teachers says it's close to reaching a new deal with the provincial government on changes to teachers' current contracts.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario says it has come to "understandings'' with the governing Liberals on several issues.

The news comes as the union representing high school teachers is about to share details of its agreement with the province to its members.

College President Seeks Program Expansion

Confederation College wants to see a number of post secondary programs expanded in the upcoming provincial budget.

President Jim Madder is calling for a dual credit program, now offered at the campus in Fort Frances, expanded to attract more aboriginal students.

He also wants the province to extend a rebate program for students who wait
a few years after high school before attending college.

Just Call Me Lucille

A new teaching tool dealing with bullying will be launched next week by the Rainy River District School Board.

"Just Call Me Lucille" is a book co-written by Mike Parkhill, who's worked with the board on other native language programs.


The book focuses on a young bear who's bullied in school and how she deals with it.

Education Director Heather Campbell says it's written in both English and Ojibwa.

The book will be launched in conjunction with Day of Pink April 10.

AT&T Tower Completed

AT&T has completed constructed of a 450-foot tall communications tower just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

It's to be operational this summer.

AT&T says it will improve the reliability of cell phone service in the area.

The Friends of the Wilderness Area had fought unsuccessfully
against the tower in court.

Kiss 'N' Ride A Go

Google Earth

An effort to ease traffic congestion in front of some Fort Frances schools is going ahead.

Rainy River District School Board trustees voted at their meeting last night to support the Kiss 'N' Ride initiative so project components can go to tender.

Education Director Heather Campbell says it includes a new bus loop on the southeast side of Robert Moore School.

J.W. Walker School will have a new bus loop off Flinders Avenue while an existing loop in front will be used by parents dropping off their children.

Woman Hurt In Accident

A woman from Fort France remains in hospital in Thunder Bay following an accident at Riverwalk Condominiums last week.

OPP says the woman was driving her vehicle into the underground parking area when her vehicle accelerated rapidly and collided first with the inside garage door and then a cement support pole.

Police describe the woman's in
juries as serious.

Fire Not Suspicious

Fire officials have found nothing suspicious to a weekend fire that caused extensive damage to a commercial structure in Watten township.

No one was injured in Sunday morning's blaze on Highway 11 near George Armstrong Road, but two vehicles parked inside and the building suffered extensive smoke, fire and water damage.

Officials says the owner of the building was doing some mechanical

work on a vehicle when the fire started.

Fire Protection Rates Stay The Same

Some residents in Koochiching County won't be paying more for fire protection in 2013.

Randy Pozniak of the Rural Fire Protection Association says they're holding the line on fees charged.

Residential property owners pay a85-dollars a year while commercial properties are charged on a sliding scale

The city of Ranier will pay $29, 500 which covers the costs to all residents in the community.