Day Of Pink Approaching

File photo

The Canadian Mental Health Association in Fort Frances is working to paint the district pink.

It's preparing to celebrate Day of Pink on April 9.

Spokesperson Nancy Daley-Fulton says they're encouraging the region to wear pink on that day to help promote anti-bullying.

Day of Pink come out of an event at a Nova Scotia high school where a group of older students wore pink in support of another who was being bullied because he wore a pink shirt.

Scholarship Help From Rainy River Community College

Some incentive for families effected by the downsizing at the mill in International Falls to pursue a College program at Rainy River Community College.

The College's Foundation is putting an additional $10-thousand towards a scholarship and training fund.

Laid off workers or families members will be eligible to apply for scholarships of $500 to be used at the College.

Students who received the scholarship last year will receive an additional $500 if they return this fall.

Key Tags To Be Mailed Soon

A spring tradition is continuing in Ontario and right across the country.

War Amps key tags are being mailed to all homes.

Spokesperson Jamie Lunn says we here in northwestern Ontario can expect to get them sometime in late April.

Money from donations is used to help war amputees across the country.

New Businesses Eye Fort Frances

There could be some new businesses coming to Fort Frances.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation says it's working with three new or expanding companies who have eyed the border community.

One is a small scale manufacturer who has also asked RRFDC to assist them with it's businesses plan for potential government support.

Snoasis 2 Today

Snoasis 2 goes today at Lion's Park in Fort Frances.

 

It's promoted by the Friends of the Museum.

 

Among events include building a community ice fort.

 

There's also smoosh boarding, ice bowing, face painting and free hot dogs.

 

Other activities include:

 

12 noon -2 p.m. Fun with the Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Cub

A toonie skate at the Memorial Sports Centre from 11 a.m, -1 p.m. and followed by a toonie swim at the pool from 1 p.m. to  3 p.m.

At 2 p.m. the Fort Frances Library will be host a "Storytime" where hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.

Support For Business Coming

Businesses in the Rainy River district will get some help with efforts to supply goods and services to the region's mining industry.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation intends to hire an individual who will work with the businesses sector.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says they're also planning a workshop next month.

The Corporation is giving support to New Gold's plans for a mine north of Barwick, but has asked the company provide incentives and assistance that encourages the use of area businesses.

Police Now Involved In Fire Investigation

There is now police involvement in the investigation into last night's fire at Reid's Voyageur Inn Motel in Fort Frances.

Members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service were called to the downtown motel at around 8:30 last night.

A number of motel patrons had to be rescued.

A 39-year-old man was taken to LaVerendrye hospital and his condition is being monitored.

The cause of the fire has not been revealed, but the OPP's Forensic Identification Unit and Crime Unit are assisting in the probe.

Ontario Fire Marshall's office has also been contacted.

More Charges Laid In Kenora Accident

More charges have been laid in connection with an accident in the Kenora area caught on video that went viral.

OPP says it was that same video of the March 2 accident that allowed them to lay a distracted driving charge against a 36-year-old Manitoba man.

A frame of the video appears to show the driver of a truck, pulling out in front of an oncoming vehicle, to be holding a cellphone to his ear.

The driver was initially charged with failing to yield.

Ontario To Prohibit Paying Blood Donors

The Liberal government intends put a stop to donors from being paid for blood and plasma in Ontario.

Health Minister Deb Matthew says new legislation will be introduced in the near future.

Health Canada has received a licence application from at least one private, for-profit company wanting to open plasma collection sites in Ontario that would pay donors.

Matthews says she's taking action so ensure the voluntary donor system is not compromised and has written to her provincial and territorial counterparts asking to do the same.

Minnesota Hemp Bill Moves On

A Minnesota lawmaker is making an attempt to get hemp grown in the State.

Minneapolis House Rep. Phyllis Kahn is asking the State to approve a pilot program.

Previous attempts for more wider production have been quickly dismissed, but yesterday the House Agriculture Policy Committee gave approval for further committee reviews.

Hemp contains a low level THC,  the psychoactive element contained in marijuana.

State Propose To Subsidize Some Student Lunches

A high-profile school lunch bill is also through the Minnesota House.

It sees the State increasing the amount of it gives to school boards offering free or reduced-price meals to eligible students.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid revealed in February that about 15 percent of the state’s 309 public school districts had policies in place that could result in cash-strapped students being turned away from lunch lines.

The new measure will cost the State about $3.5 million dollars annually.

New Fishing Tournament Sponsor

One of the more popular fishing tournaments in northwestern Ontario has landed a new title sponsor.

Tbaytel has come on board with a 3-year title sponsorship commitment for the Dryden Walleye Masters.

Shaw Communications had been the event's major sponsor for the past couple of years.

Acadia Grows

Our parent company - Acadia Broadcasting - is growing.

The company has just been granted approval by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton radio station CKNI-FM.

The all-news station is currently owned by Rogers.

Acadia plans to relocate the station to new studios and launch a new format later this year.

Fire At Fort Frances Motel

Yellow police tape now surrounds the Voyageurs Motel in Fort Frances.

Few details are being released at this hour, but members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue service were called to the motel last night at around 8:30 p.m. to battle a fire.

They remained on scene for several hours.

No word of any injuries, but a fire official say a number of people were rescued.

OPP are also guarding the scene.

More information is expected later this morning.

New Festival Gets Money

The newest festival to the Fort Frances is off to a good start.

The Harmony of Nations Music Festival and Cultural Exchange has received provincial funding of more than $73-thousand through Celebrate Ontario.

The event is planned for the weekend of July 17.

Meantime, a summer celebration series in Lake of the Woods township will get $38-thousand.

Careful Driving This Morning

Careful on the roads this morning.

 

Periods of light snow may be mixed with patchy freezing drizzle over northwestern Ontario, creating the potential for some very slippery roads.

 

Travellers are advised to exercise caution.

 

The precipitation is expected to become all snow later this morning as a much colder air mass settles over the area.

Premier Promises No New Gas Tax For Rapid Transit

The Liberal government says it will not increase gas taxes, HST or personal income taxes to help pay for an expansion of rapid transit services in southern Ontario.

But it's not saying immediately how they're cover the billions of dollars needed.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says that will come in the upcoming budget.

PC Critic Vic Fedeli calls it a pre-election mirage intended solely to get the Liberals past the next vote.

Health Minister Visits

Health Minister Deb Matthews visits Thunder Bay today with a health related announcement.

A release says it will be about helping health providers in Thunder Bay better service patients in northwestern Ontario.

Many are hoping the news will help to ease the overcrowding problems at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Unsession Bill Goes Through House

One of the bill's in the Minnesota State government's so-called "Unsession" has cleared through the House.

State lawmakers are using this session to review statutes and regulations and make them more understandable.

Yesterday's bill makes technical changes to the statutes and rules governing the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the University of Minnesota.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

New Group Promoting Awareness and Prevention Of FASD

There are renewed efforts in the Rainy River district to draw more awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

A new committee has been formed that draws together a variety of interests.

John Baker with the Kenora-Rainy River Child and Family Services says part of their goal prevention, advocate for those with F-A-S-D and to support front-line workers.

Baker says one of their projects includes setting up a pregnancy test dispenser at a local bar as a way of discourage women who may be pregnant from drinking.

Easter Scavenger Hunt Planned

Fort Frances Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Business Improvement Association are teaming up for an Easter egg Scavenger hunt Easter Weekend.

It will require children to visit shops for goodies and a chance to win prizes.

One of the organizers Scott Turvey says it's something new to the region

The event will take place April 19.

Winning Tickets Sold In Thunder Bay

Attention lottery players.

A couple of winning tickets from Wednesday night's Lotto 6/49 draw were sold in Thunder Bay.

Dita Kuhtey of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation says one's was for a million dollar prize.

A $100-thousand Encore ticket was also sold in Thunder Bay.

Minnesota Business Community Offers Some Optomism

There's some optimism about the economy from Minnesota's business community.

A survey from BMO Harris Bank finds 58 per cent of Minnesota business owners plan to invest in their business this year.

36 per cent plan to hire more employees while 30 per cent plan to upgrade or purchase new equipment.

Of those not planning any investments, a lack of money is identified as the main reason.

Salad Recall

Dole  is recalling it's brand of Italian Blend salad from the marketplace due to possible Listeria contamination.

The product was widely distributed to Ontario stores.

While no illnesses have been reported, the recall was triggered by recent tests by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, that says may lead to a recall of other products.

Name For July 1-4 Activities Sought

Courtesy NCDS

Community leaders from International Falls and Fort Frances are resuming their cross-border talks next week.

Falls Chamber president Faye Whitbeck says part of the discussion will be around events that take place during July 1st in Fort Frances and July 4th celebrations in International Falls.

Whitbeck says they want to brainstorm the possibility of coming up with a name that ties the events together.

The group will also get updates on the Peace Pull, Riverfest and the Dragon Boat Festival.

The event take place next Wednesday at the AmericInn beginning at 6 p.m.

You're asked to register in advance with either Chamber of Commerce.

Summer Festival In The Works

Another summer festival is in the works for Fort Frances.

The Harmony of Nations Music Festival and Cultural Exchange is scheduled for the weekend of July 17, just in advance of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

Performers are expected from across Canada and the U.S.

More details are to be announced next week as the event launches a new website.

Go Local Anniversary

It's an anniversary the Go Local program.

It's been one year ago since the first reward cards were issued in the program encouraging local shopping in the Fort Frances area.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says a recent study shows the program has high awareness in the community with at least half of all households surveyed having at least one membership.

There was also a 20 per cent increase in local spending by those with the cards.

Over 40 businesses are participating with more than $22-thousand in gift rewards issues to card holders since the program began.

PC's Call For Hydro One CEO's Job

Progressive Conservatives are calling for the firing of Hydro One's chief executive officer.

MPP Jeff Yurek says it's prompted by complaints the party's received over billing problems.

Yurek cites one business in his London-area riding receiving a bill for $233-thousand when it bill normally runs at about $4,500 a month.

Yurek says if Hydro One was any other business, the people responsible would be fired and a new team put in place.

Mine Safety Sessions Planned

An advisory group helping Ontario review mine safety is preparing for a round of public consultations.

They'll begin at the end of the month in Timmins.

Sessions are also planned for Red Lake April 30 and Marathon May 1.

A draft report is expected out later this spring.

Crimestoppers Seeks Break-In Tips

Crimestoppers is getting involved in the investigation of a break-in in Emo.

A grocery store was broken into early Monday morning.

The suspect, who was caught on surveillance video, and approached by a witness outside the store, is described as being 5' 8" with a medium build.

He was seen wearing a red hoodie sweater, dark grey feather down jacket with a horizontal white line across chest and shoulders, dark pants, dark shoes, and a black balaclava.

You can call anonymously to Crimestoppers with tips that can help lead to an arrest - 1-800-222-8477.

Hospital Rerendendum Planned

The Ontario Health Coalition wants to bring people to the ballot box next month.

It plans to hold a voluntary referendum April 5 as part of a campaign denouncing the privatization of hospital services.

Executive Director Natalie Mehra says they are in the process of getting organized in northwestern Ontario.

Mehra says if certain medical procedures are shifted from hospitals to private clinics, patients in northern Ontario would likely be forced to travel out of town more often.

Elk Doing Well In Winter

The harsh winter conditions aren't expected to affect the elk population in northwestern Ontario.

Elk were released in
the Cameron Lake area near Nestor Falls about 15 years ago.

Co-chair of the Elk Restoration Committee Murray English says the animals are pretty well adapted to surviving deep snow.

English says the elk population ranges between 40 to 50 animals, but they are seeing more calves each year.

International Water Forum Starts

The Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed is in the spotlight this week.

The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is hosting its annual international forum International Falls starting today.

Executive director Todd Sellers says the meeting will be well attended with researchers and government officials coming from both sides of the border.

Sellers this years event focuses on a number issues including a plan on invasive species.

Snoasis 2 A Go

Snoasis 2 goes this weekend in Fort Frances.

The family fund day takes place at Lion's Park this Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

Chair of the Friends of the Museum Duane Hicks says a number of events are planned, including an attempt to construction an ice fort.

There will also be events at the Fort Frances Library and discounted skating and swimming at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Wilde Nominated For Independent Music Award

Atikokan musician Sunday Wilde is among this year's nominees in the Independent Music Awards.

She's up for best blues song for "More Than a Wee Bit Crazy," as well as the fan choice awards, something she won in 2011.

Local residents can vote by going to www.independentmusicawards.com.

This year's winners will be announced in May.

Infrastructure Funding Announced

More infrastructure funding has been announced for communities in the Rainy River district.

Emo is receiving $2-million from the province to upgrade emergency water mains near the Emo Health Centre.

Rainy River will get the same amount of money to replace the water and sewer infrastructure on Fourth Street.

New Laws For Bus Drivers Considered

School bus drivers in Minnesota could face heavy penalties if they fail to check that all students have left their bus after a route.

The State House Transportation committee has allowed a bill to advance that forces drivers to do mandatory post-route checks.

Last year, a bus driver in northeastern Minnesota was charged with child endangerment after leaving a 3-year-old boy on a bus for hours in the cold after dropping students off at a Fond du Lac tribal Head Start program.

The new bill proposes criminal charges and jail time and the loss a driver's certification for a year.

War Memorial Proposed

Thunder Bay is considering building a war memorial for soldiers who have fallen over seas.

Councillor Larry Hebert suggests they may even extend the memorial to include soldiers from the across district.

A site for the memorial will be pitched at the end of April.

RCMP On Twitter Tonight

The Mounties are reaching out to Ontario residents today.

RCMP's Assistant Commissioner for Ontario Stephen White is holding his first ever Twitter chat, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central time tonight.

White says social media gives them an opportunity to reach out to people who may not be aware of the RCMP's role in the province.

Use the #COChat to participate.

Support Sought For Economic Recovery

Several requests for government aid have been made to help fund projects that will bolster the Fort Frances and Rainy River district economy.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation is working on a diversification plan.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says some of the grant requests are around marketing.

Drydsale says they've also initiated studies around telecommunications and health care to determine further economic opportunities.

Atikokan Receives Funds For Sewer Project

Atikokan is receiving a huge cash infusion from the province.

Ontario is providing $2-million towards improvement on Willow Road.

It includes a reconstruction of the road, a rehabilitation of the sanitary main sewer line and sidewalk repairs.

Mayor Dennis Brown says it's been a project they've wanted to do for several years, but couldn't without government help.

Supect Sought In Emo Break In

Facebook

OPP are looking for a suspect in connection with a break-in at a grocery store in Emo.

Police says the man was seen leaving the store at around 12:30 Monday morning and fled when approached by a witness.

Surveillance video circulating online shows the suspect wearing a dark jacket, dark pants and a black balaclava.

There are also reports of break-ins at the Abattoir and another business in Emo, but no information on those incidents have been released by police.

Nestor Falls Break-In

There has been a break-in at Nestor Falls.

OPP say an unnamed business on Highway 71 was entered sometime between last Friday night and Saturday.

A quantity of cash and some valuables totaling about $2,500 were taken.

Death Considered Not Suspicious

Police now say at sudden death on the weekend at a native community near Kenora was not suspicious.

The body of 39-year-old Matthew Charry was found inside a home Saturday at Washagamis Bay.

A post mortem was performed yesterday, but the exact cause of death was not revealed.

Propane Cut Off Rules Discussed At Minnesota Capital

Minnesota is looking at legislation that would prohibit propane distributors from cutting off service during the winter because payment issues.

It's aimed at strengthening protection for residential customers who saw prices spike to more than $6 per gallon in some parts of the State.

The bill, though, is being met with heavy resistance from industry who say it does nothing to address the cause of the State's propane shortage this winter.

February - Coldest In 35 Years

Many people happy that February is now a distant memory.

A review of weather data by Environment Canada shows it was the coldest month the Rainy River district has seen in 35 years.

Meteorologist Geoff Coulson say the average temperature came in 7 degrees below the norm.

Coulson says it's because of the so-called Polar Vortex that brought down the cold Arctic air deeper than the normal and has stayed longer than usual.

Award Program For Women Accepting Nominations

An awards program recognizing women leaders in northern Ontario is being expanded.

The Influential Women of Northern Ontario awards will be handed out in June.

Kimberley Wahamaa of Northern Ontario Business says awards will be given to executive, entrepreneur and young entrepreneur of the year.

As well, three new awards will recognize Aboriginal leadership, top tradeswoman and community trailblazer.

Click www.influentialwomen.ca to nominate someone before this Friday.

Lost Wheels Result In Charges

It's a good thing to check that all the wheels are there.

OPP charged a 28-year-old Manitoba man after spotting a commercial motor vehicle Saturday afternoon in Dryden that was missing the rear two tires of its car hauler trailer.

Police says they had received an earlier call about the wheels coming off on Highway 17, east of the northwestern Ontario city.

Snowmobiler Found Safe

A Winnipeg woman is back safe after being stranded in the wilderness for several hours in the Dryden area.

OPP says the 40-year-old was among a group of snowmobilers that left to attend a cabin Friday in Redvers township when her snowmachine got stuck and become separated from the others.

A search involving the OPP's Emergency Response Team helped find the woman who was taken to hospital for treatment and released.

New Chief Ready To Work For Community

The new chief of Couchiching First Nations intends keep her community more informed of the issues and decisions being made at council table.

Sara Mainville was elected in band elections last week.

Mainville says seeking more input is a key objective for her.

Mainville says she's also open to dialogue with the town of Fort Frances, but stresses she strongly advocates for the rights of her community.