Telephone Problems At Riverside

Some telephone problems for Riverside Health Care facilities.

Hospital officials says it's preventing anyone from calling any of their facilities.

Efforts to fix the problem are under way, but there is no word as to when the system will be repaired.

Pre-Budget Hearing

Plenty of ideas for the province to consider in the next provincial budget.

A pre-budget hearing in Thunder Bay drew about a dozen groups out with their wish lists.

Among them the Ontario Nurses Association executive Colleen Morrow who's seeking more nurses.

The committee also heard a call to increase the minimum wage to $14.00  an hour.

Osisko Rejects Takeover Bid

Osisko Mining has formally rejected Goldcorp's hostile takeover bid.

Osisko Mining says the $2.6 billion offer announced last week  "significantly undervalues" the company's assets, including its flagship Canadian Malartic gold mine in Quebec.

Osisko also has the Hammond Reef gold project near Atikokan in its portfolio.

Manitoba Men Rescued

Two Manitoba men are recovering after being rescued from a northwestern Ontario lake.

OPP says the two become stranded Monday night in the area of Reynard Lake, just inside the Ontario at the border with Manitoba when their snowmachines got stuck in deep slush.

One of the men was able to contact Police and helped guide a Hercules aircraft out of CFB Winnipeg to their location.

They were later picked up by family members by snow machine.

Both were cold and exhausted.

One was suffering from frostbite.

More Women In Politics Promoted

A group of Northwestern Ontario women politicians have come together to get more women in politics.

They're holding a forum in Thunder Bay today.

Long-time city councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's aimed at helping women understand what it takes to run for office.

Johnson says they're also hoping to set up a mentorship program to help support women who want to run.

I. Falls Area To Market In Deep South

International Falls is eying some new markets for visitors.

The area's Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning to market in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Director Pete Schultz says while they have seen visitors in the past, it's the first time they've paid any type of attention to those areas.

Schultz says they expected to judge the success of the campaign through requests for information and hits to its website.

ABC Promotes Ice Box Days

ABC News photo

Some national exposure for International Falls.

The city and its recent Ice Box Days were featured in a segment on last night's ABC Nightline.

It highlighted such events as turkey bowling, smoosh racing and the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run.

Here's the segment courtesy ABC News

 

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Stolen Vehicle Burned

A vehicle reported stolen in the Atikokan area on the weekend has been found torched.

OPP says the burned out 2006 Ford pick-up was located Sunday night on a private camp road.

The vehicle had been taken from a home on Highway 11 near Atikokan two nights earlier.

Police continue to investigate.

No Charges In Bus Accident

No charges are being laid in connection with an accident in Fort Frances involving a school bus.

It happened around 3 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Second Street East and Portage Avenue.

OPP says a small car slide into the back of empty bus stopped for the traffic lights on Second.

Police says road conditions contributed to the accident.

Thunder Bay Mayor Declares

Thunder Bay's mayor is making his mind up early.

Keith Hobbs is among the first northwestern Ontario leader to declare his intentions to seek another term in this fall's municipal election.

Hobbs says he's taking nothing for granted from voters.

Province Expanding Paramedicine Program

The Provincial Government is using $6-million to expand community paramedicine programs.

The move will improve access to home care and community support services for seniors and other patients with chronic conditions.

Paramedics can now upgrade their training so they can conduct home visits for seniors and educate their patients about chronic disease management.

Service Cuts Possible

Service cuts not out of the realm of possibility in Fort Frances.

Town council began its budget discussions last night.

Councillor Paul Ryan, who like to see a minimal tax increase, says given the financial challenges facing the town,  services may have to be reviewed.

The budget shortfall is currently at about $360-thousand.

 Meantime, Fort Frances councillors did remove nearly $1.8 million worth of projects off the capital list.

A sand shelter, some heavy equipment and a dog park among items removed in the first go around.

The list is going back to department heads to identify their priorities before it comes back to council for another review.

Thumbs Down To Sidewalk Request

Fort Frances council is saying "no" to a request for a sidewalk along Keating Avenue in Fort Frances.

The town's traffic safety committee made the request to improve the safety of children who walk to school.



Councillor Andrew Hallikas says given the town helped with the Kiss and Ride program, the school boards should help pay the cost of the sidewalk.

Estimated cost is about $65-thousand dollars.

Parents with J.W. Walker School says the absense of the sidewalk has forced students who walk to school to take to the snow banks this winter, creating a different safety concern of children sliding down, potentially in the path of traffic.

Budget Requests Reviewed

Fort Frances council has reviewed a number of public requests for this year's budget.

While a final vote is yet to come, council did indicate a willingness to give the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce $7,500 for tourism and marketing initiatives, $2,000 for the Peace Pull with International Falls and $1,000 for the Dragon Boat festival.

No immediate decisions were made on funding requests for the 100th anniversary celebrations of the mill or the Salvation Army's hosting of a orchestra from Bermuda.

No Demolition This Year

The former Rainy Lake Hotel will stay put for at least another year.

Fort Frances council says there is simply no money to consider a demolition of the shuttered hotel at this time.

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association had asked council to at least consider setting some money aside this year for the estimated  $950-thousand cost.

Fednor Offers Support To Town

Fednor is offering some assistance to the town of Fort Frances.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation Geoff Gillon says in light of recent announcements by Resolute Forest Products, the director of the regional economic development funding program is suggesting the town come up with projects needing $50-thousand dollars or less that could get his direct approval.

The town is now looking at potential projects.

Buses Cancelled In Atikokan

Some bus cancellations to report this morning for the Atikokan area.

All Iron Range buses are not running.

Buses elsewhere in the Rainy River district are operating as scheduled

Airport Closure Could Increase Ambulance Costs

The Rainy River District Social Services Administrative Board says it could cost a million dollars in extra ambulance costs if it didn't have access to the Fort Frances airport.

No closure decision has been made, but town council has been concerned with rising costs and has been looking for regional help.

The DSSAB's Dan McCormick says without the airport, they would need to hire at least four more paramedics to transport patients by road to hospitals elsewhere.

McCormick says an average of 550 patients have been flown out of the area in the past three years.

Pre-Budget Hearing In Thunder Bay

About a dozen group  will speak to a provincial legislative committee today on what they would like to see in the upcoming budget.

They're making presentations to the committee as it makes a stop in Thunder Bay.

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and the Northwesten Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce among those to speak.

Chamber Sets Day For Awards Gala

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce will honour the region's best in March.

It has set March 6 as the date for its annual business awards gala.

Spokesperson Samantha Manty says they have secured former Fort Frances resident, comedian Ryan McMahon as the night's entertainment.

Nomination forms for the nine awards to be given out will be out in the near future.

New Manager Named

There will be a new face for the Northwest Business Center.

Allison Kelly will begin her new duties as manager on January 28.

She takes over from Diane Schwartz-Williams who worked her last day Monday to pursue other opportunities.

Summer Company Returns

Summer Company is coming back to northwestern Ontario.

Offered through the Northwest Business Centre, Summer Company provides up to $3,000 dollars to students to develop their business ideas.

Funding will be available to six students in the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Ontario Accused Of Giving Power Away

The NDP says Ontario residents are helping subsidize power to neighbouring jurisdictions to the tune of one billion dollars.

Critic Peter Tabuns says that power is going to Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Manitoba and Quebec.

Tabuns says while Ontario generated power at a cost 8.55 cents per kilowatt hour, it was sold at an average price of 2.6 cents.

During the blackouts at Christmas in southern Ontario, Tabuns says excess power was actually given away at no charge.

Help For People With Disabilities

More help for people with disabilities to live independently in their homes.

The province is expanding a funding program which enables people living with disabilities to manage their care based on their individual needs.

The expanded program will provide direct funding to approximately one-thousand people with physical disabilities by 2016.

New Westjet Service Coming

WestJet is bringing a new service to Thunder Bay.

The company says it will offer Encore routes between Toronto and Thunder Bay and between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.

WestJet didn’t say when the flights would begin.

Snowmobile Safety Week

Both sides of the border are advocating snowmobile safety this week.

This is Snowmobile Safety Week both in Ontario and Minnesota

OPP says speed has been a factor in this year's five snowmobile fatal accidents in Ontario.

In Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton, the Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association are encouraging snowmobile enthusiasts to take a safety course to learn how to avoid accidents.

MTO Reviewing Highway 502

File photo

The Ministry of Transportation is considering reclassifying Highway 502 as a way of improving winter road maintenance on the link between Fort Frances between Dryden.

Speaking to Rainy River district municipal leaders gathered in Atikokan on the weekend, Regional Manager Ian Smith says the highway has always been identified as a Class 5 highway, but could be bumped up to Class 4.



Smith says it would cost the province about half-a-million dollars to make the change.

Smith says the contractor responsible for snow plowing on the road has been hit with fines for not properly maintaining the road, but believes plowing done by the previous firm was done at a greater level than was  expected.

Emo Councillor New Municipal Association President

Emo councillor Anthony Leek has been elected president of the Rainy River District Municipal Association.

Leek beat out Fort Frances Councillor Ken Perry.

LaVallee township Reeve Ross Donaldson stays on as vice-president.

Comment Wanted On Two Mines

Public comment is being sought on two mining projects in the Rainy River district.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is gathering comment on separate reports identifying the environmental impacts and measures to mitigate them of Osisko Mining's Hammond Reef Gold project near Atikokan and New Gold's Rainy River project near Barwick.

Comment is due by the middle of February.

CUPE Seeks Funding For Developmental Services

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says only adequate funding for staffing and programs can resolve a crisis in developmental services.

It delivers that message as CUPE ramps up for new contract talks with more than 50 different agencies across the province.

It says underfunding is most obvious among the 23,000 people on wait lists for services while staff, programs and supports are being reduced.

Fort Frances Woman Helping Homeland

A relative newcomer to Canada and Fort Frances is using her talents to help children back in her homeland.

Missy Andrusko, who runs a catering business in town, has been staging dinners featuring authentic Ethiopian dishes to raise money.

Andrusko says it's providing some hope to some very needy children.

Her next dinner will be this Friday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Frances.

Joint Parish Created Between Churches

A new cross-border relationship has developed between two area churches.

St. Paul Lutheran in International Falls and the Church of the Lutheran Hour in Fort Frances are now working as a joint parish.

Pastor Jacob Quast, who divides his time between the two churches, says it's quite unique.

Quast had been filling in at the Falls church for several months with a formal agreement for a joint parish being finalized in November.

He was officially installed as the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran yesterday.

Children's Services Fair

An opportunity to learn how to have 15 minutes of fun with your family.

A Children's Services Fair takes place next Monday at the Fort Frances Library.

The Northwestern Health Unit's Miranda Sigurdson says a number of services will be showcased.

The event also coincides with Family Literacy Day and is free to attend.

New Gold Releases Feasibility Study

New Gold says its newly acquired Rainy River gold project meets all of its key criteria.

The company has issued its feasibility study on the project north of Barwick.

Executive Chair Randall Oliphant says the results are consistent with their expectations when they decided to acquire Rainy River Resources last year.

New Gold is targeting late 2016 as when the open pit mine will likely come into production.

Fundraiser Back For Community Chest

Efforts to replenish the Fort Frances Community Chest are underway.

It provides funds to district residents who requires assistance for medical purposes.

Spokesperson Joelle Caul says after taking a break last year, they'll be holding its fundraising dinner next month.

Ticket details for the February 23rd event are still being finalized, but it will take place at the La Place Rendez Vous.

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.