Thursday, January 9, 2014

Pre-Budget Hearing Deadline Today

Today's the last day to request an audience with a provincial legislative committee gathering input on the next budget.

The committee is in Thunder Bay January 21.

Requests to make an oral presentation are made through the clerk of the committee.

Written submissions will be accepted until January 23.

Be Safe On The Sleds

A word of warning from the Ontario Provincial Police.

They're asking snowmobilers to exercise caution while on the trails and roadways.

It comes in the wake of five fatal accidents that have occurred across the province this winter.

All five mishaps happened on roadways.

Emergency Officials Looking To Improve Communications

The heads of the Ontario Associations of Police, Fire, and Paramedics are talking about how they communicate with each other.

President of the Paramedic's Association Norm Gale says they want to improve the way they spread information.

The provincial associations met in Thunder Bay yesterday

More Details On Resort Fire

More information is being released about Monday's fire at a northwestern Ontario resort between Vermilion Bay and Kenora.

The blaze destroyed all 15-rooms of the motel at Willard Lake Resort.

The owner pegs damage at roughly $200-thousand and believes the fire may have started in a wood furnace.

He's hoping to rebuild a handful of units by the summer.

Drug Companies Team On Generitc Drug Production

Baudette-based ANI Pharmaceuticals says its entered into an agreement with another company to produce and market a generic drug product.

ANI says the unnamed product will be developed by Illinois-based Sterling Pharmaceutical Services, later manufactured and marketed out of it's Baudette facility.

The company says the estimated value of the market for the drug is about 60-million dollars.

Use Of Nuclear Energy Increasing

Ontario's reliance on nuclear energy is increasing.

A report from the Independent Electricity System Operator shows nuclear accounted for almost 60 per cent of the province's energy needs in 2013.

That's up about 3 per cent from 2012.

Gas generation dropped more than 3 per cent while coal generation accounted for just 2 per cent of Ontario energy generation as the province continues to phase it out.

MTO Says Maintenance Of Highways Unchanged

The Ministry of Transportation denies service levels on Highways 502 or 622 this winter have been downgraded.

It's makes that claim in a letter to the Rainy River District School Board in response to one sent by chair Mike Lewis over Iron Range Bus Lines' decision not to travel Hwy 502 this winter and concerns that a similar decision could be made over the use of Hwy 622 near Atikokan.

Lewis says without the link from Atikokan to Highway 17, Atikokan High School teams would likely cease because of the extra travel costs incurred by taking alternative routes to places like Red Lake and Sioux Lookout.

Education Director Heather Campbell says Iron Range's decision not to use Hwy 502 also means increases cost for Fort Frances High teams and more time away from schools because of the extra time taken by traveling Highway 71 instead.

The Ministry does state it's spoken with Transfield Services, the contractor responsible for winter road maintenance in this region, who has deployed a grader to reduce snow pack on Highway 502.

Campbell says Iron Range is monitoring the condition of the highway on a day-to-day basis.

Residents Want Proposed Power Line Route Moved

A proposed transmission line through Koochiching County to connect with Manitoba is drawing concerns from some residents

Charity Oveson says one of Minnesota Power's possible routes through the Big Falls River area is a little too close for them and would like it moved further south.

The residents concerns prompted the County's Board of Commissioners to request a meeting with Minnesota Power.

Board Warned of Student and Financial Loss With School Closure

A warning of a drop in enrollment and financial loss if the Rainy River District School Board merges three schools in the west end of the district.

Andrew McCormack, a parent of two children at Barwick's Sturgeon Creek School, says they conducted a second survey after the board questioned the validity of an earlier one.

McCormack says most parents indicate they would move their children to the Catholic system if the school was closed, accounting for a financial loss to the Board of up to $850-thousand.

McCormack, who's also a children's mental health therapist says maintaining small schools helps a child build strong attachment relationships.

Trustees are to gather next Wednesday to discuss the possible merger of Sturgeon Creek with Emo's Donald Young School and Crossroads School in Devlin before they make their final decision.

New Chair Elected For Koochiching County

A new year and a new chair for Koochiching County's Board of Commissioners.

Rob Elkund takes over the position from Kevin Adee.

Wade Pavleck takes on the duties of vice-chair.

Sick? Docs Say Stay Home

If you're sick, please stay home.

That message from Ontario's doctors as the flu season is in full swing.

President of the Ontario Medical Association Doctor Scott Wooder says staying home to rest will help you to manage your illness and prevent others from getting infected.

The OMA says employers should also encourage their workers to stay home when sick and refrain from asking for sick notes when they are away.

Math Help Provided

The provincial government is taking steps to help improve students math skills by giving teachers more tools and resources.

They're creating more opportunities for teachers to gain additional qualifications in math through new professional learning workshops and summer learning programs.

McPherson Funeral Announced

Funeral services have now been set for Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson who died Sunday

They will be held this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Couchiching First Nation Arena.

Resolute Tax Appeal In Thunder Bay Continues

Fort Frances isn't alone in its fight against recent mill re-assessments.

A hearing into a tax appeal by Resolute Forest Products for its Thunder Bay operations continues later this month.

Resolute wants the assessed value of its mill between 2009 and 2012, decreased 60 per cent.

A similar appeal for its Fort Frances mill led to the company and the town reaching a deal on a 25 per cent decrease and a tax rebate of $1.8 million.

Keith Named To Canada's Olympic Hockey Team

Former Fort Frances native Duncan Keith is heading back to the Olympics.

The Chicago Blackhawk defenceman was among 25 selected to Canada's men's hockey team for the upcoming Sochi Olympics.

Keith, who played minor hockey in Fort Frances, was a member of the gold medal team in 2010.

Death Not Considered Suspicious

OPP have ruled out a new year's eve death in Atikokan as being suspicious.

The body of man was located in the 100 block of River Road around 9 a.m. on December 31.

Police has also identified him as being 32-year-old Ryan Keeash of Atikokan.

Hiring Process Continues

The city of International Falls is closer to selecting a new administrator.

Council Paul Eklund says six potential candidates were interviewed Monday with the list paired down to three by the end of the week and a final candidate selected in the near future.

Administrative duties have been handled by Deputy administrator Betty Bergstrom since the departure of Rod Otterness last April.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

More Sites Examined

Some additional potential sites for the proposed renewable energy clean air project in Koochiching County will be explored.

The city of International Falls has agreed to pay for a study that will examine the topography and wetlands of three areas along Highway 332.

One of the properties is owned by the city while the others are privately owned and located nearby.

Fort Frances Challenges For Hockeyville Title

An effort to get Fort Frances named Canada's Hockeyville is underway.

Local resident Jon Glueheisen has put forward the submission into the Kraft Canada contest.

Glueheisen says he's now looking for people to become members, share photos and stories to help boast the entry.

Click this link to connect with the site.

To find the submission you must first look up Memorial Sports Centre or type Fort Frances in the city column.

School Bus Cancellations For Wednesday January 8

Here are the school bus routes cancelled today in the Rainy River district.

All Iron Range Fort Frances & Atikokan Buses
IR300 AJN     Shirley Thompson    
IR301 AKQ    Lynne Miles    
IR302 ASH     Herman Rodrigues    
IR303 ATK    William Zerebeski   
IR304 ATW    Stacy Bragg   
IR305 BUTTERFLY    Lyndon Hughes    
IR306 DSH    Nancy Allan    
IR307 LAMB     Roman Mlynarski    
IR308 MIS     Karen Kellar    
IR309 RCS     Kurt Miller    
IR310 SDP    Eileen Cross    
IR311 TE    Ella Wall    
IR312 TNC     Michelle Brusven   
IR313 TNE     Judy Ligetfalvy    
IR314 WFS     Max Gavel     

All Dimit Busline Buses
DB100 ANH    Jane Peterson    
DB101 BN    Tracy Mose   
DB102 BP     Brenda Hunsperger   
DB103 CLE     Karen Borger    
DB104 CN     Brad Shoemaker    
DB105 ECE    Harrold Boven    
DB106 ENS     Kyla Hartlin    
DB107 ESS     Brennin Chamberlin   
DB108 LION    Evelyn Martin    
DB109 OWL    Brian Carlson    
DB110 RFH    Bernice Kornelsen   
DB111 SCE    Bob Dimit   
DB112 SFN    Vic Alberts     

SM235 (Shane McDonald)

Stanjikoming First Nation bus driven by Brian Wayash

All Rainy River First Nation Buses

All Northwest Bay Buses

All Red Gut  Bay Buses

All Seine River Buses

Zaagi-idw in Aboriginal Head start Program and bus has been cancelled for today and tomorrow

All Rainy River District School Board Schools remain open for students and staff.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Fire Destroys Resort Cabins

Fire has caused extensive damage to a resort near Vermilion Bay.

The fire at Williard Lake Resort broke out late yesterday afternoon and destroyed a number of cabins.

Fire fighters from Kenora, Longbow Lake and Machin all responded, but by the time they arrived, the buildings were pretty much engulfed.

A lack of water supply also hampered fire fighting efforts.

OPP Survey To Be Conducted

The Ontario Provincial Police want to hear from you.

They're about to conduct a Community Satisfaction Survey.

Sergeant Pierre Chamberland says information collected helps OPP assess service in the province.

The telephone survey will conducted by a private firm who will begin its calls this month and continue until the end of March.

Coffee Break Underway

The Alzheimer's Society for the Kenora Rainy River Districts has kicked off its coffee break challenge.

Fund Development Coordinator Elizabeth Paul says it helps raise awareness and funds for various initiatives.

Local groups and businesses can still sign up by contacting the Alzheimer's Society in Kenora.

Medhurst To Be Remembered

One of Fort Frances' oldest citizens will be remembered Friday.

An event at the Sister Kennedy Centre will be held in remembrance of 105-year-old Hubert Medhurst who died last Thursday.

In October, he'd been named the Centre's first recipient of its Senior Citizen of the Year Award as part of the facilities 30-year anniversary.

The event Friday begins at 10 a.m.


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Question of the Week

The Northwestern Health Unit is verifying the presence of the H1N1 in our region.

It says there have been 16 cases.

Each person effected did not get a flu shot before getting sick.

Will that news encourage you to get a flu shot?

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

School Bus Cancellations For Tuesday January 7

Here is a complete list of all bus cancellations for Tuesday January 7

Iron Range Bus Lines        
IR300 AJN     Shirley Thompson    
IR301 AKQ    Lynne Miles    
IR302 ASH     Herman Rodrigues    
IR303 ATK    William Zerebeski   
IR304 ATW    Stacy Bragg   
IR305 BUTTERFLY    Lyndon Hughes    
IR306 DSH    Nancy Allan    
IR307 LAMB     Roman Mlynarski    
IR308 MIS     Karen Kellar    
IR309 RCS     Kurt Miller    
IR310 SDP    Eileen Cross    
IR311 TE    Ella Wall    
IR312 TNC     Michelle Brusven   
IR313 TNE     Judy Ligetfalvy    
IR314 WFS     Max Gavel    

Dimit Bus Lines        
DB100 ANH    Jane Peterson    
DB101 BN    Tracy Mose   
DB102 BP     Brenda Hunsperger   
DB103 CLE     Karen Borger    
DB104 CN     Brad Shoemaker    
DB105 ECE    Harrold Boven    
DB106 ENS     Kyla Hartlin    
DB107 ESS     Brennin Chamberlin   
DB108 LION    Evelyn Martin    
DB109 OWL    Brian Carlson    
DB110 RFH    Bernice Kornelsen   
DB111 SCE    Bob Dimit   
DB112 SFN    Vic Alberts    

BJ215 HHW    Bob Johnson   
BJ216 XRR    Kaylene Johnson    

MN250 OLW/SCAP    Darryl Dyck    
MN251 NBS     Maury Nielson    

BN245 STN     Bruce Nielson

BR260 STW    Bill Romyn        

JM240 MOS     Jack Medwechuk    

SM235 DSE    Shane McDonald    

MM230 AVP     Shelley McDonald    

KF205 ESE    Ken Fisher

GF200 CLS     Greg Ferris

KJ220 XJK     Keith Jolicoeur         

All Rainy River First Nation Buses

Seine River Elementary Bus (Ted Menson)

Seine River Secondary Bus (Acer Allan)

Big Grassy High School bus (Jodi Goliquer)

Big Grassy Elementary bus (Elvis Adams)


Zaagi-idiwin Aboriginal Head Start Program and bus  cancelled

All Red Gut Bay Buses

Northwest Bay Bay Elementary and Secondary Buses

All Couchiching Buses

Big Island Elementary Bus

Monday, January 6, 2014

Couchiching Chief Dies

You Tube
A long-serving northwestern Ontario First Nations chief has died.

Family members report Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson died yesterday in his home.

McPherson was first elected chief in 1986, holding the position until 1988.

He was returned to office in 1998.

No word yet on funeral arrangements.

Buses Cancelled; School Closed

The cold weather having an impact on school buses and schools today.

In the Rainy River district, several bus lines have cancelled their routes, but no schools are closed.

In Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton ordered Friday all schools to be closed today, noting all Minnesotans should be cautious about the weather in the coming days.

Take Precautions In Cold

As some of the coldest weather in years continues to hold the  region in its icy grip, a word of caution that the bitter temperatures can bring real dangers.

Emergency room doctor Jeffrey Sather says when it gets this cold, frostbite does become a possibility.

"You know, people will put on a pair of gloves. They'll get damp. They'll start to have tingling in their fingers. They'll ignore that to the point that they actually will have some freeze injury to their skin," says Sather.

"Freeze burn is much like a hot burn. It causes damage to the skin. It will blister and the skin will peel off just like if you burn your hand with heat."

With prolonged exposure, the risk moves to hypothermia, where one's core body temperature actually drops and can lead to confusion, unconsciousness and even death.

Weather Warnings Still In Place

Weather warnings are in place for both northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota where wind chills of minus 35 C to minus 45 C are expected to remain into tomorrow.

Conditions will begin to moderate slowly by Wednesday.

N1H1 Confirmed

The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed 16 cases of the H1N1 influenza strain this season.

Medical Officer of Health Doctor Jim Arthurs says in each case, the individual did not get a flu shot before becoming ill.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit indicated last week at least two people had died from h1N1 in its area.

Arthurs says flu shots are available at most pharmacies throughout the region.

Few Decided On Election Intentions

Only a few Fort Frances councillors are ready to confirm their intentions in this election year for municipalities and school boards across Ontario.

Councillor Ken Perry is one of few surveyed by CFOB-News who's committed to seeking another term in the October 27 election.

Mayor Roy Avis says he's still weighing his options and won't made a final decision until later this summer.

Rick Wiednehoeftsays he's leaning towards no running again after serving 11 years in office.

Senator Discusses Upcoming Session With County

The Minnesota legislature doesn't resume until next month, but Koochiching County has presented its wish list to its representatives.

Senate majority leader Tom Baak met with County commissioners Friday.

With no budget to consider, Baak expects this session to be short.

Baak did indicate support for a sewer project around Voyageurs National Park to be included in a bonding bill.

Winter Run Approaching

Registration is still being accepted for the upcoming Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run in International Falls.

The event is into its 34th year and has attracted runners from around the world.

Chamber president Faye Whitbeck doesn't expect the recent cold weather to dampen enthusiasm for this year's run and expects the turnout to be strong as its ever been for the January 18 event.

The event attracted over 300-runners in each of the past two years.

School Bus Cancellations

Here is a complete list of all bus cancellations for Monday January 6

Route     Driver Name   
       
Dimit Bus Lines        
DB100 ANH    Jane Peterson    
DB101 BN    Tracy Mose   
DB102 BP     Brenda Hunsperger   
DB103 CLE     Karen Borger    
DB104 CN     Brad Shoemaker    
DB105 ECE    Harrold Boven    
DB106 ENS     Kyla Hartlin    
DB107 ESS     Brennin Chamberlin   
DB108 LION    Evelyn Martin    
DB109 OWL    Brian Carlson    
DB110 RFH    Bernice Kornelsen   
DB111 SCE    Bob Dimit   
DB112 SFN    Vic Alberts    
       
Greg Ferris        
GF200 CLS     Greg Ferris    

Bruce Nielson        
BN245 STN     Bruce Nielson        

Iron Range Bus Lines        
IR300 AJN     Shirley Thompson    
IR301 AKQ    Lynne Miles    
IR302 ASH     Herman Rodrigues    
IR303 ATK    William Zerebeski   
IR304 ATW    Stacy Bragg   
IR305 BUTTERFLY    Lyndon Hughes    
IR306 DSH    Nancy Allan    
IR307 LAMB     Roman Mlynarski    
IR308 MIS     Karen Kellar    
IR309 RCS     Kurt Miller    
IR310 SDP    Eileen Cross    
IR311 TE    Ella Wall    
IR312 TNC     Michelle Brusven   
IR313 TNE     Judy Ligetfalvy    
IR314 WFS     Max Gavel    

Bob Johnson        
BJ215 HHW    Bob Johnson   
BJ216 XRR    Kaylene Johnson            

Jack Medwechuk        
JM240 MOS     Jack Medwechuk

Ken Fisher       
KF205 ESE    Ken Fisher         
       
Shane McDonald        
SM235 DSE    Shane McDonald

Murray McDonald       
MM230 AVP     Shelley McDonald 

Maury Nielson        
MN250 OLW/SCAP    Darryl Dyck    
MN251 NBS     Maury Nielson

Keith Jolicoeur        
KJ220 XJK     Keith Jolicoeur  

Bill Romyn        
BR260 STW    Bill Romyn     

Big Grassy High School bus
Big Grassy Elementary bus

All Couchiching First Nation Buses

Zaagi idiwin Aboriginal Heaf Start program and bus are cancelled

Northwest Bay Elementary and Secondary Buses

All Red Gut Bay bus

Big Island Elementary Bus

Stanjikoming First Nation driven by Brian Wayash

All Seine River Buses

All Rainy River First Nation Buses

All schools in Koochiching County are closed.


Friday, January 3, 2014

Impaired Driving Charges Laid Following Accidents

A pair of new year's day accidents in the Fort Frances area have resulted in the OPP laying impaired driving charges.

A 42-year-old Fort Frances woman was charged after a two vehicle accident around the noon hour Wednesday on Portage Avenue at Fifth Street that sent four people to hospital for treatment of minor injuries

Then at about 5:30 p.m that evening, a 21-year-old woman from Nicickousemenecaning was charged following a single vehicle accident on Highway 11, about 10 kilometres east of Fort Frances.

Festive RIDE Campaign Over

Ontario Provincial Police have wrapped up their festive RIDE program with fewer impaired driving charges being laid across the province than a year ago.

A total of 578 charges and another 481 driver license suspensions were issued during the holiday campaign that ran from November 23 and concluded yesterday.

The 2012 campaign saw 693 charges and 625 suspensions.

Numbers specific to our region were not immediately provided.

Snow Expected Today

File photo
Environment Canada has issued a snow fall warning for the Rainy River district, forecasting as much as 15 centimetres of snow today.

Meterologist Geoff Coulson says it will warm up temperatures, before we're back into the ice box next week.

Meantime, International Falls set a new weather record yesterday when the low hit 42 below F or minus 41.1 Celsius.

Catch And Release Measure Imposed

Anglers fishing Mukooda Lake in Voyageurs National Park will no longer be allowed to keep lake trout.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is permitting only catch and release in the lake for the next 18 months beginning January 15.

The DNR cites the slow growth of the trout's population and unsuccessful efforts to restock the lake as reasons for the change.

High Hydro Rates Still Concerning

The high price of electricity will be a big topic of discussion when the Ontario Legislature resumes sitting later this year.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says hydro rates are spiralling out of control and are having a huge impact on seniors whose pension income isn't keeping up.

Campbell says since 2007 the off-peak rate has risen 140 per cent while the on-peak rate has jumped 48 per cent.

"Ban The Box" Law in Place

Courtesy Miss Millions
Minnesota's new "Ban the Box" law is now in effect.

It prevents employers from asking about a job applicants' criminal history on an initial application or contact.

Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey says it's aimed at giving people with a record a better chance at gaining employment.

The law does include an exception for jobs where a criminal history background check is required such as in schools, health-care facilities and banks.



Minnesota is one of a handful of states with similar laws.

Study Identifies Best Transmission Route

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou.

The Crossing Caribou Country study finds a route following Highway 599 as the best option because it is an existing, permanent road.

Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

Some Trails Still Not Open

Conditions on the lakes are getting better, but Voyageurs National Park says not good enough yet to open all of its snowmobile trails.

Only trails to Kettle Falls on the Rainy Lake and from Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake and Ash River are open.

The park says there are still pockets of slush in other areas while some has frozen up making trails rough to ride on.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

First Baby of New Year

We didn't have to wait too long for the Rainy River district's newest citizen to arrive.

Jasper Isla Dennis was born at 8:37 a.m. yesterday at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances to proud parents Tyson and Robyn Dennis and big brother Blase.

She weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz.

In recognition of the New Year's first baby, the Dennis' received with a variety of gifts courtesy of Canada Safeway, Fort Floral, Pharmasave and Shopper's Drug Mart.

Sudden Death In Atikokan

Little information is being released at this time about a death in Atikokan on New Year's Eve..

OPP says officers were called shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday about a deceased man in the 100 block of River Road.

Members of the Rainy River District Crime Unit and the Thunder Bay Forensic Identification Unit were called to assist with the investigation.

The man's identity has not been revealed.

No School In International Falls

There will be an extra day off for students in the International Falls area.

Schools were to re-open today following the Holiday break, but officials with Independent School District 361 say the cold weather has prompted them to keep the doors closed.

All school-related activities are also being cancelled.

Classes will resume tomorrow.

Weather Records Set

Extreme cold Arctic air continues to embrace the Borderland with weather advisories from Environment Canada and the U.S. National Weather Service out of Duluth still in place.

Yesterday, new temperature records were set both in Fort Frances and Atikokan with the Fort's low of minus 40.9 C and Atikokan's minus 40.2 C breaking nearly 40 year old records.

Atikokan's low of minus 41.7 C on New Year's Eve was also a new record.

Polar Plunge Raises $6,300

It may have had a lot to do with the weather as there were fewer participants than usual for yesterday's Voyageur Lions Club's Polar Plunge in Fort Frances.

Club president Bill Michl says about 25 people braved the elements to take that first dip of the year into Rainy Lake.

The annual fundraising event brought in $6,338 for a variety of charities with half going to the Club for various activities.

Ashley Payne, who was jumping for Relay for Life, was the top fundraiser with $845.

Payne, along with Jillian Cousineau and Alex French, combined to raise $1,202, the most any of the groups represented.


Jamie Spencer for the Border Skating Club was the second highest individual fundraiser, bringing in $520.

New For Ontario In 2014

Plenty of new legislation is now in effect in Ontario.

The new year has brought new powers for fire officials across the province to conduct annual fire safety inspections of retirement or long-term care homes.

Nurses can now dispense drugs under certain conditions.

Outdoor enthusiasts will pay more money for hunting and fishing licences and camping fees at provincial parks.

New For Minnesota In 2014

A host of new laws in Minnesota are now in effect.

Increased surveillance at the state’s scrap metal yards, expanded Medical Assistance coverage and radon disclosure are some of the topics covered by the new laws.

Other new laws that came into being on New Year’s Day include private employers having to wait until job applicants are selected for an interview before asking about their criminal history, and local authorities receiving more notification of chemical spills in their area.

CPP and Old Age Security Benefits Up

A slight increase for those collecting Old Age Security or Canada Pension Plan benefits in 2014.

CPP benefits go up 0.9 per cent with maximum retirement benefits for new recipients at $1,038 a month.

Old age security benefits go up 0.1 per cent with the maximum now at just over $551-dollars a month.

Dim View Of Housing Market

Northern Ontario residents aren't feeling overly optimism about the region's real estate market.

A survey conducted for the Ontario Real Estate Association finds less than half of residents surveyed seeing the northern Ontario market in 2014 being favourable.

Just four 4 per cent of residents living in northern Ontario indicate plans to buy a home in the next two years.

Trends For 2014

Watch for more investment around the world from the Chinese in 2014.

It's one of the predictions from American trend forecaster Gerald Celente.

Celente says its being aided by the strength of the Chinese economy.

Celente also foresees greater use of social media by seniors and an explosion of on-line learning.