Another Flu-Related Death In Thunder Bay Area

The flu has claimed another live in the Thunder Bay region.

The Thunder Bay Health Unit says the death of the adult who was under the age of 65 brings to six the number of deaths this year related to influenza A.

You Can Beat The Flu

There are plenty of ways to help you prevent getting the flu or colds during the long winter months, including boosting your immune system. 

Nutritionist Leslie Fancey says eating foods that are rich in Zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, mushroom and seafood can help.

Fancey says cut down on sugar as its seen as an immune system depressant.

No Drinking In Huts

It is a common occurrence but unfortunately it's illegal!

Provincial Police are reminding residents that you can't drink alcohol in an ice hut.

Police have received several complaints around northwestern Ontario, in some cases, forcing OPP to take to area ice roads to ensure people are following the law.

Free Fishing This Weekend

It's a weekend of free fishing in Minnesota.

Minnesotans age 16 or older can go ice or spear fishing without the need of a license if they take a child younger than 16 with them as part of a Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

It's starts tomorrow and ends Monday.

Hunters Fined

Two northeastern Ontario hunters have been fined a total of $2,000 after pleading guilty to charges of trespassing.

Luc Belanger and Daniel Levesque, both of Dubreuilville, were charged last October after a property owner in the Berglund area contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources about a deer shot on their property.

The two men have also been banned for hunting in Ontario for a year.

Snowmo Trails Open In Park

File photo

Recent weather has helped Voyageurs National Park get all of its snowmobile trails open.

Snowmobilers are still advised to use caution as some drifting has occurred on the larger lake surfaces.

The park's Rainy Lake Ice Road is also open around Dryweed Island and up to Dove Bay.

The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is currently closed, but could be opened later today.

Ice Box Days Underway

Falls Chamber photo

Ice Box Days are underway in International Falls.

Falls Chamber President Faye Whitbeck says along with the traditional events such as the turkey bowling and smoosh races, there are a few new events.

Here is the full list of events

Thursday, January 16, 2014

• 5:30 – 7 p.m. — History Café at The Coffee Landing, sponsored by Northland Foundation. Share your stories about this month’s theme: Downtown Restaurants of the 1900s to the present – All ages. Soup and sandwiches provided. Call ISD 361 Community Ed at 283-2571, ext. 186 for more information.
• 5:45 – 9:30 p.m. — St. Thomas Aquinas Bingo Night at Aquinas Hall. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Sponsored by St. Thomas School, 283-3430.
• 6:00 p.m. — Wing Eating Contest at Viking Bar. Come and test your wing-eating skills. Each person will get 12 wings. The first person to finish their wings wins. First Prize – $75, Second Prize - $50 and Third Prize – $25. Call Viking Bar for more information, 283-4000.
• 7 p.m. — Icebox Idol Karaoke in Backus Auditorium. No age limit, everyone welcome. Fee is $5 per song to perform and $5 per person for admission. Call Backus for more information at 285-7225.
• 7 – 9 p.m. — Cribbage at Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1259 $5 fee. For more information contact Marc Windsness at 283-8268 or the Moose Lodge at 283-3615.
• 7 – 8 p.m. — Red Neck Trivia at Viking Bar. There are five rounds of Trivia with 10 questions each. Each round a winner will be determined by most questions correctly answered out of 10. The winner receives a free drink for each round won. Call Viking Bar at 283-4000 for more information.

Friday, January 17, 2014

• 5 p.m. — Spaghetti Dinner A savory spaghetti dinner and bake sale in St. Thomas Aquinas Hall, 810 Fifth Street. Whether you’re a runner who needs to carb up for the Freeze Yer gizzard Blizzard Run or just plain hungry, don’t miss this yummy spaghetti feed. Free will offerings accepted. Sponsored by St. Thomas School. Call Betsy Ward at 283-2590.
• 5 – 7:30 p.m. — Gizzard Supper by Lenard’s Restaurant Sloppy joe or spaghetti with beverage. RRCC Commoms (During FYGBR registration). Everyone welcome, $5 per person.
• 5 – 8 p.m. — Registration & Packet Pickup – “Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” 10K and 5K: Commons at Rainy River Community College. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 218-283-9400 or 800-325-5766. Registration fee is $40 after Dec. 31 and includes a long-sleeve Performance B-Core wicking T-shirt. Packets for participants will also be available before the run on Saturday morning. Packet info also available at www.freezeyergizzardrun.com.
• 6 – 7:30 p.m. — Moonlight Snowshoe Hike in Voyageurs National Park. Meet at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, 6 p.m. Come celebrate Icebox Days at your national park. Join a park ranger for a snowshoe walk in the North Woods by the light of the moon. The full moon creates a majestic winter experience on these crisp, clear Minnesota nights. Enjoy the night sky and our snowy wonderland. Snowshoes provided. Warm up afterward with a campfire and hot cocoa. Contact Justin Olson at 283-5258. Sponsored by Voyageurs National Park.
• 6 – 8 p.m. — Ugly Hat Contest Summer or Winter hats. So long as it’s UGLY, who Cares! Contact the Moose Lodge for more info at 283-3615
• 7 p.m. — BARGO at the Viking Bar. BARGO is just like BINGO, but bar style. Every 10 minutes there is a chance for you to win a free drink. Cards are given out until 8 p.m. only. Buy a drink, and get a card to play for FREE! At 9 p.m., Blackout BARGO starts. Cover your entire card in a certain amount of numbers and win the Jackpot! Call 283-4000 for more information.
• 10 p.m. — Can Crushing Contest at the Viking Bar. Contestants will be given a crusher and cans. Whoever crushes the most cans in one minute wins. First place wins $50. 9:15 p.m. — FREE TouchTunes Jukebox at the Viking Bar. Call 283-4000 for more information. Call 283-4000 for more information.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

• 7 – 10:30 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast at the Elk’s Lodge No. 1599. Sponsored by Falls Education Foundation. Free will offering. Contact Kay Herman at 218-283-4024 for more information.
• 8 – 10 a.m. — Registration for the 5k and 10 Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run at Rainy River Community College Commons. (5K registration closes at 9 a.m. & 10K registration closes at 10 a.m.) RRCC showers and locker rooms are available UNTIL 12:30 P.M. ONLY.
• 9:30 a.m. — 5K Fun Run “Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” 5K Run starts and finishes at Rainy River Community College. Sponsored by Boise Paper, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc., Midcontinent Communications, Rainy River Community College, The Journal/North Star Publishing, Minnesota Power, KSDM/KGHS Radio, 93.1 The Border and Minnesota Energy Resources. Entry Fee is $40 and includes a long-sleeve Performance Wicking T-shirt. A premiere event of Icebox Days! Contact the Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-325-5766 or 218-283-9400. Be BOLD and RUN THE COLD!
• 10:30 a.m. — 10K Race “Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” 10K Run starts and finishes at Rainy River Community College. Sponsored by Boise Paper, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc., Midcontinent Communications, Rainy River Community College, The Journal/North Star Publishing, Minnesota Power, KSDM/KGHS Radio, 93.1 The Border and Minnesota Energy Resources. Entry Fee is $40 and includes a long-sleeve Performance Wicking T-shirt. This is the premiere event of Icebox Days! It has been featured by media nationally and internationally. Unpredictable weather conditions for this famous 10k run is part of the adventure! Runners return year after frosty year. Contact the Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-325-5766 or 218-283-9400. Be BOLD and Run the COLD!
• 10 a.m. — Icebox Boot Hockey Tournament at Eighth Street Rink. Get a team of 10 gals and guys together, three males & two females on the ice at all times) and join in this fun sport during the winter festival. $75 participation fee per team. 100% Payback – First, Second and Third places. Chamber-awarded cash prizes (Chamber Dollars). Contacts: Chad Korpi at 218-324-1172 or email: korpichad@yahoo.com; Jesse Belanger at 218-324-1299 or email belangerjesse@hotmail.com. Adherence to rules and disclaimer-signed agreements by participants are required. (Kerry Park secondary rink venue if needed)
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — “Free Water Painting the Northwoods” Water Color Painting Demonstration by Sharon Arnold, Kathie Fluke and Kat Ruelle. Back room of The Coffee Landing.
• 10:45 a.m. — Awards Ceremony 5K Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Fun Run held at Rainy River Community College Commons. Hosted by the infamous Gizzard Girls!
• 11:45 a.m. — Awards Ceremony 10K Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run held at Rainy River Community College Commons. Hosted by the infamous Gizzard Girls!
• Noon — Dart Tournament at Border Bar & Pizza House. $5 entry, 300% payback. Sign up at 11 a.m. Call Bob at 283-9919 for more information.
• 1 p.m. — Toilet Seat Toss at Viking Bar. Great event for both kids and adults! Come to the Viking Bar and test your toilet-seat-tossing skills. Those that toss the seat the furthest, win! Winning child gets a certificate for $20 to Dairy Queen. Seats provided by Viking Bar. Winning adult gets a certificate for $25 to the Viking Bar, 283-4000.
• 1 – 3 p.m. — “Chili Challenge” at Backus. Chili recipes: eat for $6. Includes chili, toppings and beverage. Kids under age 12, accompanied by a paid adult, eat for $2. Vote for your favorite chili, trophies for 1st and 2nd place awarded. Individuals, groups and businesses encouraged to enter! Call Backus at 285-7225 for more information.
• 1 – 3 p.m. — “Turkey Bowling” FREE outdoor event, and one of our most famous events. Bowling lane outdoors at Backus Community Center. Throw a frozen gobbler down the lane to knock down as many pins as possible. Prizes awarded. Supervised by Falls High Student Council. Call Backus at 285-7225 for information. Disclaimer agreements required.
• 1 – 3 p.m. — Kids Activities. Free indoor fun for the kids at Backus Community Center. Sponsored by Falls High School Student Council. 285-7225
• 1 p.m. — Bingo at the Loyal Order of Moose Club 1259: Contact the Moose Club, 283-3615.
• 1:30 p.m. — Redneck Winter Wonder Wear Contest at the Viking Bar. Dress in your best Redneck Winter Clothing. Winner will be judged on creativity and receives $50 cash. Contact the Viking Bar at 283-4000 for more information.
• 2 p.m. — RRCC Womens Basketball game against Mesabi at RRCC. Call Tammy Wood at 285-2267 for more information.
• 2:30 p.m. — KID SMOOSH Races return at Viking Bar. Third year for Icebox Days Smoosh Races for kids 14 and under! Form a team with two kids and be at the Viking Bar (Downtown Int’l Falls) by 2:15 pm. $20 to the winner! Everyone will receive a prize for participating! Contact Chris at 218-324-0391 for more information! Will supply kids’ Smoosh boards & hot treats!
• 3 p.m. — ADULT SMOOSH Races at Viking Bar. It’s time for the famous Icebox Days Smoosh Races. Form a team of four people and be at the Viking Bar by 2:30 p.m. $100 to the winner by the Chamber of Commerce. Ages 15 and older! Contact Chris at 218-324-0391 for more information!
• 4 p.m. — RRCC Mens Basketball game against Mesabi at RRCC. Call Tammy Wood at 285-2267 for information.
• 6 – 8 p.m. — Runners Reception at Border Bar and Pizza House, 415 Third Ave. Admission/food with provided white ticket. First drink at 1/2 price for all runners with blue ticket. Enjoy DVD of 2013 races, snacks, coffee, water. FREE for registered runners. Non-runners $5 fee for snacks. Cash bar, FAMOUS BEACH PARTY follows in same locale! Cool contests – Cool Prizes.
• 6 p.m. — FIREWORKS by the City of International Falls!! Returning under the winter sky in Smokey Bear Park. Gather along Third Street area.
• 7 p.m. — RRCC Women’s Hockey vs NDSU – Bronco Arena
• 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — The Famous Beach Party! This year at the Border Bar and Pizza, 415 Third Ave. Zany contests! Come as you are or dress for the beach. Dance party is open to adults of legal drinking age.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

• 12:00 p.m. — RRCC Women’s Hockey vs NDSU – Bronco Arena
• 1:30 p.m. — Bridge Tournament at First Lutheran Church. Cash prizes in Chamber Dollars by the Chamber of Commerce. Everyone welcome to participate, folks should come with a partner. Contact Byrne & Carole Johnson at 218-286-5225.
• 1 – 4 p.m. – Hot Dog Roast at the Tilson Creek Ski Trailhead on Highway 11 east. Bring your cross country skis and enjoy a day on the Tilson Trail – Afterwards enjoy hot dogs and cocoa as you warm by a toasty bonfire. Cancelled if below 0°F. Polar Polers Ski Club: Teresa, 286-2036, for more information

Trustees Supportive Of Keeping Schools Open

It's appears three elementary schools in the west end of the district will not be consolidated as one.

It wasn't an official vote, but trustees with the Rainy River District School Board were supportive  at a meeting Wednesday of maintaining Sturgeon Creek and Crossroads Schools while building a new one of replace Donald Young  in Emo.

The trustees feeling mirror that of recommendations from three separate accommodation review committees, but goes against a recommendation from administration that suggesting the three schools become one.

A final vote is expected at the trustees next meeting in February. 

Chair Mike Lewis says if approval is given, they could start the process to rebuild the Emo school almost immediately.

New Safety Concern Around Fort Frances School

Supplied Photo

A build up of snow around J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances is causing concern for parents.

School council spokesperson Anne Renaud says students who walk to school have recently taken to the snowbanks, creating some new safety hazards with the potential of children sliding into the path of vehicles.

Renaud says they had been under the impression that the town would be taking quicker action to remove snow in the area with the implementation of the Kiss and Ride initiative set up to improve traffic congestion.

Renaud says it also illustrates the need for a sidewalk which the town's traffic safety committee has request council consider when it begins its budget talks.

Council has said it is supports the project, but would like other to hel pay for half of the estimated $65-thousand cost.

New Safe Winter Driving Campaign Launched

OPP are out with a new Safe Winter Driving Campaign.

It's Highway Safety Education Committee is launching a website as part of the initiative.

Sergeant Dave Bel says they've identified road user safety issues.

The Ministry of Transportation, Gillon's Insurance and Acadia Broadcasting are among groups backing the effort.

Kenora Teen Charged For Sexting

A Kenora teen is facing charges in what police call a "sexting" incident.

OPP allege the 16-year-old boy electronically distributed explicit photographs of a 17-year-old girl through a mobile device.

The boy will now appear in court next month on a charge of distribution of Child Pornography.

Man To Be Sent Back To Alberta

The Toronto man arrested in Dryden this week for allegedly kidnapping his two sons will have his case heard in Alberta.

29-year-old Illhami Butin made a brief court appearance yesterday after arrested by OPP Tuesday.

He'll remain in custody until Edmonton Police arrive to bring him back to Alberta.


He had been wanted for abducting his 3-year-old and 4-year-old sons in Edmonton.

Two Area Projects Part Of Governor's Bonding Proposal

Minnesota's Governor is recommending two projects in Koochiching County be approved for funding as part of a nearly one-billion dollar bonding bill.

Mark Dayton's list of projects includes two-million dollars towards a new airport terminal at the International Falls airport.

He's also supporting an $8.5 million commitment toward construction of sanitary sewage treatment facilities for areas in and around Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness areas.

Legislators will debate the bill next month.

Reaction To Resolute Decision

Reaction continues to come in over Resolute Forest Products decision to halt production of its last operating paper machine at the end of this month.

About 150 employees will be laid off, leaving a workforce of about 60.

A number of computer users commenting on our Facebook page are saddened by the news.

One sees the impact will having ripple effect throughout the region.

Another sees it being an opportunity for Fort Frances to open up new ventures and make the town a destination.

You can still join in on  the discussion by going to our Facebook page.
 Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is also weighing in on Resolute's decision.

He's hopeful that operations can resume sometime in the future.

Rafferty isn't expecting much a response from the federal government suggesting it's been more interested in oil and gas out west than it has been about the forestry and mining sectors in northern Ontario.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Cambell says she's also concerned for the workers and families impacted by the halt in operations.

Campbell says the job loss at Resolute has become her main priority and they can be restored.

Osisko Reviewing Takever Bid

Osisko Mining says its still reviewing a takeover bid from Goldcorp, but views the offer as being "very low" and opportunistic."

Goldcorp announced Monday its intent to acquire Osisko in a deal worth about $2.6 billion dollars.

Osisko says it has formed a special committee to study the offer and will communicate with shareholders "as appropriate."

Local Adjusting Company Get New Owner

A northwestern Ontario adjusting company has new owners.

Claims ProToronto has acquired North Country Adjusters.

ClaimsPro, Canada's largest independent adjusting company, says it strengthens its presence in both northwestern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.

North Country Adjusters was formed in 1998 in Fort Frances, servicing the Kenora and Rainy River districts and Thunder Bay.

By-Elections Called

Voters in two southern Ontario communities will be going to the polls in provincial by-elections next month.

The by-elections take place February 13 in Niagara Falls and Thornhill to fill vacancies left vacant by the retirements of Progressive Conservative Peter Shurman and Liberal Kim Craitor.

Last Operating Paper Machine Going Down

File photo

The last operating paper machine at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances will go silent at the end of the month.

The company says paper machine number 5, which produces specialty printing papers, will be stopped January 31 because of deteriorating market conditions.

Spokesperson Xavier Van Chau says it's not certain when machine will run again.

About 150 employees will be impacted, leaving a workforce of about 60.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis says he was shocked when he was informed of Resolute's decision.


Avis says news of the shutdown was passed onto him through a conference call with Resolute's top brass Monday night.

Avis says he's concerned with the number of people impacted, but find some solace in the fact that some employees are being retained and the company's looking at how it can reposition operations.

In a joint statement, Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti, and Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle say they're taking action to provide the necessary support to assist those affected.

They add they're actively engaged in developing a full assessment of the impact and examining what options are available.

The Ministers go on to say they'll continue to work with the forestry sector to restore competitiveness and seek new economic opportunities.

Snow In Forecast

Snow is in the forecast for the Borderland.

Environment Canada has issued a weather statement that says the Rainy River district could see as much as 10 centimetres by the time a low pressure system over the northern Prairie provinces passes through the area.

A similar hazardous outlook has been issued for Koochiching County by the National Weather Service.

More Concerns About Hwy 502

File photo

More pressure is being put on government regarding the winter road maintenance of Highway 502.

Dryden city councillor Mary Trist says its time local municipalities speak up about the state of the highway linking Fort Frances with Dryden.

She also wants Ontario's Transportation Minister Glen Murray to drive the highway.


The topic is likely to come up this weekend in Atikokan when municipal leaders in the Rainy River district gather for their annual meeting.

Ministry of Transportation officials are expected to attend.

Abductor Arrested In Dryden

A Toronto man who kidnapped his 3-year-old and 4-year-old sons from Alberta has been arrested in Dryden.

29-year-old Iihami Butin was arrested yesterday after OPP were altered by Edmonton Police Service the man's vehicle had been spotted in the northwestern Ontario city.

The two boys were taken into police custody unharmed.

Dill Talks About Upcoming Session

Some 300 bills will greet Minnesota legislators when they return to the State capital next month.

House rep. for Koochiching County David Dill says it's possible some may not get much attention.

Dill adds he wants see a projected surplus put back into critical programs and reserves, and a repeal of some of the taxes put in place last year.

Dill is also hopeful funding for a sewer project in the area of Voyageurs National Park and the International Falls airport will get approval this session.

ALAG Gets Council Support

Fort Frances council has given its support in principle to the Assisted Living Action Group's efforts to develop an assisted living facility in the area.

Council gave that commitment after ALAG made a request for their support Monday night.

ALAG spokesperson June Caul says it's important to have council on side.

No funding was requested but Caul says the group is in the process of a membership drive to help fund a future feasibility study.

New Deal For Dial-A-Ride Service

A reduction in hours this summer for the Dial-a-Ride program in Fort Frances.

The transportation service on Mondays and Tuesdays during July and August will now be available from noon to 5 p.m., instead of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The town's community service manager Jason Kabel says North Air Service asked for the change as part of a new three-year agreement, noting few riders on those days and a difficulty in staffing.

Hours of operation on other days remain unchanged.

The town is also increasing the subsidy it provide to North Air by 50 cents per ride to $3.00.

The cost to the user stays the same.

No Opposition To Zoning By-Law

No opposition to a new zoning by-law for the town of Fort Frances.

The by-law, which regulates and control how properties used, was revealed during a public meeting Monday night.

It was updated to reflect current standards, reduce the number of zones and make changes to properties to reflect proper use.

The document will come back to council at its next meeting for final approval.

School Board Fined

A northwestern Ontario school board has been fined for violations found with the water systems of two of its schools.

The Ministry of Environment issued $1,500 in fines against the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board after violations were found at schools in Upsala and Savant Lake.

A school board official says the problems were immediately corrected, but the MOE still proceeded with the fines.

CUPE Wants Support For New Contract Bill Withdrawn

The union representing school support workers says it's disappointed with how the provincial government is dealing with education contracts.

Canadian Union of Public Employees Fred Hahn says the government is ignoring provisions of legislation passed last year.

CUPE says it now wants the opposition to withdraw support to a new bill that will govern future school board negotiations.

Hudak Promise One Million Jobs

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is promising to create one million jobs in Ontario over the next eight years.

He says his five-point plan includes lowering taxes, creating competitive energy rates, reducing red tape, training more skilled workers and increasing trade.

Fines Levied In MNR Investigation

Nearly $73-thousand dollars in fines have been issued following a two-year investigation into illegal hunting and fishing activities at a northwestern Ontario resort.

Charges were laid after Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer found the former owner and staff at Andy Meyers Lodge, west of Dryden, encouraged clients to hunt wolves and fish without a license.

The lodge's former owner, six employees and three guests were charged.

Tbaytel For Good Program Back

Tbaytel has launched its second campaign under its Tbaytel for Good program.

It's a community giving initiative that asks the public to submit ideas they feel will improve their communities.

Anyone in northern Ontario can submit an idea and anyone, anywhere can vote online for their favourites by going to tbaytelforgood.net.

Dinner Raises $4,000

The Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River district is happy with the turn out for its "Forget Me Not Dinner" held in Fort Frances on the weekend.

A total of $4,000 was raised in Saturday's event.

The money go towards helping patients with dementia and their families in our region.

Choose Wise

The Northwestern Health Unit is now posting all of its food inspection reports online.

Public Health Inspector Stephanie Snow says it's all contained on a site called ChooseWise.

The site includes inspections done for all restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and mobile vendors done over the past two years.

M.O.H. Reflects On Career With Health Unit

The outgoing medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit is pleased with some of the changes implemented in his five years at the helm.

Dr. Jim Arthurs retires at the end of March.

Arthurs says eliminating some of the boundaries between the various programs offered is among his biggest achievement.

Arthurs says people who come in for programs such as Healthy Babies or immunizations, can also get information about improving their eating habits, exercise and hygiene tips.

Snowmobile Accident

Authorities say alcohol and speed may have played a role in a snowmobile in Voyageurs National Park.

It happened around midnight Sunday in the area of Crane Lake.

St. Louis County Sheriff's office says a 54-year-old man was taken to hospital in Cook with a leg injury.

New Zoning By-Law To Get Public Review

A new zoning by-law will be revealed by the town of Fort Frances tonight.

The by-law helps regulate and control how properties and buildings are located and used.

Planner Faye Flatt says the new document has been made easier to read and understand.

The public gets a chance tonight to comment before council gives its approval.

Dial-A-Ride Change Proposed

Some changes could be in store for the Dial-a-Ride program in Fort Frances.

North Air Services, who's contracted with the town to provide the transportation service, is requesting a change in some of the hours of operation during the summer months only.

It's also seeking a 50 cent per user increase in the subsidy it gets from the town.

A report comes to town councillors at their meeting tonight.

Goldcorp Interested In Osisko

Mining company Goldcorp is making an offer to purchase Osisko Mining.

The deal is reported to be worth 2.6 billion dollars in cash and stock.

Goldcorp is giving Osisko's shareholders until February 19 to consider the offer.

New Tourism Campaign To Be Launched

A new regional tourism marketing campaign is being launched later this month.

Escape to Ontario will feature six communities across northwestern Ontario including Fort Frances.

It will target mainly the southern Manitoba and Winnipeg markets.

Forget Me Not Dinner A Success

A show of support for the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River.

The agency held its annual "Forget Me Not Dinner" in Fort Frances on the weekend.

Acting Executive Director Rosanna Tomasowski says it helps raise both money and awareness.

There are over one thousand people in the region affected with dementia

Highway Traffic Accident Victim Identified

An Atikokan man has been identified as the victim of yesterday's fatal motor vehicle accident on Highway 17.

OPP says 57-year-old Danny Henderson died after his vehicle came into collision with a pick-up truck, about 40 kilometres east of Ignace.

Two people in the truck were taken to hospital in Dryden for treatment of injuries.

Bed Shortage Back At Thunder Bay Hospital

A bed shortage is back at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Patients are being treated in the halls and alcoves.

Spokesperson Doctor Mark Henderson  says the hospital has been preparing for this latest surge, but doesn't see the gridlock easing for at least another three years.

More Deaths Due To H1N1

Grim news to report on the H1N1 flu front.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit says the death toll has increased to five attributable to influenza.

The Health Unit's Diana Gowanlock says four of the deaths were adults under the age of 65 and one was a senior citizen.

No deaths have been reported by the Northwestern Health Unit.

Dignitaries Expected To Attend Funeral

A number of dignitaries are expected for tomorrow funeral for Couchiching First Nations Chief Chuck McPherson who died last Sunday.

Ontario's Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer and Ontario regional Chief Stan Beardy among those to attend.

A number of First Nation chiefs from across the province also expected.

Funeral services will be held at the Couchiching Arena beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Dinner Canceled

There will be no Robbie Burns dinner in Emo this year.

The Emo and District Lions Club says its been forced to cancel the January 25th  dinner due to poor ticket sales.

President Stuart Firth says they do hope to bring it back next season.

Those who purchased tickets can call Firth at  482-1958 for a refund.

Aquaponics Investigated

The industry of aquaponics is being explored by officials in International Falls and Koochiching County.

A contingent plans to visit a facility in Silver Bay, Minnesota next week.

City Councillor Cynthia Jacksa says they want to see if there is any potential to have a similar facility in their area.

Aquaponics combines the raising aquatic animals with the cultivating of plants in water.


Jacksa says it create jobs and provide a local source of vegetables for area markets.

New Business In District

Facebook

A new business opening the Rainy River District.

Dreamweaver Ranch is offering such things as horseback riding, lessons and the ability to host birthday parties.

Owner Angela Halverson says it's something she had been considering for a while.

Halverson says the name of her ranch bears that of her very first horse she got when she was 5 years old.

He was later sold and used in a local therapeutic riding program.

Registration For Full Day Kindergarton Accepted

RR Dist. School Brd photo

Full-day kindergarten registration is now underway.

The Rainy River District School Board says it will host open houses during the week of February 3, but parents can register their children at any time.

The program for four and five year-olds will be offered at all elementary schools in the area beginning in September.

Nomination Meeting Delayed

The recent death of Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson has prompted a delay in the band's nomination meeting for this year's elections.

That meeting was scheduled to take place for last night.

A notice issued by the band's electoral officer says it will now take place January 23.

Elections for the chief and six councillor positions are slated for March 6.

Native Walkers Head To Ottawa

Three walkers have left Attawapiskat First Nation with the goal of trekking to Ottawa with a message for the government.

Danny Metatawabin, Brian Okimaw and Paul Mettina are on foot to encourage the government to work together to address and reconcile several Aboriginal issues.

According to a statement posted on Facebook, Metatawabin states they're delivering a message to both levels of Government and to Chiefs that the time to honour our treaties is now!

Jail Time For Man In Winnipeg Death

Jail time for one of two men arrested in the 2012 death of a northwestern Ontario man in Winnipeg.

Raymond Baker was sentenced yesterday to four years in jail  after pleading guilty to a charge of manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Eli Mandamin Junior of Shoal Lake.

Mandamin, who was the son of Shoal Lake chief Eli Mandamin, was killed in an altercation outside a Winnipeg hotel in February 2012.

Baker could be released in just over two year's time due to time already served.

New Measures On Woodstoves Planned

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new standards for the amount of air pollution that can be emitted by woodstoves and heaters.

If approved, the stoves and heaters manufactured after 2015 would be an estimated 80 percent cleaner than those manufactured today.

The proposal does not affect heaters and stoves already in use in homes or currently for sale today.