Church Fundraiser Kicks Off Tomorrow

Knox United Church in Fort Frances kicks off an ambition fundraising campaign tomorrow.

The Church will hold a dinner and silent auction towards raising $1.2 million dollars to make the building more accessible.

Campaign co-chair Bill Gushulak says they hope to start construction next spring with the installation of a new elevator and renovated washrooms.

Tickets for tomorrow's event still available at Fort Frances General Supply or at Brockies Jewellers.

Growth Plan Gets A Look

Provincial cabinet ministers, along with municipal, business and aboriginal leaders are in Timmins today to share ideas on the Northern Growth Plan.

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Dave Canfield admits they are a little disappointed at how long its taken to get the plan off the ground.

The province put out the Growth Plan two years ago.


Premier Kathleen Wynne is also among those attending the Northern Leader's Forum.

Budget Surplus Projected

Minnesota is projecting an $825 million dollar budget surplus for next year.

Minnesota Management and Budget, in a November Economic Forecast, projects the surplus at be over one-billion dollars, but $246-million must be used to complete repayment of money taken from an education fund to balance the budget a few years ago.

Another $15-million will go to the State airports fund, restoring money borrowed in 2008.

New Education System Proposed

Ontario's Secondary School Teachers Federation is renewing a debate over education in Ontario.

It's proposing the province create just two systems based on Canada's official languages.

President Paul Elliot says it's mirrors what is already done in Quebec.

Elliot says the change would eliminate duplication now existing between the current four systems and allow for savings to be re-invested into education.

Best Buddies At SCAP

It's good to have a buddy at an elementary school in Emo.

Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program has a program where older students are paired with younger ones.

Grade 11 student Jenny Dyck says it creates more of a student community.

The program was initiated three years by the school's student council.

Grade 7 student Courtney Sinclair says it's great for younger students to get the ability to hang with those in the high school grades.

School officials says the program has helped in leadership development, creating a greater sense of responsibility and positive mentoring among students.

Holly Daze In Emo

It's Holly Daze in Emo.

Local stores are holding specials sales.

There's also a craft sale at the Emo Legion, a baby contest at Hair and Body Care Shoppe.

Later tonight, the Christmas Parade will run through Roy, Queen and Front Streets to Golden Age Manor, starting at Donald Young School at 6 p.m.

Members of the Emo Hospital Auxiliary will be collected non-perishable food items for the Emo Food Bank.

A fireworks display takes place after the parade

Legal Aid Lawyers Seek Collective Bargaining Rights

Legal Aid Lawyers Facebook photo

Legal Aid lawyers across Ontario are pressing for the right to collectively bargain with Legal Aid Ontario.

The effort start almost two years ago.

Toronto lawyer Jillian Rogin says since then, 80 per cent of lawyers across the province has signed a petition asking the agency to voluntarily accept its wishes.

Legal Aid Ontario has said there's no precedent for lawyers to be represented by what they call a trade-union, a claim disputed by Rogin.

No Separate Rate For Northern Ontario

Ontario's Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli is deflecting criticism over the high cost of electricity in the North, resulting from the province's new long-term energy plan.

Despite numerous calls for a separate electricity rate in northern Ontario, Chairelli says that's not part of the plan and won't be considered by the Province.

According to the plan released earlier this week, we will face a 33 percent hike in our electricity rates over the next three years.

Tug Of War Changes

Some changes could be in store for the annual Pulling For Peace Tug of War between Fort Frances and International Falls.

Falls Councillor Cynthia Jaksa says during a meeting that included Fort Councillor Rick Wiendehoeft, Canada's Consulate-General in Minneapolis, Jamshed Merchant suggests a pull between the members of the U.S. National Guard and Canadian Military Reservists.

Jacksa says members of the Minnesota Vikings won't be taking part, so the celebrity tug may be limited to local celebrities or political dignitaries they do hope to invite.

New Canadians

A Fort Frances woman can now call herself a Canadian citizen.

Rowena Calica was among 32 across northwestern Ontario who took the oath at a ceremony in Thunder Bay Wednesday.

Calica came here from the Phillipines.

The new Canadians originally hailed from over 18 different countries.

School Board Employees Honoured

Three employees with the Rainy River District School Board have been recognized for reaching the 25 year mark in their employment.

Educational assistants Diane Maraj and Joyce Scott, and custodian Linda Brough were honoured by the Board at its meeting Tuesday

All three work at Fort Frances high School.

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Travel Safe

The Ministry of Transportation is reporting all roads in northwestern Ontario, including those in the Rainy River district, to be snow covered with poor visibility resulting from blow snow.

Conditions are same on the highways in Koochiching County.

If you have to drive today, do so with extreme caution and adjust you speed to the road conditions.

Snow Day In Borderland

Residents across the borderland are pulling out the shovels, plows and snow blowers again for the second time in a matter of days.

The National Weather Service of Duluth reports the International Falls and Fort Frances regions received as much as 9 inches or 20 centimetres of snow as a result of a storm that passed through the area yesterday.

That brings the total snowfall in past couple of days to almost 16 inches or 40 centimetres.

The snow has forced several school buses in the region to cancel there runs today, some making the announcement late last night.

Schools are open but those in the International Falls are being delayed by at least two hours.

The Fort Frances Nursery School is shutting down for the day.

Ontario Court in Rainy Riveris also cancelled

Bus Cancelations For Thursday December 5

Here is a list of all bus cancellations in the Rainy River district

All Atikokan Iron Range buses

Jack Medwechuck 's JM 240 route - Morson to Rainy River

Murray MacDonald MM230

Northwest Bay Elementary and High School buses

The Zaagi-idiwin Aboriginal Head Start bus is cancelled

Dimit Bus Lines route DB100, DB101, DB102, DB103, DB104, DB105, DB106, DB107, DB 108, DB 109, DB110, DB111, DB112,

Shane McDonald's SM235

MN250,  driven by Darryl Dyck

MN251, driven by Maury Nielson

Big Island Elementary bus to McCrossen-Tovell

All Iron Range Fort Frances buses.

Jodi Goliquer's Big Grassy/Rainy River high school bus.

All school buses leaving Seine River, going to Mine Centre and Fort France'

Red Gut First Nation buses to Mine Centre and Fort Frances 

All Rainy River First Nations buses

Bruce Nielson, BN245

Keith Jolicoeur - KJ220

Stanjokoming First Nation bus driven Brian Wayash

Bob Johnson's BJ 215 and B216

Bill Romyn BR260

Greg Ferris, GF200

ISB 361 in International Falls - their buses are running, but running two hours later.  Classes are running two hours late.


Watch for changes during the morning

Another Meeting On Schools Before Final Decision Is Made

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board intend to hold another special meeting to discuss the future of three elementary schools in the west end of the district.

Administration is favouring Donald Young School in Emo, Sturgeon Creek in Barwick and Crossroads in Devlin be consolidated into one new school constructed in Emo.

Trustee Dave Kurcher says trustees need to feel comfortable before making a final decision.

A special meeting will take place in January so trustees can have a frank discussion on the options open to them.

It mean's a final decision could take place in February.

Fight To Keep School Open Will Continue

Some parents say they won't give up on trying to keep their school open.

Jackie McCormick, who chaired the committee reviewing Sturgeon Creek School, says there are still several questions she feels are unanswered, including exactly how much money Rainy River District School Board will save by consolidating schools in Barwick, Emo and Devlin.

McCormick is pleased that trustees intend to hold another meeting to discuss the school reviews before making a final decision.

First Nation Community Denies Threats Of Withdrawing Students

Rainy River First Nations is disputing claims it will pull its students out of the public school system if a school is not located in Emo.

An administration report presented to trustees in November indicated the community stated during the accommodation review consultation process that if Donald Young School closed, it would seek alternative options for educating its youth.

The band says it made no comments to the review committees.

Chief Jim Leonard adds "using their students as leverage to promote a particular outcome is completely unacceptable."

School Board Elections

Mike Lewis has been acclaimed as chair of the Rainy River District School Board.

The Atikokan trustee has held the position since his election three years ago.

Diane McCormick, who represents the town of Rainy River area, was returned as vice-chair.

Conservation Plans Not Likely A Reality In NW Ontario

The Co-chair of the Northwest Energy Task Force is putting some reality to the province's long term energy plan.

Ian Angus says although the cost won't be as high as initially projected, it's still not going to be cheap.

Angus also disagrees with plans to conserve energy in the Northwest, noting that it will have little impact once proposed mines begin operations.

Drug Bust In Kenora

A huge drug bust in the Kenora area.

OPP say 180 pounds of marijuana, street valued at more than $450 thousand, were discovered inside a tractor trailer unit stopped on the Trans Canada Highway yesterday for a traffic violation.

A 43-year-old B.C. man is now up on possession and trafficking charges.

Street Party Planned In International Falls

International Falls could have a new street party next summer.

Local coordinator of the Statewide Health Improvement Plan Nancy Lee says they're hoping to tap into funding from Blue Cross/Blue Shield who wants to promote physical activity.

Lee says the local plan calls for tying in with the existing Concert and Library in the Park events.

Lee says to eligible for funding, some streets would have to be closed for at least one Wednesday a month in June, July and August..

Province Defends Road Safety Record

The provincial government is defending its road safety record, despite a recent rash of highway fatalities in northern Ontario.

There have been at least seven deaths in the past week, including the two killed in an accident east of Fort Frances Monday.

Speaking at Queen's Park, Transportation Minister Glen Murray says they are doing their best to improve winter highway safety by hiring additional maintenance crews.


The exact reason for Monday's night's accident is still under investigation.

Start of RIDE program Nabs 12

The first week of the OPP's festive RIDE program has netted impaired driving charges against eight drivers, including one in the Rainy River district.

Four others, including two in this district, had their licenses suspended for registering in the warn range.

The stepped up enforcement continues until January 2

Paper Machine Goes Down

A paper machine at the Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances, restarted earlier this summer, has been shut down again.

Production of machine number 7 came to an end Monday, impacting about 50 to 60 workers who were called back to work.

Company spokesperson Xavier Van Chau says the closure was not unexpected.

Chau says when the machine came back online, there was an understanding it would only operate temporarily and cease production before mid-December.

There are no current plans for a restart.

Crash Victims Identified

OPP have released the names of those killed in yesterday's accident east of Fort Frances.

82-year-old David Chambers and his wife, 75-year-old Louise Chambers, both of Fort Frances, died after the vehicle they were in come into collision with a logging truck on Highway 11, in the area of Windy Point Bridge and Reef Point Road, about 15 kilometres east of town.

The driver of the pulp truck was not injuries.

Two Dead In Accident

Two people are dead following an accident east of Fort Frances.

OPP says both of the victims where in a vehicle, heading west, that came into collision with a commercial motor vehicle heading east on Highway 11 last snight at around 5 p.m. in the area of Windy Point Bridge and Reef Point Road, about 15 kilometers east of town.

A woman passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was taken to hospital in Fort Frances where he later succumbed to his injuries.

No names are being immediately released.

The accident shut down the highway down for almost three hours.

Four Arrested In Meth Investigation

Four people face charges following the seizure of methamphetamine in Fort Frances.

The two men and two woman were arrested Thursday after OPP issued a search warrant at a home in the Walleye Trailer Park.

Police seized a variety of drugs including seven grams of crystal methamphetamine, street valued at $14-hundred dollars, marijuana and cocaine, along with a quantity of cash, fifteen communication devices, packaging material and debit lists.

OPP say it's the first such discovery of meth in the Rainy River district.

The accused will appear in court in January.

Snow Week

It's going to be a snowy week.

The system, which moved into the Borderland yesterday, brought more than 5 centimeters to the area with more to come.

Both Environment Canada and the National Weather Service out of Duluth predict that by the time it moves away tomorrow night, the region could see as much as 20 to 25 centimeters.

All highways in the Rainy River district are identified as snow covered with icy sections.

Similar road conditions are listed for Highways in Koochiching County.

Motorists are adviced to use extreme caution today while driving.

Stuff A Cruiser Fills Ten In Atikokan

OPP have a good start to their Stuff-A-Cruiser Campaign in the Rainy River District.

A total of ten cruisers were filled with non-perishable food items in Atikokan on Saturday.

The items have been turned over to the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan Christmas Cheer and the Faith Lutheran Church Food Bank.

The next events take place in Fort Frances, Emo and Rainy River December 14.

Safeway Food Drive

Canada Safeway has launched a food drive of its own.

Customers are being asked to purchase five or ten dollar "care packages" that will be given to local food banks.

Spokesperson Betty Kellsey says the packages contain items most urgently needed by food banks at this time of year.

Items purchased at the Fort Frances store will go to the Salvation Army.

Energy Plan Released

The Liberal government has released it's long term energy plan.

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli says the plan should save rate payers over $70 billion by 2030.

Chiarelli says that is made possible by some big changes.

He says the average consumer can expect to see $523 less in the near term and over $38-hundred over the life of the plans.

Chamber Elections Underway

Elections are underway for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

It includes a race for board president with incumbent Mark Caron of M..L. Electric up against Robin Payeur of Causeway Insurance.

Four people are vying for the first vice-presidency and two for the position of second vice-president.

The Chambers also filling two director spots with four people running.

Voting, by ballot, will continue until December 13.

PRESIDENT:

Robin Payeur - Causeway General Insurance
Mark Caron - ML Caron Electric

1st VICE PRESIDENT:
Jordan Forbes - Salteaux Consulting & Engineering
Myles Kuharski - Gillons' Insurance Brokers
Robin Payeur - Causeway General Insurance
Jennifer Greenhalgh - NCDS
George Emes - Emes Financial

2nd VICE PRESIDENT:

Jordan Forbres - Salteaux Consulting & Engineering
Annely Armstrong - NCDS

DIRECTOR (Two to be elected)

Jordan Forbes - Salteaux Consulting & Engineering
Ben Morelli - From the Grind Up
Bob Hamilton - Little Beaver Cultural Centre
Leo Melanson - 93.1 The Border.

Stop! The Fox

At Fort Frances High School, students are trying to shut the fox up.

The song, called "the Fox," performed by Ylvis is continually being played between classes this week in an effort to raise money for Typhoon Haiyan relief in the Philippines.

Students are being asked to donate with the hopes of reaching $500.00 before the music is stopped.

The fundraiser began yesterday with about one hundred dollars being raised.

Question of the Week

How would you rate the Festival of Frost?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Festival Of Frost Awards

Award winners of the Festival of Frost have been announced.

Dancemakers picked up two awards for the best business display and the people's choice award.

The Christian Fellowship Chapel was named the Best Church Group.

Running Horse Ranch earn the Best Non Profit Organization award.

The Nordic Ski Club earned the award for the Best Recreational display.

Falls Parade Winners

Awards have been handed out as part of the "Twas the Lights Before Christmas" parade in International Falls.

The entry from the local Girls Scouts, Brownies and Daisies, entitled "Gingerbread House and Gifts" earned first place money of  $300.00.

Koochiching Economic Development Authority entry was second while the International Falls Chamber of Commerce's "Gizzard Girls" and Moose Lodge tied for third.

Sassy, a Yorkshire Terrier, owned by Dixie Kalstad was winner of the cutest pet contest.

Festival Of Trees Sell Out

There was good success in the first ever Festival of Trees.

A total of fourteen trees went on the auction block last week as part of a fundraiser for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club.

Spokesperson Samatha Manthy says all of the trees sold, raising $752.00.

Christmas Kettles Need To Be Filled

The Salvation Army is appealing for help.

It's launched its Christmas Kettle campaign in Fort Frances with the aim of raising at least $15-thousand.

Lieutenant Dennis Maybury says the money helps with its Christmas hamper program.

Maybury says they are also still looking for volunteers to ring the Kettles that are located at Walmart, Canada Safeway, the LCBO and Canadian Tire.

Smaller kettles have been set up at Boston Pizza and the Place.

Change In Delivery OF Child Welfare Services

First Nations people living off reserve in the Rainy River District will now access child welfare services through  Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.

Weechi-it-te-win will formally signed an agreement with the Kenora and Rainy River District Child and Family Services Friday.

The District agency's executive director Bill Leonard says it's a very important move.

Leonard says the agreement was the original goal of the Weechi-it-te-win since it's creation 30 years ago.

Organizers Happy With Festival of Frost

It was a little smaller than expected, but organizers of the Festival of Frost in Fort Frances are happy with the outcome.

About ten different groups set up displays along Scott Street Saturday.

One of the organizers Robin Payeur was pleased with the creativity.

Payeur says they will now access the event, but expects it to return next year.

I Am Awesome Seeks Public Support

Organizers of a girls' retreat are hoping to sustain local support as it vies for funding in the Aviva Community fund.

The I Am Awesome (And I Know It) retreat is into the semi-final round of voting whic begins at 11 A.M.

Organizer Rene Martin-Brown says while they finished strong in preliminary voting, they still need the public's help in getting to the finals.

The group is one of 30 entries competing for funding in the small project category.

Top ten move on to the finals.

You can cast a vote by clicking this link.

Stand Off Ends Peacefully

A 28-year-old man has been arrested following a 14-hour standoff at a home in Frenchman's Head, near Sioux Lookout.

OPP says it began midnight Sunday, ending late yesterday afternoon, forcing other homes around the area to be evacuated.

The man was eventually arrested by police without incident.

Policing Costs Expected To Rise

Fort Frances could be paying a lot more for policing in 2014.

Estimates from the OPP peg the cost at more than $2.8 million.

That's over $200-thousand more than what was estimated for this year and $300-thousand more than what the town actually paid in 2012.

An 8.5 per cent raise for officers that kicks in next year is identified as the chief reason for the increase.

Fewer Charges Laid In Fort Frances

OPP continue to lay fewer charges in Fort Frances than they did last year.

Statistics released show just over 900 charges being laid between January and October.

That's about 150 less than during the same period in 2012.

Traffic offences and charges related to the criminal code account for over two-thirds of those charges.

PSAC Wins Key Ruling

A land mark decision by the Canadian Industrial Labour Relations Board could have an impact on the Treaty Three Police Service.

Earlier this week, the Board ruled that the Public Service Alliance of Canada can represent the officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

Union spokesperson Sharon DeSousa a similar hearing is scheduled with Treaty Three in January.

PSAC says if Treaty Three Police accept the Labour Board's ruling, they can begin working on outstanding grievances and bargaining on a new contract for the officers. 

Thefts On the Rise

Fort Frances is seeing an increase in thefts.

OPP responded to 18 calls in October, up from 12 the month before.

Some of the items targeted by thieves included fishing rods, bicycles and a snowmobile which was recovered.

Driver Charged

A 30-year-old resident of Sabaskong First Nation heads to court on a charge of impaired driving.

OPP charged the driver Thursday after noticing a vehicle stopped on Highway 71 south of Nestor Falls blocking traffic.

Snomobile Club Needs More Support

The Borderland Snowmobile Club says it needs more snowmobilers to purchase trail permits to survive.

President Dave Goodman says last year the club sold about 80 permits, but needs at least 170 sales this season to operate and maintain its nearly 500 kilometer trail network.

Last year the club spent almost $20,000 grooming trails, but collected just $15,000 in revenues.

Goodman says they did get a good start to this season with pre-sales that helped attract some new people and former users back to the trail system.

Man aCharged In Year-old Fort Frances Murder

A 26-year-old Seine River First Nation man has been arrested on a charge of second degree murder in the connection with last year's death of 45-year-old Leo Whitecrow.

The charge against Peter Deafy comes more than a year after Whitecrow's body was discovered inside a room at the Mid-Town Motel in Fort Frances

OPP Sergeant Shelly Garr won't say why it took so long, but it's not unusual.

The cause of Whitecrow's death has not yet revealed.

Impaired Drivers Nabbed

Some motorists will be visiting court rooms in the near future on impaired driving related charges.

A 24-year-old Thunder Bay man has been charged Tuesday following a single vehicle accident on Highway 622, just north of Atikokan.

OPP handed out a 3-day driver license suspension to one driver during a RIDE program check last Thursday in Atikokan.

Police also found a small amount of marijuana in another vehicle.

A 20-year-old Fort Frances man has been charged with failing to provide a breath sample after OPP checked a vehicle parked in a parking lot of a Fort Frances business on Kings Highway, also last Thursday.

Caliper Lake To Re-open

Caliper Lake Provincial Park is going to get a second chance at life.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls town council has agreed to take over the operations of the park from the province.

It was closed by the province last year.


Mayor Bill Thompson says the township, which already operates Sioux Narrows Park, is hoping to offset costs by using fewer staff and allowing seasonal rates for campsites.

Fire Department Receives Funding

Union Gas is lending a hand to the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service.

The gas utility has awarded the department a grant of 25-hundred dollars toward its emergency training program.

The Fire and Rescue Service is in the process of improving its training site at the Fort Frances airport so it can enhance training for firefighters from across the region.