Kraft Celebration Tour Just Days Away

Kraft Celebration Tour

The Kraft Celebration Tour is underway with its final stop in Fort Frances this coming Sunday.

TSN's Darrren Dutchyshen tells CFOB-News he's looking forward to this visit.

Both Darren and co-anchor Jennifer Hedger will hold an autograph session Sunday at noon at Canada Safeway until 1 p.m. while Kraft's community BBQ at the Sorting Gap Marina begins at 3 p.m.

Two Men Charged In Break-In

Two men will be making court appearances on charges related to a recent break-in in Fort Frances.

OPP responded to a 911 call shortly after midnight last Tuesday about two people being spotted going in a building located on the caller's property.

Both were arrested on scene and charged with several offenses.

Police says one of the men had been involved in similar criminal activity earlier this year and charged accordingly.

Government Slammed Over MNR Cuts

 The opposition is slamming the province over recent layoffs at Ministry of Natural Resources offices across northwestern Ontario.

The union representing workers puts the number at 102, including two at the Fort Frances office.

Kenora-Rrainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says there's confusion about the numbers coming from the Natural Resources Minister who claims there will actually be an increase in jobs.

Campbell wants government to reveal its long-term vision for the MNR.

Residential School Survivors Remembered

The buildings may be gone but the memories remain.

Grand Council Treaty 3 held a ceremony to commemorate survivors of residential schools.

Using the site of a former school in Kenora as a backdrop, Wabigoon Lake Chief Rueben Cantin says there effects will be long felt.

Survivors from the 5 other residential schools operated within Treaty 3 also attended.

Decorate For the Kraft Tour

Fort Frances is being encouraged to get in the Kraft Celebration Tour spirit.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has set up a contest encouraging businesses around town to decorate their store fronts helping to welcome TSN and Kraft when they arrive next weekend.

Manager Annely Armstrong says they could be show as part of TSN's coverage.

Canada Safeway is also offering up a $100 Kraft prize pack to the winning display.

Let the Chamber know of your display so you don't get missed in the judging.



Homeowners can also get into the spirit with the hope of getting on TSN.

Fort Frances Curling Club would like to see homes decorated with the TSN and Kraft theme.

We'll promote your display as well.

Email your photo to info@931theborder.ca and we'll put it up on our website and Facebook page to help promote it.

Guns In Minnesota Capital Buildings Debates

Members of a task force studying security at Minnesota's Capitol are split over the law that allows handguns in the building.

Panel chair Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon says recommendations are still a ways off, but admits allowing people with handgun permits to carry in the Capitol is a safety risk.

Republican members say law-abiding handgun owners are not the ones causing a safety risk.

Youth Choir Planned

A new choir is being established in the Rainy River district.

The Rainy River District Youth Choir is targeting youth 8 to 14.

One of the organizers Heather Latter says a lack of youth choirs at the spring festival led to her to suggesting the idea to Christine Campagna who will director it.

Latter says they'll hold a registration Wednesday August 21 at the Zion Lutheran Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with first rehearsals taking place in October.

Decorate For Kraft Celebration Tour

Fort Frances Curling Club is hoping to dress up the town for the Kraft Celebration Tour.

Homeowners are being asked to decorate their yards showing support for TSN and Kraft when they arrive August 25.

A similar contest is being set up for area businesses by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Take a photograph and send us through info@931the border.ca and we'll showcase your home on our website and Facebook page.

ELA Talks Slowed

Some concerns are being raised again about the future of the Experimental Lakes Area.

Both the provincial and federal government have been talking to a Manitoba group about taking over the research area near Kenora.

A member of the group fighting for its continuance, Peter Kirby,  says financial demands lead a list of hold ups in the negotiations.

Kirby says the delays are having impact on efforts to conduct research and on private donors who want to offer their support.

Demands For Minimum Wage Increase

Advocates are pushing for a big jump in Ontario's minimum wage.

Several demonstrations were held across the province August 14 to support of the current rate of $10.25 going to $14.

Spokesperson Sonia Singh says it's a figure they believe will get people now struggling over the poverty line.

The group is planning demonstrations each month until the province agrees to the increase.

Most of the protests have been in southern Ontario, but Singh says the movement is growing and expects to see some occurring in northwestern Ontario in the future.

MNR Cuts Jobs

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the Ministry of Natural Resources is cutting 102 jobs, include some in northwestern Ontario.

Two of the positions are in Fort Frances.

Dryden and Thunder Bay will each lose 7, three in Kenora and two others in both Red Lake and Sioux Lookout.

The affected employees given notice August 13 inc
lude administrative support staff, digital mapping staff, regulatory compliance staff, foresters and biologists.

No Annexation Approval Yet

Koochiching County is still looking for some assurances before its ready to join in on an annexation proposal by the city of International Falls.

The City wants lands for a planned multi-modal facility within its jurisdiction.

County Commissioner Wade Pavleck is supportive, but says promises made a year ago need to be more formal.

The County wants to ensure a good buffer around the development and that any rock blasting is conducted according to its regulations.


Officials plan to meet again towards drafting an agreement.

Rainy Lake Medical Ends Talks With Essentia

Talks aimed at Rainy Lake Medical Center becoming a subsidiary of Essentia Health have ended without agreement.

Essentia was seeking greater control of the International Falls hospital.

Vice chair of Rainy Lake's board Susan Congrave says while they value the relationship they've had with Essentia, the board felt the community would be best served by maintaining local ownership and control.

Existing agreements between the two will continue until the end of June 2014.

LHIN Re-appoints Members

Two individuals have been reappointed to the Northwest Local Health Integration Network's board of directors.

Dennis Gushalak of Ear Falls and Diane Loubier of Ignace remain on the agency that oversees regional  health care planning and funding for the next three years.

Trip Giveway From Shoppers A Scam

There's another scam targeting folks across northwestern Ontario.

Some residents are receiving calls claiming they've won a trip from Shopper's Drug Mart, and ask for financial information to confirm the trip.

Officials
from Shoppers say they have no trip giveaway taking place and they never ask for financial information.

Fundraiser Coming

Riverside Foundation For Health Care has set the date for its annual fundraiser dinner.

The September 14 event will be held in Emo with a Cowboys and Lace theme.

This year's proceeds will go to purchasing a new mechanical lift at Riverside's Emo Health Centre and an IV Pump at Rainy River Health Centre.

Tickets are now available at all Riverside Facilities, Gillons' and McTaggarts.

More Area Commitments To Marketing Plan

Another funding commitment to the Heart of the Continent's proposed marketing initiative involving the National Geographic Society.

The Koochiching Development Authority has approved $2,500 toward the effort.

A funding request to the town of Fort Frances has gone to the committee level for further discussion.

Proponents says the National Geographic Society involvement will help promote the area between the Fort Frances-International Falls, Thunder Bay and Duluth areas to a wide audience.

Ontario Reviewing Exotic Animals Rules

Ontario is starting a review of rules regarding the possession and ownership of exotic pets in the province.

The Ministers of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Natural Resources are creating a working group with the intent of submitting a report to government this fall.

The re
view follows the death of two young boys in New Brunswick, strangled to death by a loose python.

Municipal Reps to Recruitment Committee Step Down

Fort Frances town council's two reps on a local physician recruitment committee have resigned.

Both Councillors Andrew Hallikas and Paul Ryan have been on the committee since 2010.

Speaking to CFOB-News, Hallikas would only say a difference in philosophy with another played a part in him stepping down.

No word yet if council will fill the vacancies.

Town Seeking Savings With Telcomm Changes

Town of Fort Frances is hoping for some savings from within t telecommunication services.

A deal with Telcom Enterprises will, among other things, help the town consolidate its twenty-eight phone accounts and switch to Telizon for its long distance services.

Community Services Manager Jason Kabel (KAY-bull) says at 1.6 cents a minute for long distance, it's a good deal.

The changes expect to save the town more than $65-thousand a year.

Border Towns Hope For Visit By Ambassador

Fort Frances and International Falls will be sending out an invite to the Canadian Ambassador to the United States.

Both councils have agreed to provide one-thousand dollars in funding to cover the cost of bringing Gary Doer to the area.

Doer last visited in 2009.

Hudak Not Interested In Leadership Review Right Now

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is flatly dismissing calls from within the party for a review of his leadership.

Some Tories want the review during the party's policy conference in London next month.

Hudak says he got over 78 per cent support during a leadership review done after the 2011 election, and won't agree to change the party's constitution to allow for another vote in September.

New FEDNOR Minister Hiring Staff

The federal government's new Minister responsible for FedNor is putting some northwestern Ontario flavour into the regional economic development funding program.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's hired Thunder Bay's Mark Wright to lead FedNor duties.

Wright was also an aid to  former FedNor Minister Joe Comuzzi.

Hammond Back As President

Members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario have re-elected Sam Hammond as its  president.

Hammond has served as president of ETFO since 2009.

More Rewards For Go Local Shoppers

Residents who've been supporting local businesses in the Fort Frances area can expect to see some rewards in the mail.

Organizers of the Go Local reward program say a second round of gift cards have been issued to card users who've earned 300 points or more.

The program launched earlier this year now has 35 merchants and nearly 22-hundred consumers taking part.

Not Weed After All

Turns out there was no weed for sale after all.

Bemidji police say no charges will be issued after someone posted a Facebook ad for marijuana.

Police located the account holder who claims his friends hacked his account and posted the ad without him knowing.

Atikokan Bass Classic Events Today

Activities around the Atikokan Bass Classic continue this morning.

A senior men's golf tournament begins at 9 a.m. at the Little Falls Country club.

Atikokan Native Friendship Centre hosts a kids scavenger hunt at 10 a.m.

The teddy bear picnic takes place at the Atikokan Library beginning at noon.

Question of the Week

Should the spring bear hunt be returned?

Let us know on our website, 931theborder. ca.

In response to last week's question, computer users were nearly split on whether boating licenses should be suspending on those who break the rules on the water.

Just 52 per cent support the idea.

Friends Of Animals Fundraiser

The Fort Frances Friends of Animals will hold a fundraiser next week.

A BBQ and community sale is planned for August 24 at the Metis Hall from 9 a.m.  to 5 p.m.

It's currently looking for donations to be sold at the event.

Drop them off at the Metis Hall in the afternoon of August 22 or 23 or at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Money raised helps the Friends tend to animals in their car and plan for the construction of a new holding facility.

Renewed Calls For Spring Bear Hunt

There are renewed calls for the spring bear hunt in northern Ontario.

The Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance says the region has seen a huge economic loss since the hunt was scrapped more than a decade ago.

Executive Director John Kaplanis says a recent bear attack is also further proof of the hunt's need.

A Thunder Bay man escaped serious injuries after being attacked by a bear at a provincial park earlier this month.

Cool Summer In Borderland

No surprise, but the month of July in the Borderland turned out to be cooler and wetter than normal.

In fact, it was the wettest month since 2002.

Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says several severe storms stateside has some influence.

Average temperature for the month was just 18 C, 64 F - more than a full degree below the norm.

Weather Records In International Falls

For the fourth time in a week, temperatures in International Falls have hit a record low.

The temperature Saturday morning fell to 38 F, 3.3. C, tying a record set last year.

Earlier this week, the city hit a record low Thursday and tied records on Wednesday and last Sunday.

Kingston Man Dies In Canoeing Mishap

A Kingston, Ontario man has died in a accident at Lake Superior, east of Thunder Bay.

OPP say 73-year-old Erhard Fenzl was with another man canoeing along the shore of Pukaskwa National Park when their canoe capsized Saturday afternoon.

A national park vessel retrieved the man and but he was pronounced dead at the scene after repeated revival attempts.

New Fire In Fort Frances District

The Ministry of Natural Resources has recorded just the twelve forest fire of the year in its Fort Frances district.

The fire in the area of Elsie Lake, north of Atikokan near White Otter Lake, was reported late Saturday night.

It's now out, but a cause has not been identified.

Most Shares Transferred To New Gold

Nearly all of the shares in Rainy River Resources are in the hands of New Gold.

New Gold had given Rainy River shareholders until the end of the day last Thursday to accept its take-over proposal.

New Gold says 97 per cent have been transferred.

Keith Sends His Regrets

He's appreciative of the support, but Duncan Keith says a visit to Fort Frances this summer isn't in the cards.

Many local fans had been pushing for Keith return with the Stanley Cup won by his Chicago Blackhawks in June.

In an interview with CFOB-News, Keith says with a short summer, caused by an extended NHL playoff schedule, and other commitments, there's wasn't the time to get anything planned.

He doesn't rule out a visit in the future if the Hawks win the cup again.

Keith will also miss the upcoming Kraft Celebration Tour to Canada's Olympic team training camp, but has taped messages to air on the day.

Province Get Input on Infrastructure P

Municipal leaders are getting their say in how a new provincial infrastructure program will work.

The $100-million dollar fund is specific to northern Ontario.

Infrastructure minister Glen Murray their input will help get the program launched this fall.

Murray says the fund will be especially vital to communities that don't have the tax base to self-fund large infrastructure projects.

East-West Transmission Line Work To Begin

The process is now underway for the construction of a new transmission line to provide electricity between northwestern and southern Ontario.

The Ontario Energy Board's Vanda Wall says a company has been chosen to begin the initial design, the environmental assessment and land acquisition.

Wall says it could be up 18 months before this stage is complete.

Hudak Get Federal Minister's Support

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is getting some very high profile support to help fend off challenges to his leadership from within the party.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird predicts Hudak will become the next premier.

Some Tories are asking  for a leadership review after the party won just one of five by-elections last week.

Drowning In Minnesota Wilderness Area

A man from Denver, Colorado has died after jumping from a cliff into a lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Authorities pulled the body of 29-year-old Chase Winkey from Makwa Lake yesterday near the cliff that he and another person jumped from while swimming the day before.

Makwa Lake is located on the Minnesota side of the border,  just south of Quetico Provincial Park.

Ombudsman To Investigate Policy Policy

Ontario's ombudsman says he's launching an investigation into the government's guidelines for police on how to de-escalate conflict situations.

The announcement follows a fatal shooting in downtown Toronto that left an 18-year-old man dead that prompted public outrage over police use of force.

New Face Carving

 There's a new face in downtown Fort Frances.

For this one you're going to have to look up a tree.

Local carver Joe Kneisz says a dead tree gave him the inspiration to carve a face into its trunk.

Kneisz completed the carving in just a couple of days and received plenty of positive response from people who stopped to watch.

Union Heads Stepping Down

The presidents of two Canadian unions merging as one this fall are stepping down.

Communication Energy and Paperworkers President Dave Coles says neither he nor Canadian Autoworkers President Ken Lewenza will seek leadership of the new union, named Unifor.

Both indend to endorse senior CAW official Jerry Dias to lead Unifor when it holds its first official gathering in September.

Disgruntled Tories Told To Take A Deep Breath

Disgruntled Progressive Conservatives calling for a leadership review are being told to take a deep breath.

Some Tories want the review of Tim Hudak after the party lost in four of five by-elections last week.

Party president Richard Ciano says they should realize the party made a huge breakthrough in Toronto by winning in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

Hudak  is vacationing this week and unavailable to comment.

Liberal Collect Big In By-election Campaigns

Ontario's governing Liberals may have lost three of five provincial by-elections last week, but they raised the most money by far of any party during the campaign for the August 1 votes.

Preliminary figures from Elections Ontario show the Liberals raised just under $1 million.

The Progressive Conservatives raised $245-thousand.

Figures for the NDP had been posted at $68-thousand in July, but removed at the party's request because of a problem with the way the money was allocated.

Housing Needs Studied

The housing needs of the Rainy River district are being studied.

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board intends to gather comment for a new ten year plan.

Chief Administrative Officer Dan McCormick says it will focus on all aspects of housing.

The DSSAB has developed an on-line survey and will host three open houses in Atikokan, Rainy River and Fort Frances later this month.

Shortage Of Blood Possible

Canadian Blood Services is warning of a "concerning'' shortage of blood this summer.

It cites fewer donations this summer and a constant demand from hospitals as reasons.

It says more than 50-thousand donations are needed between now and Labour Day to keep blood inventories at "an acceptable level.''

Blood donor clinics planned for later this month in Fort Frances where the CBS hopes for 240 donations.

Red Cross Looking For Help In Fort Frances Area

Canadian Red Cross is looking for some help in the Fort Frances area with its disaster response programs.

Volunteers will be at Walmart Saturday as part of the campaign to raise money.

Disaster Management Coordinator Kari Rafter says it helps them respond in times of need.

The Red Cross will also hold a workshop Saturday night for those interested in becoming part of its disaster response team.

That workshop takes place August 10, 7 p.m. at the Adventure Inn.

Bacteria Out Break At Regional Hospital Over

A three week bacterial outbreak at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences is over.

It  involved C-difficile. a mainly hospital born super bug which has been associated with the overuse of antibiotics.