Spring Forward

It's time to get ready for longer days.

We will spring ahead when daylight savings time begins Sunday.

It means you will have to push your clock ahead an hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Cell phones, laptops, computers will automatically update.

Falls Chamber Introduces New Award

International Falls Chamber of Commerce is creating a new award to honour its strongest supporters.

The new Pillar award replaces the small business and large business of the year awards traditionally handed out each spring.

The first recipients are Boise Paper, Bremer Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling, The Journal, Mid-Continent Communications and KGHS-KSDM radio.

The Chamber will still issue an award for Citizen of the Year.

Nominations for this year are now being accepted

Dragon Boat Festival Welcoming Americans

There could be some American flavour to this year's Dragon Boat festival in Fort Frances.

Event organizer Jenny Greenhalgh was in International Falls this week to promote the event to that city's council.

She is hoping increased involvement grows the event.

City councilor Cynthia Jacksa says they're ready to take part and may look at challenging Fort Frances council to a race.

Greenhalgh says she's also hoping to see participation from Duluth and Bemidji.

The event takes place along the Rainy River July 1.

Couchiching Band Elections Today

Band elections are take place today at Couchiching First Nations.

Seven candidates are seeking the position of Chief.

29 are looking to fill one of six council seats.

Provincial Cabinet Minister Visits

A visit today by a member of Premier Kathleen Wynne's cabinet.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is in Fort Frances to attend a Liberal riding fundraiser.

He's also scheduled to meet with Fort Frances town council.

Charges Laid In Accident Caught On Tape

You Tube

Another accident caught on camera has led to charges against a Manitoba man.
OPP say the accident happened Saturday afternoon when a pick-up truck came into collision with another hauling a trailer that pulled onto the highway.

Three people involved suffered only minor injuries.

The driver of the truck pulling the trailer was charged with failing to yield.

Cyber-bullying Scam In Fort Frances

OPP are warning area residents about a phone scam asking you support an initiative to combat cyber-bullying.

Recently, a Fort Frances resident was contacted and asked to make a donation of up to $300.

OPP warn people to remain cautious if an unfamiliar organization calls asking for donations.

Revenue Canada Scam

Scams involving Revenue Canada are making their rounds.

Emails are circulating claiming you've received a tax refund or the agency made an error with your claim and you can obtain your money by clicking a link and filling out personal information.

Revenue Canada says it doesn't not issue refunds in such a manner.

Forest Industries Assocation Supports Larger Wood Construction Buildings

Mid-rise wood construction continues to be a major issue for the Ontario Forest Industries Association.

The Association would like changes to the building code allowing wood in the construction of six floor buildings.

President Jamie Lim says the Province would see an instant benefit.

She notes every six-floor project would use 1 million board feet of lumber.

Park Reservation System Set To Go

A new campsite reservation and fee system goes into effect next month at Voyageurs National Park.

The park is phasing in the system over a two year period with 34 sites up for grabs this year.

Until now, campsites and houseboat sites were available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Park officials are hoping the change will lead to more visitors.

Northwestern Ontario High School Rate Low By Fraser Institute

The Fraser Institute is questioned area high school's performance in province-wide testing.

The Conservative think-tank says most schools in northwestern Ontario fall below the provincial average in terms of its review.

Author Peter Cowley wonders if schools in the region can improve.

Overall, schools in the Kenora and Rainy River districts averaged 4.2 out of 10 in the study, below the provincial average of 6.

Atikokan High School and Rainy River High Schools were among those that scored better than the average.

Explosion Cause Still Undetermined

Still no word yet on the reason for last week's explosion at Resolute Forest Products.

A company spokesperson tells CFOB-News that both the Ministry of Labour and the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service have conducted their probes at the biomass boiler.

The company's now looking at what corrective measures can be put in place, but is still trying to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Meantime, a worker who was serious burned remains in hospital.

His condition, though, is not being revealed.

Feds Aim To Change Rifle Ruling

A RCMP decision to reclassify a commonly used hunting rifle in northwestern Ontario has grabbed the attention of Kenora MP Greg Rickford.

Swiss Arm rifles are now deemed prohibited.

Rickford calls the decision unacceptable and says the government is working to ensure that impacted owners won't be punished.

Rickford adds a review of the decision is underway with the aim of a specific policy being drafted permitting the rifles.

Hydro Working On Billing Problem

The opposition at Queen's Park is taking the provincial government to task for billing errors at Hydro One.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says the utility is addressing the issue.

Wynne adds that Hydro One has hired extra staff to sort out some of the billing errors that have been plaguing its system for several months. 

New Human Resources Manager Named

The town of Fort Frances has a new human resources manager.

Aaron Petrin takes over from Christine Ruppenstein who left the municipality to take on a position with New Gold as a Human Resources Supervisor.

A Thousand Ways To Improve

Minnesota's Governor has a thousand ways to make his State's government work better.

Mark Dayton has unveiled his administration's legislative agenda for what he calls the "Unsession."

He's put for over one-thousand proposals aimed at improving state government services, eliminating outdated statues and simplifying the language of existing laws.

He's also proposing reforms making the tax system easier to understand

Economic Value Of Park Revealed

A new report is showing the value of Voyageurs National Park to the economy of International Falls and Koochiching County.

The National Park Service says over $16-million was spent in the area by the more than 214-thousand who visited the park in 2012, helping to support 225 local jobs.

39 per cent of the money was spent at area restaurants, grocery and convenience stores.

27 per cent was on accommodations.

FASD Highlighted In Fort Frances

An expert in the area of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder comes to Fort Frances later this week.

Jody Allen Crowe, the founder of Healthy Brains for Children, speaks to high school students and community members tomorrow before meeting with educators Friday.

Crowe sees prevention at the top in dealing with FASD.

The public session goes tomorrow at the Metis Hall beginning at 7 p-m.

Town Seeks Meeting With First Nations

An olive branch is being extended by the town of Fort Frances to area First Nations.

A court judge ruled recently that a stretch of shoreline along Rainy Lake known as the Two Chain road allowance is owned by the town.

Mayor Roy Avis says he'd like to sit down with First Nations involved.

First Nations involved in the case have suggested they may appeal the ruling.

Mayor Back From OGRA

The Mayor of Fort Frances says he's happy with how his meetings with provincial cabinet minister went last week.

Roy Avis met with the Ministers of Transportation, Natural Resources and Northern Development while in Toronto attending the Ontario Good Roads Conference.

Roy says that dialogue will continue this week when council sits down with Michael Gravelle.

Avis says winter road maintenance was raised, and while he hasn't been happy with road conditions this year, he is happy to hear that province is working to improve it.

Service Cuts Discussed At Budget Meeting

A frank discussion over the operation budget for the town of Fort Frances.

Town council is still looking at a shortfall of about 360-thousand dollars.

Chief Administrative Officer Mark McCaig says the biggest impact is costs they really have no control over.

Still, some councillors say they're willing to look for savings through service cuts.

No decisions were made, but council will take another look at the budget in two week's time.

Budget Requests Get Blessing

File photo

Fort Frances council is giving tentative approval to some budget requests.

The Meals on Wheels program will get a $500 increase to its operating budget.

Council is also willing to give the Salvation Army $500 to assist with an upcoming event.

The Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival had asked for $2,500, but council was more willing to give $1,000 - the same as it gave last year.

No decision was made on Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's request of $10-thousand for tourism marketing until more information was received.

More Nurse Practitioners To Be Hired

Ontario intends to increase the number of nurse practitioners working in the province's long term care homes.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the province will provide $14-million over the next three years for the hiring of  75 new nurse practitioners.

Half a million dollars will be spent this year, but the bulk of the funds, $9.5 million, won't come until 2016.

Electricity Rebate Considered

In Minnesota, lawmakers could soon vote on another measure aimed at guaranteeing energy assistance to the State's low-income residents.

The House Energy Policy Committee has given approval to a bill that would establish an annual 8 million dollar commitment to an electric rate discount program operated by Xcel Energy.

The program is currently funded through fees paid by Xcel's customers.

The bill now goes to the full House for its vote.

No Issues For Police In January

No major issues for the provincial police in Fort Frances.

OPP handled over 300 calls for service in January, clearing almost 89 per cent all incidents.

A total of 58 charges were laid - the same amount as in January of last year.

OPP also report twenty-nine motor vehicle accidents that month - up from 18 in December.

Concert Headliners Announced

There will be a little "Reminiscing" in International Falls this summer.

The Little River Band will headline this year's Riverfest Concert at the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

The Australian rock band had hits with such songs as "Lonesome Loser" and "Reminiscing."

They'll be joined on stage July 5 by the Lamont Cranston Band and southern Ontario's the Mike Ure band.

Ticket details are still to be announced.

Osisko Drop Court Case Against Goldcorp

An out-of court settlement has been reached in a dispute between Osisko Mining and Goldcorp.

A Quebec Court was to hear a complaint Monday from Osisko that alleged Goldcorp misused confidential information in making a hostile bid for the company in January.

As part of the agreement, Goldcorp is extending its offer until April 15.

In return, Osisko will provide Goldcorp access to "due diligence" materials on April 1st or earlier if Osisko enters into an agreement with another company.

Fraser Institue Ranks Area High Schools

Just one high school in the Rainy River district is showing some improvement in the provincial test scores, according to the Fraser Institute.

The Conservative think-tank scores Rainy River High 6.3 out of 10, based on the results of the 2013 tests, up from 4.1 in 2012.

It's ranking for Atikokan is 6.7, but that's down a bit from its 2012 score of 6.9.

The Institute rates Fort Frances High at 4.6.

New Gold To Purchase Mine Equipment

New Gold plans to start making some purchases towards its planned gold mine north of Barwick.

The company is still in the environmental assessment process.

But the company executive chair Randall Oliphant says they're getting prepared in light of approval being granted later this year.

New Gold is scheduled to begin construction in 2015 and start mining operations by the end of 2016.

Deer Struggling Through Winter

There could be fewer deer making it through the winter.

Wildlife officials says deep snow, hard crusts and frigid temperatures are playing a factor.

Senior wildlife biologist with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Mark Ryckman says high mortality is expected.

Still, Ryckman says there's no need for any human intervention as required the last time deer struggled during severe weather conditions.

NDP Want Help With Propane Costs

The NDP are calling on the Federal Government to cut the cost of propane.

The request comes during one of the coldest winters in recent memory.

MP Claude Gravelle raised the issue in the House of Commons recently.

The NDP want an oil and gas ombudsman to ensure fairness for consumers being squeezed by high prices.

High School Students Raise Money For World Hunger

A 30 hour fast by some students at Fort Frances High School has helped net $1,500 to help end world hunger.

It was raised by about 70 students who participated in World Vision's 30 hour famine on the weekend.

The money will go to World Vision.

Gillion's Teams With Chill

The Thunder Bay Chill soccer club and Gillon's Insurance are announcing a partnership that will see both brands grow through the northwest.

Gillons Chief executive officer Duane Cridland says they're making a 3-year $45-thousand commitment to the team to help it bring its youth training camps to the region.

Chill training camps will be offered in Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora later this year.

Falls Man Wins Truck

An International Falls man is driving around in a new truck today.

Richard Holmestad was a grand prize winner in chain-store Menard's vehicle sweepstakes for January.

Holmestad says he though it was a joke when he was notified.

The win comes as Menard's completes the finishing touches to its International Falls store, making it one of the largest in its chain.

Ministry Of Labour Investigating Biomass Accident

An investigator with the Ministry of Labour is expected to be in Fort Frances today looking into yesterday's accident at Resolute Forest Products.

A dust explosion and subsequent fire at the company's biomass boiler sent an unnamed worker to hospital with serious burn injuries.

The man was last listed in critical condition.

A company spokesperson says they're also trying to determine the cause of the accident and that their main focus is with the employee and his family.

Operations at the biomass have since resumed.

Emo Church To Close

A part of the spiritual life in Emo will be close it's doors this spring.

The final church service at St. George's Anglican Church will take place Easter weekend with a formal closing in May.

Archbishop of Keewatin Diocese, David Ashdown says provision has been made to continue a food bank and thrift shop.

Ashdown says the small congregation's inability to maintain itself is the main reason for the closure.

High School Students Going Hungry

A group of students are going hungry.

But they are doing it for a purpose.

Fort Frances High School student Maisie Fichuk says it's all part of World Vision's 30 hour famine to raise awareness and money to help end world hunger and poverty.

As many as 70 students started their fast early this morning and will end tomorrow morning.

Former Game Show Host Opposes Spring Beat Hunt

The  former host of The Price Is Right is speaking out against the spring bear hunt.

Bob Barker calls the hunt barbaric and doesn't agree with those who say that he doesn't live here and so shouldn't have a say on the matter.

The Thunder Bay area is one of eight where the hunt is to take place.

Barker wants the City's council to reverse a decision, allowing the province to proceed with the hunt this spring.

FEDNOR Help For French Language Communities

The Federal Government is launching a five year initiative that will help French language speaking communities in northern Ontario.

The economic development initiative will help foster local and regional business opportunities.

FedNor will supply $4-million to the program over the next 5 years.

Minimum Wage Debated In Minnesota

The debate continues into Minnesota's minimum wage.

A conference committee reviewing a potential increase to $9.50 an hour heard from more than 50 people yesterday.

Mike Jennings, speaking for the Minnesota License and Beverage Association, says the over $3-dollar jump from the current rate would be detrimental to restaurant owners, forcing hire prices.

The committee continues its hearings today.

Crash Cause Identified

Darkness and low-intensity runway lights have been identified as causes of a deadly plane crash near Pickle Lake.

The Transportation Safety Board says the small private plane came in at 6-times the normal rate of descent and hit the ground on the night of October 16th, 2012.

Two pilots and one of the two passengers onboard died.

Back Is Best

"Back is best" when it come to sleeping babies.

The long-suggested practice is now contained in a guideline put out by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

Nurse practitioner Elyse Maindonald says there are still a lot of myths regarding the best way for a baby to sleep and hopes their guideline puts that debate the rest.

The 'back is best' recommendation applies throughout the first 12 months of a child's life.

Canada Post Needs Walkways Clear

Canada Post says it's having troubles delivering the mail in the Fort Frances area.

Spokesperson John Caines says it's all because of the snow and they're asking homeowners to keep their walkways free of snow as best they can.

Caines says snow on town sidewalks is also causing some difficulty for letter carriers hauling huge bags of mail.

Caines says those not getting mail will have to visit the post office to pick it up.

Two Charged In "Neknomination" Video

OPP are laying charges against two male youth in the Atikokan area after looking into a so-called "Neknomination" video that was recently posted.

The drinking game involves the consumption of large amounts of alcohol and attempting something risky - in this case it involved snowmobiles.

One youth has been charged with failing to wear a helmet on a snowmobile and having an improper tow attachment.

The other is being charged with underage drinking and failing to wear a helmet as well.

Ontario Tackles Invasive Species

Ontario is getting tough on invasive species.

Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti has introduced new legislation that, if passed, would make Ontario the first in Canada to have its own legislation to better deal with things such as zebra mussels, Asian carp and mountain pine beetles.

Orazietti says the province currently relies on a patchwork of federal and provincial laws that don't have enough teeth.

County Set To Help Propane Users

Koochiching County says it's ready to provide some relief to those struggling to pay their heating bills.

It will handle referrals from KOOTASCA after exhausting all other means of relief.

Community Service Manager Terry Murray says they were hoping they get a list in preparation, but privacy rights prohibits that.

The County has put $20-thousand into its assistance fund.

Labour To Battle PC's

Ontario labour movement is uniting in effort to prevent the Progressive Conservatives from forming the government in the next provincial election.

The Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress launched its campaign last night in Toronto.

OFL president Sid Ryan says leader Tim Hudak's entire platform is centered on dismantling the labour movement to clear the way for a low-wage economy.

Ryan says Hudak isn't fooling anybody with last week's announcement to drop controversial labour reforms.

Hudak Addresses Candidate Dismissal

Ontario's Conservative leader Tim Hudak is addressing the firing of PC candidate Tamara Johnson in Thunder Bay.

During a media conference in Toronto, Hudak didn't get into the details of the dismissal, but says all candidates have to be on the same page.

Johnson was fired early this week following comments made on social media about businesses in the Fort William First Nation.

Minnesotan "Housing Cost-Burdened"

BLH Photography

The latest analysis finds there are still a lot of folks across Minnesota on the edge financially.

High housing costs are partly to blame.

The Center for Enterprise Development's Kasey Wiedrich says they found that about half the renters in the state are what's called "housing cost-burdened."

For homeowners in Minnesota, the rate is significantly better, with just over one in four considered housing cost-burdened.

Explosion Reported At Mill

Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service were called to an incident at Resolute Forest Products biomass boiler.

Officials say a dust explosion occurred inside the building this morning leading to a small fire that has been extinguished.

It's believed one person may have been taken to hospital with unknown injuries.